May 26, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Every Picture Tells a Story

Every time, I run a half marathon, I like to look back at my previous half marathon races.

All 13.1 miles, yet all are so different.

I can’t believe that this will be my 20th. And 15th after my ankle surgery. (So Dr. Ortho, I will run again!!)

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#1 – My first and BEST was the Naples Half Marathon in January of 2011. My goal was just to finish and I did. It is one of my proudest moments. Plus it was on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there.

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#2 – I immediately registered for the 1st annual Lake George Half Marathon in April of that year. Unfortunately, I had to run in sleet & freezing rain for 13.1 miles & without my Garmin. I was happy to survive and my time was a PR until 2014.

# 3 – Out with strained Achilles for 6 weeks during the summer of 2011 delayed my training for the Adirondack Half Marathon (so I walked the 2nd half of the race.) It was still fun because I was running it with lots of friends and you got run into the lake after crossing the finish line.

my 4th Half Marathon 10-23-11

# 4 – Again impulsively, I decided to sign up for the inaugural Fall Foliage Half Marathon as a training run. This was my hilliest half but I finished injury-free. All was good.

Ellen & I with our bibs

# 5- My goal race of that year (2011) was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon that I was running with a friend in California. This time it only poured for half the race and I finished with a disappointing time. So did my friend and we lamented over Bloody Marys.

After 5 half marathons in 2011, there were NONE in 2012. (The year of the broken ankle & foot stress fracture.)

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#6 – My next Half Marathon, the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla, came in 2013 16 months after serious ankle surgery and 5 months after a foot stress fracture. I was just glad to be running again. The course was beautiful, my friends were waiting at the end and I was so happy.

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#7 – The Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon in the fall of 2013 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would have liked, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” And I did. I enjoyed it since it was my first half where I slept in my own bed the night before. My hubby was waiting at the finish line and we headed right up to the lake afterwards.

# 8 – For the Love Run Half Marathon in the Spring of 2014, I was injury-free for the whole training but I trained during an awfully cold, snowy winter. Despite running in monsoon rains, I managed to PR. I made new running friends and we had a lot of fun during our weekend in “wet” Philly. We plan to re-unite in Cape Cod this September.

#9 – That summer, after running a 10 mile race, I impulsively registered for the Saratoga Springs Half Marathon. This taught me to never run one in the summer. It was very humid, I felt sick and for the first time, I struggled to finish upright.

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#10 – Impromptu and free. I registered for the Hangover Half Marathon for New Year’s Day 2015 and ran it as a training run on a cold, windy, lonely, boring course. And it was my fastest. Go figure?

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#11 – Training in frigid temps and running in Florida in January I thought would give me problems but the stars were aligned and I had the BEST.HALF.EVER in West Palm Beach. Beautiful weather, awesome scenery, a big PR and age group win.

Asbury Park Half Marathon

#12 – I had awesome aspirations for the Asbury Park Half Marathon in April 2015. But foot pain ended that and I had a disappointing finish time. Still, it was fun running along the ocean in Bruce Springsteen’s hometown.

VCM Relay

#13 – The Vermont City Marathon Relay on Memorial Day weekend was an unplanned race. Although, my finish time was slow, I thoroughly enjoyed this race in beautiful Burlington, VT and sharing it with AJH.

#14 – The Walkway Half Marathon was my 5th of 2015. I was looking forward to running this inaugural race and especially to seeing this new and highly publicized bridge. I had not trained much since April, overslept and ran without my Garmin so I was not disappointed with my slowish time. And I enjoyed the course. I have since returned to walk it with friends.

#15 – I had really been looking forward to running a RNR race. Unfortunately, the first annual RNR Brooklyn Half Marathon in October 2015 was very poorly organized plus I had a painful backache during the last half of the race. Still I unexpectedly met a former student of mine and enjoyed sightseeing during my weekend in Brooklyn.

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#16 – Another race-cation in Florida for the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon in December 2015. It rained the whole time I was there except for during the race. But it was so warm and humid that I wished that it had. I was disappointed in that I was hoping for a great finish time like the last time I ran there. Moral: you can’t control the weather.

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#17 – I decided to try Florida again in February 2016. This time it was for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. This is, so far, my favorite race, despite the cold windy weather. If I ever repeat a half marathon, it will be this one!!

Celebrate Life HM

#18 – I ran the Celebrate Life Half Marathon in March because the money went to victims of cancer and their families. The course were horribly hilly but the weather was perfect. It was fun taking a bus to the race with other local runners.

#19 – The Lake George Half Marathon in April was almost a repeat race except that the finish was different and it was run by a different company. So I expected the hills. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed Barbara’s company.

#20…. Vermont Marathon City Marathon Relay

I’m excited to run this race again. I will be running the second half of the marathon course instead of the first (like last year.). I don’t feel prepared at all to run 13.1 miles so we’ll see how I do. Just hoping for good weather, no injuries and I’m sure I’ll have a fun weekend in Burlington.

thinking out loud

Since it is Thursday, I’m also linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Happy Running! What are thinking about today? Please share.

May 25, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Freedom

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

Today’s word is FREEDOM.

Isn’t that what running gives us?

Freedom to run WHEREVER we choose.
Freedom to run ALONE or with a GROUP.
Freedom to run WHENEVER we can.
Freedom to run for FUN or in a RACE.
Freedom to do DRILLS or just run.
Freedom to run SLOW or FAST.
Freedom to run to RUN/WALK or RUN or WALK.
Freedom to run LONG or SHORT.
Freedom to run on ROADS or TRAILS or TRACKS or TREADMILLS.
Freedom to run with MUSIC or our THOUGHTS.
Freedom to run in any WEATHER.
Freedom to run in COSTUMES.
Freedom to run in FASHIONABLE running attire.
Freedom to run for a CHARITY.
Freedom to run for a PR.
Freedom to run …..

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I think you can substitute “Running” for “Freedom.” What do you think?

Happy Running!

May 24, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Ideal Racing Conditions

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

This week’s topic is: Racing window of comfort. What are your ideal temperature/conditions for race day?

Sunshine
No Wind
50 degrees
Awesome Scenery and minimal hills

Celebrate Life HM
Perfect weather conditions…but those HILLS!!

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Great course but TOO HOT and TOO HUMID!!

Happy Running! What are your perfect racing conditions?

May 19, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking about today…

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Happy Running! I am not. I am ON VACATION! Woo Hoo!

May 18, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Encourage

Today’s word is ENCOURAGE.

What does it mean to “encourage?”

to give support, confidence, or hope to (someone).
to give support and advice to (someone) so that they will do or continue to do something.
to help or stimulate (an activity) to develop.

This easily applies to running. We can encourage others to become runners, to complete their first 5k, to run faster or to run farther.

I am always looking for opportunities to encourage/mentors other runners. It may be due to the fact that I was a teacher for so many years and that I think running is a great thing.

There’s the STEM (domestic violence survivors) program which I have been active in.

and GOTR (for girls in grades 3-5) where I have been a running buddy.

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I’ve also mentored SRMs (Strong Running Mamas), a beginning runner’s group.

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Even when I run with a friend, I try to be encouraging.

However, I think encouraging others is easier than encouraging yourself.

I think we tend to expect a lot of ourselves and we are also over critical of our performances….

“I should have run faster.”
“Why did I start out so fast”
Why did I walk up all those hills?”
What can’t I finish under XXX?
“I’ll never be that fast.”
“I’m so slow. No one will want to run with me.”
“Why am I always injured?”
Will I ever win an age group award?”

Have you ever said to yourself any of the above?

Happy Running! How do you encourage others? Do you encourage yourself?

May 17, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Picking your races

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

This week’s topic is: Racing. Are you a one-and done type? Or do you run the same ones over and over?

Well, both.

For half marathons, I have decided not to repeat. There are so many to choose from. I don’t feel the need even though I am tempted to re-do the ones I’ve loved. There are still many local ones that I haven’t run.

my favorite destination race

my favorite local race

For other distances, if I like a race, I do run it every year. I won’t list them all since as you know, I run a lot of races. The ones below, I try to put on my racing calendar every year.

I will be running the Freihofer’s 5k for the 9th time this year.

the Spring Run Off is my favorite 10k

I love the Stockadeathon 15K

Delmar Dash wins for a 5 mile race

and the Polar Cap for 4 milers

My favorite 10 mile race is the Adirondack Distance Run

Happy Running! Do you repeat races?

May 13, 2016 by Darlene

Albany Law Day 5K Against Domestic Violence Race Recap & FF

I had seen this race on the schedule each year and have been tempted. It makes sense since I do work at Albany Law School.

But it is an evening race. It’s hard to get there after work and it’s not an ideal time to race for me. And how does one fuel for a race that starts at 6:30 pm?

Anyway, a FB running friend proposed a team and I got sucked in last year.

It was hot and humid and I didn’t really enjoy the race. I didn’t run well and though I came in 2nd in my age group, they only gave awards for first. I had decided that I probably wouldn’t run this race again.

Fast forward to this year. The place I work has been focusing all year on healthy challenges. They proposed that we do a 5k together. I suggested this one because is was during the week and raised money for an important cause. Everyone was enthusiastic about the race until it came time to sign up.

You got it – they all had excuses except me, 2 other staff members, 2 students and a husband & child. So out of 400 or so, we have a team of 7!!!

The weather cooperated in that it was sunny and no wind but it seemed like summer had arrived and we skipped spring. It was around 80 degrees. (I was wearing my winter jacket just on Sunday!!)

The race took place in the Crossings, a beautiful park.

This is where I go for my Freihofer training group runs. I have done a few races here as well.

I like it. There are hills and roads and trails.

There’s a pond.

I got there early so I could find parking. This year, I even knew where to park and where the race started.

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I wore a similar outfit to last year (Purple is the color that represents the fight against Domestic Violence. I’ll be wearing it again at Saturday’s race.)

I immediately bumped into a bunch of volunteers and clients from STEM (the survivors of Domestic Violence). I also saw some lawyers, co-workers and running friends.

If my race sucked last year, this year, it felt even worse.

It was hot. I immediately got a stitch in my side (maybe from eating a fig bar right before the race) and it stuck with me the WHOLE race.

Of course, I started out fast and then I could barely breathe – it was like I had asthma. Then I was coughing and sneezing. I attribute it to the pollen and grass (I used to have terrible hay fever when I was younger.) It was really tough to run when you are gasping for air. The only time this has happened was during this same race last year.

I made it about 1 1/2 miles before I started to walk.

I was also REALLY thirsty and the only water stop was at the 2 mile point. I walked then and several more times before the end of the race. I’ve never walked that much in a 5k but I just couldn’t catch my breath.

The result – 29:31 finish time – even slower than last year.

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Well, that’s how it goes sometimes.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:02
mile 2- 9:46
mile 3 – 9:36
.2 – ?? (didn’t stop my watch)

I hung around watching the other STEM runners finish and the coordinator’s 7 year old daughter who ran her first 5k.

Then I had some refreshments which were awesome – bananas, brownies, pizza and Cider Belly donuts!!

They only gave out awards for 1st in 10-year age groups.

I came in third

I’ll have to remember next year that I should skip this race.

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons I Ran this Race:

The Charity

Domestic Abuse is a horrible thing. It affects so many women. If you met them, you would never know what they’ve been through.

2. The Distance

It’s a 5k race so it would only take 30 minutes. Even if I am tired, I can muster my way through 3.1 miles. It shouldn’t affect my 5k /long run on Saturday. In fact, I would be running at least 3 miles today anyway.

3. The Challenge

Yes, it’s only a 5k but that means that you feel like you should run fast. That’s the challenge. The course is fairly flat. Could I PR??? (Obviously not.)

4. The Runners

It’s always fun to know people when you arrive at a race. You stand and around and chat. I love runners!!

5. Motivating Others

I want to set an example at work. I think running is great and it has helped me immensely physically, socially and emotionally. I am older than most people that I work with and I want to show them that if I can run so can they.

Happy Running! How do you feel about night races? Do you do them? Has it gotten warm where you live?

May 11, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Dilemmas

Today’s word is DILEMMA.

What is a dilemma?

It’s a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two different things you could do.

Yes, runners, or at least I do, have lots of dilemmas:

Do I train to run long or do I train to run fast?

This a constant struggle for me. I love half marathons but then when I run a 5K, my pace sucks. Anyone have a way to do both?

Do I sign up to run a race or do I do a training run?

Another dilemma for me. I love to race but it doesn’t help me build endurance and improve my half marathon times.

Do I race for fun or for a PR?

Too bad, PRs are so hard to come by that I can’t do both!

Do I run alone or with a group?

Running with another runner is more fun but you just can’t run your own pace. You either run too fast to keep up or too slow to go at theirs.

I could go on and on..

Do I run before work, during lunch or after work? Do I run on the treadmill or outside? Do I run on a flat course or a hilly one? Do I take a rest day or do I not? …

But it all comes down to…

Yup. Change is tough.

Happy Running! Any dilemmas to share?

May 7, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – May

Since today is the first Saturday in May, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date. It seems like I was just writing about April. Time is flying by…

Over after dinner coffee or tea…

I’d tell you how glad I gave Girls on the Run a second chance.

Last year, it was pretty much a waste of my time. The girl I was paired up with could care less that she had a running buddy and she ran ahead with her friend and her coach instead of running with me.

This year, they arranged a meeting before the practice 5k so you could meet each other and bond. Jamye & I did instantly. She lives close to me and loves animals.

Then on the day of the practice 5k, we ran together the whole race and chatted the whole time. It was fun.

I am looking forward to her real 5k tomorrow.
Over after dinner coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that the STEM program is also more fun this year. The participants are very enthusiastic and very dedicated to training or their 5k.

I wish I had more time to run with them. I run on Wednesdays with them because I have my FRW training group on Mondays and mah jongg on Fridays. But I even have to miss the next 3 Wednesdays.

Their 5k is June 12 and they are even planning a flash dance performance. I hope they don’t expect me to learn the moves.
Over after dinner coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I need some sun….. This past week, it rained almost every day. And even when it was raining, it was cloudy.

We had such a nice March, what happened?

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last Sunday’s race weather

I certainly hope this coming week is an improvement.
Over after dinner coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that racing may be taking over my life.

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being BadAss last weekend

I ran 2 races last weekend. Two races this weekend. I have a race Thursday evening and then on Saturday. That’s 6 races in 3 weeks!!!

I don’t have time to clean or cook.

Bad wifey!

Happy Running! Anything to spill over coffee or tea?

May 5, 2016 by Darlene

Cherry Blossom 5K Race Recap & TOLT

May 1, 2016 10:15 am

This was the third year that I have run this race. I really like it plus I have come in 2nd in my age group each year.

2014 – 27:51

2015 – 27:56

The course is very winding. Someone last year said that there were 20 turns. But it is also pretty flat except for the last mile which is uphill.

As you can see, my times in this race have been pretty speedy (at least speedy for me!!). Could I beat that??

And should I try? After all, I just ran a 10K the day before and a half marathon the week before.

Nevertheless, I was determined to give it my best shot and not to be disappointed if I sucked.

I woke today with a sore throat. (That usually means that I am coming down with a cold…no!! No time for this!!)

And it was RAINING!!!

I really felt like staying in bed.

But I didn’t. I planned on a similar outfit to one that I wore at my race the day before but decided to add a long-sleeved shirt and capris (since there would be NO sunshine to warm things up.)

wearing last year’s race shirt (which I love)

The race started at 10:15 and I got there around 9:15 and parked a few blocks away on the street. It was pretty crowded even in this inclement weather (about 400 racers and many walkers.) I stayed in my car until about 9:45. It was drizzling then raining and then drizzling.

Again I bumped in many people that I knew: Jan and her friends and some from “Team BadAss.” I was chilly so decided to wear a windbreaker (in case it started to pour.)

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Unfortunately at this Cherry Blossom race each year, there are never any cherry blossoms. (Maybe next year!) There is also usually a Cherry Blossom Festival, as well. I didn’t even check it out this year.

2015 but similar to this year

I wound up starting with Team BadAss and Benita Zahn (a local TV reporter.). We moved toward the front but not too close since it was chip-timed.

a dreary wet day

I usually have a pretty fast first 2 miles and then slow down but I was tired even during the first mile. (Yup, those 6.2 miles from the day before were having an effect.)

two members of Team BadAss

It was a pretty interesting course – you just wind your way around the neighborhoods. I tried to run the tangents as much as possible.

I stopped to walk and catch my breath at the water stop (around mile 1.5) even though I wasn’t thirsty and then tried to run non-stop to the finish.

Nope, I had to walk again and again!! The third mile was uphill… Boo!!

Plus, my windbreaker was suffocating me. It was warmer and more humid that I thought. I wanted to take it off but it was too complicated with my watch and my race belt. So I just unzipped it.

Finally I saw the finish line. I should have been looking at my watch. They had been calling out times at each mile but they seemed to be off. So I was surprised that it was already over 28 minutes.

I sprinted and Team BadAss cheered me on (they are all much speedier than me) and I crossed at 28:24. (chip time)

I was slower than my last two times on this course and it was slowest 5k of the year 😦

At least the refreshments were decent – fruit, yogurt, granola, bagels, cupcakes and chocolate milk.

I had 2 milks and 2 cupcakes 🙂

I hung out with Team BadAss to see if we won any awards.

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Nope! No award this year! I came in 5th.

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Tom & Benita

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Sherry came in 2nd in her age group and Pam got a PR!!

As I remarked in my 10K race recap from the previous day, I cannot expect to win an age group award. Especially if I am not prepared to run my best.

I ran the best race I could given the circumstances. For that, I am happy. And I am NOT injured. No aches or pains!!!! End of my whining!!

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:58
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 9:13
.14 – 7:30

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Plus I ran with friends and got chocolate milk!

And no, I didn’t run more miles after the race. (If it were sunny, you know I would have been tempted.)

Instead I drove home to cooking, laundry and cleaning.

Since it is Thursday, I’m also linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

So in addition to last weekend’s race, this is what I am thinking about:

Upcoming Races –

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I signed up for two races again this coming weekend.

This one is on Saturday. I signed up for the 15K even though I know it is very hilly. Last year, I ran the 5k (and fell.)

Mastodon Challenge 5K

I thought of changing to the 5k but after yesterday’s GOTR Practice 5k, I decided to stay with the 15k.

finishing 12 laps around the school

On Tuesday, I ran a practice 5K race with my running buddy. She is so cute and it was so much fun. Of course, she ran the first 4 laps as fast as she could and then, thank God, she ran out of steam. We had to take walk breaks during the remaining 8 laps.

So on Sunday, I will be running a 5K with her.

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Last year, my GOTR girl was a runner and she had run 5ks before so I needed to be on my game. This year, I am sure we will be running just for fun.

post-race 2015

My Birthday –

It’s on Monday, May 9. It always get mixed in with the annual Tulip Fest and Mother’s Day.

I plan to go to the Tulip Fest with Amanda and her kids after my Saturday 15k.

Then on Sunday, we’ll go out to lunch or dinner to celebrate Mother’s Day with my stepsons, MIL and SIL.

I am going out to a movie & dinner tonight with my BFF to celebrate and maybe a celebration at mah jongg??

Usually I go out on my birthday with a former co-worker but she is in France.

So on my birthday, I could go to my running group instead and then next weekend go out for a special dinner with the hubby. We’ll see…

Upcoming Vacation –

12th trip to Naples, Florida + 1 Palm Springs, 5 Las Vegas, 1 Dominican Republic, 1 Delray Beach = tennis vacation #20 for me!!! (We started traveling together in 2002 and only 2 of us haven’t missed one.)

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