A Half Marathon and Super Bowl XLIV

Running has been integral part of my life for 17 years now. A long time team sport athlete, I began running my sophomore year in college to help battle the loathsome freshman fifteen. I joined my college cross country team at the beckoning of my soon-to-be coach and never looked back. While I wasn’t the top runner on my team – I was very green – I was dedicated and enjoyed the challenge. By my senior year I made the top 20 in my conference and had really gotten the running bug. I finally broke the 20 minute barrier and logged a PR for a 5K at 19:36 after graduation. I learned a lot from my teammates (what not to do as well as what to do) and a wealth of knowledge from my overly dedicated nerdy but awesome coach.These days I have logged many miles in many different countries, run loads of road races, made tons of running friends and now I can literally walk out the door of my office at Ceja Vineyards and run through the rolling hills of Carneros, amidst the mustard and vines, in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Today marks 2 days before my fourth half marathon and I stand before you totally unprepared, but not afraid. I have a mere 20 miles logged this week and none of them very satisfying. I ran my first half back in the late 90s in Colorado and it was grueling! I was a newbie to Colorado and to trail running and a good half marathon in the foothills of the Rockies will break a girl in quickly. But many years later, and a few half marathons the wiser, I know a 13 mile run is not anything to fear. Especially through Golden Gate Park on a cool February morning and with a Super Bowl Party with friends awaiting me afterwards. Bring it on Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon. I fear you not!

~Wine Club Wendy