Author: Darlene

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Weekly Run Down for 8.11.24-8.18.24: Should I start counting down?

11 weeks to go!!

New York City Marathon png images | PNGWing

This week, I signed up for my expo time, my poncho/bag check and the ferry time. (It’s getting real!!)

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I started the day out at the gym and then we spent the rest of the day on the lake.

a windy day but very calm in the bays ( a beer and a book=happy me)

  • Monday – An early morning run before work…

a combo of the rail trail and the neighborhood

  • Tuesday – I started the day with another gym visit and after work I went to the movies and out to dinner with a friend.

a perfect chick flick

  • Wednesday – After late a night, I pooped out on my before work run…

Instead, I dragged myself out after work.

  • Thursday – No time for a  run this morning since I was not WFH but I was able to sneak in a few miles

before our weekly ARE trail event.

Nope.  Storms for the second week in a row.

And so I stayed home and binge watched:

EMILY IN PARIS Season 4 Part 1 Ending Explained - YouTube

  • Friday – Again nada in the morning due to work and then house clean-up after work since I was hosting mah jongg.
  • Saturday – Long Run Day (and Brunch). 

12 miles on my schedule.. Good news, it didn’t rain.  Bad news, it didn’t rain = VERY HUMID!!

We all run different paces so I ran intervals with Deb for 7 miles and then ran/walked the rest solo

It was hard but glad meet up with everyone at brunch after.

  • Sunday – Back to the gym and back up to the lake!! Weather dependent.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – Run, hike
  • Tuesday –  GYM, walk w/friends
  • Wednesday – Run, walk w/BFF
  • Thursday – AM run, ARE trail night
  • Friday – GYM, maj jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (10 miles), hair appt.
  • Sunday – GYM, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Cross Training
  • Friday –  Bucket List Races

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Emily in Paris fan? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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FFF: Finish Line Songs

When I think about getting to that finish line, these are 5 songs that come to mind:

1.Tom Petty: Runnin’ Down a Dream

2.Bruce Springsteen: Born to Run

3.Britney Spears: Stronger

4. Kathy Perry: Roar

5. Imagine Dragons: On Top of the Word

 

Happy Running! Do you have any other song suggestions? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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2024 NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k Race Recap

August 3, 2024 – 9:00 am

Obviously I signed up for this race because there was ice cream.

Well, only partly true.

  • I had a free hotel room that was going to expire.
  • I could combine this NYC trip with a visit to my roommate who lives on LI.
  • I like Governor’s Island.
  • It offered a 10k option and there are not many 10ks.
  • Yes, ice cream.

I’ve actually run a race before on Governor’s Island. Back in 2018.

my first unsuccessful attempt (with my friend from Russia) due to a thunderstorm

rescheduled a month later and it is still my 5k PR. I also won my age group at that race.

And I have already run a NYCRUNS Ice Cream Social race. Another 5k and it took place in Brooklyn. And also in 2018.

another age group award crystal paper weight

Just last month, I spent the day on Governor’s Island with a friend and so I was familiar with the logistics and the ferry.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

The day before the race, I arrived by train in Manhattan and took the subway to my hotel in the Financial District. I chose this hotel because it was near the ferry to Governor’s Island.

It’s been a hot, humid summer and  today was no different. I decided to head to Brooklyn (by subway) and visit the Brooklyn Museum.  Museums are air-conditioned, right?

I thoroughly enjoyed it there as there were several great exhibits.

But it was still early and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden was right next door so I thought, why not?

Beautiful but HOT HOT HOT.

Cari got out of work early and so she took the ferry to meet me (back near my hotel). We chatted and had pizza (carb loading for me) and ended our visit with drinks at the rooftop bar of my hotel.

oops, a race the next day…

Don’t ask me how many miles I put on my legs .. LOL.

I got my stuff ready for the next day.

Here  is the description of the race and the course map:

Treat yourself to two laps around Governors Island, and we’ll treat you to a well-deserved post-finish ice cream. Talk about a perfect summer day.

Entry to the NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10K includes a ferry ride, your race entry, a tech shirt, and post-race eats (the aforementioned ice cream!)

They also mailed you your bib several weeks before the race.

I tried unsuccessfully to get a good night’s sleep..

Race Day:

I got up before I needed to and had coffee and oatmeal in my hotel room. Although the race did not start until 9 am, they suggested that you take the 7 am or 7:30 am ferry.

I left my hotel around 6:45 am and arrived to a long line at the ferry.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm. UGH!

I just missed getting on the 7 am ferry (it only hold 290 persons) but that was fine since I was planning on the 7:30 one.

The line got longer and longer (we joked that it may have stretched to the Brooklyn Bridge since there were about 900 runners for this race not counting families and spectators).

It was a nice quick ride.

As soon as we arrived, we noticed that there were real restrooms.  Always a great race perk.

Then I followed signs toward the race start.

It wasn’t a short walk but lots to view (old buildings, forts, Manhattan skyline).

Eventually I arrived at the starting area.

I picked up my shirt (You could wait until after but doubtful to get your size).

Bag check was very organized so I left my shirt there…

zone 4 since my bib ended in 45

Then I walked around checking out the logistics

Nuun and water tables

nearby start line

around the corner was the finish line being setup

and eventually taking a seat and chatting with other runners while waiting for the race to begin.

they even sold coffee

I had loved the course in the past and was excited to do this race…

As you can see from the map, the course winds around the island.. TWICE.  There were rolling hills throughout but nothing steep.

Yes, it was HOT… HUMID… SUNNY and NO SHADE!!!

I knew that it would be hard and I would suffer but it was worse than I thought!!

I am not going to give a mile by mile recap of the race (as I normally do). Suffice it to say, that I felt defeated by the heat but tried to enjoy the race as best as I could.

I was not smiling at the end. lol

From the get go, I was sweaty…

but so was everyone else…

I ran the first mile (what I thought was slowly). I normally only drink water but today luckily every water stop (and they were almost every mile) offered Nuun and I drank that in addition to water.

The hills as I said were not steep but annoying because it was so sunny and the trees provided zero shade.

As a result, I ran slower each mile and really thought of quitting after 3 miles.

But obviously I did not and I just walked A LOT.

The views were great and island scenery varied.

at least someone is happy during this race.. not I.

And I finished!!!

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed some Nuun and water, retrieved my race shirt and of course, looked for the ice cream.  There were pretzels and Haagan Dazs ice cream cups and ice pops.

I grabbed a cup and ate it as I headed back toward the ferry.

I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award. And I did!! (They usually mail the award several weeks after.)

LOL. The OLDEST woman there!!

Honestly, I felt shaky (like I did after the Brooklyn half) and so I grabbed a seat on the ferry. On the way back to my hotel, I grabbed a bagel and a Starbucks cold brew…

Phew! Much better…

I showered, changed, checked out of my hotel and arrived in plenty of time at Penn. Sta. to catch the train to LI.

I quickly erased my 10k experience from my mind and enjoyed a few days with my college roommate.

Additional Race Reflections:

Definitely a tough one but hey, I did it.

Racing for me is always enjoyable (at least a few hours afterward.)

Positives:

  • 10k and 5k on separate days (less crowded)
  • Bibs mailed.
  • Free ferry.
  • Shirts distributed before after the race.
  • Real restrooms,
  • Organized bag check.
  • Nuun at the water stops.
  • Water Stops at each mile.
  • Well marked course.
  • Scenic views.
  • Ice Cream after the race.
  • Free Massages after and before.
  • Free MarathonFoto pics.

Negatives:

  • 10 year age group awards
  • Little shade
  • Warm temps (but hey, it’s August!)
  • Having to rush back to my hotel

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. And if I lived in NYC, I would run it again in the FALL or SPRING.

There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.

Final Stats:

Heat is not my racing friend!!!

10k PW by a long shot.  Even a slow pace for a half marathon…

scary positive splits

faster pace on my Garmin because the course was long

Next Up:

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

hope its a cooler day…

Happy Running! Ever run an ice cream themed race? Does the heat affect your racing pace? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

 

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Weekly Run Down for 8.2.24-8.11.24: Back to a normal routine?

I was away last Friday-Tuesday (NYC then LI).

So I’m playing catch-up below.

Vacations are great but it’s so hard to get back into a routine (whatever that is? lol)

For me, it’s: Work and fitting in gym time, running, walking and family/friend activities.

Last Week –

  • Friday – After an early morning train to Manhattan and checking into my hotel, I had to figure out what to do in the extreme heat..

So I took the subway to Brooklyn and visited the Brooklyn Museum (museums are air-conditioned!)

there was a great Paul McCartney photo exhibit

and several other very interesting exhibits..

The Brooklyn Museum is next door to the Botanic Gardens so I thought why not?

so pretty but sooo HOT!!!!!!!

Of course, when in NYC, there is usually a Cari meet-up!  She took the ferry to my area and I met her and then we walked to an Italian restaurant for dinner followed by the rooftop bar at my hotel for drinks.

surprise, surprise – no ice cream!

  • Saturday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k!

Long story short – I loved the race but I WILL NEVER RACE again in AUGUST!!!

The ferry and the race logistics were easy peasy but the race started at 9 am (with feels like 91 temps) … no shade, full sunshine and mile by mile I fell apart.

Yes, you got a nice shirt, ice cream after and I won my age group but …. running in the heat is no fun!!

The good news was that I didn’t die and I got to Penn Statin in time to catch the LIRR in order to spend a few days visiting my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons).

We started the weekend with a waterfront drink but then thunderstorms forced us indoors for dinner.

  • Sunday – I began the day with a run at a nearby preserve.

a view of Hampton Bay and a newborn fawn

The afternoon was spent at a wine tasting that also had live music.

Again rain forced us indoors for dinner.

  • Monday – I got up early again for a run (that may have been mostly walking).  This time I headed through the neighborhoods toward the bay.

When on LI, you must hit the beach and so we did.

Finally a dry evening.. we planned on a boat ride but it got cancelled so instead we just had drinks and dinner at an outdoor restaurant along the water.

  • Tuesday – The forecast was for rain so I didn’t get up early but then it didn’t. We decided to visit a wildlife sanctuary and walk the trails.

We barely made before the rains came. And then rain continued for the rest of the day.

I ended my visit with a nice lunch and then took the LIRR back to NYC and finally the train to return home.

  • Wednesday – Glad to be WFH and able to squeeze in a run before work..

the overnight rains had cooled down the temps but it was still very humid

So many errands after work…. (vacations are hard work!)

  • Thursday – After a rainy evening, another WFH day allowed me to get a run done before work.

temps in the 60s!! just a slow flowery run in a different neighborhood

Thursday night is trail run night or walk as I do it. Pouring Rain!! Boo!

Instead, we visited an injured running friend and ate ice cream sandwiches there.

  • Friday – Finally got up early to head to the gym… it had been a while.

Not a tropical storm but lots of rain!!

Even mah jongg in the evening was cancelled.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day (and Brunch).

11 miles on my schedule and fingers crossed that the rain would stop and I had company on some of the miles.

It wasn’t easy but yes to both and 6 of us were to get together for brunch (which was longer and more fun than the run. lol).

  • Sunday – Back to the gym and back up to the lake!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – Run
  • Tuesday –  GYM, movie/dinner with a friend
  • Wednesday – Run, walk w/BFF
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – GYM, mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k Race Recap
  • Friday –  Finish Line Songs

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Any vacations planned? Get hit by Debby? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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FFF: Training Tips for Running

Every runner is different. Every race is different. And so my version of training is probably different from yours.

And I think there are many variables to take into account when we talk about training:

1. Is this your first race at this distance?

If it is, I would recommend any of the following options:

    • Follow a training plan.
    • Join a running club
    • Get a coach
    • Read some blogs
    • Join some social networking groups
    • Google 🙂

For my FIRST 5k, I joined No Boundaries, a running program sponsored by a local running store.

some NoBo friends

I downloaded the training plan from the website of my FIRST half marathon and followed that.

Hey, I finished!!

And of course, for my FIRST marathon, I downloaded a plan or three, got advice from others who had run the race and joined a FB group for the race.

26.2 miles!!!

2. What is your goal for the race? Do you even have a goal?

Do you want to try for a PR, have a course PR, run negative splits or maybe win an age group award?

Or do you just want to finish?

Are you running the race just because your friends are or is it part of a vacation?

My recommendation for training with a goal in mind would be the same as if you were running that distance for the first time.  Plus most likely, your plan would include a variety of drills. What kind of drills would depend on your goal and maybe even the race course and surface.

Many times, my training related to a goal is not worry about anything but enjoy the race and enjoy the runs up to the race.

It is still training in my book because I do complete my runs.  I just may not wear a watch or keep track of my pace.

just a weekday fun training run

And then there may be a race where I do want to do my best and try for a course PR.  In these cases, I have joined a training group.

my Freihofer Run for Women training group

3. Is it a long race or a shorter distance?

Of course distance is relative.  For someone who runs ultras, 13.1 may seem short.

For me, I consider long, any race that is a 15k or longer.

Personally, I do not train for races that are shorter than a half marathon.  In fact, many of my shorter distance races have been part of my weekend long run.

For longer races, my philosophy is to make sure you do your LONG runs.  How I do that is work backwards from the race date.

Half Marathon – 8/10 miles, 12 miles, 11 miles, 10 miles, etc.

Of course, where you start your long runs varies.  That will dictate how many weeks you need to train for the race.

I personally do not pay attention to my weekday runs.  I do them and they are squeezed in (3-4 miles) depending on my work schedule.

I was able to complete the NYC Marathon doing it this way.  But then again, my goal was only TO FINISH.

I did it!!

4. Are you injury-prone (or recovering from an injury)?

No one wants to be injured.  Sometimes they are unavoidable (like a fall) but either way, they impact your training for a race.

My tip for training when injured or recovering from an injury (unfortunately I have experience in this area) is to cut back in your training.

See a doctor.  Do the PT exercises and what else is necessary so you can do your race.

Don’t worry about your training.  Let go of any race goals.

You can skip runs and long runs in this situation.  You will not heal if you keep to your plan (as if you were healthy).

got to run the NYC half even though minimally running for 5 weeks before due to calf injury

As I have said above, there is no ONE way to train.

I bet that your training has changed as you have run different terrains, different distances and as one ages and becomes a more experienced runner.

I know mine has.

Happy Running! Do you have any other training tips? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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TT: What I am Focusing on This Month

1. Marathon Training

What else?

History of NYC Marathon - TrackGirlz

NOV. 3, 2024

It’s still early but it will be here before I know it.

It’s my 3rd NYC so I’m not stressing at all.

I just plan to get in my long runs on the weekend (if possible) and STAY HEALTHY!!

2.Consistent Gym Visits

When I’m WFH, I want to go to the Y several mornings… usually on the non-running days.

3.Walk More.

During the Pandemic, I would walk or hike everyday!!

I’ve gotten lazy…

I’m on social media during my work breaks.

I seem to only walk if I have company. So maybe once a week, sometimes not at all.

4. Eat Healthier.

I’ll blame it on this HOT summer.

Too hot to cook.

I go boating on Sundays and that’s traditionally my meal prep day.

Ice cream is so tempting!!

Happy Running! What are you focusing on this month?  Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

 

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Weekly Run Down for 7.28.24-8.4.24: Apparently I run for ice cream…

Yup.  A 5k last Sunday followed by ice cream.

A Trail run/walk on Thursday night followed by ice cream.

Yesterday a 10k race in NYC followed by ice cream.

After all, it is summer!!!

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I’d say I participated in the Keep MOO’ving 5k rather than raced it.

After a hard 9 mile run the day before, I decided to take it easy.

It was so fun and the ice cream was delicious (homemade at the farm where the race was held.)

In the evening, I made my annual trek to a sunflower farm.

❤ sunflowers

  • Monday – I hadn’t been to the gym in awhile so I headed there before work.
  • Tuesday – An early morning run on the rail trail…

the temps were ok but that humidity!!!

After a trip to set up for work the next day, I met my BFF for a walk and talk.

  • Wednesday – Not a WFH day so I had to postpone my run until after work (provided that the predicted rain didn’t happen).

Thunderstorm after thunderstorm afternoon!

  • Thursday – Another early morning run.

back on the rail trail but running, in the opposite direction from Tuesday and even more humid!!!

After work, our weekly ARE trail run took place.  I walked it as usual.  And this week, we went for ice cream after.

  • Friday – DAY OFF. 

I took an early train to NYC and when I arrived, I checked into my hotel (which for a change was in the Financial District.)

Check out IG and FB for how I spent the day.

Of course there was a meet up with Cari!!

  • Saturday –  NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k.

An early morning as I had to take the 7:30 am ferry to Governor’s Island for the race.

Check out IG and FB for how it went… AND there was ice cream!!

After the race, I took the ferry back to Manhattan, checked out of my hotel and headed to Penn Sta. to catch the LIRR. I had plans to stay with my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons) for a few days.

  • Sunday – Run! Relax!  Maybe head to the beach… have fun!!

pic from my visit in 2021

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – AM Run, some fun LI activities
  • Tuesday – AM Run, LIRR to NYC, Amtrak home
  • Wednesday – GYM
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – GYM
  • Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – What I am focusing on this month
  • Friday –  Training Tips for Running

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Do you love ice cream like I do? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for August 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

Ice cream seems to be my theme this summer…

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m lucky that my friends share my love of ice cream.

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that we have even skipped a hike in favor of a road trip for ice cream.

at High Lawn Farm

3. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I signed up for a race just because it offered ice cream.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m on my way to NYC for the weekend… for a race.

Yes, you guessed it… ice cream!

 

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m heading to the Hamptons after the race… I have to catch a train from Penn. Station.

It’s possible that I may have to leave right after the 10k and MISS THE ICE CREAM!!!

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Do you love ice cream? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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2024 Keep MOO’ving 5k Race Recap

High Lawn Farm has the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted…

Last year was the first year that they offered this race and of course, it was on my radar.

DESCRIPTION

The High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K is a 3.1 mile walk or run that is open to all abilities and levels of fitness. 100% of the proceeds from this event benefit Berkshire Bounty. Berkshire Bounty is a food rescue organization dedicated to collecting, purchasing and delivering nutritious food to emergency food distribution programs countywide.
The course is beautiful, starting runners at the farm, then passing along Laurel Lake before returning to the farm to celebrate at the food truck where runners enjoy a well-earned High Lawn Farm ice cream. Visit the historic century worth of memorabilia in the High Lawn Farm Museum, open specifically for the runners following the race!

But it’s a long drive and I was marathon training…

High Lawn Farm | What a great day! ☀️The High Lawn Farm Keep it Moo'ving 5k was a blast! Everyone who participated today did such an awesome job… | Instagram

2023

Some racing friends did go and they said that it was awesome.

So I mentioned it to my running friends Heidi and Sherry.

LOL. Heidi & I had already been there on Monday.

and they agreed with me.. Let’s do it!

definitely hillier than it looks here!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Again I am training for a marathon.

I ran my long run of 9 miles the day before…

And then the hubby and I spent the rest of the day on the lake where I enjoyed a beer and a good book.

I was on the fence whether or not, I would just walk the whole thing or run/walk it.  Racing it was out of the question in my mind.

Race Day:

The race started at 8:30 am.

I got up at 5:15 am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:15 in order to get to Heidi’s house since she offered to drive.

It took us 45 minutes but we got there early enough to get parking and pick up my shirt/bib.

There were almost 300 runners at this race. I even bumped into quite a few familiar faces.  This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

obligatory pre-race photo

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and sunny. We just hung around and chatted while deciding on our race strategy.

Soon it was time to line up.

We decided to run together… that meant using Heidi’s intervals (2min:30 sec) since she was the slowest of the three.

It sounded like fun to me.

start and finish line

Mile 1:

It was pretty crowded but we tried to stay together.  The race started on a dirt path with holes and rocks.  It would have been hard to run on.

Then it was a long downhill (Of course since it was an out and back, you would be running up that long hill!!)

After that hill, it was just rolling and shady with a view of a lake on the right.

Mile 2:

By the second mile, it was getting increasingly hard to stay together.  It was crowded and when Heidi got behind us, it was hard to hear the beeps to know when we were walking and when we were supposed to run.

I also like to walk on the uphills and run on the downhills which didn’t always coordinate with the intervals.

So we got separated..

Sherry was close behind me and I often slowed for her to catch up… since we said that we would run the race together.

Somewhere after the turn around there was a water stop.

The course repeated itself so youknew what was coming…

Mile 3-3.1:

By mile 3, I was wanting to be done… so I did my usual run some, walk some.

I actually felt pretty energetic and could have run this race…

But there was no reason to chance a injury.

And then there was that LONG annoying hill! I was glad that I actually wasn’t racing.

I crossed at 42:09. (41:57 – Garmin time)

A PW 5k but faster than the ones I walked.

No regrets!!

Post Race Activities:

Sherry finished right after new and we waited for Heidi to cross.

They gave you a coupon for free ice cream and there was also free chocolate milk…

farm fresh = delish!!

We got on line for our free ice cream

and chatted with the other runners while we waited.

posing with our empty milk bottles. lol

They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 5th in my age group.

The winners got to name a new calf (very cool). The age group winners just got a big prize ribbon.

And of course, the ice cream was worth the drive!!

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.

But I don’t regret participating in this 5k. Though it was a PW, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday morning (especially if you can convince friends to come along).

Next year when I will not be training for a marathon, I may even race it!!

Positives:

  • Well organized race
  • Well marked scenic course
  • Some familiar faces
  • Friends to share the experience
  • Nice gender-specific tech shirt
  • Free chocolate milk
  • Free (homemade) ice cream
  • Immediate results

Negatives:

  • Hilly
  • Long drive

Would I recommend this race?

All in all, this was a fun race. The hills were a challenge but I’ve seen and experienced worse.

I plan run it again even though it is not nearby.

Final Stats:

I wonder how many calories that chocolate milk and ice cream cone were? LOL

Next Up:

a 10k.

Aug 3.

Then 13.1:

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run short races even when you are training for a big long race? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

 

 

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Weekly Run Down for 7.21.24-7.28.24: Regrouping…

I was semi excited to get into a routine and start training for my Nov. marathon.

Then there was my work trip to NYC with excessive heat.

After which I came down with a cold.

Hoping things are looking up from this point on…

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I woke up with a nasty cold.

I dragged myself to the gym and then decided that sneezing and sniffling with a lake view and a good book would be preferable to staying home.

the sun came out and it was a beautiful day.. Achoo!

  • Monday – I had the day off from work and felt a lot better than the day before.

The plan was to go hiking with two friends.. but things didn’t work out so instead, I got some errands done and then ventured out for a run…

too late… too sunny= not fun but done

Then my friend decided that we needed an ice cream adventure

our favorite flavor was back!!

I planned to stop off to see my granddaughter but it was too early so I took a short stroll (to work off those ice cream calories)…

pretty but buggy at the arboretum

Almost walking!!

  • Tuesday – WFH and a trip to the gym before work…

No run as it rained most of the day… Rest Day!

The rain had stopped by the time I got out of work so I went for a walk with a friend.

new addition to our rail trail

  • Wednesday – I dragged myself out of bed in order to get some miles done before the predicted rain.

it was cloudy so I thought it would feel better than it did and then I checked the humidity… 😦

The rain did not arrive until overnight and so I was able to meet my BFF for a walk after work.

  • Thursday – Another early morning run…

I had thought the humidity would have left with the rain overnight… I was wrong!!

and then after work, I participated in our weekly ARE trail run/walk.

This week, there was a BBQ/Pot Luck dinner after which was fun.

  • Friday – DAY OFF.  For my annual summer visit to the Saratoga race track with a former co-worker. We started going in 1984!!

2013

This year, we took a backstretch tour. Then we had breakfast and stayed for the day watching the races and betting. I won a lot of the races but since I don’t bet a lot of money, I didn’t win much but it was fun.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day and Brunch.

I had to rush through my run and skip brunch because lake time had to be re-scheduled to today.

I ran 4 miles with Barbara and then the last 5 miles solo (I prefer a slower pace for my long runs).

I relaxed the rest of the day with a book …

  • Sunday – Keep MOO’ving 5k (in Lee, MA)… not sure after yesterday’s long run that I will have enough energy to run but there will be ice cream even if I walk!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – GYM
  • Tuesday – AM run
  • Wednesday – PM run
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – DAY OFF, train to NYC, meet up with Cari
  • Saturday – Ice Cream Social 10k. train to LI
  • Sunday – visit with roommate on LI

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday –  Keep MOO’ving 5k Race Recap
  • Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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