I woke in the pre-dawn darkness to a breakfast of oatmeal with milk and blackberries… Then made my way back upstairs to brush my teeth and get into my running gear. Not that I’m much of a runner – yet!
As I pulled out of the driveway, the sun was just cresting the horizon. The morning was crisp; the epitome of fall in the wine country.
As I reached the park that was the designated start/finish point for the race, I saw many others arriving – some, like myself, alone, while others arrived in groups. I had arrived early enough to ensure that I wouldn’t run my race getting from my parking spot to my starting point.
I checked out the sponsors and such during the hour I waited for my start time – 5-hour Energy, Fleet Feet, and Palo Alto Medical Group had some good information and goods to offer.
Finally, it was time – the start of the 2011 Livermore Grape Stomp 5K was imminent. I lined up with the rest of the 5K group (those running the half and the 10K had already departed).
I started off strong – my Garmin Forerunner told me to slow down on my warm-up. My fast walk segment was faster than I normally manage on the treadmill, too. My first running interval was outstanding; my fastest pace to date – with a recovery pace to match.
As the race wore on, and the morning became warmer, I began to think I might falter, I might not make it through the scheduled running intervals… But I persevered, and succeeded!
Yeah, I stomped some grapes today, and, yes – I enjoyed a nice glass of Livermore wine to celebrate!
