With Thursday's lighting of the fabled Olympic flame in Olympia, Greece, the site of the ancient Olympics, the comparatively modern tradition of the Olympic torch relay has begun. After being carried 1,800 miles through Greece, the torch will make its way to London for an additional 8,000 mile tour of the United Kingdom before reaching the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics on July 27th.

And who doesn't love the Olympics (especially since the invention of the DVR)?? The marathon has been an Olympic event since the first modern games were held in 1896 in Greece. (The first modern marathon was won by Spiridon Louis, a Greek postal worker, with a time of 2 hours, 58 minutes, 50 seconds--an average pace of 7:11 minutes per mile.) You may be aware the event  was established in honor of Phidippides, an Athenian warrior, who ran 24.85 miles from Marathon to Athens with a message of battle victory and died shortly after conveying it.

Now, the rest of the story.

Phidippides, in addition to his duties as a soldier, was a foot courier, so when the Athenian army found itself in need of support on the battle field, it sent Phidippides, who ran the rugged, mountainous, 140-mile distance to Sparta in 48 hours, to ask for their assistance. The Spartans were willing to help--once their religious holiday concluded, and Phidippides ran the same 140 miles back to Athens with the disappointing news. The small Athenian army, including Phidippides, engaged unaided in battle on the plains of Marathon and succeeded in turning back the Persian army, which fled to the sea and sailed south for Athens. As the Athenian army headed back to defend Athens, Phidipedes was sent ahead to carry the news of victory and warn of the approaching Persian ships. Although he must have been at the limits of his endurance, having just run to Sparta and back and spent the morning fighting in heavy armor, Phidippides didn't hesitate. Amazingly, he reached Athens (approximately 25 miles from Marathon) in perhaps 3 hours, delivered his message, and then died shortly thereafter from exhaustion.

Hopefully, when you lace up your shoes for the 2013 BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon you will not be coming off a 280-mile trail run and/or hand-to-hand combat. Rather, you will have completed a well-executed marathon training plan that leaves you primed and ready to triumph on the battlefield that is a 26.2 mile marathon course. See The Myrtle Beach Marathon's medical page for additional information.

The 16th Annual BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon is, as always, on President's Weekend, February 14-16, 2013 in Myrtle Beach, SC. With its fast and flat marathon, half-marathon and 5K courses, it's a great place for everyone to warm up to a winter marathon.

“The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can’t dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a marathon.”

Fred Lebow, Co-founder, New York City Marathon

Pack your bags, you're going on a guilt trip. You know--the feeling  you get when you travel for business or pleasure and your running is, well, neglected. You put too much effort into your marathon training to let a little thing like a vacation--or worse yet, a business trip--derail you. Here are six quick tips for keeping up the pace while traveling excerpted from Joan Benoit Samuelson's November 2011 Women's Running article.

Run Before You Fly--Get a run in before you even head to the airport. Delays and missed connections, not to mention sitting for long periods of time, can stress your mind and body. With your workout already completed, you'll have one less thing to worry about.

Stay in A Pedestrian-Friendly Location--Pick a place to stay that is near a park or has access to runner-friendly roads or trails. Even the treadmill in the hotel health club is better than skipping your run.

Find A  Running Buddy--It would be great if there was someone at your destination who, one, knows the area,  and two, is willing to show you around on quickly moving feet. In the absence of that, look online for running groups in the area to tag along with or check a nearby running store to see if it hosts organized runs. 

Head to A Local Track--If the area you are traveling to doesn't have many running options, try a local track.  Samuelson suggests mixing up the workout by alternating lanes, speed and direction to avoid overuse injuries as well as putting too much stress on one side of your body. (Sounds like good advice for ANY track workout.)

Tweak Your Schedule--Try to shift your marathon training schedule so that you finish your longest workout the day before or the morning of your trip. Shorter runs will be easier to fit into your itinerary while you are away. Knowing you have the "big kahuna" out of the way relieves the stress of finding the time and place for it.

Hydrate--Flying and climate change can lead to dehydration, so drinking while traveling is especially important.

With a little planning you can keep your marathon training program on course while traveling.

What do you do that helps you keep up the pace while you are away from home?

Come February 14-16, 2013 you'll be able to pack your bags for the 16th Annual BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon, held, as always, on President's Weekend. Come enjoy the fast and flat marathon course of this awesome winter marathon in Myrtle Beach, SC. Registration begins August 2012.

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."

- Unknown

“I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.” 

Jesse Owens

Sure, easy for Jesse Owens, world-class Olympic champion and sprinter, to say. But most runners today (even the not-so-world-class) would have to agree; there is a freedom in running that cannot be found in other sports. No specialized equipment other than a good pair of shoes and the blessing of a healthy body and the race is on. It’s hard to drive down the road these days without passing or pausing for someone pursuing this inalienable freedom. But is that all there is? Is “running is free-to-do-anywhere” what keeps runners  pounding the pavement?

What is it that makes a person continue to run for the finish line even though someone else has reached it first? If you are one of the thousands of people who have joined the ranks of Myrtle Beach Marathon finishers, you already know the answers. You already know the reasons why you endure pain and exhaustion, dehydration, and the elements day after day to keep putting one foot in front of the other—the multitude of benefits that running provide are just too good to pass up.

The biggest draw, the most attractive advantage to running (besides that whole freedom thing) has got to be the ability to burn an average of 570 calories per hour. Only cross-country skiing burns more (but…there is that small issue of specialized equipment). Running also increases resting metabolism, which in turn, boosts caloric burn throughout the day. Additionally, as a person gets lighter, running gets easier increasing the odds of sticking with it. It’s a delicious cycle.

See what Runner's World has to say about running to lose.

Weight management is perhaps the most common reason for initiating a running habit, but it gets even better. Running regularly has been proven to help fight the aging process. The human body is the only machine that doesn’t break down the more you use it; it gets stronger. A sedentary lifestyle causes bones and muscles to weaken, whereas regular, high-intensity exercise, like running, provides the demand muscles and bones need to keep the skeleton healthy. Running has also been found to stimulate production of human growth hormone, which improves muscle mass and physical functioning (and remember—it’s free and no one will strip you of your medals because of it!).

Yet, having a strong and more youthful body would mean nothing if it was compromised by illness. Fortunately, running also helps fight disease. Not only does it reduce the risk of stroke and breast cancer, but doctors are “prescribing” regular running to patients at risk for osteoporosis, diabetes and hypertension. By strengthening the heart and lowering blood pressure, running reduces the risk of heart attack as well.

The tangible physical benefits of running may be all the motivation required to keep runners on their feet, but just in case the couch is beckoning, let’s not forget the psychological advantages gained from a running routine—the stress relief and confidence, not to mention that “runner’s high”.

Life’s schedules and commitments, expectations and disappointments are stressful, but relief is just a few miles away. Time spent running allows one to think about life’s problems or escape from them. Nagging dilemmas may be solved in the solitude of a lengthy run, while speed work can punish anger and aggression. There is a peace to be found in the rhythm of running that eludes most other sports.

As if physical health and stress relief were not enough, engaging in running can also increase confidence and self-esteem. Unlike team participants, runners are solitary hunters, relying only on personal inner strength and resolve to conquer bodily challenges. By setting and reaching physical goals, runners grow psychologically stronger and more sure of themselves…a fantastic feeling, no doubt.

In addition, many believe the body is specially equipped to help reach this self-assured state. Whether scientific fact or runner’s lore, the euphoric “runner’s high” is a dangling carrot that keeps runners coming back for more. Because exercise increases the levels of endorphins in the brain, it only makes sense that running, already acknowledged as a most strenuous activity, would create an abundance of these pain-relieving proteins. Medically, there is a definite change in a person’s physical state caused by the stress of running, but there is no way to accurately record what is felt when this happens. Only personal accounts of the experience provide an indication of what a runner’s high might be. Whether it is a feeling of invincibility enhanced by environmental stimuli or a condition where the mind seems to take over for the body, suffice it to say, “euphoria” has got to be a great state in which to run.

And so is South Carolina, home to the Myrtle Beach Marathon, the best marathon in the south!

Why did you take up running??

(Let us know below)

It's not too early to think about our winter marathon. Registration begins in August for next year's 16th Annual Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon, February 14-16, 2013.

Fifteen bands lined the 2012 Myrtle Beach Marathon course and for hundreds of runners, Foreigner's "Feels Like the First Time" could have been the theme song! First timers--WAY TO GO!! For the 18 people who crossed the Myrtle Beach Half or Full Marathon finish line for the 15th year in a row, it may well have been "Still the One" by Orleans ringing in their ears. You guys ROCK!!

Was 2012 your first MBM or a repeat performance?? Comment below!

Fortunately, thousands of other participants and visitors think Myrtle Beach is still the place to run and play and return not only at race time but throughout the year to enjoy all that the Grand Strand has to offer. Should you find yourself close by in the upcoming months, grab your shoes and check the Grand Strand Running Club's website for a comprehensive list of events that are sure to keep marathoners and casual runners alike in the race, even while on vacay.

              Try your feet at one of these many local Myrtle Beach races.

August 2012 marks the beginning of registration for the 16th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon, February 14-16, 2013. The earlier you register, the more $$ you save. Watch this blog and your email for open date. Don't receive Myrtle Beach Marathon emails?? Sign up at our website and be sure to like us on Facebook.

"The race does not always go to the swift, but to the ones who keep running."
                                                -Anonymous

The water stations are put away 'til next year and the bands have all gone quiet, but the fond memories of the 2012 BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon remain. And we would love to hear them! Thanks to all the participants and Facebook friends who shared their comments about last month's events. Some stories are laugh-out-loud funny (Who hasn't gasped "Where is a port-a-potty when you need one?") and we are thrilled that so many of you had a great time. The Myrtle Beach Marathon cares about what you have to say and strives to keep improving. For other ways to rate the event, write a review and share your story, go to YourRun.com.

For a look back at the this year's memories, check out photos and videos at

We are already looking forward to next year, when the Myrtle Beach Marathon celebrates its "Sweet 16", February 14 - 16, 2013! Registration opens this August. 

"You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming."
Frank Shorter

If marathon organizers had a say in the type of weather that befalls their events, they would no doubt choose the blue skies and 40-60 degree day that shone on last week's running of the BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon. The fabulous running weather and quality of participating athletes was showcased by the three new course records set on Saturday.

Stuart Moran, 35, of Arden, NC eclipsed the 2008 full marathon course record by more than two minutes as he reached the tape in 2:26:26.

Twenty-four year old Pardon Ndhlovu, who is orginally from Zimbabwe and now runs track for UNC-Pembroke, says he has found where he belongs with a record setting 1:07:57 win in the Half Marathon. 

Pigtailed with Victory signs waving, 15 (YES, 15) year-old Alana Hadley from Charlotte, NC sets a new course record in the Women's Half Marathon with a 1:16:43 win.

The Women's Full Marathon record set in 2011 by overall winner, Kathleen Castles, still stands at 2:40:11, though this year's winner, Jennifer Adams, 28, of Hudsonville, MI, gave it a helluva a  try with a 2:53:09 finish.

Congratulations to all the finishers in this year's events. You are all winners and we hope to see you back next year, February 14-16, 2013, for the 16th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon. (Register before March 1, 2012 and save $15.)

View more photos, videos and stories

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

Proper hydration is an integral part of proper preparation for a marathon. During your training you may want to practice drinking the same fluids you plan to use in the marathon. Water and Powerade will be provided at all fluid stations along the Myrtle Beach Marathon course. Because drinking too much or too little can have equally negative results, you should be appropriately hydrated when you step to the starting line. You are strongly encouraged to read The Right Way to Hydrate for Marathons from the American Medical Athletic Association.   All participants should write their pre – race weight on the back of their race number (bib) to assist medical personnel in determining if injuries are due to dehydration or hyponatremia.

The Myrtle Beach Marathon is looking forward to a record year! Registrations in all events are up, and may sell out despite the increase in number of runners allowed. Register Now to reserve your spot in one of the fastest and flattest marathons in the south.

"The will to win means nothing if you haven't the will to prepare."
Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

One month from today, thousands will toe the
line for the 2012 BI-LO Myrtle Beach

 Marathon and Half Marathon. With hundreds of miles logged not to mention countless hours of thinking about and preparing for your event, you are entering a critical phase of your marathon training with too much invested to leave anything to chance. From choice of shoes and simulating the course to finding a tune-up race and even what to wear, Scott Douglas in the August 2004 issue of Runner's World has everything you need to know. Don't mind the date--this advice is timeless.

Click Here for full article

This Saturday will mark the 29th annual running of the North Myrtle Beach Winter Run, the original Myrtle Beach running event. Online registration closes on Jan. 19th, and Race Day registration is available. With a 5K and 15K, you'll have two opportunities to test your speed and endurance before the big event, the 2012 BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon, February 18, 2012.

You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.

--Gatorade

No one intends to go insane, especially not a practicing psychiatrist. He may  have seen the signs, recognized the symptoms, but when  Dr. Murray Honick discovered running, he let himself go crazy...and that has been a good thing.  Seven years since his first race--a 10K, Murray has reached the palladium level  of an elite (albeit crazy) group of  Marathon Maniacs. View the criteria for ranking and you will discover what an accomplishment this really is. By the end of 2011, Murray will have completed 22 marathons (34 career--including Anchorage, Boston, NYC and Marine Corp.), crossing the finish line of 5 of them in 15 days!  He's already tackled 24 different states  on his way toward conquering events in all 50!

Dr. Honick suffers from self diagnosed "adult-onset athleticism." Though never on a school sports team, Murray was not a couch potato, playing tennis and volleyball in his younger days and sports fishing, gardening and woodworking as he found himself settling into his career in Myrtle Beach.

Then, one dark, frigid February morning in 2004, while handing out sports drinks along the Myrtle Beach Marathon course, Murray had an epiphany. Rather than remain one of the  thousands of thankless folks who volunteer at marathons, he would be one of the runners. Thus, a runner was born. With no knowledge of the sport, not a clue about marathon training schedules, proper orthotics or running shoes, Murray just started running and ran a little farther each time. The toll was heavy--he quickly became intimately acquainted with the biomechanics (read: challenges) of running--but is was not enough to dissuade him.  Despite the fact that most of his friends think he is nuts and wonder how he keeps from getting bored,  Murray continues to travel most weekends to race, though he did take 4 months off this past summer. "That," he  says, "was the dumbest thing I've ever done...well one of them." He's referring to the need to maintain his marathon training  with long mileage in the extreme Myrtle Beach heat.  Murray says a better choice for him is to use an actual marathon as the long run on the weekend and keep daily miles a bit lower, running instead, for example, 12 miles two consecutive days.  It reduces the stress and pounding on his body and leaves him with legs fit for a marathon on the weekend. What's on Murray's iPod? Nothing; he runs all his miles listening to the sounds of the birds. If this is what it means to be insane, commit me.

The Myrtle Beach Marathon is fortunate that this maniac is one of its own as Murray currently serves as race director for Friday night's RBC 5K,  one of the annual events held in Myrtle Beach in conjunction with the BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon. Other events include the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon  and Ripley's Aquarium Family Fun Run. In addition to coordinating the RBC 5K, Murray will be running  his 4th Myrtle Beach Marathon on February 18, 2012, serving for the second year as a 5:00 Pacer for Team-in-Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a marathon charity. He has also participated in 2 relays and 2 half-marathons at Myrtle Beach.

Ben Davis' motivational story on YouTube and subsequent cover story in the December 2011 issue of Runner's World have proven inspirational to runners and non-runners alike, whether struggling with weight issues or not. I encourage anyone who missed it to take a look; if you have already witnessed the effects of Ben's 120 pound transformation, take another look. At this point in our winter marathon training, we can all use a shot in the arm.  

Ben, now an Active.com ambassador, gives some more good advice for running in cold weather, apparently learned the hard way.  

Head south for the winter. The 15th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon is President's Weekend, February 16-18, 2012.

Sunshine is delicious,

Rain is refreshing,

Wind braces us up,

Snow is exhilarating,

There’s really no such thing as bad weather,

Only different kinds of good weather.

Author Unknown

Going for a run is a continual series of choices.  It starts with a simple, but most important "Do I run today or not?" It's followed by the basic but oh so challenging, "Do I stop now or keep going?" But quite possibly, the most difficult choice to be made comes at the end of a run. Your muscles cry out to STOP (laying flat out on the ground is another option) and if you listen, you could pay for it later with stiffness, soreness or cramps. But you are hungry, wet, hot, and probably in need of a bathroom.  Okay, some issues are pressing, but after that, an easy cool down would be a wise choice.  A short jog/shuffle/walk allows your breathing and heart rate to decrease while your body temperature gradually begins to return to normal.  The addition of some static stretches will rid your muscles of lactic acid and allow them to cool and return to a relaxed state gently.

Keep in mind that when doing any stretches DO NOT BOUNCE. Stretch the muscle gradually and slowly until you feel slight resistance and then hold for about 30 seconds. If you feel pain, STOP; you may be stretching too far or incorrectly. Also, when stretching, KEEP BREATHING to avoid lightheadedness. Everyone is different so perform each stretch one, two, or three times,  as needed by your body.

Hamstring Stretch: With feet shoulder width apart, bend over and try to touch your fingers to your toes. Bend knees slightly, if necessary, and gradually straighten. DO NOT LOCK YOUR KNEES and, of course, no bouncing.

Quadriceps Stretch: Stand on left foot. Grab your right foot and gently lift it to your buttocks feeling the stretch through your right quad. Switch legs. Hold on to back of a chair or wall for balance. 

Calf Stretch: Put left foot up against a wall, keeping right heel on the ground. Lean toward the wall gently stretching the right calf. Switch legs. This can also be used to stretch your hip flexors.

Hip and Back Stretch: Sit on the floor and cross your right leg over your left. Hug your right leg into your chest and twist your body over your right shoulder. Switch legs.

Groin Stretch: Sit on the floor and bring the soles of your feet together. Place your elbows on the inside of your knees and press down gently.

Buttocks Stretch: Lay down flat on your back and grab your right leg just below the knee and pull it toward your chest. Rather than pull farther, try gently to straighten the leg. Switch legs.

Choose to enjoy these cool down stretches following the 15th Annual BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon, February 16-18, 2012, and whenever you finish any great run.

"Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?’"

Peter Maher

The nip in the air can only mean one thing--the holidays are right around the corner, and with those holidays come family, festivities and food. This year, many of our relatives are planning to come to our house in Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving. I had already planned to take part in the Surfside Beach Turkey Trot, one of several Myrtle Beach races presented by Festival Promotions. So, instead of leaving everyone home to (1) wait for me to come back and cook or (2) sleep, I'm challenging them all to come out and participate with me, in some way. Why should I have all the fun? With a 1 Mile (walk or run), 5K, and 10K--there is something for everyone. There is even a FREE Tot Trot for the kids. We don't have any of those in our family, yet, but we do have a former St. James High School cross country 5K record holder  as well as two multiple marathon finishers and one Myrtle Beach half marathoner wannabe (me).  Krispy Kreme will be there, too, so we can get our gobble on right away!

Not going to be in Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving? Check out the Turkey Trot race locator at active.com to find a race in your area.

If you cannot physically attend a Turkey Trot, at the very least, plan to enjoy some good family time away from the table with a neighborhood run or walk.

Turkey Trots offer an opportunity to maintain your marathon training for the 15th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon, on President's Weekend, February 16-18, 2011. Don't be a turkey--join us!