September 13, 2015 by Darlene

Malta 5K Race & LSD Recap

This was my 4th time running this 5k. So you can say that I was familiar with this course.

The course is very boring…you are running around chip plants but the loops let you see the fast runners and all those runners that are behind you twice during the race. And it’s pretty flat so no complaints.

In 2012, I finished in 29:53 (recovering from a broken ankle). In 2013, I finished in 29:49 (recovering from a broken foot). Last year, I was healthy and finished 3rd in my AG with a time of 28:47.

last year getting my award

So the trend is for me to get faster. However, this year I am training for a half marathon and have been doing slow long runs on the weekend. (Even my races haven’t been fast.) So my goal was to get my splits in the 9s and finish under 30 minutes and have enough in the tank to run more miles after the race.

Luckily the hot weather that we had been having took a break.

It was in the 50s when I left the house so I dressed like this:

it was a comfortable shirt that matched my shoes but I was too warm when I was running

I got there early to get parking. This race has really grown. There was 250 runners from Global Foundries alone (where the race took place) and almost 900 total racers.

It is very well-organized – signs for the race, indoor bathrooms and waiting area, etc.

As I was waiting, my stomach started to feel the effects of the spicy food that I had eaten the day before and my legs were already tired from the walking and hiking, as well.

Soon I bumped into Holly, a friend from previous races and the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s training group. We walked to the start together. She is now in my age group and FASTER!

They had said that they were going to have net times this year but I they did not. So Holly and I started near the front but not too close to the speedsters.

The race started and Holly took off. I knew that I couldn’t keep up with her but I tried to keep her in my sight for as long as I could.

My first mile is always my fastest. I usually give it all I got and I did today but I guess I didn’t have that much. I just couldn’t keep it under 9 minutes. (Could it be my new Nikes??)

Since I knew that I would slow that for the next 2 miles, I knew that my time would not be spectacular so I just tried to enjoy the run.

There were 2 turn arounds so you got to see the faster and slower runners. It was amazing to see how fast the leaders were running – 2 runners finished with a pace under 5 minutes.

The first water stop was around mile 1.5 and I couldn’t wait to walk. I walked longer than I should have while drinking my water slowly and then you passed the same water stop around mile. I think I walked even longer.

But the walking gave my energy that I needed to finish strong. I was determined to break 29 minutes and I did – 28:56 (28:52 (Garmin time).

I found Holly and got some chocolate milk, fruit & bagels and chatted while waiting for the results.

And no, neither of us won an award.

Still I was nice seeing Holly and I love racing. So it was all good.

Race Splits: (positive, as usual)
mile 1 – 9:08 (8:51 last year)
mile 2 – 9:27
mile 3 – 9:33
.14 – 7:22

race swag

After a 2 hour break, I was ready to continue my long run. Since I run them each weekend in a different locale, I decided on Colonie Town Park and the bike path heading toward Cohoes.

I changed into a tank top (since it had gotten so humid) and into my Hokas and headed into the park.

and then I continued the rest of the run on the bike path.

4 tunnels like this

I already see signs of fall

I had wanted to run to the end but I misjudged the distanced and had to turn around.

view of Cohoes from the trail

No water view for this route but it was still very scenic.

I had planned on 7-8 but I didn’t turn around in time and ended with 8.5 of the slowest miles I have ever run (or actually walk/run). Nothing hurt and I didn’t get blisters. I just had no energy.

I’m linking this one up with Jessica at The Silvah Lining–she hosts a Race Recap linkup every Tuesday. Please head over and linkup a race recap you’ve written, new or old. And check out some of the other posts!

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

September 9, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Carefree

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 CAREFREE

Don’t I wish…

In life, I am definitely not carefree.

I plan my days and I plan my nights and I plan my weekends. My hubby, on the other hand, is a go with the flow kind of guy. It drives me nuts. But because he doesn’t care, I make the plans and I am in control.

1508071_10153802254859428_8318378114823220880_n

love him and he is “carefree”

My friends are the same way. Nothing would happen if it weren’t for me. I plan our trips to NYC, our dinners out, our annual Florida vacations, etc. Again, I ask for ideas, but they always respond “What ever you choose is fine.” Again, I am in control which is nice but it is also exhausting.

on one of my planned trips to NYC

Another problem about not being carefree is that I have trouble sleeping. I just can’t turn off my problems even if they are minor.

relaxing in the sun at Boca Grande beach

I could be carefree here, I think

But running is a different story.

I run when I can, where I choose, the distance that fits into the time I have and I never care about my pace. I use an app for distance and as soon as I am done, I click “delete.”

running carefree

Yes, I am a “carefree” runner. No tempos, intervals, hill repeats, speed drills …too much to worry about.

Not so much for racing…

I wear always wear my Garmin for a race. I check my pace frequently and then I post my splits in my race reports on my blog. I care about my times for a race because I want to do well and improve. And I am competitive.

Happy Running! Are you Carefree?

September 8, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Racing Pet Peeves

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Racing Pet Peeves.

I ran over 30 races last year and have run 25 so far this year so I am entitled to a lot of pet peeves.

Gun times not Chip times.

I don’t like to push to the front and start with the speedsters but I don’t want my time influenced by the fact that I don’t start near the front.

So I think all races should have chips that record the start time and the finish times. I know this happens for most big races but I have even run half marathons where this wasn’t the case. And with a lot of runners lining up for a race, this can add several minutes to your finish time.

Cotton Tee Shirts.

Who wears these? At this point, I don’t even care if I get a tee shirt. If the race organizers can’t afford tech shirts, they shouldn’t give out any. Or they could charge extra for those who want a tech shirt.

No Age Group Awards.

Yes, there are some races with no awards or just 1st place. I’ve even been at a race where they were posted but not announced. And please no a group for 60-100. There are many runners over 70 these days and they deserve their own group. At my age, age group awards are my main motivator to run well.

Not enough Porta-Potties.

I think it’s great to host a race with a facility that has regular bathrooms. But if they do, they should make sure they are open. There should always be porta-potties as a back up and if there are no regular bathroom, there should be enough porta-potties for the number of runners registered for the race. Long lines are very annoying, to say the least.

Poor parking.

Parking for races should be marked. It shouldn’t be far away. If it is, there should be a shuttle. There should be enough parking for the number of runners registered for the race. No one wants to be late for a race because they can’t find a place to park.

Unhealthy or little food.

No candy or cookies please. We are athletes and it would be nice to try to offer something healthy. Fruit is good but we are hungry too. So there should be bagels and protein bars. And if you ask me, there should be chocolate milk.

Not enough Water stops.

Believe it or not, I was at a recent race where there was no water after mile 1 for a 10k. And it was hot! And there should be enough water for the slower runners. They paid the same amount to run as the fast runners. And they’ve been out there longer so are probably thirstier.

Expensive race photos.

In this day and age, everything is digital. So all photos should be free and downloadable. Races are expensive enough. Most of the time, the photos are not that great anyway.

No day of race bib pick up.

I recently ran a half where there was none. I contacted them saying that I couldn’t drive 3 hours just to pick up my bib. They said that I had to find someone then. Luckily I did but the next day, they had day of race pick up anyway. Made me so mad. Another half that I am considering charges $25 extra for day of race bib pick up. Really?? Isn’t the race expensive enough? This discourages runners from running out of town races.

Enough whining for now.

I have a 5k this Saturday and I hope it’s a good one.

Happy Running! Any racing pet peeves that I haven’t mentioned?

September 7, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Boy, was it a hot one. I sweat for 3.5 miles in the city & the park. Met my BFF for a walk after.

Tuesday – Played tennis for 1 1/2 hours after work then met an old friend for a late dinner.

Wednesday – Knowing it was going to be very warm, I decided to run before work. My legs even had some occasional speed but only had time for 3 miles (Yeah, I could have gotten up earlier.)

Thursday – Another warm day and forecast for storms got me out of bed early for another before work run. This time 4 miles. Now I know why I don’t run 2 days in a row. Even my new shoes couldn’t remedy my tired legs. (It was warmer and more humid. Maybe that was it?)

Friday -Just work today and then a fun evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I was planning a 5K but changed my mind and decided to do my long run uninterrupted.

Sunday – I recuperated with a fun day on the lake. It was the annual Christmas celebration on Log Bay.

last year’s pic but you get the idea

20.5 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is 5 weeks away!!!

This Week: (Week #8 of HM training)

Monday- DAY OFF –4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, yoga?
Thursday – 4 mile run before work, hair appt after
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 8 more miles
Sunday – rest, boating

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 ?

September 5, 2015 by Darlene

Not So Solo Long Run

maybe next year

I had a 5K on my schedule for today but since I ran a 10K race last weekend and I plan to run a 5K race next weekend, I decided to skip it.

Instead I set out to run 10 solo miles.

I headed to the Nisky Bike Path. Last week, I ran on the Corning Bike Path and I like to do my long runs in a different place each weekend. They are painful enough. At least the scenery will be varied thus more interesting.

It was cool in the morning but I procrastinated at home and it was warm by the time I got there.

the beginning of my run heading toward Schenectady

I guess a lot of running groups were out today. I was hardly alone.

There were bikers, runners, dog walkers, skateboarders, etc. And everyone waved and smiled.

So I didn’t run with a group but I was hardly alone.

But I did get to choose my route, my show pace and when to stop and walk.

I continued to Lock 7 and then beyond – many views of the Mohawk river

I was going to turn around here at 2.5 miles as I usually do but decided to go to 5 miles and see where it took me.

nice and shady for a short while

a tempting place to take a break – but I didn’t

Finally I approached Blatnik hill and walked up it. Since I had a lot more miles to run, I didn’t want to risk it by running up that hill.

view from the hill

This is as far as I have ever gone but I continued until I hit 5 miles.

It got hillier and so I walked more and it was definitely less scenic.

Eventually I approached some GE buildings and turned around.

The run wasn’t easy. They never are for me. I struggled the last few miles and my walking increased.

The good news is that my feet didn’t hurt as much as last week and I didn’t get any blisters.

10 miles done!! 5 weeks to go!!

I rewarded my Hokas with new Hokas!!

since they are an old model, they gave it to me for half off and I had a $25 coupon – cant beat that!

Tomorrow is a needed rest day and 2 days on the lake! WooHoo!

Preview: it will Christmas on Log Bay tomorrow

Happy Running! Any running or racing plans for this Labor Day weekend?

September 4, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fall Races to Run

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary 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 Five Fall Races to Run:

Here are my top 5:

Oct 10, 2015

1. Brooklyn Rock N Roll Half Marathon – This will be my first Rock n Roll race and my 15th half marathon.

Oct. 31, 2105

2. NYRR Dash to the Finish Line – I am really excited about this one. Finally I will be running a race in NYC. It starts near the UN and ends in Central Park. I will get to cross the finish line of the NYC Marathon (which is the next day.)

November 8, 2015

3. Stockade-athon – This a very popular local 15K. I have run it 3 times. They changed the course last year and I enjoyed it even more.

November 26, 2015

4. Troy Turkey Trot – Last year I ran this 10K for the first time and I plan to do it again. Lots of runners and loads of fun.

October 17, 2015

5. Great Pumpkin Challenge – I ran this 10k for the first time last year. I may just do the 5k this year. We’ll see. I enjoyed running in Saratoga State Park.

Happy Running! What’s on your fall racing schedule? Anyone running any of the above races?

September 3, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursdays – Shoes

Thursdays are for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

So here’s what I’m thinking…

Why do I have so many Running Shoes.?????

It’s no secret that I have crappy feet. No other part of my body hurts – not my calves, not my quads, not my hamstrings, not my knees, not my IT band, etc. JUST MY FEET.

I have pain on the sides, on the bottom,… I get blisters. My achilles gets tight. I have bunions.

I’ll use my feet as an excuse to buy new running shoes often.

Here are my latest pair – Nikes. The verdict is still out but I think that will probably keep them for short races and short runs.

The reason for the purchase was the blisters and foot pain from Saturday’s race.

These were Mizuno Inspires that I wore for my last half and that I got on sale.

So far, my most comfortable shoes to date are these Hokas.

They are wide and have lots of cushion and so far, my feet don’t hurt when I run in them.

But look at the bottom after 100 miles or so. The midsole is very worn as well.

Warning.. I will probably buy another pair for my long and recovery runs and half marathon. The Hokas are great for problem feet like mine.

(But they are clunky and I have a hard time getting any speed in them…hence the other pair of running shoes needed.)

These are my most recent purchases. In the past year, I have run in many different pairs of Mizunos.

Mizuno Wave Rider 18s – I got these free as a tester

Mizuno Wave Rider 17s – they were cheap and PURPLE

those same Mizunos Inspires

Mizuno Wave Ride 18s in a different color

Running down the Bump N Grind Trail in CA

a 3 yr old pair of Mizuno Inspires – didn’t want to get newer ones dirty on the trails

Mizuno Wave Rider 17s (that I got free as a tester)

Then there are some others that I may have gotten on sale and are still in my closet from past years.

So do I have a problem?

I need to have comfortable shoes. Shoes that look good are a plus. Shoes that match my outfits a even bigger perk.

So true!!

Happy Running! Do you have a lot of pairs of running shoes? What are you thinking about today??

September 2, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Accountability

This week’s Word is ACCOUNTABILITY

According to the dictionary:

Accountability means taking responsibility for something that you are supposed to do.

At work, I am accountable to a lot of people. If I don’t do what I am supposed to do, there may be repercussions that affect people besides myself.

At home, it may be shopping, cleaning up, laundry etc. If I don’t do them, we just don’t eat and have no clean clothes. No big deal. Lucky for me, my hubby is very easy going about most things.

But for running, I am accountable to myself.

If I do NOT run regularly, then I run and get injured, I should hold myself accountable.

Most importantly, if I don’t run regularly or enough miles, when it comes to running a race, I won’t be happy with my results.

So how do I stay accountable?

Set goals and share them. I have goals for each race, each week, for each month, for each year. I post these on my blog. I thinks it helps me be accountable.

Be realistic about your running.

I know that I don’t have the time to run everyday. And for my feet, it would not be a good idea. I know that when I run alone, my pace is slow and I walk a lot. I also know that at my age, PRing is not going to happen often (or maybe never.)

Join a running group or find a running partner.

ladies from the Freihofer’s Training Group

With a group, I have a time, place and people to run with. It also adds specific workouts to my schedule.

Judy, a FB friend

If you arrange to meet someone to run with, you show up and complete the distance. Voila accountability.

Put it on your calendar.

When you work and have a busy life, running may get ignored, skipped or forgotten. I put my runs on my calendars (yup several of them – wall, work computer, iphone, etc.)

Make running a priority.

That means sometimes saying no to an invitation because you have to run. That means rearranging vacations, events around your race or running schedule. You obviously have to have an understanding family and friends.

Always be prepared to run.

I have running shoes and clothes in my car. I never know when my schedule may change and I will be able to run. I also always bring running stuff with me when I travel.

Happy Running! How do you stay accountable?

September 1, 2015 by Darlene

August Recap

Can’t believe the summer has gone by so quickly!!! And it’s already September…

So how did this past month go?

August Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. Yes!

I tried to vary my runs. I get bored so I just pick different times and places for each one.

Start longer runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15. Yes!

I have gotten up to 10 miles. None were exceptional but that’s the way they always are. Many were add-ons after races too.

Walk at work on days that I don’t run. No!!! Too busy at work.

I lost my walking buddy so I have to be motivated to do it on my own. I AM NOT. This is a busy time of year at work and I just can’t tear myself away.

Go to the gym at least once a week. No! Started to but that ended quickly…

I started going once a week but life just got in the way.

Run before work to avoid the heat. Yes! Often.

The summer heat has forced me into this. My neighborhood is not exciting so I have searched out some others.

Run a race or 2. Yes! Two 5ks and one 10K. Won 3rd, 2nd and 1st in my AG.

It’s no secret that I love to race. It’s the only time I can get my legs to move. Not ideal for half marathon training but I’m not one to follow traditional plans.

Run at least 75 miles. Yes! 86 miles!!

Finally some decent monthly mileage…those long runs helped here.

Spend time with my mentee & sons. Yes!

I have slacked off since she is working a lot and has a boyfriend. I hadn’t seen her since May so we were long over due. I plan to see them much more often in the fall.

What else?

Spent lots of time on Lake George

Love our boat and our boating friends. Lake George is the most beautiful lake in the country and the weekend weather has cooperated this summer. Yay!

Went to the track and actually won

For my former co-worker and I, this is an annual tradition. We have gone to breakfast at the race track for over 30 years. This year since I had the day off, we stayed for the races and I was incredibly lucky.

Saw Jimmy Buffet in concert.

Friends turned me and the hubby on to Jimmy. We went to our first concert last year and vowed to repeat this awesome experience every year. It’s even more fun with friends.

Spent a weekend with my tennis friends on Schroon River

Another annual thing. About 10 of us gather at a house on the river to play tennis and have fun every summer.

September Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue the long runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Take a yoga class.
Start doing planks again.
Pick a spring half marathon.
Run at least 90 miles.

Happy Running! How was your August? Anything exciting planned for September?

August 31, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Work, work, work. Busy day since it was the first day of law school.

Tuesday – Too tired to run before work so I ran after. Boy was it humid!!! I had planned to run about 3 miles but the flowers in the park were so pretty, I ended up with 4.5.

Wednesday – I was planning on going to yoga but I got out of work late so I decided to take a short run. I don’t usually run 2 days in a row so I was pooped. But I stumbled upon a new part of the rail trail that was paved so it was worth it.

Thursday – After work I met Judy at the Crossings. It is always fun to run with someone else.

Friday -Just work today and then a fun evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – Ran a 10K race and though it wasn’t great, I won 1st in my age group.

Though I was pooped and had blisters on my feet, I added 3.8 miles after to make it 10 for the day

Rushed home and visited my friend whose first grandchild was in town.