what!?

When I get the chance I like to read Kiawah Island Marathon race reports online. I am pleased to know that most people have a favorable experience running this marathon, a lot of people enjoy the scenic view through the resort neighborhoods and almost all mention the fabulous post-race food and festivities.

It was good to read so many accounts and opinions, because I feel it's probably best to have little to no surprises come marathon day. Some of the things I know about Kiawah Island Marathon are:

• The course is a 13.1 mile loop repeated twice.
• Last year in their attempt to go green the finisher medals were made of glass and were often dropped and shattered (understandably!) around the finish line. (hopefully they'll go with an unbreakable medal this year!)
• It can get a little crowded at the beginning of the race with so many half marathoners and walkers there as well, which can inhibit some of the marathoners that are there to make a good time. Also near the end it finishes on a bike bath which can also get crowded.
• There is a bean soup post race that is incredible!!
• The post-race party is wonderful and it's a meal not just snacks
• The scenery on the island with the resort homes is beautiful
• The weather can range from 40 degrees to 70 degrees...it's usually cooler @ the 8am start and warms up several hours into the marathon
• The course is flat with one hill. The word "pancake" is often used to describe the flatness of the course.
• After the half marathon point it can get a little lonely out there since most people run the half marathon and maybe 900 run the full marathon
• The pace signs are for 7, 8 and 9 min then Walkers (LOL) weird.
• Plenty of water stops and usually supplied with oranges and bananas
• Near the water on the island are Beware of Alligators signs. 

wait, what!?

Ok, OMG, I never thought of the potential for an alligator attack while running my marathon! I'm a little freaked out by this. All I can think of now is that during the 2nd loop when all is quiet and I'm struggling to make it through the next 13.1 miles out will come Mr. Alligator and he'll gobble me up before I have a chance to make it to the finish line!! And even worse I'll never get to enjoy the amazing bean soup! Seriously, an alligator sighting while running will totally throw off my pace! :-o

I suppose it's good to know this now so I have time to make peace with it...

sigh

cross-training today:
20 minutes of yoga and upper body strength training with 3lb weights