Tag Archives: Napa valley California

It takes a village!

11 Mar

So today as I stepped into the gym for the first time since completing my first marathon less than a week ago I was reminded of that old adage “It takes a village”.   No one can look back on a race and say wow- I did that all by myself  everyone gets a little help, encouragement somewhere.  Let me be clear… YES  you are the one out there…sweating out the miles…graveling with yourself… putting in the work.  But as I looked around me and the people who came up to me to ask “How was the race?”  I am reminded of how many people got me to that finish line.   

Friends who run...even when tired!

The week after the marathon must be like what the week after the Oscars for the best actress winner feels like.  ((I can only speculate of course)).  They attend all the different TV shows, telling about how it was to make the movie, what it was like to go to the Oscars and then to win their award.  I’m having that same kind of week.  Wherever I go people who knew about the marathon ask me how was it…and they happily listen as I tell my tale of events on marathon day.    I feel the need to thank all the “people in my camp”.  So many friends and family rallied and were just as vested in the race as I was.  When I took on this challenge 5 months ago my good friends many of whom are seasoned runners brought me into their fold.  I got included on emails for weekly runs and started sharing my personal triumphs and failures in emails to many of them as training during this past winter in the NE proved to be the toughest thing I’ve ever done.  

Workout warriors and running buddies!

 Many friends ran with me over the course of the last 5 months!  My work out warrior friend is now in the midst of training for her first 1/2 and has become a consistent running buddy.  One friend even ran two- 20 milers in less than 1 week- to run my first 20 with me!  When we got to mile 16 she yelled “go Deana you can beat your 18 mile time at 20, go!”  One of my clients and now friend has become a running companion as well.  My trainer Kosta and owner from Catalyst Health and Fitness stayed open late one night help me get me my first 18 miler completed.  Winter was so brutal with over 60 inches of snow, ice and wind that running outside was either impossible or dangerous at times.  So I walked in the gym at 7:30 pm on a Thursday night and said “I will be here until closing-I have to do this 18 mile run, I need to see that number on the treadmill”.  My trainer, god love him… I was the last person in the gym that night.  He came and talked to me the last 30 minutes as my motivation was slowly waning.  As the clock striked 11pm I finished that dreaded 18 mile “dreadmill” run and he was right there!  As race day approached and my mileage got longer my IT band started acting up slightly.  Nikki another trainer and friend would stretch me  if she had time when I came to the gym to help me keep limber.  She was very conscious of my mileage and helping me work different muscle groups to allow for the best recovery.  The Monday night before I left for my trip some of my closest girlfriends and I gathered at a friend’s house to have a glass of wine, unwind and wish me good luck.  I felt super special!  Emails, text messages and Facebook well wishes flooded my in-box.  Sooo cool!  Each person adding a little piece to those last foot steps across the finish line.   I’m greatful for my MIL who flew up from Florida to take care of my three angelic children :) .  Both my SIL’s who helped to rally my children all weekend and make sure everyone had a great time while mommy and daddy were gone.

Go for it! Love Kosta & Nikki

When I arrived in Napa the most amazing bouquet of flowers were waiting in my room.   To my surprise and awe they were from my two trainers cheering me from afar.  And last but not least, my two friends who showed up in California to cheer me on!  CRAZY!  Literally they came from Connecticut to share in this event with me.  They stood in the rain on race day waiting for me to cross the line.  When I neared the corner my husband called out “Go DEANA!”  My friend started screaming my name and ran the length of the finishing shoot with me on the opposite side of the barrier. 

Amazing friends who traveled across the country to cheer me on!

Amazing people, amazing experience.  VESTED~ everyone was invested in me.  ((It seems surreal and humbling)).  Nothing can top this.  But I am reminded that it does take a village, and I am so honored to share that village with all of you!

Marathon Day in Review!

7 Mar

5am breakfast

So yesterday was a fantastic day despite the rain. Running a marathon is crazy emotional. I don’t think any plan can prepare you for that. I woke up at 4:30 am PST and started my morning with breakfast. My hubby drove me to the start line, because it was raining and he was running the 5K which was at the finish 26.2 miles down valley we kissed in the car and off I went. I made it to the start with only 8 min to go. So there was really no time to freak out. I met some really nice girls at the start. One that had her headphones visible~ so we chatted about that. At mile 6 in the pouring rain I met up with this guy named MJ. He started talking to me because my garmin watch was beeping relentlessly with all the rain. We ran together for about 6-7 miles, I got a lot of info on him in that time. He was from Minnesota, and this was his first marathon. His girlfriend was also running the race, her first marathon but she was farther back. He said “Thankfully she’s ok with us not running together because I need to be ahead of her – I’m proposing at the finish line!”  So I got all the scoop on that, when he bought the ring etc etc. It kept me entertained. I wanted to desperately keep up so I could see this momentous event.  I mean how cool!

Finish strong!

At mile 13 I had to let him forge ahead my knee and IT Band were starting to hurt, so I stopped to stretch.  My 13 mile time was about a 2:06 according to my garmin. Which is much slower than my usual pace or races, about 10 to 14 min slower than any of my 1/2 marathons I’ve run.  As the mileage continued my knee continued to ache.  At mile 16 I stopped to try to stretch it to no avail.  I played around with my stride trying to lengthen it, shorten it, find where it was the most comfortable for my knee.  By mile 20 I knew this was not going to be my PR race and the goal was to finish as strong as I could.  People started dropping like flies, medics helping people, I was determined to not be one of them. I met an older man around mile 23 we definitely got a pic together by one of the photographers because we were running side by side.  He said oh gosh that picture won’t be good- I’m not having a good race.  Mind you he was like 75 years old and running with partial paralysis on his right side. Crazy how we all set the bar so high for ourselves.  I said “It’s going to be a great picture because were here… doing it and that’s all that counts”. 

At mile 25 I had stopped to walk a few paces, feeling quite defeated.  A group of men in their 60′s definitely seasoned runners ran past and said “Come on, you got this,  it’s only a 1/2 mile you can do this”.  I started up and joined their group.  I whispered “thanks I needed that”.  He then said “Hey if this was easy everyone would do it”.  He asked if it was my first marathon I said yes and explained how I got here.  They all wished me a happy birthday – and he said the first race you don’t know what to expect. You’ll be faster next time trust me. 

Finish Line!

So as we neared the last .2 miles I sprinted and crossed the finish line, knee screaming, tears coming down my face.  Was it my PR???  Yes for just finishing my first 26.2 miles and no for my own personal goals.  But as I said earlier I set my own bar a little too high. 4:33:20 not too shabby, 1128th overall out of 2400. 76th out of 195 for woman in my age group 40-44.

The After Party Begins!

After crossing the finish line I went back to the cottage- soaked my weary bones, hydrated, stretched, and got ready for dinner.  We celebrated at Jessup Cellars in Yountville with our own private wine tasting with cheese pairings. I got the royal treatment.  I met the owner and he signed two of our bottles of our wine.  I even got my picture taken with him, very cool.  Our celebration dinner at AD Hoc was equally amazing!  On the menu braised short ribs over sun-dried tomato polenta! One of my favorite meals.  So I was super psyched- since they only make one  meal per day and its the luck of the draw.  I was met by a glass of Schramsburg champagne that was sent as a gift by one of my friends from back east to commemorate the day! (thanks B.T.)  Overall it was an amazing day!  It was a life changing experience for me.  I know now anything is possible if you just believe in yourself and stick to your plan.  Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes, words of encouragement and cheering me on from blog land.  I’m already looking forward to taking this 26.2 mile journey again!

 

Race Day!

6 Mar

Quick post to say I’m here! Race day is here! Woke up at 4:30 PST ((7:30 est)) to the lovely sound of pitter patter rain. Yup- the one thing I cannot control. So rain gear will be the item of choice this morning.

A Rainy Start!

Pre-race meal…. Coffee~gotta get the constitution going! Greek yogurt with raspberries,  granola and honey.  A quick protein shake and I’m otta here!

Let the games being!

The celebration begins!

4 Mar
The Celebration is almost here!  All of the events over the past 6 months have been leading to the next 5 days.  I’m feeling a flood of emotions…from anxiety about the race itself, fear of letting people down, leaving my 3 kids with my wonderful MIL blah blah blah.  But as the alarm woke me at 3 am today, I put those fears behind me and focused on the positive… A fantastic trip with my husband that just happens to include a 26.2 mile run. (right DD?)  California wine country seemed fitting to commemorate this event and decade.  This is where my hubby and I get to be foodies and drink really expensive library wines we may never get a chance to experience again.  It’s where we come to reconnect as best friends and replenish our relationship as a couple.   Napa Valley is  tranquil, beautiful and peaceful.  It’s where we renewed our vows on our 10 year anniversary,  so the journey back here feels perfect for this moment in time! 
For me this is a celebration of my life~ my health~friendships and loves that have supported me~ and believing in myself.
Many people have asked me the logistics of my trip, so I thought I’d share a sneak peek at what I will be doing over the next few days. 
Friday’s Itinerary is to fly into San Francisco.  We arrive about noon time- PST.  We will rent a car and travel about 1 1/2 hours to Napa Valley.  It’s such a beautiful ride, over the golden gate bridge. 

Golden Gate Bridge

Then it’s to downtown Napa, where we will stay our first night at Avia. 

Avia~ Napa Valley Boutique Hotel

Saturday it’s off to the Cottages of Napa Valley.  This place is to die for!  You have your own cottage nestled between vineyards in the quaint town of St. Helena.  When you stay at the cottages a breakfast basket is delivered to your porch each morning with freshly baked pastries from Bouchon Bakery.  I have been to Bouchon bakery in the past and the goodies are unreal, almost better than S!x, if ya know what I mean!  So I’m super excited for that!  The cottages are what I can only describle to people as looking like something out of a  ”pottery barn” magazine.  They bring a movie basket to your cottage one night, and a smores basket the next.  Really it’s a beautiful thing.

Cottages of Napa Valley

Cozy King Cottages of Napa Valley

A few key vineyards we will be “revisiting” are, Luna Vineyards, Joseph Phelps and Schramburg! 

Schramsberg

Schramsburg is an American sparkling wine that is a delight. It is dry, crisp, not too sweet. A bottle of this is definitely on the agenda after the race. Ok maybe not the whole bottle but a sip or two, a girl’s gotta celebrate! :) Some new wineries on our list for this trip are Obrien Estates, Pride Mountain, Spring Mountain and Bennet Lane.  Dinners are a bit more complicated. Just deciding where to go can be a monumental task. Too many good places to eat! But two places that are on the agenda, Tra Vigne.  They have the most outstanding wine bar and a short rib dish that is AHHHH- dare I say….really, R-E-A-L-L-Y good.  Ad Hoc by Thomas Kellar, the famous chef of The French Laundry!  At Ad Hoc each day the restaurant only makes one meal, with 5 courses.  It changes daily using fresh and local ingredients.  It is a pre-fixed price, which is great because eating out can get pricey here!  A few other restaurants we hope to explore are Mustards Grill.  This was on our agenda our last visit to Napa but we were too tired to go out!  So maybe this time and Bottega by Chef Michael Chiarello.  He is one of my favorite chefs.  I would love to be one of the guests at a dinner party on his show!  {so hey Michael- get me on there ok? Whip up some fantastic food for the napa valley marathoner!}  His entertaining style is so casual, with an emphasis on combining favors with wines you enjoy.  Amazing! 

And of coarse lets not forget I’m here to run a race!  And do a PR- which won’t be hard because just finishing my first full marathon is a PR right?  Friday we will head to the expo and check in. Grab my race number, tech tee and goodie bag. Always a fun part of the race. We will cruise the expo which here- they have wine tastings- who knew! And the course itself…we will drive the route tonight just so I can have a visual of what is to come, where the up and on hills are. The course is a slight 400 foot elevation drop, so hopefully a nice wind at my back!

Here’s a few pics of the coarse!

Course view

Course view 2

Course view 3


To quote a great friend and supporter….Game On!

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