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not to be outdone

I just gasped when I saw how far down Jordan's blogroll undate list I had fallen. So it's OKC marathon time and inevitably I get suckered into participating in an event that conjures a very mixed response for me. I have had some bad runs for sure at this event and a few, nay, one good one. In any case, this event is very important for the community and it's great to see so many people participate. However, the organizers continue to mandate a "non-elite" event. All this means is they give absolutely no regard to waving any potential income to the race. I believe in supporting the cause, etc. but I think the magnitude of this event has outgrown the original course setup. Now it's an utter bottleneck that leads to confusion, mishap, and frustration in finishing the final miles of the race. I am also mistified by the total proceeds that have been donated to the memorial. I forget what figure, over 11 years, was being touted but it doesn't even amount to half of what the race brings in a single year at this point. There are fees with putting on the race but with this event so many primary sponsors would cover the costs that it's obvious somebody is making a pretty luxurious living off this thing. Again THAT'S FINE but doesn't meet their outlook on the event and if the race is all about the pride of the experience and yet you charge the PREMIUM for marathon entry, $110 as of April 1, something is a little off. Sorry to be Scotty Downer but that's the truth. Make this thing legit and improve a few aspects and this could be a true keeper.

So anyway, I'm doing the full but haven't entered yet, the race is on Sunday, right? I'm hoping for a race, nothing else. I felt I had done a decent job preparing for heat and humidity. Turns out it's going to be cold and windy. If anybody goes out hard, I will not be with them. I'm respecting the OKC marathon gods and running a negative split race, it rarely bodes well for those who don't. The goal is really to mentally master this thing and be ready for a beer promptly following. Cheers in advance--

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