Wine on the Wabash

Last night our Chamber hosted a fun event called wine on the Wabash. You met at the trail head for Wabash trace a great running/biking trail just outside of town and traveled to Minneola. With several stops along the way to sample wines from local wineries.

Then you ended at Toby Jack's Steakhouse for dinner and socializing. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect weather night. For it being a first time event the turnout was great as well (these pictures aren't even half of the people that participated). Of course the samples along the route helped the miles fly by.

Hoping for more social fitness events this summer that utilize our great trails and allow exercise and fun to mingle.

Running the Island

 

 If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times I absolutely LOVE running in Vieques. It is just so gorgeous there, it's always a challenge, and it's a great way to make me feel less guilty about the cocktails that are sure to be consumed throughout the day.

I have a favorite route where I run through Isabel II towards the ferry and then to Bravos area ending at La Chata beach for a few moments of solidarity and unwinding before heading back.

 Most runs happen in the morning when the weather is perfect, but occasionaly I sneak in a sunset run as well. Regardless I am never disappointed and always finish feeling revived.

You always get gorgeous views of the water for if not all of the run at least a good portion, you get to see the town in an entirely different light, you see homes you would otherwise probably miss, whifs of the pretty flowers,  and of course you hang out with the horses.

 

Gambler Half Marathon 2015

The poor Gambler must have some curse on it as every single year the weather is horrible. This year was no exception. My view as I gave myself a pep talk to get out and go running was this:

 

 

Not exactly ideal for a 13+ mile run. Especially a run I was highly highly unprepared for. As in my longest run was 6 miles, and a majority of my runs were of the 2-4 mile variety. But I really wanted to participate to support this great event in my community and figured it can't be that bad....

 

 

As you can see from my face it probably was that bad and then some lol. I actually wasn't all that sore or in pain running other than I unfortunatly got a cramp in my calf around mile 4 that stuck around the remainder of the run. Mostly I was just misereable wet and cold. The rain would not let up and it was cold and windy. Bad combo for a girl that hates rain and cold. The highlight of the race was seeing my mom and little brother twice. They graciously volunteered at a water stop (that we passed twice) and cheered me on. They were just as misereable in the rain I am sure.

 

 

I was crazy happy to finish and get out of the rain. Somehow my Garmin VivoSmart had me at  17.38 miles so I for sure have a horrible stride and/or dodge a LOT of puddles along the way. Regardless a full day of steps before noon!

 

 

I figured all that running the the awful weather earned me some after run treats. Chocolate milk for the nutrional value, a donut, and a shock top. Totally deserved and normal combinations right?

For real look at how soaking wet my feet were! Yuck

I also threw in a nice warm cozy bath with some awesome Arbonne products to help warm me up and work out at least some of the soreness that I knew was for sure headed my way later that day.

Overall my time was nothing to get excited about or brag about but hey I finished another half marathon in very less than stellar weather.

 

Official race time was 2.27.52 which was an 11.18 mile pace. For sure slow as a turle for most true runners but not as horrible as I expcted considered my lack of training. One of these days I need to really train for a race again and try for a respectable time :)



Color Vibe 5k

I love these color runs. I mean really what's not to love about running or walking through poofs of fun color and looking like a bright tye dyed explosion when you are done?

Luckily the forecasted rain held off until we finished or I might have been not quite a fan.

This was more of a walk, talk, and throw color on each other than true race so no times to report. Just fun colorful pictures.

Shamrock Shuffle 2015

Another fun 5k in the books. No idea what my time was this round as I didn't hear them call it off as I ran past. I think it was close to 30 or a tad under. Good enough for a fun run. The day started off with a slight chill but quickly improved to summer like gorgeous.

So gorgeous that a bunch of us snagged a patio spot and had a cocktail, or two.....It was just so nice out that next thing we knew we had been sitting around the patios all day long. Everyone was out roaming about and enjoying the weather, the atmosphere, and their companions. Perfect fun relaxed day.

Loved all the fun green swag we acquired throughout the day as well. I think it will certainly count Saturday as my celebration of St Pats and take today nice and easy.

All that sunshine and warm weather gets me excited for Spring/Summer without a doubt.

Sunset Run in Vieques

  I essentially always run in the mornings when on the island. It's one of my favorite things to do and the perfect way to start the day. However, one morning I was recovering from a bit too much fun at the W and skipped out on the morning run. In a way it was a blessing as I ran later that evening and enjoyed watcthing the sky change colors and the sun set on the water. Sooooo pretty!