This one is local and I’ve run it several times before.
I did have high hopes for this downhill course but that was until my training got derailed by a stomach virus…
And the WEATHER!!!!!
Last Week –
Sunday – Well, I actually started the week with a 5 mile race.
I had no business running it but I thought I was over that stomach flu.
Well the good news is that it stopped raining just before the race started and I came in 3rd in my age group with a big PW!!
always a treat since it is near where I live…
After a while, I felt better so I decided to add on more miles. I had a half marathon coming up and my mileage was sorely lacking. I managed to run/walk 3 more miles for a total of 8 miles for the day.
yup, this is the route for my upcoming race…
Monday – Since I WFH all week, I hope to get in some gym time most days.
On my way this morning, it was snowing!! WTH.
spring is MIA
The snow didn’t last long and didn’t stick. I was able to meet Deb after work for a short slow recovery run on the rail trail IN THE RAIN.
The rain was supposed to end but it didn’t and so we got WET!
Tuesday – Back to gym but my morning was too busy and so I waited until lunch time to go.
And I took a walk in the mall after work with my BFF.
Wednesday – Another busy work day so no gym time but after work, I went for a short run/walk before mentoring the Training Challenge group.
Today was their 3rd week and I joined the run/walk group.
it was chilly but at least the sun was out
Thursday – Back to the gym before work…
Stalking the forecast for Saturday’s race and it gets worse every day…
Friday Night – Rain likely before 5am, then rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday – Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 11am. High near 42. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday – Another gym morning and rest day with mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon!!
Not adequately trained but it was local, a downhill course with lots of familiar faces present. So why not?
The weather!! Very tempted to bail and run it virtually on a nicer day!
Deb, Barbara and I carpooled and parked at the finish and took the bus to the start.
It was snowing when we started and raining when we finished (and I was FROZEN!)
too cold to take any pictures at the finish
But we all finished (I won 2nd in my AG) and then we met our other running friends for brunch.
Sunday – Rest Day!
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – DAY OFF, gym, run
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – gym
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – Easter dinner with the fam
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Delmar Dash Race Recap
Friday – Why I’m Not Running the NYCM
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Ever been to DC? Please share.
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.
I’ve been blogging since March 25, 2008. That was the DAY that I decided to become a runner.
Well, since then, a lot has changed but some things have not.
I’ll start with what has remained the same:
Blogging Goals
My goals haven’t really changed.
I blog to motivate myself to continue running, to keep track of my running and racing and to connect with others who do the same.
Posting
I’ve always posted several times a week and if my schedule is busy, I write those posts in advance.
Blogger Meetups
I have been fortunate to connect with many bloggers.
Many were local and have become my (virtual) friends even though they no longer blog or run.
Other meet-ups have been with those bloggers who do not live nearby.
And some meet-ups happen more often than others.
our most recent
Our first of many
Race Reviews
I recap each of my races almost as soon as they are over (so I don’t forget the details. ) These recaps are mostly for myself but I have heard that others read them too.
I now post photos. It helps that I abandoned the camera and got a smartphone so it’s easier. Plus with the apps available, you can edit, make collages and be as creative as you have time for.
Link-ups
When I first started, there were very few. I used to write posts called Two for Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Three Things Thursday and Foto Friday, etc.
Now they are a bunch of fabulous link-ups. (Weekly Run Down, Tuesday Topics, Fit Five Friday, Runfessions, Ultimate Coffee Date, etc.) These help attract readers to your blog, as well as, connect you with new blogs.
I’m even now one of the co-hosts
These link-up often suggest topics which makes it easier if you have writer’s block and don’t know what to write about.
Product Reviews
I used to get asked to review products pretty frequently. Not much anymore. Probably because there are so many more bloggers out there (with larger readerships than me).
last year and my first review since 2017…
Sponsorships
These are competitive too. But in additional to getting discounts on their products, you get connected with a wonderful network of runners who use those products.
I had at one time been an ambassador for Skirt Sports, Legend Compression, Nuun, My Soxy Feet, Zooma, FRW, Maine Marathon…
In recent years, I’ve rarely applied for any… this maybe my only one:
My Running
Now I don’t just run 5ks. I used to (hence the title of my blog. )
I have run 72 half marathons and many other distances including 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.
I’ve even run the NYC Marathon 3 times.
I may be slower but I am more confident as a runner. And though, I don’t know it all, I know a lot more about running than when I started blogging.
Other Bloggers
I don’t follow that many blogs. I am selective. Basically because I don’t have the time.
The ones that I do read and comment on are more than fellow bloggers. They are really my virtual friends.
and sometimes you get to meet them in the flesh,
share a hotel room,
or spend a race-cation with them
I admit that after 17 years of blogging, I think about quitting. After all, what else do I have to say? And could I be using the time it takes to write posts on something more valuable?
But I rarely quit on things so you probably will have my blog to read for another 17 years…
Happy Running! How long have you been blogging? When is your blogoversary? What has changed since you started? How long do you plan to blog?
Sunday – I had talked my hubby into a NYC trip. The purpose was to see Riverdance at Radio City.
You know me, I try to pack as many things into a day as possible.
We had planned to take the train to Manhattan, then the subway to Union Square to see the Tulips!
After checking into our hotel and grabbing some lunch and we then planned to head to Radio City.
We’ve seen this show numerous times but not in recent years and always loved it.
After the show, we had dinner reservations at my favorite (post race) Italian restaurant.
Well, if you read last week’s WRD, you know that on Saturday morning, I came down with a nasty stomach bug. I had miss my last long run and some other fun planned things.
I was hoping that it was short-lived but on Sunday morning, I felt even worse.
Luckily, my running friends Stan & Sherry were going to NYC as well and they we able to use our tix.
Monday – This morning, of course, I had hoped to run in NYC and do some sight seeing with my hubby before we headed home on the train.
Instead I was home still feeling miserable!!!!!!!!
And it got up to 75 degrees!! Can you believe it? Finally a beautiful day in the NE!!
we only get one nice day a week it seems…
Tuesday – Day 4 of the stomach bug. And it left as mysteriously as it came.
I woke up feeling fine. I even had my first cup of coffee since Friday.
Happily I was working from home just in case but I felt well enough to go set up for class in the afternoon and then go see my granddaughter.
she loves books!
Wednesday – Teaching live today so I started with Starbucks and ended with a run.
Today was the 2nd week of mentors the Training Challenge group. I was glad that it was only week 2 and there was a lot of walking involved (which I could barely handle.)
As soon as I arrived, it started to rain… as we were running, it started to sleet… oh fun but at least today it was not windy.
the beginner group did 1:30/2:00 run walk intervals
Thursday – Back to Manhattan but this time for work. As I’ve mentioned, my work trips to NYC may be ending so I planned to squeeze as much activity in the days that I’m here.
After checking into my hotel, I hopped the subway to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens – Cherry Blossom time, right?
But actually there were very few cherry blossoms but boy were the Magnolia trees gorgeous. And it was a lovely day to stroll the gardens.
After, I met Elizabeth back in Manhattan to see the Impressionist exhibit. It was actually VR and my first experience. It was so cool. I highly recommend if you get the chance.
And finally there was dinner with Cari. Always fun to hang out with my NYC friends.
Friday – Just working in Jamaica Queens and the train home in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.
One week until my next half marathon and a race the next day so it was supposed to be a relaxed taper run.
With the threat of heavy rain, we cancelled.
The “old” me night have run anyway since I had a big race on the horizon. But at the current time, my running mojo has left. (I’m sure it will return when the weather gets better…)
Instead, I dragged myself to the gym since I hadn’t been there what seemed like forever. I even did 15 laps on the track (alternating running & walking).
Then I went to pick up my race bib/shirt, get my nails done and do some retail therapy (at the dollar store, 5 below & Marshalls).
yes. white. blech!
Sunday – Delmar Dash (5 mile race). In the rain? And I may even add on some more miles…weather permitting.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – gym
Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
Sunday – gym
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Happy Blogoversary (belatedly)
Friday – Things I Look for in a Running Shoe
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Would you race in the rain? Please share.
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.
It was a free local race (Winter Series #3) and I had a work commitment.
Registered for 13 More Races (5-5Ks, 1 – 4M, 1- 5M, 2- 10Ks, 1- 10M, 3-13.1)
I’m super excited about the new ones (bolded)…
Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
Bacon Hill Bonanza
Delmar Dash
Tropicool 5k
Miles Along the Mohawk
Run for Women
Mastercard NYC Mini 10k
Indian Ladder Farms Hard Cider 5k
Silks and Satins
Firecracker 4
Run 4 the River Half Marathon
Squirrel Stampede 10k
Lake Placid Half Marathon
4 Blogger Meet-ups
Only Coco was a new one…
So who can I meet in the next 9 months?
Mentored 1 Running Groups
Race for Women Training Challenge group which just began and will end on 5/31.
It’s always rewarding to help others reach their goals.
Fitness-Related:
0 Stationary Bike Rides
I had great aspirations but I seem to only get on the bike when I am injured.
Approx. 25-30 Gym Visits
When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 3 times each week.
0 Hiking Mondays
Working full-time so no longer always an option to have the day off. But it’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places.
But my partner-in-crime was injured so hopefully these will resume soon.
Some Walking Tuesdays
Whenever I’m in town and have friends available, there were walks on the local rail trail but mostly due to the snow/ice in a shopping mall or at the gym track.
Non-Running Related:
Many visits to NYC
Mostly due to work and always an opportunity to connect with friends, see a Broadway show and/or visit a park or museum.
One Florida Vacation
In February, I visited friends on the East coast (Delray Beach/Boca Raton). It was filled with many dinners, sunrises, nature walks and more.
Many Dinners with Friends
Who doesn’t enjoy a meet-up that includes food/drinks?
One Knitting Project Completed
a cowl
13 Books Read
I think Good Dirt was my favorite. Frozen River was a close second. I did enjoy The Three Lives Of Cate Kay too.
Did you read any of these? Do you have any to recommend?
And my quest for activities is
Happy Running! How has your year gone so far? What’s left on your list to complete before the year ends? Please share.
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.
Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY. We’ve also rented houses in New Hampshire (2x), Maine, Finger Lakes, Cape Cod and this October, it will be in Lake Placid.
However, this race-cation came about by accident. I was having a beer with a former co-worker and a runner that I recognized was seated at the next table. She asked me what race I was training for and I replied: “NYC Marathon.” She said that she wanted to get into the lottery for the NYC Half in March but if she didn’t she was considering the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half. I replied: “Let me know because I’d never run in DC.”
To make a long story short, she didn’t get in and texted me that she (Gail) and two other runners (Val & Ginny) were going to run the DC race and asked if I would want to join them. I, of course, said: “Sure” without even thinking.
A few weeks later, I mentioned this race to a friend (while volunteering for STEM) and she (Sue) said that her brother and sister lived there and she liked to go. The more, the merrier I thought. And a local running buddy, Jenn, who had moved to the DC area, said that she planned to run it, as well.
Jenn is in the front center…
Val, Ginny & Gail planned to take the train to DC & back. That didn’t appeal to me at all since most of the weekend would be riding in the train. I mentioned this to Sue and she agreed with me and we booked airline tickets to DC.
So I signed up for the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon for several reasons:
A race-cation.
“New” friends would be racing with me.
A New Race.
A New City
After the Feb. 15 HM in Florida, I’d be mostly trained already.
Carpe Diem
Half Marathon Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run shorter distances several times during the work week. My weekday runs are often solo but lately I’ve convinced Deb to join me.
And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends.
8
10
For this race, however, I felt like I was just on recovery mode from my last half marathon due to the cold temps and winds.
Feb. 15
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I may have spent more time thinking and planning meet-ups than training. LOL.
Yes, I wanted to meet Coco for the first time and also see Deborah again as well. as, catch up with local friend Jenn.
Sue and I took an early fight on Friday and arrived without any snafus at DCA around 7:30 am.
We ubered to Georgetown and had breakfast with Coco. It was still early so we walked around the area.
Yes, finally meeting Coco!!
Then we took the metro to the expo, got our bib/shirt and walked to our nearby hotel to check in. Of course, we had to start carb loading so we had pizza for lunch.
What does a runner do the day before a half marathon… walk 12 miles!!
Yup, since the weather forecast was iffy, we decided to see as much as the city as we could fit in.
We ended the day at a Mexican restaurant with my Sue’s nephews. I would have preferred Italian but I didn’t choose the restaurant.
Race Day:
As usual, I didn’t sleep well but had my standard race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee in my hotel room.
It was chilly but looked like it would warm up so I wore my usual race outfit and added a throw away.
We met the other three local runners in the lobby and we all walked to the race start (just following all the other runners…).
not a bad walk…
With about 15,000 runners, it was crowded but very organized. We found bag check and I checked a jacket for Sue & I.
Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)
So if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:30 and 2:45 but hey, it could be in 3 hours if my foot hurt or the hill killed me or I decided to walk it.
check out that hill…
Miles 1-3:
Though I was scheduled to start in corral 12 and Sue in 18, we all squeezed into Corral 15 and started running together.
It took us about 30 minutes to get to the start line.
pic from FB
It was crowded but Sue & I tried to stay with the others and run slow and enjoy the sights. We started on Constitution Ave passing the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
Then we ran over the Arlington Memorial Bridge and back along the Potomac.
pic from FB
Miles 3-6:
By mile 3, Sue and I were tiring and decided to let the others go ahead. Water stops were frequent enough and even if I wasn’t thirsty, I always stopped for water. I had my first Gu around mile 4.
I took off my throw away and was going to toss it but I like it so I just tied it around my waist. My arm sleeves didn’t last long either. And I think I held my gloves in my hands the whole race. The temps was actually perfect. I never felt hot or cold throughout the race.
Sue & I continued together chatting and taking in the scenery.
She often told me to run ahead but I said that I wanted to run the whole race with her.
Miles 6-9:
Around this point, we running along Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy. I found it hard to run at Sue’s pace so when I got ahead, I just stopped and waited for her at the next water stop.
there was a line here so I took a pic of Lincoln with someone else. LOL
I realized that since I was walking with Sue, I could for the first time ever take photos during a race.
Around mile 8 came to BIG hill. I ate another Gu and we walked up it.
We were run/walking with a lot of the same runners. Many were walking as we were.
Although there was one lady walking that kept walking faster than us. We read the back of her shirt: 3x & a map of all 50 states. It turns out that she was on her 3rd round of a half marathon in every state. We chatted with her asking her about her favorite races.
She walked the whole race (at a pretty fast pace). I told Sue that I wanted to beat her. LOL. (We did!!)
banners of the St Jude survivors
Miles 9-13.1:
We left Georgetown and passed by Howard University and headed back toward the National Mall….
Around mile 11, I lost Sue. So I just ran the rest of the race by myself. I felt GREAT!!
It was amazing how much energy you could have at the end of a race if you run slowly (or walk a lot.)
I ate my last Gu (I never ate any salt chews.)
You knew that you were getting close to the finish line when you saw the Capitol building in the distance.
Eventually we turned and ran toward it.
pic also from FB
I tried to run as fast as I could!
Post Race Activities:
As soon as I crossed the finish line, I grabbed my medal and waited for Sue.
I grabbed some snacks but didn’t eat anything since we would be going out to lunch and then headed to bag check to get our jackets.
Our local friends had left since they were cold and my friend Jenn (and her fiancé) were waiting for us on our hotel.
After a quick shower, we enjoyed a delicious lunch with them.
One good thing about taking it slow in a race is that nothing is sore and you still have plenty of energy for the rest of the day’s activities. I think we walked about 10 more miles.
We finally caught up with our local friends for dinner and gelato.
Additional Race Reflections:
It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.
Of course, initially I may have wanted a faster finish time…
I am competitive but I realized quickly that it was much more important enjoy this time with my friends and also not to be in pain.
I felt great during and after the race.
Positives:
Part of a 3 day race-cation with friends.
Well-marked course.
Easy packet pick-up.
Tech shirts (gender specific)
Lots of volunteers and crowd support
Instant race results
Nice medal provided to all runners.
Adequate number of water stops.
Lots of good music (heard American Pie twice)
Age group awards
Free beer and music after.
Perfect weather
Friends to share the race experience.
A varied course…
Negatives:
That hill in Rock Creek Park
No pacers (at least I didn’t see any.)
Disappointing expo.
Expensive photos.
Garbage truck blocked the view of the Capitol at the finish.
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.
But truthfully, I probably will not run any more Rock ‘n’ Roll races as they are overpriced IMO and there are many other races in the same city to choose from.
Final Stats:
2:52 according to my Garmin because it’s set on auto-pause so I must have waited for Sue about 9 minutes total…
All in all, I was happy with my results. Yes, it was the slowest half marathon I’ve ever done (by a lot). I think it was slower than my marathon pace.
My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger.
It was my decision to stay with Sue and I don’t regret it.
And when I checked the age group results:
3rd place!? They mail you your award. Cool.
Next Up:
Half Marathon #3 of 2025 and #73 lifetime. #6 for this one (but #4 on this course).
Happy Running! Have you run a 2025 big race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one? Any race-cations planned? Been to DC? Do you like Rock ‘n’ Roll races? Please share.
I started the week in Washington, DC and then toward the end of the week, I had to go to NYC for work.
Last Weekend & Week –
Friday – Sue & I had an uneventful plane ride to DC. Once we arrived, since it was very early, we took an uber to meet up with Coco at her office, had a delicious brunch with her and then walked around the Georgetown area.
yes, some the cherry blossom trees had bloomed already
Next, we took the metro to the expo, got our bib/shirt and walked to our hotel (which was nearby), checked in and then had some lunch.
The weather forecast was iffy for the rest of our stay so we decided to see as much of DC as we could even if that meant 12 miles on our legs the day before a big race. LOL.
Martin Luther King monument, Washington Monument, site of first Cherry tree, Park Police Horse stables, Lincoln Monument and much more…
We ended the day with dinner with Sue’s nephews. (Mexican, not our pre-race choice. LOL.)
Saturday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon.
The weather was great, I loved the course, and nothing hurt during or afterward. What else could you ask for in a race?
I started the race with my 4 friends and then after about 3 miles, I made the decision not to race it but enjoy the scenery and stick with my (slower) friend Sue.
And that’s exactly what I did though it meant stopping and waiting for her often. Then I lost her at mile 11 and just finished the course by myself.
After the race, we walked back to our hotel and met up with Jenn (one of my local running friends who had moved to the DC area) & her fiancé. We all had lunch together.
Sue & I spent the rest of the afternoon touring more of the sights of DC.
Capitol, Tidal Basin, cherry blossoms, National Sculpture Garden…
And eventually we met for dinner (and gelato) with the rest of our friends.
Sunday – We had breakfast in the hotel with everyone and then they left (since they had taken the train.) Sue & I decided (with umbrella in hand) to continue touring DC.
After checking out of our hotel, we went to have lunch with Coco and Deborah and then visited more of DC until it was time to head to the airport. (It never rained.)
eastern market, botanical gardens, national portrait gallery, national galley of art and more…
We arrived at the airport early so we had dinner and then found out that our flight was cancelled!!
Since we were told that there were no flights to Albany the next day until 10pm, we decided to get train tix for the next day and make reservations to stay in a hotel near the train station.
(Unfortunately, I found out on my own that I could have taken one of several flights back to Albany but it was too late to change our plans.)
Monday – DAY OFF.
Instead of a relaxing day at home, unpacking, doing laundry, running and meeting up with a friend, we got up early, took an uber to the train station and more than 7 hours later we arrived safely home. (The train ride was nice but just not expected and $$$).
Tuesday – WFH today and after work, I got out for a run.
starting to feel like spring…
Wednesday – I started the day at the gym and in the afternoon went to the office.
After work, I met up with Deb and we ran a loop around UAlbany.
so warm out but so windy!
Thursday – Today I took an early train to NYC (for work).
After checking into my hotel, I planned on visiting the Historical Society Museum. I had never been there and it was so interesting that I could have spent hours.
Afterward, I set out for a run in Central Park. I had wanted to do the interactive Gates run but not enough time.
On my way back to my hotel, I was able to grab a hug from Cari who was working and busy that evening.
I headed back to my hotel to change clothes and then to the Shed to see the Gates exhibit,
I had seen the original in Central Park 20 years ago!!
dinner with a friend.
Miriam’s
and finally a quick visit to Hudson Yards.
Yes, I like to pack as much as possible into my work trips to NYC.
Friday – Work today was in the Financial District (instead of Jamaica Queens.)
I took the subway there early, walked around
too much construction to view the Statue of Liberty.
and at lunch checked out the newly opened Printemps (Parisian dept. store).
I only had to wait 15 min nd got a free bunch of tulips but others later had to wait 2 hours.
After work, I rushed back to my hotel, grabbed my bag and took the train home.
sunset from the train
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.
A combination of recovery and training. 3 weeks until my next half marathon!! So 11 on my training schedule… I ran most with Deb and barely got through 9-10 miles and tried a new place for brunch.
chilly but the lack of wind and bright sunshine made it feel so much warmer
After brunch, I changed my clothes and headed up to Saratoga where I was volunteering at the Adirondack Sports Expo.
Sunday – Gym in the am and then I plan to spend the day in Great Barrington, MA with a friend.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run, TC mentoring (Week 1)
Thursday – dinner with tennis friends, run, ZOOM with STEM board
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – NYC trip with the hubby
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
Friday – Runfessions
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Ever been to DC? Please share.
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.
My First 5K and More... 