September 5, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down (x2) for 8.23.21-9.5.21: NYC, the Hamptons and a Half Marathon

It’s catch up time. I skipped last week’s Run Down since I was away for four days.

I was in NYC where I met up with some college friends (and saw the Van Gogh exhibit), then I spent the weekend with my college roomie who lives in the Hamptons (on LI) and then I returned to NYC for some sightseeing and a special meet-up.

This past week I was both recuperating and preparing to run a half marathon. It was one of the few trainings where life seemed to take precedence over my long runs. But as we know, I don’t race for my job and finish times are a mere signal of accomplishment (no matter how slow or fast.)

So Half Marathon #51 is in the books.

Two Weeks Ago:

Monday – We got spared from the worst of the tropical storm but there was rain and a lot of rain…all day! I was wondering if it would ever stop and I would be able to go to my Freihofer Training Run. I will run when caught in the rain but but to go when it is already pouring???

Well, the rain stopped before the run and we got treated to a rainbow. What didn’t stop was the HUMIDITY!!

the group ran 4 miles with 3- 3 min. surges. I quit after 3 miles (blister and sore back).

Tuesday – My after work walk with friends got cancelled in favor of a reunion with three other teachers that I used to work with. We had dinner at a restaurant on the water in Saratoga. It was fun catching up.

great views and great conversation

Wednesday – Back in the office so I did my usual lunch Starbucks walk.

this was interesting

After work, the last “ice cream” run was held. I debated about going but since it was on trails and the day before a race, I did instead a quick slow run at UAlbany followed by ice cream and a walk with friends.

Holy Moley…HOT!

Thursday – Tonight the Workforce Challenge Race was scheduled on a new date and time (normally in May) and in a new locale (normally in downtown Albany.) It is always hot and humid during this race and tonight didn’t disappoint. The course was harder (HILLS) and there were fewer participants but always glad to have an opportunity to race with others.

soooo sweaty!!!!!!

Two of my running friends volunteered so we all went out after.

Friday – Off on a very early train to NYC. When I arrived at Penn Station (or now we use Moynihan Hall), I met up with my college friends and we all took the subway to have a yummy brunch together.

After brunch, we taxied to the Van Gogh expo. I had already seen it (in Montreal) but my friends had not. Even with all the COVID restrictions, it was still enjoyable. Glad I got to see it again.

on the bottom left is the original Van Gogh from MOMA.

After the expo, we headed back uptown to catch the Cezanne exhibit in the Modern Museum of Art. What else would French majors do? And afterward, we had drinks and a bite to eat.

Then my roommate and I took the LIRR out to her place in the the Hamptons where I would spend the weekend.

Saturday – I woke up early to get in a run in my roomie’s neighborhood. It’s always nice to run in a new place.

I ran to the bay and then found a nature preserve. Didn’t get in my planned 10 miles but so what?

It was quite windy so we decided instead of the beach to go to a winery. There are zillions on eastern LI.

Pindar is one of the largest so we chose that one…did lots of tasting and even found a sunflower field on the way home.

For dinner, we settled on a seafood meal with a view of the LI Sound.

Sunday – My host was a late riser so that gave me the opportunity to again go for a run.

I headed to the same preserve as the day before but ran a different route there and on a different trail.

The weather today was nice enough to head to the beach… that made me super happy.

note the pic on the middle left – do not leave unoccupied food on the beach lol

We chose this beach because my friend wanted to give me the opportunity to run over a bridge.

I will admit that I walked to the top and ran down and repeated that going back. (There was also a seafood/bakery on the other end.)

For dinner, we chose an Italian restaurant (of course with a view.)

Last Week:

Monday – My plan was to head back to NYC on the train. It is 2h30 ride and there are not many trains. I did have time to run before I left but decided instead to save my legs for walking around Manhattan.

I had thought that I would walk around Central Park but Cari recommended that I go someplace new. So I hopped the subway and headed toward the Little Island. (Thanks Cari for the suggestion.)

an oasis in the middle of the Hudson River (near 13th St)….so unique.. the only problem was the heat and humidity lol

With time to kill until dinner and needing some shade, I decided to walk the High Line.

although I’ve done the walk so many times, there’s always something new to see.

The real reason that I added an extra day to my trip was to see two dear friends that I hadn’t seen in forever.

dinner and chatting until I had to leave to catch my train home.

I returned home by train (with no travel issues.)

Tuesday – I was pooped from my 4 day vacation. Luckily I was still working from home. I was able to squeeze in a run before meeting friends to walk on the rail trail.

what’s with this humidity!?

Wednesday – Today the forecast was for rain but I was hoping to be able walk and to attend the SOAR/ice cream group run after work. At lunch, I checked the forecast and made the decision to run then rather than waiting.

It was cloudy and in the 60s but still very humid…it drizzled at the beginning and end of the run

It was the right decision since it rained all afternoon. We wound up doing our walk in the mall.

Thursday – Rest Day! The ARE trail runs had ended but my running friend had decided to continue these as walks each week on a a different trail. Today we chose Thacher Park. (The weather was cool and would have been perfect for a evening race…just saying.)

a fun 3.2 mile trail

Unfortunately our favorite post-hike restaurant was closed so we had to choose an alternate.

Friday – Rest Day #2. I picked up my bib for the race the next day,

got my outfit ready and played mah jongg.

ready or not!

Saturday – Race 4 the River Half Marathon. Finally a race where it was not very hot or humid and one where the course was not super hilly. Still it felt hard but thanks to my friends, I had a fun time before, during and after.

we carpooled to the start, I ran almost the whole run chatting with friends and went for drinks and food after…so glad racing is back!

Sunday – Recovery Day and packing up the kitchen for the reno.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF (Holiday) – FTC run
Tuesday – (Kitchen reno starts!) rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run, trail walk
Friday -rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Malta 5K (+5-8 more miles)
Sunday – rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Workforce Challenge Race Recap
Friday – Looking Forward to Fall

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Please share.

September 3, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for Sept. ’21

It’s that time of the month…

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

After two months of going into the office three days a week, this month I will have to go back EVERYDAY!

I know I did it for many years before but still…. HOW???

I am so jealous of you runners who do not have to do your hair, make-up, put on jewelry and nice clothes and then pack a lunch, pre-run snack and your running stuff for all possible weather conditions. (RANT over!)

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I registered for Half Marathon #51 (counting all the virtuals of 2020). It is TOMORROW. Gulp!

Screenshot_20210610-070949_Gmail (1).jpg

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran 9 half marathons in 2020. However, I feel a little rusty. This is only my 3rd this year

and the last one was back in April.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I signed up for several more races in September and October:

- 09-11-21 – Malta 5k
- 09-25-21 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k
- 10-03-21 – Smuttynose Half Marathon
- 10-09-21 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k
- 10-23-21 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’d tell you that I won 2nd place in a photo contest.

I won what’s in the picture not what the email says.

However, I didn’t remember entering and I had no idea which photo won. Glad they posted the winning pics:

took this one back in March

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my kitchen make-over project is more stressful than training for a marathon.

Having someone remove all the wallpaper and then paint.
Buying all new appliances, having them delivered and installed
Picking out cabinets, flooring, tile, etc.
Hiring someone to install them.
Picking out countertops and hiring someone to install.
Having the cabinets and flooring delivered (my hubby has to pick up) and installed.
Having countertops delivered and installed
Odds and ends like new curtains, hardware and outlet covers, etc.

Much harder and longer than my 16 week marathon training plan. It leaves me wondering why I decided to do this and if I will get to that finish line…

Happy Running! What’s new with you? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

August 31, 2021 by Darlene

TT: Tips for Beginner Runners

I’m skipping ahead to next Tuesday’s topic: Tips for Beginner Runners It’s been awhile since I started running (like 2008). I’ve learned a lot since then. And although I am not a certified coach, I have mentored and run with many beginner running groups.

So here are my favorite tips:

Join a group or a class.

It’s much easier than going at it alone. You will make friends and a coach/mentor will help avoid form and training mistakes.

a fun 10 week program

If there is no class or group available to you, use the Couch25k app.

This app will guide through walk/run intervals and prepare you to complete a 5k.

The STEM group also used this app even though in a group

Sign up for a 5k race.

This will motivate you to do your runs and give you a goal.

if possible, one with a medal!

Buy good running shoes.

Go to a running store, if possible, try on a few shoes. Return the shoes if they are not comfortable (most stores will allow you to return your shoes.)

so many choices…

Even a bad run is better then no run at all.

Runs that suck will happen. Forget and move on.

oh well

Buy running clothes you look good in and that are comfortable.

I recommend breathable shirts and shorts/skirts with pockets.

Running is not an excuse to triple your intake of doughnuts.

Yes, runners gain weight too. Try to eat a healthy snack (such as a banana) before you run and something with protein after (bagel, chocolate milk).

Add other forms of exercise to your routine on days that you do not run.

This could be walking, biking, hiking, yoga, strength training,

or going to the gym!

Don’t neglect and irritate your family and friends by spending all your time talking about running.

It’s only a small part of your life…though it may be one of the BEST parts.

Happy Running! What tips can you add to this list? Please share. runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

August 27, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for August ’21

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

1. I runfess…

I ran short races on the weekend when I should have been doing my LSD for my upcoming half marathon.

Yes, I do use a rough training plan but I’m not good with following it.

- 07-04– Firecracker 4 – should have been 5 miles
- 07-25- FASNY 5k – should have been 8 miles
- 08-07– Run for the Roses 5k – should have been 10 miles
- 08-14 – Whipple City 10k – should have been 11 miles

2. I runfess…

I don’t learn from my mistakes, I signed up for two 5ks before my October 3 half marathon.

- 09-11 – Malta 5k – should be 11 miles
- 09-25 – Freihofer Run for Women – should be 8-10 miles

3.I runfess…

I love our trail runs but because it’s often technical, hilly or muddy, I walk much of the run.

But my runfession is that I count them as running miles (not walking miles). Sue me.

4. I runfess…

I was very excited about signing up for three months of Peleton. I had good intentions of using it for walks, strength training maybe even yoga.

Nope, not happening yet. I think I used it for once. My excuse is that I have not been running solo. I have no good excuse (besides, work, life, etc) for not using it for those other areas.

5.I runfess…

Without any walking challenges, I am walking much less when working from home. I know why. I use my free time to do household things like cleaning, laundry. etc.

I go back to the office in a week and the good news is that I WILL walk during my lunch hours (not much else to do.)

I need to limit my daily intake of Starbucks too

Unfortunately, running will be a rush to get it done before darkness and mostly alone. More importantly not forgetting to bring everything I need for all weather conditions.

back to after work runs at UAlbany

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

August 24, 2021 by Darlene

TT: What’s New This Year?

The topic for today is: Share your favorite running item(s) you’ve tried this year

I am a creature of habit so I have not tried anything new that I can think of except for new shoes and new races.

Shoes:

I pretty much only wear Topos ever since I was diagnosed with a neuroma because of their wide toe box. (I already have Magnifly, Ultrafly and Flylyte.) But I did try two new styles:

Topos Phantom – These have a 5mm drop and more support and cushioning than the other Topos. I like to wear them for long runs and long races.

Topos Cyclone – These also have a 5mm drop. But they are much lighter and less supportive. I like to wear them for short races.

As with many of the Topos, I struggle with the lacing. It is often hard to get them tight enough and to get them to stay tied.

Magnifly Topos are my favorites but still Thumbs Up for both of these.

: 3 miles in Cyclones

Races

I love to race and love to try new races and routes. Many of my go-to races were not happening due to COVID.
These are the races that I have never run before:

A1A Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon – 13.1 miles (in Fort Lauderdale) along the eastern coast of Florida (recap)
Electric City 5 Miler – a new race along the Mohawk River in Schenectady, NY (recap)
Prospect Mountain Road Race – a challenging 5.6 miles to the top of a mountain ending with beautiful views of Lake George (recap)
Miles on the Mohawk 10 Miler – a point-to-point race along the Mohawk (recap)
Rabbit Ramble 4 Miler – a new location on the rolling hills of Altamont, NY (recap)
Firecracker 4 – a very popular race on July 4th in Saratoga, NY (recap)
FASNY 5k – a new race in Saratoga State Park (recap)
Run for the Roses 5K – a hilly race in Grafton Lake State Park (recap)
Whipple City 10k – even hillier race in the countryside of Greenwich, NY (recap)

I would give them all up THUMBS UP!!

Happy Running! What’s new with you? What items (or races) have you tried this year? Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

August 22, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.16.21-8.22.21: A Flowery Week

No big Heat wave. No races. I did complete my last long run before my half marathon.

However, my trip to the New York Botanical Gardens and the Sunflower field were the highlights of the week.

Last Week:

Monday – #nevermissamonday. After work, I had time to kill before my Freihofer group run so I drove to see the sunflower field. Due to our hot, wet summer, it wasn’t as impressive as last year but still awesome. ❤ sunflowers

Today’s intermediate workout was 15 min run, 2 minutes hard, 2 minutes slow x 3, 15 minute run.

more humid than I expected and it’s always nice to have company on a run

Tuesday – I planned this months ago with my tennis friends – a day at the New York Botanical Gardens to see the Kusama exhibit. The forecast was for clouds and showers. Nope. Beautiful weather to hang with my friends. I knew I’d love Kusama’s art but it was even better than I expected…and there were so many flower gardens and water lily ponds. ❤

The NYBG is in the Bronx, right near Little Italy. So afterward we enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner before our long drive home.

Wednesday – A busy work day at home but I was able to meet friends after work for a walk followed by either the SOAR run or Ice Cream run. Since the SOAR run was held where I was already walking, I chose these women to run with. (Definitely will do the ice cream run next Wed.)

Thursday – Another busy work day at home but I was excited because Thursday evening is our weekly trail run/walk. Rain was in the forecast which is not unusual. I knew that I would go anyway since it was the last one (and I had perfect attendance.)

So it rained on and off all day, sometimes like a monsoon but it only drizzled during our run.

another nice trail run and I even ran most of it. Dinner and drinks afterward were fun too.

Friday – Rest day and more rain this morning but also a Starbucks walk during lunch (since I was at the office) and another after work before mah jongg.

sun came out for my lunch walk around the mall

Saturday – Long Run Day with 12 on my schedule. I was so happy to have company for this one. I ran all the miles with Sherry and bumped into the others on the rail trail or after at brunch.

soul sucking hot humid AF run

Sunday – Hope to get in a hike before the rains come.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – FTC run
Tuesday – rest day, dinner with old teaching friends
Wednesday – (last) Ice Cream run
Thursday – Workforce Challenge 3.5 mile Race
Friday – train to NYC for a college reunion, Van Gogh exhibit, Cezanne at MoMa
Saturday & Sunday – run in the Hamptons, LI (visiting college roomie), beaches, wineries and more

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – What I Have Tried New This Year
Friday – Runfessions

Next Week on the Run–

Monday – run in NYC, train home that night
Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – run
Thursday – rest day, trail walk
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Race 4 The River Half Marathon
Sunday – rest day, boating

Next Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Workforce Challenge Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Update

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Is the weather interfering with your runs? Please share.

August 20, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Sign Up for the Freihofer Run For Women

Freihofer's Run for Women 5K

I’m sure that most of you do not live in the Albany, NY area or will not be traveling to this area, so you will want to sign up for the VIRTUAL version of this race.

Click HERE to register.

This is a great way to take part in the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k for 2021, outside of the in-person event.

And here’s why you should sign up:

1.You could run it with me!!

I have run this race every year since I’ve started running (even when injured.)

running with others virtually is fun and motivating

2. I have a Discount Code.

As an ambassador for this race, I get a discount for the registration fee that I can share with you.

For $10 off, enter this code: AMBDC10

3. You will receive great Swag.

A gender-specific tank and a cool medal.

4. You will be donating to a Charity.

5. You can run it anytime and anywhere.

Once registered, you will receive a series of emails with instructions. You will have one week to complete a 5k run on your own and upload results to our site. You can run/walk your 5K any time between September 19 and September 26, 2021. After completing your 5k, your results will be posted and your swag will be mailed out.

This was my 12th time in 2019. #13 was cancelled but hopeful for 2021.

Happy Running! Have you ever run this race? Will you this year? How about doing it virtually with me?

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

August 17, 2021 by Darlene

2021 Whipple City 10K Race Recap

After running three 5k races in 2021,

Bacon Hill Bonanza- 28:30 & AG winner

FASNY 5k – 29:29 (smiling because the torrential rain had stopped before the race)

Run for the Roses 5k – 29:21 – 2nd in AG – fun running with old friends (in spite of the HILLS)

I decided to tackle my first 10k of the year. This race was just an opportunity to run a longer race distance since I needed to be training for my Sept. 4 half marathon.

I had run this race as 5k with two friends 4 years ago.

27:30 – I was speedier back then

My goal that day was to keep up with my friend Holly and as you can see from the pic, she beat me!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

There was a long hilly 10 miler, then a hilly 5k race followed by some short runs.

Race Day:

I’ve given up checking the weather before the race but I’m sure it probably said chance of rain.

I ignored it and wore the usual summer outfit of a tank and skirt:

new outfit always gives me a boost – added of course, other shoes and rain gear just in case

I probably wasn’t thinking clearly because going to this race, which started at 8:00 am, meant that I had to leave my house at no later than 6:30 am. According to Google, it was going to take 1h 9min. There was another local race that started later and was only 20 minutes away. (Crazy lady I am!)

So I got up earlier on a Saturday than I do on a normal work day (Oh, the things we runners do…) and found the location with no problem.

It had rained all night and lightly on my drive but it stopped. The temps were already in the 70s and the sun was peaking out. But the humidity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yikes!

Bib pick up was inside the school and there were real restrooms there, as well.

gender-specific tech shirt

I was hoping that my friends would be here and I happily found them immediately. They chose to run the 5k (Smart ladies!)

I also bumped into someone from where I work who was running the 10K. She lives in this area and I wished her luck since I thought that she would win it (and she was 1st female.)

I didn’t remember much about the race course but according the website: “The 5k race is a gentle upslope out and a quick downslope back, starting and ending in front of the Greenwich Central Middle School. The 10k, which starts a short distance from the 5k start, follows the 5k course and then continues through the beautiful countryside over rolling hills.”

According the chart below, mile 2 does not look fun!!

I had hoped to have a decent race. No goals since I hadn’t run a 10k in ages. I had also wanted to run 5 more miles after the race (per my training plan for my next half marathon.)

Most of runners were doing the 5k. I was hoping that the 10k was clearly marked since there were not many of us.

The 5k started near the school but for the 10k, we had to walk about 1/2 mile.

to the end of the street and then turn

I was sweaty by the time I got to the start. lol

Obviously it was a remote start…however that works. They announced that it was hilly and that runners should pace themselves. They also apologized that the course was long. How encouraging….

Mile 1:

So off we went at 8 am (15 minutes before the 5k start back at the school.)

I tried to remember than this was NOT a 5k so I needed to start slower and conserve energy.

Running uphill certainly did the trick. I ran much slower than last week. It was a gradual hill so I was even able to run the whole mile.

Mile 2:

Well that running ended. Mile 2 was very very long and steep. To make matters worse, the lead 5kers that started 15 minutes later sped by us and the water stop during this mile was empty.

The good news was that when we turned slight left and kept heading up, the view was amazing. And I didn’t care how often I walked because it was important in this humidity to just finish uptight.

Mile 3:

Phew. Finally some downhill. Of course that mean that eventually we will go uphill again. I enjoyed nevertheless. I tried to pick up the pace and make up time.

And there was a water stop and it was manned. I took advantage to have some water and even take a GU (It had been hours since my breakfast.)

I realized that I was wearing my newish Topos. I had raced in them twice before but not a race this long. And I am prone to blisters when my feet sweat. Blisters started forming around this time. Ouch! (I normally wrap my feet for half marathons but I did not think to today…lesson learned.)

Mile 4:

The views of the countryside were still very pretty. One of the volunteers encouraged us by saying that now, there was only ONE more big hill.

I counted about 6 more and lost count. Apparently in this area, they are not considered hills.

Most of the race, I was following, an older women in black (that I knew from some previous races) and her daughter and a younger women also in black. The older woman in black walked often as I did when there was a hill. The younger women never walked at all.

Mile 5:

In this mile, we arrived at the biggest hill yet. Yup, more walking. And my blisters seemed to be getting bigger and more painful.

Guess what? The older woman got further and further ahead of the younger woman even though she walked the hills.

Mile 6-6.2:

We finally joined the loop that we started on. That meant that it was slightly downhill. The same water stop that was empty before was still empty.

At this point, I wound up running with the older woman’s daughter (her mom finished ahead). We dragged each other toward the finish line. We even passed past the younger woman who did not walk at all during the race.

I walked one more time so that I could actually sprint across the finish line.

My running friends were waiting there screaming my name.

I quickly glanced up at the clock… 1:02:XX … 5 minutes slower than my PR and maybe a PW but I was not disappointed. at. all.

Post Race Activities:

The first thing I did was go to my car and take off my shoes and put on my flip flops. Then I grabbed some refreshments. Chocolate milk= my favorite.

Finally I went over to check out the results.

Kim, her daughter and I all won our age groups. Mine AG was 60-99!! I laughed.

I hung out for a little longer and chatted with my co-worker and ate some more. Obviously I was dragging my feet on running for miles.

I changed shoes and socks and headed back out.

But it was even warmer, sunnier and my blisters HURT!

I decided to call it a day, head toward home and reward myself with delicious ice cream.

9 hilly miles rather than 11 flat miles will have to do for a long run. Hopefully next weekend will be cooler and I can get 12 done.

Additional Race Reflections:

Since I never train on hills, I expected to have difficulty on them. The humidity didn’t help and then there were the blisters. All in all, I was happy that I did the race. I’ve never regretted a race I’ve run. My only regret would be if I got injured or ran while injured. I didn’t even have DOMs the next day. So it’s all good.

As they say: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Positives:

Small local race.
Well organized
Real Bathrooms
Plenty of parking
Easy packet pick up.
Gender specific shirts.
Decent post-race refreshments (bagels & cream cheese, donuts, bananas, chocolate milk and more)
Scenic course.
A real race.

a ribbon?? and no mention of the age group (which in this case was a good thing lol)

Negatives:

Only one water stop rather than 3
Hot humid weather
HILLS
Age Group award – a ribbon!?
Oldest age group – 60-99!
Blisters

this apology was emailed to me

Would I recommend this race?

Possibly. It was a nice small race but not sure I would repeat it just because it was a long drive. But maybe for the 5k if I was not training for a half marathon.

Final Stats:

The split times don’t really tell the story due to the rolling hills.

This chart does show the hills and when I walked.

Next Up:

Half marathon #3 for 2021:

Screenshot_20210610-070949_Gmail (1).jpg

I was hoping that I’d be better trained for this one…but it’s hard in the summer. I’m just happy that races are happening again and I am healthy enough to run them.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend? Any in-person races on your schedule yet? Please share.

August 15, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.9.21-8.15.21: Another Week, Another Race, Another Heat Wave

The 5k last week was not planned but this past weekend, I chose to run a 10k race. And it was hilly again!!

Some thunderstorms always accompany extreme heat. That was what happened most of the week.

Last Week:

Monday –#nevermissamonday. I was surprised that my legs were not tired after racing the day before. The FTC training run was a hot one but one of my better runs. Go figure.

8:1 intervals and so I rewarded myself.

Tuesday – Another scorcher of a day but it was rest day and my weekly walk on the rail trail with friends.

Wednesday – Back in the office for the first time this week.

After a rare rest day, I woke up to back pain. WTF?? So I contacted my chiro and made an appt for after work. Of course, the pain decreased as the day went on but i was overdue for an adjustment anyway so I went.

yes my Starbucks walk are back

I decided that I didn’t want to run on trails for the Ice Cream Run so after some errands, I headed to Six Mile Waterworks for my run. No company except Matty from Peleton. It was so hot and humid. (100 degree heat index). Good news. My back felt fine and the skies opened up to cool me down.

yes, that was hawk sighting

Thursday – Today I took the day off from work for an annual breakfast and day at the Saratoga Race Track. Molly and I have done this every summer (except last) for 35 of the last 37 years.

Breakfast was good and I had winning tickets in every race but the first (caveat: I only bet $1-3 a race).

I couldn’t stay for the last race because I had to rush home to participate in the ARE trail group run. Apparently I poured everywhere excerpt at the race track. Lucky us. And it stopped in time for the trail event.

This week it was held a new location. Sage Estates. A little muddy but always fun to be outdoors with friends.

Friday – Just working at home and putting my kitchen back in order before phase II of the renovation (wallpaper removed and painting done.)

Our mah jongg group decided to have a bi-monthly book club. Tonight before our games we discussed our book.

Book Review: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro – Karissa Reads Books

I did not love it….

Then there was a big storm and we lost power. So we played mah jongg with our iphones as a flashlight. A night to remember.

Saturday – Whipple City 10K Race. It was warm and very very humid. And hills, many more than I expected. But I met up with some friends and won my 60-99 AG and all was good (except some miserable blisters.)

My plan was to run more miles so I could get in 11 miles as my long run. I tried but it was too hot and humid and my feet were not happy. So I quit and got ice cream instead.

9 hilly miles for the day will have to do… there’s always next weekend

Sunday – Most likely a day on the lake to relax and catch up on my reading…

can’t beat the views and the peacefulness

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – FTC run
Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – Ice Cream or (last) SOAR run
Thursday – (Last) ARE Trail Run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run
Sunday –rest day, walk/hike, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Whipple City 10K Race Recap
Friday – Sign up for the FRW 5k

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Please share.

August 13, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Returning to Peloton

In January of 2020, I joined a two month free trial of Peoton.

I didn’t take advantage of all parts of it but I did enjoy the indoor bike rides and the outdoor runs (I don’t have a treadmill.)

But it was not enough to pay for it. So I did not renew my membership.

I posted why here.

However, on July 31, I signed up for a Peloton membership again for 3 months.

And here’s why:

1.They offered a 3 month membership for the price of one month.

Hey, I’m cheap. What can I say?

But actually I wanted to see the changes and if it worked out better for me this time.

2. My evening group runs will be ending soon.

I run with a group on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays evenings and do my long run or a race on the weekend with others.

they were fun while they lasted

But I will be running solo again and will be able to use the Peloton app during my runs.

Peloton's app is getting cheaper for millions of people - CNN

3. I want to try the app for walking and walk ups/cool downs in addition to running.

I am not sure if these options were available when I first tried Peloton or maybe I just didn’t use them

The Best Peloton Running and Fitness Classes to do at home

4. I hope to try out stacking more than one workout especially to make a run longer.

One of my criticisms was than the runs were by time and did not often fit the distance that i wanted to run.

Your Workouts Just Got Even Better With These New Features | The Output

With the “stacking” functionality, I can add a warm up and cool down and even combine more than one running class.

How to Use Peloton Stacked Classes | POPSUGAR Fitness

5. I do not belong to a gym so if I could motivate myself, I can take advantage of other workouts in addition to running.

Peloton App How Much Does it Cost? | Pricing Info & Free-Trial

I could take a yoga class or even do some strength training, stretching or cardio.

Happy Running! Did you sign up for the new Peloton trial membership? If you already use the Peloton app, what benefits does it offer you as a runner? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

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