August 12, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Who’s An Athena?

Ancient greek goddess athena cartoon. Ancient greek goddess athena, funny vector cartoon portrait of female deity of wisdom | CanStock

Athena was the goddess of battle strategy, and wisdom

A running friend mentioned to me recently that at a race, she registered as an Athena because she thought she had a better chance of placing.

Well it turned out that she didn’t but she would have done better just entering by her age.

The Athena division only takes into account your weight. (The male equivalent is Clydesdale.)

Do Sara and Dimity look overweight to you? They often enter races in the Athena division.

So obviously if you are tall, you can fit into this division and not be overweight.

The Athena division is only available in some marathons and triathlons. And many women do not want to be considered an Athena even if they do qualify.

The weight limit for an Athena according to what I’ve read varies from race to race but is usually between 140-160 lbs.

Ok, so if you’re 5 feet tall, you may be overweight but not if you’re 5’10!

The rationale supposedly is that it’s harder to run fast if you are carrying extra pounds.

But shouldn’t it be BMI not just the number on the scale?

What do you think?

1.Should this division be offered?

2. In ALL races or just certain types or distances, if it is offered?

3. If you qualified, would you sign up?

4. Should you have to weigh in before the race (to keep things honest)?

4.Does being overweight give you an unfair disadvantage in a race?

Happy Running! Have you ever run a race as an Athena? Please share!

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blog

August 9, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Places I have Run (S-Z)

S-Z

Originally Donna from Running to Travel the World posted this challenge. I completed it twice:

But I changed it up the past two Tuesdays and chose those PLACES where I’ve raced or run (A-I and J-R). This is a continuation of those posts:

S – Sarasota, FL, Sanguinet, France and Saratoga Spring, NY

I love to visit Sarasota when I go to Naples, FL each May. However, I have also run two half marathons there in the winter.

Herald-Tribune staff photo by Dan Wagner - Yup, I am in the photo!!!

one of the highlights is running over the Ringling Bros. bridge

When I visited Paris several years, I also went to Sanguinet (small town on the west coast north of Burgundy). My travel companion had friends who lived there. Of course, I ran there every morning.

there was a lake nearby

I love to run in the Saratoga State Park and I’ve raced in this city many times too. It is famous for horse racing.

T – Troy, NY

Not too far from where I live and one of the largest Thanksgiving races is held here each year.

11986342_1192296570787072_4790322504906372402_n

running over the Collar City bridge

U – Utica, NY

This city is famous for its summer 15k (The Boilermaker) and beer. I was there my first summer of running for its 5k.

V – Vestal, NY and Vero Beach, FL.

I would have said Vermont but I already mentioned a race there. Vestal is a small town is just north of Binghamton, NY and has a nice rail trail there. I ran on it several times when I was there travelling for work.

Vero Beach is another place on the east coast of Florida where I ran a half marathon.

W – Waverly, RI and West Palm Beach, FL

One of my close college friends built a house nearby in RI so she talked me into visiting to kayak and to race.

who doesn’t love a race with ocean views?

I have quite a few friends who winter in the West Palm part of Florida (east cost). As a result, I try to visit them each winter and usually run a race while I’m there.

races along the ocean are my favorites

X – Nope.
Y Z??? Nada – I guess I need to travel more (as a runner).

I’ve been to Yellowstone and Zion National Parks but again it was BEFORE I became a runner.

Happy Running! Ever run in any of these places? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

August 6, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.31.22-8.7.22: The Heat is Back On…

After a brief reprieve from the heat and humidity, summer weather returned in full force this week.

Not much could be done but as they say “Just do it!” And that’s what I did.

Last Week:

Sunday – Boating Sunday!

Again I was treated to a gorgeous day for relaxing on the lake.

different dock at Red Rock Bay (Lake George)… same experience

Since my hubby had driven up the day before, we had two cars today. That meant, I could stay later and do my own thing…

After he left, I walked around town admiring all the beautiful gardens.

Then I went for a few nature walks/hikes before heading home.

trails at the Sagamore followed by Up Yonda.

Of course, there was stop on the way at Martha’s for ice cream.

Monday – I really didn’t want to get up this morning to run but it was #nevermissamonday. As always, I was glad I did.

but holy humidity!!! Just chrysalis and bees today.

Having my run done before work allowed me to go for a leisurely walk on the rail trail with friends after work.

Tuesday – After a sleepless night, I was tired but I knew I HAD to run.

this run was dedicated to my sweet cat, Honey, who died the night before.

I do love all kinds of flowers but I really love sunflowers. And I really needed a pick me up today!!

Two of the nearby fields did not plant this summer so I had to search out a new location.

And I found one!! They are only open in the evenings which was perfect…Unfortunately my GPS did not take to the right location but a kind soul on the side of road directed me. It was not free (however you got to cut your own flowers to bring home) and most of the fields had not bloomed yet. (I plan a return visit in a few weeks.)

The flowers made me happy and it was definitely worth the trip!!

Wednesday – Yes, the third day in a row of getting up early to run. But again it freed up my evening for other things.

the bright sunshine was a killer today… those sunflowers are TALL…like my runfie?

My evening plans included dinner out with my former co-workers and walking pals.

Thursday – 100 degrees predicted for today!!! No running for me (since I don’t have access to a treadmill.)

Since I had to go into the office today, I did take a walk to the nearby Starbucks.

There were a few evening plans brewing – a group trail run for me and tennis for the hubby OR a Jimmy Buffet concert together.

It wasn’t the heat hat bothered me. It was the threat of thunderstorms (which may or may not materialize).

Well, we decided on the concert. And it was the right decision. While we were gone, there was a HUGE storm. The power and internet went down. I wouldn’t have been able to go to the hike. My hubby’s tennis match was canceled.

The concert was awesome and NO RAIN!

The concert was held in Bethel, NY – the home of the famous Woodstock concert in 1969!!!

It was a very long drive (longer than I thought) and we got home at 1:30 am!!

Friday – Rest Day!! And a scheduled day off from work.

August 2021

I had planned (as I did last year) to visit a friend who was at a retreat on Lake George to hike and hang out on the lake.

As you can expect, I was very tired but my friend needed to get home and the weather was less than ideal so we decided to cancel.

I hate to waste a vacation day so I worked instead. (I’ll take another day off later in the month).

Saturday – Long Run Saturday!

We decided to start early (to beat the heat) and then meet for brunch. Thanks to my friends, I got 12 miles done on the rail trail.

it was humid and warm but running intervals (and with friends) made me feel like I could run forever

Sunday – Boating Sunday!!

So far so good. We’ve been lucky to have dry Sundays to use our boat for the day.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF – run, hike
Tuesday – rest day, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – rest day, ARE trail walk
Friday – run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, boating
Sunday – Run for the Roses 5k (+ miles)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Places I’ve Run (S-Z)
Friday – Who’s an Athena?

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

August 4, 2022 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for August ’22

It’s that time of the month…

Soleil Home™ Running Porcelain Mug - Run but First Coffee

time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it has even been too hot this summer for me to join my running groups and run after work.

Yup, I became a sunrise runner.

What about you? Did the summer temps force you to see the sun rise?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did join the group trail runs each Thursday evening. But I’m too nervous to run on them. I (and my running friends) always brought up the rear and walked each one.

Do you run on trails often?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that so far I have been able to do more hiking since I have every other Monday off.

Have you been doing much hiking lately?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have NOT run a half marathon since May. Remember I ran 6 half marathons the first 5 months of the year.

Don’t worry. I signed up for THREE this fall!!

1. Race 4 the River – Sept 3
2. Maine – Oct 2
3. Upstate Classic – Nov. 20

Have you been taking a break from training this summer? Have you signed up for any big races this fall?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that if you are interested in the big NYC races, here are some important dates:

- NYC Half Marathon – March 19, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: Mid-October 2022
- Brooklyn Half Marathon – May 20, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: Mid-December 2022
- NYC Marathon – November 5, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: February 2023

So far, I am only definitely running the NYC Half.

United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon Race Results - New York, NY - 3/20/2022 - My BEST Runs - Worlds Best Road Races

Anyone planning to apply to run any of these NYC races?

*** Last but not least, thanks for all your kind words on FB and IG regarding the death of my cat, Honey. Even losing an older cat is not easy. She was deaf and thin but still active with a hearty appetite. In fact, this week she ate a rabbit and the morning she died, a mouse. (I do think my younger 3 year old cat catches them.) My hubby thinks she died of old age but I kinda think she was poisoned. Anyway, at least he found her dead on our deck, not I!!

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

August 2, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Places I have Run (J-R)

J-R

Originally Donna from Running to Travel the World posted this challenge. I completed it twice:

Last Tuesday, I changed it up and chose those PLACES where I’ve raced or run (A-I). This is a continuation from that post.

J – Jones Beach (LI), NY

I grew up going to the beach quite often during the summer months. I even worked at the theater there during college vacations.

During the weekend of my 40th high school reunion, I decided to finally run there.

K – Killington, VT

I’ve run the Vermont City Marathon Relay twice but in this Vermont city, I have only run a 5k. (It is a LONG drive!)

yes, a chair lift was part of the 5k and 15k.

L. – Las Vegas, NV

Many times before I became a runner, I travelled to Vegas for a vacation. I did go back once to run the Rock n Roll 5k and half with some bloggers.

recognize anyone?

M – Montreal and Melbourne, FL

I’ve visited Montreal several times and have run there. I also ran the Rock N Roll half marathon and 5k in this city.

My sister-in-law used to live in Florida and when I visited her, I would run a half marathon (and it rained both times. boo!)

gotta love a Florida bridge

N – Naples, FL

I vacation there every May but it was where I ran my first half marathon. Since then, I’ve run a few 5ks there.

O – Orlando, FL

Yes, another Florida vacation. No race this time. Just a run before visiting the Disney parks.

P – Philadelphia, PA and Panama City, FL.

Unfortunately, it was a rainy weekend for my half marathon in Philly. I definitely want to re-visit this city.

My visit to Panama City was for a weekend with fellow running bloggers (and a half marathon, of course.)

You should recognize a few bloggers…

Q – Queens, NY

Well, I did run through Queens during the NYC Marathon.

R – Rochester, NY

Another city in NYS where I have run while travelling for work. It’s probably my second favorite place to run besides NYC.

on the Lakeside trail along Lake Ontario

AND

along the Erie Canal

Happy Running! Ever run in any of these places? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

July 30, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.24.22-7.31.22: Fitting it in…

Some weeks, I say that I’m happy that I fit in a run. This was one of them.

For three days I was providing tech support for the NYS Bar Exam at a law school (7am-xx:xx). There was also a running group day at a lake, a trail run and a ZOOM with college friends.

Last Week:

Sunday – Boating Sunday! In the 90’s!! Where else would I want to be?

perfect (didn’t even feel the heat) and no storms until that evening.

Monday – Today our running group planned a day on Emerald Lake in VT. Rain and the threat of thunderstorms called for a change in plans.

A later departure time allowed me to get my run in.

it was a wet one but it felt sooo good.

Fortunately one of my running friends does live on a lake and that was our back up plan.

The maiden voyage of my SUP… lots of laughs… didn’t even mind the mid day storm

Tuesday – Long work day – 7 am-5 pm providing tech support to those taking the NYS Bar Exam.

But finally a beautiful (not steamy) run day so I accepted when a friend asked to accompany her on a run.

I got back just in time to a ZOOM with college friends.

Wednesday – Back to my regular job. I don’t like to run three days in a row but with thunderstorms and working at the Bar Exam on Thursday, I decided that I’d better run after work today.

humidity returned though

I had to rush the run because I forgot that I had a “wine” date with a friend.

Thursday – Back at the Bar Exam but I finished early enough to carpool with friends to the weekly trail run.

it was a long drive to Landis Arboretum but worth it..

Friday – Rest Day!! Finally! And I worked at the Bar Exam for the third and last day.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday! 10 miles on the plan for Zim Smith bike path.

I was lucky to have the company of friends (and temps cooler than last week) plus brunch at Leah’s.

Sunday – Boating Sunday!!

The heat seems to be back. Looking forward to a day on the lake.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run, ARE trail walk (or Jimmy Buffet concert)
Friday – DAY OFF – a day with a friend on Lake George is planned.
Saturday – Long Run
Sunday – rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Places I’ve Run (J-R)
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

July 28, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for July ’22

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

Didn’t I just runfess? This summer is flying by…

Here we go again:

1. I runfess…

I ran two races in 3 days and it was 90 degrees for the evening 5k that I ran with no water stops. No worries, right?

Thumbs up BEFORE the race

Then during the race, the runner in the photo below died. He was a running coach, had already run 19 marathons (including Boston many times) and won his age group at his previous 5k.

Gary Heard Obituary - Brooklyn, NY

And he was only 4 years older than me. I have no idea if he had heart problems. But this does make you think.

very happy in retrospect that I took it slow during the race and walked often. You can be BOTP and still win your AG if you are the only one.

2. I runfess…

Even though I had run a 5k in Brooklyn the night before, I knew I could not be in NYC without running in Central Park.

luckily Cari had company which enabled me to walk as needed and yes, she is a rockstar and can run with a backpack on.

3. I runfess…

Almost all my walks, runs and hikes end with ice cream. That’s a lot of ice cream each week. LOL

post run ice cream = mojo

4. I Runfess…

Although I’ve been trying to add more walking and hiking to my running routine, there still has been ZERO working out and ZERO bike rides.

5 mile hikes every other Monday

and 3.5 mile trail walks on Thursdays

4. I Runfess…

I’ve been struggling with deciding between racing and running with friends. Unfortunately they both could happen on Saturdays. Both are fun!

What do I do?? FOMO either way.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share!

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blog

July 26, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Places I’ve Run A-I

A-I

Originally Donna from Running to Travel the World posted this challenge. I completed it twice:

But for this post, I changed it up and chose those PLACES where I’ve raced or run.

Unfortunately, I was never a big traveler. Plus most of my traveling was done BEFORE I became a runner.

But here are those places that I have run or raced in (since 2008):

A – Asbury Park, NJ. and Albany, NY

I had a friend who lived Asbury Park and I like Bruce Springsteen’s music (that’s where he is from) so I ran a Half Marathon here.

I live near the capital of NYS so obviously have run there often. My favorite race is held at Christmastime.

B – Brooklyn, NY and Burlington, VT.

I have raced in Brooklyn many times, all in Prospect Park – 2 half marathons, many 5ks and even a 15k.

But my favorite place to run is over the Brooklyn Bridge!

I’ve visited Burlington twice and stayed with the late blogger/runner AJH. Each time, I ran a a different leg of the Vermont City Marathon.

miss AJH so much!!!

C – California and Corning, NY

The first trip to California was to race and visit a friend in Santa Clarita (outside LA) and the two other times were trips to Palm Springs.

My first race-cation with my current running group was to run the Wineglass half marathon in Corning, NY.

pre-race activity

D – Denver, CO

I went to a conference there and signed up for a running tour of the city.

E –East, Meadow, NY

This is where I grew up (on Long Island). And I never ran when I lived there. I hope to do a half marathon there at some point but I have run there a few times (when I was there for work.).

in Eisenhower Park

F – Fort Lauderdale, FL

I have visited Florida many times. I ran this half marathon here in February of 2021.

G – Governor’s Island (NYC)

You can get there by ferry from Manhattan (or Brooklyn) and I’ve done a fun 5k there (Cari has run a few 10ks there.)

H – Hampton Beach, NH

Two race-cations.. The first time, we ran a virtual half marathon and then the next year, we ran the real race.

I – Ile de La Cite, Paris

Ok, I’ve taken liberties in using the French for this letter but I did run there during a 20k race.

Happy Running! Ever run in any of these places? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

July 23, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.17.22-7.24.22: Working Five Days

I know most of you do work five days but this is the first week since the beginning of June where I had to work on Monday.

I now have every other Monday off and then there was also Juneteenth and Fourth of July Monday holidays.

So the week was tiring. I guess I’m out of practice.

There are group run opportunities every night of the week if I so choose.. but this week, it was just too hot to wait until the evening to run.

Last Week:

Sunday – Boating Sunday!

Again we were blessed with another dry warm day. We chose a new site and it may have become my favorite.

shade, lake breeze, beautiful views, good book = paradise

Monday – A rainy morning but it had stopped by lunch time but more rain was predicted for later in the day.

I planned to participate in a group run at The Crossings after work but decided not to risk getting rained on and skipped out for a run earlier..

drove to a different neighborhood for this run

Instead of participating in a Peloton run, I listened to a AMR podcast. It made me think of Judy‘s recent posts on HR. This runner talked about spikes in her HR. She attributed most of the HR spikes to stress. She decided to run listening to music and/or a podcast. This prevented her mind from going to her stressors: family/work issues, her pace, the weather, etc. No HR spikes. Ok, I’m not saying this is the only reason your heart rate goes up but it’s worth trying if you run in silence.

I did go for a walk after work on the rail trail with a friend We did get rained on but it felt sooo good!!

Tuesday – Another scorcher but a Rest Day due to a hair appt! Self-care is important, right? (I even got my nails done last Saturday.)
Wednesday – There was a SOAR run scheduled on the Albany end of the rail trail so I planned to join them. (also an ice cream run scheduled on the same trail, different location. Nice to have choices.)

But because of the predicted 95 degree temps (+humidity), it got cancelled.

So my only choice was to drag myself outta bed (after a poor night’s sleep due to all the thunderstorms) and run.

It was great and I need to do this EVERYDAY!!

Instead of that after work run, I did go for a walk…. even at 8 pm, I sweat.

Thursday – As I have done in previous weeks, I planned to do my run right after work and then drive up to the ARE trail run location to join my friends to walk the trails.

Another hot summer day so I wisely decided to run early before work. I woke up to NO INTERNET which would complicate things. I would have to drive to my office.

talked to the guy fixing the Internet and he assured me that it would fixed by 8am!! Too sweaty again to show you what I looked like after my run lol

And the Internet returned and I was able to work from home. Phew!

It was still very hot and humid in the evening. No lie. But it was great to head to the mountains where it was a little cooler.

great views and lots of shade and that cold drink at a nearby restaurant was amazing!

Friday – Rest Day!! HOT HOT but mah jongg night in an air conditioned friend’s home… Ahhh!
Saturday – Long Run Saturday! There was a local 5k that I thought about running…

But I do enjoy our group LONG runs and it was HOT so I skipped it.

starting early made all the difference and of course, brunch after with friends.

Sunday – Boating Sunday!!

How hot will it get? 100??

The plan is to float in the lake and/or sit under an island tree and read a book (or both).

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF – Day at Emerald Lake (with my running friends)
Tuesday – run (after working at the NYS bar exam)
Wednesday – run
Thursday – working at the NYS bar exam, run before ARE trail walk
Friday – working at the NYS bar exam, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run
Sunday – rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – PlacesI’ve Run (A-I)
Friday – Runfessions

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

July 22, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Five Ways to be a Better Running Friend

For a while, we were running alone… and not socializing.

Now it seems than more and more runners are racing and running with other runners.

Please do not take anything I say below personal.

It’s just my opinion. We all interact with others differently. And than includes virtually.

Here are a few suggestions on How to Be a Better Running Friend:

1. Give a Smile, Hug or High Five.

Sounds so simple.

It is especially welcomed when you haven’t seen a friend in a while.

Or you are passing them on a run.

Or before or after a race.

Yes, I forget sometimes because I am thinking about myself… my problems, my run…

2. Be flexible.

Obviously, you can’t always be. Some of us work full-time and others have childcare needs…

But try to coordinate runs to meet each other’s schedules. IOW, sometimes you have to run at a time that you do not prefer.

I work until 4 pm but sometimes I have to wait until a friend gets out of work or get up early and run before work (which is hard for me).

And when running with a friend, if they ask for company, you may have to be flexible on how you run… Intervals, run slower, etc.

I’m sure Jenny slowed down for me…

It’s easy for me to change to anyone’s pace. (I’m pretty loosey goosey)

Of course if you seriously training for a PR, you may only want to run with a slower friend occasionally.

3. Listen (and don’t always offer advice)

Another no brainer but we often tend to talk about ourselves… our injuries, our pace, our last race. (or is it just me?)

IOW, ask your friend after a run how it went. Ask them if they raced recently and how they did. If you know that they are not running due to an injury, ask they how they are feeling…

I ran, she walked but we celebrated together after

Even if you a a certified coach, not everyone wants advice and to hear everything you know on the subject.

Of course, if they ask, you should offer advice. If you’ve had a similar injury, if they ask, you can tell them what you did and if it worked.

4. Communicate and Be Dependable

You can choose whatever method method works for you – text, FB, phone call.

Call a friend to plan a meet-up or see what’s new with them.

Ask what races, they are planning to sign up for. Share the races that you may be doing (so they can decide whether or not to join you.)

Obviously, respond promptly to calls, texts or invitations. And if you have to skip a run or meet-up, always offer a reason. (Friends will understand.)

By being dependable, I mean if you say you are going run or race, show up or contact someone to tell them that you are unable (Things happen.) And be punctual.

brrr … glad Karen didn’t keep me waiting…

5. Provide Support.

This may be the most important.

There are so many ways to support your friends. All of the above are examples.

Also, go to a race that you are not running and cheer your friend on. Or if you are running the race and you finish first, stay and cheer at the finish line.

You bet I was screaming “Go Judy!”

Try not to complain about your pace and say that you are “slow” or a “BOTP” runner. We are all aware that pace is so individual. So many variables play a part… How long have you been running? How old are you? Are you recovering from an injury? Have you been training for longer races? Etc.