On Sunday I ran the Run the Vineyards 10k. It was a cross-country style course that went through both grape and peach vineyards. After working a local cross-country race the day before, I was really excited to run my own, I miss cross country races!
My husband and I got to the race around 8 am. We warmed up and got to the race start at 8:55. The weather was beautiful and definitely the best weather we have had in a while. I met up with personal friends Angela and Brittany at the start too.
Once the race started Angela, Brittany and I found ourselves running together. The first mile was definitely the hardest terrain wise. There was a lot of sand, dirt and small rolling hills. There were also a lot of twists and turns. We ran the first mile in 6:48.
After the first mile I found my grove. I felt strong. I focused on avoiding the potholes and running the tangents well. There were a lot of course turns. By the second mile, Angela and I were alone running side by side. We ran the second mile in 6:30.
My goal of the third mile was just to get through it. In any race I feel much more motivated after the halfway point. I continued to power through mile 3. There was a bit of sand and dirt but luckily I avoided them. I ran the third mile in 6:37.
During the fourth mile, I found myself as first women overall. It was short lived and Angela accompanied by a cyclist powered by me like I was standing still. There was no way I could keep up with them! I focused on myself and trying to stay motivated. I watched as they both got further and further away. Being dropped is never fun but I ran the fourth mile in 6:34.
During mile 5 we headed directly back into the Vineyards! I loved running near and around the peaches. The cyclist turned off the course and we headed deep into the Vineyard. I saw the race director, Ken, and he signaled only one final straightaway. I hit mile 6 in 6:37.
The finish went through a straight orchard and it was by far the coolest finish I’ve had in a while. I finished in 40:55 and 2nd women overall. Angela finished first and Brittany finished third. It’s always cool to go 1-3 with people you know!
Thoughts:
This was a really good race for me. To be honest, this would have been a great time for me if it was all roads but on a cross-country course I can’t be happier with it. I ran a 45:40 at the Flag Day trail 10k course earlier in the summer so I’m making progress! I’m happy to see small improvements in my running and can’t wait to keep racing.
I also want to make note that this was one of the best and most well organized races I’ve ever participated in. Run the Vineyards also includes free race photos. The course was extremely well marked (there was paint on the ground with arrows throughout the entire way). It’s a series of races through NJ/PA so if you like wine or cross country style races….I would recommend it. I plan to do more as well.
Questions for you:
Do you like cross country and trail races?
What is your favorite type of wine?
Personally I like dry red wine.
Such a great recap! I have a few friends that are all around the same pace as myself – especially the one girl I train with consistently. We always go back and forth with who finishes first. I love when my friends are my competition because I know how they race, but also because if I don’t win it’s way less disappointing when you are celebrating a friend’s win!
That sounds like such a pretty race to run!
Glad that you had a great race and obviously cool to go 1-3 with friends! Those workouts are paying off!
I haven’t done cross country running since junior high! I used to love it because the changing terrain keeps you on your toes. Your race looked so fun I may have to add a 10k to my races soon
This is AWESOME! Good job! I haven’t really done much cross country running, I’ve always been a road runner, but since I’ve been injured I’ve been creating all sorts of running goals (isn’t that always the way it is??) and I think once I get back out there I’m going to try to get into a lot more trail running.
Also fave type of wine = Cabernet is usually my go-to. I’ve actually warmed up to the concept of Rosé too, though it needs to be dry versus sweet.
Congrats again!
Hi – fun read! Thank you. What shoes did you race in?
That’s such an incredible time, especially on the trails! This looks like a fun race and it’s always nice running with friends. Nice job!
I don’t drink, but that is an AWESOME prize!! Those wines are probably somewhat expensive, and a lot tastier I’m sure than a medal on the mantle hahaha. I love cross country and trail, though road is often much faster!
You’re showing progress!!! This is awesome! I really like this race and the scenery was probably GORGEOUS. I want to run this series or any scenic race this fall. You did great and I am happy you got 2nd female with a faster finish! I’m sure it makes you excited for things to come!
I love trail races!!! Free wine is my favorite (hahahaha) I like a moscato or rose Great race!!!!
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Oh wow! What a great race. That would be tough to get a fast time like that on the terrain you ran on. Imagine if it had been a road race! Speedy! Congrats. Love the prizes. 🙂
I know. I hope I can find some local road 10ks soon. I think the weather definitely played a huge role too!
Nice work! Winning a bottle of wine is the best. I did a triathlon at a vineyard last year and took home a bottle–definitely one of the best “awards” I’ve received. 😉
This race looks awesome and you’ve made phenomenal progress! It’s great to see! I’m so happy the three of you went 1-2-3. Awesome ladies so I’m not too surprised y’all dominated 😉
I wish you lived closer, you would have loved the race Lauren!
How on Earth did you maintain that kind of pace on such a difficult surface!? I’m amazed and in awe of you! I am so clumsy and heavy-footed, but I think most people would struggle not to turn an ankle or trip running 6-minute miles on uneven ground – it must be your graceful style of running on your toes that means you can tear up the course so well.
Seriously, that’s an incredible race, and surely worth under 39 minutes on the road. You should be very proud of yourself indeed.
Congrats on 2nd overall and I agree, it is always fun to share placing with friends. I read Angela’s recap as well and thought this race seemed neat that it went through vineyards and offered wine (peaches are good too! actually I like peaches more!). I saw a wine glass in hers and think that’s a neat race swag too, and your medals don’t look half bad either.
Not a huge wine drinker but sometimes I like red wine.
Great job as always! That same cyclist (Mike) helped me a little on the first part of the stretch of road. I started chatting with him and figured I might be going too slow, but realized that I was doing better than I expected. We might have to have him at more races.
That’s awesome Tom. It was great to see you and celebrate your birthday! 😉
Congrats on the great race, Hollie! I really like trail running, but I definitely notice myself slowing down since I’m trying to pay more attention to the terrain and avoid taking a spill. I’d love to do some trail running up in the mountains, but I have a feeling the altitude would kind of kill me…
Great recap It was cool seeing all the front runners on the road gave me motivation going into the second vineyard with the peaches. The amount if support from the volunteers was awesome and the wine did not hurt either. And I couldn’t agree more Ken does a great job with the vineyard runs!
I’m glad you had a good race too Di! It was such a great and well put together race. Do you have any more races planned soon?
how fun! Looks super beautiful and wine as a prize is awesome 🙂
Congrats on a great race! I love trail/ cross country races -I love the distraction that the varied terrain brings.
Me too! It’s a great change, thanks for stopping by 🙂
Great race and I’d say that’s s huge improvement congrats lady!! Really enjoyed your recap. I like trail races because I feel less pressure to run fast, yet I love road races because I have a slight need for speed!! Although I’m not nearly so fast lol 😉 I’m a sweet red wine kinda chick with some good chocolate!