Hurricane Lane

         The race started at 8 am and temperatures were in the upper 40s to lower 50s when we started (which was a blessing because it rained without letup the whole run and had it been any colder it would have been intolerable). Visibility on the bridge due to fog was limited to the dredging just below the bridge.  The bridge over the Bogue Sound which connects Morehead City to Atlantic Beach has a 6 % grade and we ran it twice at the around the 5 mile marker and then again at the 10 mile marker.  I am not sure of the turnout,  but it seemed to be around 200 to 300 1/2 Marathoners and 5Kers.  Even with the poor weather conditions it was amazing to see all of the cheering sections with people hanging on their balconies, standing in driveways with umbrellas to give shouts of encouragement in the residential sections of the course and all of the volunteers and support (Boy Scouts at water Stations, retirees at remote checkpoints). 

SIGNS seen along the route:

Are You Feeling Your Runners Euphoria (a the 2 mile marker?!?!)

Runners Die Healthy

At Least You Are Ahead of the Walkers!

No one could have a better friend in the world than my Monika. She finished the run in 1:42 (she won 1st place Master Division), and came back to help me finish the run...I was on the return trip, just at the top of the bridge and had about 3 miles left to go, and was so pleased to see her running towards me out of the fog...which means that she ran an extra 6 miles to run with me (approximately 19 miles!). As we approached the finish line, she smartly said, I don't think I will play racquet ball this afternoon.  It turns out she did anyway!

My time?

2h:29m

11m 25s pace for 13.1 miles

Oh, had to take advantage of some nature photography that happened to be present.  These were taken after the race at around 12:30 and you can see it was still quite foggy.

I thought about all of my friends here, each one of you individually, at some point in the race. It helped keep me going. Thank you for coming by, I will be visiting y'all again real soon to see what you are up to, and hoping you are enjoying your favorite activities and staying healthy.

Love and hugs,

Sheila

 

     Sometimes we create situations for ourselves, situations that put us in extreme stress, that push us to our limits either physically or mentally.  I may never completely understand why I do this to myself or what it is that I expect to gain, but here I am again.  This Saturday I have a 1/2 marathon run if all goes well (if the mind and body is willing).  There will be the span of a bridge to run with this one (as there was with the last one) but rather than be in extreme hot humid temperatures (I ate 2 salt packets before the start of the last to retain as much fluids as possible) there is the possibility that this run will start off with freezing temperatures.

     I felt the need to be creative here.

     I tentatively name this photograph of mine  "Red Rain", and include Peter Gabriel in all his glory. He can certainly get the emotions running high.

     When I started this journey of self discovery with my blogging, many of you were instrumental in the success of my other runs (you know who you are) and you were with me.  You will be with me again.

     So here I am again.

     Let me know I will be with you again.

Love and hugs,

Sheila

     It has been a while since I have blogged and I have missed my friends so much, but those pages won't turn themselves, so I mustn't tarry long. I wanted to share some snow pictures from the 20th of January here at the coast.   This is such a rare and special event you just know I had to get out and play in it.  School was canceled for two days (2-4 inches of snow!) due to the extremely cold temperatures and bad driving conditions with black ice on the roads.  It was a lovely change of scenery without having to go anywhere but outside your front door.  This is what a winter wonderland should really look like and  Barb, I hope you are out there, I think of you nearly everyday. This top one is for you.

     I featured this garden very early on during the spring when the azaleas were in bloom. I never thought I would get a capture like this!

Tell me if you know where I want your eye, then I will know if I was successful!

almost a once in a lifetime capture, for me ;)

"Neither rain, nor sleet,....nor gloom of night will keep me from my appointed rounds."

but here south of the Mason Dixon line?
PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT!

The song playing is for my daughter Lil'. She will be 13 this month.

I am still running and hoping for a half marathon run at the end of this month here on the coast of North Carolina.  So, I hope this finds you all well and with a smile on your heart and spring in your step.  Me? You will find me... with a nose in a book!

Love and hugs,

Sheila

 

                I have been trying to get around to my friends' guest books to wish y'all a Merry Christmas with my postcard, and wouldn't you know it? someone moved the  html button!

     So, until I can figure it out, please know I am thinking of you  and hoping for you all the love and happiness you can handle, with the promise of at least one new challenge or horizon for the new year!