Sunday was the 3rd annual Carneros Half Marathon, where the run takes place from Napa to Sonoma. It is a very scenic run that winds up and down the back raods through several vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma Counties. This year, the race was packed...about 2200 in all and about 15 to 20 runners from 2nd Wind. The weather was almost perfect, being a little on the warm side. Starting 20 minutes late, didn't help any, but I think most runners were able to deal with it. It has been 100 degress plus in the Bay Area fro some time now.
For me, it wa a great race overall. I felt comfortable throughout the entire 13.1 miles witht the exception of a few things here and there around mile 10. Nothing unusual, just typical discomforts you enter while racing. I can work on those, as I feel getting through those miles is more mental than it is physical. It goes back to haveing the "edge" I wrote about a few months back.
So despite a few miles of falling off pace, I still finished with a respectable 1:34 and hit a new PR by about 90 seconds. I think everyone in the group had a great run and we all have a good foundation to build on over the next three months for Chicago.
I did not stick around for the post race festivities or wine tasting. I wanted to look up by buddy Artie whi lives about a mile from the finish line, but I had to get back. The East Bay Sunday was complete with a nap, more heat, and several adult beverages!!! Congratulations to all the runners...great job!
