Running with the Seagulls

On November 2012, I ran the Outer Banks (OBX) Half Marathon. This was my first long road run that I trained for since I recovered from anemia. Thanks to the RunnerDudes in Greensboro, I was prepared and PR'd at 1:49:28. Most of the run is flat, except for a bridge with an overlook of the water and boats. The change in terrain is a welcomed variation, but my tired legs disagreed. The best part of the run over the bridge were the seagulls who flew with us. They're almost as cute as owls, but not quite.

Before I ran, we (me and my husband), caught this lovely sunset.

Jeff was able to catch me at the end and get a photo. 

After the run, we had big plans to go see the lighthouses. This was our first time in OBX, so we wanted to explore it on our bikes. Yes... I was planning to ride my bike after running a half marathon. Jeff was on his cross bike and I planned to get behind him and spin out my legs.  Plus, it's really flat and the weather was a perfect 60 something and sunny. We wanted to soak up as much of the day as possible. Jeff brought me my pack with a change of clothes so we went to get some coffee and I changed in the bathroom.

After we walked around the shopping village, we headed to our car with plans to get lunch and go sit in the hot tub before our ride. As we approach the car, Jeff says, "I don't know where the key is," while he pats his pockets.

I say, "Maybe it's in the pack." No need to panic just yet.

But, we all know how this goes. Whenever you pack up for a big race or a training run, inevitably you forget or lose something. I've forgotten a towel for the shower room, sunglasses for race on the beach, and my iPod on race day. Today, it was going to be the car key.

When we get to the car, Jeff peeks in the Element and doesn't see anything. We search the pack and his pockets, but nothing. We pick a spot on the curb in the sun and call our insurance people. Luckily they send someone out who will unlock our car door so we can find out if the key is in the car. It takes him forever because the roads are blocked off for the race. I retrace Jeff's steps and check in with the lost and found, but no luck. What else is there to do? Go on a search for some tacos. Found some quesadillas instead that we ate on the sunny curb.

Finally the tow truck guy comes. He unlocks the door in 5 seconds and we see no key.

What next? Retrace steps once more. We make all the stops and search the ground, but no key. As we talked about how to get home to Greensboro, reality set in. How will I get home to teach my class? I think was half hoping he didn't get the key for a few days so he could enjoy the beach, but I didn't have the option. We get back to the car and Jeff imitates putting the key in his pocket. I look in front of him to a curb, about five feet from where we had been sitting, and I see the key.

"Thank you! Thank you!" we said to the good luck we had that day.

Even though we didn't have as long to ride, we still made it out to one lighthouse.

That night we ate with some friends, slept well, and spent our morning on the beach. We collected the smoothest shells that we keep in our bathroom.

Would I do this run again... YES! Next time, I'll try the marathon. If you plan to train for it, keep in mind that the landscape doesn't change too much. Even though that seems good, it can take a toll our body and mind. Maybe plan for a an iPod mix with podcasts or music and plan to run with some friends. And next time, I'll run with my spare key... just in case.