And so here I am, about halfway through training for another half marathon. It’s good motivation to try and stay healthy. I think I’m on pace to do slightly better than last time, and I like that, because I always like improving. But that’s not why I do it. I’ve come to learn that I’m not the only one in the wine business who runs (or bikes or spins or any other sort of exercise--take the drunken cyclist for example). It seems to me that there’s some appropriate connection between drinking good wine and participating in some sort of exercise. At times, it almost feels like a necessity. I’ve been on trips where I’m tasting wine from 9 in the morning to 10 at night (yes, I know, I must have a really tough job) and, of course, there’s food at all these tastings. Not to mention a three course lunch and a five course dinner. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, but it is an awful lot to consume over the course of a day (or seven). And so there is something alluring about finding a way to balance that out.
I think the real reason wine goes so naturally with exercise is that to me, wine is about Good Living. And, exercise is about the same. There’s just something about wine, that I can’t quite explain, that speaks to living life fully and enjoying oneself in a right, good and healthy way. And I exercise is a natural part of that. Of course you can have a right, good and healthy life without wine, but I think wine adds something unique and special and enjoyable the way no other food or beverage can. And that doesn’t even take into account the numerous possible health benefits of drinking a little bit of wine each day.
So drink some wine today; it’ll be good for you. And then go run a half marathon, or something like that.