Fueled by Fine Wine 2018

There is just no doubt about it.  I heart this girl.  Sarah and I have done a lot of life together and have figured out how to have an awesome friendship even though we are states apart.  I am truly grateful for her.  Life has changed and we are not the marathoners we once were, but we have both grown into this amazing space of life and still find the time to catch up, have some conversation, run some miles, and drink wine.

Last year we did the Fueled By Fine Wine Half Marathon in Dundee, Oregon.  It was such a hit and such a blast to do that we immediately decided it needed to be an annual thing.  This year just the 2 of us could swing it, but we met up in Oregon and just had the best time.

Neither Sarah nor I have been in avid training mode, so we both decided this event was most assuredly not for time, but for pure unadulterated enjoyment.  Given the fact that this race is one of the most challenging courses with nothing but hills for 13.1 miles, it helped knowing we were there to soak it all in and not compete to the death.  We are good for each other.

Another bonus about not being hot and bothered to "race," is that we got to enjoy the wine before and after the running.  She and I enjoyed one of our favorite wine spots, Argyle, before we turned in early.  So nice to not have a schedule.

Oregon is simply beautiful this time of year.  It is cool, green, and so inviting.  Dundee is extra special because it is simply covered in vineyards and wineries.  Its a small town, but bustling with the flow of great wine.  Its delightful.

Race morning was no exception.  They change the course every year so this year we started at Stoller Family Estates right on the side of a big hill.  The race started downhill, but we were instantly aware that the Start line was also the finish line.  What goes down must come up so we knew the last half mile was going to be a doozy.  Whatever.....we can walk.

This race truly is one of the most unique events I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of.  Not only is the course different every year, but you literally spend 80% of your time running up and down the hills of the vineyards, traipsing down the grape trails, and climbing (sometimes nearly crawling) up the massive hills. The views are SPECTACULAR and thanks to our commitment to enjoy them we stopped as often as we could to snap pictures.

The people and fellow racers make this event so much fun.  Most people that come are really there for the experience of it all and you can usually find numerous runners who are willing to stop and take your picture.  You hear great stories and meet some pretty cool people.

This winery below was my absolute favorite.  Domaine Serene was spectacular and I found myself forgetting that I was only at mile 7.  It was out of a movie.  Just beautiful. I really could have run around that spot all morning. AHHHH.

Sarah and I rolled into the Stoller Family Estates with enormous smiles on our faces.  Not only was the race beautiful, but time together brings us both a lot of joy. We made memories and enjoyed every second.

The finishing hill was there, but we took it in stride and ran our way to the finish line.  SO MUCH FUN!  

We claimed our medals and wine glasses and headed right into the wine tasting tent....after all that's really why we were there!

It was quickly apparent that if I wanted to continue enjoying wine we needed food, so we headed back to the hotel, showered our very dusty bodies off, and ate. Sarah and I discovered this AMAZING little bar and grill that had sweet potatoe fries to die for so we settled in and filled in some hollows.

The rest of our afternoon was spent enjoying the Uncommon Wine Festival and a couple other free wine tastings.  Nothing like having a buzz for the afternoon.  

We crawled into bed at a nice late time of 8pm and I was out.  What a wonderful day, an amazing race, and an incredible friend to do it with.

The Fueled by Fine Wine 2018 did not disappoint, and I think its safe to say that our yearly tradition will continue.