Author: Darlene

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Weekly Run Down for 4.6.20-4.12.20: When will it end?

Still working at home (now at least until April 30) …

All social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

and it’s over…maybe the first challenge I’ve EVER completed

So bored that I even signed up for one free month of NetFlix (not really a TV addict)

Unorthodox: Season 1 Episode 1 “Part 1” [Series Premiere] – Recap ...

Any watch this? It enjoyed it. Next up is binge watching Schitt’s Creek.

and I am knitting again.

one done…I call them my quarantine socks.

But if there is a silver lining in this, it’s that running solo has motivated me to vary my running routes. I am running in different places each day. It’s easy to get in a rut and run in the old same, same old. Thanks  to IG and FB, I have discovered some new routes to walk or run on. Plus there is usually traffic after work.  Now with everyone working from home, I can drive to places that I normally would not.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Hooray for sunshine!!

Lunch walk on the trails near my house:

blue skies!!

Post work run: Trying to avoid crowds but not run on the roads… Decided to drive to The Crossings because they closed the park to cars.

windy and maybe a little early for the skirt but couldn’t wait…I parked at a nearby church and had almost all the trails to myself. 🙂

  • Tuesday – Sunshine two days in a row!!

First my lunch time walk:

different route everyday on this nearby trail

I had planned a rest day but rain was predicted for the next two or three days so run I did. Today I picked Washington Park in Albany.

found some signs of spring and not too many people

  • Wednesday – Sun has left for a few days. The morning rain had stopped so I was able to get in a walk during lunch

left, right, straight??

and a run after work. Today I decided to drive up to Colonie Town Park. Normally I would not since there would be too much traffic at this time of day. It was refreshing to check out the scenery in a different location (haven’t run here in ages.)

some bikers but not many but bumped into a running friend and we chatted for a long time (from a distance)

A little nostalgic as it was the first night of Passover and in past years I celebrated at a Seder with my mah jongg friends.

  • Thursday – A miserable weather day – pouring rain and WIND. Skipped my lunch walk and hoped to rain would end by 4 pm.

Declared it a rest day from running but did get in at least one walk. It was chilly and very windy and I almost bailed but I remembered a place that looked interesting from a friend’s IG post. (Pine Hollow Aboretum) Boy, am I glad I went…it was amazing – 22 acres, 11 ponds, trees from all over the world, trails galore.

can’t wait to go back when the trees are in bloom

And although we don’t currently run together, our running group is chatting virtually once a week:

  • Friday – Yes, another unseasonably cold, rainy, windy day. Since there was no rain  at lunch time, I decided to search out a place to walk that would be shielded from that awful wind. (Elm Avenue Park Fit Trails)

the tall trees at the park did the trick & I even discovered a new path. will go back when I have more time to explore

Normally a rest day but no mah jongg this evening and a postponed long run so I decided why not run. I just drove to the Albany rail trail  for a quick one since I needed to be home early for a ZOOM chat with my mah jongg friends.

holy wind…froze on the way out but warm on the way back

Miss my game night…not the same playing on the computer.

  • Saturday – One good thing about doing long runs alone is that if you change you mind, you don’t have to notify everyone else.  The weather looked better for Sunday so today was my catch up day. Errands and boring stuff around the house including some gardening. It was cold and windy but later in the day, the sun came out and the wind calmed don so I decided to again explore a new location (suggested by my an IG friend.)

Tivoli Lake Preserve…what an interesting find. Definitely going back here.

  • Sunday – Long Run Saturday postponed to Sunday. Today was my taper for my unofficial virtual H2H Half Marathon. I decided on the Nisky Bike Path for this run. When I woke up, it was in the 20s.. and so I waited until it warmed up a bit (50s) Still a little breezy but warm enough for a skirt 🙂

I was a worried when I saw a lot of cars in the parking lot but they must have gone in the other direction since I saw very few people during my run.

I have run on this bike path many many times but have never ventured off the path and I today I did twice. Once to explore a 1 mile trail and again for a short time to take in the views.

another trail that I want to go back to when I am not running.

Unfortunately the restaurant where we usually have brunch was closed since it was Easter Sunday so I had to settle for a post run chocolate milkshake.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – rest day, walk
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday – run or rest day, walk
  • Thursday – run 
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • Saturday – VIRTUAL HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HALF MARATHON
  • Sunday – rest day, walk

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?  How is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having  hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut?  Did you use ZOOM to celebrate Passover or Easter with your family? Please share.

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Tips to Not Feeling Alone When You Run Alone

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 today is: How To Survive Running Alone.

Another post about the pandemic! Sorry!

I know that due to the social distancing requirement, you are running alone.

For some, it is perfectly natural.  You usually run alone.  You have posted that nothing has changed with your running (other than some races may have been cancelled.)

But for those of us who do enjoy the company of others when we run, here are some suggestions that may help you:

1.Plan Virtual Runs with your friends.

Pick a date and time together and run.  Then afterward, text each other about the run and even send a picture.

2.Run a Virtual Race.

You can sign up for one and wear the bib or just run a race (unofficially). This gives your run a purpose.

3.Focus on Your Scenery.

In other words, run in a scenic location, forget about your watch and look around. Stop often and take pictures.  Be grateful for the opportunity to be outdoors.

4.Take Selfies.

Take those running goofy shots and even try jumping.  Post them or send them to friends.

5.Add Audio Distraction – Music, Podcasts, Audio Books.

When you run with others, you chat. Talking makes the run go by faster. Now… we need to be creative.

Cute Sport Girl Running With Music In Her Headphones. Morning ...

One More..

**Focus on YOUR running.

This is the time to work on your cadence, your posture, your foot strikes, etc. Try intervals or HR. Run naked (without that darn watch).

It will keep your mind off that you are now alone.

Happy Running! Have you used any of the above? Any other suggestions that you can add about running alone at this time? Please share.

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FRW2020: Good News and Bad News

Let’s start with the Bad News.

I have run the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k every year since I started running.  It is obviously my FAVORITE race and I have never missed one – in all weather conditions, recovering from ankle surgery and even with a broken foot.

I have run this race (FRW) 12 times!!

And this year, I was named an ambassador!!

Well, I guess 13 is an unlucky number.

This year, the race has been cancelled!! 😦 😦

The Good News:

The Freihofer’s Run for Women has switched to a virtual 5k run for 2020.

That means that YOU do not have to travel to Albany, NY to run this race.

You can run the 5k no matter where you live!!

For only $25 or $20 with the code AMBSS5, you will receive:

  • 42nd annual virtual Freihofer’s Run for Women t-shirt & bib
  • A finisher’s certificate that can be printed out at home
  • Commemorative finishers’ medal
  • Coupons for Freihofer’s products
  • Automatic entry into Virtual 5k Sweepstakes with great prizes!

The t-shirts, medals and coupons will be mailed to participants the first week in June.

You will be getting exercise and supporting some great charities.

Please join me!!

For more info and to sign up, go to http://freihofersrun.com before April 30, 2020.

Here’s even better news:

As an Ambassador, I am giving away TWO free entries!!

To enter, click here:

I’ll be choosing TWO winners on April 23, 2020.

I’m linking here since it is Wednesday:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Will you be joining me and running the Virtual FRW 2020?

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Four Somethings for March

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, 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!

Oops I’m a little late…

1. Something Loved.

My Visit to Montreal.  NYC is my favorite city. I used to take my students (as I was a French teacher) to Montreal often years ago.  I also ran a race there a few years ago.

But this time, I went with a friend as a spur of the moment weekend get away.

We explored the city. I ran, of course. We attended the interactive Van Gogh  exhibit (the highlight of the trip) as well as the Barbie expo (1000 Barbies all in one place.) We ate some delicious French meals and drove to the top of Mont Royal.

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Have you been to Montreal lately? If so, what did you do there?

2. Something Said.

3. Something Learned.

I cannot retire yet.

I hate staying home day after day and I love being around people and having a schedule.

I even miss wearing nice clothes and makeup.

my office with only my cat to talk to

Do you enjoy staying at home? What do miss when you are forced to stay home?

4. Something Read.

Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by [McDougall, Christopher]

I recently finished reading this book.

The best-selling author of Born to Run, Chris McDougall agreed to take in a donkey from an animal hoarder after he and his family moved from Philadelphia to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. In order to heal this neglected donkey, Chris had to give it a job which turned out to be running and competing in a race. A lot could go wrong and did.

I didn’t love it as much as I expected. It was drawn out and too much back story. Not as much about running as I had hoped.

That being said, it was interesting and at times, heart-warming.  So I would still recommend reading it yourself.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE. 

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Weekly Run Down for 3.30.20-4.5.20: Continuing to be Socially Distant

Still working at home (at least until April 15) … all social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

I am grateful for having a full time job, paycheck and being healthy.

That being said, I have be sensitive to the fact that even if the above is true, many of you are struggling with:

  • homeschooling your children
  • not seeing your family and friends
  • working from home
  • not going out to restaurants, movies, shows, sporting events…
  • running alone
  • cancelled races
  • closed gyms
  • unhealthy snacking

Your friends may say they are ok but make sure that they are and give them support (even if nothing has changed much for YOU!!)

We are in this together!

everyone participating? of course I have lost track of what day we are on…

Last Week –

  • Monday – A dreary day with rain forecast. I decided to mix things up and run during lunch and hopefully walk after work.  It’s easier now when you can dress for work in your running clothes and stay that way for the rest of the day (I’m alone, right?) But that meant I had to run in my neighborhood which I never do (boring!!) In between raindrops (almost made it back dry), I ran looking for signs of spring (and positivity).

not my daffodils, yet

The right call since it poured the rest of the day. So I got out my raincoat and umbrella and went for my post work (breakout) walk. The rain stopped almost immediately as I drove in search of a new place to walk.

  • Tuesday – .Another dreary day although the sun did come out for a minute during my lunch walk.

back on the trail behind my house (for lack of time to drive anywhere)…if only the mud would dry up…

This was supposed to be a rest day but work was stressful so I decided to drive to UAlbany (where when I was NOT working from home, I used to run most of time)

and I bumped into a running friend.  We chatted for awhile (from a distance).

  • Wednesday – Hard to figure out when to rest and when to run…

Modeling mittens that I got in the mail from a friend who knit them. The sun actually appeared at the end of my lunch walk on the (muddy) park trails.

Working from home has me sitting all day.  I always feel antsy at the end of the day. So I drove to Washington Park and went for an easy run.

warmed up quite a bit from my lunch walk…made a new cat friend

  • Thursday – Decided on a rest day after 3 days in a row of easy runs. Of course that meant 2 walks.

One during lunch:

clouds and wind but grateful for a trail behind my house that seems to go on forever…

And one after work:

drove to Five Rivers and explored some new trails… unfortunately chillier than at lunch…where is spring?

And although we don’t currently run together, we are chatting virtually once a week:

Can you believe we talked for TWO hours!!

  • Friday – Since I was planning on a long run the next day, I took a second rest day in a row. Perfect planning since it was rainy and chilly (Spring…I am waiting…).

I still went for my lunch walk with an umbrella…not on the trail but in a new neighborhood. Trail was too muddy!

oops my cat sign is backwards. My first daffodil hates the weather too

Fortunately, the rain had mostly stopped by the end of my work day so I drove into town for another walk.  Nasty, raw and it even started to rain again. Ugh!

bunnies chasing each other was the highlight of this weather-shortened walk

  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday…alone but with perfect weather. I decided to run an unofficial virtual Cherry Blossom 10 miler. I debated on where to run (and where to get take out after).  I decided on the Corning Bike Path so at least I would have a water view. For many reasons, this was hard (tired, hot, hungry, lonely, etc.) But I got it done and rewarded myself afterwards.

the only cherry blossoms to be seen were on my shirt (so over dressed – could have worn a skirt & tank). Not pictured was the French toast that I took out for lunch later)

Thanks to Zoom, I participated in a live Coffee Date with other bloggers later in the day.

so fun…recognize everyone?

  • Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day.

Started the day with a ZOOM chat with my tennis friends. Sadly, we had to cancel our 16th annual trip to Naples, Fla.

20019

2010

After errands and laundry we done, the hubby and I decided to go for a long ride up to Lake George.  Just needed new surroundings.

unfortunately too rainy and damp to do much

Of course when we came home, the weather cleared and even the sun came out.

got some ice cream and walked it off on some trails.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  run 
  • Wednesday – rest day, walk
  • Thursday – run 
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • Saturday – LONG  RUN
  • Sunday – rest day, walk

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?  How is this virus affecting you and your family? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for April

It’s that time of the month…

Life Is Better When You're Running 11-oz Mug Marathon image 0

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do not own any exercise equipment.  So I could take some online classes. Many are even offered free.

I have not.

I actually miss my little gym

Have you taken any online classes? Do you miss going to the gym?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran the NYC Half Marathon Virtually.  Does it count as my 42nd half??

 

Do you plan to run your cancelled races virtually? 

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I hate working from home but at least I am making the effort to get dressed (does workout clothes count?) and go for a 30 minute walk at lunch every day. I am lucky to have a few nearby trails.

 

How are you coping with working from home? Are you getting outside more?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I can work from home thanks to technology.

my work helper

We use ZOOM for meetings and Webex to teach.

I’m even using ZOOM for meeting up with my friends.

Anyone else using technology more? ZOOM meet ups anyone?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I normally either cook or go out to eat.  Rarely do I do take-out but I want to support local businesses so I’ve ordered here many times (do not judge):

so glad that my favorite ice cream place did not close

How are you supporting local businesses?

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.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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How to Support Your Running Friends While Running Alone

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

My Topic today is: How to Support Your Friends While Running Alone

Now more than ever, runners need support.

I know, you may think this doesn’t apply to you.  You mostly run alone.  You follow your own plan and run whenever you choose and wherever. You pretty much worry about your own running concerns, needs and goals.

I bet at one time or another, another runner has helped you at a race, a run or even provided online support.

I know when I was training for my marathon, I was very lucky to have friends who cared about and supported me. They offered to run parts of my long runs, cheered me on at the end my 20 miler and even tracked me during the big race.

And although my friends and I are currently not running together, I want to still support them, encourage them to keep running and make sure they know I care about them.

So here are some ideas that you can use to support your friends even if you are now running alone:

  • Text them.  Ask them how they are?  What they are doing?  How they are keeping active?

Mass Texting: Keeping Your Church in the Know

  • Set up Video Chats. ZOOM is free and easy to use.  You can discuss running, of course (or anything else) and it’s nice to see their faces and hear their voices.

  • Organize Virtual Running Dates.  You can run at the same time but in different places.  You can even text each other pictures from the run.

Cari and I even planned our outfits for an after work run.

  • Participate with them in Virtual Races. There are so many out there.  Some even send you a bib and a medal (and the fee often supports a charity). You don’t even have run an “official” virtual race.  You can just pick a race and a distance and then run it.

a great one for April

  • Post Your Scheduled Runs (when and when). Your friends will know where and when you are running.  They may even choose to run WITH you (but of course, 6 feet apart.)

3-21 – 8 am at Peebles Island

  • Encourage Signing Up for Summer or Fall Races. Always motivating to have something to look forward to together.
Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Registration Page

August 29, 2020

We may feel alone. We may feel isolated. Some of us even may feel depressed and unmotivated due to so many races being cancelled.

But we are really in it together. We can help each get through these difficult times.

those were the days…back in January, I think

I’m  also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! How you are supporting your running friends? Please share. 

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Weekly Run Down for 3.23.20-3.29.20: Surviving the Lock Down

Still working at home…all social activities cancelled. (Even introverts enjoy adult conversation lol)

Grateful that I was pro-active and got my eyes examined, new supply of contacts, ordered new glasses, got my hair cut and colored and my nails done…all before lock down.

Only things left to do are run, walk, hike and bike.

I will survive!!!

everyone participating?

Last Week –

  • Monday – That nice weather we had last week was gone.  Snow/rain mix all day. I did not let that stop me from my lunch walk in the snow.

not too bad but then afterward, it started snowing harder!!

But my after work walk… snowing too hard out. sigh.

  • Tuesday – My new normal continued…. lunch walk…

Unfortunately, work was too busy to even take a lunch break. 😦

Followed by an after work run or walk.

I plan to run every other day depending on the weather.  So today was a run day. It was chilly but at least it was dry on the trail trail (in spite of the recent snowstorm) and since I didn’t do my lunch walk, I ran 4 instead of my normal 3 miles.

  • Wednesday – Back to our new normally scheduled program…

Lunch walk

After work walk

bumped into an old friend and we chatted a long time (from 6ft apart)

  • Thursday – Sorry if you are getting bored with my life. I am too.

A muddy lunch walk

the exercise equipment were unused but the tennis courts were FULL

A post work run (done virtually with my NYC pal, Cari)

drove to the Crossings – perfect weather and so many people outdoors (so many that the next day, they decided to close the park)

First ZOOM video chat (with some of the Freihofer Run Ambassadors):

Second ZOOM chat with my running friends:

Gotta love technology!! Miss them!!!

  • Friday – Same old, same old.

Lunch walk on a rest day:

beautiful weather, still exploring part of the fit trail at a nearby park

Then walk number 2 after work on the rail trail:

same direction as Wed but for a longer distance…hey, what else was there to do?

Then when I got home, I did a ZOOM chat with my mah jongg friends (we normally play on Friday nights) and we planned to play online together. (realmahjongg.com)

  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday but for the second week in a row without my running friends. I decided to drive to the Zim Smith rail which I hadn’t run on since fall.

love all the carvings on the trees.

I ran 3.5 miles in one direction and turned around and then 2.5 in the other direction (with a detour on a new path) and turned around.  It wasn’t easy and as usual, a lot of walking photo stops but got it done (as I train for my April 18 unofficial virtual half marathon).

I made sure to order my (take-out) post run treats before the run.  The chocolate milk at Leah’s Cakery is one of the reasons that I love this trail.

  • Sunday – A rainy rest day…hopefully the rain will stop so I get in a walk…otherwise my non-working, non-running time is filled with knitting, laundry, cooking and housework. Miss my friends!!!

Update: The rain did stop and I got in a long walk.

the rail trail again but in the opposite direction from Wed & Fri

and de-cluttered many drawers:

only the beginning…

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  rest day, walk
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run 
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • Saturday – 5k race. LONG  RUN
  • Sunday – rest day, walk

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? Anyone running virtual races? How is this virus affecting you and your family? Please share.

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Runfessions for March

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 have finally graduated from PT and doctor appointments.(Perfect timing considering what is happening right now.)

So I have extra $$ for racing. LOL (if there were any happening…)

But I am slacking off on any of those exercises that I should be dong to strengthen my hips, calves, glutes, quads, etc.

Do you continue your PT prescribed exercises once you are healthy?

2. I runfess…

I broke up with my chiropractor. (and that was before she closed her practice…)

I started going for ART when I strained my calf and then I was going monthly for tune-ups but once my foot started hurting in November, I stopped. And now she is pregnant.

Do you regularly go to a chiropractor?

3.I runfess…

I have now registered for SEVEN half marathons for the year…. (if they were cancelled, I ran them virtually)

Now that my foot no longer hurts, I’m thinking about #8. Crazy, right?

hot, hilly and humid

Update:  My April Half has been postponed until August 29 so this one won’t have to happen.  Since I am running all my races (virtually), I am sticking with one half per month.  3 down…9 to go.  LOL

4. I runfess…

I almost registered for the Cherry Blossom 10 MiIer.

I have always wanted to run this race.  I didn’t enter the lottery but I found out that so many runners offer bib transfers. Flights were cheap. It was tempting but I only worked two days at the Bar Exam instead of three.  That meant I lost my extra $$$ plus Bermuda was expensive.

(Turns out it didn’t matter because the race was cancelled.)

Next year…Perhaps?

5.I runfess…

I did not register for the 2020 NYC Marathon because at the time I was still experiencing foot pain. I wasn’t sure if it would ever go away. I did not want to run 26.2 miles like that. It was hard enough without foot pain.

But when only 2% of those who entered the lottery got in, I felt guilty that I had a timed entry (from Helderberg to Hudson Half 2019) and I did not register.

The race was cancelled after Hurricane Sandy so technically 2021 is the 50th running of the race.

So maybe next year… (If that foot pain stays away and I can get back to running at a decent pace or I get in by the lottery.)

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.

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United Half Marathon VIRTUAL Half Marathon Race Recap

Image result for united new york half marathon 2020

March 15, 2020

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever.  I got a guaranteed entry last April based on my finish time at the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon (2:11:15).

66 so that was helpful as you can see. May get to run it again when I turn 70.

I was hoping to run the race when the course was only through Manhattan. (As of last year, it starts in Brooklyn.) And I had entered the lottery several times in the past but never got in.

So I signed up for the NYC Half Marathon as my 42nd Half Marathon for several reasons:

  • I got a guaranteed entry.
  • I love NYC.
  • I had enough pts for a free hotel room.
  • I ran it last year while recovering from a calf injury and wanted a do over.
  • I had friends running it.
  • They kept last year’s course which got rid of most of the Central Park hills at the end.
  • It’s such a prestigious race. How could you not?

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan.  I ran my last half marathon on February 16 in Bermuda with LOTS of foot pain.

happy to have survived the pain!!

I skipped or shortened runs and sought the help of PT who used CBD oil, massage, ART, heat ultrasound, laser therapy and every trick in the book. No relief!

My PT recommended that I see another podiatrist who gave me a B12/cortisone shot and a metatarsal pad.

Pain GONE! (mostly)

Do I wish I had gone sooner to her? Or was it not the shot but a combination of all of the treatments?? Who knows?

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I do like to get in a 10, 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon.

For this race, I obviously did not. A few short runs each week and a longish one.  All with some foot discomfort (until recently).

Yes, I was nervous that I was not prepared for run 13.1 miles and I was nervous about my foot pain returning.

So the goal for this half marathon was finishing!! If my foot started to bother me, I would just grit my feet and finish.  It’s a BIG race, There would be many runners finishing behind me.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

And then it happened. As you know, the RACE WAS CANCELLED!!

Over 25,000 disappointed runners.

I ran it last year. I felt so fortunate.

running down Times Square was truly amazing!!

But I was still bummed.

You had the choice of a refund or deferring to next year with no refund for this year and having to pay again for the race. I opted for the refund.

Most runners will not get their shirt or medal because of some greedy persons (who took extras and are selling them on eBay) but I had a friend in NYC who grabbed mine.

So the race was not happening, but I felt guilty about getting the medal and shirt and I wanted to run the race anyway.

I contacted my friends and two agreed to run 13.1 miles with me.

We decided on our normal long run day which is Saturday and planned to meet at 8:00 at the Nisky Bike Path.

running at Nisky Bike Path (on a warmer day)

I worked all day (standing) the day before but relaxed at mah jongg after my usual pre-race dinner of pizza.

Race Day:

I got up early and had my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee.

I checked the weather it looked to be in the 30s and heading up to 40 and a little windy. I didn’t have to worry about bag check and could just leave extra clothes in my car.

Our plan was to run 4 miles in one direction and turn around, make a stop at our cars for water or to remove layers.

As you see, I tried to incorporate some NYC in my outfit: last year’s half shirt, LeBow hat and NYC calf sleeves.

Sherry and I run about the same pace but Stan runs considerably faster. He was nice enough to slow down. I insisted on walking every 2 miles to simulate a water stop (and to catch my breath.)

The course we chose is fairly flat. It was actually warm running with the wind at our backs but then a little chilly running into the wind (but not bad as the trees protected you on this path,)

At the 4 mile turn around, I ate a gel and then had water at our mile 8 stop. I changed to lighter gloves, from my Hokas to my Mizunos, and almost shred my vest. Stan changed hats.

Then we continued in the other direction.

I was getting tired and struggled to keep up. But it certainly helps to have someone to talk to the whole way and we stuck together.

Again we walked every 2 miles and I had my second gel at mile 10.5, our second turn around.

Then we headed back to the car.

We bumped into another friend Chris who was running as she headed back with a cowbell to cheer us on.

And we finished…13.1 done!!

So no crowd support or bridges or parks or Times Square but we did it.  Thanks to Sherry and Stan! I earned that medal and this:

Additional Race Reflections:

We finished at 2:31:39. Our average pace was 11:34. It felt faster but then we walked slowly and for longer than necessary and we chatted a lot. No regrets on that pace.

I am unbelievably happy to have run without that awful left foot pain.

But yes again the bunion on my other foot hurt while wearing the Hokas. (I’m returning them.)

I may go back to my Mizuno Wave Inspires or try something else.

Yes, I am sad that I could not run the real United NYC Half Marathon.

Maybe when I am 70, I’ll be able to run it again.

The Good:

  • The weather
  • flat course
  • friends to run with
  • slept in my own bed the night before
  • view of Mohawk river
  • great post race meal

The Bad:

  • tired legs
  • no water stops
  • no crowd support
  • bunion pain

The Ugly:

  • Nothing 🙂

Would I recommend this race?

Sure but only if you cannot run the real thing!!!

Final Stats:

Next Up:

A local race. The second year for this race. A downhill course. Lots of running friends. Should be fun… IF IT IS NOT CANCELLED!!

Image result for helderberg to hudson half marathon

Update: it was postponed until August 29, 2020

There is now a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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

I’m linking up also with this link-up:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Was anyone else planning to run this race? If so, did you run it virtually?  Would you run it virtually, if your race were cancelled? Please share.

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