Whitestone Winery needs some help!?

Help! I mean, I really need your help! Kathleen, our all-star winery employee is bouncing off the walls with nervous anticipation.  Her little sister (former Mead stand out Alexis Olgard) is a starter for USC’s women’s Volleyball team…and they made the Final Four.  We are doing everything we can at the winery to keep Kathleen distracted before the big match, but I am running out of rattlesnake stories (bet you never thought that would happen!).  The big match is tomorrow (Thursday) night and we just need to keep Kathleen distracted until game time.  So, if you would please take a few minutes out of your day and come down to our Spokane Tasting Room (111 S. Cedar Street) from noon to 5:30pm and visit with Kathleen.  While you are there, try some wine and pick-up a few bottles or a case.  Whitestone Wine has been Santa certified as being the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life.

 

Extra hours!!! Our Spokane Tasting Room will be open next Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 5 pm to assist you in your Holiday wine needs.  We will also be open for regular business hours on Thursday and Friday before Christmas (our tasting room will be closed on Saturday, December 24^th).

 

Live music and the winemaker this Friday, December 16^th from 6 to 9 pm.  Make sure to come down to the tasting room this Friday to hear one of the best local country singers, Devon Wade.

 

Pieces on Earth! Only a few cases remain of our outstanding Christmas Blend. Make sure to order yours today.  This wine makes the perfect gift for the host/hostess of any Holiday party you might be attending.

 

Michael Haig

Winemaker

(509) 838-2427

Michael@whitestonewinery.com

 

P.S. If you want to watch the volleyball game, it will be on Thursday, December 15^th at 6 pm on ESPN2.  We might be in Cougar/Husky/Eagle/Bulldog (and Pirate/Sasquatch, much love for Whitworth and SCC/SFCC) territory, but for at least tomorrow night, we will be flying the USC banner.

Quest for the perfect sentence

I am on a quest to write the perfect sentence.  With the Internet and self-publishing, everyone seems to be writing.  Alas, we seem to live in a society that fears editing. Instead of focusing on the essence of a topic, and distilling it down to its most basic, fundamental being, we instead add.  If one adjective is good, then two must be better, and therefore, a paragraph is best.  Even areas of society that were designed to promote brevity of words have been hijacked. Tiny URLs now lead off to major opuses on the lunch dinning habits of today’s office worker.  I fear not the editor’s pen. Through constraint comes creativity.  Therefore, I work to write the perfect sentence; a world of thought in one simple line.  This fear of editing and constraint has permeated into the world of wine.

As I explore the wine aisle at my local wine shop, it amazes me the proliferation of grapes being blended together.  If three red varietals together make a harmonious blend, then imagine how great seven will be together? Winemakers seem to think that they are the first to come up with the idea of blending a Rhone grape with a Bordeaux.  Our forefathers, who over the centuries created a wonderful cornucopia of varietals, each of which highlights a certain area’s climate, most likely tried a Sangiovese in their Cabernet.  And realized it stunk.  The proliferation of wine blending is not limited to red or white blends.  It would seem that many a vintner tries to cram as many different grapes into the 25% allowed to still call a wine by it’s dominate 75% varietal.  I read the back of a merlot that was blended with eight other grapes.  Leonardo Da Vinci stated, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” 

I am proud to release our latest Cabernet Franc.  Its plain technical sheet, that of being a 100% pure Cabernet Franc from only our estate vineyard, belies the breadth of its character and complexity.  To write that it is just a Franc both simplifies and expands the wonder that it is.

Last Chance for Scared to Pieces!

Halloween is just around the corner.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be your last chance to get a bottle of this year’s Scared to Pieces!  This wine is a special blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon aged half in new French Oak and half in used French Oak.  A bottle (or case) is the perfect wine for your Halloween parties this weekend.  In addition, it pairs well with whatever chocolate goodies you can “borrow” from your kids trick or treat loot.

Live Music this Friday, October 28^th from 6 to 9 pm.

Eric Neuhausser, a local musician, will be rocking the house with his guitar and his saxophone!

Harvest Update

Nope not yet

Tasting Room Update

With harvest not starting until October 31, the winemaker will be hanging around the Spokane Tasting Room this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Make a note to come and visit him this weekend, he is feeling a little down since he does not have any grapes to play with yet this year.

Harvesting Yet?

Sound can really invoke memory.  I write to you now as the rain falls and the metallic chime of the rain gutter next to my bedroom plays a soft soundtrack.  This sound and the season bring back so many memories.  Every year, harvest is a game of cat and mouse with the rain.  The hourly checking of the weather forecast.  And then, in the middle of harvest, I’ll be awakened by the tinkling sound of rain in the gutter.  This sound brings with it no picking that day, and a little bit more sleep during a time of the year when every hour is precious. 

Harvest is now just around the corner.  The weather was not the most cooperative at the start of the year. A late rally of warm weather brings promise for the quality of the fruit we will be picking.

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 14^th from 6 to 9 pm

Live music by John Watson & Bill, creation and exploration of the nylon string, classical-guitar neck is where these two have found the most rewarding styles of music.

Friday, October 21^st from 6 to 9 pm

Live music by Union Street, fun and easy listening folk rock.

Friday, October 28^th from 6 to 9 pm

Live music by Eric Neuhausser, a local musician that can rock the house with his guitar and his saxophone!

Scared to Pieces, the perfect blend for the Fall season is on sale now!

2007 Merlot & Lake Roosevelt Moonshine Bay are both almost sold out! Make sure to stock your cellar before it is too late.

Remember, our Spokane Tasting Room (111 S. Cedar Street) is open year round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 pm.  Bring your friends and family down for a flight of our award winning wines.

For more information or to order wine, please call 509-838-2427, email info@whitestonewinery.com or stop by our Spokane Tasting Room.

459

Michael Haig

How do you decide when to harvest?

Greetings dear reader!

This time of the year, I get asked a lot of questions.  Some of those questions are easy to answer in a few short words, like String Theory in particle physics.  Other questions are a lot harder and sometimes require a little hands on tour.  So today, I would like to answer one of those more tricky questions by taking you on a little trip to the vineyard to answer, “How do you know when to harvest?”

Quick dissolve and then, lights up

You and I, dear reader, find ourselves in the middle of Whitestone’s estate vineyard.

“Cold” ask I?

“Yes*” responds the reader.

“You should read the footnote at the end of this email. Moving on.”

We are standing in between two long rows of vines.  Green leaves reach up towards the sky.  A streak of purple dots the middle of the green.  Tight clusters of berries hang from the vine with the promise of a harvest to come.  Reaching out, we both grab a few grapes from a cluster.  Here in the vineyard is where great wine gets made.  Cold nights and warm days bring a balance of acid and sugar to the fruit.  The artistry of winemaking comes from identifying the best time to pick the fruit when all aspects of the grape are in balance.

The taste buds of the winemaker are put to the test during this time of the year.  Tasting the grape, a winemaker must peel back and analyze the flavors and the potential of possibility the grape reveals.  Pick too soon, and the acid will strip the character from the fruit.  Pick too late, and a flat and flabby wine will be created. Taking the picked grapes, I pop them into my mouth. 

“What does it taste like?” Asks you, the dear reader.

I break the grape apart in my mouth.  Running it over my tongue and slowly grinding the skin beneath my teeth to extract the tannin.  Focus fills my face.

Your eyes widen and you, the reader, leans a little closer to me in anticipation to the description forthcoming. 

My eyes squint a little.  Lips purse.  A small smile slowly expands upon my face.  In a tone of the utmost seriousness I proclaim...”It tastes like a grape.”

459

Michael Haig

*You should have anticipated me transporting you to an outdoor location when you sat down to read this email. Because I never know where an email will take me, I always wear layers.

The Magic Of Numbers

The Magic of Numbers I like numbers.  In fact, as many of you who have had a bottle of our Pieces of Red know, I am kind of a numbers geek.  So, imagine my surprise and absolute delight when I discovered that all of our Robert Parker scores add up to 459!!! Silence fills the room as the reader of this email ponders the meaning of 459 as crickets can be heard in the background. Hmmm. Maybe I need to explain.  For those with kids whom text a lot (especially before the proliferation of smart phones and their QWERTY keyboards) you can ask them or keep reading with everyone else. The number 4 on your phone keypad corresponds to the letter “I”, the number 5 corresponds to “L” and the “9” is a “Y”. ILY is the texting short hand for I Love You.  Or, to make things even more simple, people will simply text or write 459.  Before I got my iPhone, I would always sign off messages to my wife with 459.  Pretty cool, huh!? From Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Issue 196 Whitestone Vineyard & Winery is located on the shores of Lake Roosevelt and all of the fruit is sourced from their Lake Roosevelt Shores Vineyard technically located in the Columbia Valley AVA. Production is limited to 2400 cases. The Whitestone portfolio is impressive. It begins with the N.V. Pieces of Red #8that was raised in a mix of new and used barrels for 12-36 months depending upon the component.  Cedar, spice box, violets, tobacco, and assorted black fruits lead to a racy, savory, nicely balanced wine that displays some elegance in a wine meant for drinking over the next 5-6 years. It over-delivers in a big way. The 2007 Cabernet Franc was aged in mostly new French oak for 30 months. It displays exotic spices, dried herbs, violets, rose petal, black cherry, and black raspberry. Round, velvety textured, and nicely proportioned, it has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2022.  The 2007 Merlot spent 32 months in 100% new French oak. An already complex array of Asian spices, herbs, sandalwood, early minerals, and black currant are followed by a ripe, rich, layered Merlot with excellent volume and length.  Drink it from 2013 to 2022.  The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon does not display the opulence of fruit from the 2007s noted above but it does deliver an enticing perfume, savory flavors, good depth and concentration, and lengthy, pure finish. It offers a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023.  Lastly, the2007 St. Vincent’s Meritage is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc also aged for 30 months in new French Oak. Purple in color with an expressive, already complex nose, on the palate it is satin-textured, round, and impeccably balanced. It has enough structure to evolve for 2 to 3 years and, like its peers, will provide optimum drinking from 2013 to 2022+. Interested readers should check out the web page and act quickly. www.whitestonewinery.com Whitestone 2007 Cabernet Franc 92 pts (sold out) 2008 Franc will be released October 2011, pre-order now Whitestone 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon 92 pts $28 per bottle Whitestone 2007 Merlot 92 pts $26 per bottle (limited qty remain!) Whitestone  N.V. Pieces of Red #8 90 pts $17 per bottle Whitestone 2007 St. Vincent’s Meritage 93 pts (sold out) 2008 St. Vincent coming Spring 2012 Our Harvest Wine The leaves are starting to change; the grapes are nearing time to pick which means that Scared to Pieces must be coming out.  Scared to Pieces is a special limited edition blend we do in honor of the autumn season.  This year’s blend features Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon aged mostly in new French Oak for 30 months.  Rich spice and black currant highlight this perfect wine for drinking while pumpkin carving.   Join us tomorrow night, Friday September 30th from 6 to 9 pm for live music as we release this wonderful wine. For more information, please call 509-838-2427 or emailinfo@whitestonewinery.com or visit our tasting room in Spokane at 111 S. Cedar Street. 459 Michael Haig Winemaker

Oh yeah, this blog is also about wine

2011 Harvest!? Get back to me in December. Oh, alright, I guess I can share a little.  It's been a cold, wet year and we are behind even last year (which was the coldest year on record), but we still have two months of possible growing conditions. So, hopefully like last year, a nice long warm Fall will help ripen the fruit and we will see the same great flavor complexities of 2010 with lower alcohol levels (I was just barrel sampling some 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, WOW!!!). Now some more important information.

Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, and I know many of you are going camping.  Most of you probably were not great boy scouts, and even if you were, that time is fading in the rear-view mirror.  You remember to pack all of the essentials, wine, wine glasses and maybe some food or a tent.  But you forgot the wine opener! Now, you are in the middle of no-where, with your sister and her family and the outlook of nothing but Kool-Aid and hotdogs to tide you over until your return to being a desk jockey on Tuesday. Have no fear, I'm here to help.  You see that tree over there? No, not the one little Billy is peeing behind, the other one.  That my friend is your salvation.  Watch the video, understand and send a thank-you on your coffee break Tuesday.

Twilight Golf

Hobbies can get expensive! Even the simple hobby of running can start to add up if you get good shoes, register for races, register for races out of town and then register for marathon races out of town.  One must learn to allocate what few scarce resources we have, both time and money, to the best maximization of our heart's pursuit. 

This summer, I picked up the game of golf. From my first round (which was a tournament), I knew it was going to be trouble based on on much enjoyment I had.  Another hobby, another thing fighting for my little  bit of resources. Lucky for me (and even for you if you are interested in learning the game) there are a lot of people who either give up on the game or are addicted to upgrading their equipment every time something new comes out.  Daily, Craigslist is full of used clubs for sale in the sporting section, most of which, are priced and in good enough condition to give anyone a taste of the game.  Additionally, we are blessed to live in Spokane, where there are a lot of great golf courses with reasonable green fees.

For time and money allocation, I rarely play 18, and when I do, I look for discounted days and coupons.  The key to playing golf, and saving your time and wallet is 9 holes, in the afternoon, with a fast playing friend.  Use cheap old balls, if you have any friends who play, they will have boxes of balls they will give you, so when you miss hit, you will not spend 5 minutes looking. Take a drop and move on. By using this strategy, one can get in a quick 9 in under two hours, after work and still be home for dinner by 8.  And now the greatest money tip I've learned...TWILIGHT GOLF!

As the season grows shorter, many courses offer twilight rates!  This is your chance to hit the links at rates around $10 for 9 (or I've seen $14 for 18).  This is a great time to get out and practice your game without breaking the bank.

It's almost time to can! (Oh yeah, I signed up for another marathon)

After much thought and inner soul searching, a realization occurred that I need a goal.  My original plan of signing up for a marathon, completing that race, and then living blissfully ever after in great running shape did not fully work.  After the race, I kind of botched the staying in marathon shape.  My attempts to get resume running...did not go so well.  HEY! It's hard to get going in the morning when one is confronted by a big batch of homemade blueberry pancakes, dripping in maple syrup with a big side of bacon while the Jersey Shore airs on MTV for the 2,398th time. Running shoes or Snooki? I know, unfair question when the mind is in a food coma of maple and bacon goodness.  Happy trees by Bob Ross could keep me planted for hours on the couch in that condition.  I need a goal.  So this weekend, I went searching for another race.  On March 4th, 2012, I will be running in the Napa Valley Marathon. Side note, I wonder if there are any wineries down in that area that I could stop at, therefore righting off the whole trip as a business expense?  If that is not a valid deduction and you work for the IRS, that past sentence was not written by me.

In other news, my tomato plants are coming along and I got a ton of jalapenos ripening up.

Life without focus

My knee feels great. My cardio...not doing so well.  Last Saturday I was able to run 8+ miles (The Spokane Dirty Dash, plus running 2 miles from where I parked to only get to the start line 10 minutes late), but was dying the last 1/2 mile.  Why? I got do not have a serious running goal on my calendar.  I am the type of person that wishes they could just go out and run for running, a free runner. But I'm not at that point. I need a big goal looming over my head, if not, life will distract me. So this weekend, I am sitting down and finding my next big race to register to run.  I'm looking marathon and one that is about 6 to 8 months away.

Great Video, Great Song, GREAT EVENT

I am all signed up with an 11:00 am start time. I hope all of you will join in the fun August 20 in Spokane!

If interested, register here

Transforming the Chaotic Wine Theory

When this blog was first started, its purpose was to motivate me as I trained for my first marathon.  I am proud to write, that I have successfully completed that first marathon.  During the six months of training, I learned a lot about myself and developed a lot of good habits. I really enjoy the running and active lifestyle.  Moving forward, I am going to start to use this blog to not only chronicle my training for my next marathon, but for all aspects of a healthy life, life in the vineyard as a winemaker, and general wine knowledge. I hope you enjoy the new direction.

First Marathon!

Sorry for the slow post, but what a week I had.  On June 23rd, I went golfing for the very first time.  My team finished 4th, little did I know, but for my first adventure on the links, I played one of the toughest courses in the state! After the tournament, I headed off to Seattle for my very first marathon.  One has got to love a weekend of firsts.

Saturday morning, I got out of bed, did not really sleep, was way to excited/nervous to run.  I was one of the first to the starting line at 4:30 am.  I think this ended up being a really good thing, because it allowed me to find a nice place to stretch out, eat some breakfast, use the bathroom without a long line, and enjoy people watching.  At the start, I found my corral and waited to begin my 26.2 mile journey.

The first 12 miles of the race went almost perfect! I held back, walked through every water station to prevent going out to fast and was hitting my goal pace of around 10:20 per mile.  I have found in training, that just above a 10 minute pace, I can easily talk and maintain that pace for mile after mile without feeling tired or strained at the end.  I figured, keep that pace up and I will definitely have something left in the tank for the last 6.2 miles.  My only mistake in the first part of the race...I was so worried about hydration, I drank two cups of water through every aid station.  During the marathon, it was overcast and 60 degrees.  My body did not need all that water, especially at the start.  By mile 7, I had to hit the outhouse.  With it being so early in the race, it took over 4 minutes waiting in line! But after some relief, I was back cruising.

When I got to the floating bridge, just past mile 9, I started to pass people.  Getting concerned, I checked my pacing watch and found I was holding steady.  My strategy of not getting to excited was paying off.  Coming off the floating bridge, around mile 12, things went wrong! My right side IT band flared up around my knee.  By mile 13, I could not run.  The strange thing about my IT band flare up is that I could not run a single step to save my life.  Every step jogging or running felt like a hot iron being poked into my knee, but as soon as I stopped and started walking, the pain would disappear.

At this point in the race, the half marathon and full marathon had rejoined, separated by a concrete barrier.  As we neared the location where the two races would split again, I noticed people jumping from the full side over to the half side.  The temptation was there! Should I jump over and complete a 15 mile day or go for it and hope my knee held up.  Now, when I write that I could walk, I mean, I could WALK without pain.  Butt wiggling, arms pumping, power walking.  So, why not go for it and power walk the rest of this bad boy!

So I went for it and did it! I completed the marathon in just over 5 hours, 20 minutes.  What a tale of two halves! I finished the first twelve in just over 2 hours, and then power walked the back half (averaging a 14 minute per mile walking pace) in around three hours and twenty minutes.  The only down side to the race?  Do you know how boring in can be to walk 14 miles!? Especially when your cardio system feels like it is in first gear and begging to put the peddle to the metal and kick it into a higher gear.  Right now I am looking for my next full marathon to run.  I feel like I left a lot of time on the table.  My wife and I have started saving with eyes on the 2012 Disney World Marathon, we'll make that call in September.  I cannot wait for my next race. And my next round of golf!

In many ways, I find that by breaking down in my first race and yet still finishing has made me even more of a marathon fanatic.  I know that no matter what happens, when I line up to run, I can finish 26.2 miles.  Now I want to know what happens when I run a good race.

Not gone, just focused on vineyard and training

I was just sitting down at the computer, catching up on stuff, trying not to focus on the fact that I am not supposed to run!#$%! One spends so much time adding up the milage, getting into the rhythm of jogging all the time, only to taper back the week of the race. I am going to go for the full distance.  Although I feel like I missed out on a lot of training, I feel that I am between being ready for a 1/2 and a full. So might as well go for the full monty.  Three weeks ago I was able to do my longest run, just short of 20 miles.  It was 78 degrees, and I ran out of water and snacks at mile 12.  In the heat (this was the first really warm day of the year, and it was humid out) and without water, I went down to a power walking pace for the last few miles, and still felt good at the end.  I figured from that day, if I could complete a very hilly course, without proper nutrition at almost 3,000 feet elevation, I could finish 26.2 at sea level with proper food and water. And so for the month of June, my life has been nothing but vineyard and training for this Saturday.

Of course, after my really long run, I talked with my friend Shawn. I told him about my adventure and my choice of course.  The course was a hilly 9+ mile trek out into the middle of no-where and back (during the entire 4 hour ordeal, I only saw one car, and cell phone reception is not really consistent). After my story, Shawn asked why I did not choose a shorter route, and just run multiple laps, that way, I could stay properly hydrated and if something went wrong, I was close to civilization and help. Logic stinks!!!

Doubts and Fears

Last night I was up, unable to sleep, thinking about the upcoming marathon.  In less than four weeks I am supposed to participate in the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon, this coming weekend, I am supposed to run 20 miles as part of my training.  I feel completely unprepared for both.  This past weekend, I went out for a long run and almost died at 13 miles.  The shoes I have bought and started to break in during my short runs have caused me to develop foot pain (on the top of my foot!).  My mind is filling with doubt!  I have never raced a full marathon (or even a 1/2 marathon).  Would it be better to do the Seattle 1/2 and target a race in the early fall before harvest to run the full?  The Portland Marathon would be perfect for me, it would give me more time to train.  Is the doubt I am having more pre-race jitters or real concern about how much training I have missed? For the next few days, I am going to be resting to let my foot heal.  At 1:30 in the morning, I went online and found a pair of my favorite shoes of all time (the Mizuno Wave Alchemy) and ordered them to be here by the weekend.  This Sunday, I am going to go for a 20 mile run.  I looked at the course details for the marathon I am training for, there will be a water station every 1.5 miles.  On my training run, every 1.5 miles I am going to slow and walk for a minute, drink water and eat some energy gel, trying to simulate a race strategy to complete the full marathon.  For my first marathon, I want to finish strong and not be dead for the next week.  I want running marathons to be a long term hobby, not a once in a life bucket list item.

Where does all the time go?

My marathon is now just over one month away, and I am starting to doubt I will be fully ready.  The last few weeks have been, to put it simply, crappy on the training front.  Work and life seem to creep in and make getting the required training in hard.  It is easy to still find the time for my shorter runs (anything under 6 miles) but it is hard finding the time for the longer training runs and the really long run every week.  Any thoughts of a great first time in my first marathon are gone, now I am buckling down with the simple goal of completing and not dying!

You'll take this treadmill and like it!

As most of you do not know, last week my wife graduated from college. To celebrate, we took off for a week and headed to Las Vegas.  But what about your marathon training!?  Although I did not get in all the miles I was hoping for, I did accomplish one goal, I learned to run on a treadmill!  For those of you who do not know, I HATE treadmills!  Put a wire mesh cage around one and you end up with a human hamster wheel.  Squeak, Squeak, Squeak!  That thought, and the thought of me shooting off the back in front of all the other people working out at the gym was enough for me to keep my distance.

If I am going to keep on running, past the marathon and truly make this a lifestyle, I realized that I needed to embrace the treadmill...or move to an area where there is perfect/decent running weather year round.  Since I cannot take the vineyard with me, I am going to have to learn to run indoors when it is a blizzard outside.  So during my vacation, while my wife slept, I slinked off to the fitness center at our hotel and practiced running on their treadmills. (yes, I know, I could have gone out and run on the strip, especially in the morning, with all the other runners.  With my luck though, I would have biffed it in front of 75 camera toting Japenese tourist.  Been uploaded onto YouTube, and become an instant meme over in Japan. How does one say, "I've got two left feet" in Japanese to their version of Matt Lauer?) The end result, I can now easily run on a treadmill for an hour.  To celebrate this great achievement, I got my shoes laced up and am of to run through good ol' mother nature!

Off I go, into the wild blue yonder

Yesterday, I went for my longest training run yet, 13 miles!  It was kind of a weird experience to leave my house, knowing that I would be gone for the next couple of hours, doing nothing but running.  My planned jogging route was one that would take me all over the South Hill of Spokane, from east to west and then back.  Loaded up with my camel back on and music player fully juiced, I set out on my journey.  It was amazing how many people I knew and recognized on my trip!  I passed Matt, the wine steward at the Rocket Bakery (thanks for the wave!), Mike Conway, a fellow winemaker, and at one point, my wife who had gotten off from work early!
During my journey, I had many a thought. Some of the more important ones were in regards to what music I put on my mp3 player in the future. Some songs that one would think would be great for running are not while other lessor songs actually help pull you through the tough miles. I also thought a lot about food.  Pre, during and post eating is definitely something I am working on figuring out. So far my list of bad items to eat before running include, nachos, a piece of beef jerky and nothing else, and forgetting to eat all together.  During my long runs, I have learned that 12 oz of water will not get you through 11 miles, GU is good, and that energy drinks need to be watered way down.  Everything seems to taste 100% more sweet when dying of thirst then when resting. So that energy drink at mile 7 ends up tasting like a mouth full of sugar and is not refreshing in any way.  For post race, nothing beats Chocolate milk, Whey protein chocolate milk, or Muscle Chocolate milk.  Jalapeno corndog...not to good.

Running Gear!!!

I am really excited about two new apparel developments at the winery.  First, I just got in our brand new sport tech fiber running shirts for race day and training.  The second bit of news on the apparel front is that I ordered and they should be in next week our 1/2 and full marathon shirts.  These shirts are free to any wine club member who presents a 1/2 or full marathon finisher medal from 2011.  Did not finish a race this year but want to sport this stylish shirt, that will be $26.20!

Newsletter for the week of April 25th

Dear Lords and Ladies-

With the impending wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton taking place this coming Friday, if you, like me have yet to receive your official invitation, I think it is time to stop holding our breath.  My heartbreak knows exact bounds (it goes from my left ventricle to 1.2 millimeters towards the right).  In reality, it is probably better that we are not attending the wedding on Friday so that we can be well rested for Whitestone’s BIG BARREL TASTING in Wilbur on Saturday, April 30^th from 11 am to 5 pm. Comparing the two events, there is no question which event has the wow factor!  I mean, would you rather spend the day at Buckingham Palace or in Wilbur?!  My vote?  Bucki...errr WILBUR!  Brats and Burgers from Egger’s Meats or crumpets and tea?  Um, make mine a double with extra pickles!  Learn how Whitestone makes award winning wine or stare at Prince Charles’s ears?  Tough one, but I will go with the winemaking.  And finally, taste through a three-year vertical of Merlot in the barrel, comparing 2010, 2009, and 2008 French and American Oak and the effect aging has on the wine or try and make a guy in a red jacket with a funny hat crack a smile?  To answer, please pass the wine thief and a glass. 

Our Spring Big Barrel Event will be in Wilbur this Saturday, April 30^th from 11 am to 5 pm.  We will be serving bratwurst and burgers.  We will be having educational tastings on how wine ages in the barrel and all of our current releases open for tasting.  This event is free for wine club members, $10 at the door for non-club members.

Wilbur, Washington is located 60 miles west of Spokane on Highway 2.  Our production facility is located in the middle of town, at 111 E. Main Street (Highway 2).  Please email info@whitestonewinery.com or call 509-838-2427 if you have any questions.

This Friday, April 29^th, from 6 to 9 pm we will be hosting live music at our Spokane Tasting Room (111 S. Cedar Street).  Come on down and pick up your official Whitestone Running gear for Bloomsday!  

Spokane River Run

I did it! Well, not the big race, that will not come until the end of June, but I did run and complete my first race in a decade!  And I did not die!  Last Sunday was the Spokane River Run, a great 10k trail run through Riverside State Park.  At the end of the race, I was kicking myself for multiple mistakes I made, like thinking I was going to be the slowest person there and lining up in the far back.  After a couple of days, I realized how happy I was for just getting out and participating.  My time, 1:02.12.

9 min 30 sec up, 14 min 22 sec down...what the #%!?

First, let me write that I love my new Garmin GPS running watch!  It is additive to see exactly what my current pace, overall pace and distance run is by just glancing quickly at my wrist.  Running outside of Wilbur, using my watch, I have learned that a country mile is actually the same as a regular mile, it just seems to take forever and a day when you are on a straight, 6 mile long road.  Yesterday, I got a real surprise on my splits when out for my daily training.

Outside of Wilbur, one of my training routes has a section that features a long, straight, 3/4 mile long medium grade hill, topped with a flat 1/4 mile stretch before the road turns north.  Yesterday, when I took off, the wind was not that bad...yet.  While on my jog, I came around a big bend, and started up the grade.  I could not believe how easy the climb!  It felt like I was flying up the hill.  When I got to the end of the stretch, I looked down at my watch and discovered that I had done the hill in an amazing (for me) 9 min 30 seconds!  Then I turned to head back down.

Have you ever tried to run into a sustained 30+ mph wind with gust over 40?  It felt like hitting a wall.  I could not believe how hard it became to even breath. Every deep breath caused the wind to dry out all the saliva in my mouth. No matter how hard I dug in, it felt like I was standing still.  At one point, I stopped jogging and just tried to power walk into the wind.  When I finally reached the bottom of the hill, to my amazement, I clocked in a 14 minute 22 second mile.  What the wind hath giveth, the wind can take away!

Introducing the vineyard treadmill

I like to say that one should never complain about being to busy in business because the alternative is far worse.  When I created and named this blog, little did I know how fitting the title. What a crazy couple of weeks! It really became hard to find any time to train, especially when my weekly milage is going up. That is why I created the vineyard treadmill! It is exactly 1/5 of a mile from the front gate to the back gate in the vineyard. During this time of the year, the center area is a nice firm grassy running surface. So I run back and forth. The first couple of laps are always nice and enjoyable. I mean, how cool is it to be running through a vineyard in the middle of the woods along the side a of lake! By lap 5 it becomes old. I am now at the point in my training were I do 5 to 8 miles a day. Do you know how many laps that is in the vineyard? The big horns watching me up on the cliff, their only thought must be "We're losing our territory to this nut ball species?"

From UC Davis

Ladies and Gentleman, cue up the music please. Ah, yes, a nice soft violin will work as I tell you my sob story. I currently find myself on the campus of UC Davis, participating in an executive continuing education conference on wine. For a week, my schedule is nothing but drink wine, talk about wine, drink some more wine, eat a gourmet meal, take an afternoon break and talk about what wine we drank over some beer, and then back to more wine. I know what all of you are thinking right now.  Now that is a tough life! I mean, when are you getting time to train for your marathon? And back to hanging out on a college campus drinking all day? Who would ever want to revisit that part of their life? But cry not to much for me dear friends. I attend these conferences in order to be the best winemaker that I can be for you. I have even found a little time to keep training for the big race in June. Behind me hotel is the UC Davis Arboretum, a long, beautiful 100 acre park with a three mile running trail. What a great running path! The arboretum is long and stretches along one side of the campus and runs between campus and the interstate. With streams and larger ponds along the path, the course sits down low, with pedestrian and car bridges running above feeding people into the main part of the university. Its a really neat area, with the sights of nature all around, but the sounds of cars, and the occasional break into another area of the campus. Nothing beats a run were one minute you are in the woods, the next you are running past some stoners playing hacky sack in the quad. In order to perform my training, I actually skipped out on the first part of a wine and cheese tasting! I know, true sacrifice and dedication! Instead of getting to drink wine and taste cheese for three hours, I only went for two! I am such a beacon of light, shinning my bright light of self sacri...owww! Hey, I think that lamp just slipped out of your hand and hurled itself at my head! 

And now a treat for my dogs...And now a treat for my dogs...

I think Spring is definitely on its way. Just went for a 5 mile run, and in getting ready for that run, I drove my dogs nuts. The weather has been cold all year.  Even when there was sunshine, one still had to bundle up a little, because the air temp was frigid. Today, it is gray and dreary out, but over 50! So used to layering up and bundling up, that in getting ready for my run, I went through the normal routine.  Only to step out side and start to burn up! So, back inside, the dogs start to bark thinking I am home, I take off a layer, give them a biscuit and head back out. Only to still be overdressed! Back inside, barking dog, layer off, give them a treat, step outside...still over dressed! My dogs got four treats before I went out in shorts and a long sleeve running shirt. And even though it was raining, the rain felt great and I was the perfect temperature for the run.  Now it is off to nacho night at the tasting room!
Enjoy the wine, enjoy the journey!

And so it begins...

When I first started this blog, March, let alone June 25th, seemed to be so far away. Why did I care about March? The significants of March, is that it is when the 16 week training program leading up to the Seattle Marathon begins. Back in Late December, early January, my thoughts were on how great of shape I would be in when March rolled around. I thought I would easily be ready to not only run a marathon,  but qualify for Boston! Such are the delusional thoughts of an early runner enjoying a very warm January. Thank God that February was a very short month!
The month started out great, with me even doing a very strong and long 8 mile run while on the road for work. Then like the best laid plans of mice and men...work, tweaked back and the return of winter all created obstacles to the training. I fought through, and emerged a little slower, but not to far off where I had started the month. Now the training really starts.
I currently have not missed a day yet, nailing my two 3 mile runs called for in the training plan. And, I would have to type, feeling nice and strong after each. The only down side, is that winter is still here and I am having to keep my running gear handy and wait for the perfect time to get the training (call me a wimp, but running on icy streets in the snow does not seem like fun). Yesterday, is was at 3:30 pm before I had to go to a meeting and then dinner. Today, it was 30 minutes ago at 8 pm at night (yes mom, I run with ID and bright reflective clothing on well lit streets).
Enjoy the wine, enjoy the journey!

Welcome to the doldrums...now that helps inspire!

Running and training has become routine. It is to the point, that if I do not get a workout in during the day, I become a little cranky, but the drive and enthusiasm to workout has waned. The workouts, they are becoming less a challenge. My long run is now up to 8 miles on the weekend. This distance has made the shorter runs during the week seem pedestrian. Just a few short months ago, I would have thought that saying or describing a 3-4 mile run as being routine as crazy talk. The earlier excitement of the endeavor has worn off, and the race is still aways in the future. Then I got a message of Facebook.
Some of our wine club members sent me a message saying that I had inspired them! After talking with me at the tasting room, they went out and signed up for a half marathon in August. In addition, they signed up for some shorter runs in the Spring and Summer. They have been out training for over a week! I smile now just thinking about this message.
The day after I received that Facebook message, my "routine" daily run did not seem routine. There was an extra pop in each of my steps. Since then, my motivation to get out and workout is back up. I have enthusiasm in my training.
How do you thank some one for thanking you? That message that was sent to me, has become my inspiration.
Enjoy the wine, enjoy the journey!

Dream of the 90s

Sometimes I find something that has nothing to do with the theme of this blog that I still want to share. The 90's were the decade of my teens and early 20's, this video sums up what life was like for me back then.

#$!@%?

Back from the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. During my trip, I decided for some reason to eliminate diet soda from my diet. I love Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi! Never was a big fan of the regular stuff, but really loved the zero calorie varieties. And now my love is gone (or at least limited to one single 12 oz can a day). No longer am I greeted in the morning by that wonderful carbonated beverage. No more 44oz ice cold love dispensed from the fountain machine. In its place is water. Mmmmm, plain, old water. Very similar to the tear I am crying thinking about my lost love. I must be strong! The reason for running a marathon is to get my health in check, and I do not think a 100 gallon a day diet coke habit was good for me. Wish me luck, but you might be wise to stay clear for a few days, or at least until the withdraw shakes have subsided to a little less then a paint shaker.

In other tidbits, here is a final list of all the pens and SWAG (stuff we all get) I collected at this year's WAWGG Conference:

37 pens (35 not including the two I grabbed from my hotel room)

1 stuffed bear

1 golf ball

3 magazines (all of which I already had subscriptions too and found the current copies waiting for me on my desk when I got home)

4 reusable shopping bags

7 sticky note pads

1 calendar all in French

A lot of candy, which I limited my intake to a single piece, after an eight mile run!

And a few items that my wife and I are stilling trying to figure out.

Day One Summary From WAWGG

What better way to kick-off the annual gathering of wine grape growers in Washington State then with a social hour reception and drink BEER! I guess we all must learn to pace ourselves and not go to wine crazy with another three days of everything wine. It has been said that a lot of good beer is needed in order to create great wine. After tonight, there should be a lot of good wine being created in Washington State.

For the bit about marathon training. I woke up early and got in an hour training session before I left to attend this years conference. My shoes are all ready to go. I drove passed my running route on the way into town, and I have blocked out a time tomorrow when I will be running. My training is starting to become a daily business appointment for me. It takes a mental change of focus to not always be willing to sacrifice workout time in order to perform some task at the winery. The ability to say "I will get to that as soon as I am done with this appointment (i.e. workout)" is a valuable tool. In the past, shelving the workout to be ready to always perform the needed task immediately was my modus operandi.

Check back often as I give updates to all the action at the 2011 WAWGG Conference.

Off to WAWGG

All this week I will be attending the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. This is our industries yearly get together. There will be seminars, a trade show, and lots of wine! One of my favorite hobbies, and as a little game to keep myself entertained, is I try and see how many pens I can collect. My record is 28. It is also the first time I will be away from home and having to keep up my training for the marathon in June. One of the greatest things about the internet is the ability to research and find local information about a city before your arrival. A few miles from my hotel is a running/walking trail along the river. My shoes are packed and I will be sending updates to the blog about what is going on in the world of wine production.

Whitestone's Current Newsletter

We would like to welcome you to a special round table discussion on current issues in and around Whitestone Vineyard and Winery with me, myself and I.

We now rejoin the panel discussion already in progress:

I:  “…and so there I was, knee deep in mud and my pant leg torn. I pulled the trigger one last time only to hear “click.” Lucky for me, all the rattlesnakes were dead.”

Moderator: Thank you I for your perspective on wine export to France. Moving on, I would like to talk about current affairs in the vineyard. Myself, would you like to lead off?”

Myself : “2010 ended up being one of the coldest growing years in history. Our merlot and cabernet sauvignon were harvested fully ripe, but with lower sugar than usual. I and myself are excited about what we taste in the barrel, a lot of big flavors with lower alcohol. The season ended with a dramatic cold snap, but, thanks to the incredible lake effect, the vines seem to be doing well. Me, myself and I will know more on the 15^th of February when we start winter pruning.”

Me: “To add to what myself was saying, we are also excited to be bringing on Sara Grant to help manage the vineyard this season. She brings with her over a decade of horticultural experience.”

Moderator: “Is it true me that you are training to run in your first marathon?”

Me: “Yes moderator, the rumors are true. I have signed up to participate in the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon on June 25^th. To document my progress, and to have a general forum on wine, vines and running, me and myself have started a blog called “Chaotic Wine Theory.” You can find it by clicking here.

Moderator: “I, are you not participating?”

I: “No, I think the whole idea is crazy.”

Moderator: “Ok, moving on. Myself, any new releases the public should know about?”

Myself: “This week we are releasing our annual Valentine’s Day wine to our club members. This special wine is the perfect gift for your sweet heart. Non-club members can buy it only for the next few weeks. It is available to club members as long as supplies last.”

Me: “We also are having a lot of great events at the Spokane Tasting Room over the next few weeks. Including a release party for “Love,” First Friday and Top Gear Tuesday.”

I: “Hey, me. Do not forget to tell everyone that in the first ever voting for Best First Friday location, we won.”

Me: “I, I think you just did.”

I: “Did what?”

Me: “Tell everyone that we won for best First Friday.”

I: “No, I want you to tell everyone.”

Me: “It’s an open mic, they just heard you I.”

Myself: “Will you two knock it off and focus.”

I: “Like on running a marathon.”

Me: “Why do you have to bring that up now?”

Moderator: “And on that note, we are going to take a quick commercial break. This special round table is being brought to you by the following upcoming Whitestone Events.”

Thursday, February 3^rd from 6 to 9 pm. “Love You to Pieces” wine club pick-up and release party at the Spokane Tasting Room

Friday, February 4^th from 2 to 6 pm. Jewelry Party at the Spokane Tasting Room. Make sure to come in a check out one of a kind, hand crafted jewelry for your loved one. A bottle of wine and a nice necklace will make you the V-day all-star for your significant other.

Friday, February 4^th from 6 to 9 pm. First Friday Spokane! Come and find out why we were named the #1 location in all of Spokane.  Kick off your weekend right with food, music, friends, laughter and, of course, WINE!

Saturday and Sunday, February 12^th and 13^th from 11 am to 5 pm each day. The first Valenwine Weekend. Join us as we, along with all of the other Spokane Area Wineries open our doors to two days of wine and chocolate pairings.

Tuesday, February 15^th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. TOP GEAR TUESDAY!!! Back, for the second month we bring you wine, nachos and the #1 TV show in the world. If you know nothing or everything about Top Gear, wine or nachos, this is the event for you. Last month, we saw both neophytes and veterans transfixed by our heroes’ efforts to get out of a rain forest in old beater 4x4s (or in one case 2x4). This month, we will be watching while our fearless presenters travel to Vietnam. A few months back, 60 minutes did a profile on the show, to watch, click here.

And much more coming through out the month! Make sure to visit us online at www.whitestonewinery.com, facebook.com/whitestonewinery, or ChaoticWineTheory.com.

For general information please call 411.  For Whitestone specific questions, please call 509-838-2427 or email info@whitestonewinery.com.

Michael Haig

P.S. Do to unseasonably cold weather, we are holding all wine ships for the next few days as a precaution against cold damage. Your wine is safe and basking in 55-degree storage and will be making its way to you shortly.

 Teddy says “Please do not forget to bring in your reusable bags and boxes.”

Baby It's Cold Outside!

It's cold out! I mean, it is really cold out! I have read that one should dress for 20 degrees warmer then they expect when running, because the body will heat up. But what does one do when 20 degrees warmer is still below freezing! Instead of getting mentally down or avoiding running during this current arctic blast (I mean, the sun is out and it looks like perfect running weather) I am using it as a training tool.

Once one gets moving and starts to build up a little sweat, you can't stop or pure misery as the sweat on your body instantly freezes. So on really cold days I am pushing myself faster and longer. Its amazing how much more energy and power reserves the body has in it. The fear of freezing works almost as good as a big dog chasing (which I experienced on this past Sunday, both the dog and the fear of freezing).

Nachos and running, the pro's and con's

I love nachos! In fact, they are probably my favorite food. I really enjoy all different types:

• Homemade ones loaded with beef, beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, olives and then topped with real cheese baked in the oven.
• Restaurant ones loaded with beef, beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, olives and then topped with real cheese baked in the oven.
• Ones at friends houses loaded with beef, beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, olives and then topped with real cheese baked in the oven.

A little guacamole and salsa on the side and I am one happy puppy.

This past Saturday, the wife and I were running some errands around town (one of which was REI, can we say one of everything please!) and decided to use a gift certificate we had to a local watering hole. The first item I notice on the menu...Nachos!!! If I had a tail, it would have been wagging. I happily informed my wife of what I was going to order for lunch. She wife asked if that was wise, I mean, she pointed out that I am training for a marathon and was planning on going for a long jog in the afternoon. Being the new found all knowing running expert, I explained that one of the perks of distance running is that ability to indulge in calorie high pleasure food occasionally. I would easily burn off most of my nachos this afternoon.

And now, the pro's and con's of eating Nachos and running:
Con: Grease does not equal a strong start.
Con: Really full belly does not equal comfortable running.
Con: Lots of salt can cause some bloating, not really the best for running.
Con: Jalapenos and mile 5, really do not go together (one great benefit to running on lightly travelled rural roads is that there are not a lot of people to see you doubled over in the ditch).

So after weighing the pro's and con's, I have come to the conclusion that eating Nachos before a long run may not be the best idea. For the future, I shall still partake in eating a plate of my beloved cheesy goodness...just after a really long run, with a rest day to follow.

Whoa! Slow down turbo

For weeks, my training for the marathon has consisted of 60 to 90 minute long sessions on the elliptical trainer (my psychological aversion to treadmills will most likely be explored more in-depth in later posts). Last week, we became blessed in the Inland Northwest with some unseasonably warm weather. The Snow melted and the perfect conditions for me to hit the streets and start logging miles brightened my days.

My first adventure on the asphalt jungle produced and easy 5 mile run without stopping or any difficulties. Following that run, my logical conclusion was to run 6 miles. Again, no problems. As we can see how this logic is working, the next time out called for 7 miles. And like the rock star I think I was, no problem. What happens next in this blog post can best be summed up by those famous words from the Apollo 13 astronauts "What do you mean the bathroom is broken?" Oops, I meant "Houston, We've got a problem."

After my successful jaunt the day before, I awoke the next day bright eyed and bushy tailed with an idea. As can be witnessed by my signing up to run my first marathon, not all of my ideas fall into what many people call the "bright" category. My idea for this day definitely would not be classified as bright. My idea, was to run 3 miles (or for my global readers, 5k) in under 27 minutes...after only running 3 times...all year...after just running 7 miles...without eating. I shall never be confused with Einstein, maybe his brother Herb (its the hair).

The course I mapped out featured a gradual incline for the first mile, followed by a flat second, and a down hill third with a small (but steep) 50 yard hill two blocks from the finnish. The first mile started out great, I was flying (for a Clydesdale) and was able to complete the mile in just over 9 minutes. With the hard part of the course over, I knew I could make up time on the back 2/3s. But then part of the way through mile 2, I started to struggle. Gritting my teeth, I dug in and pushed on. As I rounded the corner to for the 3rd and final mile, I noticed a jogger merging onto the same street I was on about two hundred feet back. With a nice long downhill head, I was not going to let this guy catch or pass me. Pain and Exhaustion be darned. For 3/4 of a mile, I kept the other runner at bay. On 37th street, I headed right, and he headed left. My legs were shot, but I was ahead of finishing in 27 minutes. Three blocks from home, I hit the last incline and my legs stopped. I could not get them to move. My mind and lungs were screaming, "MOVE!" Nothing, zip, zilch, nada. I had bonked.

I stood in the street and looked down at my watch. I could not move as the time kept running to and then through my goal of 27 minutes. As I walked the three blocks home, realization dawned upon me that I was not ready to run a marathon. That's ok, because I am not running a marathon tomorrow, or even next week. My race is still over 5 months away. There is a reason why people must train to race a marathon. I have a good base started. Personal Best in 5k's and 10k's will come with the training. I need to practice patients. My journey has just begun.

Random Question

Is it a rule that in order to have be an indie band, someone in the band must always be wearing a stocking cap?

A special shout out to AZSynCPA!

I hope you had a great race this past weekend participating in the Arizona Rock & Roll half marathon! Keep running and I lift a glass of red to your accomplishment!

Could this be the first signs of getting a little bit older!?

Oh how the mind remembers and yet the body forgets. In my twenties when I was a runner, I could jump out of bed, throw on my shoes and be out the door.  Within a few seconds, my body would be warmed up, and I would be feeling fine and at pace. Today, arrgghhh!!! Now, it seems like I first need some caffeine, then a little walking around to loosen up, and then when I start to jog, it seems like a good half mile before my body finds a groove. I hope this is just the effects of a long lay off and that as I get more into my training my old body will come back.
Training wise, I just finished a nice 7 mile jog, felt strong except for the last mile.
On a side note, I think a higher power definitely endorsees my marathon training. Ever since I announced it to everyone that I was training to run in one in June, we have had almost perfect running weather.  And its January...in Spokane!

What did man do in a cave 6,000 years ago? He made wine!

Even our early ancestors realized the health benefits of drinking red wine. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/01/110111-oldest-wine-press-making-winery-armenia-science-ucla/

Top Gear Tuesday

This coming Tuesday, January 18th, we will be hosting our very first Top Gear Tuesday at the Spokane Tasting Room. I have had a lot of people sent me emails and call about what exactly is Top Gear? So, here is a fun little clip of the show, that will give you a taste of what to expect this Tuesday. Just imagine sitting in a room full of friends, eating nachos, and drinking some great red wine.

The power of Chocolate Milk

As I have started my journey to running 26.2 miles in just under 6 months, reading and research has been one of my late night past times. It does not take a rocket science to realize that I can not longer fuel my body for distance running with pizza, beer and nachos (but were not that time of my life so glorious!). One of the greatest nuggets of information I have found is that low fat/fat free chocolate milk is a great recovery beverage. The only catch, it is best after long workouts of at least 45 minutes. So, if needing a little extra motivation to go longer, imagine the reward of a nice tall glass of chocolate milk. http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/superfoods/chocolate-milk-after-workout/

I have signed up to do what!?

First, a little background. In my mid-20's I discovered the joy of running. I used to run every day and be pretty moody when I was unable to go for my daily run. At my peak, I was logging over 50 miles a week. Friends would ask me if I was going to participate in any races or do a marathon. "Maybe" would be my stock reply, not really thinking or giving pause to answering the question. I felt blessed to be one of the lucky people who got a runners high. Then life happened.

I developed a severe hernia and needed surgery. Went back to EWU to finally finish my degrees in Accounting and Economics, started the winery with my parents in addition to running the vineyard, and got married. After not being able to run for a while and then having major changes happen in my life, running faded away.

But I always missed it. Whenever I would be driving to work and see people out for a jog, I felt a pain of envy. Every so often, I would buy a pair of running shoes, go for a few jogs, and then get distracted. Another nice pair of shoes slowly making their way to becoming wine stained work shoes. After work, when one is tired, it is so much easier to hit Taco Bell then it is to lace up the shoes and hit the asphalt. I find it interesting that the fast food gives a short term pleasure rush, but when I workout and eat healthy, I always feel a million times better.

This past December, I realized that I needed to make running a priority again in my life. So, I decided to set a goal to run a marathon. To add incentive to the goal, I went online, did some research, and found a nearby marathon that was far enough into the future to allow me to properly train, but close enough to not give me much leeway from training. I signed up for the Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon Saturday, June 25th. And now, to add even more motivation, I am telling everybody.

I have started this blog to chronicle the chaotic life of running and vineyard and winery while trying to train for my first marathon. After that first marathon, I hope to transition this blog into one about wine and running.