Yes, I actually did run my first half marathon, back in February, and my second one in April. After all those youtube videos, I did accomplish my mission. Sorry to take so long to post about it, but here it goes…
I signed up to for the Run Like a Diva Special Edition – Temecula as my first half marathon. The plan was to do something special for my birthday, and since this race happened to fall on the right weekend, AND it was a Diva’s event, AND in wine country, it sounded perfect.
First let me say that I am now in love with Temecula. I’m not sure if it’s more the town or the resort, but I will be back for sure. And so will my friends. Weather, perfect. Wine, flowing nonstop. Things to do, just enough to keep from getting bored but not enough to get overwhelmed. Cost, less than Napa. This place is not to be missed if you’re in the San Diego or LA area, or somewhere in between for a few days. In fact, if you’re thinking of coming to California AT ALL, Temecula would be a nice reason to come.
After a half day of traveling, we arrived at our fabulous resort, Ponte Inn. The welcome wine reception and welcome bottle of wine in the room were an incredibly nice touch. Unfortunately the 2 runners in the group couldn’t indulge until after the race. But that’s okay. We had plenty of time to enjoy the wine later.
At the race expo
After getting situated in our room we ventured over to the race expo at a winery walking distance from our resort, Monte de Oro Winery. That’s where we picked up our race bibs, met some new BGR (black girls run) and Facebook friends, and picked up our complimentary wine tasting tickets for the two non runners in the group to enjoy during our upcoming race.
You know you’ve come a long way when you give up wine tasting tickets for a race bib.
Anyway, we set out early the next morning to walk conveniently a half mile or so down the road back to the race expo site, Monte de Oro Winery, which was the same place where the race would start. We could not have picked a better location for our stay. I was really excited about running my first half marathon after 4 months of training. But, I walked it.
Due to an injury to my IT band, the muscle running from hip to outer knee area, I could do no more than 2 steps of running, and the rest walking. But, I still did it. I saw a few ladies being carried off the course. I felt really bad for them, but I was also just happy to not be one of them.
I have nothing but love for this race. The course was pretty, the weather was a mild 72 or so, and the eye candy at the end – Lawd.
So what’s next? Well, I’m promised a “West Coast Challenge” medal if I complete another Divas run in California this year. So I’m getting ready for Divas SF, coming up in June. This time I’m focusing more on muscle strengthening than anything. I’m not interested in any more injuries. Are you up for any half marathons this year? If you’re interested in running/walking with me, be sure to join the Facebook group Well Diva Lifestyle Lounge and click on events so we can get together for a run soon!
The view from our room.
