Dave and I made these plans in the depth of winter — escape to sunny Cocoa Beach, Fla., to run on the beautiful white sand. Earn a cool finisher’s medal at the USATF Beach Running Championship.

All winter I played the event in my mind like a movie scene. Would it be the iconic opening of Chariots of Fire — distance runners absorbed in mutual effort to the background of music and surf? Or would it be the equally iconic and older movie 10? I imagined myself as the bikini-clad Bo Derek, striding barefoot in slow motion glory, surrounding by golden sun and surf.

And it was just like that. Except for the 20-mile per hour headwind, stinging rain, sun and temperatures in the high 70s and a rising tide threatening to swallow the race course. That doesn’t sound like a script for a successful race, but it was a great adventure.

On the morning of April 30, Dave and I hiked a mile in darkness from our motel to the starting area. We could see the lights of Shepard Park and the swarm of activity as 1,800 runners prepared for the 6:40 a.m. half marathon start coinciding with low tide at Cocoa Beach or the 10k which started 10 minutes later.

After a few last-minute announcements and cautions about both wind and heat, the half marathoners, including a few dozen running barefoot, crossed the starting mat and descended a soft sand path marked by conch shells on either side. We reached the wide, nearly level hard sand surface and headed south under rosy predawn skies.

The wind immediately hit me. I leaned forward, shortened my stride and looked for a large person to provide a wind block. I quickly settled into what seemed a comfortable pace and took in the glorious scenery. The sun appeared from out of the ocean, then drifted into the clouds like a balloon set free.

Somewhere during the second mile, a small, distinctly gray cloud appeared from the southeast. I watched it grow larger and darker until it suddenly rolled over us and let loose a torrent of rain.

The raindrops whipped by the wind stung like sleet, but we had no choice but to keep pushing through it. At least we were rewarded with a full rainbow as the rain let up.

At about mile five, I began to regret my “easy pace.” My quads burned with the constant effort of repetitive motion on the flat sand and the effort of running into the strong headwind. I longed for the turnaround when the wind would finally be at my back.

Finally, I made the turn. It felt like flying downhill after the 6.6 miles of wind. For the next three miles, I thought I would cruise easily to the finish. I did feel like Bo Derek skimming lightly through the surf.

By mile 10, I started to wonder why I ever signed up for this race. The tailwind provided little relief for the sun and rising temperatures. Water stations shimmered like mirages in the distance. I made a plan to finish — run five minutes, walk one.

I managed to keep my feet dry for 12 miles until I was too tired to get out of the way of the encroaching surf which filled my right shoe with cool saltwater. Finally, I heard the band and the cheering spectators and managed to slog up the bank through deep sand to the finish line.

A volunteer congratulated me, hung a huge octopus medal and a Dollar Store paper lei around my neck. I hobbled to the surf, ripped off my shoes and stuck my feet in the water — and immediately suffered cramps in both feet.

Dave, who had finished the 10k, rewarded me with a mimosa made from fresh Florida orange juice. Later there would be breakfast on the beach, music and awards. For now, finishing was enough.

Later that day, after two naps, about a gallon of water and a few beers, both Dave and I felt better about our runs. After three days, my quads didn’t scream each time I tried to go down stairs. And on the drive to the airport, we began to make plans for next year’s Beach Championship adventure.

Good news for area runners: Butler Family YMCA has stepped in as the organizational body for the Butler Road Race for next year. Butler Health System will continue its contribution as the major race sponsor.

Upcoming events

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.: Shoes ‘n’ Brews, Valencia. Starts at Up-N-Running store with your choice of pace and distance followed by social hour with beer. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Saturdays: Butler Babes group trail runs, various locations. Run various distances on trails in area parks. tamsuemcg@embarqmail.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Autism Speaks 5k, Sharpsville. 724-992-3234

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Mud on the Mountain, Champion. Run 8 off-road miles at Seven Springs Resort. 814-352-7777 or mudonthemountain.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Jumping for JAVA 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, Zelienople. 724-462-7975 or www.lanvwa.org

May 20, 9 a.m.: Mars Band on the Run 5k and 10k, Mars. www.lightspeed-racing.com

May 20, 9 a.m.: Leslie Sparano Summerfest Sweat 5k, Sharpsville. Scenic out and back across Shenango Dam. 724-662-0130 or fpm.colucci@gmail.com

May 20, 7:30 p.m.: GLOW 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, Zelienople. 412-715-8307 or jcedmiston@gmail.com

May 21, 8 a.m.: Mighty Moraine Spring Sprint Triathlon, Portersville. www.mightymoraineman.com

May 26, 7 p.m.: Fryburg Mayfest 5k, Fryburg. 814-221-9807 or www.fryburgmayfest.com

May 29, 8 a.m.: Memorial Day Human Race 5k, Meadville. mfinton@zoominternet.net or www.ernsttrail.org

May 29, 8:30 A.M.: Pizza Joe’s Mercer 5k and Freedom Fun Run, Mercer. 724-662-2433 or pizzajoes@hotmail.com

June 3, 7 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon Half Marathon and Team Relay, Galeton. Challenging and scenic point-to-point course. 814-274-3365 or potter@penn.com

June 3, 8 A.M.: Beaver VFD and Heritage Valley Health System 5k/ 10k Race, Beaver. 5k starts at 9 A.M. beavervfdrace@gmail.com or www.beavervfd.org

June 3, 8:30 a.m.: Hosack Harrier Hustle 10k and 5k Trail Race & 1k Dash. Kids’ 1k run starts at 9:45. 412-369-9284 or edavispgh@gmail.com

June 3, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5k Run/ Walk, Freeport. 724-353-1945 or www.freeportcrosscountry.com

June 3, 1 p.m.: Dash for Cash, Freeport. Mb119@comcast.net

June 4, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5k, Pittsburgh. Starts in Schenley Park. 724-989-1812 or www.greenfieldglide.com

June 10, 9 a.m.: Drugs Kill Dreams ½ Marathon, 10k and 5k, Kittanning. briggle@rgymca.org

June 24, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race, Butler. Choice of 5 mile run or 2 mile run/walk. 724-284-4676 or butlerroadrace@butlerhealthsystem.org

Race results

Patti J. Nelson 5k, April 22: Chuck Flach, 1st Overall M, 23:04; Keely Looper, 1st Overall W, 25:19; Nick Romeo, 2nd 20-29 M, 24:01; Mitch Radella, 1st 50-59 M, 24:07; Andrew Menchyk, 2nd 40-49 M, 24:26; Casey Whitfield, 1st 30-39 M, 24:42; Ben Rana, 2nd 30-39 M, 25:34; Braden Flach, 1st 14 & Under M, 26:52; Dawn Brahler, 1st 40-49 W, 29:15; Sara Flach, 2nd 40-49 W, 29:15; Tricia Staible, 1st 30-39 W, 29:59; Vincent Moore, 3rd 40-49 M, 30:13; Katie Jamison, 2nd 50-59 W, 31:11; Dave Johnston, 2nd 50-59 M, 31:12; Michele Cooney, 1st 20-29 W, 31:16; Meegan Looper, 2nd 14 & Under W, 31:53; Sherrie Mazurek, 3rd 50-59 W, 31:55; Laura Augustine, 3rd 40-49 W, 32:26; Jeff Iman, 2nd 60+ M, 32:58; Sue Ann Jones, 1st 60+ W, 36:08; Carol English, 2nd 60+ W, 36:19; SuLan Peebles, 3rd 60+ W, 40:45; Shayna Wilhite, 3rd 20-29 W, 40:51, Danielle Goudas, 3rd 14 & Under W, 42:02; Bailey Kondos, 1st 15-19 W, 45:24; Rodney Kniess, 3rd 60+ M, 52:39; Don Davidson, 3rd 50-59 M, 1:10:44; Andy Frishkorn, 29:02; Jim Sinicki, 30:14; Diane Iman, 33:24; Kory Jones, 35:39; Kirt Jones, 35:42; Karen Walzer, 35:48; Kathy Scheller, 45:12; Kristin Scheller, 45:12; Lisa Lamperski, 49:03; Neil Gladstone, 49:15; Jessica Gladstone, 49:16; Emily Bertoti, 51:18; Heather Jones, 52:31; Kristin Pagonis, 52:33; Sue Kniess, 52:43; Susan Bowser, 53:53; Calvin Betyu, 54:53; Charlie Flach, 57:29; Anna Beheshti, 58:32; Jessica Stevens, 59:41; Casey King, 59:42; Patti Flach, 1:00:24; Rachael Gloor, 1:04:39; Bonnie Kugel, 1:07:45; Kimberly Davidson, 1:07:46; Jason Bergstrom, 1:11:18; John Warren, 1:11:22

Patti J. Nelson 1 Mile, April 22: Trey Donovan, 1st Overall M, 11:13; MyKenna Knox, 1st Overall W, 12:57; Gary Blinn, 14:45; Lindsey Kelly, 15:45; Will Bauer, 15:47; Andy Bauer, 16:24; Paula Kennedy, 27:12; Lindsay Denham, 18:55; Suzanne Parsons, 19:28; Lori O’Donnell, 19:30; David Parsons, 19:30; Luke Chambers, 20:22; Marcia Schoeffel, 20:55; Jim Stickney, 22:01; Debbie Hilliard, 22:03; Roxanne Stickney, 22:03; Michelina Stickney, 22:07; Ann Kilby, 22:08; Renen Hilliard, 22:09; Aoey Logan, 22:17; Noah Logan, 22:19; Jeff Logan, 23:14; Patricia Logan, 23:17; Jamie Logan, 23:20; Kelly Larson, 23:46; Tom Larson, 23:54; Judith Shisler, 25:17; Phyllis Walker, 25:19; Herb Roe, 25:22; Taylor Larson, 28:31; Nancy Caruso, 29:26; Donna Sailer, 43:45; Abbey Kondos, 45:23; Hillary Pendel, 52:54; Ashley Pendel, 54:38; Marianne McMurray, 57:28

Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon, April 29: Bryan Morseman, 1st Overall M, 2:28:40; Jessica Rangel, 1st Overall W, 3:14:22; Wayne McCracken, 3:14:54; Richard Colonello, 3:23:21; Jennifer Wojnar, 3:57:46; Eric Slagle, 4:00:28; Ryan Bauder, 4:07:53; Kristie Beaver, 4:15:50; Amy Gallagher, 4:18:56; Craig Hunt, 4:25:41; Travis Reesman, 4:37:34; Jinny Hertweck, 4:48:42; Ann Fowble, 4:58:40; Janet Best, 5:05:58; Nancy Thenthongkham, 5:18:11; Kendra Davis, 5:32:52; John Ropelewski, 6:03:27

Pro Football Hall of Fame Half Marathon, April 29: Matthew Fecht, 1st Overall M, 1:10:08; Sara Polatas, 1st Overall W, 1:23:19; Samuel Fell, 3rd 25-29 M, 1:25:09; Bob Gracie, 2nd 65-69 M, 1:49:51; Dan Monhemius, 1:29:29; Diane Bucknum, 1:53:59; Jeff Syphrit, 2:08:58; Becky Monhemius, 2:11:03; Angie Boyce, 2:12:47; Ben Karst, 2:25:52; Jason Regal, 2:36:28; Dakota Carson, 2:37:02; Dawn Cox, 2:37:27; Cynthia Rosequist, 2:52:05; Priscilla Green, 3:00:27; Chuck Green, 3:00:28; Kristie Corrigan, 3:46:53

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.