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Running & Dieting

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

As I listen to podcasts and read blogs about fitness and running, two topics often pop up.  Weight and Pace.

I am just as guilty as the next one in talking about both.

It dawned on me that there are a lot of similarities in wanting to LOSE WEIGHT and wanting to RUN FASTER (these are only in MY OPINION not based on anything else):

1. Quantity Matters

  • In other words, if you have 50 pounds to lose,10 lbs come off a lot quicker than if you only have to lose 10 lbs.  (This I know from a contest among my tennis friends).
  • If you start off running a 40 minute 5k, you can shave 3-4 minutes off your finish time easier than a runner who starts out running a 30 minute 5k.  (This I also know from experience too.)

2. The Plateau

Yes, it happens.

  • You take off some weight and then it stops.  No matter you do, it’s hard to drop more. In fact, you may even gain some back.
  • You get faster and faster and then all of sudden, you do not.  Your finish times stay about the same and for some races, your time is slower.

Frustrating, right?

3. Comparisons

Yes, everyone makes them. It’s normal.

  • You compare yourself to others. “I wish I was as thin as…”

You compare yourself to you at a different time.  “I wish I was thin like when I was …. years old”

  • The same goes with running.

You wish you were as fast as someone else or as fast as you used to be.

4. Harder as You Age

  • Our metabolism slows down. You naturally gain weight as you age.

I am at a heavier weight than ever and I am more active than ever.

So it goes.

  • As you get older, your pace will slow down. There’s no formula for when this will happen (it depends on how long you’ve been running) but it will happen.

That is life.

5. Over Sharing and Social Media

Blogs, Facebook, Instagram.

  • Sharing of weight loss journeys.  Buff bodies, etc.
  • Running photos, finish times, paces for runs.

Again I am not being critical because I am guilty of this too.

6. Not Satisfied rather than Grateful.

Wanting to improve is a good thing.

  • So wanting to be at a healthy weight is great.

The negative is focusing too much on body image and how you look.   (Thank you media.)

  • Wanting to be a better runner and to challenge yourself is also admirable.

Running faster is not what running should be about.

This rings home to me right now as I have two running friends to undergoing treatment for cancer.

You need to be grateful that you are healthy and that you are able to run.

no pics in this post so I have added one of my current favorites.

Happy Running! Does any of this ring home to you?  Do you think there is too much emphasis in blog posts on running pace and weight/dieting?

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Weekly Run Down for 9.2.19-9.8.19 – Race Week

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A short work week but I was in NYC AGAIN!!! And then off to RI to visit an old friend (college roommate, travel buddy, maid of honor) and to run a Half Marathon.

And NYCM Training continues, of course.

Last Week –

  • Monday – I had planned to either race a 5k or volunteer but for once I didn’t register early.  It rained on and off all day. Instead I took a rest day to do fun things like laundry, errands, cleaning.  More tiring than running…
  • Tuesday – Off to NYC by train. I had planned a rest day and a movie but I didn’t run on Monday and the weather was awesome so I decided to run and postpone the movie. Started around 50th and ran uptown along the Hudson until 96th and then headed into Central Park. Eventually walked back to the hotel.

  • Wednesday – Long work day with rain predicted. As usual, no rain so ran a bit on the High Line

and then went to the movies.

Brittany-runs-a-marathon-Movie-HD-Poster-and-stills-2.jpg

A fun flic especially for someone like me who is training for her first marathon and like Brittany, it happens to be NYC. But it was not as much about running as about how it changes your life.

  • Thursday – Day 3 of work and running. Pooped but managed to run to meet Cari and Elizabeth for dinner. And saw the most amazing sunset. How lucky am I?

3 miles run to Pier i

Then I walked all the way back to my hotel.

  • Friday – No run due to the train home after work and then to unpack and re-pack. Engine broke down on the way, had to return to Penn Sta and then no power…3 1/2 hours late returning home 😦
  • Saturday – Long drive to RI to visit my college roommate, Valerie. She recently retired and built a big house on the water and has been wanting me to come see it.  She alerted me that it was 20 minutes from a half marathon in September. Last year I was running in Montreal, but this year..no excuses (except the timing with work stuff sucked).

sunset views from their deck and a few blocks from the beach

  • Sunday – Race Day – Surftown Half Marathon. I had planned to run this race before I signed up for NYC Marathon so it then changed to a training run. Good thing because it was hilly but still it was a beautiful course. And I got to meet two fellow bloggers – Kim & Michelle.

I ran the first half too fast and the 2nd half too slow but still ended up with 2nd in my AG

Afterward we went to Newport and walked around.

didn’t buy the shirt…just posted as a joke

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 11

  • Monday – DAY OFF, recovery run in RI
  • Tuesday –  rest day, chiro appt, mall walk with BFF
  • Wednesday – run @ fleet feet
  • Thursday – run, movie – Downton Abbey!!!
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run – 16 miles, Sole Sisters party
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for September

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the logistics for my first marathon – NYCM are set.

  • Hotel for Nov 2 & 3 – booked (free with pts)
  • Train to NYC on Nov 2 – booked(free with pts)
  • Bus home on Nov 4 – booked ($1 megabus)

On August 1, I battled the website and signed up for my baggage and transportation.

Who knew it was this complicated?

I chose the Poncho as recommended instead of post-race bag check.

Image result for nycm poncho option

And I picked the 7 am bus to the start instead of the ferry.

Related image

I’d love to take the ferry to watch the sunrise on the Hudson River but after you arrive in Staten Island, you still have to board a bus.

Just seems easier to walk to the NY Public Library from my hotel and take ONE bus to the start.

If you have already run NYCM, which options did you choose and did you make the right decision in the end?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that traveling with my job is picking up.  That will be making my mid-week mileage quite challenging.

3 miles instead of 6

But it is what it is.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate in the next two months so at least I get complete all my long runs.

Anyone else keep their weekday runs short (or even skip them) and concentrate only on long runs when training for a big race?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that last two weeks while I was working in NYC, all my friends at home were seeing Hamilton locally.

FOMO.

I could see it on Broadway since I’m there so often but I’m always running!!

I finally broke down and bought a ticket.

Can’t wait!! (And Marathon training will be over!!)

Have you seen this show?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that tomorrow I am running a half marathon in RI.  I had planned to run this race at some point because my college roommate built a home (on the water) nearby.  But I couldn’t go until this year….and then I signed up for my first full marathon.

So it will just be a training run. It should be hilly but have beautiful water views.  Perfect conditions for relaxed 13.1 miles, right?

Anyone else run a half marathon and use it as only a training run?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that for work I went to NYC three times in August (5 days, 3 days and 3 days) and this week, as well (3 days).

I ran a race in Brooklyn, ran along the Hudson and East Rivers and in Central Park.

Then there’s nothing there for me until the NYCM on Nov. 3.

So of course, I signed up for a 10K race on Oct 5.

Do you have a favorite city to run or race in?

One more for good measure –

6 .Over coffee…

I’d tell you that a few weeks ago, I ran along the Hudson River in NYC so I could see the GW Bridge and the Little Red Lighthouse.

thanks @travellingcari

I learned that a book was written about it.

Children’s books are the best!

Ever buy a children’s book?

It’s also Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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August Report Card

Image result for august

I haven’t assessed my month of running since November. But since I am halfway through training for my FIRST marathon, I thought I take a look back.

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

Despite the hot temps, humidity, intermittent thunderstorms and many trips to work in NYC, I was able to run 3 times each week. For the most part, they were only 3 miles but occasionally they were longer.

Our local running club organizes trail runs on Thursdays and I did participate when I was in town. Though there was more walking sometimes than running, it was a lot of fun.

I was lucky to meet up with fellow blogger Cari during my trips to NYC. As in trail running, there may be been a lot of chatting and picture taking instead of speed. But totally enjoy our time together.

Long Runs:

I am roughly using the Hal Higdon Novice Marathon training plan and did my long runs on Saturdays. I am fortunate to have a great bunch of running friends to accompany me on most the miles. I also am able so far to vary my routes – Corning  Bike Path, Zim Smith Path, Delmar Rail Trail and Nisky Bike Path to name a few.

Total Mileage:

100 miles this month.  Woot! Woot!  I haven’t had this many miles since…. I can’t remember!

I am still behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I love to race and had planned to race more than I did.  I DNSed on a One Mile Race and was away for a 5k.

I still did run 3 races – a 8 miler and two 5ks.

All three were on hot and humid days so no PRs or even course PRs. Grateful to be running and winning age group awards nevertheless.

Cross Training:

What is that?

No tennis at all this summer. Sad about that.

I may have hit the gym once or twice. (or maybe not)

I did walk a lot!! During those NYC trips.

I did go hiking once too.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend, family and hubby time. 

Boating on Lake George almost every Sunday! The weather Gods were nice to me this summer.

A weekend away with my tennis friends, a few dinners out with friends and a day at the race track with a former co-worker. I feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life,

I also read quite a few books (train travel and Sundays on the boat afforded me the extra time). My favorite was:

Educated

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

(Fingers crossed that it stays that way until Nov. 4.)

Looking Ahead:

  • Half Marathon #38 (Surftown)  – September 8. 
  • Grete Gallop 10k  –  October 5.
  • Half Marathon #39 (Hannaford) –  October 13.
  • NYC Marathon – November 3.

Trying NOT to click Register on a few other races that I normally run. Choosing to do a Long Run rather than a race is tough for me.  

All in all, it was a good month.  

Adding in some strength training, tennis, yoga and more hiking would make it even better. (But I think I need to retire to do it all. Darn work!!)

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! How did your November turn out? Anything exciting planned for December? 

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Weekly Run Down for 8.26.19-9.1.19: Where is my home?

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In NYC last week and Schroon River over the weekend. Now back in NYC this week and next… followed by a weekend in RI…

Where is my home?? I’m exhausted …

But I’m halfway in my NYCM Training. 9 more weeks to go!!!!

Last Week –

  • Monday  – Back in NYC for work. Got done early so I ran along the East River (in the direction that I don’t normally run) and then back to my hotel.

Cari stopped by my hotel and she suggested that we run along the Hudson to Wagner Park to see the sunset and the Statute of Liberty. Never a bad run with a friend and these views. Great running weather too!

  • Tuesday – After work, I went back to the East River and ran farther than the day before since I had never run along this section of the river before. Always nice to take different routes. Again perfect weather.

  • Wednesday – A rest day after a long work day and then a train ride home after work.
  • Thursday – Back home in time for the last ARE trail run of the season. A new trail for me and a run with friends. Dinner with friends after as well. Can’t beat it.

at Indian Ladder Farms (known for apple picking and cider donuts)

  • Friday – Day off from work to spend the day at the Saratoga Race Track – an annual tradition with my former teaching buddy. We’ve gone 34 out of 35 years (she had a baby one July). We start off with breakfast and watch the horses warm up and then stay for the races. Didn’t win much but had a great time.

  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday. 12 on my schedule. The group picked the Nisky Bike Path. I ran 2 solo miles. Then 4.5 with Sherry and new running friend Deb and the final 5.5 miles with Deb. Afterward, we joined the others for brunch at a new place.

yes that tasted as good as it looks.

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday, of course.  The weather was much better than predicted (no rain, just a little cool) and rain was predicted for Monday so I got in a few miles before we left to go boating.

wish I had more time and energy – have not run here at all this summer

Every year, Lake George has a celebration called Christmas on Log Bay – lots of boaters & music to raise money for charity.

Then in the evening, there’s a boat parade (boats decorated for Xmas) and fireworks.

viewed from our boat at the marina

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 10

  • Monday – DAY OFF, rest day
  • Tuesday –  train to NYC, rest day? run? Movie?
  • Wednesday – run in NYC
  • Thursday – run in NYC
  • Friday – rest day, train home
  • Saturday – rest day, long drive to college roommate’s house in RI
  • Sunday – Surftown Half Marathon

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? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.

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Runfessions for August

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 was raced obsessed again this month. Three races but TWO races in ONE week!

  • August 14, a 5k in Brooklyn
  • August 17, a local 5k

(I came to my senses and DNSed a one mile race on Aug 19. Good thing, I was in NYC working on Aug 21 so I couldn’t run another 5k.)

Anyone else ever run more than one race in a week?

2. I runfess…

I am still confused on the shoe/foot issue.

One day the pain is gone. One day for no reason, it is back.

I’ve gone back to wearing my neutral Nikes for short distances. Sometimes they are fine. Sometimes not.

wore them for my 5k here

Then I added my insoles to my new Mizunos for long runs and they felt better…sorta.

10 mile run

Anyone wear different shoes for different distances?

3.I runfess…

Last month I bought a new Garmin, a 230 but I have yet to try it. Still doing my weekly runs naked and my races with my Garmin 205.

Anyone else hesitate to make technology changes or when you buy a new watch, do you use it right away?

4.I runfess…

Every year, my tennis friends and I go to NYC to see a Broadway show.

I do the organizing so I picked this show:

Image result for hadestown

won a Tony for best musical

and got group tix for October 5.

Yup, this 10k race is why I chose Oct. 5.

Do plan races when you visit another city? Anyone else running Grete’s Great Gallop?

5.I runfess…

I used to play tennis almost everyday and on numerous teams. Then running came into the picture and tennis no longer seemed to fit.

2010 was the last year that I seriously competed o a tennis team

I thought I didn’t miss it but I watched tennis at the Aurora Games and last weekend, I hung out with my tennis friends. And now the US Open is on TV.

Yup, I do miss it.

Has running replaced any other activity in your life?  Do you think that you will ever stop running?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

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Jailhouse Rock 5K Race Recap

August 17, 2019 – 8:15 am

I’ve done this race 5 times before. And I’ve always enjoyed it.

My previous times were: 2009 – 31:04, 2010 – 29:49, 2012 – 30:58, 2014 – 28:25, 2016 – 28:33.

In 2010, I was recovering from an achilles injury and in 2012 from a broken ankle. And obviously healthy in 2014 and 2016.

If I ran it again this year, I would be trying for at least a course PR but with racing, you just never know how things will turn out.

I remembered that in this race, you walk up a hill to start the race and you finished running down this hill. Couldn’t be any better than that. Right?

For some reason, I haven’t run this race the past two years. This year, I signed up because it fit into my schedule

Well, sorta. I should have been running a 12 mile LSD run per my marathon training plan. And I had been in NYC working all week (ran a 5k on Wednesday night) and got back late the night before.  Not ideal.  But welcome to my life!

The race started at 8:15 at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa which is about 45 minutes away from my house. I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 am and left around 6:45 am.

across the street from the museum

This nice local race usually has about 200-300 runners. There’s no parking lot but it is easy to find parking on the street.  There are bathrooms in the museum which is always a plus.

I got there early enough to find a close spot and use the rest room (in the museum). The temps were warm and insanely humid.  (Almost as humid as Wednesday night but with sun).

instead of a shirt, you got a buff – very happy since I have enough shirts

I bumped into a few runners that I knew and chatted until it was time to walk all the way up the hill to the start.

There I found my friend Laurie, whom I knew was running this race.

We started together but I lost her quickly.

The first mile was a gradual uphill but nothing too steep.  I was going to try to hold back but my legs felt like lead so I didn’t need to worry about that. Boy, was it humid!!!!

I was hoping to run the whole thing but around halfway at the water stop, I was out of breath so I stopped and walked for a while. The humidity was killing me.

Mile 2 seemed to be flat but every time I tried to speed up, I felt out of breath so I walked again and again. I knew I had to give up on hopes of a PR and just finish the race.

I walked several times during the last mile.

I knew there was that downhill to the finish… but it seemed forever in coming.

Finally I got to the steep downhill, I wish I was confident enough to go all out but I was afraid of falling flat on my face so I held back.

Then I saw the clock.  It was 28:xx and I ran as fast as I could.

I crossed at 28:30. (There was no timing mat at the beginning).

Although I was dripping wet, I did not feel as bad as I did Wednesday night.  Most likely because I walked several times the last mile.

I grabbed some water and a banana and chatted with some friends while waiting for Laurie.

sweaty but glad to be done

I checked the screen to see if I won an award. My name was not listed so I talked to the person doing the timing and he manually entered my time.

that is a one speedy 60 year old…glad I’m usually in the next age group

They gave awards for 10 year age groups and I won 2nd.

a big cookie – yum!

Splits:

mile 1 –  9:08
mile 2 – 9:14
mile 3 – 9:05
.14 -7:21
______________
28:30

No PR (over a minute faster in June on a harder course.) No course PR. (just a little slower.)

Coincidentally, I recently posted about slowing down.  Well, maybe I am. My last two 5ks have not been stellar performances but I’m not giving up on speed. I’ll attribute it for now to the weather and weariness.

I decided after the race to go to the Zim Smith Bike Path to run 9 more miles.

UGH!! I did not want to…

It was 10 am by the time I started, sunny, still humid and I was BEAT!!!!

The run SUCKED!!! I ran, walked, dragged my feet but got it done.

The only thing that got me through it was some podcasts during and Leah’s Cakery’s chocolate milk at the end!

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down: 8.19.19-8.25.19 – Work Travel Woes

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So work has been hectic. Even more hectic than normal (down TWO trainers and a two new trainings  to learn in the mix). Not ideal conditions to train for a fall race. But it is what it is. And WEEK 8 of NYCM Training has come and gone.

Last Week –

  • Monday – I was supposed to go to NYC today but luckily it got changed. I had also signed up (when I was scheduled to work at home this week) for the Saratoga Track Mile. I had always wanted to run a ONE mile race. Well, it’ll have to wait until next year.  The logistics of driving 45 minutes in traffic for a short race and coming home late to pack just didn’t seem right so instead, I got up early and ran before work. The temps were better than previous runs but the rain did not get rid of the humidity…at all.

  • Tuesday – As I already said, I was almost in NYC but I had bought tickets either my tennis friends to go to the Aurora Games, a tennis exhibition. A very late night but enjoyable.

  • Wednesday – So today I did take the train to NYC. I got up early to run but it started to pour so I went back to bed hoping that the weather would be better in NYC. Well it was hot (over 90) and humid. And I missed the rain which was not necessarily a good thing. 11.5 miles on the feet.

running along the East River (no shade 😦 )

  • Thursday – A long work day but my miles been slacking so Cari agreed to meet me in Central Park and we slogged through a run (instead of attending the Brigid Runs a Marathon preview). And I got drenched on my walk home.

the company, the ducks and turtles made this run bearable.

  • Friday – Rest day to returning home late after work by train.
  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday followed by a weekend away with my tennis friends.

14 miles were on my adapted schedule and my friend Stan agreed to meet me at 6 am to run 6 miles and then Karen & Sherry ran the remaining 8 with me too.  Jan, Barbara and Judy joined us for brunch after.

perfect running weather made my longest run ever not too bad at all… `10 more weeks to go!!

Every summer we spend a weekend together at one friend’s house on the Schroon River. We play tennis, eat, swim, and just have fun. The Saturday group was large and so nice to gather everyone in one place.

swimming this year was replaced by a long walk

  • Sunday – Still at the River House. Only a few of us stayed overnight. I had hoped for early morning tennis but instead went for a long run/walk before the others got up.

so beautiful here!!

Afterward, we decided to take a drive to Lake Placid to visit the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge Center.  We saw eagles, cougars, bears, wolves, etc and walked the trails.  A great experience.

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 9

  • Monday – train to NYC, run in NYC
  • Tuesday –  run in NYC
  • Wednesday – rest day, train home
  • Thursday – last ARE trail run
  • Friday – rest day, day at the Race Track
  • Saturday – Long Run 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating – Christmas party on Log Bay

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? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon this fall? How are you dealing with the end of summer temps and humidity? Please share.

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Loving

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

It’s time for a What Am I Loving Now post so that’s my topic this week.

1. Before Work Monday Runs

I am usually in the office on Mondays, getting ready to travel or train the rest of the week.  So all of a sudden, I decided to drag myself out of bed before work and RUN.

It is cooler in the morning and it just makes my day a whole lot better. It also frees up evenings to do other things.

2. Wednesday Ice Cream Runs

Thanks to a running friend (and former tennis team member), on Wednesday evenings, there is an organized run each week, ending at a different ice cream shop.

Yes, run some miles and re-carb load.  A no brainer!

3. Thursday Trail Runs

Our local running club (ARE) organizes runs on different local trails every week. Until recently, I was too nervous to partake.

Well, I didn’t fall and wasn’t last.  Trail running IS fun!

4. Long Run Saturdays

I love ALL my running friends and they have gotten me through quite a few long runs.

But even better than the runs, are the conversations had over brunch afterward.

5. Boating Sundays 

Because they follow Long Run Saturdays, there is nothing better for the legs than

relaxing on an island

or on the boat…

or at the marina.

Happy Running! What are you loving right now?  Please share.

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Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #7 Race Recap

August 14, 2109 – 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.

Well two years ago, I found a race!!!!

Apparently during the summer months on alternating Wednesdays at 7:10 pm, there is a cheap ($7.50 – if you sign up for the whole series, each race costs only $5) 5k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These races are organized by the Prospect Park Track Club. I ran one that July and had a great time.

I was excited that they were scheduled again last summer and the first two races coincided with the dates that I would be working in NYC. I ran both of them.

Unfortunately, this summer a few of my trainings got cancelled and I was only in NYC to run the last one of this 5K racing series.

Here are some of the perks of these races:

  • Bag check
  • Bathrooms (real ones!)
  • Water before, during and after the race
  • Chip Timing
  • Marker at each mile
  • 5 year Age group awards ceremony after the race
  • Results immediately emailed to you
  • Free photos

So it seemed like a no brainer to run any of these races if I could.

Here is a cool video of the course:

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/840765?units=km

Again I had to work all day in Queens (getting up at 5:30 am and being on my feet until 4 pm). I would have to rush to take the subway, then the LIRR, walk to my hotel and change my clothes and then take a LONG subway ride to Brooklyn.

At least this year, I was pretty familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.)

The problem was the weather. Very humid and it looked like rain. I brought an umbrella just in case.

I actually for the first time exited the train station at the right exit. Right near the entrance to the park nearest the race start

But it was pouring!!!

So I entered the park and followed the signs and wondered why I was crazy enough to do this race.

 

I was pretty early and it wasn’t crowded at all yet. They moved moved bib pick up and bag check indoors.

As I mentioned in my previous recaps for this race, it was strange to be at a race and not know a single person.

I sat outside at a picnic table under an umbrella.

I just had a banana and some water and waited til it was time to head to the start line hoping that the rain would stop.

the race was dedicated to a runner whop recently died

Eventually runners started arriving.  There were probably close to 500. And rain did stop. But it was warm still in the high 70s and incredibly humid. Felt like a sauna.

I was feeling exhausted. Sleeping in a hotel is not ideal and I had gone to bed too late the night before.

Still here I was running a 5k at 7:10 in the evening. Crazy lady, I know!

Night races are tough for me. My only goal was to run well and finish uninjured. There are not usually many older runners so I had a good chance as in previous years in winning my age group.

I noticed an older runner in a local race shirt. It was from a race that I had run several times. Yes, he was from my area and works in the city several days each week. We chatted for awhile and then headed toward the start line.


You pass the finish line on the way to the start.

We all lined up.  No corrals or pace signs.  Just everyone all together.  It didn’t matter because believe it or not, this small local race was chip-timed.

Since I had just run a similar course in June, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1.

As I mentioned previously, there are usually runners of all ages who all look like “runners” and the finish times are incredibly fast. A little intimidating.

I started running the first mile. My legs felt like lead. And then I got to the hill, I tried to run up it and it was tempting to walk but I managed to drag myself through it slowly.

Mile 2 was better but I was so hot. So I stopped at the water stop and walked a bit.

Every who passed me by looked they had gone swimming. Even I was dripping wet from the humidity.

By the end of mile 3, I was crashing. I tried to finish strong but I just had to walk. And walk again.

I did not have enough energy to sprint and barely finished under 29 minutes. My slowest 5k in a few years.

But under the those miserable conditions, I was not disappointed in the least.

I was a little dizzy and went directly to get water and sit down.

Then that local runner that I met before the race finished and we walked back to bag check.

They posted the results. I did win my age group (as I was the only one in my age group.)

I really didn’t want to hang around to get a medal but I did since I think it’s rude when runners don’t.

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:31
mile 2 – 9:08
mile 3 – 9:11
.14 – 7:52

28:48

I never look at my previous race times until after the current race.

2017 – 27:52
2018 – 28:24, 28:02
2019 – 28:48

As you can see, no course PR this year.

Though it was very late by the time I got back to my hotel, I did enjoy my Brooklyn 5k!! And I felt better after the race than before.

I plan to run these races again next year if my work dates match the race dates.

There is now a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Ever fun a race while you are traveling for work? Do you try to improve your times on the same course?