1/2 Marathon

Healdsburg Half Marathon
I woke up at 4:30 to shower. I wanted to feel refreshed and I knew that that would be the only time to do it. My friends were uninterested in the shower factor and so I woke up, completely, alone.
15 minutes later coffee was served. I had nerves and rushed around trying to make sure that I did not forget anything.
I had my shoes. My chapstick. Visor. I considered not bringing it, but knew, that yes, the visor is my security blanket. I have run twice without it since I began this journey as a runner.
I left my ipod at the Box (our lodgings) since I knew that Lindsay and I were running the race together. The ipod was unnecessary.
Somehow we wasted 45 minutes. Originally, we planned on leaving at 5:15 in order to drive to Healdsburg and catch the last shuttle at 6:30. The race had shuttle stops that were conveniently located around Healdsburg. I felt if we parked at the Dry Creek Best Western that would be the best option. Post race, that particular shuttle, was supposed to run back to the location every twenty minutes. It would work.
Megan drove to Healdsburg in the complete dark. Our road was windy and there were stretches of one lane only. Thankfully, there wasn't much traffic. Still, we arrived at the Best Western at 6:30.
We arrived as a shuttle was departing. There was a considerable amount of people waiting in the parking lot and so I knew that they would send another shuttle. We took the Charter Bus and arrived at Francis Ford Coppola. I needed another potty break and so, Sara and I headed to the line and waited, and waited and waited. Seriously. That line didn't move and they kept saying---5 minutes til we start. The race started late since there were people still arriving from shuttles at 7:15.
Prior to the race, Megan decided that she would walk the race. She had an injury on her hip and was told if she ran, she would postpone her recovery by a month. Megan is a competitive person and waivered with what she wanted to do. I told her that she should listen to her body and decide what would work best. If she wanted to try to run, she should. Otherwise, she could take a shuttle to the end, I thought.
Race began with Sara, Lindsay and I running together. It was a beautiful day--overcast, humid, but incredibly beautiful landscape. We started off conservative. At mile 3, we listened to some chick yell---This is the only porta potty.....I am going here! It only stuck out since she was so loud about it.
Continuing on, I was a little ahead of Sara and Lindsay. Our pace was good and I felt the race was going extremely well. At mile 5, Lindsay and I separated from Sara. Sara is more of a solo runner and I knew that she wanted to focus on the race, figure out her pace/exertion rate; while, Lindsay runs for herself and prefers a conversation for the race. Me, I figured it was a training run and approached it as such. I felt awesome.
Mile 6 was in front of Quivira Winery. They had wine available at the aid station. We drank it.
The course was rolling hill and it was funny how easy it was to conquer the hills for us. I think elevation worked in our favor. Actually, I know it did. A little humid, but otherwise, the conditions were perfect.
At mile 10, Lindsay started to want to conserve energy. I wanted to race with her and so I hung back. We slowed down, a little. The next three miles, we ran and I felt that I definitely could have picked up the pace. I kept pushing for it, and she encouraged me to take off. I wouldn't though. I wanted to finish with her.
We passed by a male runner that had dehydrated. The Red Cross van was attending to him, but I didn't want to stare at this as we ran by since I had this unusual feeling that if I focused too much on his situation, it would happen to me. I know it was irrational. I just didn't want to feel his pain.
We crossed the finish line and was handed a lovely medal for finishing. I had turned around to get ready to root for Sara and she crossed before I could get my camera ready. Bummer! I wanted to cheer for her but was unaware of her proximity to us.
Our chip time (mine and Lindsay) was 2:15:57. Okay time--right dab in the middle, but I really enjoyed the race. I know that I could have competed and felt I could have PR'd that race had I not agreed to run with Lindsay. It was a training run, for me, and I ran it with someone.
We retrieved our bag which took too long and was about to head to the wine glass line when Megan showed up. She ran her first 1/2 Marathon, injured and all, and finished in 2:44:00. Amazing, especially knowing that she was attempting her first and not in the best condition to do so. Everyone told her that she should sit this out, but her determination aided her in tackling the 1/2.
At this point, we needed to head back to Napa, shower, and drive back to Calistoga/St. Helena area. We walked to the shuttle return area to find 3 huge lines. Disorganized. Messy to contend with. Other people had envisioned the great Best Western return, too, only to find that it wasn't every 20 minutes. More like 35-45 minutes. I was happy to be in line and grateful for the service. Unfortunately, there were many people that were bitching about the time it took to return to cars which did not help the situation.
I think that should be addressed when planning next year's race and even the porta potties, too. There were not that many available along the course. They definitely could have used more.
Instead of showering, we drove to St. Helena and arrived 5 til one. Wine tasting commenced in our workout clothes. More on that later.
I am so glad that we ran the Healdsburg Half. It was a beautiful course and something that I will always remember--food, wine, and friends.

best day to travel

Of all days--Tuesday--is the best!
Absolutely amazing.
This morning, we walked around San Francisco in search of a breakfast burrito. Yes, I had to have a breakfast burrito. Lindsay agreed as I knew she would. I think she enjoys mexican food as much as I do.
We headed out of the hotel. We had to walk through the junkies (again) and head towards union station. I thought there would be a selection of mexican restaurants available to us. I did. I found one when I stayed in the city in August. We walked by it, this morning, and my friends considered that as an option. I declined.
We walked by numerous Thai, Vietnamese and Asian restaurants. No mexican.
Eventually, we utilized Lindsay's phone to speed the process up. We located a restaurant and walked in that direction. We found the spot and it wasn't open yet. Of course, it wouldn't be that easy.
We sought out the internet again amd found an alternate location.
They were open and offered breakfast burritos. Breakfast was served. AMAZING. Fantastic salsa and a delightful burrito.
Afterwards, we picked up the bag, checked out of the hotel and walked to the BART Station. I was surprised at the cost--$8.10 per individual--but I recognized that it was less than a taxi or shuttle service. Plus, it is efficient. The train leaves multiple times during the hour. Our ride to SFO was painless.
Upon arriving at the airport, we checked into the flight and walked to security. Five minutes later, we were in the terminal. Super quick.
Next, we drank a beer and waited out the two + hour wait until our flight departed. We reminisced the weekend, the photos and the saying--Happiness in my heart--coined by Rony, at St. Francis Winery. More on that later.
We headed towards the gate and realized that we were holding the flight up. However, in our defense, boarding started at 2:15. Apparently, it had been quick. Within ten minutes, we were the only stragglers.
Flight left on time. Arrived on time.
Lindsay took the shuttle to her car and Sara and I picked up her bag.
Each step required minimal effort and affirmed that, yes, Tuesday, is a wonderful day to travel. My trip to Healdsburg was remarkable. I intend a recap of the Healdsburg 1/2, wine country, food and San Francisco. Super eventful and noteworthy.

Partners in crime

My running partners (drinking buddies--most times), but for all intents and purposes our weekend in Healdsburg will be about the run and committing to another destination race.

And wine. More wine. Food and memories.

I am blessed to have met these ladies and know that they will get along fabulously! I am bummed that a few others were unable to make it. All I can I say is.....there is always next year and ample races around the country.

One day, I would like to conquer Big Sur. I don't know if I am ready for that particular hilly course yet.

Nevertheless, Healdsburg--here we come. Have a wonderful, safe, holiday weekend~ For once, I am not working or forced to wear an inappropriate costume to work.

Coming to fruition

I want my friends to enjoy our trip to Napa. I know we are not going to have enough time to sample all of the wine that I would like to drink. There are four of us which will slow us down, somewhat. More conversation, bathroom breaks and staying the intended course.
I was able to arrange a few wine tastings through acquaintances that I have met through wine dinners, industry, and other friends.
I know that I am fortunate. I do.
However, I was dismayed after calling a specific winery. I explained that they had been recommended as an excellent winery by a friend of mine. I mentioned that I was industry and hoped to arrange a tasting for myself and three of my friends.
I was told that the tasting fee was $45 per person. What?
She told me that I would need to speak to the rep before they could waive the fee for me. My friends would still be responsible for the cash---$135 total.
It's too much. You sample three vintages, some cheese and pay $45. And, it isn't an enormous amount of wine free poured. Ridiculous!
The woman was friendly and so I kept my concerns to myself. All I know is that I did not contact the rep. Instead, I sought out another winery and made plans to taste on Saturday.
I tried to make dinner reservations at Bouchon for Saturday night. Unfortuantely, I waited too long. The only available table was at ten pm. I cannot wait that long. Nor my friends.
I think we are going to check out ZuZu for tapas and wine. Or, Redd.
There is always Sunday for Bouchon.
And, we are going the responsible route. Sara Jo hired a car to drive us around Napa on Sunday. It is worth it. As much as we want to enjoy Napa, without a driver, one of us would have to not drink the wine.
This is not an option for me. I had the idea of this 1/2 Marathon since it focused on wine and is located near one of my favorite cities in the world.
Hotel reserved for San Fran.
T-shirt being made and (hopefully) picked up tomorrow.
Yes, the starts have aligned and Napa will be a successful race, weekend, trip.

Monday, Monday.....

Gloomy day off.
Ideal weather to sleep, procrastinate, delay a run. I should make time for the run as part of my recovery. I think it will help me recover, quicker, from the next twenty mile run. And, yes, I have another one of those right around the corner. Unfortunately, I think that is a solo one. The barefoot runner will be tapering then. It is the beginning of a new session and most people will be at the start of their training plans.
Solo 20 it is...my ipod will be charged and I will have a positive mantra to get me through the run. I have to.
This upcoming Saturday, I am heading to Napa with Sara Jo, the Goddess and Megan to run the Healdsburg 1/2 Marathon. It is a rolling hill course and we run by 22 wineries. An amazing race with rewards that do not stop.
I intend to run the race, but not race it. There is wine available at the aid stations. How can I turn down free wine? Plus, I feel, this is about camaraderie. I believe that Lindsay understands that and is on board with my goal plan. She has run other races and enjoys running for herself. Sara Jo and Megan are both new to running. There is the fear of completion, stopping to walk, not going fast enough, etc....I know they will enjoy the experience but they have anxiety that I have gotten beyond. I told Sara that if she wanted to race it, she should. There will be plenty of wine, post-race, as well.
We are considering a stop in Santa Rosa to check out the Russian River Brewery. I met their brewer at the Great American Beer Festival. I enjoy beer and it will be a nice break from the wine flow. I plan on sampling a lot of wine.
Ironically, the 1/2 Marathon coincides, perfectly, with my training plan. I am supposed to back off this weekend, mileage-wise, and hit it hard, again, November 6th. Full circle to the 20 miles of upcoming bliss.
Maybe I will run later today. Rain inspires sleep or soup. I need to think past that in order to go actually go running........

Mother May I....so freaking tired.
For real.
20 miles.
People do it often. No, I am not trying to be facetious. There are runners/tri-athletes/athletes. People that enjoy these activities.
To me, 20 miles, is a lot. It hurts to stand up after settling in. Well, let me back track--a little. I ran 20 miles, yesterday.
I was hydrated. I came home with a cup of coffee and made a peanut butter and cheddar cheese english muffin. I napped.
I showed up, at work, at 3:45. Yes, I work weekends. No option in this.
Instead of sleeping, post-run, I worked. As much as coaches/trainers want to stress---it is only about the time on your feet, to me, it is a bunch of b.s. There is no down time on the weekends for me.
I run. I work. I sleep (limited amounts of recovery time). I work.
Eventually, I run, again.
Yes, there is no option for me. Running on the weekends translates to the working tired.
20 miles is nothing to a serious runner.
Twenty miles, to me, means being tired post-run and probably day after.
Stiff. Sore. In need of a salt bath. Yep, that is me.
This evening, I bathed and prepared to meet Steve and Sarah. Elway's always works. Sous chef, Cory, was in the house, and we tried the most amazing spawning shrimp with collard greens and grits. OMG---food coma....love food............................

Twenty Miles

On deck....20 miles for Saturday's run.
I was up for it and had arranged a person to run with that runs with my group. Since most people in my running group ran the Denver 1/2 or Denver full, last weekend, I knew that I would have slim pickings on people that were actually running more than 8 miles.
Recovery runs or upcoming marathon next weekend, kept people in check. The only insane others were running NYC, North Carolina or Las Vegas that I found. I had to run the dreaded 20. I couldn't see it any other way. MUST RUN 20....
And, like I mentioned, I had someone to suffer through it with. I ran with the Barefoot Runner and again, had a profound conversation. He is refreshing since his perspective is positive and interesting. We talked politics, the penal system, education, family, upcoming travel, food, running. We talked about running, a lot, since, we both are trying to work through our own individual issues. He is competitive with his running. He has attended conferences regarding health benefits, the physicality/form of running, yoga and how yoga helps the running form and the spiritual angle of running.
He told me that story of a man that ran 75 consecutive marathons and how it wasn't about the spiritual sense you get, or a cause you run for, it was this man's determination to do it. For no other reason than to run from St. Paul to Atlanta. He wasn't a physically fit man or a healthy eater. But, he ran from St. Paul to Atlanta in 75 days.
Remarkable.
I was semi-disappointed with our route, today, since it was a loop course. 8 miles to be exact.
As such, I would have to run two loops plus an additional two miles to equal twenty. Loops do not work for me. If I run near my car, I want to stop at my car and drive away. Tempted by the goodness of coffee that I visualize about during the run.
Yes, loops are not a good idea for my training plan.
Grady agreed. We did one full loop and I dropped my jacket off at my car. Very tempted to drive away but held firm to my resolve.
We started loop #2 and planned a way to not have to complete the second full loop. Mostly, because we knew that if we ran by my car, again, I would drive away.
We planned an out and back at mile 6 of the loop.
Up to this point, I felt great. Our pace was strong. I was hydrated. I knew there was only the return four miles. I crashed. Those last miles absolutely sucked! They took forever.
I know it was mental, for me, and I know that Grady was being kind to repace to stay running with me. He reminded me of the story of the determined runner to keep me going.
Wouldn't you agree that it's true? When you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. It is all possible.
Last weekend, I flew to Santa Barbara to attend my cousin's wedding. I wanted to go. Who wouldn't? It's wine country and I knew that I was able to go and should since no other immediate family would attend. My cousins are older and most of them have children. Heck, even my sisters bailed on the idea. Super lame.
It was too expensive. The economy is bad...blah, blah, blah......Still, I went because I wanted to and it was awesome. Maybe not the whole attending a wedding, solo part, but wine country rules. I wore a green dress and really had a blast.
Yes, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Twenty miles conquered. In two weeks, I get to revisit another 20 mile course. Lovely......