Wine Country – Slacker Runner

I am 2 weeks into training for Napa Valley Half Marathon. Which makes me realize I forgot to tell you about Napa…

Disclaimer: I received an entry into Napa Valley Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Silly Slacker.

Napa Valley. People, I live in wine country but it’s not Wine Country. Prior to running, I actually paid little attention to the hundreds (not an exaggeration) of vineyards in my area. My first half marathon was lined with vineyards and vines. I learned harvest patterns thanks to a house I run past with a couple acres of vines. Vines grew on me you could say.

I am so looking forward to running in Napa. I’ve thought about it for years but for some reason, don’t go north as often for trips. Oops. Napa Valley Marathon has been running since 1979. In 2018, they added a half. Which is what I will be running. The race course runs down the Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa. The half starts around the midway point. I do love a good point to point race. Throw in rows of vines along the way and I am in!!

Now if only I spend more time running than taking pictures. It’s a toss up. I am a picture hoarder after all. Also this may be half marathon #40. Or 41…. I do have a tendency to throw races in at the last minute.

Oh, did I mention this will be my time trying the VIP experience at race?????? I’m excited!!

Want to join me on March 1? Use code BIBRAVE10 to save $10 on registration!

And the streak comes to an end. Waah. 😭😭

I called in sick on Monday. I don’t really remember doing it. When I woke at 1- 1 PM!- I panicked. I was late! Oh, wait, my phone shows that I both texted and called my boss. Oh ok, then. But really?! I called in sick?! To emphasize how rare that is- my boss told me she was proud of me for calling in sick. Proud. And I’m sad I’m no longer in the 200’s for accrued sick time.

Wednesday, I woke to find the room spinning. Boo. I still sound like an angry Minnie Mouse. I’ve made it to work since Tuesday but it’s been rough. Talking tires me out. And when I momentarily forget and try to sing along with my iPod while driving, it comes out more of a wheezy screech.

Combine all of that with a projected storm on race morning and even I can see the writing on the wall. I will not be running Wine Country this weekend. My streak stops at 5 years. My wine glass collection stalls at 4. This year’s medal will probably be awesome. I briefly considered trying to run the 5K instead but I’m not up for that kind of pain right now.😁

I have run this race post flu before. In the rain. It was my second half marathon. It was miserable, it made me want to quit running. I burst into tears around mile 10 and scared the crap out of a volunteer. But watching them pick up the mile markers while you are still on the course is pretty demoralizing. It still stands as my slowest half ever. It was also my first experience with an out and back. So not a fan. Thankfully, they changed the course the following year. Granted the new course included a beast of a hill at mile 12 but that’s ok. I mean beast- it climbs around 130 feet in less than 2/10 of a mile. The race itself has around 1000ft gain in elevation throughout. Ok, I’m making myself sad now.

So, here I am being smart. Smart sucks. This cold sucks. Boo.

Do you run the same race every year? Longest streak?

Should I be stupid?

How has your week gone?