Hubby and I don’t travel much together.  On the rare occasion when we do travel together, we do so quickly so as not to put to much burden on Grandma TooTall as she is always the one who helps with the kids & dogs in our absence.  Thanks, Mom!  As a result, it’s been years, probably 2 or 3, since we’ve taken a long weekend alone together.

Our long weekend destination this time was Charleston, SC.  Beautiful 13 hour drive (from Ft Wayne, IN).  Historic town.  Lovely people.  Fitness oriented community.  Clean.  Vagrant free.  Best road trip ever. 

I was also able to safely run both days we were in town so I was happy.  On Day 1, I  ran 8 miles.  4 miles out, then back.  This route ran over the Ashley River Bridge, along the Chesterton Bay Marina, and down Battery Row past the amazing historic mansions, toward the fountain & waterfront park. It was “slightly” dark on my way out.

The sun was coming up on my way back to the hotel.  I grabbed a few more photos, including one of this mansion on Battery Row that caught my eye.

Interestingly enough, that beautiful pink mansion is for sale.  And it can be yours.  For upwards of seven million or so $$.  If you buy this home, please let me come visit.  I didn’t bother calling for a showing.  Cuz we were short on time and $7,000,000.

After retuning from my Day 1 run, I proceeded to take hubby on a driving tour of what I saw while running.  Then we spent the remainder of the day walking & touring Charleston.  We walked 10.5 miles and saw so many historic sites, parks, brick & cobblestone roads and just drank in all the beer beauty of this small town.  We even made a quick trip to Folly Beach to see the Atlantic Ocean.

Folly Beach

During Day 1, we saw lots of banners for the Cooper River Bridge Run.  We saw a constant stream of signs, coasters & pint glasses all advertising the run.  Plus the bridge was visible throughout the city and from the riverboats. 

Knowing how races promote, I knew that the Bridge Run was either coming up or had just passed.  It was over.  March 28, 2015 was the day of the 38th Bridge Run.  We didn’t roll into town until April 1st at 9pm.  But I wasn’t leaving town without running that bridge.  The Cooper River Bridge Run has become iconic with runners in the US.  It’s currently the 3rd largest 10K in the US.  It starts in Mount Pleasant, runs across the bridge, up King Street & then finishes in downtown Charleston on Meeting Street in the heart of the historic district. 

Day 2 – THE bridge run!  2.5 miles each way.  Not so easy for this flatlander going up but going down was SWEET!  WhoooHoooo!

You know there is a lot of foot traffic on a bridge when there are directional signs.  Yep.  Lots of foot & bike traffic.  

The view was beautiful on my first trip over.  The sun was just starting to come up and it was bright enough for me to see and take photos.   However, I wasn’t prepared for how spectacular the view would be on my return trip.  The sun was moving higher in the sky and the visual result was amazing.  This was definitely a moment when I paused to give thanks for my ability and desire to run. This was one of those “priceless” moments.  I’m thankful to be a runner.  I’m thankful to be healthy enough to run “most” days.  I’m thankful that my will and desire to run actually gets me out of bed when I’d sometimes rather sleep a bit longer.

After the bridge run, I took hubby on a drive to Mt Pleasant so he could experience the bridge too.  Then we spent the rest of the day in Charleston walking another 12.5 miles while sightseeing & touring.  Yeah, my legs & feet were almost tired after 2 days of fun. 

Lots of old churches. Tons of old graveyards.  So much history between the various wars in the region, the Navel Station, the Charleston Port which is still one of the largest exporters in the US and the pirates drawn to the area thru the waterways.  I’m not going to tell you everything about Charleston but you might want to check it out for yourself.  Nice area.  Rich history.  Worth the trip. 

** Go Run Charleston ** Amanda – TooTallFritz