Running Mendocino and the Coast

About 10 days ago my wife decided to do another 50k to try to improve her overall UltraRunning Race Series ranking. Looking at the options we found this great little race on the Northern California coastline in the town of Mendocino. It is a first-year race – the Mendocino Coast 50k. We found out that Altra was a sponsor and this got her registered and arranged the accommodations. It was going to be a quick trip, but would really be a nice getaway for us. The last time we went away was for an Altra athlete summit so something for just the two of us would be great. Yes, it was still around an event, but at least just a 50k so we could have some good time together.

We flew into Oakland Friday evening and made the three-hour drive up through Santa Rosa and Healdsburg then over to the coast. The drive from Healdsburg over to the coast was dark?but was still gorgeous. There were towering redwoods, vineyards, and beautiful landscapes. We were blessed to find this quaint, little bed and breakfast just outside of town right on the coast. A really romantic destination to spend a couple of nights. The host, Bettilou, was fantastic. She prepared a great breakfast for us, provided us everything we needed, and she was excellent company.

Here is a view of the house that we stayed in right on the coast. Bettilou Inn was quaint and fantastic.

She prepared a great quiche for breakfast. Yum!

Here is a look at the ocean from the back deck of Bettilou Inn. We loved how it was tucked into a rocky cove. So much to watch that way. Great to fall asleep to the waves crashing around us.

Saturday morning we headed over to the race start. It was a nice mile run warm up right from our bed and breakfast.

Here is a look from the Coastal Highway down to the beach park where the race started from.

We were able to connect with some Bay Area friends at the race and get things underway. I was going to grab breakfast and knock out a run after Leslie started the 50k. There was a good turnout for a first time event. It sounded like they had sold out too.

Les won the 50k, I got 13 miles of running in on some exceptional trails, we are a great dinner in town, caught up with friends and walked around the headlands and watched the sun set.

I really enjoy these sweet moments that we get to spend together and rekindle our love for one another. I have an amazing wife and am blessed to have her. I hope that we can grow from these special moments. Such a joy to be happily married!