In a week from today, Kenny, Tilda and I will be leaving South Carolina. Most likely for good. I took a position over in Germany and we will be there 3-5 years. After that we are going to try to make our way back up to New England.
South Carolina has been great in so many ways. Despite the crushing claustrophobia of close- minded condescension caused by Southern Self-righteousness and shade, I really am glad we were able to experience a vastly different part of the country. Top of the list of good elements was how close it was to my brother, Andrew, who I was able to see in the last three years far more than since I was in high school. I will probably miss that the most.
Second most will surely be all the odd-ball competitions I was able to compete in. While my running times have increased and belly ballooned, my knack for eating and drinking while moving has only improved. Here's a quick run down of some of the more unique competitions, I was able to compete in:
Beer Mile-1st overall(no chance of that placing in New England so I'll take it;))- Drink a beer, run 1/4 mile repeat x 4.
Quarry Crusher-ATL- 1st overall. Run down a quarry and turn around and run back up.
Stein Holding Competition - 2nd overall. My most recent competition. Hold a liter of beer with elbow extended, shoulder at 90 degrees for as long as you can. Longest one wins. I didn't but got a free beer and beer stein.
Beer-Lay- 2nd overall x2(both times crossing finish line first but losing after age-grading). Drink a beer, run 2 miles, repeat x 4
Krispie Kreme Challenge- 1st overall x 2. Run 1 1/2 miles, eat one dozen donuts, run 1 1/2 miles. This race paid for itself with a year of weekly dozen donuts!
Hairy Bison Trail Race- Never placed. This could be a direct correlation with having neither donuts or beer involved in it, or it could be the fact that the course is unmarked and Wrong-Way Ferreira is involved, but it is an amazingly fun(and funny) race put on by the good people of Harbison Trail Runners.
In addition to these competitions, I tried my hand in stand up paddleboard, kayak and rock climbing competitions, with middling success in them all. Throw in a few traditional road races, and excursions in a national park within 30 minutes of me, and that was time spent in the South.
Definitely a fun time.
All of this in compounded by suckering(err getting) married at the Outer Banks, having a beautiful daughter, and more trips and adventures than can be listed and this time here has been wonderful. I will be sure to update you all on where our next adventures lead us:)
Until next time,
Danny
Just moving to Kindsbach. Will meet you there on the trails!
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