August 7, 2011

Now with the experience to back it up, I confidently can say there is nothing quite as relaxing of a Sunday as one spent sipping wine at a Texas vineyard.  With a five hour window between noon and 5 p.m., we decided on three vineyards, but only made it to two.  Our first stop was Stone House Vineyard, which is about six miles off of Highway 71 outside of Austin.  After tasting half a dozen or so wines, we decided on a glass to enjoy on the shaded patio while trying not to be too affected by the heat.  Their red wines were smoky and bold, while their white wines and rose were buttery and perfectly shy of too dry.  Next was Spicewood Vineyards, which I decided I wanted to visit yesterday after seeing their colorful signs on the way to the race.  Each of their wines were surprising, unique, and entirely too amazing.  Each was my favorite over the last, although the chardonnay was a slight frontrunner.  A glass of riesling and a cheese plate later, I was spilled into the car to get back to Austin safely and just in time for a recovery nap, the third vineyard being entirely unnecessary.  A deliciously perfect Sunday! 

August 6, 2011

Some of the makings of an incredible trail race:  water, Born to Run, sun screen, and the promise of a new medal to hang up with the others.  Today we ventured out to Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City, Texas for The Falls, the second in the Capt'n Karl's night race series.  I was more nervous about this race than the last due to the increased heat, but I was determined to best my own time.  A three, two, one countdown and the race began.  A single track down to the now-dry falls, across the cracked riverbed and up along the fence line, a four mile run under the slowly setting sun.  A quick dousing with cold water at the first aid station and back against the fence.  After a few miles meandering through the trees, up and down some hills, and I found myself at the second aid station.  Four miles through more technical trail, a few climbs, and a fully set sun, and there appeared mile twelve with one aid station left before the finish.  Next up was a solid three and a half miles, a quick splash of water, followed by the best three miles I've ever run.  I crossed the finish line at four hours, a solid half an hour faster than my last 30K.  This truly was the best race of my still-short trail running life, without a doubt.  With this in my pocket, I'm looking forward to a 60K at The Shoe! 

August 5, 2011

Driving in Houston is something I wouldn't wish on anyone.  Drivers are obscenely dangerous, aggressive, and drive faster than if they were in a Nascar race, not to mention the seemingly constant traffic.  There is one exception to this rule, though, and it is in Rice Village.  One reason for the discrepancy are the police officers in the area, who will pull a driver over for a suspicious use of a left turn signal.  Because of this, drivers are more cautious, less insane, and the drive is actually pleasant.  Another reason for Rice's exceptional driving experience is the neighborhood itself.  The homes are gorgeous, the trees are lined with old, and often overarching, trees, and and there is always something going on in the area.  Driving through Rice Village almost makes one forget they are actually in Houston; too bad it takes a few blocks to be so reminded.