December 19, 2015 by Darlene

My Year in Racing: 2015

I’m linking up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races I ran this year. Since I ran 38 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved the views of the Hudson River while running across the bridge during the Walkway Half Marathon.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

It was also awesome to run with views of the ocean during the beginning and end of the West Palm Half Marathon.

Most Challenging Course –

I didn’t run any super hard races but I guess since it had hills, I’d say the most challenging was Vermont City Marathon Relay.

– from Burlington Free Press

There were quite a few hills in the Stockade-athon 15K too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.

Another popular local race is the Freihofer’s Run for Women. Lots of support here too.

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon hands down had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

it was so cool to meet Deena Kastor.

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

I bought this awesome sweatshirt on sale

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a zippered tote bag, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

Most Unique Medal/Award –

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved the bridge award from the Walkway Half Marathon.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this hat at the Polar Cap Race was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

The Asbury Park Half Marathon also had amazing food.

potato, macaroni & pasta salads and more…

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the one from the Bacon Hill Bonanza. It doesn’t have sponsors on the back and it is very light and comfy. I have even worn it several times even to play tennis.

I also like the long sleeve tech shirt from the Great Pumpkin Challenge – love its bright yellow color.

And the shirt from the Walkway Half Marathon is also very light and comfy plus it is made from all natural materials.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year. I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

So I would have to say the Asbury Park Half Marathon because of how painful my feet were the whole race

and the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon due to the heat and humidity that I was not acclimated to.

(Maybe I should wear different colors LOL)

_____________

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2015?

December 18, 2015 by Darlene

Are You an Overeater or a Dessert Craver? The Cure: MealEnders (Review & Giveaway)

I am one of those people who needs (or thinks she needs) to eat something sweet at the end of every meal.

I don’t usually buy cakes and cookies to have at home (because my hubby would eat them all & I would have none) but in a restaurant, it’s a different story. I have to order dessert (& I am grateful when someone offers to share one.)

So I was excited when I was offered samples of MealEnders.

How do they work?

The goal of MealEnders is to help curb the cravings keeping in mind that the desire to eat is part physical and part mental. It is based on the idea that it takes 20 minutes for your brain to tell your stomach that you are full. MealEnders were designed to last in order for your stomach to catch up to your brain.

The image below explains it..

What’s in them?

MealEnders contain only 2 grams of sugar, 0g fat, and 15 calories per piece. The outer Reward Layer is made from premium dessert ingredients. The inner Active-Taste layer relies upon a proprietary blend of natural and artificial food flavors called Actissert™ Blend.

Do they work?

I would say “Yes.”

I know that my dessert cravings are mind over matter. I’m not really hungry and I don’t really NEED to eat something sweet. I just want to.

So if I pop a MealEnder instead of ordering dessert, the simple the act of sucking on this little candy does help. I was able to refuse dessert!!

What do they taste like?

Some taste better than others. I like the Mocha and the Chocolate mint the best. Each hard candy is covered with a soft coating which is the best part. The more you suck, the more the flavor comes out.

Tingling?

Yes but not in a bad way. MealEnders calls this tingling the “active taste layer.”

Where can I get them?

You can only buy them through the MealEnders website. A 25-count package costs $14.95. Sounds pricey but then again, you don’t eat them like candy. You would only eat them when you need to.

The bottom line…

If you are an overeater or someone who HAS to have dessert, why not give MealEnders a try!

And if you are lucky, you may win (4) 25-piece packs so you can try all flavors, including Cinnamon, Mocha, Chocolate Mint and Citrus ($50 value).

Click the link below to enter this giveaway:

Rafflecopter Giveaway

And if you don’t win, use the code FitHolidays20 for a 20% discount from MealEnders.com.

Happy Running? Have you tried MealEnders or any other similar product?

_____________

Giveaway is for U.S. only. One prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from MealEnders through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner.

*Disclaimer: I received samples of MealEnders as part of me being a Sweat Pink ambassador through their FitApproach campaign in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my very own.

December 18, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Winter Actvities & Runfessions December

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is Favorite Winter Activities:

I’ll say it up front. I hate the cold!!

If I didn’t run, I would never go outside.

I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, sled, snow shoe…nada!

Keeping that in mind, here are my favorites:

1. Running – I sign up for races & winter half marathons to make me get out the door. I hate the treadmills so unless it’s impossible, I run outside.

2. Tennis (Indoors) – I play doubles once a week. I have a contract on Tuesdays at 6-7:30 pm. The women I play with are wonderful and we always go out to dinner afterwards.

3. Knitting – I am not very experienced but I have made socks and hats. I find it very relaxing especially in the evening by the fire. And you can multi-task – knit, chat & watch TV.

4. Cooking (on the weekends) – I love to make soups, stews, quiches & chili. Since during the week, I work and am busy every evening, I do my cooking for the week on Saturday or Sunday (my non- long run day.)

5. Reading – I’ve always loved to read. I read every night before I go to sleep. I still go the library and take out real books. When I am traveling, I’ll read on my iPad.

Loved these!!! any recommendations?

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

My hubby hates to shop and besides he is an awful gift giver. He always buys me jewelry that I don’t need or like. I used to keep it but now I just return it and pick out something else.

I, on the other hand, love to pick out gifts and always seem to know how to buy the perfect gifts.

So this year, I bought my own gifts – a wall hanger for my medals (my DIY one broke), new bands for my Fitbit and some more SkirtSports items. I think I may even wrap them and open them on Christmas morning.

don’t you love this one?

If I write that I got the best gifts ever, you’ll know why.

I runfess…

I am trying get over that pitiful performance on my last half marathon (but it’s hard when friends are still asking you how it went) by thinking ahead to the next one.

On February 7, I will try to redeem myself – that is if it is not warm , windy and humid in Florida. But I plan to have a better attitude about the whole thing and just enjoy running it. I know the course is awesome and I can’t wait to spend 6 days in Florida with friends (while it is freezing here).

relaxing in the sun at Boca Grande beach

March 2013 in Sarasota. looking for sunshine this trip.

But I am still mulling over what I could have done differently so I don’t have a repeat performance. Is this normal? How long does it take to forget a race?

I runfess…

I am disappointed that for the 2nd year in a row I didn’t get into the lottery for the NYC Half Marathon. I really wanted to run that race. If only I were faster, (I think 2:05 finish time), I could automatically get in.

12342546_1077829165561645_5807317734351669975_n

Any suggestions for a late March, early April half marathon???

The other spring halfs that I was considering are Brooklyn Half Marathon and the Steel Rail Half Marathon. I don’t have the time or money to fly all over the place (& my hubby wouldn’t go) so I like to pick ones that are nearby. They are both May 21, 2016.

Normally that would be doable and fall right after my tennis vacation in Naples. But this year, exams where I work don’t end until May 15 so my tennis vacation will be later and I will be away during those races.

11205043_663073593825682_6376563245371427962_n

love running but love these ladies more

Only for a second (sorry tennis ladies), I thought about bailing. But I love my friends and now, my hopes lie with the VCM Relay. I hope AJH is lucky again this year.

May 29, 2016

I runfess…

My sweet tooth is going crazy. Christmas cookies!! They’re everywhere!! I can’t stop. I need a support group.

Happy Running! What are some of your favorite winter activities? Anything to Runfess?

December 17, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: NYC, Last Race for 2015

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

You must think I go to NYC all the time. But for some reason, I have gone there 7 times this year.

Of course, each time is different. Twice I even went to run.

June – 2 museums

boat ride & highline

Oct – high line & Broadway show

Oct – Brooklyn & half marathon

Oct – 5k & Central park run

Nov – high line & Broadway

So on Sunday, I went to the Big Apple for the last time this year – to experience the holidays there – no better place, in my mind.

For my friends (& hubby), I get to be the tour planner, which means I pick whatever I want to do. (Perfect, right?)

We took the Megabus from Albany to NYC and then walked umpteen blocks to have brunch (stopping on the way to view the holiday windows.)

Macy’s windows – Snoopy theme

We ate at KTCHN and it was very good.

on 42nd & 11th

shrimp omelet

After brunch, we continued walking around the city.

Lord & Taylor

Bergdolf Goodman

real ice at Barney’s

being photobombed at Bloomies

We viewed the windows at Lord & Taylor, Saks, Barneys, Bergdolf Goodman, Bloomies and more. This is the map we followed (Thanks Shawna!)

You’ll notice that the coats came off quickly. It was 65 degrees!!! On Dec 13 – incredible. It certainly didn’t feel like Christmas.

So we stopped on the way so I could have an ice cream cone to celebrate the summer-like weather.

candy cane ice cream – yum!

This was tempting but …

Our next stop was Greenwich Village for the 2 hour Great Food Tour of NY.

Here’s the itinerary:

Pizza Authentic Tuscan style thin-crust pizza from Bleecker St Pizza,’The best pizza in NYC!’
Deli Faicco’s is, for many New Yorkers, synonymous with sausage. You’ll taste why.

Macaron Bisous, Ciao, a minimalist bakery specializing in colorful French-style macarons in traditional & seasonal flavors.
Coffee Porto Rico Importing Co. has been serving the finest coffees in the world since 1907
Bagel Bagel’s on the Square, a long time favorite bagel place for New Yorkers in the know
Cupcake At Molly’s Cupcakes you can create your very own cupcake. Pick a cake flavor, choose a frosting and then dress it up with tasty toppings. Made right in front of you. Yummy!
Falafel Mamoun’s Falafel, an NYC institution since 1971. Try their hot sauce if you dare, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

We took the subway which got us to the start of the tour in no time. There were too many people signed up so they hired another guide and split the group in half. Our guide was Walter, the one I had for my Little Italy Food Tour in October and I was thrilled.

who would have thought it would be warm enough to eat outdoors in December??

He was great. We learned a lot about the history of Greenwich Village and sampled lots of good food.

yea, the best pizza ever!!!

NYC bagel!!!

delicious macarons

I don’t have more pics because we devoured the food too quickly.

It was 5 pm when the tour was over so we hopped a subway and headed uptown to continue our holiday in NYC experience – We had to see the tree at Rockefeller Plaza.

We got off at Times Square and walked…I have never seen the city so crowded. Sunday night? Not during school vacation. What gives?

Anyway, we struggled through the crowds to catch a glimpse. And yes, it was worth it.

As we were leaving, we ran into even more crowds on Fifth Ave. There was a sound and light show going on at Saks. What a wonderful surprise!!

We watched it and then continued walking toward Penn Station to catch our train home. What an long, tiring but fun day!!!

What does this have to do with running?

24,000 steps and 10 miles of walking!! That’s what!

Now I have ONE more race for 2015.

#38. That’s what happens when I am not injured. It would have been 40 but I missed 2 races due to flight cancellations.

Dec 19 – 5 pm

This a fun one. It sold out with 1700 runners. The race starts with fireworks and most runners are dressed in festive attire as you run through the lights in the park.

last year

I always enjoy this race even though the weather often does not cooperate. The unseasonably warm weather has ended but hopefully it will be dry.

Last year in the rain, I finished at 29:02 and won 3rd in my age group. However, as you know, anything can happen.

It’s not a flat course but it is a fun one. I plan to finish upright (yes, I did fall one year) and end the year with with a good racing effort.

Happy Running! Ever been to NYC for the holidays? Do you run a holiday-themed race? What are thinking about today?

December 16, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word & EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon Post Race Report

I rushed to my hotel to take a shower and tried to rid those negative half marathon thoughts out of my head (and have a stress-free rest of the vacation.)

You know the ones.

What could I have done differently?

Did I walk too much the day before?
Maybe I should eaten dinner the night before?
Was it really the weather or was it me?
What would have happened if I pushed myself harder?
Is my 2:09 finish a one time thing?

Anyway, my friend G picked me up at the hotel and I was so happy to see her. Normally she is in Fla from January to April but this year, she arrived early because her mother died.

We drove to her house in Jupiter, dropped off my luggage and quickly headed out before the predicted rain.

We decided to visit the Jupiter Lighthouse. I LOVE lighthouses (this is my 3rd Fla lighthouse climb) and G & her hubby had never been.

still cloudy but very warm

We took the required tour. It was interesting.

just had to take a pic.

Then we climbed the stairs to the top. Yes, 140 steps after running 13.1 miles. (Oddly, my legs didn’t even feel like I ran at all .)

we made it – yes, the worst hair pic ever – it was the wind. I swear!

And it was worth it for the view.

After the tour, we had lunch (I was starving!) at a restaurant on the water opposite the lighthouse.

yummy!! shrimp po boys & shrimp flatbreads

We drove around for a while but then it started to rain so we headed back. We spent the evening inside chatting & eating dinner with one of G’s old friends. (I met her on my last visit and we got along great.)

After raining all night, it was not raining when I got up the next morning. I took advantage and went out to see if my legs still worked. They did and I did a slow run/walk around G’s community.

even made some new friends

When I got back, we had breakfast and headed out to the beach. Not to sit in the sun. It was cloudy and windy but still awesome.

We walked for quite a while. There is nothing better than warm salted water for a runner’s feet.

aaaahhhh!

Next up, we decided to go to Loggerhead Marinelife Center which they keep rescued turtles. We saw 9. Cool but sad that these turtles are here because they are injured or sick.

It wasn’t raining yet but it was windy so we drove to Blowing Rocks Preserve. The water was blowing but it wasn’t high tide enough to see the maximum effect. Still nice.

There are also some nice trails here.

Two more stops and then it would be time to have a late lunch and head to the airport.

We stopped at a thrift shop. Not that I needed anything but I bought 2 Nike tennis skirts – $3 each. Score. Then on to Starbucks for a drink & souvenir.

Every time I go to Florida, I forget to buy a mug. Now I have one to add to NY, Moscow & California. ( I also forgot to buy NJ, PA, VT & CO – I’ll just have to go back!)

So maybe my race didn’t go as planned. And the weather wasn’t ideal. Still, I’d call this trip a success.

my best souvenir

Since it is Wednesday, I’m linking up with Deb from Deb Runs.

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is STRESSFUL.

Unfortunately, race-cations are great but they can be stressful.

There’s a lot that could go wrong:

travel arrangements
accommodations
fueling
race logistics
weather conditions
the race itself
aches & pains (or injuries)
recovery

A lot of this, you can’t control and you have to accept that.

For the most part, things went well (except for my performance & the weather) for my past half marathon.

Here are some suggestions for minimizing this stress:

Be prepared for last minute changes in weather.

Bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.

Bring your race morning breakfast.

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal and tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.)

Print important information for packet pickup & the race start.

I have everything on my iPhone but you never know…when it won’t work or the battery dies.

If you are flying, pack race essentials in your carry-on.

What if your luggage gets lost….

Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me last March and June.) Plus you can do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Do fun things that are NOT running-related.

Before the race, it’ll keep you busy and take your mind off of worrying about everything that could go wrong. And after the race, if the race didn’t go well, it’ll lift your spirits.

Happy Running! Is running stressful? How do you relieve the stress?

December 15, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: The Agony of DNF, DNS

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is the Agony of DNF, DNS

I am been lucky. I have never had a DNF.

I have finished a race with a stress fracture, a broken foot and bloody knees.

But I have had several cases of DNS.

Travel-Related

This past March, my flight was cancelled and I missed a 5K race in Palm Springs, CA.

I was angry and disappointed. But things were out of my control. I felt bad for my friend Mary but it turned out that she wasn’t feeling well anyway and didn’t run the race.

I didn’t get to race but I did get to run with Mary several times during my trip.

This past June, my flight was cancelled on my way back from Colorado. So I missed a 10 mile race. The race is one of my favorites and I was bummed.

I ran the next day in a scenic area instead. It helped mentally (may be a little).

Injury-Related

These are the worst.

Luckily I didn’t miss any big races while I had a strained achilles, a broken ankle, a stress fracture or a broken foot.

But I did DNS at just a few races that I signed up for early.

Not running because of an injury bothered me a lot more than missing a race.

Weather-Related

I think I skipped one or two 5k races where it was pouring. I’m a weather whimp when it comes to rain.

Happy Running! Have you has any DNS or DNF races?

December 14, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Got up early and went to a short run/walk around the G’s community (in Jupiter, FL).

Then G & I walked along the beach (windy, cloudy but no rain), visited a turtle refuge and a thrift shop.

After a late lunch, G drove me to the airport in West Palm.

Tuesday – Played 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – Planned to run before work but it was raining. So after work, I could have gone to yoga or see tennis great, Venus Williams at UAlbany but instead I chose to run. Afterwards went to the mall to do some holiday shopping.

around Albany campus

Thursday – Ran after work and then met my bff for a walk around the mall.

the law school where I work

Friday – Just a work day and then mah jongg in the evening.

celebrating a fellow mah jongg player’s b-day

Saturday – Ran a 5k race close to my house. After the race, I ran some more miles on the nearby (unpaved) rail trail for a total of 10 for the day. The weather was perfect. I didn’t want to stop running. The rest of the day was filled with errands and catching up on the housework that I didn’t do last weekend.

28:16 – 2nd in my AG (but only medal for 1st)

Sunday – Annual holiday visit to NYC with friends. After we arrived by bus, we walked to a restaurant to have brunch. Then continued our walking to see more of the holiday decorations. Next we took a 2 hour walking food tour of Greenwich Village followed by more of NYC by night around the Rockefeller Center area before heading home by train. Long, tiring (24k steps) but fun day.

28 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (7 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 3 miles, dinner out with a co-worker
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 2 miles after work, yoga
Thursday – 4 miles after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k night race
Sunday – 5 miles, dinner & movie for bff’s b-day

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

December 13, 2015 by Darlene

Winter Wonderland 5K Race Recap

This is the 2nd annual for this race. I didn’t run it last year but it’s in my town so I figured why not. And it’s a flat course.

Of course, I just ran a half marathon so it may not have been smart.

The course was a loop around the neighborhood where I used to run. Now that we have the rail trail, I haven’t run here this year at all.

It was nice to run in a small race for a change. Last year they only had 38 runners. This year there was over 100.

I got home late after playing mah jongg last night and decided to sleep in. That meant getting to the race only 15 minutes early rather than an hour.

With such a small race, it didn’t seem to matter. I got my bib & shirt and used the REAL restrooms. The negative was that they had run out of tech shirts and I got a cotton one.

I immediately ran into my friend Barbara. She was running with her 13 year-old niece. We lined up together but she told me that she was going to run with her niece who may run at a slower pace.

Unlike my race in Florida, the weather was perfect. Sunny, no wind, no humidity and cool (in the high 30’s but felt warmer.)

Goals?

Though I had just run 13.1 miles last Sunday, I kinda wanted a good race to redeem myself. So my goal wasn’t to PR but to finish under 27:56. That would make this 5k my fastest of the year.

Unfortunately, my body didn’t agree with my goal.

I give it my best shot on this flat course but I just didn’t have the speed. (Gone forever? Who knows?)

There were no mile markers but my Garmin did beep at the end of each mile. I glanced down every now and then to check my pace but mostly I tried to run by feel. (However, I didn’t “feel” that I had slowed down for mile 2.)

Mile 1 – 9:01
Mile 2 – 9:15
Mile 3 – 9:03
.14 – 8:48

Finish time – 28:16 (Garmin time – 28:12)

So this 5k wasn’t a PR (under 27:11) nor was it my fastest of the year (my 4th fastest.)

Remember how Barbara was running “slowly” with her niece? They finished right behind me. I had no idea they were that close.

We went inside to get food. There were only granola bars and apples. We also checked the results. Barbara finished 3rd in her AG and I finished 2nd. Unfortunately they only gave out medals for first.

I hung around a little longer and chatted with some of the other runners that I knew.

I am trying to keep up my base weekend mileage so I wanted to run some more. I drove to the rail trail that I have been running on often. Instead of running on the newly paved part (I was afraid that I would be tempted to run too long), I ran in the opposite direction on the unpaved portion.

It was such a beautiful day. Hard to believe that I was running without a jacket on December 12!!

When I got to the park (about 2 miles in), I didn’t want to quit. I was running slowly and walking at times so it was easy to keep going.

I always wondered how the trail continued on to Voorheesville so I decided to find out.

I finally found the rest of the trail. It goes about 4 miles. I only ran about 1 mile but I definitely want to go back at another time.

By the time I got back to my car, I had completed 6.2 miles post race. That meant 9.3 for the day. Why stop? 10 miles sounds more impressive so I ran another .7 miles.

I also discovered that the paved part of the trail is almost is completed – no more trucks in the way!! Good news!!

And yes, I deserved this eggnog ice cream cone!!!

So I did enjoy this nice small local race. I’m not sure that I would run it again. Today there is a free HMRRC-sponsored race of 3 miles or 9.3 miles. I would have chosen that race but I am going to NYC (yes, again) with my friends.

I am brooding less about my disappointing half. This race helped take my mind off of it.

One more race for 2015. That’s next Saturday night. A fun 5k- running through the lights in the park.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Are you having unusually warm winter weather too? Did you run or race?

December 12, 2015 by Darlene

EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon Race Recap

My 16th Half Marathon and I was still nervous.

The course was similar to the one I ran here last January but heading more North along the water instead of South.

race course

Here’s a overview of the race:

As you know, I was worried about the weather for this race. Humidity is not my friend. Rain is worse and wind is the worst.

The day before the race, we got an email explaining how to prepare for the predicted heavy rains (don’t wear cotton clothes, don’t wear loose clothes, cover up until race start, wear breathable socks, use lots of body glide, etc. etc.)

But I got up early (well, I’m not sure I really slept), made breakfast in my hotel room and crossed my fingers that the weathermen were wrong.

Well, it wasn’t raining and I was thrilled. But it was warm. 75 degrees at 5:00 am. Forget about all those throw away clothes. It was also VERY windy. And the humidity was incredible (At least, it felt so for this upstate NY gal).

I had a cab called for 5:15-5:30 but at 5:00 am, he was already waiting. Luckily I was ready and off we went.

When I got there, hardly anyone was there. Everything was located in the same area as the expo and very easy to find what you needed.

There were porta-potties but also REAL bathrooms. Score!

There was also a bag check where I left a dry shirt, flip flops, a rain poncho and an umbrella.

still dark & wet but no rain…

Then I just hung out until it was time to head to the corrals.

I was in Corral B…not sure how I got to start so close to the front. There were about 3500 racers – half marathon, marathon, marathon relay runners. In my corral, there seemed to be a lot of marathoners. I chatted with an older women who had run 35 marathons. Her pace was 12-13 mm. She didn’t realize, however, that there were corrals.

Finally, it was 6:30 am and time to rock n roll.

You can see me at 0:15

Miles 1 -4:

9:33, 10:15, 10:17, 10:24

In order to PR, I would have to run at a pace of 9:50 for the whole 13.1 miles. I knew from the start that that wasn’t going to happen. I was hoping to keep my pace in the 10’s and have a decent finish time for the race.

The course started running north along the ocean. The views were awesome but since it was overcast, you didn’t get to see the sunrise.

I got to see my running friend Judith when she ran by me. (She was training to BQ next weekend but her easy pace is faster than my fastest.)

The worst part of these miles was that you were running into the wind. Huge wind gusts!! In fact, one blew my cap off and that doesn’t happen easily.

The wind and the humidity drained me right off the bat. But I tried to concentrate and run at an even pace and walk at every water stop (about every 1.5 miles) so not to get dehydrated.

Miles 5-9:

11:29, 11:09, 11:27, 11:43, 11:30

Eventually we turned and ran in town on streets parallel to the water with some zigzagging around different neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, I had already had it with the heat. You didn’t feel the wind as much for these miles but the sun had come out through the clouds. (I was almost wishing for rain!)

I was dragging. I couldn’t believe that several weeks ago, I ran 9.3 hilly miles at a 9:45 min pace. I barely had enough energy to pick up my feet.

I walked at the water stops and ate a Gu and but vowed to keep going and not quit.

Miles 10 -13:

12:21, 12:24, 12:49, 12:35

These miles continued on the streets parallel to the water but passed the start and continued south. (That dashed my hopes of having the wind at my back for the last few miles.)

I felt worse and as you can see, my pace slowed even more.

Nothing really hurt. My feet hurt a little from time to time but no blisters. My upper & lower back ached only slightly. My legs weren’t tired. There was nothing to prevent me from running well.

I just felt drained…dizzy…nauseous. So I walked more, ate another GU and walked some more.

But I was determined not to get sick and to finish upright.

The last few miles were run along the water. It was beautiful but we were running into the wind like at the beginning but now I was tired. So it was hard to run with any speed at all. There were times where I felt like I was barely moving forward.

such a fake smile

Of course, the last mile is when the photographers appeared. I am vain. I wanted to look good in those race photos. They are what spurred me on to pick up my pace.

determined to run faster

And I wanted to beat that guy to my right.

he’s gaining on me…

Mile 14:

8:49

I sprinted as fast as I could. I didn’t beat that guy but there was no way that I was finishing this race in over 2 1/2 hours.

My chip time was 2:29:14.

Of course I was disappointed. This is the slowest finish time that I’ve had in years and 20 minutes slower than in January on a similar course. And I wasn’t injured. I trained well enough to do better. The course was flat..wah…wah..wah!

sweaty & done

But I realized that I DID finish. I did my best. It may have been the weather conditions. Maybe it just wasn’t my day. Maybe I need to re-adjust my expectations. 2:09 or close may never happen again. I ran. I ran without pain.

I ran 13.1 miles!! As they say: “If if were easy, everyone would do it!”

So I got my champagne and stood in line for refreshments.

There was Chicken, rice & beans plus all the usual stuff – fruits, bagels, bars, snacks. I grabbed a bag took some for the road.

I got my checked bag and hung out for awhile soaking in the post-race atmosphere. Then I walked a little ways to call a cab to get back to my hotel. My friend G would be picking me up there soon.

More race reflections:

Positives:

No rain!!
Well-organized race
Timing clocks at every mile
Many Gatorade & water stops (8)
Real bathrooms
Lots of post race refreshments
Scenic course
Champagne!! (There was beer too)
Free photos
No injuries. Nothing hurt.
I finished.

Negatives:

Windy
Warm
Very humid
I wasn’t sure how much I could push myself & I didn’t want to risk DNFing (so I walked..too much)
My finish time
No AG award for me (If I ran well, I would have won 3rd)

So there are many more positives than negatives!!!

Would I recommend this race?

Definitely. If I lived in Florida, I would do it again.

I think I preferred the one in January (Sunshine State West Palm Beach Half) because it was smaller. Also the weather was better (and I PRed and won 1st in my AG, of course.)

nice hair!!

Final Stats:

Goals:

A. Finish under 2:18 – NOPE.
B. Finish faster than Brooklyn (2:25:47) – NOPE!
C. Finish under 2:30 – YES, BARELY.
D. Finish upright and wanting to do another. YES, BARELY. Next one is in Florida again on Feb. 7.

After the race, I felt strong enough to climb 140 steps to top of the Jupiter Lighthouse. More about the rest of my race-cation in another post.

Happy Running! Tell me about your last disappointing race. How did you deal?

December 11, 2015 by Darlene

Five Five: Holiday Wish List

This week’s theme is Holiday Wish List

Here are the top FIVE on my list:

a GPS Watch

I have a Garmin 205 which I love but it is 5 years old. (Someone at my last race commented: “I’ve never seen one that big!!”)

2. a Medal Rack

I have a DIY one. I hang my bibs, awards and medals. I have so many age group awards that I have most of them in a basket. I’d like to hang my half marathon medals separately. (Update: my DIY hanger broke 😦 )

3. Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rider 19s – aren’t they pretty?

You can never have too many pairs. I am hard on my shoes and my Hokas are almost worn out. I do have quite a few pairs of Mizunos but not in this pretty color.

4. Winter Gloves