July 13, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- 3 mile run

Tuesday – walk at work, ~~tennis~~ (rain), nails, gym

my usual 15 minute workout

Wednesday – 3 3.5 mile run

Thursday – 3 mile run with Judy after work

Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race, boating, dinner out

Sunday – 5 mile run, breakfast out, boating

deck overlooking the lake

This Week:

Monday- rest, walk at work, gym
Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, tennis (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)
Wednesday – rest, walk at work, dinner out, movie
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – 3 mile run after work, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday – 6 mile run, boating

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

July 12, 2015 by Darlene

TEAM Sarcoma 5K Race and Weekend Recap

I wasn’t planning on racing this weekend.

But my runs have been so sluggish lately that I thought I needed a pick me up and I signed up on a whim.

The weather was predicted to be good (but maybe a little too warm). I had never run this race but have done several in this park. And more importantly, it took place in Saratoga which is halfway to the marina.

I almost signed up for one on Sunday but it was at the same time as a half marathon (so would be more crowded).

It was really tough to set any goals. I had not run a 5K in about 6 weeks but if I wanted to push myself, this would be this:

Finish under 29 minutes.
Run all splits under 10 minutes.

But with the heat and my unpredictable feet, it was this:

Finish under 30 minutes.
Total pace under 10 minutes.

I got up and had my usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea and headed north for my 45 minute ride. The start was at the Warming Hut in Saratoga State Park. It is a big park and always confusing on where to enter.

There was a sign luckily and I found a parking spot in a lot not far from the start. I got there about 8:15 and the race was to start at 9 am. Just the right amount of time to get my race packet, hit the restrooms and look for familiar or unfamiliar faces to chat with.

waiting…

I immediately bumped into Jackie who I knew from the Troy Turkey Trot and Freihofers training groups. We hung out and lined up together.

the start area

It was a small race – about 400 runners, many of which were walking for the cause.

I’ve run over a 100 races and I still get nervous before each one. Will I suck? Will I get injured? Once the race starts, I relax and enjoy it.

The start line was confusing. It was just a mass of runners on the grass. So the race started and we were running on the grass. The grass was very wet so it was slow going. I tried to keep up with Jackie but she is faster. So I just tried to keep her in my sight up ahead.

Next we were running through a gravel trail. You know how clumsy I am especially with wet feet so I was very careful here.

Finally we were on concrete and the crowd finally thinned out.

I haven’t run fast in quite a while and my legs felt like lead. But I just trudged along and decided that I wouldn’t stop until the first water stop.

I made it. It was a little past the 1 mile point. It was quite warm and in the 70s already. So I drank the water and walked and then tried to make up time.

I still was dragging but willed myself not to walk until mile 2. Luckily, running through the park was mostly shady and I was enjoying the course.

The last mile went on forever and I really wanted to walk again but I didn’t and managed to sprint across the finish line. I was happy to finish under 29 minutes.

In fact, it was 28:38 (and really a little less since it wasn’t chip timed.)

The race was exactly what I needed.

I never pushed myself and I know I could have run faster.

It was very warm and humid and my time was not a PR but it was still faster than my last few 5ks! Happy. Happy.

Jackie and I hung around for awhile. We were hoping that they would give out awards. But they did not…only for the top teams who raised money.

Yup. I would have won my AG

Oh well. We don’t race for bling, do we?

My Positive Splits:

mile 1 – 9:06
mile 2 – 9:23
mile 3 – 9:34
.14 – 8:03

So my next 5k is in two weeks – it will be hillier and there will be more runners. Hopefully, I will be more confident.

After the race, I headed up to the marina and spent the rest of the day on our boat tied up to our friends’ boats.

We spent the whole day relaxing in the sun and then went out to dinner.

The next morning, I got up early and went for a hilly 5 mile run. It was perfect. I felt great.

Then I returned to the marina, everyone wanted to take our boats out fro breakfast. I had already eaten but a 5 mile run deserves a 2nd breakfast, right?

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Then we spent the rest of the day on an island where we hung out in the shad and grilled an early dinner.

After we left the island, we rode around the lake for a while and then headed back to put our boat away until next weekend. I ended my weekend with a homemade soft ice cream sandwich (I ate it too fast for a photo.)

I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I am also linking up with Jessica from The Silvah Lining for the Race Recap Link Up.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race?

July 6, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- 3 4 mile run before work, dinner out for friend’s bday

Tuesday – ~~walk at work~~ (rain), dentist after, gym

15 mins – better than nothing

Wednesday – 3 mile run before work (rain), 2 mile run at work, hair appt, mall walk with BFF

got rained on or may have gotten another mile in

Thursday – 4 3 mile run after work

with Judy, new Hokas and ice cream afterwards = good run

Friday – off from work, 4 3.5 mile run, ~~nails~~, gardening, errands, mah jongg

Saturday – boating

it wasn’t sunny but it was so much fun

Sunday – 3 5 mile run, boating

slow, hilly but scenic ❤

warm, sunny day in the bay

This Week:

Monday- 3 mile run
Tuesday – walk at work, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, rest
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday & Sunday – 5k race, boating

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

July 5, 2015 by Darlene

Boating + Running Weekend

Yes, I had a THREE day weekend.

For Friday, I sent my hubby up to the lake and I stayed home.

It was a beautiful day but I knew I needed some alone time to get things done so I could fully enjoy the weekend.

So I did a lot of tree trimming and weeding, grocery shopping, laundry and of course, even squeezed in a scenic run.

On Saturday morning, I drove up to the lake with my friend Cheryl in the RAIN.

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate for July 4th. But, it never really rained so I consider myself lucky.

We hung out on one of the islands, lit a camp fire and ate, drank and laughed. They were about 15 of us and we had a great time despite the clouds and chilly temps.

never thought Id be wearing jeans a sweatshirt on the 4th of July – crazy weather.

the first course, steak came next

Then we went back to the marina and ate some more, sang and danced to oldies music while waiting for the fireworks to begin.

and we ate a lot of Ben & Jerry’s

the fireworks didn’t disappoint and the rain held off

The next day I woke up to fog which would burn off.

I ate my breakfast and set off on a run.

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I saved the donut for after

I decided to take a new route…up to the golf course.

However, it was so steep that I could barely walk up the hills.

At the halfway point, I turned around. Boy was the way down fun!!

Then, I continued my run where I normally go…the Sagamore Hotel grounds.

this yoga class looked fun

And then headed back to the marina.

It was a very slow run with lots of walking and interruptions but thoroughly enjoyable.

By the time I got back, everyone was ready to head out on the lake. We decided to not go to an island but just tie our boats together in the bay. I think we had about 8 boats tied together.

People moved back and forth but often congregated on one boat.

The water was cold (by my standards) but there were plenty of things to do.

Sadly, the day had to end and we put our boats away. We then headed out to a local restaurant for dinner and to watch USA beat Japan!!

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

July 3, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: July 4th

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

This week, the theme is: July 4th/Independence

If the weather cooperates, my holiday includes these 5 things each year:

1. Boating on the Lake

2. Barbecues with Friends

eating at our site

3. Getting Patriotic

4. Fireworks

5. Squeezing in a morning run

Happy Running! How do you celebrate July 4th?

June 29, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – off from work, 5 6 mile run

Tuesday – ~~walk at work~~, 2 hours of tennis, dinner out after
Wednesday –3 mile run before work, walk at work, dinner out with the tennis ladies

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ate way too much at Chez Mike with my tennis buds but it was fun to see them

Thursday – walk at work, ~~rest~~ 3 mile run after work

hill repeats after work

Friday – 2 mile run at lunch, mah jongg

Saturday – rest, boating, dinner out

our boat

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our NJ friends finally came up to the lake

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at least I only ate half

Sunday – ~~5K??,~~ ~~boating~~ (rain!!), errands, cooking, shopping

my first overnight oats attempt

found these online for 50% off

This Week:

Monday- 3 mile run before work, dinner out for friend’s bday
Tuesday – walk at work, dentist after
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, hair appt
Thursday – walk at work, rest, mall walk with BFF
Friday – 4 mile run, off from work, boating
Saturday – boating
Sunday – 5 mile run??, boating

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

June 12, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Summer Activities

This week, the theme is Favorite Summer Activities.

Here are my 5:

1. Racing on the Weekends

I know I could just run for free but I only get that “Runner’s High” from races. I am lucky to have many choices. I can choose by location, course, distance, bling, etc. I pretty much race every weekend.

2. Playing Tennis Outdoors

This I can do for free. I usually play every Tuesday. If I didn’t go boating, I could also play on Saturdays and Sundays. I’ve given up playing in USTA and WTT league matches so that I can run more.

3. Boating on Lake George

This is one thing that the hubby & I do together. We both love it on the lake…whether it be docking on the islands, tying up with other boats in a bay or just hanging out at the marina.

4.Weekend getaways with friends

Schroon River

NYC

We go on day trips to museums and plays. We also go up to my friend’s who has a house on Schroon River. We love to swim, hike, play tennis, shop, eat out, play games, etc.

5.Barbecues

Nothing beats a hamburger or hot dog on a grill. Usually I do this on the lake or at a friend’s house.

Happy Running! What are your favorite things to do in the summer?

September 18, 2014 by Darlene

TTT: Exercising, Running Groups & the Weekend

1. Exercising

Community Care Physicians is a leader in the field of healthcare. With a strong focus on wellness and prevention, we are the first multispecialty medical group in the Capital Region of NY to open fitness centers that are available for little to no cost. Whether you are improving your lifestyle, restoring your quality of life due to a medical condition, or continuing a personal rehabilitation program, our gyms allow you access to the latest fitness equipment and personal training options conveniently offered by Community Care Physicians, PC.

Community Care Physicians has gym locations in Delmar and Latham. These gyms are unstaffed facilities that require you to enroll and get a key tag prior to entering. With your key tag, you will be able to access both gym locations during gym hours, Monday through Friday 5 am to 11 pm and Saturday and Sunday 7 am to 7 pm.

YAY!! FREE with my health insurance. I live in Delmar and it is 5 mins from my house on the way to and from work. Double YAY!

You see, I don’t belong to a gym. It’s matter of money and convenience and time and motivation to go. I had a treadmill in my basement but it is broken. Where I work, there is a treadmill back stage where it is dark, dreary and cluttered with junk. Yes, I use it when it is virtually impossible to run outside – thunderstorms, snowstorms, icy conditions, etc.

I know that strength training is beneficial to runners. I plan to go ONCE a week and ONCE on the weekend. I even signed my hubby up. I’ll keep you posted.

class

Speaking of exercising, they are offering an exercise class at work on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Sounds perfect, right? I wouldn’t have to leave the building.

I play tennis on Tuesdays so I went on Thursday. There were about 10 people there (out of the 25 who signed up), a few young students but mostly older women.

Well, it was total torture!!!

The young buff trainer proceeded to lead us on training intervals that involved running, hopping, jumping jacks, burpees, push ups, etc. Definitely not explaining the moves, not helping you do them at your own level…he just kept you moving like a drill sergeant.

Yea, I did sweat but I was at a loss to follow along on many of the moves and unable to do some at the level he was asking. I honestly didn’t get much out of it and vowed to never return.

Then I thought that I was too hasty and was going to reconsider until the gym opportunity arose.

2. Running Groups

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Last Sunday when I bumped into an old friend, she mentioned this program. She trained for the Freihofer 5k this way and is enrolled in it for the Troy Turkey 10k. (Incidentally, she has run 5 races, is training for a half and considering a full…I must be a slow learner!!)

The training runs are on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

I can do the Mondays with no problem but I have races on most weekends and can only do 3 Saturdays.

I still think it’s worth it so that I can have some people to run with once a week and also for the drills that will come along with the training.

There’s an info session tonight so we’ll see but I am leaning toward doing it.

3. The weekend

I am not going to race this weekend! You know I want to…and there are quite a few races out there that I could run…

especially this one:

I was very close to signing up for this one as my fall half marathon. I know this is shallow but the deciding factor was no medal but then they changed and are giving one for the first time.

Instead of racing, I plan to do a long run on one of the bike trails on Saturday.

And spend Sunday on Lake George probably BBQing on one of the islands and maybe hiking.

Happy Running! Do you belong to a gym? Are you part of a running group? What are your plans for the weekend?

September 8, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF – 4.5 mile run, boating

Tuesday – 2 walks at work, rest, dinner with a friend

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – 3 mile run, walk at work

before work

AM walk

Thursday – walk at work, 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF

AM walk

HUMID run after work in the park

Friday- ~~2 walks at work,~~ rest
Saturday- 5K race , mah jongg party at the river

tough conditions but won 3rd in my AG

Sunday – 5 7.5 miles, mah jongg party at the river

PERFECT running weather

we even played a little mah jongg

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, rest
Tuesday – 3 mile run, walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, rest, exercise class at work
Friday- walk at work, 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 5K race+ 5 miles

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

September 3, 2014 by Darlene

Running, Boating, Running, Boating

Yup, that was how I spent my Labor Day weekend.

The weather wasn’t perfect but I’ll take it. It beats winter!

On Saturday, which was a nice day, I stayed home until dinner, doing housework, errands and then joined the hubby at the marina for dinner.

On Sunday morning, I had an awesome run in that 90% humidity.

Well, awesome because I was running along Lake George. Instead of my usual run around the Sagamore hotel are, I decided to run south on 9N.

It is rolling hills (the reverse direction of my the Adirondack Distance Run) and I walked whenever I felt I needed to.

looking south

not a sunny day but the ducks don’t care

cool old house, now a gift shop

I turned and ran around the cemetery before heading back to the marina.

old school house, now a store

I completed a total of 4.5 miles. I would have liked to do more but everyone was waiting at the marina to head out on the lake.

It was the annual Christmas in Log Bay party but it was looking like rain.

And it drizzled all day but none of the predicted hard rain and thunderstorms materialized. Lucky us!

there are usually hundreds of boats

my hubby pulled folks around using his dinghy

our friend on his kayak

now that’s a big float, later on, they had 15 people squeezed on it

Santa & Mrs Claus handing out candy to the boaters

Yes, the live band still played and everyone had fun despite the lousy weather.

By evening, it had cleared up. We went out for pizza and then had birthday cake while watching the fireworks. (This was a weekend of unhealthy eating!!!)

I got up early the next morning, Labor Day. I usually don’t run two days in a row but it was going to be a picture perfect day and I couldn’t resist. It was warm and very foggy over the water.