November 12, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 11.6.22-11.13.22: It’s Dark Out!!

Yes, with the clocks turned back, where can I run?

I don’t like to run in the dark.

Now the mornings are lighter but once it gets cold….

At least today I have a 15k race to look forward to.

Last Week:

Sunday – Now that boating season is over, I try to hike every Sunday.

Macch & I were enjoying our extra hour this am.

I decided to head south because I thought the foliage would be prettier. The weather seemed perfect but then it started to rain as I drove and it rained harder and harder.

As soon as I arrived at Falling Waters Preserve, the rain seemed to let up. Yay!

But not for long. I did one trail and then retuned back to my car and found a rain poncho in my trunk (of course, all runners have one, right?)

at least it was warm out

It helped sort of until the wind picked up. It felt like walking in a Nor’easter. I bailed on the 3rd trail and headed to my next destination.

It was still raining but I didn’t drive an hour not to hike and this one (Saugerties Light House Preserve) was a shorter trail.

too wet to take more pics and the views of the Hudson R. were a blur.

Of course as soon as I was finished hiking, the rain stopped. So I drove into town and walked around.

stopped in a knitting shop and bought wool to make this cowl (in different colors) and a dessert shop for coffee and a pastry.

Monday – #nvermisssamonday and since it was lighter in the morning, I decided to give a before work run a whirl. I woke up to rain but happily, it stopped but it was still very warm for this time of year.

I was melting… should have worn a tank and skirt… Is it summer or fall? Even the flowers are confused.

After work, I went for a walk at on a trail at a nearby park hoping to beat darkness.

sunset and then moonrise…

Tuesday – I thought about a before work run but the cold temps (40s) deterred me so it was a lunch run instead

much chillier and windier than the day before.. luckily the sun was out

and then I met my BFF for a walk after work. (I voted last week.)

did your Christmas cactus bloom for Halloween?

Wednesday – Rest day and it was the day of my monthly dinner with my tennis friends.

even though we don’t play tennis together anymore, it is always fun to get together and chat

Thursday – Frost when I woke up… not ready for this! Postponed my run until lunchtime. And it warmed up (50s) and the sun came out.

sorry, the trees are bare.. no more pretty foliage pics

Friday – Rest Day!!

Facebook reminded that on this day two years I hiked at Olana. I figured it was a sign to go back. Although the trees were bare and the clouds threatened rain, it was an enjoyable way to spend the Holiday and a day off from work.

And played mah jongg in the evening (much more relaxing not having to do a long run the next morning.)

Saturday – Rest Day and just a walk with my running friends followed by brunch

and then packet pickup for Sunday’s race.

Some errands and household chores and of course, carb loading…

flatme… wearing a skirt hoping I won’t freeze my butt off

Sunday – Stockade-athon 15k Race!!

Heading to the finish line in 2021

I’ve done this race many times and it’s always fun because I will know many runners out there. But actually I signed up because I have a half marathon next Sunday and the distance is perfect for a taper run.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF, hike, vet appt.
Tuesday – AM run, dinner out
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – PM run
Friday – rest day, packet pick-up, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, walk
Sunday – Upstate Classic Half Marathon

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – The Thankful for Running Post
Friday – Why Turkey Trot?

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races run or planned? Has the weather been fall-like where you live

November 11, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Dealing With the Aging Slow Down

Some of you are not as old as I am.

So you may still be aiming for PRs.

Or maybe you have been running a long time and for that reason, you may be slowing down.

she ran even when she was over 100 yeas old!!!

But for whatever the reason, here are a few tips:

1. Use Intervals

Jeff Galloway is the most popular advocate for taking walk breaks.

You may not get faster by adding walks into your runs but your running/racing will feel easier and more enjoyable.

We Are Galloway! | Tulsa Galloway Training Program

I admit that I have been doing most of my long runs with friends who use 60:30 or 45:30 or even 30:30.

But I have not used consistent run/walk myself (as Galloway recommends) during any races.

2. Toss the Watch

I know this will be hard. If it’s not posted on Strava or Garmin Connect, you still have completed a run.

You can keep track of distance and the number of runs each week/month/year but without a watch, you will not be bothered by your pace or stressing that you ran slow or worried that you had positive splits.

I can use my Apple watch for distances and I keep track of my miles on this blog.

I am a little hypocritical since I do wear my watch for races.

3. Race More.

I find that there are lot more older runners at races and a lot more people who are racing for fun.

Being part of the racing atmosphere before and after the race usually makes me forget that my time was slower than it used to be.

4. Check out Age % stats in a race rather than your finish place.

For example, for this recent 5k, I finished #50:

But if I look at age percentage, I finished #9!!!

Even if you don’t win an award or if you have a slower finish time, age does matter.

5. Maintain a Consistent Routine

That means consistent runs and workouts each week, consistent eating, consistent sleep, consistent rest days…

But “consistent” to each person means different things.

For me, it’s 4 run days, 2 rest days (but they may include walks/hikes), 7 hours of sleep (often is it is not great sleep) and I eat whatever I want (but rarely snack)

and drink red wine (lol).

As we age (or slow down), consistency is even more important.

If this topic interests you, there more opinions/research than mine:

Happy Running! Are you dealing with slowing down? If so, any other tips? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

November 8, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Using Virgin Pulse

Virgin Pulse - Apps on Google Play

My TT topic for today is: Using Virgin Pulse

This tool has been provided to me free where I’ve worked for the past 6+ years.

Believe it not, most people do not use it.

Many of you probably have never even heard of this program.

According to the website: 6,000+ organizations (over one million people), including 25% of the Global Fortune 500, in 190 countries and territories use Virgin Pulse.

What is it?

An online platform offered to employees to foster good health. In their words: “to engage and activate populations to change lives for good.”

Here are some more details on how Virgin Pulse works:

You Read Two Health Tips each day.

You Track at least Three Healthy Activities each day. You can track more than three and you can customize the activities that appear.

You can participate in Challenges or Create your own.

You can Track your Steps.

It syncs with a device you wear that tracks your steps.

You have Access to Resources.

You can Make Friends/Join Groups

You will Earn Money.

Everything you do (as listed above) earns you points.

At the end of each quarter, you earn $100!!

Yup, that $400 each year!!

And you can set it up so it deposits into your bank account.

Happy Running! Do you use Virgin Pulse or some other type of tracking system? Would you if it were offered where you work? Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

November 5, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.30.22-11.6.22: Heading into November. Already?

How is it November?

Halloween has come and gone and now we’re looking forward to Thanksgiving…

or in my case, a 15k, a half marathon and then a 10k. lol

and:

I’m not good with streaks or challenges so let’s see how far I get…

Last Week:

Sunday – This was my third time volunteering at a race this year.

This time, it was for a trail race (6m or 13.1) at Thacher State Park (with a Halloween theme.)

And I had a blast… no FOMO either.

I had to report at 7am for setup & packet pick up and then I gave out finisher medals until 12:30PM.

I got to see the sun rise and the amazing costumes (I was a witch) … not sure had people ran in them… and the weather was perfect!!

After lunch (hot dogs, hamburger and some sweets), I took advantage of the weather and did some more leaf peeping.

great views from this park

Monday – Remember I now have every other Monday off… so I started the day with a run

dressing for the holiday…

Then I went for a drive to where I could climb a fire tower but first I found some new nearby trails.

then hiked to the fire tower

and on the way home, I stopped for a short hike to see a waterfall.

My last stop was to vote and then I spent the evening giving out candy. All of a sudden, we have lots of little kids in a our neighborhood.

Tuesday – I actually had to leave my house for work today… to observe an in-person class. It was rainy anyway (but I had to wear normal clothes, shoes and make-up. lol).

After I dropped my car off (for repair?), I borrowed my hubby’s car and met friends for a walk on the rail trail.

we actually veered off the trail to walk on the water line admiring all the remaining colorful leaves

Wednesday – Back working from home. With the temps warming up, I went for a run on the rail trail at lunch.

looked like fall but felt like summer

When my after work walking partner cancelled, I drove to Hollyhock Nature Sanctuary for a short walk on a pretty creek trail.

the trees were mostly bare and the creek shallow but I beat sunset so all was good

Thursday – Another Indian Summer day… I was thinking of a run at lunch but FB alerted me that the Cookie Truck was in town tonight (they park within walking distance of the end of the rail trail):

So of course, I had to run there after work and then bought a few ice cream sandwiches. (I only ate half of one and froze the rest.)

skirt weather in November!! Woo Hoo!

Friday – Rest Day!! I stopped by my office and so I caved and got my first Holiday cup!!

After work, I headed out for my last after work walk in daylight (at Normanskill Farms).

The alpacas were so cool!

Saturday – Long Run. 12 miles on my training plan so I was grateful to have some company.

This week, we headed to Zim Smith bike path. I got there early to run a few miles solo and then ran the rest with Deb and Sherry. Everyone else had walking on their minds. But we all gathered after for brunch.

NYC on my mind with the shirt and compression sleeves

It was so nice to able eat outdoors… in November!!

Sunday – Big Boo on turning the clocks back!! Not looking forward to my after work runs from now until March…

Giving everyone who’s running the NYC Marathon a virtual High Five!!

Most likely, I’ll be hitting the trails today.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – rest day, tennis dinner out
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, walk
Sunday – Stockade-athon 15k

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Using Virgin Pulse
Friday – Dealing with the Aging Slow Down

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races run or planned? Has the weather been summer-like where you live? Are you following the NYCM today? Please share.

November 4, 2022 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for Nov. ’22

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

RACE ADDICT

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that if you’ve read my blog, you know that I ran THREE races in October: two 5ks and half marathon.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am planning to run a 10k, 15k and half marathon this month (as I did last year) and then another 15k and 5k in December.

I’m most excited about the second 15k because it will be in NYC and a NEW race for me!!

Dec. 3, 2023

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I’m starting to plan the logistics of my Florida race-cation. I booked my hotel in Fort Lauderdale for the night before the race as well as my flights.

Feb. 19, 2023

I still have to rent a car and schedule (4) other night stays, activities and friend meet-ups.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we already picked our running group race for 2023.

Sept. 23, 2023

In addition to this race, I hope to visit the Watkins Glen waterfalls and several wineries.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we also have already BOOKED an amazing house (for 10 of us) on a lake for that weekend.

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

November 1, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Running in a Group

My TT topic for today is: Running in a Group

This one was easy for me because that is my preference and I am lucky to live in an area where I have access to many different running groups.

So here’s why it’s beneficial to run in a group:

It’s fun and inclusive.

You’re never alone. There’s always someone faster and slower than you. No one is ever left behind in group running.

You will be motivated to run faster.

My long runs with other runners are faster than when I run alone.

You will be less likely to cancel.

Especially if you’ve paid for the training. Or people are waiting for you. And even if the weather is not ideal, you will most likely show up.

You will make new friends.

You will then bump into them at races or make plans to race together.

we met at the Turkey Trot Group runs

fellow Freihofer Challenge groupies

You may run at a location that you normally wouldn’t choose.

I’ve run at parks and in neighborhoods that I had never been to before.

path near Knickerbocker Area

Indian Ladder Farms

It will prepare you better for race conditions.

Yes, no one ever runs races solo.

Chatting with others will make the miles go faster.

The funny thing is while we run, we rarely talk about running. But after…a different story.

You may learn something new.

You’ll learn about new races or new gear and even get running tips.

Now you may ask “How do I find a Running Group?”

Check out your local running store.

In fact that’s how I started running… through a group at our local Fleet Feet store.

Ask at a local race.

I’ve also met people at races and we’ve made plans to run together.

Some races even have training groups. We have several that do here and they are a great way to meet other runners.

People may ask you to join or start a group as result of reading your blog.

That’s exactly how I joined my first running group (Strong Running Mamas)

and my current one (Sole Sisters.)

Local runners read my blog and the rest is history.

Join a virtual group through FB.

Virtual groups can be just as fun fun and supportive.

You can join ones based on products you support (Skirt Sports, Zensah, NUUN, etc) or races you run (NYCM. ARE, MCM, etc. or even the type of running or workouts you do (Galloway, yoga, Peloton, etc.).

Happy Running! Do you often run with a group? If so, what benefit(s) does it offer you as a runner? How did you find your group? Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

October 29, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.23.22-10.30.22: A Quiet Week

No travel. No work trips. No races.

Sound boring?

Last Week:

Sunday – The leaves are falling quickly so I decided to do some leave peeping before they were all gone.

I also decided to stay local. But there was a brand new trail nearby so off I drove.

it was very pretty and it connects to another bunch of trails.

I could have continued from there to additional trails but I decided to drive to the main parking lot.

no beaver sighting but it’s one of my favorite short trails there.

I moved my car to one more parking lot and had time for one more short trail

the Vlomankill was pretty shallow but I still got to enjoy the sound of running water

Monday – #nevermissamonday but I had to figure out when the weather would be better to run. It was raining in the morning but I had hoped it would either be dry during lunch or after work.

I got dressed to run at lunch and as soon as I got out there, it started to pour. Being mostly a fair weather runner, I decided to wait until after work.

So I drove to run at UAlbany since I was meeting my BFF for a long walk near there after.

the rain had mostly stopped… just a drizzle and still some pretty foliage to admire

Tuesday – Always checking the weather. I had thought of having a rest day but it looked like rain was predicted for Wednesday so I decided to run after work today.

I didn’t realize until I got to the rail trail that it must have rained recently…

70 degrees, 90% humidity and lots of wet leaves

Wednesday – Finally taking a rest day. It was tempting to participate in a SOAR group run but I went for a walk (at Pine Hollow Arboretum) and did some errands instead.

75 degrees in October? I bet these leaves were confused (but beautiful even at dusk)

Thursday – Back out for a run today. Not as warm as the day before but sunny. I waited until after work and drove to the Albany end of the rail trail.

What a difference a day made… I was actually chilly!!

Friday – Rest Day!!

Not so restful as I had to work and clean the house so I could host mah jongg.

Saturday – Long Run!! Finally able to meet my running friends. No race today!!

I got there early and ran 2 miles with Barbara and then met Sherry & Stan for 9 more. Afterward, we went out to brunch with the others who were either walking or running fewer miles. (<3 my group!)

It was chilly and foggy when we started but it warmed up nicely

Sunday – Volunteering at a local trail race. Costumes, food, colorful foliage and lots of familiar faces… Should be loads of fun.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF – run, hike?
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – rest day
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
Sunday – Hiking?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Running with a Group
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races run or planned? Have the fall foliage colors peaked where you live? Please share.

October 28, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for Oct. ’22

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

1. I RUNfess…

You know how they say “Never wear anything new on race day”?

I ordered these new Topos (Specters rather than Phantoms) and they were supposed to come after my last half marathon.

So I planned to test them out on a long run and wear them for my 15K and half marathon races in November.

But the shoes arrived early…

thumbs up… no worse than the shoes I was going to wear.

2. I RUNfess…

I hate tapering. Before a race, I get antsy and want to run even more.

The week before my last half marathon, I ran SIX days in a row!!

But I did take two days off before the race.

3. I RUNfess…

I organized a college reunion in NYC …

We went out to lunch and then since we were all French majors, we visited The Little Prince exhibit at the Morgan Library.

because I wanted an excuse to run there. (I hope my friends don’t read this blog…)

fait accompli

4. I RUNfess…

I will be limited on my NYC racing because I no longer work in the city and I’ve used up all my hotel points (unless anyone has any advice on cheap places to stay.)

So my last two stays will be in Dec for this race…

Ted Corbitt 15k Classic - New York City, NY - 12/3/2022 - My BEST Runs - Worlds Best Road Races

another bucket list race checked off

and in March for this one:

Hopefully it will be a healthy re-do of 2019

5. I RUNfess…

I bought each of my running friends Maine Marathon mugs as Christmas gifts to motivate them as they trained for our recent race-cation in Maine (or maybe to selfishly have training partners..)

But I forgot to give the mugs to them.

I discovered them when I was packing for the trip so I brought them to Maine.

it became a race memento instead….

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

October 25, 2022 by Darlene

Summer Smith Memorial 5k Race Recap

October 22, 2022 – 10:00 am – The Crossings

This was the 7th year for this 5K race which is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.summersmith5k.com/summer-s-story

I was in the middle of training for a November 15k race and a half marathon…

However, I just had to do this race. I knew that there would be many other runners and volunteers from the STEM program. I wanted to support this cause and I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.

The first 4 years that I ran this race, it was held at the end of May and started at a local High School.

: 2016

: 2017

: 2018

: 2019

Due to COVID, the 2020 race was cancelled (but run virtually) and in 2021, the date was changed and the location was switched to The Crossings. The Crossings is not my favorite place to race. I have run there so often but it is what it is.

2021

I guess they decided that this was a better date and location since this year’s race was held again in October and at The Crossings.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

It was a few weeks after a half marathon (Oct. 2) and a few weeks before another half marathon (Nov 20).

So I’ve done the short runs on weekdays. It was a little challenging this week since I was in NYC and then Rochester. But I got it done.

And long runs on the weekend? 13.1, 8, 3.1 miles…

: 8 miles

I carb load with pizza whether it is 13.1 miles or 3.1. I also wear a similar outfit:

always a skirt and compression calf sleeves!!

Race Day:

The race, as previously mentioned, started at The Crossings where there are real bathrooms, easy parking, and ample room to hang out before and after the race.

I arrived early just to make sure I got parking. I had already picked up my race packet on Thursday after I returned from Rochester.

Honestly, I didn’t really want to run a race. I know, that sounds strange coming from me. But I was pooped having spent two days in NYC and two days in Rochester this past week. (I don’t sleep well and even worse in hotels.)

I knew once I got there, my mood would change.

Several who were in Summer’s STEM group (that I had mentored) were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.

Unfortunately, for the first time, there were no STEM participants running this race as their first 5k. That was disappointing. I hope the program resumes in the spring.

This race is always one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag. (There was also packet pick up two days before at Fleet Feet which I had taken advantage of.)

There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies.

There were also many many raffle items and this year, I remembered to bring $$.

Before the race (at 9 am), there was a prayer, dedication ceremony and many speeches.

followed by a balloon release.

31 balloons were released for Summer (that was her age when she died).

Then purple balloons released for the others who also lost their lives due to drugs or alcohol. Probably not a dry eye in the crowd.

The ceremony was followed by music and a kids race.

I waited around and chatted with many of the runners that I knew and two whom I haven’t seen since the last STEM race.

Kim (center) was a participant and Annette a mentor.

The race’s start was delayed until 10:15 so I had some coffee and something to eat (my breakfast was at 6 am)

I also talked to my former Freihofer & Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge coach (who was timing the race.)

As you can see, it was very cool (low 40s) before we started the race. I had on a jacket, two shirts, arm warmers and gloves.

Then the sun came out and I wisely took off my jacket, arm warmers, gloves and even my long sleeved shirt. There was no bag check so I just hid them under a tree.

The course:

a 3.2 loop around the park

Elevation according to my Garmin:

looks hillier than it was… mostly flat with some rolling hills

I have run this 5k route for several races … and it’s never been one of my better 5ks. But you never know.

Mile 1:

I lined up pretty close to the front since there were many slower runners and walkers in this race. It was not chip-timed (from the start) either.

I just did the best I could. Not PR fast but I wanted to finish with a respectable time. With the chilly temps and no warm up, my legs felt like lead at the beginning. There was a lot of support along the course. Friends of the families who lost loved ones to drugs were holding signs in their memory. I was glad that I was running to support this charity.

It felt really hard to breathe. I thought it was the cold air. But probably when I look at my pace, as usual I started out too fast. The course was a loop and the trees were at peak color. Running into the wind was a bit annoying.

Mile 2:

The rolling hills started during this mile. I slowed down and I felt a lot better The crowd also spread out and I was following a women in red most of this mile. She kinda acted as my beacon.

As per usual, I stopped to walk at the beginning of this mile.

This was a water stop so I stopped again and grabbed a cup.

The crowd support was great. Every volunteer that I passed who carried a sign (for a loved one lost to drugs/alcohol), thanked me for running the race.

Mile 3-3.1:

Ok now I was getting tired. I probably could have dragged myself through the last mile and not walk. But I always felt energized after a quick walk and I did.

But as I got closer to the finish line, I walked one more time.

Finally the finish line was in sight, I gave it all I had (which wasn’t much at this point).

I looked at the clock and it said 28:XX. Phew!

I was pleased. I knew all the walks would definitely prevent me from having a sub 28 finish. I never considered a PR.

Post Race:

I hung around for awhile, chatted and then looked at the results.

I was starved since I had eaten breakfast 5 hours ago so I had some chocolate milk, a brownie and pizza.

I did win my age group. I was surprised because it was 60-69 (and I am 69.) And the lady in red who was ahead of me? Apparently I passed her at the finish line and she was in my age group! (And yes, she pointed that out to me!)

By the time, I got back to my car, changed my shoes, it was almost noon. I really did not feel like running anymore… but I did drag myself around the park and a trail to add some more miles to my legs.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was happy to support this charity. Plus the race was so well-organized. There were over 200 participants. Many who have overcome drug or alcohol addiction.

I am so humbled by the STEM women and others who have overcome adversity. And I am glad to have been a part of their lives.

Tyler has WON this race 6 years in a row honoring his brother.

Positives:

- Ample parking.
- Well marked course.
- Varied park scenery.
- Indoor restrooms
- Flatish course.
- Immediate results.
- Chocolate milk.
- Many familiar faces.
- Crowd Support
- Great Post-race Refreshments (pizza!)
- Important cause.

Negatives:

- Too familiar a course
- Annoying uphills and WIND
- No photos
- Same medal as previous years (and no date on it)
- No speedwork to prepare (my fault)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Great organization. Great cause!!!

It will in the spring again (I believe) and back on its original course.

Final Stats:

Splits:

4 walks in a 5k?? Geez…

Next Up:

a 15k on November 13 and another half marathon on November 20.

Stockadeathon – 15K Road Race

logo

Happy Running! What is your favorite charity to support for a race? Do race because of the cause?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

October 21, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.16.22-10.23.22: Travelling Week

Yup, on the road again.

The highlight of my week was going to NYC!

My least favorite part of the week was a work trip to Rochester, NY.

Oh, I also managed to squeeze in a 5k race on Saturday.

Last Week:

Sunday – I took the train down to NYC where I spent a lovely day.

I had lunch with some college friends and then we visited the Morgan Library.

We were all French majors so it was appropriate to see Le Petit Prince exhibit and most of us had also read The Personal Librarian.

Afterward I went to the top of Summit One for views of the city at sunset.

just breath taking

I ended the day in Bryant Park with Cari.

notice our healthy dinner

Monday – Rain was in the forecast but Cari and I crossed our fingers that we could get a dry run done in Central Park before she had to go to work.

and we did!!

It started to sprinkle but not enough to deter me from some more leave peeping miles in the park.

The sun peaked out by the time to head to my museum visits.

First a quick one to Cooper Hewitt (since it was on the way and free.)

Then on to the Jewish Museum (which surprisingly was free too). There was a special exhibit on the 60’s (and I’m old enough to remember them) among other things.

I took the subway back to my hotel to check out.

My final stop was to another friend’s apartment before heading home.

Tuesday – Back to work. No time to run until after work.

I didn’t pay attention to the temps and I was quite chilly

Wednesday – This afternoon I had to drive to Rochester for work (3 1/2 hours.) After checking into my hotel, I wanted to run on the Erie Canal trail before dark. I was staying a different hotel than I usually do so I asked the desk clerk where to go. She pointed out the trail and told me to park in the hospital parking lot.

Oh, it was COLD and raining so I think she thought I was nuts.

just drizzling most of the time but then it started to pour and I took cover in a nearby REI store (where I should have parked. lol)

I had to return to my hotel to change out of my wet clothes before heading out to dinner .

Thursday – On my way home from Rochester, I decided to squeeze on one more run. This time I headed to where I used to park (Schoen Place) to run on the Erie Canal..

It was dry but overcast and windy.

cold… but still so pretty

One last stop before leaving Rochester:

never too cold for Abbotts!!

Once home, I had to pick up my race packet and stop at Trader Joes (for flowers and everything pumpkin lol)

Friday – Rest Day!! No mah jongg due to COVID exposures but time to unpack, carb load and get together a #flatme.

Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k. I was pooped from all the travel this week and wasn’t feeling the run. But as soon as I got there my spirits lifted.

There were some speeches, many raffle items, memorial balloon launch and tears by many (who knew Summer or anyone who died due to drug/alcohol addiction.)