A Bit Cold

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I finally got out for a run over the weekend after being sick. I realized that it was my first true cold run this year. Today I had the opportunity for an even colder run but I couldn’t bring myself to it. At noon it was 10°F with a wind chill of 0°F. I can handle this in January or February, but when I was running in over 60°F a few weeks ago, I’m just not mentally ready. Tomorrow it should get close to 30°F. Much better.

Divine Wine

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I’m slowly getting through all my photos of my vacation and thought I’d share a few more. Almost seems like you're being told to drink the wine, doesn’t it?



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I was sick on vacation (after the race at least!) and am just starting to get better. I’m itching to run again.

Vacation Photos

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Some photos from the rest of my trip, visiting ten wineries in two days:

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The course of the Big Sur Half Marathon was both a positive and negative for me. It was beautiful, but because much of it was on a road along the coast, I don’t think it was easy for spectators to access. Except for in town, there weren’t a lot of people along the course. Spectators are a real motivator and pick-me-up, but the scenery may have made up for it. This is part of the course:

Quick Report

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I have a new new personal record for a half marathon! I ran the Big Sur Half Marathon yesterday in 1:53:15. It was a fun time for me and just beautiful. I'm off to explore wine country and will give a more in depth report when I return.

Packed With Running Shoes

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I’ve taken care of all the important things this morning and am ready to go. I painted my toenails (and discovered another toe nail changing colors). I went for a quick run. I finished packing, making sure the all important running outfit and shoes are in my carry-on. I’m indulging in a bit of coffee but will switch to water as I head to the airport. Tomorrow I pick up my race packet and then Sunday it’s the Big Sur Half Marathon! I’ll be spending a few days in California, but I’ll report the results as soon as I can.

Minneapolis Top Ranked

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Minneapolis has been ranked by Forbes as the top city on their list of Most Affordable Places to Live Well. The rankings were based on housing affordability, cost of living index and arts and leisure availability. From the article:

Indeed, Minneapolis has top-notch cultural institutions, whether they be theaters, music halls or museums. The Guthrie Theater, for example, is considered one of the premier facilities in the country. The Twin Cities receive funding from local corporate foundations including those of Target, 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, Cargill and United Health, and from charitable institutions like the Minneapolis Foundation, which manages just under $700 million in assets.

The arts in the Twin Cities is something I’ve grown to really enjoy over the years I’ve lived here. My mother even makes trips from Wisconsin to come to various plays and shows. I recently went to the Lowry Lab Theatre which the Theatre Space Project uses to provide an affordable venue to over 100 local theatre companies without their own space. While the big theatres are well known, I personally think part of the draw of the arts scene is the lesser known venues and companies.

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Excitement for the Race

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This past weekend I did my last long training run before the half. Since I’d already hit 13 miles the week before, I only did 11. I feel ready and am even excited. I’m sure part of my excitement is simply to have a vacation, but I really do have excitement for this race. My knees are doing well, I’ve hit good mileage in my training and it’ll be great to try a race in a different state. The wine and seafood I intend to have afterwards helps too.