Flagstaff, Again

After Napa it was back to reality.  A couple short weeks later we were off to Flagstaff for the Mountain Man Olympic Triathlon.

Race travel essentials. Pro Compression, Starbucks, new mani, & lucky bracelet.

Arizona beauty.

We rented a gorgeous house with two other couples.

We got up North late on Friday night. Saturday morning I got up to do a little shake out walk/jog.  We decided to head into downtown Flagstaff to do a little walking around and grab some lunch.

We came across this gem and may have gotten a couple of goodies.

 Brandon, Eric, and I headed to the race venue to pick up our packets.  This race is very low key, you can literally run in and out for your packet in five minutes.  Since we've both done these races multiple times, we didn't mess around. We had a nice home cooked meal on Saturday night and then played some games. One more sleep and it was game time.
 

I find it hilarious that I end up with a job as a 5-0.

Race morning went smoothly.  The only snafu was that I hadn't tried my race wheels on my new frame yet.  When trying to put them on, the brake area was too small and they didn't fit! Training wheels for me; not really a big deal in the scheme of things.  Brandon and I got setup in transition quickly and headed down to the start.  A month or so ago when I did the sprint in Flagstaff, I had an awful swim where I felt lightheaded and my legs like lead, so I was a little nervous about that at the start.  Luckily, I didn't have the same experience.  I started out nice and steady towards the first buoy and then tried to get after it a little.  I got out in the lead and held onto it going into T1.  The bike was okay; nothing genius, nothing horrible. I held the lead heading into T2. I felt like I was running okay, but I knew the girls were closing in on me.  Karleen passed me around the two mile mark; shortly before the picture below. 

 

I focused on moving forward at a consistent pace, but SheriAnne caught me less than a mile from the finish.  It was frustrating, but I had nothing else to give. My quest to becoming a runner continues.  Overall, I was happy with the race and finishing 3rd Overall.

Karleen and I at the finish

Thanks for everything Coach!

We packed it up quickly and headed home because this princess was waiting for us!

A little thank you for Addy's doggy sitters.

We're off to Santa Barbara next!

Napa: Day 4 - Do I really have to leave?

We started off the last morning with a nice walk through downtown Napa.

Coffee at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company

Big Chair = Picture Opportunity

A couple of us headed out on a little run.  The highlight was running into the Wine Spectator building.  Never know what you'll find on a run. Unfortunately, it was then time to check out of the hotel.

We had time for one last Napa meal; at famous Gott's Roadside. Yumm!  You can't miss this place next time you're in the area.  They have expanded and are in Napa, St. Helena, San Francisco, and Palo Alto now.

This was such an amazing trip with some very special people.  See you next time wine country.

Napa: Day 3 - Living the Good Life

We started off the morning with a group run adventuring through various parts of Napa.  I think that is one of the best parts of running; exploring new places.  Even better when you  have great friends to do it with.

Love these ladies!

Our first stop of the day was Caymus Vineyards with the very sweet Esiquio! He was awesome; I highly recommend going to visit him and this winery when you come to town.

Another lucky day!

Gorgeous outdoor tasting area.

Cocktail worthy. Food Friendly. ~Caymus

Awesome experience with this group.

The awesome Esiquio.

Us, fun?! Love these girls!

Our next stop was Domaine Chandon. We didn't have a tour, just a nice relaxing time sipping bubbly on the outdoor terrace.  We didn't even the finish all of the bottles there, so we took them on the bus with us!

An entire wall of bottles. It was really neat, it curved around a bend in the wall.

Loving this treatment.  How will I ever go back to reality?

Cheers!

Good stuff. 

Off to the Franciscan Release Party.  Who are we? There were various rooms to visit and wines to try as well as an amazing spread of food and dessert.  I really like Franciscan wine so this was one of my favorite stops.

Fancy pants.

My friends Jessica, Natalie, and Amanda all live in the area and came to see me!

One of my favorites.

My Girls.

Our last and final stop of the trip was Napa Cellars/Menage A Trois. This winery is owned by the same group as Trinchero, so we had the same host here as well.

Erin and me with our fantastic host.

We all kind of did our own thing for dinner this evening.  I went with my friends who are from the area to The Thomas.  Fancy and yummy.

My friend Jessica picked us up some dessert from Sift Cupcakes. She had these at her wedding and they are delicious!!

Napa: Day 2 - Is all the wine gone?!

My friend Kimmy and I started off the day at the local gym, Exertec, with a fun spin class.  For $10 we got to attend the class and use any of the other facilities.  Rockin' out to Michael Jackson, good times.  After spinning, I hit up the pool; a great start to day that would be full of lots of wine.

Lucky enough, the Starbucks was on my short jaunt back to the hotel. Imagine my excitement when I found they had a Clover!! Oh, happy day.

Our first stop was Robert Mondavi. I had actually been to this winery years ago, but it was nice to visit again. We had a very nice and personable guide who put up with our crew of cackling women.

Making wine is a skill, fine wine is an art. ~Robert Mondavi

The Group

The vineyards were gorgeous.

Sans spandex and ponytails.

Grape crusher

I wish this was my basement.

Our private tasting room!

Yummm!

Having fun with our guide; leaning with the statue.

Our next stop was Del Dotto for some fun cave tasting. We had a funny and charismatic guide who charmed many of our ladies.

Ladies of Del Dotto

Tasting in the cave was really fun!

I love this contraption they use to get the wine out of the barrel.

Too bad you can't pour wine like this everyday.

The bunghole, where the good stuff comes out!

I love this picture. All trouble.

The birthday girl and me!

Our last stop of the day was Trinchero.  We had a nice and relaxing taste outside in the gorgeous afternoon.

Pretty sure I could live here without any issues.

That evening we had dinner at Norman Rose Tavern. We had reserved the private dining room and it was perfect for our crazy and loud group of women! The service and food were great as well.