September 1, 2017 by Darlene

Running Motivation Inspired by Dr. Seuss & Friday Five 2.0

I’ve been lamenting about how my new job has me travelling ALL the time and how it’s hard to fit in running. But this past week while I was spending three days in Rochester, NY, I tried to focus about what this job has added to (inspired) my running and this book came to mind:

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the ~~guy~~ runner who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look ’em over with care.
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

NYC – East River

And you may not find any
you’ll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you’ll head straight out of town.

deer along the Erie Canal Trail

It’s opener there
in the wide open air.

Lake Ontario

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

along Lake Ontario

And when things start to happen,
don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll start happening too…

bridge in Busnell Basin overlooking the canal

You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

Onondaga Lake

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole ~~gang~~ pack and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you ~~fly~~ run, you’ll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when ~~they~~ you don’ t
Because, sometimes, ~~they~~ you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so
but, sadly, it’s true
and Hang-ups
can happen to you…

And the chances are, then,
that you’ll be in a Slump.

And when you’re in a Slump,
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done…

But you’ll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

Onondaga Lake

With banner flip-flapping,
once more you’ll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because ~~you’re that kind of a~~ ~~guy~~ you’ll get that runner high!

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!
There are ~~points~~ finish lines to be ~~scored~~ crossed.
There are ~~games~~ medals to be won…

5k on a Tuesday night in Brooklyn

Except when ~~they~~ you don’t.
Because, sometimes, ~~they~~ you won’t.

Nope. Holly beat me.

I’m afraid that some times
you’ll play lonely games too.
Games you can’t win
’cause you’ll play against you…

But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though ~~your enemies~~ injuries may prowl
Onward up over many a frightening creek,
though your ~~arms~~ legs may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will ~~hike~~ run
and I know you’ll ~~hike~~ run far
and face up to your ~~problems~~ challenges
whatever they are…

Charlotte- Genesee Lighthouse, Rochester

So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

along the East River, NYC

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)

trail along Lake Ontario

~~KID~~ RUNNER, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So…
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
~~Your mountain~~ The road is waiting.
So…get on your way!

So next week, I’m off to Buffalo. You bet I’ll be looking for a new place to run….

It’s also Friday so, 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 Work Travel Has Inspired My Running:

1. New Places

Wegman’s Landing in Liverpool, NY

2. New Faces

another Skirt Sports Ambassador in Pittsford, NY

3. New Challenges

bridges along the Canal after being on my feet for 8 hours

4. New Post Race Fuel

Abbot’s Custard in Busnell Basin, NY

5. Prioritizing Running

running after working all day and before leaving on a long drive home

Happy Running! What has recently inspired your running?

August 29, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: August Report Card

Summer has arrived. But actually it hasn’t been a hot one so far – just a few humid days and some rain!!

Here’s how August worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

: at UAlbany

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in Rochester and Liverpool for work. My weekday runs are usually 3-4 miles.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often and Judy once. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

: at Washington Park

: at the Crossings

I can’t wait until my Turkey Trot running group starts up again next month. Every Monday, I will have a group to run with (if work doesn’t get in the way 😦 )

Long Runs:

Long runs have begun in preparation for my next half marathon. As per my usual plan, they didn’t happen as per a plan or every weekend. C’est la vie!

: actually I did cover 9 miles that day

Total Mileage:

I have run 76 miles this month so far (My goal was 85 but it looks like I may only reach 81.) Some skipped runs and no half marathon this month can be blamed for the low mileage. Still healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran Race the Train, a hilly 8.4 miler for the 2nd time. It was hillier than I remembered but I had a course PR, met up with running friends and won an AG award. I also ran the France Run 8K in NYC. Running the Central Park hills was a challenge but Sue and I had a blast.

: 2017

: France Run 8k

Cross Training:

I played tennis outdoors twice. Again this month, I was out of town working every other Tuesday 😦

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais!

I did walk occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk.

I did go hiking once. It was great!! I wish I had time to have gone more often. Darn work! (Yes, that’s a recurring theme.) Does Hula Dancing count as cross-training??

Other News:

I went to NYC with a running friend for a race. While we were there, we walked miles and miles – over the Brooklyn Bridge, around Governor Island, on the High Line and more…. 23 miles in addition to the race!! So fun!!!

: Brooklyn Bridge and Governors Island

I went to the Saratoga Race Track as I do every year with a former co-worker. We had breakfast, stayed for the races and then stopped off at the Casino. I won a lot of races but in the end, probably came out even. My monthly tennis ladies get-together was a Hula lesson and dinner (pic above).

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends.

As you can tell, running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure….family, friends, food….

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Two half marathons planned- October 1 in Corning, NY. and November 12 in Las Vegas.

I also have quite a few shorter races planned. I have to squeeze them in before the winter.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

9-9-17 or 9-10-17 – Malta 5K, Teal Blue Ribbon 5k or another 5k
9-17-17 – Palio 5k or another 5k
9-23-17 – Helper’s Fund 10k
10-01-17 – Wineglass Half Marathon
10-08-17 – Ramblefest 8k or 10-07-17 – Apple Run 5K / ZOOMA Virtual 10K
10-15-17 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K
10-29-17 – Goblin gallop 5k ?

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her September Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

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

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, fewer weekly miles, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, easy lackluster weekday runs. I know I can do better.

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

August 28, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 8.21.17-8.27.17

Last Week:

Monday – Yes, I was tired after my busy weekend but I still ran and then went for a walk in the mall with my bff.

my legs were not happy with this one…slowest ever!!

Tuesday. Had the day off from work to go to my friend’s funeral. Took advantage of my free time to run with Judy in the morning. She wanted to run 6 miles and I didn’t think I could handle that many after the previous day’s sucky run. So we planned to meet after her 2 mile warm-up and run 4 together. Unfortunately we mixed up the meeting location and only ran 1 1/2 miles together. But it was the best I’ve felt in a long time. You know, one of the rare runs that you feel you could run forever. I think it was that it was the morning and I was trying to run slower than normal. Who knows???

After the funeral and dinner at the family’s house, I played tennis. I was pretty rusty since I hadn’t played in a weeks but it was fun to see my “happy” friends and of course, we went out to dinner after.

Everyone got a rock to place somewhere in Carol’s memory. I think I will leave it at UAlbany while I’m running there. It’s where we met and studied.

Wednesday – After work, I dragged myself for a run at The Crossings (because I worked today nearby.)

yes, it ended at the ice cream stand.

Thursday – After a long work day, I took a rest day (on a cool perfect running weather day) and instead went out to dinner with my tennis friends. One of the ladies arranged for a Hula lesson beforehand. So much fun.

in a park along the Hudson River

Friday – Another rest day. Just because…… I did play mah jongg in the evening
Saturday – I did my long run today. I thought I’d have company but ended up solo with my podcasts as a companion. The weather was perfect as was my post race snack.

On the Zim Smith Trail

After errands, I watched my hubby play tennis. Unfortunately, our dinner get-together with some running friends got cancelled so I actually stayed home!!

Sunday – I watched my hubby play tennis again and then we went up to the lake to relax.

views from my walk in town

my view for the rest of the day

We ended the day with dinner at a restaurant on the lake (with a stop for ice cream on the way home 🙂 )

20 miles done.

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run in Rochester (there for work)
Tuesday – 3 mile run in Rochester
Wednesday – 2 mile run before leaving Rochester
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – long run
Sunday – rest, boating, Xmas party in Log Bay (on Lake George)

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

This week’s Guest Host is Teresa @ Finding Fabulous at Fifty.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

August 25, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Runfessions August

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

and it’s also Friday so, 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 August Runfessions

I runfess…

I was really excited when I got a 6 month free membership to a gym back in March. I vowed to go use the machines twice a week.

Then once a week. (Even the nearby Starbucks stopped motivating me.)

Well, the thrill is gone. I have not gone once this month!!!!!!!

2. I runfess…

I took the day off from work (and did not travel to Liverpool) because I wanted to go to a friend’s funeral. And I did go but I ran before and played tennis after. I can’t let my free time be free.

on the Delmar rail Trail

3. I runfess…

I am been purging big time from my closet. I have too many things that I no longer wear. I definitely don’t need any more running clothes. I mean I only run 4x a week at most.

So why did I buy another running skirt or two?

Gym Girl Ultra (my fav) – FWC20 for 20% off at skirtsports.com

4. I runfess…

Speaking about temptation, I cannot stop eating ice cream. Every day!!! It’s my reward after a run. It’s my reward after a bad day. It’s my reward…just because.

just being patriotic

I need an intervention.

5. I runfess…

I’m already picking out my races for 2018.

But I’ve decided (for now) on quality rather than quantity. In the past I’ve run as many as 7 half marathons in a year. This year, I had planned to run 6 – 3 in the spring and 3 in the fall but (may only run 5).

I think for next year, it’ll be 4 – 2 in the spring and 2 in the fall.

Here’s the plan so far:

March:

Image result for singer island half marathon

FLA – bridges, ocean views, friend meet-ups and baseball (Mar 18)

May:

largest half in US, NYC weekend, fun fun (May 20)

Sept:

hilly but with beaches, staying at my college roommate’s new house in RI (Sept 9)

Oct:

Paris what else can I say? This will probably not happen but a girl can dream… (Oct 6)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Do you slack off on your gym membership? What food do you have a weakness for? Do you buy too many running clothes? Any big races planned for 2018?

August 22, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: “I’m getting better”

This quote always makes me laugh.

Don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

This month’s topics are free so I’ve chosen: “I’m Getting Better.”

I know they say that as runners age, they get slower.

That may be true if you started running young. Of course, you are slower than when you ran in college.

But at as an adult-onset runner, I think that you can still get faster or at least become a better runner as you age.

For most of us, we think better equals faster. And yes it does since races are always timed. But we can also become better in many ways.

Here’s how:

Get Faster

Maybe it’s mental but I refuse to believe that I am getting slower. I don’t try to PR at every race. I don’t even train or do drills to PR.

But I enter each race to do my best, have a fun and if possible, have a course PR.

That helps take off the pressure because every race is different even if it is the same distance.

So in 2017 even though I turned 64, it has been the year of course PRs:

: the most satisfying because of the difficulty of the 10 miles

: this hilly 4 miler was faster than a flat one

Polar Cap 4m

2015 – 37:40, 2017 – 37:20

Shamrock 5m

2016 – 46:28, 2017 – 46:09

Bacon Hill 5K

2016 – 27:54 , 2017 – 27:32

Lake George 5K

2013 – 29:17, 2017 – 27:53

Summer Smith 5k

2016 – 28:29, 2017 – 27:26

Freihofer 5k

2016 – 28:50, 2017 – 27:48

Adirondack 10m

2016 – 1:42:21, 2017 – 1:39:35

Silks & Satins 5k

2016 – 28:27, 2017 – 27:37

Race the Train (8.4 m)

2016 – 1:28:54, 2017 – 1:28:27

Every race that I repeated, I was faster in the same race this year. I don’t expect this to happen in the coming years so I am enjoying my current success.

However, I refuse to believe that my speedy days are over.

Age Group Awards

Yes, I know it depends on how many are in your age group and who shows up. In any given race, you can win one and even if you have a PR, not win one.

As you age and enter new age group groups, your chances increase.

Entering small and less popular races, increase your chances.

I have been lucky this year to win one in almost all my races.

: impromptu vacation race

Fewer Injuries

Yes, hopefully we get smarter as we age. We take rest days when we need them. We skip or shorten our runs when we feel pain.

I (knock on wood) have not had any injuries since my broken foot in 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope it stays this way. That means running smart. Deciding when to run easy and when to go all out.

Carpe Diem

Yes as we age, we seize more opportunities. Maybe it’s because our kids are grown. Maybe it’s because we are more confident. Maybe because we have more running friends (that talk us into crazy things.)

We take race-cations, go on girls only weekends and sign up for challenges, Ragnars, and other wild running events.

I have always tried to coordinate a vacation or visit to a friend with a race. Last year, I participated in a girls weekend in Florida and one in NYC and it was so much fun, that I planned more this year:

NYC in April with Sue & Maureen (Shape Half)
NYC in August with Sue (France 8k)
Corning, NY in October with local friends (Wine Glass Half)
Las Vegas in November with blogger friends (RnR 5k & Half)
PCB in December with blogger friends ??????????

: Shape Half 2017

So what do you think? Can we become better runners as we age? Are you getting better?

August 21, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 8.14.17-8.20.17

Last Week:

Monday – Hey, a sunny day. You have to run even if you are exhausted. And that’s what I did but decided to run at UAlbany because it was close by.

all in pink 🙂

Tuesday. Had to drive to Liverpool for work. It started to rain when I headed out the door to run. I was patient and waited out the rain and was able to run along the lake before dinner.

After dinner, I went back to watch the sunset.

Wednesday – Nothing exciting happened today except for work and a long drive back afterwards. Before I left for home, I set out for a short 2 mile ice cream run.

if you’re ever in Liverpool, NY, you have to have ice cream at Vicky’s.

Thursday – I ran with Alyssa for our weekly run date. For a change, we chose the Crossings.

Guess where we ended our run?

Friday – A scheduled rest day. Rest was definitely needed!!

On a sad note. My cat, Billy has been missing a week. He is 12 and an outdoor cat. I fear, at our neighbor’s garage sale, he got into some stranger’s car. Although, he’s not one of our favorites and he is pretty aloof, I still miss him.

Billy is the gray one. Now we ONLY have 3 cats. LOL I’m still a “cat lady.”

Saturday – Another rest day without much rest. Sue and I took a very early morning train to NYC. We had an awesome day touring the city including walking over the Brooklyn bridge and taking a boat to Governors Island. We walked 13.1 miles the day before our race.

Sunday – Today I ran the France 8K Run in Central Park, NYC. Any race in Central Park is a challenge but I had a blast.

After the race, we walked the High Line and around Chelsea Market and Bryant Park before taking the bus home. 15.2 miles. Phew!

18.5 miles running done. (23.3 miles walking in one weekend!!)

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run, mall walk with bff
Tuesday – 3 mile run with Judy, funeral (instead of travel for work), tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run after work
Thursday – rest, dinner out with tennis buds
Friday – rest, mah Jong
Saturday – long run, watch the hubby in tennis championship matches, dinner with Wineglass ladies
Sunday – watch the hubby in tennis championship match, boating after

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

This week’s Guest Host is Madhuri @ Ponder ‘N’ Wonder .

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

August 18, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Running Fuel

It’s Friday and 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.

This week, the topic is: Running Fuel.

So what would someone who doesn’t cook much and whose post-run fuel is usually ice cream write about??

I am going to share what I use for energy before or during my runs:

1. GU

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage
without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

Here are some new flavors that I haven’t tried:

: haven’t tried

: love this one

: not a fan

2. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry.

They are made with 0g of trans fat, all natural, whole wheat, and are Non GMO, Kosher, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors are even gluten-free.

always new flavors to try

3. Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

4. Starbucks Chocolate Banana Smoothie

I am sure it must be heathier than a Latte or a Frappuccino, right? (This is obviously a pre or post run treat.)

It contains: A nourishing blend of mocha flavored sauce, a whole banana, milk, whey protein and fiber powder, and ice.

5. Larabar Bites

Are they healthy? Not sure but they do taste good. Here’s what their website says:

All 4 indulgent flavors are made from just 5-6 simple ingredients and are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and dairy free.

Happy Running! What do you eat for running fuel?

August 15, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: YOLO

Don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

This month’s topics are free so I’ve chosen: YOLO for Runners

What does it mean?

According to the dictionary:

YOLO is an acronym for “you only live once“. Similar to Latin “carpe diem” (“seize the day”), it implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks, as if there would not be another chance for it.

For a runner, YOLO means:

Running on a new path. We (or at least I do) tend to run on routes where we are comfortable. So to get out of this rut, you have to be adventurous.

: following this unknown 2.4 mi route

: eventually led me to bridges and waterfalls

Run a race even if no one else you know is running it. Yes, it is more fun with friends but we shouldn’t not run a race just because “no friends are going.”

: a long drive and my BRF cancelled

: but worth it for a PR

Run a new distance. If it’s a longer distance, that’s pretty scary. (I mean I won’t run a full marathon.) But instead of 5ks and 10ks, try a different one. Besides, if it’s the first one, it’s automatically a PR.

: my first 8K

: Race the Train – 2016

Be spontaneous. Be open to new experiences rather than over thinking and obsessing. Usually, I just sign up and plan later. But lately, I’ve been mulling races over more. Can I afford the race? Can I take the time off from work? Do I want to go that far? Mind you, they are all valid reasons not to run a race.

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

: I am positive this race will be memorable as well

I have two more halfs this fall that I am having a tough time making decisions about. I may just postpone one until next year. And the other – TBD

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup.

coachescorner

Happy Running! Are you a planner? Or a YOLO kind of runner?

August 14, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 8.7.17-8.13.17

Last Week:

Monday – Sometimes you have to miss a run for some fun. Today was a tradition. The 32nd time having breakfast at the Saratoga Race Track with a former coworker. In recent years, we have added on staying for the races. RaIn was forecast but lucky for us, not a drop fell until we were on our way home.

Won some races and lost some. Came out a little ahead for the day and had a lot of fun.

Tuesday. Had to drive to Rochester for work. Took advantage of the nice weather to get a run in on the Canal.

Even got to meet a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador who worked at Schoen Place. and then ran 4.5 miles (and had gelato post run)

Wednesday – Nothing exciting happened today except for work and a long drive back afterwards. Before I left for home, I was told that there was a nearby trail. So I set out for a short 2 mile run.

not much of a trail or a view but some flat grass.

Thursday – I ran with Alyssa for our weekly run date. The Thursday night concerts had ended so we were able to run at the Corning bike path on the Hudson River.

It was hot and I was TIRED but she dragged me through it.

Friday – A scheduled rest day. Unfortunately I couldn’t enjoy it since I had to go to a wake.

I’ve known Carol since college. She died after a 5 yr battle with ovarian cancer.

Saturday – Today I proctored the MPREs as a favor for a friend and then went for a run before the predicted rain (which didn’t arrive until evening.) I’d liked to say that the run was uneventful but it was far from that. I’ll just list a few things go that went wrong: forgot my socks, started at noon, sunshine, humidity, hunger, new route, unsavory neighborhood, missed the entrance to the trail, tired, no watch, phone died.

The good news was that there were bridges, dogs and a downhill mile.

still haven’t found all 20.

Oops. I meant 9 miles

Sunday – A weekend would not be complete without a trip to the lake. Perfect weather. Perfect place for a rest day.

20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run
Tuesday – 4 mile run along the lake in Liverpool
Wednesday – rest, drive home from Liverpool
Thursday – 4 mile run with Alyssa
Friday – rest, mah Jong
Saturday – rest, train to NYC
Sunday – France 8k run in NYC

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

This week’s Guest Host is Michelle @Running With Attitude

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

August 12, 2017 by Darlene

Race the Train Recap

I love to race and this one sounded interesting last year so I signed up. It was lots of fun but the first 1 1/2 miles were very challenging (I apparently blocked out the hills during the rest of the race.)

Here is the course map. You can see what I mean about the long early hill..

rtt

I wasn’t sure if I was up to running it again but my friend Sue said she had signed up and also my VT friend AJH expressed an interest in running it. So you know me, it didn’t take much persuading for me to sign up as well.

The race is not nearby – about an hour 50 minutes and you have to be on time since you take the train to the race start.

I asked my friend whose house is not too far away (in Chestertown) if I could stay there and she agreed. It would be about an hour closer so I didn’t have to get up as early. But the forecast was for heavy rain and thunderstorms so I decided instead to stay home and get up early the next day.

I woke up at 4:30 to pouring rain. I seriously contemplated a DNS. But I didn’t. And I am glad that I ignored the weather forecast

It was easy to get to North Creek Railroad Station and didn’t take as long as anticipated. And the rain stopped!!! So I got there very early and parked in a parking lot next to the finish line.

It was already in the 70s and very humid when I arrived. But I was thrilled that it was not raining…

I picked my race packet (a cotton shirt, a bib, your train ticket and a raffle ticket) and walked around waiting for Sue and AJH.

I found both of them. Sue was working at registration so I hung around with AJH.

There were REAL restrooms in the gift shop and a lot of interesting things to read and look at.

some of these pics are form last year (hence the bright blue sky)

Finally everyone arrived and we lined up to get on the train.

I spotted Maureen whom I met at the Shape Half in NYC. It was cool to see her again and catch up. (She said that she had not run since but I knew that she would be speedy anyway… and she was.)

And then we sat and waited and waited. The train was supposed to leave at 8 am but it didn’t until about 8:20 and they even had a bus for the late arrival runners.

The ride was really scenic. It was an interesting experience taking the train to the start line of a race.

The train ride was along the Hudson River the whole way.

Finally we arrived at the next station – Riparius.

getting ready to beat that train LOL

We walked around and finally headed to the bridge where the race would begin.

Finally everyone got to the start. I started with AJH and Sue. The train whistle blew and off we went.

The train gave us a head start and then it took off with the friends and families of the runners.

photo from: The Sun

The goal was to beat the train. I knew that I would not and I also knew that since I don’t train on hills, it would be not be an easy race for me. Plus I was a little nervous about my ankle (which had been painful on the previous Monday and Tuesday)

The best case scenario would a course PR (faster than 1:28:54) and maybe win an age group award again. But my real goal was really just to finish pain-free and enjoy the run.

And that’s what I did.

The first mile and 1/2 was a STEEP uphill. First on asphalt and then on dirt. I attempted to run but decided that I would be better off walking. Everyone that was running was struggling. So I ran a little but mostly walked.

There was someone called out times at every mile. I was hoping to get my pace to between 10 and 11 and keep it there even if I walked the hills.

That uphill eventually turned into a downhill but after that it was just rolling hills. They never ended. (How could I have forgotten them??) They weren’t steep or as long except for maybe 2 more steepish ones (The one between mile 5 and 6 was so steep. I could barely walk up it.) That meant there were only 2 more steep downhills.

But because you were running on dirt with rocks, you couldn’t take advantage of the downhills as much as you would have liked. (I always fear a face plant.)

But my walk/run strategy on the hills seemed to work. Those running passed me on the uphill but then I passed them on the downhill. In the end, I was not as drained as they were. (Sweaty yes! It was SOOOO humid!)

The scenery was nice as you ran through the woods (and listening to the train whistle until it passed you) and toward the end, you could see the river. Eventually, you had to run through town in order to finish at the train station.

photo from: The Sun

The good news is that my ankle never hurt. I didn’t get blisters and I never felt tired. I didn’t push myself and as a result could enjoy the race. (Of course, part of me wished I had enough endurance to run up those hills but I know my legs would have been dead by the end if I did and I didn’t want to risk straining my ankle tendon.) In hindsight, I think I could have run more and walked less.. But who knew???

I had no time goals but I estimated that I would finish around 1:30:xx and I finished at 1:28:27. I was thrilled!!

everyone got a medal!

It was a course PR!!!!

I had some food (bagels, fruit, pastries) but the highlight was chocolate milk and then I waited around for the awards while trying to be creative with my medal.

Last year I won my age group but this year I was 3rd. (Sue was too!) I was happy!!! It always depends on who shows up whether or not I win…

The water bottle was the award

After the awards, they gave away raffle prizes but none of us won any.

All in all, a very challenging yet fun race. I think I’ll do it again (since I’ll probably block out any memory of those hills LOL)

My HILLY Splits:

mile 1 – 10:51
mile 2 – 10:55
mile 3 – 9:06
mile 4 – 10:15
mile 5 – 10:33
mile 6 – 11:52
mile 7 – 11:13
mile 8 – 11:00
.4 – 8:03

Afterwards, I stopped to visit the friend whose house I was supposed to sleep at the previous night. She was there with a friend and they wanted to go hiking. I decided I might as well before the DOMS set in. So we drove back to North Creek and found a hike at Gore Mountain. We chose the shortest and easiest one – 2.1 miles to a reservoir.