June 22, 2021 by Darlene

TT: Your Initials and Running

Let’s have some fun today.

What do your Initials say about your running?

D = Difficult

I know if it weren’t hard, everyone would do it.

But no matter what the distance is, it is “hard.” At least it is for me.

Of course, it is hard in different ways. Weather conditions? Injuries? Hills? Speed? Endurance?

I do not consider this a negative. My motto has been “I can do hard things.”

S = Social (I usually use my maiden name as my middle name)

It’s no secret that I prefer to run with other runners.

I like races. I like joining running groups whether they be in-person or virtual ones.

I have met so many wonderful person through running.

Running with others is just more fun (for me.)

C = Consistent

Unless I have a serious injury (like a broken bone), I have never taken time off.

For me, consistency is key to my running.

I always try to run 4 times a week. Three short runs and one long one.

And for quite awhile, my long run has been an easy 10 miles (even if I am not training for anything.)

I aim for 1000 miles a year. If I run consistently, I reach that number or am fairly close.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with 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.

Happy Running! So what do your initials say about your running? Please share.

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June 20, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 6.14.21-6.20.21: Rain, rain, go away!

April showers bring … Wait, it’s June. Rain this week made scheduling things a challenge. But the important things like runs got done.

Last Week:

Monday – #nevermissamonday almost didn’t happen. I woke up to thunderstorms and the rain continued on and off throughout the day. I wanted to squeeze a run in since I wanted to take a rest day on Tuesday (There was more rain in the forecast).

wore my lucky outfit and got a lunch run done before the next thunderstorm

Tuesday – Since it was supposed to rain, I didn’t plan to run and besides, it was a busy work day. I was hoping that my long after work walk would not get rained out. And it rained before and after so we got in a delightful walk on the rail trail.

I will miss my walking buddies on Thursdays.

Wednesday – Today was our second scheduled Ice Cream run. You know how I feel about ice cream so joining this group run again this week was a no brainer. The timing worked out since I was too busy to run at lunch anyway. We met at The Crossings at 6 pm to run and then after, we went to a nearby shop to get some homemade ice cream.

It was perfect temps for running and I ran with a faster runner so I got a good workout.

Thursday – No rain for the 2nd day in a row. I was very excited because today at 6:30 pm was our first scheduled weekly Trail Group Run since 2019. We met at Lawson Lake and about 75 runners showed up. You know that I am nervous about running on trails so I was glad to have company at the back of the pack. There was also a BBQ after. Loads of fun!

The course was about 3 miles – some technical parts and steep hills but I ran more than I thought I would. Looking forward to next week’s.

Friday – Rest Day finally. Not much activity beside a short bike ride during lunch and my weekly mah jongg game. It was held this week at my house so that meant shopping and cleaning.

I hadn’t take this baby out in a month…. and it was such a beautiful sunny day. Wish I had more time.

Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Would we get rained out? Nope, no rain until evening. We ran on a new to me bike path. It was nice to run some place different though I did not appreciate the hills. Afterward, we got brunch (of course) and hung at Chris’ house.

sorry no people pix. too hot. we started too late and it was so warm and humid. I planned on 10 but could barely get in 6. The trail was not shaded and uphill. I ran will Barbara and Sherry for while and then Debbie and finally on my own. We met the 4 others after for food and chatting.

I couldn’t stay that long since I had a graduation party to attend in the afternoon.

Sunday – A beautiful day for relaxing on the lake.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – Ice Cream run
Thursday – ARE Trail Run (with friends)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – LONG Run
Sunday – rest day, boating/hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Your Initials and Running
Friday – Runfessions

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 planned? Have you been experiencing summer temps or rain where you live? Any vacations planned? Please share.

June 18, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Social Networking for Runners

Social Networking.

It is so time-consuming, how does a runner keep up?

So here’s my two sense:

1.Blogs

- Positives
  - A great way to make connections.
  - Commenting allows for feedback.
  - Link-ups exists to help attract traffic.
  - An alternative to a Running Journal or Log.
  - Share your race reviews and read others’.
- Negatives
  - Time consuming.
  - So many running blogs already exist.
  - Repetitive Content.
  - Non-experts posting expert advice.
- Me
  - I try to post a few times a week. But lately, my time has limited me to only link-ups.
  - I try to read those in the link-ups but not all and though I read them, I do not always comment on all those I read.
  - I read and comment from my phone which has its limitations.

2.InstaGram

- Positives
  - It’s quick and easy.
  - It’s happy for the most part: running selfies, scenery, etc.
  - Quick and easy to add up to 10 photos and hashtag as desired.
  - Can link to your blog, FB, Twitter.
- Negatives
  - Long posts and a zillion hashtags.
- Me
  - My favorite.
  - I post many of my pics here and a smaller selection on FB and even fewer on the blog.
  - I may “like” a lot of the posts but do not comment often.

3.Facebook

- Positives
  - A great way to stay up-to-date with those you do not see in person.
  - Can use for your personal profile as well as your blog.
  - Can be part of groups.
  - Tagging for sharing photos and posts.
  - Find out about events and products.
- Negatives
  - Too many posts with annoying memes and political views.
  - So many posts that you can easily miss those that are important.
  - Annoying Ads.
- Me
  - For my blog, I only link the posts to FB.
  - For my personal profile, I post selected photos for those friends I do not see in person.
  - My running friends and I have a group where we organize our weekly runs and race-cations.
  - I also belong to other groups that interest me i.e. hiking, waterfalls, etc.

4.Twitter

- Positives
  - Short and sweet.
- Negatives
  - Limited to a small number of characters.
  - Over used (how many times a day do some people have to tweet?)
- Me
  - I rarely go to Twitter unless directed to.
  - I only link my blog posts to my account. Otherwise I rarely post here.

5.Strava

- Positives
  - Can track your mileage and pace.
  - Can connect with and follow other runners.
  - Syncs to your devices such as Garmin.
  - Lots of challenges.
- Negatives
  - Another account!
  - Have to connect your tracking device to it or upload the content.
- Me
  - I rarely go to Strava unless I have to…ie a virtual race or challenge.
  - However, when I do use my GARMIN (races only), it syncs here.

No matter which one or ones you use, here’s some advice on how to deal:

- Be prepared for negative people.

Either ignore them or unfriend/follow them.

- Find the right balance.

Do not spend so much time on social media and neglect others things that may be more important.

- Know when to take a break.

Sometimes, you just have to shut it down for a few days or even weeks.

Happy Running! Which social media do you use? Which one is your favorite? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

June 15, 2021 by Darlene

Rabbit Ramble 4 Mile Race Recap

June 12, 2021 – 9:00 am

Another in-person race. Very exciting.

Of course, FOMO has started and several of my running friends were going. Plus there was BRUNCH mentioned for after.

So I signed up!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I had done this race several years ago but in recent years, the dates conflicted with other things.

Due to COVID, they kept the 4 mile distance but changed the course. It was also re-scheduled from April to June.

This is not a popular distance but I have done quite a few races at this distance (Of course, not recently due to COVID).

my last one was in Feb. 2020.

My PR was 37:21 at the Polar Cap Run in 2017. Most of the 4 mile times were between 37 and 41 minutes.

I had no PR aspirations. Racing for me is just about running with my friends and doing my best while staying uninjured.

The in-person version of the race was only open to a limited number of participants due to COVID restrictions. The in-person race had a staggered, socially-distanced start to the race.

This year since the race was later in the year, the weather was more summer-like but nothing like last weekend’s record high temps. The wrench was that rain was in the forecast. I was hoping it would not be a washout.

I decided to wear my usual summer outfit:

skirt, tank with possible change of shirt and addition of diy arm sleeves

Of course, I had pizza for my race carb loading (yes I carb load for all races not matter the distance. lol)

The new course was supposedly similar to a previous 5k. My friend remarked that it was “mostly flat with a few not too bad hills.”

Race Day:

The race started at 9 am which was great since it would be a 30 minute drive from my house.

And finally the heat wave ended so I was not disappointed in the later start. Unfortunately I woke up to pouring rain!!! According to my weather app, it was supposed to end by rain start. Finger crossed that I did not have to run another race in the rain.

I changed from my tank to a tee and grabbed a rain jacket.

After my race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee, I left to carpool with Barbara whom I met around 7:45 am.

The race started and ended at Bozenkill Park on Gun Club Road in Altamont. We arrived around 8:05 to pick up our bibs. We parked in a big grassy (wet) parking lot and as soon as we arrived, the rain let up. Sherry arrived soon after.

We walked over to the pavilion to get our race packet

which was a cotton tee shirt, a bottle of water and a banana. This was the first race that there was no sign of anyone wearing a mask!? It didn’t bother me since I was vaccinated and we were outside. Still, it felt weird.

We returned to our car to stash our stuff and bumped in Judy. Now our group was complete . The others (Debbie, ~~Jan~~, Deirdre, Heidi & Chris) had decided to skip the race and cheer us on and then meet after for brunch.

It was perfect running temps (60s) but with the humidity and the sun peaking out, I had wished I had worn my tank.

Soon it was time to head to the start. As you can see, there was no official start line.

It was so nice to be running a shorter race because I bumped into many runners that I knew whom I had not seen in ages. I used run 5ks every weekend and you would see the same people.

It was supposed to be a staggered start. But it was more like people separated and then they just started running. I wasn’t in the front but had moved ahead of my friends because I was chatting with some other runners.

Mile 1:

I should mention that my legs should have been very rested. There was a lot of walking this past week but barely any running since last Saturday. As you can see above, the first mile had an uphill. It wasn’t that steep and I was able to run the whole thing. I’m sure I started out too fast but that’s what I always do.

Mile 2:

After the first mile, it was rather flat and just a little rolling. I was getting tired but tried to keep going until the water stop.

I actually wore my Garmin which I only wear for important races. But somehow, the settings changed because it showed me the time elapsed instead of my pace. Very confusing when I saw “13:xx”. I felt like I was definitely running fast and then I realized that it was NOT my pace showing.

During this mile, we entered a neighborhood. There was point where we ran in a cul-de-sac which gave me the opportunity to see and cheer my friends who were a little behind me.

Eventually I passed my running friends who were there to cheer us on. Definitely a morale booster.

Mile 3:

Finally there was a water stop. I was so glad to have a drink and to walk for awhile.

Of course I felt guilty for walking so long that I tried to speed up and make up some ground.

After the water stop, we left the neighborhood and headed back on the road toward the start.

I was surprised and elated that I passed my cheering running friends for the second time. They reminded me that bagels were awaiting me.

Mile 4:

Just trying to keep up the pace and finish strong. It was all a blur at this point. Short races are hard!!

I saw a runner who worked at our local Fleet Feet. She was ahead of me the whole race. But somehow I was able to pass her.

As we crossed the finish line, they pulled off the bottom of our bib so they could record the your finish time. I never looked at the clock but according to my Garmin, it was 36:38. It was very happy!

Not far behind me was Barbara.

Next came Sherry.

Then Judy raced this older guy and almost beat him.

We hung around for a while. They were giving 5-year age group awards. But since it was not chip timed, they had to figure things out manually, It was taking forever and our friends were waiting for us at the restaurant. So we left.

Actually got it in the mail a few days later.

The best part of the day was actually after the race. We met the others for brunch. I had chocolate milk and bagel, cream cheese n lox. We chatted and laughed for hours.

I found later that we all won age group awards.

Additional Race Reflections:

Positives:

Safety restrictions in place (outdoors, no food, no award ceremony).
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces
Interesting course
Friendly volunteers
2 mile walk option.
Medals (3 deep) for 5 year age group awards
Weather
A real race.

Negatives:

Not chip timed
Cotton shirt
No post-race food (due to COVID?)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

It was well-organized. It will be even more fun when there are no COVID restrictions and it is scheduled in April when the weather is cooler.

Final Stats:

Probably the most consistent splits I’ve ever had.

Although it doesn’t look that way above.

I felt pretty strong the whole race. I didn’t push myself as hard as I could. I also did not do any speedwork to prepare for the race. So I was pretty satisfied with how things went.

Believe it or not. It was a PR!

Next Up:

???

No races on my schedule until September.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with 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.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend? How’s your weather? Any in-person races on your schedule yet? Please share.

June 13, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 6.7.21-6.13.21: Hiking Adventures

I had taken a day off from work this week to go hiking with a friend and it turned out to be the warmest day of the year.

The temps did cool down a little and I managed a few runs, hikes and even a race this week.

Last Week:

Monday – As I mentioned, months ago I had chosen this day to go hiking. The weather decided to heat up to over 90 degrees. Not my preferred temps for hiking but at least there was no rain or mud. My friend chose a hike in the Catskills. She is a very experienced hiker so hikes that I’ve taken with her have always taken me out of my comfort zone. This one was no different but still enjoyable. We couldn’t find the parking lot for Kaaterskill Falls so instead we parked at a new Rail Trail and walked 1.5 miles to the Falls trail. It turned out to be a nice diversion as it was flat and shady. The falls were awesome and in hindsight I wished that I had gotten wet. There were a zillion stairs going down to each level. Not bad and we had lunch at the middle level but going back up…Oy!! We decided to continue on the Escarpment Trail next since someone said it was flat and easy. NOT!! Rocky, lots of climbing. I think we made it half way to the first viewing overlook and then turned back. Almost 7 miles for the day but so needed mentally!!

we both want to go back again when it is a little cooler.

When I got home, I remembered that I had a ZOOM book club and a walk planned with my BFF. I didn’t really like the book so I opted for the walk and chat (We even had to walk in the air-conditioned mall due to the heat.)

Tuesday – Still so hot and humid. Crazy me again chose to run at noon, the hottest part of the day. My legs were also tired the previous day’s climbing. As luck would have it, it started to rain before my run which did cool things down a little, but not much. Not a pretty run but it got done.

when I was done, it was feels Like 92…ugh!!

Today’s nugget (from Fit Strong Women over 50 Podcast): Refine your best so doing your best doesn’t seem like failure.

Thunderstorms almost took out our after work walk on the rail trail. Luckily there was a break in the rain and we squeezed it in.

also saw lots of bunnies but they were too quick to photograph,

Wednesday – Today was our first scheduled Ice Cream run. You know how I feel about ice cream so joining this group was a no brainer. The timing worked out since I was too busy to run at lunch anyway. We met at Tawasentha Park at 6 pm (after a thunderstorm), ran/walked and then had ice cream at a nearby shop.

even though it had rained, it was so so humid and muddy so this was more a walk than a run. Made a new friend (the niece of my good tennis friend’s husband) and the ice cream was delish!

Thursday – As I said last week, I hate to run three days in a row but I did not run Sunday or Monday so run day 3 it was. Slow and short. It was followed immediately by a very long walk with a friend on the rail trail.

I planned on 3 but my friend arrived early… but we walked 7 miles so there’s that.

these thunderstorms keep the creek flowing

Friday – Rest Day finally. Not much activity beside my weekly mah jongg game and getting ready for my race the next day.

fingers crossed that the rain forecast was wrong

Saturday – Race Day. Rabbit Ramble 4 Miler. Actually it didn’t feel like a race. I didn’t train for it and it was small and just something different to do with our running group. I think our goal was to finish quickly and get to brunch. And that’s what we did. Four of us ran the race and five cheered.

don’t have the official results but I think I had a PR and won my age group!!

Sunday – I thought we might take the boat out my my hubby decided to play tennis and then watch the finals of the French Open on TV. I took advantage of the free time for laundry, a run, a hike and then some errands.

I decided to run on the Corning Bike Path because I hadn’t in a while.

got out too late and there was no shade so I think this run took more than twice as long as my race the day before.

Todays nugget: (from She Runs It podcast): The moment the negative stuff is taking up too much head space, it’s time to make a change.

Afterward on my way to shopping, I stopped by a trail.

An oasis in the middle of the city

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – Ice Cream run
Thursday – ARE Trail Run (with friends)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – LONG Run
Sunday – rest day, boating or hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Rabbit Ramble 4 Mile Race Recap
Friday – Social Networking for Runners

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Have you been experiencing summer temps where you live? Any vacations planned? Please share.

June 11, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Upper Arm Exercises

It is tank top time of year. Either for running/racing or just hanging out.

Unfortunately if you have gained and then lost weight, you may find you have that unsightly upper arm flab. (I’ve heard it called “bingo wings.”)

Even if you’ve always been thin, as you age, your skin loses its elasticity. Same result as above.

These are Bingo Wings. : funny

I’m not sure if there is really anything you can do about it besides wearing long sleeves lol

But here are FIVE exercises that have been recommended (by others) to improve the look of your upper arms:

1.Bicep Curls.

Start with your arms by your sides. Hug your elbows in towards the side of your body, and then curl the weights up towards your shoulders.

5 exercises to tighten and tone your arms for summer

2. Tricep Kickbacks

Holding weights in both hands, lean forward with a flat back. Hug your elbows in towards your sides and pull them up towards the ceiling. Keeping your elbows still, kick the weight towards the back of the room by moving the lower half of your arm back and up towards the ceiling. Hold for a second, feeling the back of your arm tighten, and then release back to the starting position.

3. Hug a Tree

Hold the weights at shoulder height, parallel to the floor. Relax the shoulders down, and then hug the arms towards the front of your body as if you’re hugging a tree.

4. Serve the Platter.

Start with your arms at your side, bending your elbows at 90 degrees. Reach the arms forward, straightening them as if you’re serving a platter, then reach them out to the sides in a “T” position, back to center, and then pull them back in towards you.

5. V Exercises.

Hold your dumbbells down at your hips. Then reach the weights forward and up on an angle, drawing a V, and then release them back down towards your hips.

Try doing the exercises above three times a week with 3-5 pound weight. Do one set of 10 reps of each, and then repeat the whole circuit three times.

(FYI: I am not a coach, PT, chiro, medical professional or have any certifications in these areas.)

Photo Tip: your upper arms will look thinner if you bend your arm to your waist (Judy reminded me of this many years ago).

Happy Running! Anyone else self-conscious about their upper arms? Do you do any of these exercises? Any others to recommend? Please share.

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Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

June 8, 2021 by Darlene

Speed or Endurance?

Obviously you may want to be successful at both.

But which is more important to you? Speed or Endurance?

Which distance race do you prefer? 5k or Half Marathon/Marathon/Ultra?

I’ve struggled with this issue for years.

For a while, I think I preferred 5ks for the following reasons:

Minimal training required.
A myriad of 5k opportunities most weekends.
Race takes up little time in your schedule.
People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities participate.
I got increasingly faster and often won age group awards.

Once I started running half marathons, I started to question my preference. I still ran both …

but I was enjoying the longer races more.

Why?

Long runs (and brunches) with friends.
Race-cations.
Bling.
Scenic courses.
Feeling of achievement.
No pressure of a specific finish time.

Maybe because I feel less successful at the 5k distance. The pandemic or getting older???

Whatever the reason, currently I feel less motivated to sign up for 5ks.

to run o

That is the question.

I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.

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.

Happy Running! Which do you train for – speed or endurance or both? Which type of race do you prefer – short or long or both? Please share.

June 6, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 5.31.21-6.6.21: More rain and then a heat wave…

After last weekend’s cold rainy weather, it was nice to have more seasonal temps.

I celebrated

NATIONAL RUNNING DAY - First Wednesday in June - National Day Calendar

on June 2, 2021

with my virtual running friends,

❤ these bloggers

I went on my first group hike of 2021

at a new local park

I’d say that it was a pretty good week (even with all the rain and without a race.)

Last Week:

Monday – It was Memorial Day and so I had the day off from work. Normally we would be boating on Lake George. But the weather was cold and dreary and the sun didn’t come out until 4 pm.

I felt well enough to run but decided to rest the feet and do some exploring.

First I headed to see some local falls. Last time I saw them, the Viewing Park was not open. This time you could walk across and down and get a closer look.

Needing to stretch my legs more, I walked around town… lots of history here.

Since I wasn’t too far away, I was curious about Van Schaick Mansion so I drove there.

a little disappointing but the little library replica was cute

And then on my way home, I stopped to walk around the gardens at Ten Broeck Mansion.

I need to come back when more of the flowers are in bloom.

Tuesday – It was cool but the sun was shining so I had to get out and see how my feet felt. They did ok for a quick lunch run in the neighborhood.

the sun went in but I misjudged how warm and humid it was (overdressed) at noon.

I always listen to podcasts when I run alone. However, by the time I get home, I have forgotten what I learned. So I decided to stop and record a note.

Today’s nugget (as Nicole DeBoom calls it) is from AMR: Your body is an instrument not an ornament. Focus on what it can do, not what it looks like.

After work, I was back on the rail trail for a long walk with a friend. We chose a different direction and were happily surprised with this view.

Wednesday – National Running Day! So of course, I had to run!! Again, I chose to do it at lunch in the neighborhood but a different route from Tuesday.

could feel the humidity for this one

Today’s nugget is again from AMR: A real runner doesn’t have to do anything, You should do whatever fires you up. And it’s different for each person.

I also celebrated the day with a purchase:

My favorite show ever. This is so me some days….

So after work, I was free to go hiking and hoping that the forecasted rain would hold off. It was just Jan and I and we chose a newly opened local trail called Normans Kill Ravines. Unfortunately as soon as we arrived, it started to rain and it continued raining hard the whole hike. And the 3.5 mile loop (due to lack of trail markers) turned into almost 5 miles.

The trails were very pretty even with the mud but we ended up exiting the trail on the opposite side of the park and had to walk back through town to our cars.

Thursday – Not running on Monday always messes up my schedule. I hate to run three days in a row. And so it was a struggle but I got it done.

I get dressed before work but I need to check the weather before my lunch runs…so warm and humid. Though this was tough, I enjoyed all the roses and irises and a new walking trail.

Today’s nugget (from a guest on Run This World): I’m not a naturel athlete. I’ll never be fast. I do not train to to be a better runner. I go out to run because I want to get better at sucking at something. (Can anyone identify?)

I wasn’t sure if the thunderstorms would cancel my post work walk or not with my friend. But they did not and the rain arrived much later.

Afterward, I rushed to my friend’s for a charity Scrabble tournament.

We played as a team against 7 other teams. I think we did really well (over 800 pts in each of the 2 games.) Maybe we’ll win. Anyway, it was so much fun. (and yes I’m dressed in my walking clothes.)

Friday – Finally a rest day. It started out with rain but then it stopped and I actually took out my bike at lunch. Ugh! So hot and humid (what a change in the weather). Still not a fan of biking but maybe if I left the neighborhood?

I was also happy to be back playing mah jongg on Friday nights.

Saturday – Reunited with my Sole Sisters (after a few weeks off) for a long run. We decided to meet at the Zim Smith bike path and run our usual individual distances and then meet after for brunch outside Leah’s. I ran 1 mile before and then carpooled with Barbara. Then I met Sherry, Stan and Judy for 7 more. It was so nice to have the whole gang together again.

Just couldn’t muster up enough energy in the heat/humidity for 10 miles

Sunday – Summer arrived. What happened to spring? Hot Hot Hot.

Not sure what we’re planning…Boating? Gardening? Appliance shopping??

It turns out that it was hiking at Up Yonda Farms.

Near our boat…my 2nd time here but did ALL the trails this time.

Hope you are staying cool.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF, long hike with a friend in the Catskills
Tuesday – run, walk with friends
Wednesday – Ice Cream Run (with friends)
Thursday – run, walk with friends
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Rabbit Ramble 4 mile race
Sunday – rest day, boating or hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Speed or Endurance?
Friday – Upper Arm Exercises

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Have you been experiencing summer temps where you live? Any vacations planned? Please share.

June 4, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for June ’21

It’s that time of the month…

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

I am very excited to go boating again on Lake George. If only the weather would be consistently warm on the weekends. (This weekend, it may happen!!)

1. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I have run a few races this spring. But there seems to be a lag in available races this summer and then a cluster races for the fall.

It may be struggle to stay motivated to run with the heat and few races.

Will you be racing this summer? If not, does it affect your running mojo?

2.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I have been hiking every Sunday since last October. I really enjoy my fire tower climbs and waterfall views.

But boating on Lake George is one activity that the hubby and I share. Sunday is the day we go boating (because I do long runs on Saturday.)

Do you have to compromise with your significant other or can you do what YOU prefer?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I’m excited to have more opportunities to run with others. Until recently, I ran alone during the week and with others only on Saturdays.

In May, SOAR started group runs with women every other Wednesday. Also on Wednesdays, there will be Ice Cream group runs scheduled (You run with others at different locations located near ice cream shops.)

back after a year off

In June, on Thursdays, there will be Trail group runs hosted by our local running organization.

how well do you know me? which shoe is mine?

In July, the Freihofer race training challenge will also begin group runs.

Do you have the opportunity to run with others? Or do you usually run alone? Which do you prefer?

4.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that my fall race-cation weekend has been finalized. We are returning to Hampton Beach, NH and will be running the (in-person) Smuttynose 5k or half marathon. (There will 10 of us running the race.)

after last year’s virtual race (missing our sherpa in the pic)

Unfortunately, I was not quick enough and last year’s perfect house was already rented. But instead we rented another with 5 bedrooms and 7 beds (not on the beach but .8 miles away.)

Do you have any race-cations or big races planned for the Fall? Anyone planning on running this race or have run it?

5.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that the NYC Marathon will be held live in November. I know several runners who will be doing it. Yup, I’m having some FOMO.

I did time qualify for 2020 but did not want to run it two years in a row. Who knew that there would be a Pandemic and I could pick 2021, 2022 or 2023 to run it again.

Hey I’ll be 70 in 2023…so maybe things will be back to normal by 2024 and I’ll still be running half marathons?

Do you ever have second thoughts about a race that you did not sign up for?

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Any trips, races or fun summer activities planned? 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.

June 1, 2021 by Darlene

Miles on the Mohawk 10 Miler Race Recap

May 30, 2021 – 9:00 am

With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual, Albany Running Exchange has been scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races. I completed a half marathon in November and in April.

: Upstate Classic HM

: Helderberg 2 Hudson HM

In March I ran their five mile race. For this race, ARE used the same course as the five miler but added a full marathon and also a point-to-point 10 miler.

during the Electric 5 Miler in March

I was tempted to repeat the 5 miler to see if I could improve my time but I decided to challenge myself and run a 10 mile race.

It was advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”

As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)

The logistics were also complicated for the 10 mile race. Either you parked at the start and got a ride back to your car after the race or you parked at the finish and got a ride to the start (or pay for the shuttle).

My preference was to park at the finish (even though that meant getting up earlier.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I have run several 10 mile races but none lately. The last one was in 2017. My slowest was in 2014: (1:49:55), my first one, and my PR was my third in the same year (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between. That would be my expectation for this race but on the slower end (like 1:45:00).

Usually on the weekends, I do run 10 miles. But this month I skipped a few in favor of a vacation and racing. It’s amazing how quickly the endurance that you built up leaves.

: May 2 – 3 m

: May 8 – 5.67 m

: May 22 – 5k

I picked up my race packet on Thursday evening.

very nice half-zip

and carb loaded on Saturday evening (pasta instead of pizza) and debated about what to wear the next day. I was hoping that for a race on May 30 I would be wearing a skirt and tank. But no, summer temps had decided to leave us and rain was in the forecast as well. I reluctantly picked a long sleeve shirt and hoped that I wouldn’t be too warm. I also packed a few throwaways for before and dry clothes for after.

added gloves, gaiter and skipped the sunglasses

Race Day:

I got up around 6:00 am on Sunday morning and was on the road by 7:00 for my 30 minute hour drive to race parking.

The 10 mile race started near Mabee farm and ended at Mohawk Harbor.

I parked my car at Mohawk Harbor, the finish for all races (but the start for the 5m & 26.2 m races.) I had signed up for the shuttle so I wouldn’t have to worry about getting back to my car after the race. However, my friend Sherry offered to drive to the start if I would drive her back to her car after. I accepted so that I wouldn’t have deal with masking and walking to the shuttle.

I met Sherry and Jenn at 7:45, left my car in the Golub parking lot (1/4 mi from the race) and we drove to the start which was about 15 minutes away.

There was plenty of parking in the grassy lot.

It had rained all night, our shoes got soaked walking through the high grass.

It wasn’t raining yet…but it was COLD (in the 40s and very damp). We were shivering.

smiling because we thought that the rain would hold off until we finished the race….

We headed to bag check where one of our friends was volunteering. I reluctantly handed over my bag with dry warm clothing and waited under cover.

It started to rain but then stopped so I saved this beautiful outfit for after the race.

The COVID Safety plan was identical to all 7 live events ARE had held before this one: masks required throughout your time on-site. Once you started, you could lower your mask but did need to raise it unless within 6′ of others. The significantly staggered start (ie. 8 people every 10 seconds) allowed the race to spread out quickly.

I couldn’t wait to start. I was freezing. I was also hungry. It had been 3 hours since I had eaten breakfast. I decided to eat a Honey Stinger Wafflle (I know never eat something new on race day but it did work well.)

The 10 mile race started at 9 am. I was in wave 5 and before I knew it, it was time to move into the staging area.

Miles 1-3:

My wave started around 9:11 am.

As soon as I crossed the start line, I pulled down by gaiter.

The race began near Mabee Farm Historical site. The first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S. We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path. In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views.

During the first few miles, the rain was only a drizzle. In fact, I took off my gloves and actually got a little warm.

That didn’t last. Close to mile 3, it started to rain. And rain hard and harder. It never stopped.

My legs were feeling good. The scenery was pretty. The Mohawk river changed to being on the left.

The first water stop was a little after mile 3 at Kiwanis Park. This was my first walk break. I used my paper cup (as I did in my previous in-person cupless races). That waffle kept me going and so I decided to wait on my Gu,

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. It was raining hard. There were lots of puddles. I was feeling pretty strong.

someone (not me) smiling in the rain

In fact, a guy pulled up next to me and said “Your cadence is killing me.” Not sure what he meant. I do try to lift my feet and have a decent cadence, but he passed me by and left me in the dust!?

Around mile 5, I finally got hungry so I stopped to eat my Gu (trying to eat and run slowly) and walked again at the second water stop little before mile 6 at Lock 8 Park.

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat until the last mile or so. The path was narrow and you had to be careful because the lead marathoners needed to pass on the left. (They had started an hour earlier than the 10 milers.)

this is what it would have looked like on a blue sky day

The third and last water stop was around mile 8 at the SCCC Bike Path Parking Area. I walked again and took one more GU.

at mile 8.1

Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared and during the last mile as well. Maybe there weren’t big hills and I was just getting tired. I tried to run up them but it was more like a slog. And the puddles were getting bigger (more like lakes). It didn’t really matter. I couldn’t get any wetter.

not me…but this is the view heading to Mohawk Harbor

We finished at Mohawk Harbor (the start and finish of the 5 mile and Marathon races).

I was so happy to have finished. Of course, at that point I ran as fast as I could.

two inspiring guys on this Memorial Day weekend.

Unfortunately once you stopped running, you were freezing and by the time I finished, they had run out of foil blankets.

So I grabbed my medal and headed to bag check to retrieve some clothes.

I found Jenn and Sherry. Both did well (Jenn had a big PR).

We grabbed our lunches and headed in the pouring rain to my car.

There was a band, beer, food, etc. So much planning goes into a race especially one during the Pandemic. Such a shame to have such awful weather conditions.

Well, I turned on the heated seats in my car and drove Sherry back to her car at the race start.

Then I spent a lot of time in a hot shower and then eating my race lunch (sandwich, chips, brownie, apple) in front of my fire place.

Ugh! On May 30? Can you believe it?

Additional Race Reflections:

This was a first annual race. Most of the other local races are still cancelled so this racing company has been trying to hold a few races. I am so glad they are. It was so fun to be out there and soak up the racing atmosphere again (even in the rain).

I wasn’t expecting to feel as good as I did. Maybe it was the cold temps.

Positives:

Safety restrictions in place (staggered starts).
Ample parking at the start and finish.
Several distances: 10 mile, 5 mile, marathon
Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
Bag check for 10 milers
Well marked course.
Varied scenery including river views
Lots of course marshals (even in the rain).
Shuttle to the start (if needed).
A real race.
Well organized.
A lot of pre-race information.
Familiar faces (under the masks)
Decent Post-race food.
Nice half-zip shirt as swag.
Cool medal.
Free Beer (in Druthers)
Free photos (start, mile 8.1 and finish)
A real race.

the middle turns and shows your distance

Negatives:

Cupless water stops
Cold temps
Rain!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes.

It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when there are no COVID restrictions and the weather conditions are nicer.

Final Stats: