Bordeleau Vineyards 5k

I ran my first ever race in Maryland at a vineyard with my mom. After a long stretch of hot weather, I appreciated getting a cooler morning for a run.

Vineyards: a different type of trail run.

Why Bordeleau Vineyards

I'm currently in Virginia visiting my mom. One of my mom's friends mentioned a 5k in Maryland that was happening while I was here, and I was intrigued. I've never done a race in the US outside of New Jersey or New York, so I liked the idea of running in a new state.

It was both a run and walk, so I ran the 5k, while my mom walked it. 

I've called this run Bordeleau Vineyards 5k, but it was technically part of Wine Run 5k. These are 5k events around the country that take place at wine-related location, and you get a glass of wine afterward. I don't drink and am anti-alcohol in general, so this isn't the type of race I'd normally seek out. But this isn't an area with many races, so I jumped at the chance to do one, no matter the theme.

The journey

This is rural Virginia and Maryland. We drove there of course.

The race

Pink toilets and the national anthem

We got to the race a half hour before the start, and I was shocked to see just how many people were there. Every race I've done before in the US has been a small, local event. This run attracted over 200 participants, which I wasn't expecting in such a rural area.

With little time before the race, I rushed right to the toilet queue after getting my race number. I couldn't believe they only had two porta potties for a race this size. The queue was long, and the organizers were starting announcements while I was still waiting. On the bright side, the port-a-potties were pink and didn't smell, so I'll give this race credit for jazziest toilets.

Waiting for the pink toilets.

Before the start, they played the national anthem. That was a new experience for me. Never had that happen at a race in the US before, and I'm not sure if it was because this is a bigger race or a race in the south.

Pretty mansion on the vineyard.

Fields and vineyards

The route was basically out and back along the vineyard and corn and soy farm fields. 

It was sunny with no cloud cover for most of it, which made it a hot run, but after a long spell of super hot weather, it felt pleasant with it just being in the low 70s in the morning.

I kept up a fast pace (well, fast for me) for the first mile, and the slowed down a bit the next two, but still faster than I'd been running since I got here. I thought I was doing really well until I got eclipsed by a dad running a stroller with his two kids in it!

The last half mile was along and through the vineyard itself, which was pretty cool. Less cool was the yellowjacket nest next to it, which I didn't notice, but I heard of lots of runners got stung.

Running through the vineyards.

I finished with a time of 30:19, which I was very pleased with it, considering I was running in the sun and it was mainly a trail race along dirt roads and grass. It helped that the route was pretty much flat.

I was the 6th place female finisher for my age group, which I was surprised by, but proud of myself for. I was 38th overall out of 214 participants.

Me in the back going in for the windy finish.

Participants got race shirts, but as it's wine-related, I wouldn't wear it in public. It doesn't matter, though, because they didn't give out x-small sizes, so it's too big for me anyway. Tsk tsk!

They also gave out what they advertised as 'collapsible' wine glasses. I'm not sure whoever marketed this product knows what collapsible means, because they are not. It just splits in two and basically becomes a small bowl.

The shirt and not-really-collapsible plastic wine glass.

A second finish with my mom

After I finished, I rejoined the course to walk the last half mile with my mom and her friend. My mom has taken me to a few races, so it was nice to get to participate in one with her.

She was the happiest last place finisher, and I'm really proud she did the whole route as she doesn't do events like this.

It was also a unique experience for me to finish a race twice!

Mommy and me: both 5k finishers.

A waterfront rest

After my mom and her friend finished, we sat on some picnic benches towards the back of the vineyard, which looked out onto a river. It was gorgeous and peaceful.

Sitting at the river after the race.

I wasn't expecting a race during my trip to the US, but I'm so glad I got one in, and it's all the more meaningful I got to do it with my mom. 

Next race

Once again, nothing in the calendar. I wasn't sure I'd even be doing two races this year, so it'll be a surprise if I find a third to do.