2nd Half 1st Trail.....Race

After a week of nagging and sweet talking me in to doing this race with her I finally caved and said yes. I was hesitant at first because I haven't ran long distance since my first half last month. I've only ran 3-5 miles at a time to keep up my speed and endurance. But with a little twist and pull and convincing I said YES. Just two days before the race I signed up for my 2nd Half Marathon, My 1st Trail Half Marathon. My only dilemma was that the race was in Charlotte, NC which was about a hour & half drive away. I had the option of going up with Kelly Friday night and staying with her at her families farm in Rock Hill. I didn't mind the drive but with the hubs being away I would be left having to find someone to look after the pups over night if I decided to go up that night. Just getting back from Vacay a couple weeks ago and having to ask some one to watch the puppies I didn't really want to have to do that again. So I decided to stay home and just wake up early Saturday morning and drive up. Thankfully the race started at 9am so I didn't have to get up crazy early. 

Registration was $35 so really what did I have to loose. It was the day before my birthday and I would be able to have another Half under my belt. Great way to kick off my b-day weekend, sure thing!!!! 

The Trail Half Marathon - Tuck Fest was located at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. I've never been here before but have heard great things about it. And I'm looking forward to going back with the hubs to take advantage of some of the awesome activities they offer. 

Before I left my house I had to snap a pic for the hubs of course!!! Kelly's so sweet with her birthday treats, love her!!!! 

At the start line waiting for the "Ready set GO"!!!!!!!! 

This was by far one of the most challenging runs / races I've ever done to say the least. The scenery was great and the weather was perfect but the terrain was crazy. I've never enjoyed running on dirt or a soft ground and this definitely just proved once again that I wasn't a fan. I absolutely LOVE hiking though the mountains and wooded area however running a race through it is totally different. 

We decided at the beginning of the race we weren't going for time. This was a first for both of us, (a trail run) so we were just taking it as it came and having fun with it. We wanted to get another long run in before it got to hot out. South Summers are KILLER. We took advantage and had some fun with it snapping a few photos along the way. At about mile 9 we were completely DONE. We had agreed that trail running was NOT for us and we'd be happy just getting this race over with. There were only 3..THREE..3 water stations through out the whole 13.1 miles and they were very pouring placed. The route was poorly marked, I think if I was doing it by myself I would have been so lost. We had fun and there were lots of laughs through out the morning along with a few frustrating moments. We each took a fall during the race and we most def. did not run the entire thing, it just wasn't possible. We went in to it blind not knowing what to expect. We had a great time but both agreed NEVER AGAIN. At least we can say we did it, got another long run in and marked off the miles. Even if it did take us 3.08 hours to complete it.

 Unfortunately I had to be back in the South by 1:30 that afternoon (totally didn't happen) so we weren't able to get any after pictures. I was kind of bummed but didn't realize it till after I was on the road headed back home. I crossed the finish line running and just kept running to my car. It was definitely a race I wont forget, and what better way to start off celebrating my 27th Birthday. 

Snow Day in Asheville!!

We took a day trip with the In-Loves to The Grove Park Inn, in Asheville North Carolina to see the National Gingerbread Houses from the Gingerbread Competition. It was a beautiful day, no rain or ugly clouds like the day before so that was nice. When we got into Asheville the temps. starting dropping right away. It went from 50 something to low 40's almost in the 30's. I was not prepared for that type of coldness. As we drove in the Inn / Resort area it's self we noticed may cars and houses covered in snow. We looked closer and notice little snow flurries coming down from the sky. It was very light but still so neat to see. I hadn't see snow in forever so it was much like a "awh WOW" moment. I managed to get a few pictures before we left the resort to head home but I was to caught up in looking at how beautiful the area was and the snow coming down that I completely forgot to get my camera out. 

Headed in to the Resort we made our way around looking at all the different Gingerbread houses. 

My Nene Loves Nut Crackers and we always get her one for Christmas each year. She has quite the collection. So when I saw this guy standing in the hall, I had to get a picture for her. 

Enjoy the view outside, which didn't last to long because it was so cold. I really could have gone for a nice cup of hot chocolate right about then. 

Not only was the inside of the resort beautiful but the outside was amazing. I am def. coming back in the spring time so we can spend more time here. 

Below are the Gingerbread house Finalist. They were beautiful and so detailed. All the way down to the expressions on their faces and the details on each and every piece. 

SNOW!!!!!!!

 Baby its Snowing outside!!!! 

Sometimes I say I wanna live some were, where it snows in the winter but then other times I don't think I would like having to deal with it. It's fun to play in but I'm sure it can be a pain in the butt. 

Burrr, Baby IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!!!!! We walked back down to the bottom of the resort, about a half mile walk or so (not long at all) but it was FREEZING. My face and hands were so cold and red, of course I forgot my gloves and hat at home. 

We had a great little trip, stopped at PF Changs on the way home for dinner and had lots of quality time together :) on the way there and back.