May 28, 2015 by Darlene

My Favorite Race Changes its Course

This Thursday is for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

I am thinking today, of course, about my upcoming 5K race…

This is the only race that I’ve run every year!

Due to construction, they are changing the course.

So it is even more exciting?

They say that this course will be faster…less congestion and less steep hill at the start.

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen…

Will I be on the first page of the sports section again?

Schenectady Gazette 2010

that’s me 2nd from left (2010) – Timesunon

me again in the purple (2012) – Timesunon

I should be recovering not running a 5K. I just race a half marathon last Sunday.

But how could I miss my 8th Freihofer’s Run for Women?

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

Yes, for the 8th time, I am running this race. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The Freihofer Run for Women is my favorite race:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it.
It feels so good to be a part of its excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
You always meet someone you know.
Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me proud.
2011 was my FRW PR year.
Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!
In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again…

This is the first time I trained with a running group.

5 pm group. There are 3 other groups

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up. Monday runs were always after a Sunday long run and I never attended the Saturday runs. But it will be fun to share the excitement of all the runners who will be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who will hopefully PR.

In such a crowded race, it is impossible to have time goal. But finishing under 30 minutes (AND NOT GETTING INJURED) would make me happy. A race PR (under 28:14) would make me super happy!

I would love at least to reverse the “run a 5k and get slower with each one” trend.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 27:56
Albany Law Day 5K – 29:16
Mother’s Day 5K – 30:16

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite race?

May 27, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run (a day late) – Compression Gear- Love it or Leave it?

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Compression Gear – Love it or leave it?

When I first started running, I didn’t know what compression gear was.

I bought my first pair of compression socks for my first half marathon because I heard that they would help.

I don’t know if they helped but I finished and feel good after. So who knows?

After that, I wore that same pair on long runs and for half marathons.

In 2012 after coming back from ankle surgery, I bought more pairs of compression socks and started to wear them for most of my races.

Now, I am addicted and wear them almost all of the time.

: FRW

: 3rd

: Asbury Park Half Marathon

So as you can see I wear them A LOT and I have quite a few pairs – I buy whatever is on sale.

Recently, I have worn compression sleeves to see if I can prevent those nasty blisters. (Didn’t make a difference.)

So why should you wear them?

Protection: They protect your legs from small scratches, abrasions and nasty things like poison ivy on a trail.
Swelling: Compression technology has been proven to limit swelling.
Dirt: Collects on your socks and not on your legs.
Warmth: Allows you to wear skirts on those iffy days when you’d reluctantly wear tights.
Coolness: No, they don’t keep you cool, but they look good when you color coordinate them with your outfit.

Happy Running? How do you feel about compression gear? What and when do you wear it

May 21, 2015 by Darlene

Marathon Relay (Half Marathon #13)

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

May 24, 2015

As I have mentioned, lucky AJH got us accepted in the VCM relay. I was surprised and excited but not exactly training for this one.

I asked AJH if I could do the first half. (I would be too nervous to wait around…)

She’s done the first half before:

hope she doesn’t mind borrowing her photo from 2011

So this will be my route:

Since this race was unplanned and I have another half marathon in 3 weeks, I plan to run it for fun – Try to enjoy the experience and scenery without the pressure of a PR.

And I developed a sore foot during my last half so my training has been not been spectacular.

I have been doing my short week day runs but the weekends…

April 18 – 13.1 painful miles
April 26 – 5k plus 6 more painful miles = 11
May 2 – 10k plus 4 more painful miles = 10.2
May 9-10 – two 5ks in 2 days = 6.2 (should have been 12)
May 16-17 – 3 miles in Florida (should have been 8)

Since I skipped my long run last weekend when I was on vacation in Florida, this will be my last long run, as well.

Speaking of last week, spending 8 days with 9 of your closest friends is exhausting – tennis, shopping, beach, restaurants, etc. but it also was fun.

AJH has been nice enough to let me stay with her the night before so I don’t have to do the long drive in the morning and can go to the expo.

Will I have enough energy to run? And my feet? Will they hurt LESS than my last half!! I hope so and not keep AJH waiting too many hours.

My post ankle injury half marathons have been between 2:35 and 2:09 but none has been really hilly. And then’s there the foot… and the lack of long runs. We’ll see.

So I guess my goal is to finish around 2:30… but if I have to walk a lot, it may be closer to 2:45.

I am hoping that this half will be less painful and more enjoyable than my last one. (Foot, be good, please!!)

Happy Running! Anyone running or have run the VCM?

May 12, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Hacks

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Running Hacks

Many of these are obvious and you probably do them….

Cut the Tangents – why run a longer race distance than you have to

Make your own arm sleeves – go to the dollar store or Target and buy a pair of knee socks. Then cut off the foot. If you don’t need them during a run, just toss them.

How do you wear those cute running skirts when it is cold? Wear tights or capris under them.

Sick of putting safety pins through your tech shirts? Attach your bib to your race belt. I bought one that had bib holdes that were removable and I add them to my SpiBelt. Love it!

Sore feet? Put a tennis ball in the freezer and then roll the bottom of your foot on it. Being a tennis player, I have plenty of tennis balls.

Want to ave money on running shoes? Buy an older model. Especially if you actually prefer the older model.

$49 rather than $115

Bored on the treadmill? Watch your favorite show while on the treadmill. It’s still painful but just less so.

Lay out your clothes the night before your run or race. That way you can sleep longer and you are less likely to forget something important.

Make the most of your free time and fit your runs in – before work, during your lunch break, after work…

during my lunch break

Run with a friend. It makes the miles easier.

If you’re doing an out-and-back run on a cold, windy day, run the first half into the wind and come back with it. Otherwise, you’ll be running the second half sweaty and into the wind.

Don’t run on empty. Eat before and during. Otherwise, you will be tempted to cut your runs short.

If you are flying to a race, pack your running stuff in your carry on. Don’t risk having it in your lost luggage.

Happy Running? Any other hacks that you can share?

May 8, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Ways to Share Running Love

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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!

This week, the theme is Five Ways to Share Running Love

1. Connect Online

Blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, DailyMile.

There are so many places. And you will meet new running friends.

I net Barbara through FB

I met AJH though blogging

2. Join a Group

FleetFeet has groups as well as USAFit and many races have training groups that you can join.

I recently joined the Freihofer Run for Women’s Training Group

3. Run with a friend.

We have run together many times and we chat about running, of course.

4. Racing

I run a lot of races so now I see so many familiar faces. We talk about the current races. We also chat about past and future races and running experiences.

2 racing friends

5. Point Out the Benefits.

Most of my friends don not run. And every time, they mention some study about how running is bad for you, I always talk about the positives.

one mah jongg friend who I convinced to start running

Happy Running! How do you share your running love?

May 7, 2015 by Darlene

My Birthday Race

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

And my birthday is Saturday.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

This race is a new one for me.

Normally I run my birthday race every year on Mother’s Day. I will be this year but as a running buddy for the GOTR program.

So this is my serious race and I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday.

This is how the course is described:

Both races start at the Cohoes Falls in a park named after a heroic Vietnam War Veteran – Colonel Robert Craner – Craner Park.

After that we take you:

Past the Historic Harmony Mills – now luxury loft apartments,

By the Restored Cohoes Music Hall which produces some of the best entertainment this side of Broadway!

By the business district, with great architecture

Past a historic Armory soon to be turned into a Brewery/Restaurant.

Next, you run through a park and on the old Erie Canal Towpath which brings you up to

The Mohawk Bike Trail (where the whole thing started!). The path is shaded this time of year, but don’t get comfortable because the hill that brought you to it is just the beginning.

Once you are off the path, you pass by wonderful schools, parks and neighborhoods but they come at a cost.

From there you run up 4 hills that hurt and lots of inclines along the way….don’t worry – we have 8 water stops and entertainment along the route to keep you going. From church groups to Boy Scouts and schoolchildren, to the High School Band… we are here to welcome you and make this as painless as possible. Our volunteers are at every corner and they are so excited you can’t help but appreciate their enthusiasm. Watch out for paper mache mastodons on the sidewalks!

Once you hit mile 7 and 8 you are golden! We take you back to the shade of the Bike Path and down a couple of hills with the mist from the Beautiful Cohoes Falls ahead of you.

Sweet.

Challenging.

Cohoes Falls

Yes, it does sound challenging. The question was whether to run the 5k or the 15K?

I chose the 15k (for now.)

But with my foot issues and a 5K on Sunday, I am seriously thinking of downgrading (AGAIN) to the 5K…

Either way, my goal to enjoy running and not worry about my finish time.

Happy Running? Do you race on your birthday?

May 5, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Best Race You’ve Ever Run

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Best Race You’ve Ever Run

I’m going to pick 2 – the best short distance and the best long distance…

My Best 5K:

I loved the course – you ran around the Saratoga Race track.

I loved that you got a personalized bib.

I loved the “Roc” age group awards.

And of course, I loved that I got a PR even though I walked twice.

My Best Half Marathon:

I loved running with a view of the sun rising on the water.

I loved the course – along the water but also in the neighborhoods of West Palm Beach

I loved that although I had blisters, I toughed it out and kept my pace.

I loved getting a PR and winning my age group.

Happy Running? What is your best race?

May 1, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Race Day

This week, the theme is Race Day.

If you are a runner, who doesn’t love “race day.”

Here are 5 important things in my race day:

1. Have a good breakfast

For me, it’s oatmeal or cream of wheat with flax or raisins added in.

2. Get dressed in a cute but comfortable outfit.

IMG_4762-0

Yes, I am matchy matchy but I try to wear clothes that I’ve worn before so I know they will be comfortable.

3. Bring all the extra stuff you need

Fuel for before and during.

My Garmin, my iPhone, my RoadID, my belt for attaching my bib…

Change of clothes for after.

4.Get to the race early.

So you can find parking, get your race packet, use the restrooms and meet up with friends. And then relax (Is that possible?)

5.Cross that finish line and smile.

Be proud of your accomplishment even if it wasn’t a PR. You finished a race!!

Happy Running! What important things go on on your race day?

April 28, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Favorite Warm Weather Gear

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Favorite Warm Weather Gear

Skirts, of course. You stay cooler in them than capris or shorts and they just look good.

Especially SkirtSports skirts!

Tank tops or tech tee shirts

lighthouse 5k mother-147

Baseball caps – they keep the hair off my neck and the sun off my face

biggest-loser-5k

Cool Max socks – I am blister prone so this is important for me.

Sunglasses – I wear contacts so my eyes are really sensitive. I wear sunglasses all the time (even if it is not sunny) except when it is dark out.

sshm2

Nathan Hand-held water bottle – I don’t usually carry water (I just loop my runs) but when I do, I love this.

Happy Running? Why do you like to wear in the warmer weather?

April 24, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Blogs to Love & Runfessions April

This week, the theme is Blogs to Love.

This is a tough one. My morning routine is to open BlogLovin’ on my iPad and to read running blogs. It is so hard to just pick FIVE but know that even if your blog is not listed here, I still enjoy catching up on your running life.

1. Shut Up and Run.

suar

Beth’s blog always makes me laugh. She is open and honest and discusses EVERYTHING related to her running. She is also an incredible athlete who completes in Ironman competitions and runs faster than women half her age. You should definitely subscribe to her blog if you don’t already.

2. My Journey to Fit.

I enjoy Shelly’s candid approach to running and staying fit. She is also a knitter so I love seeing her latest projects. I can identify as an older runner with her training and desire to have more speed.

3. Taking the Long Way Home

ttlwh

As Wendy says, hers is “a running blog written by someone who doesn’t want to act her age.” I totally get that and can relate. Her posts are fun and interesting as she always comes up with creative images to illustrate her point. She has endless energy and is quite fast. I love her devotion to yoga. She is quite inspiring and I hope her speed and yoga routine rub off on me!

4. We Run Disney

Pam, who is also my age, and her daughter write this blog. Obviously they love Disney races but they also run other races. In fact, they even ran in Ireland. So I follow their racing with envy. Even though, Pam is over 60, she is still running marathons and has even BQed!! Check out read her Boston Marathon report.

5.HoHo Runs

hoho

HoHo or Holly is another “oldish” blogger who likes to run as many races as I do. The difference here is that hers are mostly half marathons. I love reading her race reports. Maybe she’ll motivate me to run a full.

This month I’m linking up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

I may have confessed these in previous months but here we go anyway:

I planned to go to the gym ONCE a week. I was good the for first 2 weeks and then I fell off the wagon…again.
Thanks to being chosen as a SkirtSports ambassador, I have bought more running clothes.

3. I have become a weather wimp. In the winter, I would go out and run in sub-zero temps.

now when it is 40 degrees, it feels too cold and I run on the treadmill.

4. I am still in the dumps about my crappy half marathon performance. It doesn’t help when I keep bumping into people and they ask “How did it go?” I’ve been saying: crappy, shitty, disappointing, painful, sucky, blisters, achy feet. Soon, I am just going to say “Fine.”

at least I wasn’t fixing my hair in front of the photographer.

5. I am a solo runner. I don’t mind running by myself. I can run where and when I want and I like being alone with my thoughts and running at any speed I choose. But somehow, I can’t get motivated to walk by myself. I used to walk everyday with my co-worker but she seems to have broken up with me. This week, we started a walking challenge at work and I still find myself sitting at my desk all day. Maybe things will change if spring weather ever arrives.