North Carolina Half

The first half I was able to run in 2020 was my North Carolina half in Oak Island.  Although I know I won't be able to have a fun getaway weekend for every half, this one was!  Dave and I were able to go away for Valentine's Day and get a run in.  It was a win win!  

Dave ran a fast 5K and Amy ran fast for her on her half!

We left on Valentine's Friday and made it to the race expo in time to get our bibs and a new pair of socks.  Then we had a great dinner at an Italian restaurant in town.  It was delicious!  And a good carb load.

Sunset at Oak Island

We had an early start, per usual for a run, on Saturday morning.  And it was a very chilly morning!  Temps were in the 30s when we arrived!  Amy started before Dave, but of course he finished before her!  He even had time to take a nap in the car!  It was a mostly flat course and I was able to stay with another girl who was running at a fast pace for about the first 3 miles.  Although I slowed down after that, I was able to finish in 2 hrs and 11 minutes, which is my fastest or 2nd fastest time for a half.   

Before

After

After a a shower and a short nap, we went into Southport to explore the town.  We had lunch at Oliver's and Dave said they had the best lobster bisque he has ever tasted!  

The view from Southport

We walked a lot in Southport and even went in the town museum.  Then we found a great bakery and I got the most lemon filled pastry I have ever had!

That night we went back to the Italian restaurant and got a pizza to take back to the hotel so that we could relax and not walk anymore!  On Sunday, we toured the Oak Island lighthouse before heading back home.  It was pretty scary walking to the top, and nerve wracking standing outside at the top!  Although I am glad we did it, I would and have signed up for more races, but I don't plan on climbing that lighthouse again!!

The scary stairs!

The view from the top

Oak Island Lighthouse

All in all it was a delightful weekend.  And state number 3 is checked off my list!