See You in Oregon? Yes or Pinot?
Running on the West Coast is my favorite. I suspected this might be the case after I earned a PR at the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon. I’d trained hard leading up to that race, but the mix of awesome temperatures (humidity? What humidity?) and gorgeous scenery made the miles feel like they were flying by. Plus, you know, wine.
My suspicions were nearly confirmed last year, when I joined my fellow Brooks Running Blog Ambassadors for the Seattle Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon. I had definitely not trained properly for that race, and still I got a pretty significant PR, so clearly West Coast weather agrees with me.
Those suspicions were fully confirmed last weekend, when I went to Oregon — once again with my Run Happy girls from Brooks — to watch the Olympic Track & Field trials. (SO much more to come on that, but for now, let it suffice to say that it was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience and I had an absolute blast.) Of course we went for a run, and despite my plan to take it easy, I knocked out 4.5 miles at a considerably faster pace than I’d hit in … well, months. Maybe longer.
You guys see where this is going, right?
I’m taking THIS part of the training very seriously. Credit: JLee Photography
That’s right — I’m all signed up for another half out West! This time, it’s the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon in the Willamette Valley (known especially for their pinot noir, and okay FINE I’ll try some while I’m out there if you insist). I’m going with fellow Brooks Running Blog Ambassador Lora (Crazy Running Girl), my friend and teammate from Santa Barbara, Megan (Never Last Run), and my buddy Kevin (who should probably start a blog about running because he puts in miles in some seriously cool places — hint, hint).
These wine country races tend to be so well run. I love that the course is a point-to-point (hooray for new scenery the whole time — the course description sounds amazing!), and while there are a few climbs that I suspect will take me to a walk, there are a whole bunch of nice, easy downhill miles that I really enjoy. My training isn’t currently quite where I’d like it to be, but I’m starting to get serious and I think it’s going to be a good time, even if it’s not my speediest race.
So, wanna join me? I thought you might, and I’ve got a hook up for you!
You can register here, and then use the discount code FITBOTTOMEDGIRLS16 to get $10 off your Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon registration fee. Score!
If you’re going, let me know in the comments or on social — I’d love to raise a glass to (and with!) you at the Wine & Music Festival following the race!
Have you spent any time in the Willamette Valley? I’m hoping to do a little hiking (post-race quads permitting) there before I head home, so shout with any recommendations! —Kristen