Yes. It finally cooled down – at least the temps did and we got rain. And it was also WEEK 4 for NYCM Training so my training did not cool down.
Last Week –
Monday – Based on rain in the forecast and a tennis party after work, I decided that I would run before work. Easier said than done. Took 45 min to get it together but I got out there and it was delightful.
my cat waited in the driveway for me to get back from my run …so cute.
Rain cancelled the pool party but instead we just went out to dinner. As always, an enjoyable evening with great friends.
Tuesday – More rain and a scheduled rest day because of an after work webinar and running planned for the next two days. Believe or not, I actually stopped for a quick workout at the gym on my way home.
Wednesday – I decided to skip the SOAR group run (I wasn’t in the mood for speed drills) and enlisted my friend Heidi to accompany me at the Corning bike path. I ran 3 miles and then walked 3 miles with her.
Thursday – I guess I’m addicted to trail runs. It was my third week in a row attending the ARE group run. This week it was held at Lawson Lake and was the muddiest and most challenging one so far. Still lots of friends, fun and food.
ran some, walked a lot but enjoyed the company of my friends and the BBQ after!!
Friday – Rest day and mah jongg evening. But I did take a walk during lunch…a productive one…bought my FIRST pair of Oofos (30% off), and some cute tops on sale at the Loft.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. 10 miles on my schedule. As I did last weekend, I ran a few miles before I met everyone else and drove with Barbara to the Nisky Bike Path and ran more (followed by brunch, of course.)
Sunday – Boating Sunday on Lake George – Hooray and another sunny warm perfect day. The storms that they predicted never arrived.
this week on Log Bay Island
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 4
Monday – 3 miles before work, movie after work
Tuesday – rest day, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 (or 5) miles (ice cream group run) at Six Mile Waterworks
Thursday – 3 (or 5) miles (ARE trail run series) at Thatcher Park
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? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Please share.
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
1. I runfess…
I almost went to a race without registering first. I always run the Silks and Satins 5K so I guess I thought I did register. I am not a last minute person so I would have registered a while ago.
So a few days before the race, I went to the website to see which of my friends were running it and I did NOT see my name.
Oops. Senior brain!
I registered that day. Phew.
Anyone else ever show up to a race without registering first?
2. I runfess…
I did not travel at all in July.
So it was a challenge to keep running interesting. I get bored easily and don’t like to run in the same places.
So I don’t. See below:
Rail Trail … Washington Park … UAlbany
Zim Smith Trail … Corning Bike Path … Nisky Bike Path
Anyone else try to vary where you run or do you run in the same places?
3.I runfess…
I ordered a new pair of Mizunos. Why??
My right foot all of sudden started having that annoying bunion pain that I had years ago. It’s fine until after 5-6 miles which is what I’ll be doing every weekend until Nov 3!!
I’m pretty sure it is not from running but job-related – ugh those dress shoes and standing for hours in them. (They are comfortable until the end of the day… and then they’re not.)
happy in my Nikes
The benefit of a blog is that I could look up when my foot stopped hurting. It seems to be the fall of 2015 when I bought my Nike Vomero running shoes. I recently stopped wearing them because I wanted to run in a stability shoe instead after a calf injury.
The Mizunos were super comfortable for THREE half marathons and now this pain…
Hmmm? Do I go back? To my Nikes?
Can I be happy again in my Mizunos?
So recently I ran the first 3 miles of my long run in my Nikes and the last 5 miles in my new Mizunos (but I forgot to put in the expensive insoles).
The Nikes felt more comfortable.
Dear Mizunos,
I’m not giving up on you yet.
Anyone else have the running shoe dilemma?
4. I runfess…
31 Days of Skirt was pretty exhausting. I do take a lot of pictures and post to Instagram often but not everyday and not following certain clues.
#patriotic
#BRFs
#street art/mural
Still it was fun to participate in this annual challenge but glad it’s ALMOST over LOL.
Did you participate in 31 days of skirt or any other similar challenge?
5.I runfess…
I was pretty proud that I had a training schedule for my first marathon. I actually planned to follow it.
But all I do is cross things out and re-write things.
That’s why, I rarely use a plan.
Anyone else have problem following a training plan?
It’s Friday so I’m 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.
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.
I do have a music playlist but lately when I run alone, I listen to running podcasts.
So here’s my current favorites:
Run This World– this one is done by Nicole DeBoom who is the founder of Skirt Sports. Her podcasts last as long as the average 5k run (that’s what she says but many are much longer) and her guests are so varied and yet motivating. Each one ends with the guest’s “nugget of advice.”
I recently listened to one with Kara Goucher on running a marathon as a normal (not elite) runner.
I’ll Have Another– I love listening to Lindsay’s guests – she interviews mostly women – some are well known but many are not. And they all have a story to tell (about running.)
I just listened to her interviewing Becky Wade who wrote a book called “Run the World” where she shares all about her experience; what she learned from 9 of the countries she spend the most time in and some delicious recipes from the trip. I loved her book.
Another Mother Runner – The Podcast – The host is Sarah Bowen-Shea but Dimity is often on it as well. I’ve met these two women in person and they are so entertaining. It’s no surprise that their podcasts are as well. In addition, to stories about their own running and families, they share their love of reading.
One of my more recent listens was the Father’s Day episode with Meb. Such a humble guy considering his elite status as a runner.
Ali on the Run Show– I’ve always loved her blog and I’ve enjoyed all the guests that she has interviewed so far. The podcasts last over an hour so I’ve used them during my long runs. She also has added some shorter ones for weekday runs.
I recently listened to an interview by Dave Willey, the former editor of Runner’s World magazine. After 14 years at this job, his life has changed drastically.
Diz Runs Radio– He has recorded almost 750 podcasts. And I can’t believe how fast he talks lol.
In addition to interviews with runners, he also hosts Q & A sessions.
I’ve only listed to a few of his podcasts (just so much time) but the ones I’ve heard were so inspiring and many of his guests were just ordinary runners like you and me.
So besides the ones that I listen to, here are some more that have been recommended for runners:
Not mine but one of the Sole Sisters turned 70!! And we celebrated, of course!!
And it was also WEEK 3 for NYCM Training.
Last Week –
Monday – For the first time in a while, none of my friends were free to run. So I headed to my local rail trail and ran alone (with my podcasts). My legs just were not feeling the run it but it got done.
returned some books to the mini library and saw the beginnings on a new mural
Tuesday – Had a webinar to attend after work so scheduled a rest day instead of a run.
Wednesday – Again, there was a tempting evening ice cream group run but also an author was giving a talk locally. She wrote:
I had planned to squeeze in some miles before the talk but instead, with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, I got up early and ran before work. Holy Humidity!!
even with the temps & humidity, my run was so good – much more pep in the legs in the morning.
The talk was great and I knew a few of the runners there. And yes, it rained HARD on and off all day.
a cool lady who runs in NYC
Thursday – Since I enjoyed last week’s trail run so much, I decided to participate again today. Several of my running friends were also planning to go. It was very humid but I ran pretty hard since it was not that technical. Could I be addicted to trails?
Friday – My usual rest day before a race day. I paid a visit to my chiro for a monthly tune-up. Also my usual Friday night mah jongg game.
our number varies from 3-12 players but almost everyone came tonight so we took a pic.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters.
so so humid
Because I was running longer than the others, I ran 3 miles before we gathered at the Corning bike path. Rail Trail. We are currently experiencing a heat wave (with high humidity as well as temps).
boy did this pool feel good on this hot hot day
After the run, we went to one of the runner’s house for a book discussion (Kathrine Switzer’s Marathon Woman), lunch, swimming (in her new pool) and a birthday party.
Sunday – And of course, it was Boating Sunday on Lake George. I have been so lucky that the rain has not interfered with boating on the weekends. It was another very humid and hot day. Even my stepson and his new wife came along for the first time. We gave them a tour of our favorite spots on the lake. Al in all, another fun day.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 4
Monday – 3 miles before work, tennis pool party after work, dinner out with tennis ladies
Tuesday – 3 miles at Corning, rest day, work webinar
Wednesday – 3 miles (SOAR group run) at the rail trail Crossings
Thursday – 3 miles at Lawson Lake (ARE trail run series)
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? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Please share.
Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (which is NOT today LOL), Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!
Something Loved.
I used to complain because I travelled for work. All.The.Time. Now I do it rarely. But last month I went to NYC and Buffalo. (No travelling at all for July.) What I LOVED was running in both places.
I didn’t have time to run in Manhattan but I did run a 5k in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
When I was in Buffalo, I ran both nights along Canalside.
In addition to running, I LOVED ice cream. No surprise there.
Maybe I should change the name of my blog to: I RUN FOR ICE CREAM.
Something Said.
This is even more true in the summer when it is so hot and humid and you know that your run will be miserable.
this run was one of my hardest runs due to the heat and humidity and I may have cut it short or bailed if I didn’t have company.
Something Learned.
I like trail runs.
I thought I would because they are more scenic and easier on your feet. But I was afraid that 1. I would fall and 2. I wouldn’t enjoy running slow in a group.
I went on a few trail runs this past month organized by a local running club.
I loved the varied scenery. I did not fall. I ran slowly and I didn’t mind being slower than others (even when one of my friends said aloud “I finally beat Darlene Cardillo!!!)
There will be NO trail races in my future, though. Too competitive for that…
Something Read.
My Running Group decided that, in addition to running and eating, to meet to discuss a book we’ve all read. The above book is our third one. We only meet to do this once or twice a year.
But I really enjoyed this book. Switzer is an amazing women who changed the course of running for women. She was strong-willed, intelligent, independent and so many good qualities that I admired. But her choice in husbands!! Holy cow. What gives?
I was intrigued and would love to read more above her life after the 1984 Olympics.
So I recommend reading this book (even if you don’t ever want to run a marathon) and let me know what you think.
I heard that they are also making it into a movie.
In the summertime, we spend everyone weekend boating on Lake George. Here’s the view from our marina. Instead of going out to dinner, we ordered pizza and ate it on our boat here.
Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.
When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.
in 2008 – my first year of running
in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)
It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 37 half marathons.
My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.
After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).
I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017 and 2018, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37, 27:28)
Would I again this year???
2016
2017
2018
Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:
15 turns in this course!!
The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)
Unfortunately, I didn’t sleep well and woke up with a stiff neck, headache and nausea. I really didn’t feel like racing but I had told my friend Laurie that I would meet her there so I felt like I had to go.
I felt better after my coffee but still not great. But off I went around 6:15-30.
This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. A few years ago, I almost got towed.)
The pick-up area was behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell. I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.
There were close to 500 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces. This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.
The weather was warm … around 70 at the start but not quite as warm and humid as it has been earlier in the week. I just hung around and waited for Laurie. In the meantime, I bumped into another Skirt Sports ambassador and my neighbor.
Laurie eventually arrived and we headed to the start together.
We stood not too far back and waited.
And then we were off. Laurie took off fast. I did not.
pic from last year’s Saratogian
It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead. Well I had run 6 miles on Wednesday and a hilly trail run on Thursday. Oops. My plan was to have negative splits anyway. Besides, I really felt lousy.
But my biggest problem was the SUN. There was very little if any shade on the course.
By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing. It was warm but I have run in higher temps. It was the sun. And it was sucking the life out of me. Plus, I felt like throwing up.
nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from last year’s Saratogian
I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point. And I did but for probably too long. At this point, I knew that I was not having a great race. And it didn’t matter.
By mile 3, I was really fading. I walked one more time but only briefly.
I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. My Freihofer and Turkey Trot coach was at the finish line (his company timed the race) and he would be expecting me to finish strong.
I crossed at 28: XX.
I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.
I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race).
pic from last year’s Saratogian – NO watermelon this year
They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my age group (You know, it’s not speed but who shows up).
Laurie waited with me for the awards ceremony, I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award (even if you didn’t run well.)
All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. You get a free ticket to the race track (I hope to use it later this summer). Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.
Positive splits. And almost a minute slower than last year.
After the race, I would normally have driven to Saratoga State Park and add some more miles for a long run. But as I mentioned, I had run my 6 mile long run on Wednesday so I drove to join my running friends at brunch (after their long run).
I did not have to do any of my runs solo this week. Woo Hoo! And it was also WEEK 2 for NYCM Training. 16 more to go but who’s counting? LOL
Last Week –
Monday – I was excited today to have company on my after work run. The rail trail was the most convenient for the four of us who chose to come. In order to run with my slower friends, I ran fast and then circled back. I was able to get an extra mile in that way and not be running alone the whole time.
that stretching was just for the pic lol
Tuesday – Had a hair appointment so scheduled a rest day instead of a run.
Wednesday – A post work run at the Corning bike path. Since I had a 5k planned for Saturday, I decided to switch things around and run 6 miles today rather than my usual 3. I was very tempted to do some social running. There were several opportunities but with my work location and the traffic, I thought better of it. So glad my running friend Heidi joined me on this sweaty (90 degrees and HUMID) slogfest.
Thursday – Since I did not run with the running groups the day before, I decided to participate in a group (ARE) trail run today. Several of my running friends were planning to go as well. It rained most of the day and I hesitated plus I was a little nervous since I am not comfortable on trails.
I got there early and hiked around a bit. It was so pretty.
Eventually everyone arrived. I got introduced as a newbie to the trail run series this year. I also bumped into a old friend from tennis. Susie & I ran together for about half of the course and then I lost her but made a new friend, Melanie, whom I chatted with and ran the rest. Yes I ran. I planned to walk but it was so fun. I can’t wait to go next week.
Afterwards a bunch of friends went out to dinner nearby.
my friend Chris’ pic
Friday – My usual rest day before a race day. Also my usual Friday night mah jongg game.
Saturday – Race Day. Silks and Satins 5k – one of my favorite summer races. Unfortunately I was not feeling great but I had committed to go and so I went. I was glad that I did. However, the lack of shade and warm temps made me feel really nauseous the whole race. But I did my best (and didn’t puke 🙂 ) and even won my age group.
met up with a friend, made a new friend…looking forward to a re-do with my next 5k in August.
When the race was over, I was happy that I had already done my long run on Wednesday and could join my running friends for brunch.
Sunday – And of course, it was Boating Sunday on Lake George. And again the weather was perfect.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 3
Monday – 4 miles at UAlbany or rail trail
Tuesday – rest day, work webinar
Wednesday – 2 miles in Washington Park, book talk
Thursday – 3 miles at Three Rivers (ARE trail run series)
Friday – rest day, chiro appt, mah jongg evening
Saturday – 8 miles at Corning bike path, running book club and pool/birthday party
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? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Did you run with friends this week or alone? Please share.
It’s Friday so I’m 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. (This is a re-post with some updates.)
Summer is finally upon us. And I am loving it. (Really I am!)
Here are some of MY personal tips to enjoy it even more.
1. Stop complaining and posting about the temps and humidity.
Ok, I do it too. But it’s early in the summer and I am sick of reading about how the heat has affected your speed and stamina.
If the heat bothers you:
Don’t run.
Run earlier or later in the day.
Run indoors.
Run slower.
Run fewer miles.
victory for running in only a tank and skirt
Do you enjoy running in the summer or just do it because you have to?
2.Wear Compression Calf Sleeves.
I know it sounds crazy but it is so buggy in the summer. Besides protecting your legs from injury, it will help ward off ticks and mosquitoes. With all that rain, this summer, the bugs are insane.
the ice cream helped as well as the socks lol
Do you protect your legs from ticks and mosquitoes?
3. Wear a Baseball Cap.
It keeps you cool (if you have thick hair like me). It shields your face from the sun and most importantly, it protects your scalp from the sun. Most runners neglect to put sunscreen on their head and a visor will do zero for you there.
What do you wear on your head to protect it from the sun?
4. Plan your Hydration.
That doesn’t mean that you have to carry water. I don’t usually.
I mean, how much can you really carry during a hot weather run, anyway? An everyday runner does not have to purchase a hydration vest.
an old pic (I lost that water bottle 😦 )
But you need to drink even if you think that you are not a heavy sweater.
I usually plant water somewhere on my route or loop my runs so I pass my car (where I have water). I have even stopped a local convenience store during my run and bought a bottle of water.
Or you can buy the Long Haul skirt from Skirt Sports. It has two pockets in the back that each hold a small water bottle.
How do you make sure you drink enough water during your summer runs?
5. Sign up for Races.
You knew this one was coming.
The adrenaline of the race will make you forget about the heat. There will be water stops along the course and maybe even watermelon or ice cream at the end of the race.
Ok not as comfortable as sitting in your air-conditioned home or floating around a pool but better for you and much more fun.
at one of my favorite summer 5ks
Do you run a lot of races during the summertime?
Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying the summer run? Please share.
Yes, a big one. A big time commitment in training for it and running it. But it’s not life or death.
um not that I do these things anyway lol
PLAN AHEAD.
I don’t mean training plan. I mean, figure out the logistics. Hotel, transportation, etc. Do it early as not to add to the stress of race day.
As soon as I registered for the race, I booked my hotel for Nov 2 and 3.
DO AS MANY OF THE RECOMMENDED LONG RUNS AS YOU CAN.
In other words, if you can’t fit them all in, it’s ok. I plan to one 14, 16, 18, 20 miler. To me, that seems doable. But weather and life may get in the way.
DON’T LET THE TRAINING TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE.
So skip or shorten runs during the week if you have to. Run short races on the weekends if that makes you happy. You can always add on miles before or after the race.
CELEBRATE THE FINISH LINE, NOT THE FINISH TIME.
You’ve heard this before. But it’s even more crucial for your first of any distance. You will get the same medal no matter how fast or how slow you run the race.
HAVE FUN!!!
I saved the most important for last. Try to run at least part of your long training runs with others.
Try to plan fun things to do before and/or after race day. Make the most out of your first marathon experience.
This will be my first but most likely my last marathon. I hope that if I do not get injured along the way, it will be one of the best experiences of my life.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.
I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.
Happy Running! Have you run a marathon? Any tips for running your FIRST one? Please share. Are you running NYCM this Year? If so, let’s plan a meet=up.
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What do you wear on your head to protect it from the sun?
My First 5K and More... 