I can’t remember the last time I was on my bike. My last ride is now a faded memory of my front tire spitting dirty droplets of water at my face on a long and flowy descent shortly after a winter rain storm. It was definitely before day light savings occurred, which has now granted me all the time I need after work to get a quick ride in. However, being tested at work on a 1.5 mile run means I have to dedicate myself to keeping my legs in shape for running as well as cycling, which is what I’ve been focusing on this past winter.
Winter is a great time for me to take a break from mtb’ing. It prevents post rain trail damage in the form of tire ruts, gives me a chance to catch up on some bike maintenance, and allows me to focus on developing leg strength in a different muscle group. The grand finale of my winter running brought me to the 2012 Santa Cruz Half Marathon last week, where I cruised along the coast from the Beach Boardwalk up into Wilder Ranch State Park and back. The course was scenic, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. I was on track to finish near my personal best until mile 11, where my calf muscles cramped up to the point of keeping me from running more than a quarter of a mile at a time.
The Santa Cruz Half Marathon is a great course that should be on your short list of races to run. Below are a few pictures from the festivities.
Above: I’m on the far left. The other three runners are co-workers who had a blast!
Below: The post race celebration included RR Temptation, Beatification, Damnation 23 and Damnation (pictured left to right). Of the four, my favorite was Temptation. I enjoyed the puzzling flavors that made me wonder if I was drinking a beer or a glass of wine. Temptation is a “Blonde Ale aged in used Chardonnay barrels from local Sonoma County wineries. It is aged for about 9 to 15 months (depending on the age of the barrel) with lots of brettanomyces, lactobacillus, and pediococcus added to each barrel. Medium bodied with hints of oak and Chardonnay, funky brett characteristics, with a nice, long sour finish.” Check out www.rrbeer.com for a current list of available brews at Russian River before you stop by. It will give you an idea of what to expect.
Above: The sun setting over the Santa Cruz Pacific coastline. What a great view to end the weekend with. I hope this wasn’t the only time I am able to run the Santa Cruz Half Marathon.