girls night out and the race

This weekend I ran in a half marathon at Myrtle Beach. The race was great - flat and scenic and of course, the location was perfect. Im always looking for reasons to spend the weekend at the beach, and this one was perfect.

On Saturday morning, Caroline and I loaded up the truck and headed to the coast. Maddie and Daddy went to the Duke game to cheer on those Blue Devils and were headed down later. Caroline was perfect on the car ride down. Watched some Elmo, took a nap and kept me entertained with her backseat singing and jabbering.

We hit the race expo to pick up my packet and then back to Long Bay to unpack and take a walk on the beach. The weather was perfect. 68 and sunny.

After our walk, we decided to do some carb loading at the Olive Garden. We got there around 5:15 and were the only ones in the place under 70. Needless to say - they were all ooh-ing and ahh-ing over Caroline and she was loving it. The girl has some serious charm. Turns out Carolines a big fan of the bottomless salad. This picture doesnt do it justice of course, but she was eating up the lettuce like crazy. The waiter saw her picking out olives from her salad and came back with an entire bowl of them for her to eat. Not sure how nutritious a bowl of olives is... but it cant be all that bad.

She made a great dinner date and we talked and laughed through dinner. Notice she's not sitting in a high chair? She prefers a booster seat now because "Carolines a big girl."

The next morning mommy was up bright and early and headed out to the start line. The course was flat and easy. And quiet I noticed. I was happy to have my headpones blaring. The family cheered me on at various points along the race. Can you find me? Its a "Where's Waldo" moment for you.

Here I am at around mile 11. The last few miles was along Ocean Blvd and then the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach. Such a nice place to run those last killer miles.

I ran my best time yet. Just under 2 hours which was my goal. I have to say - its my new favorite half marathon that doesn't involve Disney Princesses. Jim and the girls (and Tuck) met me at the finish with an ice cold Dunks. He's the man of my dreams.

And the medal deserves some mention. Its a HUGE surfboard with a built-in bottle opener on the bottom. Nice.

Next race on the calendar in the Disney Princess in February. We're planning on taking the girls - so I am giddy about it already. Can't wait!!!