July 14, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – The Working Runner

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic for today is: Five Ways to Be a Runner and also Work Full-Time

I know that if you are a stay at home mom, you are plenty busy and if you are retired, you also still have many responsibilities but this is for all you out there who have full-time job and are also runners:

1. Run Fewer Times During the Week

Let’s face. Your time is limited. You have hours where you have to be at work.

You probably don’t have the time to run more than 3 times a week. Maybe not more than twice. There may be busy weeks that you only get out to run on the weekend.

It really annoys me when it is sunny during my work day and then it is raining when I finish. I wish I could just run whenever the weather permits.

in between busy work weeks – squeezing in a run on Sunday

So make your runs quality runs and don’t be guilty about missed runs. You can try to make them up the following week.

2. Be Flexible.

We really don’t want to skip our runs. So it often takes some creativity to figure it out.

I work near UAlbany and I have run over and then returned to change my clothes and go out or go back to work.

You can run before work, after work, during lunch. You may have to run on the treadmill.

Whatever it takes to get it done.

3. Increase Your Hours of Sleep at Night

Working 8 hours a day is tiring….stressful. Then there’s running which tires us out, as well.

It would be nice if when we were tired, we could sneak in a nap during the day.

Since that can’t happen (at least not at my job), you need to ideally get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

4. Schedule/Plan Your Runs

This is especially important if you are training for a big race.

If you leave it to chance, you are less likely to get your runs done and/or get in enough mileage.

I put them on my calendar (and on my blog).

I pack my running clothes the night before to bring to work. If I plan to run before work, I lay out my clothes the night before.

3 miles after work and before a show when working in NYC

These scheduled runs are just a plan or a framework. It doesn’t mean that I don’t switch days and mileage around. But it definitely helps me organize my life.

5. Don’t Forget About You.

I have a hard time with this.

I often am tempted to refuse a dinner or social invitation because I need to get a run in. Rather than relax with a book or watch TV, I want to go for a run.

Sometimes, I have to bring work home 😦

Plan to treat yourself to some ‘you’ time. That means time that doesn’t involve work or running.

meeting my college roommate for a boat ride (instead of doing my run)

This not only lowers your stress level (at work), but it also improves your running performance.

(Next week, I am taking two days off from work and not to run – to hike and to go to the Botanical Gardens in NYC.)

Happy Running! If you working runner, any other hints to add?

July 7, 2017 by Darlene

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5K #4 Race Recap

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series #4 – July 5, 2017 – 7:10 pm

If you follow my blog, you know that I often get sent to NYC for work.

Usually, I just try to squeeze in a run on the East River, Hudson River or in Central Park.

run from my last visit to NYC

For this trip, I found a race!!!!

Woo Hoo!

So apparently during the summer months on alternating Wednesdays at 7:10 pm, there is a cheap ($7.50 – in past years it was $5) 5k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Here’s all I could find out about the race from the NYCRuns website:

We’re gearing up for another great summer of evening 5K races! You don’t have to be fast to enter, but these races will help you find out how fast you can be!
Big news for 2017: we now have chip timing! All runners will receive their actual race time.
Races will start and end at the Bluestone Cafe at Lakeside Center.
There, we will offer:

Bib pickup starting at 6pm

Bag check

Lockers available for a fee

Bathrooms (real ones!)

Water after the race

5 year Age group awards ceremony after the race

Plus some free photos off their site (from the last 5k):

Sounds like fun, right?

There were almost 600 runners at the last race!!! (but only 3 in my age group 🙂 )

So all I had to do is take a 2h45 hour train ride to Manhattan, check into my hotel, figure out what subway to take and get to Prospect Park by 6:30 pm or so.

suffering from a back ache during this inaugural poorly planned race (10/10/15)

I have run in Prospect Park once before for the RNR Brooklyn Half Marathon and I remember it being very hilly – like Central Park.

Below is the course map. However, I didn’t remember where the hills were…

But no worries. This was purely for another racing experience and hopefully a fun one.

So this time, there were no snafus in getting to the city from Albany. No problems with the hotel. All I had to do was figure out how to get to the race. No one at the hotel was helpful. I wanted to run over the Brooklyn Bridge and then go to the race.

F train to the B train

Unfortunately there didn’t seem to be a way if I did that I could also get to the correct subway (at least I wasn’t sure how to) to get to Prospect Park.

So I played it safe and took 2 subways and arrived at the entrance of Prospect Park. Very Early.

I walked over to the Botanical Gardens across the street but they were already were closed so I just walked into the park.

I had no idea how to get to the race start in this huge park but luckily I bumped into a race volunteer whom I followed.

I did a little exploring before I got my bib.

those are turtles (I hoped that I would not be running like one LOL)

yes, that algae is pretty disgusting

Finally I headed to the Lakeside Center (where there were local kids cooling off in the pool/fountain) to get my bib.

I was able to check a bag, use the (real) restroom, get some water and relax at a shady picnic table.

It was still an hour before the race was scheduled to start so that’s exactly what I did. It was very warm (in the mid 80s) and I made sure to drink water to remain hydrated.

Little by little, the runners arrived.

Definitely an interesting experience running in a new place where I knew NO ONE! The runners all seemed to look like the stereotyped “serious runner”. You know what I mean. (Later I would notice that 25 of them finished with less than average 6 min pace per mile!!)

Finally it was time to migrate toward the start in the park. It was quite a walk (close to a mile, I bet)

heading to the start

This year for the first time, the race provided chip timing. I still lined up not too far away from the starting line. Then chatted with some runners about the race. I found out that it started with a long uphill (but not steep like CP), then there were rolling hills and eventually it looped back to finish.

looking bored while waiting to begin

I should have warmed up but I didn’t And after sitting on the train for almost 3 hours, 45 min on the subway and then sitting at the café, my legs were stiff.

and I’m off…

I started running the first mile and I just couldn’t get going. Or maybe it was the heat or the uphill, but I was running so slow.

Mile 2 was better but there were no water stops. You had to stop at a water fountain in the park. I did not and by mile 3, I was crashing.

I had a walk a few times but when I saw the clock at the finish line, the competitive me came out.

I got up enough energy to sprint and finish a few seconds over 28 minutes (which turned out to be 27:52 chip time.)

No water at the finish line. You had to walk back to the café. So I just sat in the shade for a while to catch my breath.

Once I felt better, I started walking following the runners.

Well, it turned out they were leaving the park. I was walking in the WRONG direction.

I had to return to get my bag and I wanted to check the race results.

By this point, I got a second wind and ran back to the finish and to the café.

I checked the results and was surprised that I was FIRST in my age group.

27:52 – finished 250 out of 378

I didn’t have to wait long before they started the awards ceremony. The finish times were amazing!!

And the founder of the race, Al Goldstein was there and took a photo with each winner.

BTW: He is 96 years old!!

A nice lady took my photo and I hers. She won her 65-69 age group.

: July – Brooklyn 5k

We chatted for a while. It was her first summer series race. She was babysitting her daughter’s apartment nearby. And she was nice enough to walk me to the subway. (A much shorter walk if you entered at the right entrance.)

It was late by the time I got back to my hotel. (And I got to see the Brooklyn Bridge from the subway as we rode outside over the East River!)

But I did enjoy my first Brooklyn 5k!!

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:15
mile 2 – 8:45
mile 3 – 9:04
.14 – 7:09

Yes, my Garmin finally recorded my lap times!!

My topic for this Friday is: Why Run an Impromptu Race is a New City

It gets you moving (running.)
You don’t have to figure out a safe running route.
You run in a new place.
You meet new people.
It gets you out of your comfort zone.

Of course, I was tempted to relax in my hotel room, enjoy a nice meal in a restaurant, visit a museum or even take in a show.

But I am glad that I took on this new adventure. (Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?)

Happy Running! Ever run a race solo in an unfamiliar place?

June 30, 2017 by Darlene

Adirondack Distance Run Recap

Sunday, June 25, 2017 – 7:30 a.m.

A ten mile race consisting of rolling hills from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing.

this doesn’t seem accurate. I remember a steep hill bet miles 4 & 5 and several the 2nd half

I always look forward to this race. I’ve wanted to run this race ever since I started running.

: 2016 – 1:42:21

: 2014 – 144:39

Except for 2014 and 2016, something has always come up: work conference, strained achilles, broken ankle, broken foot, flight cancelled & stuck in Baltimore.

This year, I signed up but I was not really prepared for a 10 mile race. I had been racing 5ks (last two weekends) and working on my speed. My last long run was over a month ago for my half marathon on May 21. My running had also been on mostly flat surfaces. In addition, I was in NYC for work during week and that among other things had me skip runs. I didn’t run at all on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. So I missed two training runs. C’est la vie!

So yes, I decided to run this race but not as a race but just as a hilly long run….take it slow and enjoy the scenery. What else could I do? (I don’t DNS unless I am injured or sick.)

The race started at 7:30 am in the village of Lake George and ended in Bolton landing (next door to the marina where we keep our boat.)

the beach on the right is the end of the race

I had a few options. There was a bus leaving Bolton Landing the morning of the race at 6-6:20 am so I could have spent Saturday on the lake with my hubby & friends and sleep on the boat. But I decided instead to stay home and drive up very early Sunday morning. I wanted to get a good night’s sleep and get things done around the house.

So I got up around 4:45 am on Sunday morning and was on the road by 5:45 for my one hour drive to the race start.

It was already warm – close to 70 and sunny. I better to get used to running in the summer temps.

I got there and found parking in the same small lot as last year and walked to the fire station to pick up my bib. Then I walked back to my car to get rid of the race tee shirt.

this year it was long sleeved

Back at the fire station, I used the rest room (there were real ones) and waited outside until start time. I was surprised at how many people were racing – over 200 (but fewer than previous years) and all the fast runners who were there (from the local running clubs.)

I bumped into some runners whom I haven’t seen in a while, Annette from STEM, Sue my NYC roommate and Karen, one of the SRMs, Jenny from ARE among others and we chatted until it was time to line up.

with fellow STEM mentor

The race was not chip timed so I tried to start not too far back but behind the speedsters.

The first mile goes through town and is the only flat portion of the race.

I’m in the pink hat and socks

As I mentioned, this course is hilly but it is also very scenic (not Utah scenic but nice for aroid these parts). I planned to focus on the scenery to take my mind off the hills.

I also made sure to watch the uneven pavement since you had to run along the side of the road and there were many ruts. And the traffic. The road was not closed so you had to pay attention to cars and trucks going by.

As I mentioned, I had NOT trained for this race and the last thing I wanted to happen would be to strain or hurt a body part. I stopped at every water stop (there were 5 or 6.)

that’s me gulping water but seeing a camera LOL

and I walked part of every hill. I played leap frog with a lady in orange. On the uphill, she passed me and on the downhills, I passed her. We laughed about it. She would yell as she went by me “See you soon. I know you’re going to pass me!”

see, I told you walked!!

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not me! I wish… (photo by Donald Yeaton)

The course is beautiful. A view of the lake was on your right side for most of the race.

Except for the beginning and end mile, the route was shaded by trees. That helped a lot since there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun made it fell warmer than it was.

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photo by Don Yeaton

I kept glancing at watch (finally had a working one) and even with all the walking, I was still running around a 9:30 minute pace for the first 5 miles.

Then I started to get tired and my lack of training became obvious.

The hills were steeper the first half but the second half seemed harder. The hills kept coming and coming. And of course, I got a blister (I forgot to put moleskin on – my bad!) on the usual spot on my right foot.

But for the most part, I felt great – no foot pain, no back pain, no aches at all. I guess I could have pushed harder. But there didn’t seem to be a reason. I felt strong and was enjoying the race.

I knew by the last few miles that this race would be a PR. However, it did look like I would have a course PR. I was psyched!

I finally made it to where you turn right into the park to get to the finish line. I was surprised to see my hubby there cheering me on. (No photo, though). Of course, at that point I ran as fast as I could.

The official results say that I crossed at 1:39:35. Slower than my 1:38:45 PR but almost 2 minutes faster than last year. A Course PR! I’ll take it!

Everyone got medals which is always a plus.

I was so happy to have finished. I was pleased with my time.

I bumped into some friends again. We headed straight to the water to soak our feet in the cold lake water.

ahhhhhhhhhhhh

A great end to a great race.

view of our marina from the race end

my friend Jenny still cooling off

Then I grabbed several pieces of watermelon and some pastry. The watermelon really hit the spot.

They randomly marked bibs for runners to receive door prizes. AND I WON!

not something I will ever use but hey…

Also for this race, they gave out awards to first place in EVERY age rather than an Age Group. They had a screen with the race results scrolling and I saw that there were two 64-year old women faster than me so I didn’t stick around.

64 year olds

I walked next door (how convenient) where my hubby was waiting to head out on the lake. I spent the rest of the day relaxing in the sun on the water

and on one of the islands (reading a book) where we docked for awhile.

see the SUPs?

I was starved (Running 10 miles does that to you!) so we docked our boat at a restaurant and had an early dinner.

: view from the restaurant

: dinner – turkey & bacon panini with a salad (don’t worry if that’s looks healthy. I had a rootbeer float later

: us

So back to the race…

NO Splits. They showed while I was running but they did not record. (I’ll get this watch thing figured out if it kills me…)

I really loved running this race. It is the road that I drive every weekend during the summer to go boating. I know every inch of the route.

Maybe next year, I’ll actually train for it and race it. (Wait, I said that last year. LOL)

As I already mentioned, this race was on my bucket list and now it is on my race to run every year list.

My topic for today is:

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE ADR

Lake Views
Shady route
Watermelon for post-race refreshments
Soaking your feet in the lake post-race
10 miles is a great distance (Aren’t the last 3 miles of a half marathon the hardest?)

WHAT I DON’T LOVE ABOUT THE ADR

Hills
Uneven Pavement at times
Traffic on the road while you’re running
No age group awards
Not chip timed

All of the above are minor in my book. Can’t wait for next year!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or do something else fun? Do you like 10 mile races?

June 23, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Summer Treats

Today’s topic is: Summer Treats

1. Outdoor Dining

I love being able to eat outdoors. I don’t do it at home but I do when I eat in a restaurant or at our marina.

2. Soft Ice Cream

Well, I like any kind of ice cream But open soft ice cream stands are a sign that “summer” has arrived.

3. Cute Clothes

Let’s face it, who likes to wear all those layers… sweaters, scarves, coats, boots….

Just give me a sundress and flip flops!!

4. Racing Opportunities

In the winter months if you don’t like in a warm climate, it is slim pickings.

But in the summer, I can pick from a number of races each weekend. I can make my decision based on location, distance, type of course, day, etc.

one of my favorite summer races (it’s this Sunday!)

5. Sunshine and Longer Days!!

This always makes me feel better. I hate cold weather and it seems to last longer and longer each year. or maybe I have less patience dealing with the ice an snow.

Without snow and ice to deal with, my choice of running locations open up. Check out some of the places I run here. Plus it is no longer dark when I get out of work. I can run anywhere I want!!

on the rail trail

Happy Running! What is your favorite summer treat?

June 9, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Working Out On Boating Vacations

Today’s topic is: Vacation spots — how do you get your workout in on vacation?

For me, vacation is each weekend in Bolton Landing, NY where we keep our boat.

Here are FIVE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE AS A BOATER:

Go for a hike.

There are quite a few nearby places to hike. And they are easy hikes. I am not an expert hiker and have no problems. I can go out early and still get back in time to go out on our boat.

If you are in the area, check out the Lake George Conservancy for hiking guides and maps.

2. Take a walk/hike on a trail (accessible from the boat):

There are several dock sites (Black Mountain Pt, Commission Pt, Red Rock Is, etc.) that have nearby trails and even one bay (Shelving Rock) where you can get to a trail/waterfall.

3. Run/Walk in town.

Our marina is near the Sagamore Hotel which has great grounds to run on including a nature trail.

4. Run/Walk on the main road.

The main road (9N) is the same one that the Adirondack Distance Run and Lake George Half Marathon uses. It has rolling hills and a view of the lake on one side.

5. Swim

This is the most obvious one. We hang often in the bays where the water is calm. There are also cliffs that you can dive off of, as well. (As for me, you’ll see me floating around with a drink in my hand LOL)

my crazy hubby & friend

Happy Running! How you do work out while on vacation?

June 2, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Favorite Vacation

Today’s topic is FIVE REASONS WHY I ENJOY MY ANNUAL TENNIS VACATION:

1. It’s affordable.

Every year, I go to Naples, Fla. in May. It’s off-season so the flights are not expensive. We rent two villas that sleep 5 each. (It’s costs us about $250 each for 8 days.) We leave our chairs, umbrellas and beach stuff in the garage from year to year. We rent 2 vans and split the cost. We eat breakfast in the villa, bring our lunch to beach so we only eat dinner out.

2. The weather is warm and dry.

It rarely rains and if it does, it is only for a short time. It is warm (and at that time of year, usually still cool in the NE.) The sunsets on the Gulf are amazing, too.

3. I run.

This is one of the best things, of course. I can run around the private communities or on the sidewalk along the main road. The only downside is that it is not close enough to the beach to run with water views. And you have to get up early since it is warm and humid.

4. I play tennis and take lessons.

The 10 of us (and the make-up of the group can vary) met playing tennis although we no longer play together at home. So every morning we play doubles and take lessons with a tennis pro.

5. I go to the beach every day.

Love the sand…the sun…the water…ahhhh!

Bonus:

I eat and drink whatever pleases me!!

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite vacation?

May 26, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Fashion

Today’s topic is Misc. so I am choosing last week’s topic of Fashion.

I’m an adult late onset athlete.

I started playing tennis in my 40’s. I always maintained that if I didn’t pay “good,” at least I looked “good.”

I have the same philosophy when it comes to running (which I started in my 50’s.). I like to look “good.”

Here are FIVE REASONS WHY FASHION MATTERS TO ME:

1. Self Esteem.

Simply put: If I dress like a runner, I feel like a runner.

2. Practicality

I wear SkirtSports because they have pockets. I can carry my car key, my phone, fuel, etc. when I run. Plus, the pockets are hidden under the skirt.

I have tissues, Gu and car key in those pockets.

3. Motivation.

If I’m in a slump and don’t feel like running, I put on a new outfit. It’s puts zip in my step and gets me out the door.

a cold day but a new skirt!

4. Comfort.

I wear skirts because they are more comfortable to me than shorts. They cover my thighs and the shorts underneath don’t ride up.

5. Safety.

Wearing bright colors can help you be seen on a dark, rainy or foggy day/night.

So I may be partial to Skirt Sports but many other brands accomplish the same thing. (You can save 20% on Skirt Sports items with the code SPRINGCPT20).

Take my advice: Wear what makes you look good, makes you feel good and makes you want to get out there and run.

Don’t worry. My Runfessions are coming tomorrow.

Happy Running! Do you think fashion is important? Do you care about what you wear when you run?

May 19, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Speed Drills

Today’s topic is Misc. so I am choosing Five Drills to Get You Faster

I’m not a fan of workouts or any drills but when I participate in the Freihofer or Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge, on Monday nights, coach Patrick has us do drills. Why? To run a faster 5k or 10k.

I always protest and he knows that, plus sometimes they come the day after my legs have been tired out from a long run or half marathon.

However, begrudgingly I do them.

The result: the first year (2014-5), I PRed at every distance.

So here’s some of the speed drills that we do:

1. One minute strides (5 of them)

These are my favorites. After a warm up, you run as fast as you can for one minute. Then recover. As Patrick says, “You can do anything for one minute.”

2. 400 m @ 5k pace followed by 200m recovery (4-6 of them)

It’s hard to not to run these fast but you realize that you can’t halfway through the first set and then you slow down to a 5k pace (which is still fast.)

3. Hill Repeats. Incline for at least 200m.

there is a long hill in this park…but I didn’t get a picture on it.

4. 800 m @ 5k pace followed by 400 m recovery. (4-6 of them)

These are my least favorite. 800 m running fast seems like forever.

5. Race a 5k.

This one is not recommended but it’s the one I enjoy the most. Even if it is a fun run, I always try to run well and for me, it’s the best speed drill.

Happy Running! Do you do speed work? What drills do you do?

May 5, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Non-Race-cations

Since I am currently is Naples, FL, I am choosing my topic as Five Ways to Enjoy a Non-Race-cation.

The majority of my vacations are race-cations. But once a year, I go on vacation without a race included during the trip.

And yes, I do have fun anyway and here’s how:

Find another sport that gets you moving.

I usually play tennis for at least two hours every morning. Not many miles on the legs when playing doubles but I’m still moving (and sweating.)

But it could be yoga, swimming, biking, etc.

2. Get those miles in however you can.

isn't this even more inviting??

No better place to walk than along the water.

bike riding every morning around World Tennis Center

I also have access to a bike to ride around the neighborhood.

And if you are lucky, there may be places nearby to go hiking. Visiting museums or roaming interesting shops and markets give your those extra steps.

3. If possible, squeeze in a few short runs.

It’s tough when you stay out late every night and you get up early to play tennis. So my runs are short but still rewarding.

4. Do other things you enjoy that you don’t normally get to do.

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We go to the theater. Last year we went to a comedy club.

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We visit gardens & parks.

during our sunset cruise
We go on sunset cruises. I hope to also get to go kayaking one year.

5. Eat healthy during the day but in the evening, do some no-guilt splurging.

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I eat my usual oatmeal in the morning, yogurt & fruit at the beach for lunch and then…. No limits!

We go out to dinner every night. It is always a blast.

Happy Running! Do you take non-race-cations? If so, what do you do to for fun instead of racing?

April 21, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Pampering

Today’s topic is Pampering.

I don’t get massages or pedicures like many runners do but here’s how I ~~spend money~~ pamper myself or make myself feel good.

1. Hair

Every 5 weeks without fail, I cut and color my hair. I also get highlights once a year.

no, I will NEVER let my gray hair show

2. Nails

I also have my fingernails done about as frequently as my hair. Always a French manicure (so it doesn’t show if I let it go.) I also always have my toes polished (a dark color) but I do them myself.