October 15, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: So It Wasn’t Just Me, Over Analyzing My Recent Half in Brooklyn & My Next Race

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

About my last race. Don’t you always do that after a race that didn’t go well?

So it wasn’t just me!

Wow if you read FB, you’ll see what I mean:

Worst and most unorganized 1/2 marathon I have ever participated in Rock N Roll or otherwise.
the race started 30 minutes late. which was great. ONLY because it gave me 30 extra minutes to stand in line for one of the 20 bathrooms available in the corrals. seriously. 20. for 20,000 people? waited in line for the toilets for well over an hour. and for a race that calls itself rock and roll – the amount of music on the course was disappointing. because there was NO music on the course. the route itself was okay, but not nearly as much fun as the brooklyn half.
all in all. poor organization, lack of toilets and the absence of music will more than likely keep me away. for $100 i was expecting better.
Sucked
I also felt it was badly organized and very uneventful. Not enough bathrooms, boring route, a mess at the corrals.
The race seemed badly organized. The expo was extremely disappointing. My timing was very off I waited almost 40 minutes to start and my time reflects it?? Our parking was cancelled the day before despite the fact that we had purchased it weeks in advance.
This race started off on a bad foot when Thursday night my parking was cancelled even though it was booked weeks ago. I was told they oversold spots by 250. How does that even happen!? This race started off late and was so over crowded with little direction, next to no signage and what 20 potties at the start?! For the money, I highly doubt I will ever do another RNR race.
Don’t judge all RnRs by this one. I have done dozens and this one was by far THE worst and most unorganized race I have attended. This race series has been around long enough, and in so many places there is no excuse for the chaos and lack of a good race that happened today.
I can say without a doubt that from expo to finish, this race had more problems and the poorest runner support that I ever hope to encounter…

You get the picture… I hope they improve things for next year but I won’t be back.

So here’s my take on the weekend:

The Good:

Before and after the race (I got to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and spend time in Coney Island)
Had a successful AirBnB experience
Got to practice my French
No transportation problems (subways, buses and cabs, all on time)
Never got lost (and my first time in Brooklyn)
GREAT WEATHER
Packed appropriately and light enough to carry my bag
Met lots of nice and interesting people
There was a lot of crowd support and saw lots of funny signs.
I didn’t need the restroom before or during the race.
The park was nice to run through at the end.
It was pretty flat (until the end)
lots of water on the course
GU at 2 or 3 water stops
No blisters!
No injuries (back pain went away)
Finished strong after almost quitting (due to pain)
I completed my 15th half marathon
It wasn’t my slowest (#8 out of 15)
met a former student after the race

The Bad:

disappointing expo
not enough porta potties before the race
too much walking before I even started the race
the race started late
LOWER BACK PAIN
mentally giving up once I couldn’t finish at goal time.
No music on the course (It is a Roll N Roll event, right?)
mile markers were off (sometimes my Garmin beeped very early and sometimes very late)
long hill at mile 12
Not enough photographers (Not that I would but the photos but I only had 2 taken in the same stop and none crossing the finish line)
Pathetic refreshments (not even bagels – it’s NYC!)
would have been more fun sharing this race experience with someone else (first race not staying with a friend or meeting a friend at the race)

What wouldn’t I do differently:

long training runs – I think I completed the distances (6 through 12 miles) and prepared as well as I did for my 2:09 finish
5k & 10k races during training – I enjoy racing too much to give it up
staying in an AirBnB – it worked out and I didn’t spend a lot of money on a hotel room where I would have spent little time
lots of walking the day before – it may have been dumb but I wanted to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (no one wants to do that with potentially blistered feet)
racing attire – just perfect – I wasn’t hot or cold during the race

What maybe I should have done differently:

take a train rather than a bus to NYC – it bothered my back but the cost was $80 vs $10 (Nah, I would take the bus again!)
get rid of my bag rather than carrying it – this may have hurt my back but the logistics didn’t work out to do so
eat more the day before – I wasn’t hungry and it wasn’t convenient but I usually have pasta or pizza and I had neither.
run at a faster pace the first half of the race – It has worked for me in the past
not walk every mile – usually water stops are spaced out more and it wasn’t warm so I didn’t really need to walk
not wear Hokas – I have never raced in them though I have worn them to train which isn’t the same
run with the pacer – I didn’t want to start that far back but I think it would have helped.
have a more realistic goal- maybe I can’t run any faster (at my age)

There you have it.

One never knows what will happen on race day. I don’t regret running this race (though maybe I should have waited until next year to run this particular race?)

I did go to my Turkey Trot training group run on Monday night. No back pain. My legs were fine. No residual effects at all.

I have another race this Saturday – a 10K. I ran it last year (when I was speedier) and finished this hilly course in the rain at 58:28 (But I think they changed the course again.)

last year

I would feel good if I had a strong race (maybe under 60 minutes!!)

Happy Running! Do you over analyze each race, especially when you don’t meet your goal? Do you hesitate to run inaugural races? What are you thinking about today?

October 14, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Adjust

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is ADJUST

I wasn’t going to post today because I already did but this word just is so appropriate.

As runners, we have to ADJUST.

Adjust our running because of family, friend or work commitments.

Sometimes I’ve had to change the time of a run or miss a run. It’s not the end of the world. Other things can be more important than running.

had to cut short my run to go to my mil’s 90th birthday party

Adjust our running because of the weather.

It’s snowing or raining so we run slowly or indoors.

have to run slower when it is sleeting

And then there’s the clothes. You thought it would be warmer. Or you thought it would be colder.

One day’s it’s 80 and then it’s 40! I was cold!

Adjust our running to run with a group or another runner.

Sometimes, in a group, I struggle to run faster.

speedy turkey trot running partners

And then you run with a friend who is much slower. But you adjust because it is more important to have their company.

love running wth Judy!

Adjust our running because of race conditions (ice, snow, hills, etc.)

lots of hills at the beginning of this race

monsoon rain – an adjustment, for sure,

Adjust our running due to injuries.

We all get injured. Sometimes we run while recovering and have to adjust. Sometimes those injuries pop up in the middle of a race.

foot pain slowed me down in this race

stress fracture in my foot is making me adjust my pace

Adjust our goals due to any of the above.

We may have a goal to PR but the course is hilly or the weather is lousy. Or even worse, we are injured!

just happen to finish (post broken foot)

Happy Running! How have you had to adjust your running?

October 7, 2015 by Darlene

Wedneday Word: Tenacious

This week’s Word is TENACIOUS.

What is “Tenacious?”

According to the dictionary:

not readily relinquishing a position, principle, or course of action; determined.

In other words: persevering, persistent, determined, dogged, strong-willed, tireless,indefatigable, resolute, patient, unflagging, staunch, steadfast, untiring,unwavering, unswerving, unshakable, unyielding, insistent; stubborn,intransigent, obstinate, obdurate, stiff-necked; rock-ribbed; pertinacious

Isn’t every runner tenacious?

We set goals.

YES! Half Marathon PR!!

We run in uncomfortable conditions.

Lake George Half Marathon

We run even when we shouldn’t.

2nd metatarsal stress fracture

TENACITY:

Happy Running! How are you tenacious?

October 1, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: September Recap

Thursdays are for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

So here’s what I’m thinking…

Can’t believe that summer is over and it’s now Fall!

So how did this past month go?

September Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. Yes.

I varied my runs and tried to run at different times of day and in different locations.

at the lake

in a new neighborhood before work

in the park after work

on the track

on the rail trail

Continue the long runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15. YES.

I have gotten up to 12 miles. None were exceptional but that’s the way they always are. Many were add-ons after races too.

Run a 5k race under 29 minutes. YES!

Just barely. But I have not done any speed work training.

28:56

Run a 10K race under 60 minutes. NO but almost.

Helper’s Fund 10K -1:00:10 – too much walking but 2nd in my AG

Take a yoga class. NO!

I now have a training group run on Mondays, tennis on Tuesday, mentor a run on Wednesdays. I guess I have to look for a Thursday class. But I did sign up for a 14 day Yoga Challenge – a video pose for each day but I only did the first 3 days.

Start doing planks again. NO!

I may have done them a few times but not often enough to call it a YES. No excuses here… just plain lazy.

Pick a spring half marathon. NO!

Still deciding. I’d like to do the Vermont City Relay again but it’s a lottery. Also would LOVE to run the NYC Half but that’s a lottery too. I am considering a few at the end of April or beginning of May as backups.

Run at least 90 miles. YES!

93 miles. Half marathon training has helped keep my mileage up. It’s the most monthly miles I’ve run since last December when I was training for half # 11.

What else?

Still lots of lake time.

We were lucky to have a warm September.

Joined the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge for the 2nd year.

Although I will only go on Mondays since I have races on Saturdays, I enjoy it. And it’s good for me to push myself and run hills or do speed work.

Starting Mentoring the STEM running group (survivors of domestic violence training for a 5k)

The first week, I got there late due to traffic so I switched to another group in a closer location. They meet 3x a week but I will go on Wednesdays and run with one lady.

Lots of eating out in restaurants.

Not sure if that is a good thing. There’s been the after boating eat outs, my mil’s 90th birthday party and my monthly tennis get together.

OCTOBER GOALS:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue the long runs on the weekend.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Finish a half marathon under 2:25:00
Do some yoga.
Start doing planks again.
Continue running with a group.
Walk 70,000 steps each week.
Pick a spring half marathon.
Run at least 85 miles.
Start a knitting project.

Happy Running! How was your September? Anything interesting planned for October? What arer your thinking about today?

September 1, 2015 by Darlene

August Recap

Can’t believe the summer has gone by so quickly!!! And it’s already September…

So how did this past month go?

August Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. Yes!

I tried to vary my runs. I get bored so I just pick different times and places for each one.

Start longer runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15. Yes!

I have gotten up to 10 miles. None were exceptional but that’s the way they always are. Many were add-ons after races too.

Walk at work on days that I don’t run. No!!! Too busy at work.

I lost my walking buddy so I have to be motivated to do it on my own. I AM NOT. This is a busy time of year at work and I just can’t tear myself away.

Go to the gym at least once a week. No! Started to but that ended quickly…

I started going once a week but life just got in the way.

Run before work to avoid the heat. Yes! Often.

The summer heat has forced me into this. My neighborhood is not exciting so I have searched out some others.

Run a race or 2. Yes! Two 5ks and one 10K. Won 3rd, 2nd and 1st in my AG.

It’s no secret that I love to race. It’s the only time I can get my legs to move. Not ideal for half marathon training but I’m not one to follow traditional plans.

Run at least 75 miles. Yes! 86 miles!!

Finally some decent monthly mileage…those long runs helped here.

Spend time with my mentee & sons. Yes!

I have slacked off since she is working a lot and has a boyfriend. I hadn’t seen her since May so we were long over due. I plan to see them much more often in the fall.

What else?

Spent lots of time on Lake George

Love our boat and our boating friends. Lake George is the most beautiful lake in the country and the weekend weather has cooperated this summer. Yay!

Went to the track and actually won

For my former co-worker and I, this is an annual tradition. We have gone to breakfast at the race track for over 30 years. This year since I had the day off, we stayed for the races and I was incredibly lucky.

Saw Jimmy Buffet in concert.

Friends turned me and the hubby on to Jimmy. We went to our first concert last year and vowed to repeat this awesome experience every year. It’s even more fun with friends.

Spent a weekend with my tennis friends on Schroon River

Another annual thing. About 10 of us gather at a house on the river to play tennis and have fun every summer.

September Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue the long runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Take a yoga class.
Start doing planks again.
Pick a spring half marathon.
Run at least 90 miles.

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

August 1, 2015 by Darlene

July Recap

July Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

Get some strength training or yoga done. SOME! Used the machines at my free gym once a week.

played tennis only once

Go for a walk several times a week at work. RARELY!

this may have been my only walk

Run a 5K race or two. YES! 2 5ks.

Improve my speed. YES! Both 5ks were under 29 minutes.

TEAM Sarcoma 5K

Silks and Satins 5k

Keep my weight in check.?? Still haven’t put a new battery in my scale.
Run at least 70 miles. YES! 73 miles!

What else?

Lots of boating weekends.

July 5

July 11

July 12

July 18 & 19

11737854_10206912244475692_2388800468628857966_n

July 26

Lots of (too many) meals out with friends

Trip to NYC with friends

11713954_977057275652381_942845461633759221_o

lunch on a boat

walk on the High Line

Read several good books

August Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Start longer runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15.
Walk at work on days that I don’t run.
Go to the gym at least once a week.
Run before work to avoid the heat.
Run a race or 2.
Run at least 75 miles.
Spend time with my mentee & sons.

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

July 1, 2015 by Darlene

June Update & Wednesday Word

June Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES! except for taper & recovery week

even ran before work twice

Get some strength training or yoga done. NO!!! Not yet…
Go for a walk several times a week at work. YES!

Run a 5K. YES!

not fast but won 3rd in my AG

Complete Half Marathon #14. YES!

again very slow but won 3rd in my AG

Complete a 10 mile race. No! My flight got cancelled.
Lose at least 5 lbs. Doubt it!
Run at least 80 miles. No, not even close.

took a week off after my half marathon

What else?

I went to NYC with friends

to the Neue Galerie

and the Metropolitan Museum of Art &

I went to Denver for a work conference and took a City Running Tour

I went boating several times

I read some good books and saw some movies

and Mary Coin, the Ape House and others that I can’t remember

and Spy

July Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Get some strength training or yoga done.
Go for a walk several times a week at work.
Run a 5K race or two.
Improve my speed.
Keep my weight in check.
Run at least 70 miles.

This week’s Word is INDEPENDENT

Here’s what “Independent” means:

not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct,etc.; thinking or acting for oneself:

not subject to another’s authority or jurisdiction; autonomous; free:

not influenced by the thought or action of others:

not dependent; not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc.

not relying on another or others for aid or support.

rejecting others’ aid or support; refusing to be under obligation to others.

Hmmm…am I independent?

Yes and no. But more Yes than No.

at a Jimmy Buffet concert

I am married so of course, I can rely on my hubby for support. He will tell that I am stubborn and don’t listen to his advice. Although we enjoy boating and tennis, we have many different interests. This results in spending a lot of time doing things separately. (Some people might think this odd because many married couples do most things together.) For example, I don’t expect him to accompany me on vacation and to races.

10930140_10153644616024428_2341859311465703941_n

solo at a tennis tournament in CA

I do have a lot of friends. I love being with them.

But if I can’t find someone to do something, I will do it alone. I will go to the movies alone. I will go on a trip alone. (I have flown to Europe several times alone.)

in Fla solo running a half marathon where I knew no one

So how does “Independent” relate to running?

not influenced by the thought or action of others – I don’t care when people say “Isn’t that bad for you knees?” “Should you be doing that with your ankle?” (Runners don’t care what others think.) We also can run at whatever pace we are capable of.
not relying on another or others for aid or support – I drive to my races by myself and run by myself most of the time (Running is a great sport because you don’t need others to do it.)
not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc – All you need are running shoes (and some cute outfits LOL) and you can run.

Happy Running! How did you do in June? What’s planned for July? Are you independent?

June 30, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: 2015 Goals Update

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: 2015 Goals Update

6 months down. 6 months to go. So how am I doing on my 15 goals for this year??

GOALS
FOR

1. Do not get injured.

No major injuries just some nagging foot issues.

ouchy!

2. Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.

Yes, for the most part.

2x before work

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.

Tennis, yes. Yoga, no!

4. Do some upper body exercises.

Just a few times. Nothing to write home about.

5. Finish all of my races under 10 minutes per mile (except half marathons)

Yes. Except 15ks and 10 milers.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 8:59
Bacon Hill 5K – 9:00
Delmar Dash 5m – 9:09
Shamrock Shuffle 5m – 9:17
Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 9:21
Spring Run Off 10k – 9:22
Polar Cap 4m – 9:24
Albany Law Day 5k – 9:25
Mastodon Challenge 5k – 9:25
Freihofer Run for Women 5k – 9:28
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
Mother’s Day 5K – 9:45
HMRRC Winter Series #3 10K – 9:48

6. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.

Yes. 20 so far…

January – 4

February – 2
March – 3
April – 3
May – 6

June – 2

: 2015

7. Run a race in another state.

Yes. Florida, (almost California), New Jersey and Vermont

West Palm Beach Half in FL

Asbury Park Half in NJ

VCM Relay in VT

8. Run in NYC.
No. Not yet.

9. Get several Age Group awards.

Yes. 9.

: West Palm – Jan 2015

: 2015

: 3rd

: 1st

: 2015 – 27:56

: 1st

: 3rd

: 3rd

10. PR in a half marathon.

Yes.

West Palm Beach Half – 2:09:40

11. PR at another distance.

Yes. 4 mile and 5 mile.

Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 37:27

Delmar Dash 5m – 45:26

12. Join a running group or two.

Yes. Freihofer Training Challenge.

13. Volunteer.

Yes. At the HMRRC Winter Series Marathon and I was a GOTR running buddy.

14. Run over 900 miles.

Not if I don’t get moving. 5 Half marathons and only 404 miles so far. (Last year I ran 911 miles.)

15. Continue to blog almost everyday.

Yes.

So what do I focus from now until the end of the year?

Keep up the weekly runs
Continue signing up for races
Drag myself to the gym now and then
Take a yoga class or two
Focus on speed for the shorter races.
Prepare for my half marathon in October.
Find a solution for my annoying achy feet (besides surgery)
Lose those extra pounds.

That should keep me busy!!!

Happy Running. Did you set goals for this year? If so, how are you doing?

April 30, 2015 by Darlene

April Recap

April Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. Yes!

on the treadmill

Get some strength training or yoga done. I have gone to the gym twice. (It’s a start.)
Continue running with a training group. Yes! On Mondays.

Do long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon on April 18. One.

Complete a 5K race. Yes! Two!

Bacon Hil 5K – 28:01 – 1st in my AG

Cherry Blossom 5K – 27:56 – 2nd in my AG

Complete Half Marathon #12. Yes!

very painful feet made this not my best attempt but finished – 2:20:18

Run my 5k races under 10 min. mile pace. Yes both!

Bacon Hill 5K – 9 min pace

Cherry Blossom 5K – 9 min pace

Win an age group award. YES! 2!

2nd place

Run with my GOTR running buddy. Yes! And she’s FAST!

Run at least 85 miles. Yes.

apr15

I had a nice visit with my college buddy.

We started a walking challenge at work. We are on teams and we track our steps weekly.

May Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Get some strength training or yoga done.
Go for a walk everyday at work.
Continue running with a training group.
Do long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon on May 24
Complete a 15K race.
Win an age group award for a 15k.
Run a 5K with my GOTR running buddy.
Run while on my tennis vacation in Florida.
Complete Half Marathon #13.
Complete a 5K race.
Run my 5k race under 10 min. mile pace.
Run at least 85 miles.

May is my favorite month! The tulips are in bloom and my birthday is in this month!!!

Happy Running! How was your April? Anything special planned for May?

April 15, 2015 by Darlene

Half Marathon #12

In case you are a new reader of my blog, here is a summary of my previous 11 half marathons:

1. My first and BEST was the Naples Half Marathon in January of 2011. My goal was just to finish and I did in 2:28:27 (gun time, no chip timing).

2. I immediately registered for the 1st annual Lake George Half Marathon in April of that year. Unfortunately, I had to run in sleet & freezing rain for 13.1 miles & without my Garmin. My time was 2:22:39 (gun time, no chip timing) and a PR until this year.

3. Out with strained Achilles for 6 weeks during the summer of 2011 delayed my training for the Adirondack Half Marathon (so I walked the 2nd half of the race.) I finished in 2:44:59. It was still fun because I was running it with lots of friends.

I see the finish line!

4. Again impulsively, I decided to sign up for the inaugural Fall Foliage Half Marathon as a training run. This was my hilliest half but I finished in 2:32:50.

my 4th Half Marathon 10-23-11

5. My goal race of that year was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon that I was running with a friend in California. This time it only poured for half the race and I finished with a disappointing 2:30:12.

After 5 half marathons in 2011, there were NONE in 2012.

6. My next Half Marathon, the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla came in 2013 16 months after serious ankle surgery and 5 months after a foot stress fracture. I was just glad to be running again. The course was beautiful, my friends were waiting at the end and I was happy with my 2:33:59 time.

7. The Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon in the fall of 2013 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would have liked, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” So I did in 2:24:14. I enjoyed it since it was my first half where I slept in my own bed the night before.

Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon

8. For the Love Run Half Marathon in the Spring of 2014, I was injury-free for the whole training but I trained during an awfully cold, snowy winter. Despite running in monsoon rains, I managed to PR at 2:22:35. I made new running friends and we had fun during our weekend in “wet” Philly.

loverun

9. Last summer, after running a 10 mile race, I impulsively registered for the Saratoga Springs Half Marathon. This taught me to never run one in the summer. It was very humid & I felt sick so I struggled to a 2:26:00 finish.

sshm4b

10. Impromptu and free. I registered for the Hangover Half Marathon and ran it as a training run on a cold, windy, lonely, boring course. And it was my fastest at 2:18:33. Go figure?

hangover-059

11. Training in frigid temps and running in Florida I thought would give me problems but the stars were aligned and I had the BEST.HALF.EVER in West Palm Beach. Beautiful weather, awesome scenery, a big PR and age group win. I sprinted to a 2:09:40 finish.

race_697_photo_14838692

Now for #12. This winter was the coldest I’ve ever run in…sub-zero day after sub-zero day. Not ideal for training in addition to quite a few short March races and a trip to California which interfered with my long runs.

Nevertheless, I am super excited for this race.

here we are in October when I visited her for a race..

I will be visiting my college buddy, Andrea who lives about an hour north. (This time unfortunately she will have just had shoulder surgery so it won’t the best time to visit.)

The Daily Burn, an online fitness training web site just named the best half marathons across the country. In New Jersey that designation goes to the Asbury Park Half Marathon.

According to Emily Faherty, the article’s author describing the Asbury Park Half, “This flat and fast race is in the land of Bruce Springsteen, with local icon Tillie as its funny-faced mascot. You’ll run through the small area beach towns, along the historic boardwalk and finish with the “RunAPalooza” post-race party.”