September 17, 2013 by Darlene

TRU

Last Week:

Monday – tennis, 1 mile walk at work
Tuesday – tennis, 1 mile walk at work
Wednesday – 3 HOT SWEATY miles before work, 1 mile walk at work
Thursday – 4 3 sweaty miles before work, 1 mile walk at work
Friday – rest
Saturday – long run of 10 miles

Nisky bike path

Sunday – boating & a 5 mile hike

This Week:

Monday – tennis
Tuesday – 3 or 4 miles before work
Wednesday – rest, movie
Thursday – 4 miles after work
Friday – rest
Saturday – 10K race + ?? miles (weather depending)
Sunday – boating hopefully

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

September 16, 2013 by Darlene

Long Run and More Boating

Thankfully the weather has cooled down. I decided even if I am going to walk 13.1 miles, I need to do at least 10 miles on Saturday.

The question was where? I like interesting scenery so my neighborhood is out. There was a regatta going on on the Hudson so there may be no parking at the Corning Bike Trail. So I decided on the Nisky Bike Trail.

This was my first real long run. I did a 3 on a Sat and 5 on a Sun. Last weekend, I did 3 and then 7 later. But 10 continuous miles means water and fuel.

I stopped off at Fleet Feet and bought some caffeine-free gels (I usually use Gu but I wanted to try some others.)

Then I headed for the bike trail. It was cool, breezy and cloudy. I almost wore a jacket but thought better of it.

just realized that this is part of the Mohawk towpath that I did last week – stop#7

I ran about 2.5 miles to Lock 7. I walked around and took some pics. When we had a smaller boat, we used to take it there and go waterskiing on the Mohawk.

lock 7

Then I ran back and stopped at my car to get water and some gel (tried Clif Shot vanilla).

look blue skies

Now I headed in the other direction and the sun actually came out for a while. Another 2.5 miles before turning around.

10 miles with my new socks

I didn’t run the whole way. I walked when I got tired. I actually walked less the second half. It took me close to 2 hours and that was my plan.

I didn’t think I had it in me. First double digit run since last March. I may actually be able to do this half marathon.

flag near the parking lot had me thinking of 9/11

Boating season goes on until our Marina closes Oct 13. (yes, that’s the day of my half. gulp!) so Sunday we drove up to the lake.

It was not very warm or sunny but nice enough. We decided to go to Commission Point to hike and BBQ and relax.

not many boats on the lake

The guys stayed behind while Chris & I set out for our hike. We wanted to go as far as Shelving Rock and maybe find the waterfalls.

Chris posing for a pic

Our hike was interrupted by an apparent dead end.

It looked to be illegal to go any farther. So we turned back? No way. We crawled under the fence and continued.

I am glad we did. We saw some interesting things, stone walls, bridges, barns, huge houses (one even had tennis courts) and it was fun to be walking in the “forbidden zone.”

Eventually we came to the end and would have to crawl through another fence but we saw another sign “Beware of the Dog.” We decided that we should head back quickly (in case there was a dog.) Anyway, no dog citing and we returned to our site.

We cooked hamburgers and chatted until our friends had to leave.

My hubby and I stayed a little longer. I took advantage of the view to finish a book.

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

September 10, 2013 by Darlene

Another Weekly Update

Last Week:

Monday – day off – ~~3-4~~ 3.75 miles at home
Tuesday – 2 – 1 mile walks during work, ~~tennis~~
Wednesday – 3 miles after work, ~~yoga~~, 2 – 1mile walks during work
Thursday – 4 2.75 miles on the track after work, 1 mile walk during work
Friday – ~~walk~~ rest
Saturday –5K race + 7 miles

after the Malta 5K

walk/run on the Mohawk Towpath

Sunday – boating + 4.5 mile hike

Black Mountain Pt on Lake George

I have a Love-Hate relationship with tennis. I love.love my tennis friends. When I am on the court I enjoy the exercise, competition, social aspect of it but I HATE having to take time away from running and I HATE that since I don’t put any priority into it, my skills are lacking. I HATE that it is expensive.

Unfortunately, you can’t just go out and play (which is why I haven’t made the effort to play since my Naples vacation in May.)

So if I want to keep it up at all, you have to join a club and pay to be part of 35 week contracts.

So I did. I will be playing in a half contract on Mondays and a half contract on Tuesdays. (Ideally only once a week not 2x and then 0x.) I don’t plan to join any teams. (Gone are the days when I played 6x a week and on 3-4 teams.)

at least I’ll get some use out of my tennis clothes and new sneakers

Next Week:

Monday – tennis
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest
Saturday – long run of ???
Sunday – boating

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

September 9, 2013 by Darlene

Post Race Run & Boating

After my 5K, I felt energized by my performance and decided to run some more.

I still hadn’t decided about running 13.1 miles on Oct. 13 so I figured that since the weather was so nice, I should at least walk /run as many miles as my feet could handle.

I picked the Mohawk Towpath since it is on my way home and I ran there once before (but only several miles) as well as watched a Duathlon there in the rain.

Where I parked seemed to be the beginning.

stop#1 – you can listen to the tour on your phone

I ran the short way first and then back to my car. This was about .9 miles total.

along the Mohawk River

the bridge that run by from the Colonie Town Park is way in the distance

running under the bridge

this is that bridge

Then I headed in the other direction for about 3 miles. First I ran along the road along the river and then I crossed the street and ran through a trail in the woods.

part of that trail

When it ended, I crossed the street again and ran around Krause’s grounds. This is where the Duathlon started. It used to be a nice restaurant/catering facility but now it is very rundown.

for you AJH

around Krause’s

I then continued up the road of this scenic byway until I got to a marina.

view from the marina – the Mohawk is rather dirty

stop #2 on the tour

I turned around at this point. I stupidly did not bring any water and was hot & thirsty. I followed the same route back except I didn’t turn into Krause’s.

these markers keep me running – I walked for a few seconds and ran until the next one

I wanted to get to 6 miles or 10 for the day so I continued the route past my car and to Stewarts:

reward for a tough day

I should say that although I wrote “ran”, I didn’t run it all. I walked a lot. My pace was about 14. But as they say “I was lapping those people on the couch.”

Sunday, it was cooler, breezy but the sun was shining. My hubby was already at the lake with his buddies (there was a car show in the village this weekend.)

I decided to drive up. The plan was be to get a dock on an island, hang out and barbecue and hike instead of this:

last weekend – rafting & swimming in Log Bay

We left the marina and it was beautiful. We made plans with another couple to dock at Black Mountain Point

but not as calm or as warm as it looks

After we set up our site, Christine & I decided to take a hike while the men started a fire.

Chris on the trail

stopping at a campsite along the trail

We walked to Commission Point which about 2 1/4 miles and then headed back. (We had such a good time, we made plans to do it again but from Commission Pt to Shelving Rock Pt.)

relaxing while our meal is cooking

Perfect weather and great views made the hamburgers & hot dogs taste even better.

the view

We hung out as long as possible but Monday’s a work day – BOO!

Happy Running! Hope you had a nice weekend!

September 2, 2013 by Darlene

Christmas in September

As a tradition, Log Bay on Lake George celebrates Christmas on the day before Labor Day. It’s like a tailgating party but on boats. Everyone comes out and there is even a live band.

Past celebrations:

2010 – brr!

2011 – hot!

2012 – the weather was perfect

This year, the forecast was for lots of humidity and chance of thunderstorms.

Despite the forecast, there were at least 100 boats!! Lots of kayaks, jet skis, tubes, chairs, floats. There was a live band. And it was cloudy but it never rained!!

we invited some friends and their son for their 1st boating experience

the girls on top of the pontoon

lots of boats… can’t get them all in a pic

Santa came to give out candy to the kids

this was me ALL day – tough life

with my hubby

kids love playing on this “aqua lily pad”

We had a blast. Finally we left and went back to our marina.

Our friends took us out to dinner to thank us for the day. I had steak, fries & cheese cake!! (I need to run today!)

Afterwards, there was live music followed by fireworks. A long fun day.

So the summer ends….hopefully there will be a lot fall boating adventures!!

Happy Running! How did you celebrate the long weekend?

September 1, 2013 by Darlene

Where Has the Summer Gone?

I cannot believe that it is September already!!

Well, August wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the worst.

AUGUST GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!! Yes, I guess. I ran several times each week.

several runs after work in this park

Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!! YES!!

plenty of resting on the lake

Play TENNIS! Only once.

Start planks! Only once 😦
Attend a yoga class! Nope!
Start training for the Oct 13 half marathon. Not sure if I am doing it yet.

did get a long run of 6 miles done here

Run a race. Nope!
Run at least 50 miles this month. YES!!

happy to be running although I am walking more than running some days.

So my running goals were not met. I feel bad about that. But I am not injured and I have run some. I did get back on the bike paths that I love.

Nisky Bike Path

Colonie Town Park Bike Path

I have spent lots of time with my hubby on our boat and also socializing with friends.

boating on Lake George

day at the US Open

more boating

Now what to shoot for in September? Well, they will look very similar…

SEPTEMBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!!
Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!!
Play TENNIS!
Start planks!
Attend a yoga class!
Decide if I am going to run the Oct 13 half marathon.
Run a race.
Register for some fall races.
Run at least 60 miles this month

Happy Running! How was your August? Anything exciting planned for September?

August 27, 2013 by Darlene

Tuesday Update

Last Week:

Monday – 4 miles ~~after work~~ (actually 2 miles walking at lunch and 2 miles running after work)
Tuesday – walk (2 miles at lunch) – dinner with friends

Wednesday – 3 miles after work ~~and/or yoga?~~

washington park

Thursday – walk, ~~hair appt~~ got cancelled, visited mentee
Friday – ~~7 miles!!~~ – DAY OFF – SICK ;(
Saturday – ~~rest – lake?~~ 3 miles run/walk
Sunday – 3 miles at the lake

view of the Sagamore

more of the Sagamore

boating on lake George

Next Week:

Monday – walk
Tuesday – 3 miles before work?, hair appt after work
Wednesday – DAY OFF, bus trip to the US Open tennis tournament

Thursday – walk or run – b-day dinner with friend
Friday – 3 miles before work?, movie after work
Saturday – maybe run
Sunday – walk/run? at the lake
Monday – day off – maybe 6-8 miles?

Happy Running!

August 26, 2013 by Darlene

Not as Planned

So much for plans.

I had taken Friday off from work so I could do a 7 mile long run.

I woke up Friday morning with a migraine and upset stomach. I spent the whole day in bed. Grrrrr!

Saturday, I felt better but not great. I managed to clean the house, do the laundry and take a 3 mile walk/run in my neighborhood.

Sunday, I was determined to have a good day.

So my hubby and I headed up to Lake George.

Usually we sleep on the boat the night before and I get up early to run. (This was the plan every weekend in summers past.)

early morning at the marina

It was a perfect day weather-wise and my hubby was anxious to get on the lake.

late morning…

I begged for some time to take a walk/run. My hubby reluctantly agreed.

First I headed to Veteran’s Park/Beach.

boats docked near the beach

Then I retreated and ran over the bridge to the Sagamore Resort.

carriage rides available

Then I stopped at the pool and admired the view.

Mohican tour boat

My favorite part is always running along the Nature Trail.

new sign this year

It is easy on the feet and the views are awesome.

I would have run more but my hubby called wondering when I was coming back. At least I got 3 miles in.

Back to marina, I ran and we spent the rest of a picture perfect day in Basin Bay with our boating friends.

check out the girl and her dog on the SUP

Finally we had to call it a day and return to reality.

So on the running front, I am not where I would like to be. The runs are short and slow.

Today, it is raining and cool … a rest and a work day.

lucky to live near such a beautiful place…love it

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

August 10, 2013 by Darlene

Galloway or Not?

From what I have read, the Galloway method is a combination of running and walking but you run for a set amount of time then you walk for a set amount of time and then you repeat this cycle until you finish your run or race. The exact length of your run interval versus your walk depends on your goal pace.

I have never tried it. I always run and then walk when I am tired. I run down the hills and I walk up the hills or whatever gets me to the end.

I had not run on Thursday because I ran Tues and Wed and then Friday it was raining.

Saturday, I did not feel like running… at all. My hubby went up to the lake and I stayed home to do housework and errands and supposedly run.

After much procrastinating, I headed to Colonie Town Park. It is a bike trail and I hadn’t run on it since winter. And the weather was perfect – sunny, low humidity, slight breeze.

I decided to try the Galloway and use 4:1 ratio. That is recommended for a 9 minute pace which is overly ambitious but what the hell.

I did it for 2.5 miles and then stopped at my car for water.

views from the first half

Then I headed in the other direction and ran my usual run for awhile, walk, run some more, walk, etc. for 2.5 more miles.

views from the second half

Believe it or not, my pace was exactly the same!

Very slow both ways…but to be fair, I didn’t pause when I stopped to take photos or put my iPhone back in my spibelt.

I think It would make more of a difference on a long run because you walk more at the end when you are tired and I would change to 3:1 ratio. Either way, you either lose time at the beginning when you walk when you don’t need to or at the end when you walk because you are tired.

Another reason I chose this place to run is because it is near a great ice cream place… the petunias are awesome too.

reward for 5 miles done!

Sunday was another perfect weather day and of course, I HAD to go up to the lake.

my hubby was already there waiting

We decided to go to Red Rock Bay and tie our boat together with other friends’ boats.

here comes one of our friends’ Pontoon boat

Most of the day was spent floating around in the water.

yup, that’s me in the big chair

We ended the day with a barbecue on one of the islands.

hot dogs and hamburgers with a view

Happy Running! Anyone have an opinion on Galloway?

August 6, 2013 by Darlene

Breakfast with the Horses, Lake George and Running

Yesterday I took the day off from work to have my annual breakfast at the Saratoga Race Track with a former co-worker. We have been doing this every summer for 29 years. The food and the prices have changed (now it’s a buffet) but it is always a fun time.

Molly and her 18 year old daughter Amanda

while you’re eating, you watch the horses training

1st picture taken in 29 years

this is a famous jockey warming up

My friend always like to stop and taste the spring water (which most think is gross tasting)

Since Saratoga is more than half way to the marina and the weather was perfect, I continued north. My hubby was in our boat waiting.

view of Red Rock Bay – 1st time this summer here. The lake is so calm on a Monday.

this used to be our favorite dock – met some nice people from NJ next to us who have a similiar boat

a view and a good book 🙂

It would have been perfect weather to run but I ran on Sunday and just didn’t bring my running gear. At the end of the day, I kinda regretted it since my hubby & I drove two separate cars.

Instead, I decided to run after work today. I chose Washington Park for its scenic value. I usually run there during the spring to view the tulips but it is pretty in the summer, as well.

the lake in the park

with ducks in various colors

a bee on a sunflower

lots of annual gardens

It wasn’t a good run but it was a 3.5 mile run with lots of walking – too much walking. My foot felt fine (different shoes & socks cured the blister.) But I am lethargic and can’t get it back.

I guess I’ll keep trying.

Happy Running!