I toyed once before on this blog with the idea of doing the Willamette Valley Wine Country Half Marathon. It is in the Willamette Valley and after you finish the half marathon, there is a wine tasting at the finish line. It sounds like my kind of competitive exercise! Something with a real incentive to finish quickly! Why race for a medal when you can have a souvenir logo Riedel glass – with WINE IN IT!
Well, during a discussion with a friend and a few other women last weekend, I mentioned that the Wine Country Half Marathon would be one I would be interested in doing someday. You would have thought I suggested that we do an Ironman Competition across the Sahara desert during the height of summer with no water. My friend’s friend seemed shocked and more than a little disappointed that I would even suggest – GASP! – drinking wine after walking 13.1 miles. I really think it was all she could do to hold back from giving me a stern lecture on my clearly irresponsible lifestyle. Mind you, I didn’t suggest drinking ONLY wine after the race. I’m as aware as anybody of the need to rehydrate after working out. But as long as you drink enough water, I just don’t think that a glass or two of wine is going to do any lasting damage. But apparently there won’t be any convincing this woman that my plan wouldn’t be a certain voyage to an early grave.
Lesson learned – I won’t be bringing up any “St. Patty’s Day with Green Beer at the End Fun Runs” up with this gal any time soon. But geez, there’s something to be said for having a bit of fun. Maybe next time I see her, I’ll mention that sometimes I drink wine the same day I donate blood. Can’t wait to see the reaction I get from that one! I know, Mom, I’m evil. I just can’t help it.
Wine and History Visited 
Surely you didn’t mean you would drink wine before giving blood…..Gasp….Horrors. Sincerely? Mom
Surely you did not mean you would drink wine before giving blood….Gasp……Horrors….. Sincerely? Mom
After I give blood. AFTER. I donate blood during the workday, so that certainly would not be appropriate! Plus, you want to do it after so you get the full benefit of the tipsy effect. ;o)
Great post! My philosophy is is if you are going to put the work and effort into something, why not treat yourself and enjoy it afterwards! Whatever motivates you, I think it great! Things like that will keep you motivated in your training and then finishing will make you feel accomplished. I think its awesome and you should definitely go for it!!! I have a masters in exercise and sport science with a concentration in sport psychology and blog about exercise advice and motivational tips if you are interested in following. I am more than happy to help any way possible.
I imagine that glass of wine would taste really good after 13 miles! I think they give race horses whiskey mash the night before a race 🙂
Whiskey mash sounds awful! I would much rather have wine. You want to do this half-marathon with me? You’ll be in shape after Warrior Dash!
I am such a wimp, the thought of a half still terrifies me 🙂
Pshaw… You could totally do it. You did that 5.2 miles like it was nothing – you already more than 1/3 of the way there!