November 9, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 11.3.24-11.10.24: Recovering…

All that planning and training and just like that, it’s over!!

Last Weekend and Week –

Saturday – I headed to NYC by train early so I could attend Ali on the Run‘s live show.

sunrise on the Hudson R.

I had to check my bag at the station and walk several blocks to Volvo where the show was held.

It was definitely worth it… so entertaining. (Keira D’Amato was Ali’s fun guest.)

It lasted longer than I thought so I had to rush to meet Cari for lunch. The restaurant was near the expo so you can imagine how crowded it was… but that just gave us for more time to chat.

Afterward, she accompanied me to the expo and became my personal photographer.

Ali & Keira, potato latkes for lunch, with Cari, ORANGE race shirt, with my bib at the expo

The expo was close to closing but still crowded. Luckily I really didn’t need to buy a thing.

Then it was back to the train station to retrieve my bag and take the subway downtown to my hotel.

After I checked in and unpacked, it was time to meet my friends Stan and Sherry (who had deferred but came anyway to cheer) for dinner.

We ate pasta at Eataly and since it was still early we found a bar to hang out at.

Finally back at the hotel to get ready for the big day.

Sunday – TCS NYC Marathon!

My hotel was just a few blocks from the ferry so I didn’t have to get up early.

After my coffee and oatmeal in my room, I walked over to the ferry.

I bumped into a new bestie, Priscilla, who was running her 1st NYCM and we spent the next 3 hours chatting.

3 hours? Yes. The ferry ride was easy peasy but then you had to wait to get on the buses….

Eventually we arrived, went though security and parted. She had to enter the blue village and I the pink.

No need for throw aways since I was not there long enough. I grabbed a bagel and they called my corral.

Yikes. Barely enough time to use the port-a-pottie and get rid of ALL my extra (unnecessary) clothes.

The cannon went off. Frank Sinatra started singing and off we went. I teared here and many times during this race.

I knew that the race would be hard. But I thought I had trained enough… but it was tougher than I wanted it to be. I took it slow, walked A LOT and took in all the music, signs, scenery, spectators, etc. (along with 57,000 runners, 7, 000 volunteers and zillions of crazy cheering people).

I was able to catch my local running friends who came to race THREE times. Their support was invaluable.

And I finished!!

on the ferry, Priscilla, at the start, mile 7 and finally done…

I got my medal, poncho, food, and dragged myself many blocks to meet up with my friends and squeeze into the subway to get back to the hotel.

After I took a LONG shower, we had drinks at the hotel and then all went out to dinner to celebrate…

Monday – Oy! So sore!!

I decided to skip attending the Kelly Clarkson Show and go for a walk while waiting for the friends to get up.

along the East R.

We checked out of our hotel and headed uptown and then left our bags at the train station.

Sherry & I decided to try out those Normatec boots at the Recovery zone in Central Park.

Then we had a delicious brunch followed by Levain cookies

We still had time so we took the subway to Hudson Yards. With your Marathon bib, you got free entrance to The Edge (tallest outdoor view in Northern Hemisphere). Very cool.

Stan’s son works nearby so we got to see his office. Wow, his view was just as amazing as from The Edge.

Finally it was time to get our bags and sit on the train for a few hours (yes, my feet were aching.)

Tuesday – Election Day!

I had to return to NYC to work the next day. But I took a later than usual train since I had just returned the night before.

So I had time to head to the gym (my membership doesn’t expire until Nov 15.)

When I arrived in Manhattan, I checked into my hotel and then went for a walk before I nervously awaited the results of the election.

Miraculously my legs and feet felt fine!!

I decided to continue taking advantage of my Marathon freebies and visited The Vessel (saved $10) and then went again to The Edge (saved $44)) and ended with a walk along the High Line.

sooo windy at The Edge (glad I had gone on Monday), view was great, the big pigeon was on the High Line and yes I climbed all those stairs to the top of the Vessel

Wednesday – Work this time was in the Financial District (instead of Jamaica Queens).

I checked out of my hotel and took a subway there. I arrived early so I walked around the area.

the Bull, Stock Exchange, WTC, Battery Park (Statue of Liberty in the distance, lights up for Christmas already

A very strange day, to say the least.

After work, I took the subway back to my hotel, retrieved my bag and took the train home.

sunset on the Hudson R – setting so early!

Long Day!! A “SAD” day.

Thursday – Hooray- WFH, time for laundry and attempting my first run after the marathon.

got it done before it got dark… phew and I felt good

Friday – Had to go to the office today..

sorry too warm out for a Holiday beverage and cup.

and after, I stopped off to see my granddaughter before dinner and mah jongg.

not just walking but running…

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Is 6 miles considered “long?”

I was happy to connect with my local running friends and chat over a long brunch (longer than the run. LOL)

When I got home, a friend suggested that we go wine tasting… why not?

Sunday – Today I plan to hit the gym and in the afternoon, I have plans with tennis friends have a late lunch and then see Troy Glow.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – Holiday, run with STEM
Tuesday – walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday- mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
Sunday – walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – TCS NYC Marathon Race Recap
Friday – 5 Thanksgiving Menu Favorites

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Getting ready to run a Turkey Trot? Please share.

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.

November 8, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Reasons to Run a Turkey Trot

There’s nothing better than a race before stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving Day!!

According to this article, the turkey trot is the most popular race in America.

In 2009, I ran my first turkey trot & I did it in Central Park in Schenectady. In 2010 & 2011, I did one in my hometown.

I was injured in 2012 and then in 2013, my favorite local turkey trot went NON-TIMED.

So in 2014, I joined the Troy Turkey Trot Challenge group and ran a 10k on Thanksgiving Day.

And I have run a turkey trot in Troy almost every year since. (Some years I ran BOTH the 10k and 5k there).

And I plan to continue with this tradition as long as I can.

Why should you run a turkey trot?

1. FOMO. Everyone else is doing it.

There are so many scheduled around the country. I’m sure that you will be able to find one near where you live.

2. You can wear a costume or enjoy viewing others’ costumes.

This is about as festive as I could be and still compete:

3. It’s a stress-free race.

Many people will walk it. Or just run it for fun.

4. Make it a family affair.

As I said above, you don’t have to be a runner to do a turkey trot. Get your family to join you!!

Troy Turkey Trot (@TroyTurkeyTrot) / Twitter

Ok, not successful. One year, I got my hubby to sign up for the 5k… (but he DNFed).

Still trying to convince my stepson to join me (as he was a runner in high school.)

5. You can justify that extra helping of stuffing or extra piece of pumpkin pie.

Happy Running! Do you usually run on Thanksgiving Day? Will you this year? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

November 5, 2024 by Darlene

TT: Why I’m Breaking Up with the Gym

My Topic for today is: Why I’m Breaking Up with the Gym

So far it’s only temporary (3 months)..

Time

Working full-time, travel, family, friends, training for a race…

It is so hard to fit it in….

Money.

It’s expensive. I can afford it but I think I’d rather spend that $$ on home improvements, social activities, races, etc.

Sleep.

I’m not a great sleeper and my preference for going to the gym is before work.

So I have to get up EARLY.

Sleep is more important right now!!

Stress.

Paying $$ and not going.

Going but not putting in the effort.

Missing sleep and training runs.

You get the picture.

Just one more layer of stress, I’d like to eliminate.

Lack of Interest.

I missed about a month due to sore ribs.

I didn’t miss it one bit.

I don’t have any friends that go.

I tend to use the same machines over and over so it gets boring.

Doubt.

Does it help?

Maybe if I did more there.

Or if I hired a trainer.

But I went consistently (3x a week) until Labor Day.

Then I stopped for a month.

My Aug 31 and Oct 12 half marathons had virtually the same finish time.

And I didn’t feel any different physically.

Not Worth the $.

I haven’t taken any classes there.

I haven’t used the pool or sauna or hot tub.

I just use the hip and arm machines…

Free or Cheaper Apps Available.

If I choose to do any strength training, there are so many options that cost less and that I can do without leaving my home.

I do not disagree that strength training is important but so are the things I listed above.

It’s not permanent.

I may go back.

I may wait until I retire.

Time will tell…

Happy Running! Do you belong to a gym? If so, why? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

November 3, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.27.24-11.3.24: Marathon Week!!

Suspense….

Stay tuned to hear how it went.

If you are tracking me, send me some good luck vibes!!

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym, followed by errands and

first time that I’ve ever voted early…

and then a walk (before the fall foliage has completely disappeared.)

picture perfect day along the Normanskill Creek

Monday – DAY OFF – I went to the gym again this morning.

what was on my mind??

My hiking buddies are on the DL but I had to stay home anyway to get Ali on the Run live show tix before they sold out.

Nope. Sold out in a millisecond? (I actually tix had in 2019 but it was at the same time as Meb and I chose Meb).

So I went out to lunch with my SIL.

And in the evening, I attended week 6 with the STEM group.

that was a pic of the law school lit up with purple lights.. I guess I was running too fast. LOL

Tuesday – Back WFH.

Resting the legs this week so just a walk with my BFF after work.

Wednesday – After work, I had a prehab appt. with my chiro and then went to a farewell dinner for a friend who is moving to Fla.

Thursday –

Guess what? I got an email saying that I did get tix to Ali’s live show!!

Just WFH day for me followed by my last run before the marathon.

75 degrees!!!

Last year we had so many trick or treaters that I ran out of candy… So I bought more candy this time. And of course, very few this year (though they may have come when I was out running??).

The hubby and I will be eating lots of …

Maybe I will do what Des Linden does…

Friday – Just WFH again, packing and mah jongg in the evening

Saturday – I took an early train to NYC. As soon as I arrived, I checked my bag at the station and headed to the Ali on the Run live show.

It was fun… Keira D’Amato was her guest.

Keira had won our local 5k in June.

I was thrilled that I could also squeeze in time with Cari. We had lunch together after the show.

Russ & Daughters Cafe—NYC's Best Jewish Comfort Food

My next stop was the expo. As usual, it was so organized and I was in and out in no time.

New York City Marathon Expo – Heart Runner Girl

Orange race shirt? I guess to match the ponchos…

Finally, I retrieved my bag, took the subway downtown to my hotel (in the financial district near the ferry), checked in and then met my friends for my carb loading dinner.

Take a Peek Inside the New Eataly at the Westfield World Trade Center | Viewing NYC

pizza, of course!!

#flatme

and throwaways organized for an early wake up (and sleepless night).

weather prediction…

Sunday – TCS NYC Marathon!!!!!

I don’t start until close to 11:00 am…

My running friends Sherry and Stan, who had decided to defer, came for the weekend to cheer me on. My friends Heidi and Deb came in for the day.

This year for the first time I took the ferry/bus to the start and it worked out fine.

Check out FB and IG for pics and to see how I did.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – recovering in NYC, Kelly Clarkson Show, HSS Recovery Zone in CP, lunch, train home
Tuesday – gym, train to NYC (for work)
Wednesday – train home
Thursday – run
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – Just 6 miles in preparation for two 10ks coming up.
Sunday – gym, walk/hike, Troy Glow

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Breaking Up With the Gym
Friday – Reasons to Run a Turkey Trot

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Did you get a lot of treat or treaters? Are you tracking the NYC marathon? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

November 1, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for November 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

This weekend I will run my third NYC marathon. So I’m got a “New York state of mind.”

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019 AND 2023, I am still a little stressed about the logistics.

In 2019, I started at 10:30 am and chose the 7:00 am bus (and still had a long wait in the cold.)

Last year I had to choose the 6:15 am mid-town bus and I did not start until after 10:55 am. Luckily it wasn’t as cold.

This year, I decided to stay in the Financial District so I could walk to the Staten Island Ferry. I chose the 8:00 am ferry. Then you have to take a bus to the start village. My start this year is still 10:55 am.

We’ll see if this was a smarter choice.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that last year I was in the Orange Wave which started at the top of the bridge.

Pink has the least climb and it has four 90 degree turns.

Blue has about 30 feet / 9 meters more climb than Pink. It has two 90 degree turns.

Orange has about 50 feet / 15 meters more climb than Pink. It has four 90 degree turns.

Blue, Orange, Pink start

In 2019, I started in the Green wave (which is now Pink) so I was on the bottom.

Truthfully, I don’t remember much after the big cannon went off and the playing “New York, New York” with Frank Sinatra… I was so excited, I just ran over that big bridge…

So now, I’ve started both ways and I’ll tell you that I don’t remember a difference between starting at the top or the bottom of the bridge. It’s exciting either way.

So this year it’s pink. Bottom. A full circle.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in 2019, I was in a similar wave as last year and this year (due to a fast NYRR 10k time). IOW all the runners around me were much faster.

My projected finish time was 4:30 and I finished in 5:29. I was totally happy with that!

I had a similar projected finish time last year and I finished in 6:00 (while walking with a calf cramp for 16 miles). I was thrilled with that time. I thought it would be much slower.

This year? I couldn’t care less about my finish time. I have no clue how it will go.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that last year I followed Hal Higdon Novice plan very closely. And much more closely than 2019 (when I had to travel more for work).

It didn’t seem to matter… I trained better and it went a lot worse.

So this year, I didn’t stress about my training. I minimally ran during the week and completed as many long runs as I could…

I just want to finish and hopefully I will…

and without pain would be ideal.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I couldn’t have trained for this race without the support of my running friends.

That includes my “virtual” friends too.

Feel free to track me. My Bib # = 53817 (but remember I don’t start until 10:55ish)

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

October 29, 2024 by Darlene

Favorites About Fall Running

I LOVE summer but here are a few things that I am enjoying this Fall:

1.Cooler and Less Humid Weather Conditions.

As I said, I normally love the sunshine and warm temps of summer.

Hopefully, my runs will be more comfortable and hence speedier.

2. Fall Foliage Viewing and More Hiking Activities.

Living in upstate New York, we are usually treated to gorgeous fall colors. Hopefully the DRY summer weather will not impact this.

The Fall is also for the same reason, my favorite season to hike in. Boating Sundays have ended and be replaced by Hiking Sundays.

3. More Racing Ops.

Many more races are scheduled in the Fall compared to the summer.

fall fest 5k on 10-5-24

4. A Race-cation with Friends.

Last year, I went to the Finger Lakes Region of NYS with my running friends and we had so much fun that this year, we rented a house again and spent 4 days on Cape Cod which included running a race and other assorted shenanigans.

5.Pumpkin everything and Cider Donuts!

Yes, I do love Fall food!! Especially those with added sugar. A must-have after a long run or race.

Happy Running! Are you looking forward to Fall? If so, what activities are on your bucket list?

October 26, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.20.24-10.27.24: Taper Time!!

One week to go!!! Gulp!

Last Week –

Sunday – I finally returned to the gym…

After some stuff done in the house and some errands, I decided that it was too nice a day to waste.

So I headed out to do some leaf peeping.

Hike #1:

soo dry but pretty

Hike #2:

Both hikes were short and easy. But I was happy that my legs felt great (even after the 20 miler the day before.)

Monday – WFH all week. Yay.

After work, I squeezed in a visit with my granddaughter.

She’s walking!!

It was week 5 for the STEM group and so that was my run for the day.

they’re up to 5 minutes of running straight

Tuesday – Another busy work day but at least I was able to get out after work for a walk with a friend. 80 degrees!!

beautiful colors this year but it gets dark so early that we had to rush…

Wednesday – Today I had to get my run done at lunch…

not sure if I was sleep deprived or experiencing a delayed recovery from the 20 miler, but this run was a struggle

because I was getting together for dinner with a friend.

Thursday – I started the day at the gym..

The only time for run was after work…

I headed to end of the rail trail hoping I would feel better than the day before…

the temps had dropped and this run felt so much speedier…

Friday – Another WFH day (and afternoon visit to the office)
decaf and my reward after a long week…

and then mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Last Long Run!

I debated on how much to run. My plan said 12 miles.

Again I enlisted the help of my running friends.

I ran the first few miles with Barb and the last 5 with Stan.

past peak with lots of fallen leaves… bumped into some other friends along the way… perfect day for my last long run

Sunday – Gym visit planned and a walk/hike – weather dependent. Start packing? Weather stalking…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – gym, (get Ali tix), hike, run (with STEM)
Tuesday – gym, walk with friends
Wednesday – chiro appt, farewell dinner for a friend
Thursday – run (last one!!)
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – early train to NYC, Ali on the Run live show, lunch with Cari, expo, carb load dinner
Sunday – NYC Marathon!!!!

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Favorites About Fall Running
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Peak foliage? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

October 25, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for October 2024

First Runfessions of Fall

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

1.I runfess…

This year has to be a record of the number of races, I’ve signed up for and have not raced. I either walked or ran/walked slowly…

Better than a DNS, right?

I may have lost my competitive edge.

2. I runfess…

I can’t wait for marathon training to be over so I can actually focus on racing and on shorter distances.

I hated skipping races because I had a long run on my schedule.

Next year – Run for the Roses 5k, Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k, Stockade-athon 15k

3. I runfess…

My 18 miler wasn’t as bad as I thought because I stopped several times during the “run.”

After mile 1.5 to meet friends
After mile 9.5
After mile 11 waiting for the 5k to start
After mile 14 hanging after the race.

How did my 20 miler go? It was much harder but again, it helped to have along for some of the miles.

4. I runfess…

I’ve never just run. I’ve always started out fast, add walks when I feel like it and walk more frequently as I go… I don’t wear my Garmin.

When I run with friends, I allow them to set intervals on their Garmin.

I finally realized that intervals do work and I’ve used the Runkeeper app on my iPhone and set intervals (90:45)

5. I runfess…

I’m still searching for the perfect shoe…

Yes, I still wear Topos but then newer models of Specters and Phantoms don’t feel as comfortable as the older ones (and I’ve gotten blisters.)

Altra Fwd Via in purple

They are pretty… but NOT COMFORTABLE!!!

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

October 22, 2024 by Darlene

2024 Cape Cod Half Marathon Race Recap

October 12, 2024

Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY.

In 2020 and 2021, my friends and I rented a house for 3 nights in Hampton Beach, NH and ran a half marathon (among other fun shenanigans.)

It was so much fun that the next year, we rented in Old Orchard Beach, Maine and we ran the Portland Half Marathon or Marathon Relay.

Last year, we stayed in NYS but rented a house in the Finger Lakes Region. We all raced different distances (5k, 13.1, 18 mi) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (despite some rain.)

We rented a house on Cape Cod this year.

So I signed up for the Cape Cod Half Marathon for several reasons:

A race-cation.
My friends would be racing with me.
Ocean views.
There was a 5k option in addition to a half marathon
The distance fit right into my marathon training plan.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run shorter distances several times during the work week. My weekday runs are usually solo.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends.

13, 16, 18!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My taper consisted of a 18 mile marathon training run and two short runs during the work week:

We carpooled and left for Cape Cod early on Friday morning. Our first stop was lunch.

Next we checked into our VrBo in Falmouth, MA.

Then we headed to get our half marathon bib/shirts and check out the race start and parking.

Some of us signed up for the half and those who signed up for the 5k would pick up their bib/shirts on Saturday.

We walked around the expo (I didn’t buy anything.) but Sherry did buy Frank Shorter’s book and had him sign it.

By the time were were done, it was time for an early dinner. We ordered pizza (of course) and ate at our house.

Finally #flatmes were organized and we headed to bed early (though I never can sleep the night before a race.)

Race Day:

Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

For this race, however, due to the date, it would actually be a training run for the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3.

So if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:30 and 2:45.

Actually, even more important would be to run a smarter and less painful race than my last half marathon Labor Day weekend. Slower the first half so that I can enjoy the second half of the race…

The race was advertised as follows:

The race starts and finishes at the Mullen Hall School (130 Katharine Lee Bates Road, Falmouth, MA).

The Cape Cod Marathon Half race course is a fast and scenic route that hugs the Falmouth coastline of Nantucket Sound. Designed to maximize runners’ view of Martha’s Vineyard and the beautiful waters of the Sound, this out and back course is limited to one hill, the famous final hill for the Falmouth Road Race located in the Heights of Falmouth Heights. But don’t be alarmed – this one hill occurs at miles 6.6 and 10.5 and is over before you know it.

There are 6 stations total plus pre and post hydration at the start and finish line. All water stops will have water and Gatorade.

Portable restrooms will be at start/finish area, as well as at each water station along the course.

Included in entry fee:

Long sleeve shirt
Customized bib
Secure gear check
Unique coastal medal
6 water/Gatorade stations with Port-a-Johns at each location on the course
Hot clam chowdah and soup station with vegan, gluten free and dairy free options at the finish line!
Apple cider donuts!
Changing tents at the finish (NEW)
The best town, volunteers and committee to answer any questions you may have!

elevation according to Strava

Four of us were running the half which started at 8:00 am.

There were close to 2000 runners in the half marathon which was the most popular of the 3 races

The runners left at 6:45 and we easily found parking. The others would arrive later and cheer us on.

I was definitely overdressed and took off most of my throw aways and hid them in the school. It was nice to have a warm place to wait.

I checked a bag with shoes and jacket for after the race. It turned out to be totally unnecessary.

Barb, Deb and Sherry left in search of the porta-potties. I waited inside for them.

Eventually they were starting the race. I guess the porta-potties lines were very long and so I left and headed to the race start.

They announced that they were starting in waves which was confusing since everyone just entered and started running when they crossed the start line.

that shirt stayed on for a minute, I think.

Miles 1-3:

We started at Mullen Hall School and then headed toward the water (actually Salt Pond not the ocean yet). It was sunny but very WINDY.

I had decided to only walk at each mile until I needed to walk more often. I made sure to drink at all water stops. I think there were at least 6 and eat a GU at every other or every 4 miles.

Miles 3-6:

We turned left onto a Bikeway which was really nice. Shady and less wind… but soon we were back along the water (now the ocean). It was again sunny but the wind seemed to be at our backs for a while. At mile 5 we turned onto Scranton Ave… still along the ocean but an inlet lined with restaurants and marinas.

Miles 6-9:

It was a beautiful course and now for several miles were running along the ocean.

The race advertised it as having one big hill… at mile 6.6. Yup. It was steep and annoying and so I walked up it. There were also some smaller hills so not as flat as I had heard. A little past mile 8, we turned into the neighborhood and circled around heading along the ocean in the opposite direction, Holy WIND!!! So hard to move forward…

Miles 9-13.1:

We got a little reprieve from the wind around mile 9.5 when we turned and ran about a mile around a neighborhood.

But soon we were back along the water running into the wind. And at mile 10.5, we hit the big hill again. Of course, it was worse this time because the wind was in our faces.

As the miles went on, I struggled more and more. I walked more often. Miles 9-12 were pretty ugly. Nothing major hurt, just the usual aching lower back and sore left foot.

I was glad to be finally heading back to the school and the finish line. As I approached the finish line, our friends were ringing bells and screaming my name. It was great to have their support. I tried to sprint and look good as I passed them.

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal and a foil wrap (that was unnecessary) and headed to bag check (also unnecessary.)

Barb had already finished (She ran a great race,) and we headed back to the finish line to cheer on Deb and then Sherry (who had walked).

the happy half marathoners

Once we all had finished, I went to the food tent and grabbed some chip (Cape Cod potato chips. LOL), some soup (You had a choice of clam chowder, turkey/rice or minestrone) and a cider donut.

Eventually we all headed home to shower, relax and then head out for a celebratory meal.

we went to a restaurant along the ocean

We ended the day with drinks and s’mores.

Additional Race Reflections:

It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.

Of course, initially I may have wanted a faster finish time…

I am competitive but I realized quickly that it was much more important enjoy this time with my friends and also not to be in pain.

I felt fine the next day. We went on a hike.

I even ran Monday morning.

Guess what? We already picked our race-cation location for next October…

Oct. 11, 2025

and rented our house:

Positives:

Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
Half marathon, 5k, marathon and marathon relay – 4 options
They gave our group a $10 discount.
Well-marked course.
Easy packet pick-up.
Frank Shorter at the expo.
Long sleeved tech shirts
Lots of volunteers and crowd support
Friends cheering you on at the finish line
Free Photos
Instant race results
Post race food – potato chips, apples, bananas, 3 types of soups (minestrone, clam chowder, turkey/rice and cider donuts
Nice medal provided to all runners.
Adequate number of water stops.
$$ as age group awards
Perfect weather
Plenty of free parking
1.5 miles from our rental

Negatives:

They changed the date of the 5k after we rented the house.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

All in all, I was happy with my results. Yes, it was one of my slowest half marathons. But it was only 10 seconds slower than my last one which was on an easier course. And I’ve been training for a marathon. My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger.

And when I checked the age group results:

Yes, I won my age group. No big deal but check this out:

I WON $75!!!!!!!!!! First time I’ve ever won money for a race.

Next Up:

Happy Running! Have you run a fall race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one? Any race-cations planned? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

October 19, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.12.24-10.20.24: It’s Getting Real!

With the 20 miler over, there’s only TWO weeks to go!!

Last Weekend and Week –

Friday – We left early for Cape Cod in 3 cars. We all met for lunch

and then checked into our VrBo rental in Falmouth. After we settled in, we headed out to bib pickup (for the half marathoners) and scouted out the race start location and parking.

I even met Frank Shorter

We relaxed at home for a bit but soon it was time to carb load … on take-out pizza.

#Flatme organized and early to bed (though I didn’t sleep much).

Saturday – The 4 half marathoners got up early and headed to the race start… We had no problems finding parking and I was surprised that I didn’t need my throw-aways. I did check a bag (but didn’t need my jacket, either).

The course was very scenic- in neighborhoods, on a bike path but mostly along the water.

Sun and lots of wind along the water and some hills but we all finished. So all is well. (Our friends enthusiastically cheered us through the finish line).

Hot shower and lunch followed by a relaxing afternoon outside.

We celebrated our accomplishment with dinner along the water and roasting smores on our firepit.

Sunday – We got up early to cheer on the 5k racers.

After their race, we decided to take a boat to Martha’s Vineyard. We had lunch there, shopped and explored the area (i.e. the gingerbread houses.)

Monday – I decided to go for a run and headed toward the beach… it was lovely (until I got rained on).

We checked out of our rental and went for a hike at The Knob followed by lunch and then heading home.

Tuesday – Back to reality.

Dentist, WFH, unpacking, laundry, errands, etc. I wore my running clothes all day because I planned to run but never got out the door. Instead I went for a walk after work with my BFF (in the mall… too cold outside!!)

Wednesday – WFH again. Still never got my run done until after work when volunteering with the STEM group.

week 4…

Thursday – Early morning train to NYC. After checking into my hotel, I headed to Central Park because I hadn’t run there since July…

beautiful day although the leaves haven’t changed like upstate

In the evening, I went out to dinner with a college friend.

Friday – Early work day in Jamaica Queens and then back home on the train…

perfect timing for a sunset ride

Saturday – 20 miles!!!! I was so glad to have Judy’s company for 6.5 miles and Stan’s for 8 miles… It’s wasn’t easy but it’s done! The hay is in the barn as they say…