Wine Country Half #2

The Wine Country Half Marathon was yesterday in Paso Robles. It was the second time I ran it; the first time was two years ago and I placed 3rd in my AG, running 11:15 mpm. This time, not even close! I did run hard, though, and pulled in 9 out of 11. The top three in my age group all ran under 2:15, including one woman who was two years older than me! My time was 2:36:48; 11:58 minutes per mile overall.

The heavy rains and recent traveling put a dent in my training schedule and I knew I wasn't in my best shape. I did run 12 miles on the course a couple of weeks ago, and that was my longest training run. At least I knew I could do that distance. But how fast could I go?

It was butt-cold in the morning and I had all my cold weather gear on while waiting for the race to start. My friends were also running this race, but they car-pooled and I arrived before them. I ran a little to warm up and then went to the portapotty. This is a pretty small race (665 finishers) so the line was non-existent. I saw my girlfriends on my way to the toilet, but then didn't see them when I got out. I headed over to the gear drop and reluctantly took off my warm clothes. I kept the jacket on though, even though I was wearing arm warmers with my ss shirt. Of course, half-way through I had to wrap it around my waist. Sigh.

One more stop at the portalet and I headed to the starting line. I still didn't see my friends, so ran by myself. I figured they were ahead of me, but later learned that they were staying warm in their truck and didn't hear the starting buzzer!

Crossing the starting line, I started my Garmin. I was running at a pretty good clip, but many people were passing me. Turning around, it looked like I was going to be the last one. And I hadn't even gone 1/2 mile yet. What a fast field! But experience had taught me not to go out too fast, so I watched my speed and tried to enjoy the scenery. We passed a pasture and a horse was running around, stirred up by the crowd I guess. That was fun.

Between miles 2 and 3, the Huer Huero Creek crosses Buena Vista Rd. Normally there isn't any water in it, but lately the road had been closed because the creek flooded it. Race directors were worried that they'd have to change the route, but it was bone dry by Sunday.

Remembering the San Francisco Half last July, I looked for a runner to keep pace with. I found a young woman and we ran along together for a few miles. I never got her name, but she was from Santa Monica. Being familiar with the route, I gave her a few pointers. I warned her about Airport Rd. which is downright hazardous because it's so torn up. In fact, I got a twinge in my left knee running there and I was afraid I was done, but I was able to work through it. Whew!

There was a water stop at J. Lohr Winery, but no portapotty. Dang! I had passed up the first one because the line was too long, but an hour into the run I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold it. There weren't any bushes where a girl could discreetly relieve herself. Turning onto Wellsona Rd. a half mile later, I saw two portapotties. There was a short line and I debated about passing it up. I opted for comfort rather than speed and stayed. The line moved pretty fast, but still, I lost a few minutes. That was just before mile 7, so imagine my chagrin when I saw a lone portapotty just before mile 10 with no one using it.

Wellsona has some rolling hills and horse farms and then turns into River Rd. On my training runs I headed south on River Rd. but the course first headed north and uphill before looping back and heading south. Grrr. As the southbound runners passed me, I looked for my friends but didn't see them. I did see an elderly couple who I had talked to at the packet pickup. They were probably in their 70s and had run the Portland Marathon. I was a little daunted to see them ahead of me, but I cheered them on.

As I looped back southbound I finally saw my friends heading northbound. They were running in a pack and taking walking breaks. I try to only walk at the water stations, so that I can consume my drink. Since I was wearing a belt, I was usually able to run past the water stations.

Between miles 9 and 10, I started to get run down. Up until mile 10, I had been running between 11:30 and 12 mpm, but after mile 10 it went over 12. My legs were tired and I was surrounded by walkers. I so wanted to walk too, but I made myself run faster--surprisingly, that relieves the fatigue. I remembered another Dori--the fish from Finding Nemo--and kept repeating, "just keep running; just keep running." As I did I passed several people, including the elderly couple I mentioned earlier.

A friend of mine's sister passed away recently from colon cancer and I dedicated my race to her. As the going got tough, I thought about Nancy and how well she handled her struggle with cancer these last three years. I was wearing a LiveStrong bracelet which reminded me why I run.

After mile 12 the course veers onto private property and up a, "You've got to be f-ing kidding me!" hill. It was short but very steep and I made myself "run" up it, although my pace was over 18 mpm. I was so close to the finish that I didn't want to break form and start walking. At the top I caught my breath and then picked up the pace to the finish line. The announcer called my name and I raised my arms in victory.

I got my medal and a bottle of water, then walked back to cheer my friends in. A friend of ours, the woman who introduced me to everyone when I first moved here, was there and we waited together. Once they were all in, we took pictures and got some egg burritos--post race food. I drank a couple of cups of coffee and it was so good! Here we all are:

So, another race. It was a good test and shows me areas that I have to work on. My main race is the Portland Marathon on October 9, so that will be the focus from now on. If I do another half, it will only be to see where I'm at fitness-wise. I've got all summer to work on my speed and endurance, in my never-ending quest for a 5-hour marathon!

Photos by T. Howland.