The Meaning of Running

I saw this in The New York Times and thought it was funny! When you say "run" in DC, I think it's this type of running that comes to mind.

Little Runs Here and There

It's been a busy and eventful few weeks. I've been running, but it's been 3 milers here and there. I've been trying, at least, to get to the Pacer's Run Club once a week and am trying to meet up with a run coach to help with marathon training in July. My schedule is such that finding the time to run is a bit difficult. But I can't slack off. I did 7 miles this morning with T -- it was fun, but I was slow and plodding. At least I remembered to bring some water. It's been warm these last couple of weeks. Warm and humid. Last night's run was like swimming, until we got to th epark and it started to cool off.

Sun, Run, and...Wine

4 June 2011 - (Loudoun County) What's better than running 13.1 miles on a sunny, cool day? How about adding some wine into the mix. Yesterday, was the inaugural Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon. Almost 2,000 runners, including myself and JM, started the race at Breaux Vineyards. The course snaked through wine country, passing estates, ranches, farms, and even a stretch of road mid-way through the race that had a canopy of trees overhead and had hard dirt and gravel under our feet. There were gently rolling hills, as well as some sharp, steep uphills. The last few miles of the course had little shade and felt very uphill-y. All in all, it made the finish line at Doukenie Winery a most welcomed sight.

This was the inaugural Virginia Wine Country Half. Except for a 30 minute delay in the start, it was a well run event (pun intended). Packet pick-up was smooth, everything was clearly marked and labeled, and transportation back to the start went well. The post-run food and activities were fun. They gave out Reidel wineglasses as well as a finisher's medal that had a wine cork stopper. Granted it won't fit in my refrigerator if placed atop a bottle of wine, but it's nice to have the option!

I started with the 2:15 pace group, but then broke away for a bit. It was only when I stopped for the Port-a-Potty, that the pace group passed me. Still, I wasn't to far behind. My chip time was 2:16:24, but my watch time (which didn't include my bathroom break) was even closer to 2:15.