June 13, 2014 by Darlene

A Random Friday Five

This week I’m linking up with Cyn, Courtney and Mar’s Friday Five for the first time.

This one is a freebie. It’s a pick your own topic Friday.

So here we go:

1. SUMMER

I was a French teacher for 22 years. I loved my job but decided to switch to a new discipline: technology. Don’t get me wrong, I love all things techie, but it would have been so nice to be a runner when I was a teacher.

have the summer off and be able to run whenever and wherever = heaven

2. RUNNING PLAN

I am planless and it’s killing me. I always plan everything especially running. I don’t know when and what my next half marathon is. As a result, I don’t have my long runs planned.

HM #7 plan

HM #8 plan

3. DIET

Speaking of half marathons, I am still eating like I am training for one. First, my training was the excuse. Then it was my birthday celebrations followed by my trip to Florida. Now it’s summer and I love ice cream. I am lucky with the help of genetics, I am still thin but my clothes are TIGHT and I think there’s at least an extra 5 pounds there somewhere (actually I know where – my stomach, butt & hips)

my weakness

I was thinner when I started running. I had to give away those shorts in the photo below. Now I wear looser, longer running skirts. I am a faster and stronger runner (You can’t have everything…)

2009

2014

4. WEEKENDS

I work full-time and my weekends are precious. So far we have been lucky. The last few weekends, we have had gorgeous weather. It has rained everyday this week. I still managed to squeeze in 3 runs between the raindrops. But this weekend, the forecast is for sunny and dry. YAY!

In between, doing household chores, I plan to be running and boating.

5. NYC

It’s no secret, I Love New York. I try to go there several times a year.

Broadway

the High Line

Christmas time

I was there in Oct, Nov and Dec but not since.

I am going back next Thursday – Can’t wait! I think we are going to Staten Island.

I still want to run or race in NYC at some point!!

Happy Running! Have a great weekend!

June 12, 2014 by Darlene

My next half marathon?

I started running in 2008. But 2011 was the first year that I ever even considered running a Half Marathon and I did 5 that year! Yes, I got hooked.

1st – Naples HM – 2:28:27

2nd – Lake George HM – 2:22:39

A strained Achilles delayed my training for #3 (so I walked half the race.)

3rd – Adirondack HM – 2:44:59

4th – Fall Foliage HM (No photographer) – 2:32:50

5th – Santa Clarita HM – 2:30:12

My first one was my most enjoyable and my 5th one, the least. In fact, the 5th one left me wanting an immediate do over! Unfortunately, after the 5th, I broke my ankle, then had a stress fracture so Half Marathon #6 came 16 months later in 2013 and I was just glad to finish.

6th – Sarasota HM – 2:33:59

Half Marathon #7 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would have liked, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.”

7th – Mohawk Hudson HM – 2:24:14

Finally, there was Half Marathon #8. Injury-free for the whole training but I trained during an awfully cold, snowy winter. Nevertheless even running in monsoon rains, I managed to PR.

8th – Love Run HM – 2:22:35

So ideally, if I stay healthy, I’d like to run two half marathons a year.

Why Do I run Half Marathons:

It is hard and it gives you tremendous satisfaction when you finish.
You get a medal.
It motivates you to get out the door and run several times each week.
It makes you increase your miles.
It gives you an excuse to plan a vacation around a race.
You don’t have to be fast.
It really is doable (Anyone can! Some even are walker friendly.)
The training isn’t as time-consuming as for a marathon.

How Will I Choose My Next Half Marathons:

Not too expensive. I run a lot of races and do not want to spend more than $100 on one.
I want a medal. 13.1 miles is a big deal to me.
Run one with someone else I know, if possible. It is more fun with a friend running partner or spectator.
Stay local or use frequent flier miles and visit a friend. Again, I don’t want to spend too much money.
Not too hilly.
Pretty scenery.
I do not want to repeat a race. There are too many exciting races out there to choose from.
Not too small and not too large. (I don’t want to run alone but I don’t want deal with crowds and congestion.)

I haven’t decided on a Fall one yet. Maybe the Hogsback Half Marathon in Conn. on 9/27/14. It is hilly but I have a friend who lives nearby. I am thinking of possibly the West Palm Beach Half Marathon in Fla. on 1/17/15 because I have several friends that live near there.

Here are some of my Half Marathon Tips:

Get good running shoes
Learn to fuel (try different kinds and stick with what works on race day)
Hydrate – it may not be important on short runs but it is on long ones – use the water stops during the race
Increase your long runs gradually – I usually add one mile each week and stop at 12 – your adrenaline on race day will get you through the last mile
However, don’t cheat on long runs – some people can run 8 or 10 mile & are able to do 13 – I wouldn’t recommend it
Don’t forget to taper – you don’t want to have tired legs for that important day
Dress appropriately – that is for 20 degrees cooler than at the start (so bring throwaway clothing)
Wear a GPS when training and for the race – it helps you keep track of time, distance and most importantly pace
Start out slow – it will pay off during the second half – you’ll want to be able to run across that finish line and smile!
Don’t be embarrassed to take walk breaks – it’s better than hitting a wall at mile 10 or getting injured and having a DNF
Enjoy the experience. Soak up the atmosphere. It is supposed to be fun!
If possible, take pictures or buy a race photo – you’ll won’t regret having a visual reminder of the experience
http://thekennedyadventures.com/2011/05/10-tips-for-running-a-half-marathon-successfully-top-ten-tuesday/
http://www.halfmarathons.net/first-timers-guide.html

Click HERE to read an article about women running half marathons.

Happy Running! Do you run Half Marathons? Do like them? How do you choose the one to run?

June 11, 2014 by Darlene

Another weekend, another race

poster

Yup, that’s me.

I’ve run a race almost every weekend since March 30:

3-30-14 – LoveRun Half Marathon
4-06-14 – Delmar Dash 5m
4-12-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-19-14 – Rabbit Ramble 4m
4-27-14 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-03-14 – Spring Run Off 10K
5-11-14 – Mom’s Day 5K
5-17/18-14 – ON VACATION in Florida
5-31-14 – Freihofer’s Run for Women
6-08-14 – Betar Byway 5K
6-14-14 – Strawberry Festival 5K
6-22-14 – Adirondack Distance 10m

And I love it!

ME on page 2

Why do I race so much?

Racing keeps me running. I know that I cannot slack off. If I do, then the race will be painful (physically and mentally).
I usually run alone and when I run a race, I see and meet other runners. So much more enjoyable.
I am competitive so when I run a race, I don’t stop and walk as much and I run faster.
I only get that runner’s high when I cross a finish line.

Lighthouse 5K

So this weekend, I have a 5k – Strawberry Festival 5K. Supposed a fast course so I hope to have a better time than last weekend. (But you never know.)

The problem with racing every week:

It’s gets expensive.
You miss out on social activities with family and friends
You skip long training runs.
You cannot adequately prepare for a longer distance race.

Yes, and I have a 10 mile race coming up that I am NOT prepared for. Gulp!

Happy Running! Have you ever run a long race that you hadn’t trained for?

June 10, 2014 by Darlene

Beaten by a 10 year in his first race

It was nice that the race photographer captured my loss:

: rounding the turn

: we’re still even

: he turns to his mom for advice

: and he’s off

: gaining on me

: yup he’s faster

: relieved to see the finish line ahead

: and he’s got it

: can I still beat 30 minutes?

: First Place – WooHoo!

Yes I did lose to the cocky kid but finished in 29:49 and I won FIRST PLACE in my age group. (He only got 3rd.)

bbresults

Happy Running! Did you ever race anyone to the finish line?

June 9, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

Last Week:

Monday – walk at work, 4 miles, mall walk with BFF

around Washington Park

Tuesday -walk at work, rest, ~~tennis~~ (rained out)

Wednesday – 3 mile run, ~~yoga~~
Thursday – rest, dinner with old friends
Friday – 4 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 5K

This Week:

Monday – 8.5 miles (off in the am), proctor LSATS
Tuesday -rest
Wednesday – 3 miles, yoga
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k + 6 miles, dinner party at work
Sunday – rest, boating

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

June 8, 2014 by Darlene

Betar Byway 5K race report

betarbyway

This race sounded interesting so I signed up.

The 5K is a out and back and has one hill just before the 1 mile mark, with the rest being flat and the down hill at about 2.25 and a slight increase at the finish. Course is both paved (along Hudson River) and packed dirt path in wooded area, for approx 1.25 mile.

bb elevation

It is about an hour north of my house (and on the way to my boat.)

And most importantly, I love scenic. Here are some views of the course:

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finish line view

The weather was warm. It was about 70 degrees when I left the house. Not a day to think PR. Pressure gone.

I left early since I wasn’t sure where I was going. I used my GPS and arrived at a location that was obviously wrong. I thought I was going to Glens Falls but actually the race was in South Glens Falls. I went to Facebook on my phone and got the correct directions.

I arrived in plenty of time. I parked nearby and got my race packet.

cute shirt but it is cotton

Then I used the restroom – yes, there were real ones.

waiting to begin

Finally everyone walked down to the water for the start.

I started near the front since there were no timing chips or start line.

I must say that this was the prettiest course I have ever run. It was along the water most of the time or on a paved trail through a park.

156009868.26Pr4i9P.BetarByway14149

I tried to focus on the scenery since I knew that this one would be tough due to the heat and the course. (Note to self: playing 2 hours of tennis and weeding for many hours does not constitute a rest day before a race.)

The first mile had a small hill which I ran up and then came the monster hill. I walked up the whole thing and had trouble doing that it was so steep. I think I did the right thing since it was early in the race.

It was very warm so I walked through the first water stop. Thank God the course was shaded by trees or it would have been worse.

Eventually the course looped around and you headed back to the start. I walked through the second water stop and then finally came the big hill. This time you were running down. These hills always scare me so I hold back.

Then I think I walked once more before the final hill which led to the finish line.

156009593.PJVMvhOP.BetarByway14437

I was pretty surprised when I saw that I would finish under 30 minutes! (29:49)

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:56
mile 2 – 9:27
mile 3 – 9:19
.14 – 8:23

Negative splits which I am happy about. A hilly course on a hot day makes for one of my slowest 5k times of late. (I will try to redeem myself next weekend.)

After the 5K, there was a one mile race. Not for kids but for everyone. It looked like fun.

bbresults

Then they gave out the awards and I won first place in my age group. (This is one good thing about getting old.)

One of the reasons for choosing this race was that it was on the way to our marina so I could join my hubby who was patiently waiting.

This was my view from a lounge chair for most of the rest of the day.

Very relaxing. Racing+Boating=Perfect Sunday

Happy Running! What did you do this weekend?

June 7, 2014 by Darlene

New shoes!

This is my current collection of shoes:

4 Brooks, 1 Saucony, 2 Mizuno

But I haven’t bought any new shoes since Oct-Nov. I usually alternate my pink/white Brooks Adrenaline (long runs & races) and my blue/white Mizuno Sayonara (short runs). My previous favs, the purple/white Brooks Adrenaline & yellow/white Saucony Guide are very worn. The others in the pic are usually just worn for walking.

So I think it is time for new shoes.

I went to FleetFeet and tried on quite a few.

They all felt good. I was tempted to get an Adidas pair but I didn’t want black & pink (how shallow!). I could have gotten an pair of Brooks Adrenaline in a different color but the store clerk convinced me to try a light shoe.

I ended up buying these:

New Balance 870W B3

Here’s what they about them:

The evolution of the 870 series continues to deliver the fastness of Revlite and security of the foot during every day runs. Intelligent geometries of the 870V3 allow for a stable footprint with flexibility, torsional stability and a mild post at midstance. Enhanced features such as Tbeam, aid in the stability quotient of a surprisingly light and flexible shoe.

A larger Abzorb crash pad extends from the heel into the midfoot area, ensuring shock absorption for a variety of foot strikes. When transitioning into midstance, the runner is met with ground contact as well as TBeam technology for increased torsional stability and arch support. Dynamic midsole shapes not only create a beautiful sidewall design, but lend themselves to the inherent stability of the shoe.

The 870v3 upper is constructed of a secure, breathable mono mesh and thin film overlays to lock the foot in place and ensure any slight movement is controlled. Dynamic material choices and construction are complimented a range of bold, inspiring colorways. Grounded in performance – the 870v3 is the ideal shoe for runners in need of mild support seeking an exciting, REVlite experience.

You’ll notice that there are no New Balance shoes in my photo. I was hesitant & I will probably still use my Brooks for long training runs.

I ran in them yesterday and they felt fine. My run was the worst. I could hardly pick my feet up, I was so tired. I planned on 4 miles and barely made it to 3. I can’t blame the shoes. They are lighter than my Brooks. I haven’t been running or playing tennis a lot so I am not sure why? Maybe the heat & humidity??

My real test will be tomorrow in my 5K race.

Happy Running! Do you replace your running shoes frequently? Do you rotate your shoes or wear just one pair until they wear out? Does color matter?

June 6, 2014 by Darlene

Foto Friday

These were taken on Memorial Day:

view of Lake George while running

nature trail at the Sagamore hotel

view from the Sagamore

me & my hubby picnicking on a island on Lake George

This was taken our boat last Sunday:

hanging out in Shelving Rock Bay

Happy Running! Have a great weekend!

June 5, 2014 by Darlene

Summer racing

is coming!

I love to run races in the summer.

It’s always a challenge to fit them in around our weekend boating.

But I wouldn’t give either one up.

I am hoping that this summer I am free of injuries.

That hasn’t been the case in recent years:

2011 – 6 wks off for a strained achilles
2012 – slowly recovering from ankle surgery (started running too soon & wound up with a 2nd metatarsal stress fracture)
2013 – 6 wks off for a broken 5th metatarsal

So far, this is my summer racing schedule:

June 8 – Betar Byway 5k
June 14 – Strawberry Festival 5K
June 22 – Adirondack Distance 10m
July 13 – Saratoga Half Marathon – doubtful but maybe
July 26 – Turning Point 5k
August 2 – Race The Train (8.4m) – maybe?
August 9 – Camp Chingachgook 10k
August 16 – Jailhouse Rock 5k
August 30 – Care For Kids 5K Run – maybe?
September 7 – MBPK 5K
September 14 – Biggest Loser 10k

I am also looking for a fall half marathon. I have a few possibilities and they are Sept 21 or 27 or Oct 5. That will mean long runs starting this summer.

Happy Running! Do you race a lot in the summer?

June 4, 2014 by Darlene

National Running Day

jun4

I am older than most, if not all, running bloggers.

But when I run or race, I feel that we are on an equal playing field. Of course, younger runners usually run faster. (So do some older runners.) However, I do beat many runners that are younger than me. And that makes me feel good. At the ripe old age of 61, I feel that I can still get faster and stronger.