11.02.2012

Wine Country Half Marathon

Remember I said that the Broski was talking about running another half? Let me tell you why. When we decided to run the Cloverdale Half, we did it only because the race we wanted, The Wine Country Half, was full already. It wasn't heartbreaking or a difficult decision; it was quick and easy to pick a different harvest related race, since Broski works in the wine country and so not only does this mean it is fun to do it on his home turf, but secondly, he is also busy with harvest and so it makes sense to do something closer to him at this time.

So we ran the Cloverdale Half as planned. The next day, Broski's friend Dave, who owns a winery in the area, said that he was running his first half and had put together a team for his winery and still had a couple of spots open. So, in the typical crazy runner fashion, Broski and I decided to fill the empty slots.


First of all, let me say that Dave ROCKED his first half! He finished in under 2 hours! We ran together for most of the time and it was great to get to know him and to be a part of his first big race! Second, I must mention how much I love hanging out with Broski and the Lady Friend. I always go up and stay the night and we have great times cooking, eating, drinking and hanging out.

Unfortunately, this time, Broski was nursing a cold and a fever, so he ate and went to bed early to try to be at his best for the next day. Lady Friend and I stayed up and shot the breeze for a little while. We solved the world's problems, planned a trip to Vegas and decided that we are going to create our own Thanksmas Holiday where we don't have to fight the crowds on our special day. It's sure is nice to know people who make wine, let me tell you. I had to sample the wine from the winery that I would be running for the next day!

The race couldn't have been better. The weather was perfect at the beginning. The course started off in Geyserville with a huge hill, which really separated the men from the boys right from the get go! It then meandered around with some twists and turns and ups and downs, much of it through the vineyards, which are beautiful and all fall colored!


We all ran together until mile 9, when Broski's fever/cold started to catch up to him. By this time, he must have drank 40 oz of water, and it was starting to get hotter. Plus the shirts that Dave gave us to wear were cotton and black and they were hot! We both took off our shirts and kept plugging on, but we had to do some walk breaks up the hills (and there were a lot of them!) It got warmer and we drank more water and tackled more hills until mile 12 or so, when the course went into downtown Healdsburg for the finish.

We finished in 2:06, which was a little over Broski's goal of under 2 hours, but that just means that he needs to try again! I think he did very well, especially since he (a) ran his first half marathon LAST weekend, (b) has only run a long run distance of 8 miles before this and (c) was battling a cold/fever! We also started off a little fast and therefore pooped out a bit early (but like I said before, you have to learn this on your own sometimes).

Afterward, we got a wine glass, some snacks and some red licorice (my opinion? they should have this at every race) and our choice of not only dozens of different wines to try, but Lagunitas beer as well! And the best thing of all? The medal is a wine stopper! Now that is what I call a great after party! So when is the next one?! Broski?


*This race is race number 11 in the 12 in 2012 challenge! Only one more race to go to make 12. 

Have you ever tried exercising when you were under the weather? Have you ever run as part of a team? If you could design a fitness related item, what would it be?

15 comments:

  1. That wine stopper medal ROCKS! So cool! Best medal ever. I think your brother did really well considering he was sick and just ran a half the previous weekend!

    I did yassos when I had bronchitis and looking back, that was a bad decision. OH well, live and learn. I also did a long run of 13 miles when I was recovering from bronchitis which was tough as I coughed and coughed and coughed!

    That is awesome that you get along with the Broski's lady friend. My brothers are both married and I LOVE their wives. I actually communicate more with their wives than I do with my brothers as it's just easier to talk to the wife most of the time.

    I have never run as part of a team!

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  2. Wow I'm so impressed! Also, that looks like a beautiful course :)

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  3. I love that medal!!! Very cool!! I've run a half marathon with a bad cold...I stocked up on medicine and hoped for the best! It actually went well...then I crashed after it was over!!

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  4. Well done on the finish. Never ran a marathon but this is all very inspiring!

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  5. That is a bucket list race for me--how can you beat the locale?? Congrats to Broski; sorry he was sick going into it. So hard!

    And can I get in on that holiday?

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  6. That's fun that you ran two half marathons with your brother! I tried to get mine into running, but he was too busy with work and his knees were giving him trouble.

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  7. Running when you are sick is tough. I got some sort of 24 hour bug this week and took an extra rest day-- it wasn't even tempting to try to move. :)
    Congrats to you both- two half marathons in a row is impressive, especially for a newbie runner!

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  8. Nice! 11 down 1 to go? that's really cool. great race!

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  9. Love the medal, we have thought about running this one. I have run Napa/Sonoma in the past and love the area :)

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  10. You guys rock! That race sounds amazing and I love the medal! Love that you had such beautiful weather:) Sounds a bit toasty. I have never run as part of a team before, would be fun though:)

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  11. Wow, I can't imagine running a half marathon with a fever.

    That race is totally on my bucket list. It sounds awesome. I love the medal.

    Congrats on #11!!

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  12. Very nice and congratulations on your half marathon. However where is wine country, is that in California around Sonoma County?

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  13. Like I said before, your brother needs to keep running!

    That looks beautiful and FUN!

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  14. What a unique race medal! I love that! Hope your brother is feeling better soon.

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  15. I usually don't work out when I feel crappy. Of course it depends on the kind of crappy! Sounds like a very, very enjoyable time...especially for you since you weren't sick!

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