May 10, 2016 by Darlene

Mastodon Challenge 15k Race Recap & TOTR

Spoiler alert: This was the first race EVER that I said I wouldn’t race (but just run for fun) and I DID!!

What made me do it?

I didn’t know the course.
It was hilly and you know I love hills. (just kidding!)
They only gave awards in 10 year age groups and only for first place (I could maybe win 2nd or 3rd but that’s it.)
I had a 5k scheduled for the next day.
Lots of uneven pavement (Remember how I fell last year.)
I bumped into a former student’s sister and we ran together.
I was down about not winning any awards for my last 2 races so I decided to enjoy this race.
Scenery watching – the Hudson River, old buildings and neighborhoods, parks, bike paths…

All good reasons, right?

I have had these intentions so many times in the past. Each time, as soon as the gun goes off (or race starts), I forget about having fun and run as fast as I can. It happens time and time again. Sometimes, it pays off but more than not, it does not.

So for the second year in a row, I signed up for this race.

Last year, I chickened out and changed my mind the day of and ran only the 5k.

last year – check out the bloody legs!!

This was the course map and you can tell that you never repeat any part of the route which keeps it interesting.

mc15k

Here’s what the website has to say about the course:

We start both races by the Cohoes Falls in a park named after a heroic Vietnam War Veteran – Colonel Robert Craner – Craner Park.

After that we take you:

Past the Historic Harmony Mills – now luxury loft apartments,

By the Restored Cohoes Music Hall which produces some of the best entertainment this side of Broadway!By the business district, with great architecture

Past a historic Armory soon to be turned into a Brewery/Restaurant.

Next, you run through a park and on the old Erie Canal Towpath which brings you up to

The Mohawk Bike Trail (where the whole thing started!). The path is shaded this time of year, but don’t get comfortable because the hill that brought you to it is just the beginning.

Once you are off the path, you pass by wonderful schools, parks and neighborhoods but they come at a cost.

From there you run up 4 hills that hurt and lots of inclines along the way….don’t worry – we have 8 water stops and entertainment along the route to keep you going. From church groups to Boy Scouts and schoolchildren, to the High School Band… we are here to welcome you and make this as painless as possible. Our volunteers are at every corner and they are so excited you can’t help but appreciate their enthusiasm. Watch out for paper maiche mastodons on the sidewalks!

Once you hit mile 7 and 8 you are golden! We take you back to the shade of the Bike Path and down a couple of hills with the mist from the Beautiful Cohoes Falls ahead of you.

But look at the elevation!!! Downhill during the first mile and the last mile and the rest are uphills and rolling hills. Fun, fun, fun.

The weather started out cool and cloudy but it was the nicest it had been all week. (Eventually even the sun came out 🙂 )

I got to Cohoes early (around 8 am) and found a spot in one of the parking lots. Then I walked about .25 mile to the park where you picked up your race packet. (It was a good thing that I got there early because they closed the street and many had to park over a mile away.)

cute gender-specific tech shirt

I had time so I walked across the street to look at the Cohoes Falls.

It was so beautiful. I sat for awhile and relaxed.

And then walked around a little exploring the area.

In September of 1866, while breaking ground for construction of Harmony Mill No. 3, the bones of a mastodon were discovered, deeply buried in two potholes that had been worn into the bedrock at the end of the last Ice Age. Who knew?

Finally I headed back to the park. I wound up chatting with a few runners.

workouts at the finish line before the race

I was wearing my Lake George Half shirt and many people came up to me to ask about the race.

I hadn’t run long in weeks (only 2 but felt like more.) Last weekend, I ran a 10k and it was really tough.

But I stuck with the expectation of finishing upright. (My 15k times vary between 1:42:40 and 1:31:35.)

The 15k started 15 minutes before the 5k so off we went. I was with a bunch of runners and we walked up the hill and passed by the 15k start and ended up at the 5k start so had to double back.

Since there was no starting line, I started close to the front and just let everyone fast pass me by.

Neil Sergott photo

Neil Sergott photo

The first mile was mostly downhill but my legs after 2 days off felt like I hadn’t run in ages. (I guess I should have warmed up a bit.)

Eventually my legs limbered up but then the hills came. First not too bad but then steeper and steeper. I am not proud to admit that I walked up the first the big hill and ran the minor ones. That is a big deal for me because very often, I walk up ALL the hills.

What helped me take it slow was the fact that there were water stop at EVERY mile. I didn’t know when the next one was so I kept stopping and walking to drink water.

There were lots of twists and turns and so many volunteers on the course directing runners and making sure that the traffic was stopped.

Of course, there were several more steep hills (which I walked up) and rolling hills (which I ran) but by mile 4.5, the big hills ended and we were just left with the rolling ones.

I loved the fact that the course had such variety. You were running in the city past factories and through a brick path in a park, and in old neighborhoods and on the bike path. Through much of the course, you were high enough to look down at the Hudson River.

Having so many cups of water was keeping me hydrated and full that I only ate one Gu during the whole race (which is odd for me.)

As I took my time on the course, most runners seemed to be passing me by but I was behind one runner for quite some time. Eventually I caught up to her around mile 5 or 6 and realized that I knew her. Her twin sisters were students of mine years old and I have met her at several races in the past.

We started to chat about past races, future races, Lake George and what ever. This is the first time that I have run at someone else’s pace. I’m not sure if our conversation was slowing me down or running with her was discouraging me from walking and helping my pace.

Either way, the last miles were pretty enjoyable.

Neil Sergott photo

I kept waiting and waiting for the downhill to come and finally it did near the end.

As soon as I saw the finish line, I started to sprint and crossed around 1:36:XX

Neil Sergott photo

Neil Sergott photo

So I did finish the race upright and my time wasn’t great but it could have been worse.

me & Chrissy, my partner in crime

For the first time after a race, I wasn’t hungry even though they had bagels, donuts, yogurt, fruit but I did drink some chocolate milk while waiting for the results.

Like last year, I came in 2nd in my age group. Unfortunately, they only gave out awards for first.

not even close (even if I had a PR)

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:06
mile 2 – 9:53
mile 3 – 11:02
mile 4 – 11:17
mile 5 – 10:40
mile 6 – 10:52
mile 7 – 10:21
mile 8 – 10:38
mile 9 – 9:48
.3 – 8:03

Garmin time – 1:36:07
Official time – 1:36:10

mc15k

The course was actually awesome if you could ignore the hills (which I did) and if they gave out more awards, it would have been even better.

The most important point was that I didn’t run fast and had a really enjoyable race. My legs felt great (which was good since I planned to do a lot of walking later.)

I rushed home to shower & change.

I spent the rest of the day with my mentee, Amanda and her 2 sons at the annual Tulip Fest. We walked around the park for 4 hours. The kids went on the rides, made musical instruments, rode ponies, pet animals. and of course, we had ice cream and fried dough. They had fun & I enjoyed spending time with them.

I decided to postpone my dinner out with my hubby. I was pooped.

Besides, I had another 5k race the next morning. and then a Mother’s Day dinner. Oy…

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking also with

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

How do I make Destination Races affordable:

Register early – Take advantage of cheaper race fees
Use frequent flyer miles when you fly (or drive, take a bus or train, if possible)
Stay with friends (or a cheap hotel or rent a AirBNB)
Travel without your spouse

Happy Running! Any races lately? How do you afford destination races?

April 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – So we went from winter to summer here, it appears. It was 75 degrees for my lunch walk to the park. The tulips aren’t looking to great (due to that recent snowstorm?) but still a lovely walk and a delicious Starbucks chocolate banana smoothie.

Sunday night, I woke up with an ache in my right Achilles. It kept me up most of the night. I was panic-stricken imagining DNSing my half and all my summer races. But it was fine all day so I decided to go to my group run. We were scheduled for a 10 min warm-up and cool down and then 8 400m intervals at 5k pace with 2 min. jogging in between. I asked my coach what I should do after an 11 mile run the day before and a half marathon coming up. I was considering not doing the speed repeats. He recommended doing them but not at 5k pace but at 15k pace. So that’s what I did. It was 79 degrees and my legs were tired but the laps got easier as I ran them. My 400 m times were not speedy like last week but in the 2:10-2:15 range. The best part was that my Achilles felt fine…no pain at all (phew!)

Tuesday – The day started out cool and cloudy but got better and I again went for my daily afternoon walk. More good news – my elbow pain has mysteriously disappeared and I played tennis without worry. Afterwards, as usual, we went out to dinner.

Wednesday – Another beautiful spring day and a walk to the park.

After work and before the STEM ladies arrived, I ran one loop around campus. Then I was paired up with Michelle again. She was even speedy that last week. (But the French lady can no longer come on Wed. 😦 ) It was a fun workout. Love these ladies!

Thursday – It was too busy at work for me to get out and walk but I did squeeze out a run. The closest place to go was the track. Not exciting but got it done.

After work, I went out to dinner with two coworkers. I actually walked to and from the restaurant. The reason why is below:

I also shared an appetizer (chicken meatballs) and the dessert was shared as well. Everything was delish.

Then I stopped off to go grocery shopping and to buy ingredients to make charoset for the seder the next night.

Friday – The day started out rainy but improved and was quite warm. I had to do some errands during lunch (forgot to buy the horseradish & gelfite for seder) and only got in a short walk to Starbucks.

non-fat milk, sugar free syrup, no whip so don’t judge

In the evening, one of my mah jongg friends hosted our annual Passover seder. Always a good time (and there were as many non-Jews as Jews there.)

MJ Seder 2010

Saturday – I tried to make myself rest. I didn’t run but got in a lot steps doing errands and housework. Then I went out to dinner with the hubby to carb load for the next day.

Sunday – I completed my 19th half marathon. I ran it with my friend Barbara on a perfect running weather day but those hills…I barely survived.

2:16:56 and 2nd in my AG

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (4 miles?)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, Mystery Room & dinner out with my tennis friends
Thursday –4 miles, mall walk wiht BFF
Friday – rest, pasta pre-race dinner, mah jongg
Saturday – 10K race
Sunday – 5K race

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

April 19, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Goals Update

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

This week’s topic is “How are your 2016 goals coming along?“

Well, in case you don’t remember, 2016 is my year of NO GOALS!!

Instead of GOALS, I wrote about Hopes and Dreams:

I hope to…

To improve my running

For me, it’s to get stronger and be a more confident runner. To have more quality training runs. To maintain my current speed and if I am very lucky PR at some distance. To run lots of races (both long ones and short ones.)

It’s still early in the year and we are our own worst critic so it’s hard to say whether or not, my running has improved.

I’ve run 10 races – three of which were half marathons.

I’ve won three age group awards and 2 of my 5ks under 28 minutes. There were no PRs but no real disappointing races.

To run with others

With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. I often shy away from running groups (like Fleet Feet, ARE, etc) because I feel that I am too slow. I hope to take advantage of more group running opportunities.

I have made good progress here. I have run several long runs with Judy. I have also run with Barbara and Denise.

I recently joined the Freihofer Training Challenge (advanced group) for the 2nd time.

To volunteer and give back

I had great experiences with this in 2015 and I hope to continue with STEM, GOTR and any others opportunities that present itself. My specials needs buddy is awesome. I hope to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often.

I am again volunteering with the STEM training group. I am also a GOTR buddy.

I haven’t spent as much time with Amanda as I would have liked (due to her work schedule.)

spent last Saturday with them 🙂

I dedicate all my runs to JA but only post once a week and have a few tee shirts to mail to him.

he just turned 12!!

To eat healthier

I am addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.

There’s a lot of room for improvement here.

too many of these!

To get physically on track

I may not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

Hmmm…

Well, I have been going for a walk everyday. But that’s it – no gym, no yoga, no exercises…

To spend quality time with family and friends

Running is important but not more important than those I care about. Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.

I do spend time with my friends. I walk in the mall with my BFF every other week. I also go out with my tennis friends and work friends once a month.

My hubby has started playing tennis several times a week but we try to fit in dinner out once week. Soon we will be spending a lot of time together on our boat.

There are a few things that I HOPE to work on the next few months.

Happy Running! Did you make goals? Is so, how are they coming along?

April 17, 2016 by Darlene

Weekend Recap

But I did NOT have a race scheduled for this weekend.

I decided to take advantage since next weekend I have a half marathon in Lake George, the following weekend, a 10K & a 5k, the weekend after that, a 15k and a 5k and things continue like that until …

So on Saturday, I decided to spend the day with Amanda, my mentee and her 2 sons. We started with an early lunch at Five Guys (I love their burgers & fries).

boys goofing around

Then we drove about an hour to the Firefighters Museum.

There were rooms and rooms of firetrucks…some dating back to the civil war.

The best part was that there were many interactive and hands-on activities for the kids.

They had a blast.

Unfortunately, they still had a lot of energy so we took them to the park and finally, of course, we had to have ice cream!

I was exhausted by the end of the day!!

but today I had both: running & real sunshine 🙂

Today, bright and early, I got up to do my final long run (before my half marathon.

I usually do at least part of my long runs with Judy but she was out of town so her Denise (whom I ran with last weekend) agreed to accompany me.

I used to run 8 miles as my taper but the last halfs, I have run 10 miles so I decided to stick with that plan.

The weather couldn’t have been nicer. In fact, I was overdressed.

I should have worn a tank top and a skirt!!

We ran in one direction at the Corning bike path and turned around. We were at 2.4 miles and stopped to get water.

The we ran in the other direction and turned around at 8 miles.

I let Denise decide the intervals and she chose 4:1 which was fine. I don’t really care. My style is crash and burn (run until you’re tired and walk) but I am flexible and can run intervals too.

She thought that she would be too slow for me but she was not. My long runs are slow. I enjoy them that way. But really her half PR is 2:20 which is faster than the majority of my halfs (16 out 18) so we were very compatible.

She chatted the whole time which made the miles go by quickly and painlessly. We did chat about running, of course, but mostly about other things that we had in common. We discovered that we were both were French majors at the same college and had all the same profs!! We have both visited Paris many times and love French food esp. pastries. Our husbands are also WWII buffs, etc. etc.

Finally we were done and realized that we turned around at the wrong time. I had really run 11.1 miles!!!!!!!!! Oops!

Then all of a sudden, we bumped into Jan (another one of Judy’s friends) who was starting her run…more running talk.

Then it was time to part ways. I thanked Denise…if she weren’t there, I might have run over the bridge and to Cider Belly Donuts. By the time, we stopped talking, it was too late. They were closed. (Yes, I so have a sweet tooth.)

The rest of my weekend was not so exciting: filing my taxes, laundry, pulling weeds, cooking…

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Anything fun to share?

April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Mentoring New Runners

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar 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!

My Friday Five topic is: Five Reasons To Mentor New Runners

Finding New Places To Run

When I volunteered in the STEM program in 2014, I ran around Union College in Schenectady. I have run at UAlbany but Union College was a nice change of scenery.

interesting area to run especially the surrounding neighborhood

The second time, last fall, I discovered the Schuyler Flats park. (The group also ran on the Schenectady Bike Path)

a very pretty park – great for a short run

For the GOTR practice 5k, I ran in a new local neighborhood. I have since gone back to run there.

2. Meeting New People

The other mentors in the STEM program are awesome. It’s always fun to meet other runners. We bonded instantly.I am looking forward to meet this year’s mentors.

I haven’t had as much contact with the running buddies in GOTR but the ones I have met were very nice.

3. Fits into your Running Schedule

I run after work anyway. So my STEM runs fit right in. Yes, they are walk run but often, I get there early and run a few miles or I stay afterward to run. It causes no lapses in my training.

4. Making a Difference in Someone Else’s Life

I can’t explain how it feels to watch women who have suffered so much in their lives be successful.

And to see the joy young girls get from participating in their first race.

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I actually did so little but hopefully me being at their practices and races did make a difference.

5. It’s motivating.

New runners’ enthusiasm for running is contagious. It actually makes me want to run more.

FRW - 2010

The picture above was from my first mentoring experience in 2010. They were a bunch of young mothers running their first 5k. These ladies actually are responsible for me pushing myself to try a half marathon.

Happy Running! Have you ever mentored a new runner? If so, how did you benefit?

March 31, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT & My March Recap

I can’t believe March is over already…

So here’s how things went:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.

Long Runs:

There was a half marathon. Then I immediately started preparing for my next half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

a week before the half

5 mile race + 4 = 9 miles (a week after the half)

5k race + 7.4 = 10.5 miles

Total Mileage:

86 miles this month!

mar16

Less than last month but about average for me.

Races:

I ran THREE races this month – a 5k, a 5 miler and a half marathon.

2:22:40- very hilly race

46:28 (3rd in my AG)

27:55 – 1st in my AG

I was happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week until my tennis elbow flared up.

may have to take a break for awhile

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I said that last month!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.

My Starbucks addiction continues!!

I went to the gym once. It was not so bad but now my elbow is my excuse.

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I met my GOTR running buddy. Her name is Jayme and she is in 5th grade. We will be corresponding through notes and then I run both the practice 5k and the real 5k with her. She is very cute and it should be fun.

I ran twice with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. My “advanced” group friends signed up again. There are also some new runners. I have enjoyed it so far.

I am still working on that scarf. It is very long. Someday I may finish it and start something new.

I’ve gotten back into reading. Finished this book:

enjoyed it …it’s about a grandmother telling her life story to her granddaughter.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

The place where I work is participating in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I plan to walk/run 100 miles.

MMM_VertLogo_2016_forweb_copy

I am training for another half marathon in April. It’s another hilly but scenic one. I am looking forward to the lake views not necessarily the hills.

April 24

I have been busy signing up for spring races. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 5k
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day Against domestic violence 5k ??
5-14-16 – Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay

I signed up to be a STEM volunteer. I will be running with the group on Wednesdays after work.

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Happy Running! How did your March turn out? Anything exciting planned for April? What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

December 27, 2015 by Darlene

My Busy Stay-cation: Parties, Running, Movies…

This is my fourth day of my vastaycation. And until today the weather has been great.

Here’s how things have gone so far…

Day 1:

I ran 5 miles on the paved rail trail…

cloudy…but so warm that

…I wore a skirt and a tank. Yes on Dec 24!!

festive outfit?

That afternoon, the hubby & I went to see Star Wars and then out to dinner afterwards for a quiet Christmas Eve.

Day 2:

After opening gifts, I went to visit my mentee, Amanda. I love spoiling her kids for Christmas

Richard is 9

Matthew is 4

my “pseudo” family

Later, I visited a friend and then went to see The Danish Girl with my running friend Judy. (That’s what Jews do on Christmas LOL)

In the evening, my hubby & I went to have Christmas dinner at my mother-in-law’s with my 2 stepsons, my brother-in-law, my sister-in-law and her hubby. Lasagna, meatballs, sausage, the whole nine yards… so stuffed!!!!

After dinner, we went to my BFF’s to visit and see her daughter who was home from CA.

Day 3:

I needed to run off all that food. It wasn’t as warm as Christmas Eve but it was still warm for this time of year (high 40’s). So I ran 2 miles on the Nisky Bike Path

…and then ran 6 more miles with Judy.

It was a really nice run and I enjoyed running with a friend instead of by myself.

Judy made me look fast here. Thanks!

After my run, I rushed home to go to movie #3, Joy with 3 tennis friends.

In the evening, I took Amanda out for a belated birthday celebration to Canvas, Corks & Forks.

Here you eat as much as you want of 4 types of mac n cheese, drink and also paint…

my drink = chocolate wine

in progress

our finished masterpieces

After all that mac n cheese, we still went out after for dessert!!

Day 4:

A little bit of catch up today – laundry, cooking, cleaning before going out AGAIN tonight.

My hubby also put up my Christmas present (that I picked out for myself)..

the bottom row – distances other than half marathon and some of my age group medals not all fit)

with the top row of half marathon medals – I left room on the right for the Sarasota Music Half on Feb 7, 2016!)

I love the medal rack…but if I designed I would have had the back row fall lower so those medals wouldn’t be hidden.

As you can see I am already out of space. (What do you avid racers do with all your medals??)

Tonight is my annual tennis party – games, gift giving and lots more food.

photo from last year

It is rainy and nasty today but I plan to do some running tomorrow!!! I know I can’t run off all those extra calories but I can try…

So far, I haven’t had a chance to relax…

Happy Running! Anyone else busier when they are off from work than when they work?

December 23, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word, Gift Exchanges & Giveaway Winner

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 JOY.

I am healthy enough to do the things I want.

run 13.1 miles!

play tennis

I have a lot of friends whom I care about and who support me.

some of my tennis friends

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BFF for over 40 years

teaching friend for over 30 years

I am married to a guy whom I love.

My kitties are awesome.

this is my oldest, most lovable & fave – Jerry

I have a job so I can pay my bills (& support my running habit LOL)

my desk at work – I work in IT at a law school and support the faculty, students & staff

However, none of what brings JOY are possessions or things that you can buy (except for a PR or new running shoes. Only kidding!)

and most importantly…

I try to and I hope that I do give joy to others:

spending time with my mentee Amanda and her sons

helping Kelly run her first 5K (STEM program)

11162046_359881630887162_3407774747465282734_o

being a running buddy for the GOTR program

running for my 11 year old running buddy JA (from the IRUN4 program) – I send him my race shirts and medals

Speaking of giving JOY to others, I love giving gifts. I don’t have a big family and we’ve stopped exchanging gifts among friends so I try to participate in a few gift exchanges.

I did a Chinese grab bag at work and I ‘m doing one with all my tennis friends.

I got this at work – the tennis party isn’t until 12/27

I also participated in two blogger Secret Santas.

It was so cool to meet someone new (that is through a new blog) and receive great gifts.

From Brittney @ Corral B, I got:

my favorite socks & my favorite race fuel

I bought gifts for Nikki @ Will Run for Pizza but I forgot to take a pic (but they were similar to Kate’s but without the stocking and ShotBloks instead of Stinger waffles

For the SkirtSports Ambassador Captain Stocking Exchange, I got paired with Kate @ My Alpine Adventures:

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this is what I bought for Kate

And I received these gifts from Helen @H-Monkey Runs:

Now I have 4 new blogger friends 🙂

Finally, congrats to my MealEnders Giveaway winner!

Lindsey McRoberts!!

Happy Running! What brings you JOY? Do you do gift exchanges?

November 21, 2015 by Darlene

Girls on the Run 5K Race & Long Run Recap

November 21, 2015 – 9:30 am- Corning Preserve

I was running this race for many reasons:

1. GOTR is a great organization. I was a GOTR running buddy in the spring and I was happy to support them again.

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GOTR participants in a May 2015 5k

2. The STEM runners were running their first 5k. I volunteered to help Kelly train for this race.

STEM participants in a previous 5k

3. Several people where I work were also running their first 5k. They claim that I motivated them to run so of course, I had to be there.

4. My running friends Barbara & Judy are also running this race. It’s nice to know people to hang out with before & after a race.

with Barbara on the same course but back in May

with Judy in March

4. I love to race. This is a flat course and one where someone could PR. I have also gotten a AG award every time I’ve run on this course. But I guess it would be selfish of me to try.

Laurie on the right was also going to be at the race.

5. I had to run 12 miles today in preparation for my Dec 6 Half Marathon. The Corning Bike Path is a perfect place to extend my miles from 3 to 12.

nice river views

So I arrived early to a crowd of excited runners – young and old.

I parked in the parking lot that was farther away and walked to the start.

It was cold. I had better get used to this weather because it’s only going to get worse.

I wore layers which I shed before the race. I knew that I would be cold waiting to begin but fine once I started running.

I immediately bumped into Kelly who was, of course, nervous about her first 5K. As soon as I talked to her, I knew that I had to run with her and encourage her. This is what running is all about. Not PRs.

Every time, I turned around, I saw someone that I knew.

I chatted with Judy, Laurie & Barbara.

But unexpectedly, I saw 3 ladies from last fall’s STEM program They were still running and I was so happy to see them again. One runner, Kim, just ran the Stockadeathon and is thinking of a half marathon in the spring.

I also saw Judith who is GOTR running buddy, Elenora, a fellow SkirtSports ambassador and several others that I knew.

Kelly & moi

After we took lots of photos, it was time to line up.

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GOTR runners

The GOTR runners, their coaches and running buddies lined up first. Everyone followed.

Needless to say, it was very slow going for the first 1/2 mile.

But we had perfect weather. What seemed to cold at the beginning, warmed up. I shed my gloves & tied my jacket around my waist. (Overdressed again!)

Kelly, a few other STEM volunteers and I chatted the whole race. Kelly never walked or even seemed to struggle. We ran at around an 11 min pace which was faster than Kelly was used to. It was so great to see her run well and to be a part of it.

As soon as she saw the finish line, she took off. She finished at 34;XX and I know she was thrilled…so much faster than she expected.

on the front & back of our Mizuno jackets and these runner really ARE!

I am glad that I didn’t run ahead and try to PR. This experience was much more rewarding!!

After I was done, I hung out with Judy and Barbara and watched the others finish.

Everyone crossed the finish line so happy and so proud of themselves.

Finally my co-workers crossed….crying!! They had finished their first 5K…something they had thought was impossible. It brought me to tears, as well.

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posted on FB

I was so engrossed in the finishers that I forgot to get water or something to eat after the race. (I guess that was OK since I didn’t really expend a lot of energy during the race.)

Even though, this was one of my slowest finish times, I am glad that I participated in the race.

Afterwards, Barbara was nice enough to keep me company as I needed to get some more miles done.

as you see, I got rid of my gloves, jacket & hat

She is great to run with because she keeps me moving. The next four miles were definitely faster than the first 3 and much much faster than the solo miles to follow. We ran in the opposite direction from the race course and then turned around and followed the course again.

But after 4 miles, she left me to my own devices.

I decided to run back to my car, get my baseball cap, shed my half zip and add back the green windbreaker.

lots of geese

Then I ran the race course again but continued on beyond it before I turned around.

trees are so barren

These miles were TOUGH!! I was tired but I think my lack of energy was from my lack of food & water. What kept me going was the decision to turn back, cross the bridge and run into the city and go to Cider Belly Donuts. (They are supposedly the BEST and last time, I ran there, I didn’t have any money to buy one.)

So over the bridge, I dragged myself even though I already already completed my 5 miles (bringing me to my planned 12 mile total for the day.) And when I arrived…

Royal bummer!!!

What did I do? Settled for second best…

skinny peppermint mocha & sandwich)

Luckily, Starbucks was across the street.

When I was done, I was so chilled that I had to sprint the 1/2 mile back to my car.

Yes, 13 (broken up) miles for the day!!

Happy Running! Did you race or run this past weekend? Ever run a race just to help someone else?

November 16, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 8th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We met at our new meeting spot, the State Office Campus. Stan subbed for Patrick as our coach so I was able to skip the speed drills (8 1 minute sprints).

actually intervals at State Office Campus – 3 miles

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk (before the rain) and played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – Today I had the day off from work. My STEM run with Kelly got cancelled because she was off from work and could run with the group (so she didn’t need me.) I almost ran a 5k race but the rain saved me from this insanity. So I waited for the rain to stop and ran by myself, did some errands and went to a yoga class. Yes, yoga for the first time in almost a year!!!

damp and dreary and NO leaves on the trees 😦

loved it and bought a 5 class pass so I will be motivated to go again.

Thursday – Had a busy work day but walked in the rain during lunch (to get some Starbucks 🙂 ) and ran 3 miles after work on the treadmill. UGH!!

hated it!!

Friday – Rest day so only a walk at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I got up early to do my long run. It was cold, sleeting at times, windy…awful weather. I ran 5 miles by myself and then met Judy for 6 more miles. It was so nice to have company to make the miles less painful and the weather more bearable.

Sunday – The hubby & I took the bus to NYC. We walked the High Line (cuz he had never been) and then had lunch in Chelsea at an Italian restaurant. Walked back to 42nd St and saw Lord of the Dance – fabulous!!!

More details on the weekend in tomorrow’s post.

20.6 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group), mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run with my STEM client (her last one before the race on Saturday), hair appt.
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + 8 more miles.
Sunday – REST

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

My First 5K and More…

an "older" runner's blog

mentoring

Mastodon Challenge 15k Race Recap & TOTR

Monday Running Update

TOTR: Goals Update

Weekend Recap

Friday Five: Mentoring New Runners

TOLT & My March Recap

My Busy Stay-cation: Parties, Running, Movies…

Wednesday Word, Gift Exchanges & Giveaway Winner

Girls on the Run 5K Race & Long Run Recap

Monday Running Update

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