June 26, 2018 by Darlene

June Report Card

Image result for hello july goodbye june

June was a great month for many reasons… beautiful running weather, boating, runs with friends and races.

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill.

: Rochester – Bushnell Basin

: NYC – Hudson River Park

: NYC – Central Park

: Delmar Rail Trail

: neighborhood

: the Crossings

I ran many times while on working in NYC. I also ran while working in Rochester. I even ran local a few times. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

Long Runs:

Boating and work have sometimes made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. I added some miles to one 5K, I ran 3 long runs with friends and will end the month with a 15K race. I must say that this month was better than most for long runs. (Too bad I’m not training for a half.)

: 5K + 3 = 6 miles

: 1 + 6 = 7 miles

Total Mileage:

I only ran 62.5 miles so far this month (I will run more by the end of the month.) I think I am way behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. The important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran my favorite 5k, Freihofer Run for Women and had a course PR. I ran 2 races in Brooklyn while scheduled in NYC for work. In the PPTC Summer Speed Series #2 5k, I beat last month’s time and won my age group. At the Ice Cream Social 5k, I had a course PR (same course as the PPTC races) and won my age group. I plan to run the Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k on Saturday.

: 6-2-18 – FRW 5k

: 6-6-18 – Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #2

: 6-12-18 – Ice Cream Social 5K

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis outdoors once this month.

I even worked out twice at the gym. (I just use the arm machines.)

I did walk at lunch once or twice. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant.

We have taken our boat out on the lake every weekend but one!!! Woo Hoo!!

The Freihofer Training Challenge ended but I hope to run into my friends at races or on Saturdays. They have a group run at Peeples Island State Park on Saturdays so I may squeeze in some runs there, as well.

my FTC peeps minus Barbara

I feel very lucky to have a wonderful group of friends to run and brunch with on Saturdays!

Sat group minus Judy and Heidi (and Barbara who is injured)

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #32 is not until September 23.

But I do have some shorter races planned .

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

7-08-18 – Saratoga Springs 5k?
7-21-18 – Silks & Satins 5k
8-04-18 – 1st Monster Mountain 10k?
~~8-11-18 – Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10k or Half Marathon?~~ NYC trip to see my Russian friend
8-11-18 – Governor’s Island 5k or 10K?
8-18-18 – Jailhouse Rock 5k?
8-22-18 – Hump Day 5k

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her June Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an A

Despite the work travel, I did my best to get in my weekday runs in. I also did better with weekend long runs (since my races were often during the week.) I did play tennis once and went to the gym twice. I ran 3 shorter races and had course PRs in two of them. I also won an age group award in TWO of the races. I intend to finish an inaugural (hilly) 15K race.

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How did your June turn out? Anything exciting planned for July? What grade would you give your running month?

June 24, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.18.18-6.24.18: Home Sweet Home

I did only local travel so I slept in my own bed ALL WEEK. And I didn’t run a race!!!

Monday – After set up for my training the next day, I went for a run at the Crossings. With the heat index over 100, it was more like a slog. It rained a little but after the rain, it was cooler but more humid Ugh!

Tuesday – After work, I played tennis. It’s been awhile but as usual so fun to catch up with my friends.

time to kill before tennis so this happened

Afterwards, I met my BFF at the mall to walk and chat.

Wednesday – After work, I hadn’t planned to run but I realized that I wouldn’t be able to run the next two days and rain was forecast for both Saturday and Sunday so I did go for a run.

on my local rail trail

Thursday – Rest day due to an after work hair appointment. Afterward, I went to a Women’s Wellness Retreat with two friends. The grounds were beautiful but otherwise the event was disappointing since it seemed to be a way to convince you to sign up for their classes (meditation, etc.) Speakers, some breathing ex, speakers, some seated yoga, more speakers.

the gardens were beautiful also

Friday – Another rest day. Hosted mah jongg at my home. Does cleaning count as a workout?
Saturday – I was hoping that the rain would hold off so I could squeeze in a long run. I met up with 4 friends and we all had different mileage plans so although we started out together, I ended up only running with Judy (not this Judy). It was a GREAT run (she pushes me to not walk and I push her to run faster) and then we all went out to brunch.

Sunday – ~~Boating Sunday~~. Boating rained out. But it was a very productive day. I went to the gym, went for a long walk on a new trail, got my nails done, went grocery shopping and did ;laundry.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3-4 miles
Tuesday – travel to Rochester for work, 3-4 miles
Wednesday – 2 miles, drive home
Thursday – rest day, monthly tennis friends night out
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k
Sunday – rest day, boating

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

June 22, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Running with Friends

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic today is: How to Run with Friends

This post is a result of a conversation with some running friends.

This past Saturday, we met up with a new group of runners. Since we all run at different paces, we paired up.

After the run, we went out to brunch and chatted. My friends complained about one new runner that ran with them. They said that all she did was complain about how she ran too slow to run with the others. Why should she drive and meet them if they didn’t run with her, yada yada yada. The result was that my friends said that they will never run with her again.

So here are my tips. Maybe one will work for you.

1. Suck it up and run their pace

In other words, skip the intervals and if running without walking is too fast for you, just run fewer miles.

Faster fewer miles = slower longer interval miles

2. Run Slower

If your friends run slower than you, then add some miles before the run so you are running with them when you are tired. Again you can run more miles if you are running them slower.

3. Do your Workouts and Drills at another time.

We all have goals, race plans or maybe a coach, but running with others is not the time to practice your race paces. You can do this when you are running alone.

4. Meet Afterwards for Food

Runners all like to eat. So if you can’t run with friends, suggest meeting somewhere after where there is great food.

5. Be Encouraging

Nobody likes a Debbie Downer. We all have bad runs and aches and pains.

Try to be the cheerleader and focus on the positives of a race or run.

So these suggestions may not work for you. You may just like to run alone or running with others doesn’t fit into your schedule or you just want to do your own thing.

I can can say YES to all of the above but I also know that 10 miles while chatting with someone is much less painful than 10 solo miles.

Happy Running! Do you run with a friend? Any other suggestions to add?

June 19, 2018 by Darlene

2018 Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k Race Recap

June 12, 2018 7:00 pm

Another trip to NYC for work and another 5k in Brooklyn. This was my third one in the past month. Usually I run the cheap ones organized but the Prospect Park Track Club (Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series).

But this week, NYCRuns offered a 5k on the same course but you got ice cream after the race. Well, you know how I feel about ice cream.

This race was the first annual Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5K after successful Ice Cream Social races held on Roosevelt Island. The course map seemed to indicate that it was a similar course to the Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5ks.

Again I had to work all day in Queens (getting up at 5:30 am and being on my feet until 4 pm). I would have to rush to take the subway, then the LIRR, walk to my hotel and change my clothes and then take a LONG subway ride to Brooklyn.

I was familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.) So I got off at the same subway stop in Brooklyn as usual (which was not the closest one but one that I knew) and made my way through the park looking for signs indicating a race.

I heard loud music and found the gathering area and bib pick up. It was a different location than my previous Brooklyn 5ks. There were port-a-potties instead of real restrooms (but actually real ones were not too far away, if needed.)

I got my bib and race shirt and hung out at one of the many picnic tables.

It was little chilly – around 70 with a breeze so I kept my jacket on until the last minute and then checked it at bag check.

As in my other Brooklyn races, I did not know a single person. So I ate a banana and some cookies and chatted with my hubby on my phone.

Soon it was time for everyone to walk down to the start. No corrals or pace signs. Just everyone all together. It didn’t matter since this race was also chip-timed. There were serious runners as in the PPTC-sponsored 5k but there seemed to be many more “regular” runners. About 500 in total.

Since I had just run the course the week before and two weeks before that, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1. In fact, I ran that hill during the Brooklyn Half Marathon. My fourth time running this HILL in a month!

Though I was beat from a long day’s work on my feet, I felt fine, was not hungry and the weather was perfect. I decided that I would try to RUN up the whole hill. In fact, if possible RUN the whole race. I know it is only a 5k, but I walk during my races. I find that I need to and often finish faster if I do.

So how did that work???

Mile 1 was hard. My legs felt like lead. (Probably should have warmed up before the race.) But I did not walk. I dragged myself up that stupid hill.

Mile 2 was better and I decided to skip the water stop. I really wanted to walk but I did not.

Again I was crashing during mile 3. I willed myself not to walk until the mile 3 marker. Then I decided to just finish…no walking!

I tried to sprint and finish under 28 minutes. I DID and was actually winded and grabbed some water. Pretty rare since I never put it all out there unless I am trying for a PR.

I walked back to bag check to get my jacket and get my ICE CREAM!!

The line wasn’t too long and it was divided into two lines: vanilla and chocolate. The vanilla line was much shorter and I gladly went on that line.

The ice cream cup was small and many complained about the size and that it didn’t have sprinkles. Still it was satisfying.

They didn’t post the results. I did get an email with my time but I wasn’t sure if I won an award.

Looks like I won!

Well, no awards ceremony. I asked and someone said that you would get an email and then they would mail you your award.

ics5kag

So runners just got their ice cream and left. I did the same.

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:20
mile 2 – 8:30
mile 3 – 8:45
.14 – 7:46

27:30

Not a 5k PR but a course PR. Faster than last week and even faster than last July (27:52). Maybe someday, I will conquer that hill. (Probably have to train on hills and do some hill repeats…)

I was happy with how the race turned out. I love these mid-week races. It’s a great way to pass the evening and it leaves my weekends free for long runs and boating. I wish I had this option locally.

Regarding this particular race, it’s hard not to compare it to the PPTC sponsored races. Same course. Both chip timed with one water stop. But $39 vs $7.50 ($5 if you run the series). No real bathrooms or awards ceremony. Runners seemed to be much more excited, friendly and enthusiastic during the cheaper races.

So was it worth it for the shirt and the ice cream?????

Nope. I don’t think that I will repeat this one next summer unless my schedule doesn’t allow me to run the Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k races.

That is unless my engraved award is awesome. LOL

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! Ever run a race for the food?

June 18, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.11.18-6.17.18 – Running for Ice Cream

In NYC again but only for 3 days….

Monday – Back to traveling to NYC for work. Instead of a run since I had 5k the next day, I went for a walk. I wanted to find all the Grown Up Flowers and I stumbled upon many other interesting sights too.

I also saw another Broadway show which is now on my favorites list.

loved this show!!!!!!!

Tuesday – Another Brooklyn 5k. This was not one of the cheap ones sponsored by the PPTC. It was the inaugural Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k. You know that I couldn’t pass up a race that included ice cream. So I did the race, got my soft ice cream and even ran a course PR.

No age group awards. They will be announced by email and mailed (and I did win – yay!)

Wednesday – Rest day because I had to rush to catch my train to get home. (It was rainy anyway.)
Thursday – Back home. I had dinner with a former co-worker but did squeeze in a short run in the morning after a dentist appt.

my favorite local route – the rail trail – great on the way out but windy and uphill on the way back – still can’t complain about a sunny day

Before dinner, I actually (don’t faint) spent a few minutes in the gym and then we went for a walk (on the same route as my morning run.)

Friday – Truly a rest day. Just work. I even skipped mah jongg.
Saturday – Got up early to meet some friends to run. Many runners were racing today (yes, I was tempted) so we combined two groups and met in a new locale. Although the route was completely flat, the run felt harder than last week. But I think it was not carrying any food or water with more humid temps could have factored in. Of course, we went out to brunch afterwards.

at Peebles State Park with lots of bridges

Sunday – Boating Sunday. This could become a habit and a nice one. Since my hubby had gone up the night before, I had some unrushed time in the morning to go for a run.

we were asked to run today for Megan, a SS ambassador who was shot and her son killed. #skirtsportsrunformegan

It finally felt like a real summer day. 80 degrees!! (If only the water would warm up…)

so relaxed that I read a whole book and we stopped for dinner after (view in the top pic)

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles at the Crossings (if I don’t die from the heat)
Tuesday – rest day, tennis, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 miles at UAlbany
Thursday – rest day, hair appt, wellness night event
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 9 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

June 15, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Summer Bucket List

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic today is: Summer Bucket List

I love the warm weather and I always have a list of things that I want to do. Not sure if they will happen but I hope many of them do.

1. Go Hiking

There a lots of nearby places to hike. I hope I can find the time.

2. Play Tennis

Again I travel so much for work that I rarely get a chance to play regularly. I hope to play on an occasional Tuesday with my friends.

3. Eat in an Outdoor Restaurant

I eat out often but it is rare that the weather is warm enough to eat outdoors.

4. Go to the Race Track

This has been a tradition with a former co-worker. We have breakfast at the Saratoga Flat Track and watch the horses warming up and then we stay for the races. If we win, we treat ourselves to dinner out as well.

5. Run a New Race

I race often. There re so many races in the summer that I enjoy but I always try to run a new one. Last year, it was the Whipple City 5k.

Happy Running! What’s on your summer bucket list?

June 12, 2018 by Darlene

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #2 Recap

Image result for al goldstein summer speed series

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series #1 – June 6, 2018 – 7:10 pm

If you follow my blog, you know that I often get sent to NYC for work.

Usually, I just try to squeeze in a run on the East River, Hudson River or in Central Park.

Well last year, I found a race!!!!

Apparently during the summer months on alternating Wednesdays at 7:10 pm, there is a cheap ($7.50 – if young up for the whole series,each race costs only $5) 5k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These races are organized by the Prospect Park Track Club. I ran one last July and had a great time.

I was excited that they were scheduled again this summer and the first two races coincided with my the dates that I would be working in NYC. I ran the 5k two weeks ago and signed up again for one tonight.

Here are some of the perks of these races:

Bag check
Bathrooms (real ones!)
Water before, during and after the race
Chip Timing
Marker at each mile
5 year Age group awards ceremony after the race
Results immediately emailed to you
Free photos

So it seemed like a no brainer to run some of these races if I could. Unfortunately I won’t be in NYC for the next 5 races.

And coincidentally, it was Global Running Day. I had to run, right?

At least this time, I was familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.)

On the subway, there was young girl in running clothes. When I got off at the Prospect Park stop, she did not. Hmmmm

So I entered the park and followed the signs as I did last time.

I was pretty early and it wasn’t crowded at all.

I saw the runner from the train. Apparently the next subway stop would have been closer to the race start. I hope to remember that for next year.

As I mentioned in my last recap, it was strange to be at a race and not know a single person.

I just had a banana and some water, checked my bag and waited til it was time to head to the start line.

Eventually runners started arriving. There were probably close to 650. It was around 60 degrees, breezy and even a little chilly. But actually perfect running weather.

I had a headache all day and was feeling exhausted. Sleeping in a hotel is not ideal and I had stayed out late the night before.

Still here I was running a 5k at 7:10 in the evening.

Soon it was time for everyone to walk down to the start.

Then we all lined up. No corrals or pace signs. Just everyone all together. It didn’t matter because believe it or not, this small local race was chip-timed.

Below is the course map. Since I had just run the course two weeks ago, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1.

As I mentioned previously, there are usually runners of all ages who all look like “runners” and the finish times are incredibly fast. A little intimidating.

Happily it was not as warm as last time. And I was not worried about an injured foot. But I just ran a 5k this past weekend and this is a tough course and I didn’t want an injury. Still I would try to do my best and maybe even get a course PR.

oh so serious

I started running the first mile and I just felt like crap. I had to walk at .4 mile in and then again at .6. It didn’t help that it was an uphill that seemed to never end.

Mile 2 was better and I even skipped the water stop.

But I was crashing during mile 3.

I willed myself not to walk until the mile 3 marker. Then I did and gave up on the idea of a course PR.

I did not have enough energy to sprint and finish under 28 minutes.

I was a little dizzy and was thrilled when they handed out ice pops.

I walked back to bag check to get my jacket as it was dark and I was chilled.

They didn’t post the results this week. I did get an email with my time but I wasn’t sure if I won an award.

I finished #438…I told you they were speedy runners!

As I was waiting, I bumped into the guy that walked me to the subway last time. Again we both won and were in awe of how fast the finish times were.

Though it was very late by the time I got back to my hotel, I did enjoy my third Brooklyn 5k!! And I felt better after the race than before.

I plan to run these races again next year if my work dates match the race dates.

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:31
mile 2 – 8:43
mile 3 – 8:49
.14 – 8:31

28:02

So slower than my last 5k and not a course PR but faster than the last one on this course. That’s something.

I signed up for another 5k on June 12 (Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k). It is not run by the Prospect Park Track Club (PPTC) as this one was but it may be exactly the same course. So I will have another shot at a course PR.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! Did you on Global Running Day? Do you try to improve your times on the same course?

June 10, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.4.18-6.10.18 – Back you know where and another 5k

Returned to my favorite city. Too bad it was not for a vacation.

Monday – Back in NYC for work with a travel snafu for the next 3 mos. I arrive at Grand Central Sta. now and then have to get to Penn Sta. where my hotel is and vice versa on the way home on Friday. PITA. It was raining when I left home. But not in NYC. It was perfect running weather. After set up in Queens and checking into my hotel, I decided to run along the Hudson River and end up in Greenwich Village to have dinner. Then I walked all the way back to my hotel. No problem getting in steps when in NYC. My legs covered over 11 miles for the day.

3.5 miles with walking and photo stops

Tuesday – Tempted to run everyday when in NYC but decided that I best take a day off since I had a 5k scheduled for the next night. So I got some inexpensive tix to a Broadway show.

Wednesday – Global Running Day. As I did two weeks ago, I signed up for a cheap 5k in Brooklyn (Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #2). I wasn’t feeling great and so the run was tough. But I felt better when it was over. (Isn’t that always the case?)

not a course PR but faster than 2 weeks ago and won my age group

Thursday – Last day to run in the city this week so of course, I did. I took the subway to Central Park and ran my usual path and a new one (the bridal path) and then walked home.

my legs weren’t feeling it but the scenery was worth the 3 mile struggle

Friday – Rest day because I had to rush to catch my train to get home.
Saturday – Finally reunited with my running friends for a Saturday run ( we now call ourselves “sole sisters” instead of “wineglass ladies.”) and brunch after.

1 mile solo and 7 with Chris & Sherry. (4 others just joined for brunch) We even got to cross the finish line of another race on our route lol

Sunday – Boating Sunday. But first I got in a short run to the grocery store in town (with a detour along the lake.)

the hubby was impatient so only got in 1.5 mi.

A perfect day to hang out on the lake with the hubby and friends.

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC, rest day
Tuesday – Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k
Wednesday – rest day, train home
Thursday – 3 miles, dinner with a former co-worker
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating? or maybe a 5K?

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you celebrate Global Running Day?

June 6, 2018 by Darlene

2018 Workforce Team Challenge Recap

Thursday, May 17 6:25 pm

The CDPHP^® Workforce Team Challenge is a 3.5-mile road race open to teams of employees from corporations, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, not-for-profit corporations, and financial institutions. Participating companies, organizations, and agencies use the event as a platform to provide health and fitness opportunities in the workplace while promoting goodwill and camaraderie among their employees.

It takes place at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on a similar course to the old Freihofer course. It sells out early with a cap of 10,000 runners.

: 2011

: 2017

At my former job, I ran this race once (in 2011), the only year I convinced them to have a team. It was fun so I signed up to be part of a team at my new job last year. We didn’t actually have enough runners for our own team so we partnered with UAlbany.

Last year, it was 98 degrees and HUMID but I enjoyed it and it was a good way to get to know others where I work

Anyway as I remembered the course from 6 years ago, the course starts with a steep uphill and then flattens out. You run through the park which has rolling hills and then it ends with a steep downhill.

This year, the course was identical except reversed. You entered the park where you used to exit and vice versa.

It is actually more of a run than a race. With 10,000 participants and many walkers, you feel (at least I do) no pressure to do anything but finish.

Another issue is fueling. When and what do you eat for a race that starts at 6:25 pm?

So when I finished work at 4pm, I ate a scone and a banana and hoped that would be enough.

To avoid the crowds, I parked my car (where I used take yoga) and walked about 1.5 miles to the start.

The weather was better than last year – around 80 but still humid.

This year my team was more organized. They had a tent with water and refreshments and you got your bib and team tee there. I walked around for a while searching for the tent but finally located it.

I wore a purple tank because it was warm but added the purple team tee for a pre-race photo. But everyone else was racing in the team tee so I changed (even though it was too big, uncomfortable and too warm).

This year, the President of UAlbany came to the race, shook everyone’s hand and had registered to walk the race. Pretty impressive.

While waiting for the race to start, I chatted with those that I knew from work but met a runner who worked upstairs. She hadn’t run in awhile and said that she was worried about finishing. I volunteered to run with her. She said that she was slow. I thought that this was perfect. This way I wouldn’t try to race.

We eventually headed to the start.

With 10,000 runners and no corral system, the runners seemed to line up for miles. We just pushed my way into the middle and then gradually moved up.

And waited in the crowd.

: looking ahead

: looking back

Last year Sawyer Fredericks (winner of The Voice and a local) sang the National Anthem. This year, we were too far back to even hear it.

Eventually, the race started.

Of course, it took awhile before we even moved.

last year’s start

The biggest problem with this race was that unless you were in the front and very fast, it was impossible to gain any speed. There were walkers in the front who didn’t realize they shouldn’t be. Then there were those who ran and then just stopped to walk. The middle of the packers, like me, just weaved in and out, bumped into people saying “excuse me” though the entire race.

But then again except for a chosen group, it was not a “race.” It was just a way to get out of the office and get some exercise with their co-workers. Some businesses had 200-500 employees participating.

I think it’s a great thing. So I tried not to get annoyed or take it seriously. It helped that my new friend and I chatted the whole time.

Back to the race…

We started up a long uphill climb which flattened until we entered the park.

The course continued through the park with rolling hills – one or two being rather steep but we didn’t walk.

There was a water stop that you passed twice. We ran up until the first stop and then I walked. We walked again at the 2nd water stop.

Because we started out so slow and never ran fast, I never felt tired or out of breath. A new concept for me.

photo from last year

Eventually, you headed toward that downhill finish. I was tempted to sprint but I had run the whole race with my new friend and didn’t want to lose her.

When I saw the clock in the distance,, I said, let’s go and finish under 50 minutes.

And we did. She hugged me and said that she couldn’t have done it without me. I thanked her for the company. We made our way back to the tent and our co-workers. This year, they had a huge spread for us – cheese, crackers, humus, salsa, chips, marinated veggies, fresh fruit, etc.

I was very impressed by the race organization again this year. After you picked up water, you proceeded to a tent to get your time.

Then you continued on to get your race shirt, followed by another stop to a get bag with food. The lines moved very quickly. There were lots of volunteers to make sure everything went smoothly.

I bumped into many running friends and we chatted as we walked around the Empire State Plaza.

Eventually, I made my way back to my co-workers and we made plans to meet at a bar downtown for beer and wings.

I, however, had to make the long walk back to my car…and I had to pack for my race weekend in Brooklyn so I decided to go home.

Runners/walkers were still heading toward the finish line. Everyone looked happy and to be having a great time.

It made me smile but I quickened my step to get to my car since it was getting late.

The highlight of the evening was meeting new co-workers. Getting in my last run before my half marathon was just gravy.

10 minutes slower than last year but more enjoyable

So no race splits to report. No course PR. But I am glad to have participated in this race and I plan to run it again next year.

It’s Wednesday so I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! Ever participate in a team race? Ever run with a slower runner so that you won’t run fast?

June 5, 2018 by Darlene

Freihofer Run for Women Race Recap

June 2, 2018 9:00am

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 11th time!!!!!

This year’s website – can you see me? Right center – Pink hat & top

My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:

Due to construction, they changed the course three years ago.

They say that this course is faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.

course map

I did run the new course the past three years and I liked it.

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heading downhill to the finish line

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did last year.

And this was also my fourth Freihofer Training Challenge.

does my green hat stand out much?!

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up on a few Monday runs (like 3) since I always seemed to be out of town for work, I only attended ONE of the Saturday runs since I was usually racing.

But I was excited to be part of it and support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who would hopefully PR.

In past years, the day before I walked to Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really nice expo with vendors and health-related. But the past two years, they have held it at a local college. My hubby was nice enough to pick up my bib the day before the race.

yup, you get cookies and bread

Earlier in the week, they had predicted rain, But no rain when I got up (for a change), temps around 70, breezy but very humid. I drove with my neighbor (who I recently discovered is a runner). For convenience, I parked at a yoga place on race morning and walked to the start. I used to do this every year. However, with the new course, it was an even longer hike. Like 2 miles! I was nice to have company. We chatted away.

It was still strange to walk down Madison Avenue and not see the race banners and not see the giant poster on the bridge.

pics from 3 years ago…

The start was near a park across from the Capitol Building. My neighbor and I parted ways. I set off in search of the Freihofer Training Challenge tent.

I chatted with many of my running friends and took quite a few pics.

runners form the Advanced group

I also bumped into many runners wearing Skirt Sports skirts.

and we didn’t even get everyone in the pic

Catching up with everyone made the time go by quickly and soon it was time to line up.

Although it was very crowded, there were fewer runners than when it was Madison Avenue but it did seem to be more than last year (new organizers and more advertising.).

Times Union photo 2016

Anyway, with the new start (on a wider street), it didn’t take as long to get moving and the first hill was longer but not as steep.

I started with Holly and Sue from my FTC Group. I lost Holly behind me and Sue (who is usually slower than both of us) surged ahead. I kept her in my sight but could never catch up to her. Right from the beginning, I had the feeling that my legs were moving but so slowly. I was also sneezing and sniffling (hopefully it’s allergies not a cold.)

When I got into the park and looked at my time, I was shocked at how slow it was. Usually mile 1 is my fastest.

I took this pic after the race

I continued to trudge along and couldn’t wait to walk at the first water stop around mile 1.25. (I was so thirsty.)

This course had you run around more of the park and it also seemed to avoid the bigger hills of the park.

I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile since the crowd had thinned out. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop. That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get some energy.

Finally we left the park and headed downhill to the finish. Not the steep downhill that we used to have with the old course, but at least it was downhill.

I tried to run fast but I had no energy left. The humidity had really gotten to me. I walked briefly and then sprinted across the finish line. At least it was under 28 minutes.

I knew with 3 walks, it couldn’t come close to a PR (and I was not expecting one) but it was a decent time and faster than last year. I was happy!!

Apparently my friend Alyssa finished close together but we had no idea.

its funny how I have the same expression as the lady in front of me

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the race, you got a silver necklace after you crossed the finish line.

I grabbed a bagel and some chocolate milk. It was definitely less congested than when it was by the fountains on the Plaza. No long lines for food.

yum!!!!

I ran into even more runners again that I knew. Every where I turned, there was someone famliar – from work, tennis, races, etc. That’s what’s great about running a big local race.

The first time runners were so excited. That put a smile on my face. I remembered why I love this race and it was never because of my awesome finish times.

I walked back to the Training Challenge Tent to get some more food and chatted with friends for awhile.

Many runners were excited about their PRs. I may not have run my fastest time but I still enjoyed myself.

You get what you put in. I did not do all the speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I also just ran a half marathon and I am no spring chicken. Plus my time was faster than the past two years (28:50, 27:52). So I was very pleased with that.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:08
mile 2- 8:52
mile 3 – 8:35
.14 – 9:27??

Chip time – 27:37

There was computer set up so you could check your time and see if you won an age group award.

And 5 out of 80 my age group. Even a PR wouldn’t have gotten me an award.

I hung out for a while watching the awards ceremony – the top 10 finishers and top 5 Masters.

Afterwards, I walked back to my car (uphill for 2 miles) to put away my stuff. A bunch of my running friends were gong out to brunch and I was tempted.

But I have a 15K in a few weeks so I had planned to run another 3 miles. I really didn’t feel like it but I did it. I ran to where Alyssa and Jen were having brunch to say hi and then I retraced part of the course, made quite a few photo stops and took it nice and easy.

So FRW #11 is in the books (with a course PR!! ) The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with over 3,500 women running it. Can’t wait to run it again next year.

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year?