Tuesdays on the run

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TOTR: Winter Motivation

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

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

Today’s Topic is: Winter Motivation.

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So to motivate myself to enjoy this winter more, I decided to point out what is great about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

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not a fan of rain!!

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

HMRRC WS#4 - 15K

happier here

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

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However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge LOL).

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3. It’s pretty outside.

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Well, at least most of the time.

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4. There are free races (in my area.)

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 6 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

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It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after.

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5. There’s not a lot to do in the winter and it’s get me outside.

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In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

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But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

so they say…

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

coachescorner

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TOTR: October Report Card

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 Fall has arrived. And we had some nice cool fall days but summer temps came and went as well. Such crazy weather!!!
Here’s how October worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

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

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in NYC, Buffalo and Liverpool for work. My weekday runs were usually around 4 miles.

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

Since the Turkey Trot running group runs on Tuesdays this year, I cannot run with them 😦  When my work schedule allowed, I did volunteer to help the STEM runners train for their first 5k. 

Long Runs:

Long runs began in preparation for my next half marathon. I added extra miles to my 5k and 10k races. I skipped one long run and shortened my 12 miler to 10!!

Total Mileage:

I have run 99.3 miles this month so far. An increase over previous months and I am still feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I skipped a local 5k because of my crazy work schedule but I did complete three races. I ran the Wineglass Half Marathon which it was a great weekend away and almost PR.  I also ran the Apple Run 5K, another almost PR but an age group award and the Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k which was a fun one. 

Cross Training:

I played tennis once (indoor season has started.) Again this month, I was out of town working every Tuesday 😦

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! And my free membership ended this month!!!! No excuses because I live near a free gym and my tennis club membership this year includes free access to the gym.

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot. But I did walk a lot in NYC to and from the train, subway and training facility (for 5 days!!)

Other News:

The hubby and I ended our weekend boating. We were fortunate to have two nice weekends at the beginning of the month.

Despite working A LOT, I also managed to attend some of my weekly mah jongg games. 

I also spent a weekend away with some of the tennis ladies. We went hiking in Watkins Glen. We hiked ALL 3 trails at the gorge one day and did a flat trail to a waterfall another day. 

This was my second girls weekend away of the month having spent the wineglass race weekend with running friends. 

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

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

One half marathon (#29) is planned – November 12 in Las Vegas. Woo Hoo! (plan to connect with lots of bloggers!!!!!!)

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

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

  • 11-11-17 – RnR Vegas 5k
  • 11-12-17 – RnR Vegas Half Marathon
  • 11-18-17 – Girls on the Run 5k???
  • 11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
  • 12-02-17 – Jingle Bell 5k (volunteer with STEM) or 12-03-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #1 (15k)??
  • 12-09-17 – Albany Last Run 5K

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her NovemberRace Linkup:

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

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

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

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

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

I’d say overall a A-.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, but I happy to have squeezed in those runs while working out of town which wasn’t easy.

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

coachescorner

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Apple Run 5K Race Recap

I ran this race in 2014 because 2 ladies whom I met at a previous race raved about it. Now it’s become one of my favorite fall races.

It didn’t hurt that in 2014, I finished this race in 27:47 and won 1st in my age group, in 2015, I finished in 28:01 and won 2nd and then again in 2016, I won 2nd with a time of 27:48. You get a plaque as your award.

That being said, on a weekend where there was good number of local races (including the Susan Komen Race for the Cure 5k, Blessed Sacrament 5k, Falling Leaves 5k), I chose to drive 45 minutes to run this race.

According to the website, it is a looped, flat course. Even though I ran it three times already, I didn’t remember much about the course. I run so many races, they all blend together sometimes.

Apparently we quickly switched from summer to fall in a few days and then back to summer. But at least the predicted rain did not come. When I left the house, it was pretty chilly and damp.

I debated on what to wear and decided on capris and a tank. But brought my DIY arm warmers for the race start.

I arrived about 45 minutes before the start of the 9 am race which starts and ends at the middle school in Burnt Hills.

In the school gym, I picked up my bib and lots of race swag.

I saw Tom, the crazy guy that I see at most of my races. We posed for pics as usual.

Then I spotted Sue who had recommended this race. (Her Connecticut friend Ilsa couldn’t come.)

pasta dinner before the race above

Ilsa, Sue & I

Soon it was time to head outside.

Ideally, I would have liked to try for a course PR. But with less than a week since running a half marathon and very little running this week, I figured that it wouldn’t happen.

Sue and I started together and she’s my competition (but she hasn’t been racing much.)

We lined up near the front because there were so many kids running this race (The whole girls hockey team and cross country team, I think).

Runners head up Lake Hill Road for the 22nd Annual ...

photo from the Gazette (2015)

My start was quite slow since all those kids were in the way. It was impossible not to weave around them.

I love the course although it does feel like you’re running on a slight uphill the whole time. There are only 2 short downhills and they’re during the last mile.

The race course is a loop first through country roads and then around a residential neighborhood and then back along a different country road.

There was someone calling out times at mile 1 which for me was about 8:45. At the halfway point, there was a water stop but I chose not to stop.

That’s when I decided to see what would happen if I ran the whole race without stopping to walk. I can’t remember the last time I did that…it’s been years.

Though the temp was in the 50s, it was very humid. I was sweating.

Finally, I came to home stretch. When I saw the clock, I was surprised that I was again close to a PR. I ran as fast as I could and crossed at 27:29. 

My friend, Tom, who was pushing a stroller finished in 21 minutes, was cheering me on.

I was happy. Not a PR but a course PR.

I waited for Susan to finish. She had only run one race since this race last year so she did great.

The most fun of the race was watching these three “old”guys finish. They race every weekend and compete with each other.

We congratulated them and went inside to check results and get food.

Inside there were pizza, bagels, fruit, etc. I had 2 pieces of pizza and a bagel and waited with my friends for the awards.

First they gave out a ton of raffle prizes of which I won none. But as for awards, I won first and Sue third.

As always, I enjoyed this race and plan to run this one again next year.

My splits:

mile 1 – 8:48
mile 2 – 8:48
mile 3 – 8:52
mile .14 – 7:31
27:29 (My PR is 27:11 from 2014 but this is my 3rd fastest 5k)

All my splits were under 9 minutes! That’s a first for me. And they were pretty even.  Too bad, I couldn’t negative split…

I asked my friend Tom about how to get a PR. He replied: Lift weights!!

Hmmm. Maybe?? Nay, I think not.

My running, however, was not over for the day. 9 miles was on the schedule in preparation for next half marathon. So I drove to the Colonie Town Park. I wanted to run some place different and I hadn’t run there in awhile.

I changed my shirt because I was so sweaty.

And fortunately Judy agreed to wait and do her run with me.

My legs were definitely tired. This always happens when I run a race for my first few miles of a long run.

It was a nice run. Lots of running and walking and chatting.  It rained off and on but a light rain so big deal.  My pace was probably very slow but I was fine with it. All I cared about was that I was DONE!! And there would be ice cream after!

Thanks Judy for the company!!!

After a long afternoon filled with errands, I convinced my hubby that I needed to carb reload.  So we went out to dinner.

wine, steak, baked potato, cannoli = perfect meal

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

The topic for today is: If I didn’t run….

I can’t imagine not running.  I wish that I had started running earlier in life.

Not running would only happened if my health wouldn’t allow it. In that case, I guess I would return to playing tennis daily, join a gym, take yoga classes, go hiking.  None of which would be as fulfilling as running.

I’m also linking with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner

Happy Running! How did you spend your long weekend? What would you do if you didn’t run?
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TOTR: Fall Running

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

The topic for today is: Favorite Thing(s) About Fall Running

Well, I could possibly just mention ONE thing.

First, the scenery.  I love the colors of the leaves in the fall. All the paths where I run are so pretty this time of year.

Second, the number of races.  For someone who loves to race every weekend in the fall, there is the largest selection during this running season.

Third, the cooler temps make those PRs possible. Not all my PRs have come in the fall but many have. I look forward to trying to recapture my 2014-15 speed.

Happy Running! What is your favorite thing about fall running? Do share.

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TOTR: September Report Card

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Fall has arrived. And we had some nice cool dry days but summer temps and humidity did rear their ugly head too.
Here’s how September worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

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

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

I ran alone most of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me a few times and new Judy once. I also hooked up with Laurie, a former turkey trot group member. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

I thought the Turkey Trot running group started up again on Monday, September 18 and I would get to re-unit with my running friends as well as meet new ones. I even registered.  But it turns out that they changed the day for the first time this year – Tuesdays!!!  I cannot do Tuesdays… So no group runs or drills for me this fall.  Boo Hoo!!!

PP hills, I’ll miss you!!

Long Runs:

Long runs began in preparation for my next half marathon. I also snuck in a half marathon as a training run. The 11 miler was my only decent effort but at least I got the miles in.

Total Mileage:

I have run 87.5 miles this month so far. An increase over previous months and I am still feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month.  I skipped a local 5k but instead the next weekend, I ran the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon as a last minute training run.  It was a hot, humid day and I bonked the last 3 miles. I also ran the Helper’s Fun 10K, a hilly small scenic race. For this one, I ran a smart race, had a course PR and won my age group so I was a happy camper.

Cross Training:

I played tennis once (indoor season has started.) Again this month, I was out of town working every Tuesday 😦

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! And my free membership ends in October!!!!

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot.

I finally got to go hiking after my 10k race. I loved it!!!

Other News:

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends. It was actually warmer in September than in July & August.

Despite working ALOT, I also managed to attend my weekly mah jongg games and monthly dinner with the tennis ladies. 

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

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Two half marathons (#28 & #29) planned- October 1 in Corning, NY. and November 12 in Las Vegas.

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

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

  • 10-01-17 – Wineglass Half Marathon
  • 10-07-17 – Apple Run 5K
  • 10-14-17 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K / ZOOMA Cape Cod Virtual 10K
  • 10-22-17 – ZOOMA Amelia Island Virtual 12k
  • 10-29-17 – Goblin Gallop 5k?
  • 11-11-17 – RnR Vegas 5k
  • 11-12-17 – RnR Vegas Half Marathon
  • 11-18-17 – Girls on the Run 5k (volunteer with STEM) or maybe 11-19-17  – Race to Deliver 4m in NYC
  • 11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 5k and Troy Turkey Trot 10k

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

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

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

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

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

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

I’d say overall a B+.

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

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

coachescorner

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TOTR: Fall Race Schedule

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

The topic for today is: Fall Race Schedule

Believe it or not, I’ve cut back on my racing but here’s a list of those I am thinking of running:

  • 9-23-17 – Helper’s Fund 10k

I’ve done this hilly race a few times. It’s in a small town that I love to visit in the fall and summer. I’ve signed up so it’s a go….

  • 10-01-17 – Wineglass Half Marathon*

This will be my 28th half and it will be a girls weekend away so it should be a lot of fun. Can’t wait!!!

there will be at least 10 of us running the race

  • 10-08-17 – Ramblefest 8k* or 10-07-17– Apple Run 5K / ZOOMA Cape Cod Virtual 10K

I haven’t decided which one yet. I’ve done the Apple Run several times. Ramblefest is a farther drive but my last two half PRs were here. So who knows??

  • 10-15-17 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

Another fun popular local fall race that I usually try to put on my schedule each year. Maybe I’ll even wear a different shirt this year LOL

  • 10-29-17 – Goblin Gallop 5k*? / ZOOMA Amelia Island Virtual 8k

This would be a new one for me.  My friend Sue recommended it.

  • 11-11-17 – RnR Vegas 5k*

This is just for the bling and a warmup for the next day.

  • 11-12-17 – RnR Vegas Half Marathon*

Another race-cation with the ladies that I met in Panama City last December. A race down the Las Vegas strip at night.   How much fun is that?

Can’t wait to see some of these ladies again and meet Kim (Running on the Fly)!!

  • 11-18-17 – Girls on the Run 5k (volunteer with STEM) or 11-19-17 – Race to Deliver 4M* (NYC)???

If I go to NYC, I won’t be able to run the STEM runners’ first 5k on Saturday. On Sunday, I have a college reunion lunch and tix to a Broadway show with my tennis friends. So why not add a race to the day?

  • 11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 5k and Troy Turkey Trot 10k

Yes, two races in one morning so I can eat a lot food later.

Happy Running! Which race(s) are you looking forward to this fall. Do share.

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TOTR: Good/Bad of Summer 2017

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

The topic for today is: Good/Bad of Summer 2017

I’ll start with the Bad:

  • Work Work Work

Besides working full-time, my job has me traveling EVERY week.

Staying in hotels and eating in restaurants gets old quick.

It’s also a challenge to find places to run in unfamiliar locales.

But the worst part is that driving for 3-5 hours is tiring!!! This has put a damper on my energy level and my desire to drive to races.

  • Weather

It hasn’t been really bad except for all that rain.

I’m a big fan of sunshine!!

And for someone who loves boating, it was a downer to never be warm enough to go swimming on the weekend.  Boo Hoo!!!

yes, it was relaxing in a chair on an island but I am usually floating in a tube in the lake

  • No Vacation Time

I was only able to take two days off from work all summer.  And I used both of them to go hiking.

Now the Good:

  • Running Weather

So it was not great for boating, but it was for running.  The temps never reached the 90s and during many days, it almost felt like fall.

  • Racing Ops

I didn’t run as many races as I usually do in the summer but the ones that I did run were successful and fun!

I repeated some of my faves – Adirondack Distance Run, Silks and Satins and Race the Train.  In all three, I improved my finish time from last year.  The Al Goldstein in Brooklyn and the France Run in Central Park were inaugurals for me.  I won age group awards for Silks & Satins, Race the Train and Al Goldstein.

  • Running/Racing with Friends

It’s no secret that I run better and more seriously when I don’t run alone.  I was lucky to run with Alyssa almost weekly, Judy once and another Judy twice.

I also shared almost all my racing experiences with friends this summer.

  • New Running Routes

Thanks to my job, I experienced running in some new places… Liverpool, NY, Rochester, NY and Buffalo, NY

  • New York New York

Yes, I visited NYC several times for work and once for a race.  No better place to visit and/or run….

  • Fun with my Tennis Friends

We play tennis but mostly we go out to eat, play mah jongg and we always find a way to have a good time.

  • Boating on Lake George with the Hubby

So it wasn’t the warmest of summers but there is no more beautiful lake than Lake George (I may be biased).  We spent one day there every weekend…usually on one of the islands, relaxing, chilling and grilling with friends.

So overall, it was a pretty good summer. What about you?

Happy Running! What was the best and worst part of your summer? Do share.

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TOTR: Fall Training

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

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

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Today’s Topic is:  Will your training schedule change for fall? How?

There won’t be drastic changes but of course, there will be some things that will be different:

  • More Miles on the weekend.

Since I have signed up for a half marathon in October and one in November, I will need to get in some long runs on Saturday or Sunday. I was able to slack off during the summer months with my last half being May 21.

double digit runs are baack!!

  • More Races

There are so many races to choose from in the fall.  It seems like every group is trying to get a race in before the weather gets cold. I didn’t run every weekend in the summer because I wanted to make time for boating.  But I can’t promise that I won’t in the fall.

one of my favorite 10ks

  • More Challenges to Run Weekdays due to work and/or time change.

I was traveling a lot for work but it seems that I will be out of town even more in the fall.  I had been able to get creative to run wherever I was working.  This will be a challenge in October when we turn the clocks back.  Most of the places I run are not lit (will there be hotel treadmill running in my future? : ( )

  • More Before Work Runs??

It seems that I should run before work if it is dark after work…but I can’t promise that this will ever happen.

  • Faster or Longer Runs?

Cooler temps make for faster runs which also means time for longer runs.

  • More Scenic Runs.

Fall in the NE is the best.  Looking froward to leaf peeping while running.

  • More Group Runs.

My Turkey Trot training group starts up in September.  That means running on Monday evenings with a group, hills and Coach Patrick’s tortuous speed drills.

  • Mentoring Other Runners.

If time allows, I plan to volunteer again with the STEM program and help victims of domestic violence complete their first 5k.

  • More Laundry

Yeah, gone will be the days of only a tank and skirt. There will be layers. There will be jackets, arm warmers, gloves, hats…oh my!

Happy Running! How will your fall training change?

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TOTR: August Report Card

Image result for bye bye August
Summer has arrived. But actually it hasn’t been a hot one so far  – just a few humid days and some rain!!
Here’s how August worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

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

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

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

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

Long Runs:

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

Total Mileage:

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

Races:

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

Cross Training:

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

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

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

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

Other News:

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

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

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends. 

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

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

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

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

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

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

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

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

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

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

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

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

I’d say overall a B.

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

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

coachescorner

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TOTR: “I’m getting better”

Image result for i'm not getting older, i'm getting better

This quote always makes me laugh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how:

Get Faster

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

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

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

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

  •  Polar Cap 4m

2015 – 37:40, 2017 – 37:20

  • Shamrock 5m

2016 – 46:28, 2017 – 46:09

  • Bacon Hill 5K

2016 – 27:54 , 2017 – 27:32

  • Lake George 5K

2013 –  29:17, 2017 – 27:53

  • Summer Smith 5k

2016 –  28:29, 2017 – 27:26

  • Freihofer 5k

2016 – 28:50, 2017 – 27:48

  • Adirondack 10m

2016 –  1:42:21, 2017 – 1:39:35

  • Silks & Satins 5k

2016 – 28:27, 2017 – 27:37

  • Race the Train (8.4 m)

2016 – 1:28:54, 2017 – 1:28:27

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

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

Age Group Awards

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

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

Entering small and less popular races, increase your chances.

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

Fewer Injuries

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

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

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

Carpe Diem

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

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

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

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

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