When I decided to pursue a modified version of the traditional "50 states" running goal, I knew I would take advantage of work trips when possible and squeeze in a race. My work trip to Boise, Idaho, was no exception.
And before you ask, yes, I paid for the extra night at the hotel and did not collect per diem on my "non-work" day. I'm irrationally afraid of breaking rules, and have no desire to throw bad karma out there. <--- Really just writing that for anyone who might actually know details of where I work and what I do and is really concerned about how public servants spend taxpayers money. Sir or madam, this one does it as responsibly as possible.
In any case, taking extra time to let my brain heal after hitting my head meant 1) of course I will still doing this race and 2) I would be taking it easy and run/walking and 3) barely having any wine, despite paying the extra $ for a commemorative wine glass and unlimited wine tastings.
The race, themed as a summer night, took place on .... a summer night at a beautiful winery just south of Boise. I don't remember the actual temperature, but at 7 pm in the evening, it was still definitely above 80*. With the area being at just under 3,000' elevation, the 4 min run/2 min walk plan was sure to be a good one to not kill myself in 3.1 miles.
BTW, there was also a 10K and 13.1 option for this race. Yeesh.
So, the gun goes off, and I'm bopping along, getting in front of the usual walkers, except I think it was me who was in the wrong this time and had no idea how few runners there were in the full scheme of registrants. Eh, no mind.
As we make our way out of the winery, I thought I had gotten a good thumbs up photo with the photographer. Instead, I got these two:
Wayyy in the back.
Oh look! My ponytail!
In any case, I was feeling the heat quickly. UGH. But the course was thankfully easy. I just kept going at whatever pace felt good, averaging 10:30-ish on the run portion. Not going to lie though, those walk portions were readily welcomed. It was just so darn hot and I was really thirsty. When I hit the aid station, I did the rare act and took both water and gatorade.
Yes. It really was that hot. And okay, so I had also barely trained for this race. I wasn't racing.
That is, I wasn't racing until there was less than half a mile left and I heard someone coming up behind me. With no one else nearby, there was no way I was going to let anyone pass me, ha!
Hey guys! I'm running in a winery! I'm hot and miserable!
The volunteers handing out finisher medals at the end were fantastic. Instead of awkwardly finishing by myself in silence, I was welcomed with cheers and smiles. It was one of the most fun finishes I've had in a long time. Afterwards, I immediately grabbed water and gatorade and drank both slowly as I went to grab my ID so I could get my wine glass (yes, EVERYONE needed IDs. I chatted for a minute with a 60 year old guy who had to get his ID, too).
After I cooled down a bit (probably should have done a cool down jog, honestly), I enjoyed one small sample of the winery's rose, which was absolutely fabulous and I was very sad I didn't have room in my checked bag for a few bottles. Then, I grabbed a few bites of food - they had a spaghetti dinner, someone making grilled cheese and lots and lots of wine everywhere.
Honestly, despite the heat, it was a really well done race. Small (which I love), good food (++), live music and just a fun, relaxed atmosphere. If I had been out there with friends, I would have stayed much longer than I did.
A few more pics from the evening:
Sweaty selfie with winery-themed manicure
Wine glass and finisher medal
The whole combo.
Beautiful flowers and the crowd at the post-race festival.
Final results: 36:09, 6/25 in 31-35 AG (had I been in pre-head hitting shape, could have taken 2nd in AG). Don't remember the other placings, but definitely top half. Like I said, a lot of walkers - and I think a lot did the 10K, too. Probably so they could drink more wine, LOL.
Anyway, state 11 down, 39 to go! Would like to knock one more off the list this year, but probably won't happen, unless I do one of the neighboring states that I haven't done yet (Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee).
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