SB Wine Country Half Marathon {Race Recap/Review}

This past weekend, I ran my first half marathon! For those of you who have been around for a while, you know this has been a long time coming. It's amazing how fast time flies, it's hard to believe I was actually in a boot for 6 weeks not too long ago. I'm thankful for that injury, because it made it 10X sweeter to cross that finish line. 

I ran the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon.

This was by far, the most beautiful race I have ever run. Probably even more beautiful than any race I could have dreamed up. The pictures really don't do it justice. 

The race started in Santa Ynez, which is a little remote town about 40 minutes outside of Santa Barbara. We ran through that and two other towns, all well known for their wineries (hence the race name!). After getting through Santa Ynez, we made our way through Los Olivos (probably my favorite of the three), and finished in adorable Sulvang. 

Having been doing all of my running lately in Santa Barbara and San Diego, I'm used to either running through neighborhoods or running along the beach {not complaining one bit about that!}. 

This race took us through fields and farms, nothing short of gorgeous scenery at each leg of the race. 

We even saw a buffalo:

It. Was. Incredible. 

If you're ever looking for a half marathon to do in California, I would highly, highly suggest this one. There are definitely hills that give it a challenge, but you really can't beat the scenery. 

The one piece of criticism that I have for Destination Races is please, please, please have water bottles at the finish line next year. Everyone I talked to found it very shocking that there was only a small water station with plastic cups, in an area where we were asked to continue walking so as to allow others to pass through the finish line. 

Once we followed the directions and continued moving, there was no sign of water anywhere. Seeing as we had just run 13.1 miles, and it very quickly became a whopping 90+ degrees, I think this was just asking for dehydration to hit. 

So, there's my one piece of helpful advice for next year. Other than that, the race really was fantastic!

Not to mention, you finish smack dab in wine country. 

Helloooo post race festivites!

I want to say a giant thank you to all of you readers who have been praying with me through this. Through all of the races, all of the knee pain, foot pain, and just plain fear. 

You guys got me through this. Your prayers. 

So thank you. Thank you so, so, so much!