Soft Sand and Insane Inflatables

Many of the 4,000 who took part Saturday in the inaugural Insane Inflatable 5K on the beach in Seaside Park found out the hard way that heat and soft sand can test even those in tip-top shape.

Turns out that Saturday was one of the hottest days we’ve had all summer and while many didn’t expect a 3-plus mile course to be too difficult the X-factor was indeed the beach. Even walking in the soft sand is a challenge and before too long many of the competitors shed their sneakers in favor of bare feet and some even took to the ocean to cool off.

Many were in it to have a good time and just wanted to go through the inflatable obstacles and forgot the 5K aspect and bailed very early never making it to the finish line where they would receive a bottle of water, banana and pair of sunglasses from Community Medical Center and a medal from a race official. Others took short-cuts including walking on the boardwalk but since it was not a competition nobody really cared.

Most seemed to have a good time and as one said to me….”its better then mud.” Hopefully next year it won’t be quite as hot.

Former Southern Regional standout Glenn Carson will make his NFL debut tonight when the Arizona Cardinals host the San Diego Chargers in the nightcap of the Monday Night Football doubleheader. The Manahawkin resident was a long shot to make the Cardinals roster after signing as a free agent following an outstanding career at Penn State where he was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten linebacker.

However, Carson was terrific during the pre-season and earned a spot on the roster where he’s listed as a third team inside linebacker. Meanwhile Texans tight end Garrett Graham, a former Brick Memorial star, was sidelined yesterday with a back injury and did not dress in Houston’s win over Washington.

Former Toms River East baseball and basketball player Ryan Doherty and his partner Nick Lucena lost in the finals of the DO AC Pro Beach Volleyball Invitational Sunday. A 7’1 former professional pitcher, the 30-year old Doherty changed sports and moved to Southern California a few years ago following his release by the Arizona Diamondbacks. With hard work he has made a name for himself in beach volleyball and his career is on the rise.

He and Lucena had a nice run in Atlantic City before losing to defending champions Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson in straight sets.