Of wine, costumes and the Marathon du Medoc

Oh, la, la doesn't even begin to describe this marathon. I have to admit this may beat Big Sur for pure Joie de Vivre!! Starting with the parade of competitors in costume, through the 26 wine tastings, to the finish line swag and post-race tent filled with MORE wine and French culinary delights, this race was fun from beginning to end. That's not mentioning the pasta party the night before and lunch at the vineyard the day after the race. Oh, and I forgot to tell you the scenery, both human and landscape, is quite something too.

It will be difficult to appreciate a banana at a finish line ever again.

For those of you who were concerned about my limited wine drinking experience, I want you to know that already at kilometer 1, I was a fully appreciative advocate for wine as endurance fuel. It certainly dulls the pain. And, it adds a “je ne cest quoi” to the conviviality of a marathon.

I have two resolutions after finishing.

1. To return with a better understanding of French. I'd love to know what some of these guys were saying on the course - you will too when you see what I saw. (All of my pics will be uploaded when I return from France.)
2. To return and use the ENTIRE time limit allowed for the race - those wine stops were a real party!

More to say in the days to come!

For now enjoy a few of my favourite pics.