January 17, 2020 by Darlene

Friday Five: What I Learned From My First Marathon

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Enough time has passed since Nov 3, 2019 that I can be objective about my first marathon experience.

I had no idea what to expect ….

Here’s what I learned:

1.The Marathon is More than a Race.

There are training runs…lots of them and hopefully supported by your friends.

There’s the expo and pre-race activities.

Of course, there’s the race itself which is obvious. 26.2 miles…

Finally, there’s also the post race experience.

I am happy that I chose to go big…

NYC rocked all aspects of the race!!

The finish line was not the only important thing that happened that weekend. Who knew?

2.Preparation and Recovery are Different for Each Runner.

I chose the Hal Higdon plan but quickly realized that I could not do the longish mid-week runs due to long work days and lots of work travel. (I traveled for 8 weeks during peak marathon training.)

So I stuck to my normal short runs 3 times a week and then added a long run on the weekend. However, I did worry that I was not as prepared as I should have been. And I had not run as many miles as other marathoners.

After the race, many runners cautioned me about recovery. One even said that she took off a month after her first marathon.

But I felt great. I ran a 15k race a week later.

Just like pace, preparation and recovery are individual things.

3.Your Mind Really Does Control Your Legs.

During the second 13 miles of the race, I was convinced that I was injured…my lower back, my left quad, my right ankle. They all ached.

As a result, I just could not move my legs fast. I was not tired. I wanted to get to the finish line. But my mind said “Slow Down! Don’t risk your future races.”

But I was not injured. I felt perfectly fine the next day…as if I had not run 26.2 miles.

I do not regret my finish time at all.

enjoying the early miles with a friend

I only regret that my mind did not let me enjoy the second half of the race.

4.The Pain is Worth It.

Yes, it hurt. It hurt more than I thought it would.

the painful slog near the end in Central Park

The pain quickly faded from my mind. I mostly remember the crowds, the excitement, the energy, the music, the sights, etc.

If it weren’t for my darn foot, I may have considered running this marathon again.

5.I am One and Done.

For an millisecond, I thought about registering for NYCM 2020.

It’s not that I think my foot pain was caused by all the miles.

It’s that I feel so grateful that in 2019, I was able to run 6 half marathons, three 15k races and a FULL Marathon…without any foot pain.

What if this pain occurred during my marathon training and even worse, during the race??

Don’t want to take the chance!

Heading to the finish line and doing the happy dance

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! If you ran a big race, what did you learn that was unexpected? Please share.

January 14, 2020 by Darlene

Tuesday Topics: The Best of 2019

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.

My Topic this week is as I and other bloggers have done in past years, is My Year of Running in 2019! (Better late than never…)

Warning. I’m not good at picking just one or even two. Lol

Best Race(s):

So what determines a “best” race? Fastest? Best Food? Most scenic course? Most organized? Best swag?

Any or all of the above.

Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon

It was the first annual for this local race and though my finish time was not a PR, it did qualify me the for NYC Half 2020.

Great Sacandaga Half Marathon

Another first annual race and it got me my FIRST trophy.

Freihofer’s Run for Women

How could I not mention the only race I have run every year. Besides, this local 5k was probably one of my fastest of 2019.

I did enjoy all of my 31 races in 2019. Each one was special in a different way.

Best Run(s):

My runs are not usually very good or very exciting.

But I’d say that my best ones were done with my local running friends. We call our group the “Sole Sisters.”

They have gotten me to run longer and faster and to walk less. The best part is being accountable during those hot summer days and long cold winter months.

I would be remiss not to mention that my job has allowed me run on some neat new bike paths and parks in 2019. That has been exciting (the running not the job or the traveling).

Hauppauge, NY

Vestal, NY

Liberty, NY

And then there were my FIRST group trail runs.

beautiful view!

lots of laughs

Best New Piece(s) of Running Gear:

I have bought many pairs of running shoes. In 2019, I switched from Nikes to Mizunos.

happy feet from March to November

I have, of course, bought countless Skirt Sports running clothes. In 2019, I experimented with a new skirt (instead of my usual Gym Girl Ultra).

Hello Cascade…

I love my Zensah Compression Calf Sleeves. I have many pairs of compression calf sleeves and socks but some are too tight, some are not tight enough. Zensahs are perfect.

My favorite has been my new After Shokz headphones. I find wearing headphones so uncomfortable that I usually just play music or podcasts right from my phone. Well, I will disturb passers-by no more.

Most Inspirational Runner(s)

Well, there are quite a few.

Image result for break 2 hours marathon"

whoa .. sub 2 hour marathon!!

At 61 years old, Joan Samuelson ran within 30 minutes of her winning time 40 years ago!!!!

Meb, of course but my NYCM roommate Lacey who at age 33 has already run 22 marathons (and BQed).

Favorite Picture from a Run or Race:

Again there are a few (although I didn’t buy any of them):

Surf Town Half Marathon

NYC Marathon

Great Sacandaga Half Marathon

NYC Half Marathon

Race Experience(s) you would repeat in a heart beat:

Well you know I love race-cations so there were several in 2019.

Brooklyn Hot Chocolate 15k

I loved the swag for this first annual race and the weekend shenanigans with friends were unforgettable.

Publix Half Marathon

This Florida race course was beautiful but it poured the whole 13.1 miles. I need a do-over.

Surf Town Half Marathon

Who doesn’t love a race with ocean/beach views?

I doubt I will be able to repeat any of these but I would if I could.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?

Running…Vacations…Friends…Marathon

Looking forward to what 2020 brings…

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! What are some of the highlights of 2019 in running? Please share.

January 12, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.6.20-1.12.20: Back in the Big Apple

After two weeks of sleeping in my own bed, I was back on road… At least, It was to NYC, my favorite place to travel to. The last time I was there, I was nursing a sore foot and did not run at all. This time, I ran even with my sore foot.

Last Week –

Monday – Took the train to NYC for work.

sock done…finally

After I arrived, I went to/from Queens. I had planned on my way back to stop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since it closes at 5:30 pm, this was the only day that I could squeeze in a visit. But instead I decided to rest my foot and go back to my hotel to ride the bike.

Afterward I took the subway to meet Cari and we walked to Elizabeth’s who made dinner for us. Always fun to catch up with my BRFs and fellow Skirt Sports ambassadors.

they are one of the reasons why I enjoy working in NYC

Tuesday – After work today, I quickly changed into running clothes and headed to the Hudson River to go for a run. Decided to run on the High Line. Unfortunately parts of the run felt good but on the whole, the foot (after standing on it for 8 hours) felt worse after than in previous runs. It led me to reconsider this running in pain thing.

Wednesday – Since I am trying to rest my foot and not run everyday, instead after work, I took in a show. I thought about Jagged Little Pill but instead chose Rock of Ages. Very corny but at least the tix were not expensive.

And I also finally got my MRI diagnosis. Foot looks perfectly normal. No sign of anything wrong. Yet it hurts like hell. Plan to pursue the cortisone shot and consult a PT.

Thursday – Today after work, I took the subway to Columbus Circle and met Cari to run in Central Park. After Tuesday, I wasn’t sure I would run and how much. But we made it through 3 miles. The pain seemed more bearable and the company great.

Afterward we did some shopping at Jack Rabbit.

wide toe box and bargain price 🙂

Friday – Another rest day, since I had to catch the train home after work.
Saturday – Long run scheduled with the Sole Sisters. It was warmer than usual (in the 60s!!!) and the rain held off. I ran the first few miles with Barbara and the rest with Sherry. Afterwards, we all met for brunch…of course.

yes, my foot hurt but the weather and the company made the pain bearable…next week, NYC????

In the the afternoon, I attended my 3rd Yoga for Runners class. The topic this month was

Sunday – 65 degrees!!! Many of my friends were running the Winter Series #3 Race. The weather and FOMO led me to join them. I mostly walked with some run intervals thrown in.

the course was short…only 2.5 miles

After the race, we met our other friends for a farewell brunch. (A few are heading to winter in FL.)

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? Are you experiencing global warming where you live? Ever walk a race? Anyone suffering from undiagnosable injuries?What’s new with you? Please share.

January 10, 2020 by Darlene

Friday Five: Looking Ahead

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: Looking Ahead to 2020

I’m not into goals but last January, I posted about my plans for 2019 and last week, I reflected on them.

I didn’t do so well but that did not discourage me from setting in motion some plans for the coming year.

(Warning: I wrote this post before my sore foot woes and I decided not to delete it cuz you never know…)

1. Run 1000 miles.

It’s a number that I strive to meet each year. I may or may not reach it but I should come close if I have been running consistently all year and I have not gotten injured.

See the source image

2. Add another physical activity to my life besides running.

I’d prefer it to be tennis but that will probably not happen until I retire or get a different job.

So I’d like to take a yoga class now and then, go for lunchtime walks or even hit the gym.

this instructor is my favorite – she has monthly 2 hour sessions on different parts of the body – geared toward runners

3. Participate often in local running group runs.

This was an unexpected activity from last year. I ran in many of the ARE summer trail runs. I started late because I hesitated on joining this group. I plan go to ALL of them this year even if my friends are not going.

Huyck Preserve

I also started attending some other group runs such as SOAR and Ice Cream Runs. If they are scheduled again, I plan to participate.

4. Set a PR or Course PR at any distance.

Realistically I think PRs may be out of reach as I age or my foot continues to be a problem.. But since I often run the same races, possibly I can improve at one race.

maybe at Race to the Lakes 15k?

And first time races or distances do not count lol.

5. And finally…. Run a ~~Half Marathon~~ 15K or Half Marathon Every Month.

Yes, you heard that right. Twelve Distance races in Twelve Months.

(Ok maybe I jinxed myself when I came up with the Half Marathon goal in November – right afterward, my foot started to hurt… so I edited the goal to include 15ks as well)

So it may not happen but it will be fun trying (virtual ones count.)

January – Fred LeBow Half Marathion in NYC (doubtful due to foot injury) or Winter Series #4 15k
February – ZOOMA Bermuda Half Marathon (fingers crossed for this one)
March – NYC Half Marathon (yes, please!)
April – Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon
May – Sacandaga or Steel Rail Half Marathon?
June – Race to the Lakes 15k
July – Boilermaker 15k?
August – a virtual 15k
September – Adirondack or Palio Half Marathon?
October – Finger Lakes Half Marathon?
November – Stockadeathon 15K
December – Ted Corbitt 15K or Palm Beach Half Marathon?

Feel free to recommend some…

Happy Running! Any goals or plans for 2020? When you get injured, do you re-write your goals? Please share.

January 7, 2020 by Darlene

Bill Hogan Winter Series #2 (3.75 m) Race Recap

January 1, 2020 Noon

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

Then in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, I wasn’t that crazy and I only ran the 3.5 Miler.

It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again. They call it a 3.5 miler but I realize each year after the race that it is actually 3.75 miles.

Starting at noon meant that I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve.

I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that there are a lot of local runners who do these races and I wanted to get a close parking space.

Today it was forecast to be in the high 30s but I was worried about the wind on this course. It is always windy!

I wore the usual winter layers. The good thing was that there is an indoor place to hang out before and after the race.

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc.

hanging with SS (Sole Sister) Jeri

So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into runners that I know from races but only one of the Sole Sisters. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.

SS Judy chose to volunteer rather than run this year

Eventually we did have to leave the nice warm building and climb down the stairs and head to the start.

I just squeezed in near the front in order to keep warm and be shielded from the wind.

My biggest worry, of course, has been my foot. It hasn’t been pain-free since November 10. There were 3 weeks off from running completely and then a few slow run/walks.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid to make my foot pain worse.

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired (at mile 3).

pic from a previous year…no snow this year but no blue skies either

This was the first year that I can remember that there was NO ice or snow.

I won’t lie. I was a little cold especially with the wind but at times, I was warm and unzipped my vest. I even eventually took off my gloves. I was happy with my clothing choice.

There were 208 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 197 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.

I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too much since I rarely do that during my weekday runs. And I did for the first three miles despite the fact that my foot hurt with every step. Unfortunately with my 6 miler the previous Saturday, my foot pain eventually went away. It did not today. I tried to ignore and just finish so the pain would end.

There were no mile markers on the course but I could hear my Garmin beep. I couldn’t pay attention to my pace or time because my Garmin was under my long sleeves. (Probably a good thing.)

another pic from a previous year

As I mentioned, I was running until mile 3. This was the most boring part of the course as well as uphill. To make matters worse, the wind cam out of nowhere here. I struggled and the wind seem to suck the life out of my legs. Runners were passing me by, even a runner pushing a child in a stroller. I finally gave it and walked. But it was just as hard to walk into the wind and so I started running again. At this point, I just wanted to finish. and be pain-free.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read 35 minutes. I knew that it would not be close to a course PR but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.

So I sprinted and crossed at 35:06.

I was content!!

Soon after, a few friends finished. We chatted. One in particular shared her identical foot issues and gave me the name her PT that enabled her to run pain-free. Score!

Eventually Jeri finished too. But I was too busy chatting and didn’t get her pic.

These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:13
mile 2: 9:12
mile 3: 9:28
.75 – 9:40

Good old positive splits. Nothing has changed for 2020. LOL

Again this year, the course was long!! I was not surprised that I was slower than last year (34:15) and far behind my course PR from 2018 (34:04). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I never felt really tired or that I was pushing hard. I think if it weren’t for my sore foot, I could have run the whole thing and had an even better finish time.

Definitely not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile and chatted with other runners. Another runner also told me about her similar foot pain (bone bruises & tendinitis = 6 weeks of biking instead of running). It seems that everyone has a story and a remedy…so we’ll what happens with my foot.

At these winter races, they give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Two years ago, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. Not so this year. I was 4th I think. Jeri and I did not hang around and went out for coffee instead.

So a race and a perfect way to start off 2020! (Now only if my foot pain would go away soooon!)

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? If not, when is your first race of 2020?

January 5, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.30.19-1.5.20: Welcome 2020!

As so the decade has ended…

And I was home for the second week in a row. My running was slow, painful but continuing (which was a good thing, I think.)

Last Week –

Monday – My 8 year anniversary… serious ankle surgery due to a broken fibula and tibia…

Five months of recovery and I was back to running.

May 31, 2012 with my running tribe at that time – my first outdoor run was a 5k race LOL

To celebrate, I had to run, right? Too bad it was raining and sleeting. No choice but to head to the gym for a few miles on the dreadmill.

I seem to be a frequent visitor here

Tuesday – New Year’s Eve. I normally would have run but I had planned to race the next day and I was going out with the hubby. But first I rode the bike at the gym.

Wednesday – Day Off and I started it with a local race. Winter Series #2. There were several options but I chose the 3.5 miler (or actually 3.75). I knew a lot of runners here so it was great to catch up. Only one of my “Sole Sisters” ran it this year.

my foot hurt (more than during the 6 miler on Sat.) still glad I did it. Crazy, huh?

Thursday – Just in case the doctor told me to stop running, I ran after work again…back to UAlbany with a friend.

for some strange reason, my foot felt a lot better during today’s run

Then I went out to dinner with a former co-worker. The holiday over-eating continues.

Friday – Foot Doctor appt. I told him that it felt a little better but that it still hurt. He wanted to give me a cortisone shot. I wanted a MRI so I could know exactly what was wrong. So I went for an MRI. Now I’m waiting for the results. After work and before mah jongg, I went back to the gym to ride the bike.

maybe these Altras will cure my foot woes

Saturday – Long run scheduled with the Sole Sisters. With a possible half marathon in a few weeks, I had decided to try and increase my distance. Unfortunately there was rain…lots of rain so I got my nails done instead… and did a lot of cleaning around the house.
Sunday – Rescheduled long run. It was cold and windy but at least dry. Many (but not all) of the Sole Sisters went able to come to run, walk and or have brunch.

foot pain = a lot, a little, none, repeat = frustrating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you spend your new Year’s Eve? Have you raced yet in 2020? Any experiences with cortisone shots? Please share.

January 3, 2020 by Darlene

Friday Five: Looking Back and Having Coffee

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: Looking Back on 2019

I’m not really into goals but last January, I posted about my plans for 2019.

Here’s what I wrote:

1. Run 1000 miles.

It’s just a number. But that number means two things to me. I have been running consistently all year and that I have not been injured.

2. Take some yoga classes.

I’m not good at yoga. I have zero flexibility. But it is relaxing and my life is not. So I think it will help me both mentally and physically.

3. Do some strength or cross training.

I hope to play more tennis starting in June but I do have access to a local free gym. I’d like to get there on some of my rest days.

4. Train seriously for One Race.

Not sure which one but I have already registered for five half marathons so maybe the local one. Or maybe a 5k.

5. And finally…. Finish a 26.2 mile race.

Yes, you heard that right. I haven’t registered yet (next week) but it seems crazy not to take advantage of qualifying for this year’s NYC Marathon.

So how did I do??

1 . Run 1000 miles.

Nope. 947. If not for my calf injury in February and sore foot in December, I may have reached that number. As I said, “It’s only a number.” I am NOT disappointed in my 2019 mileage.

2. Take some yoga classes.

Not until November. I blame it on work travel which was often insane and marathon training.

So better late than never. I have taken a few classes in the last two months of the year. Maybe that will be a sign of the future.

3. Do some strength or cross training.

No on this one, as well. I decided to not join a tennis club and play weekly. As a result, I played during my May tennis vacation in May and not again since then.

As far as the gym, just an occasional trip to use the arm machines or the treadmill or recently the bike. Nothing to write home about for same reason as not going to yoga classes.