OBX 1/2 Weekend

This weekend we traveled to the beach for the OBX 1/2 Marathon.  Getting out of town for the weekend was just what we both needed.  We shopped, ate, relaxed, and Mr. SP ran the race.

The weather was sunny and warm.  I had the whole beach to myself when I took these photographs.  It’s nice to come to the beach in the off-season when it isn’t crowded.

Our number one favorite place to eat when we are at the beach is Tortugas Lie.  We especially like to eat at the bar.

Reading the license plates hanging from the ceiling or watching a game on tv makes for a fun bar experience.

After a Saturday lunch at Tortugas Lie, we hit the outlets.  I am pretty much shopping deprived because there aren’t many any good stores where I live and because when I’m home and not working, I don’t choose to spend my precious free time shopping.  On a weekend away from home, I like to get out and shop.  I came home with several new things to wear to work and with a big treat, a Coach purse.  I haven’t bought a purse in three years, so I treated myself!

A trip to the beach isn’t complete without a drive along the sound.  We use this ramp when we boat in the summer.  It’s such a lovely view!

The moon was full.  Did you see it?  When we drove down Friday night we saw one of those huge orange moons that we only notice in the fall.

Sunday was the race.  I drove Mr. SP to the start, did a run on my own, then raced over to Manteo to pick him up.
 
We noticed some interesting outfits and shirt sayings at the start of the race.  This one made us both laugh.

These ladies were all dressed alike.   Aren’t their skirts and knee-socks cute?

There were a few pirates racing!

Even some dogs were dressed up for the event.

The race organizers start the 1/2 in waves.  Each number has a chip embedded in it, so there’s no rush to start as your official time doesn’t begin until you cross the start line.

I had a most pleasant run on my own while Mr. SP raced.  After hurting for month after month and not being able to run, I treasure every step that I take.  I’m not 100% back to normal, but I’m getting there.  I’m a much happier person when I can run!

One lane of traffic closes for the runners.  I’m on the causeway here on my way to Manteo; Pirates Cove is just ahead on the right.  There are runners as far as the eye can see!

I worried that I might not beat Mr. SP to the finish because the traffic was so heavy and because I had to drive over a long bridge to Mann’s Harbour and then over another long bridge to get back to Manteo.  I got there just in time and caught Mr. SP almost at the end of the race.

For the fun of it, I ran almost to the finish with him.

Another race completed and another number and metal to add to the collection.

It was a great weekend!  We hope to get back to the beach this winter.  It’s always a relaxing time and so good to get away from work and the non-stop “to-do” list when we are home.  Many thanks to my sweet Mama for letting us stay at her house.  We both can’t wait to visit her next week for a Thanksgiving feast!