Yes, life is good in Maine. So good, that I am kicking myself for waiting 39 years to make my way to the northernmost state in the New England region of the U.S. With its heady mixture of artistic and outdoor adventures, Portland is stylish and sophisticated, yet remains genuine and unpretentious, a place where grey flannel and plaid flannel coexist companionably. And underlying the latest tech, fashion, and culinary scene is a deep sense of continuity. Oh, and did I mention I am obsessed with seafood? Specifically, lobster!

The Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
This race is Portland’s premier summertime running event that cuts through the heart of the Old Port district and West End neighborhood. Runners are treated to sweeping views of Casco Bay, its many islands, ferries, sailboats, lobster boats, tug boats, and paddlers, the Presumpscot River, the City of Portland skyline, and the Back Cove.

Takeaways from this race experience:
* Race expo is small and intimate – located in the heart of Old Port off of Fore street, runners can walk the expo and be in & out in a matter of minutes. 
* Maine’s second biggest road race – 4,200 entrants with more than 40 states represented. 70% of participants are actually from out of state.
* The route is extremely scenic – the allure of Portland in the summer and the breathtaking views are worth running 13.1. The final few miles the of the second half of the race feature some of the course’s most scenic terrain, as runners will make their way nearly all the way around Portland’s Back Cove and Bayside trails.
* Food, food, and more seafood! – before, during and after the race, there are a multitude of incredible fresh seafood options from J’s Oysters to The Lobster Shack. Your belly should always be full!
* Bling is a factor – for most runners, and I thought race director Erik Boucher, did an excellent job with the medal.

If you have an extra day or two, I highly recommend visiting:

• Lucky Catch – take an unforgettable 80-90 minute excursion in Casco Bay
  
  

  Set your own traps and reel in live whole Maine lobsters

• Eartha – is housed in a three-story glass gallery at DeLorme Headquarters and is the world’s largest rotating/revolving globe located in Yarmouth, Maine.
• Oxford Casino – 45 minutes outside of Portland is a small casino where runners and gamblers alike can try their luck
• Freeport, Maine – 20 minutes outside of Portland, you will find beautiful coast lines and shopping