How many folks remember Andy Griffith? And who remembers that the setting for "The Andy Griffith Show" was supposedly inspired by Andy's hometown of Mt.Airy NC (May-berry -- Mt. Airy -- see the similarity? Mt Airy is a short distance from Pilot Mountain -- and they were always talking about Mt. Pilot -- Remember?)
So, when I got out of the boot a couple of weeks ago, and it was obvious I wouldn't be able to make the leap from 5-milers to a full marathon, I opted out of the City of Oaks Marathon and got my entry deferred till next year. Earlier this week, I got the itch to try the half marathon distance this weekend. I could have signed up for the City of Oaks Half, but I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to make the time limit (not being entirely up to snuff yet). I found a listing on Active for the Mayberry Half and Marathon Relay and contacted the race director to check the time limit. Because the half and marathon relay were run simultaneously, I'd have 5 hours to complete the half, they allowed iPods (woohoo!), and it is in a very beautiful part of the country. Why not? I might be slow, but at least I'd get in some good hill training.
This morning, I set off for Mt. Airy. The race was quite small, but I have to say I was very impressed. The course was beautiful, the package pickup very well organized, and the volunteers unbelievably friendly -- even to a way back of the packer like myself. I discovered right away that the names
Mount Airy and Pilot
Mountain were not coincidental, but honestly, the scenery was so beautiful (and the folks so nice) that I didn't really mind the hills.
But enough talk -- here are the photos.
These were the only folks I kept in view -- and I lost them after about Mile 5. The course signage was very clear, though, so I was never afraid of getting lost.
The leaves were amazing
Horses on the courses
I could have taken a million of these along the course -- beautiful house, gorgeous Fall color
OK, so I have more photos, but you get the idea. It was just breathtaking. So, I finally finish -- dead last -- at 3:20-something, I'd guess. (The results aren't posted yet.) And I get some food and head to the car and I'm about to get in and the guy on the loudspeaker tells me to come back -- I placed in my age group (not sure where!) and I get a little standard nondescript medal, but for a $30 race, it was a really nice surprise. And the race director made a point to come over and ask me what I thought and thanked me profusely for coming and encouraged me to come back next year.
On the way home, I stopped at Pilot Mountain and took a short hike from the parking lot to the overlooks.
Pilot Mountain
Me at the overlook
All in all, a really nice day -- and just the confidence-booster I needed.
GO! WISH Team GO! 
Oh Lily, that's precious! You are a funny girl! 
Anne
-- It was just a HALF marathon -- and I parked in the upper lot and took the 1/4-1/2 mi. hike to the overlooks. I just didn't want to drive straight home and stiffen up. It was a nice little rest stop along the way.
