September 9, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Fall race plans

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: Fall Race Plans

For the first time in recent years that I have been healthy, I am NOT running a Half Marathon!

Yes, I thought about it … a lot…but it is hard to train in the hot weather and I am busy with boating on the weekends. So I decided to skip it this fall.

Instead, I am running for enjoyment and doing short races except for two longer ones:

The Perfect 10 miler on Oct 26.

Oct 26, 2014

It is a new race for me and supposedly flat. I am going to combine it with a visit to a former college roommate in New Jersey. The race is all-women and in addition to a medal, you get a hoodie.

and

The Stockadeathon 15K on Nov. 9.

Nov. 9, 2014

This race is the oldest 15k in the country. I’ve done it twice before. It is challenging but lots of fun. This year they changed the course. I’m going to miss the big fireplace in the park to warm up. The start and finish activities will now be indoors.

Now here are some of the shorter races that I plan to run:

Run for the Roc 5k on Sept 28.

This is a new one for me but it’s at the race track in Saratoga and sounds like fun.

Burnt Hills Apple Run 5K on Oct 4.

This 5k was recommended to me by a runner from Conn. and her friend. I hope to see them again at the race.

Falling Leaves 5K on Oct. 11

I ran this one several years ago and liked it. It was my first age group win, I think.

Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k on Oct 18.

I have signed up for this race but never run it. This is the year! It takes place in Saratoga National Park which is a very pretty place to run.

Troy Turkey Trot 10K on Nov 27.

ttt

This is the most popular race in my area. I have always avoided it because it is so crowded. The local 5k that I usually run has changed to be non-timed so I think I’ll give this one a shot this year.

These are the races that I have signed up for so far.

But you know me, I may even add a few more.

Happy Running! What are your fall racing plans?

August 29, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fall Preview

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 Fall Preview.

Here are the 5 things that I am looking forward to this fall:

1. Fall Foliage and Cooler Temps

along the Schroon River

along Lake George

The fall colors are beautiful in the Northeast. I hope to get to do some running in the Adirondacks and some on the local bike paths and trails.

Washington Park

Nisky Bike path

2. The Perfect 10 race.

on Oct 26 in NJ

10 miles is less to train for than a half marathon. It is a new race for me and supposedly flat. I am going to combine it with a visit to a former college roommate. The race is all-women and in addition to a medal, you get a hoodie. YAY!

3. Fall activities with my mentee and her sons

2013

Ellm Family Farms is one of our favorite places to go with the kids. There’s a lot of things to do there – rides, ziplines, mazes, pumpkin picking, etc. Plus they have great cider donuts.

2012

4. Stockade-athon 15K

This race is the oldest 15k in the country. I’ve done it twice before. It is challenging but lots of fun. This year they changed the course. Hope it is easier.

The new course generally follows the course layout of the previous few years in a clockwise loop versus counter clockwise as in years past. The new course, adds approximately 1.5 miles of new sections, including a short section in Riverside Park in the Historic Stockade, and two new residential loops.

I’m going to miss the big fireplace in the park to warm up. The start and finish activities will now be indoors.

5. A new 5K & 10K

It’s no secret that I love to race and I love trying new races. As the cold weather approaches, I will try to run as many as possible.

Burnt Hills Apple Run 5K on Oct 4. was recommended to me.

Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k and 10k on Oct 18. was one that I have signed up for but never run. This is the year!

Happy Running! What are you looking forward to this fall?

August 27, 2014 by Darlene

I am a Perfect 10. Are you?

October 26, 2014

I was so impressed by CGI’s organization of the Love Run in Philly last March that I signed up for this race.

I am also going to take advantage of the fact that it is in NJ and visit one of my college friends.

here we are last Novemeber

It is an ALL WOMENS race which is cool but it also has a lot of extra perks:

HOODIE (Super lightweight, dries so fast and fits (true to size) perfect, in an orchid color)

VANITY (TAGS) BIBS

FREE FINISH PHOTO

PRE RACE PAMPERING PARTY (interactive group fitness classes, hair braiding, body glimmer tattoo’s, retail village with the best in racing gear, the hottest racing couture and of course all at the best prices.)

TRADITIONAL PERKS

Custom Finisher Medal for all distances and the Daughter Dash
Free Training Plans
Finish line party featuring our new Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar

THE COURSE:

Enjoy your 10 mile run through beautiful Mercer County Park. This flat (and fast) course winds you along the waterside, through the shaded woods to thousands of cheering spectators waiting at the boathouse.

From rock bands to acapella groups you’ll enjoy every minute (okay maybe not every minute) of the course. Oh did we mention the “Bow Tie” Guys, handsome, bow tied men who lead you out and cheer you home.

Doesn’t that sound like fun!

So why don’t you join me?

Happy Running! Are you running the perfect 10 Miler?

August 8, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Race Memories

This week, the theme is Race Memories:

I have run 124 races so that’s a lot of race memories. (And blogging helps keep them alive.)

Here are my top five (in no particular order):

1. My first Half Marathon. I didn’t tell my friends that I was running a half marathon. I had only raced 5Ks up to that point and they wouldn’t have understood. The race also took place in Naples, Fla, my favorite vacation spot (where I go annually with my tennis friends.) It took place on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there waiting for me at the finish line. When I finished, I couldn’t believe that I had run 13.1 miles and I couldn’t wait to sign up for another.

January 2011

2. The SRM’s First 5K – Strong Running Mamas (SRM) started as a small group by The Happy Runner who wanted to encourage some friends to start running. We met once a month and ran as a group and it culminated with their first 5K. I was just as excited for them as they were.

The initial SRM group – June 5, 2010

These runners continued on to run 10ks, 15ks, half marathons and marathons. In fact, they are what motivated me to run my first half marathon. The group now has a Facebook page and has over 140 members.

more SRMs in October 2013

3. My First Race After My Ankle Surgery. I fell avoiding an ice patch in December 2011 while out running and broke my ankle in several places. I had a plate and 8 screws put in. It was a very long recovery. The doctor said that I probably would not be able to run. I didn’t for 5 months but I went to the Freihofer’s Run For Women intending to try to walk it. But when the gun went off I started running and didn’t stop until the I crossed the finish line.

I even made the first page of the local newspaper

4. My First 10 Mile and Most Scenic Race – My running buddy Mary moved away to La Quinta, CA and I really missed her so I signed up for a 10 mile race in Palm Springs and we ran it together.

January 11, 2014

The views on the course were awesome. I can’t wait to go back.

loved it here

5. My Wettest But Most Fun Half Marathon. This race was planned by a new runner friend, Heidi. She then invited her local friend Adrienne. Both Heidi and Adrienne brought their husbands (Heidi’s hubby even ran it.) It was Heidi & Adrienne’s FIRST half marathon. Heidi also invited 2 high school friends, Lisa & Andrea, who were experienced half marathoners.

Adrienne, Lisa, me & Andrea

the night before the race

We had so much fun at the expo, exploring the sites of Philly and at dinner.

the morning before the race -March 30, 2014

Unfortunately, there was a record rainfall during the whole 13.1 miles. I have never ever been so wet in my life. (Except for my 2nd half marathon in Lake George.)

don’t I look happy?

Oh and this half marathon is my PR.

Happy Running! What are some of your race memories?

July 2, 2014 by Darlene

June Recap

JUNE GOALS:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week. YES!

in the park

in town

found a new route

even ran before work 2x

Continue planks. When I remember.
Go to Yoga at least 2x. YES! Twice.
Walk at least once a day at work. YES! Most days.

Play tennis outdoors once a week. YES, 3 times (once was rained out.)
Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk. Also when I remember.
Add a long run each week to prepare for 10 mile race. Not really. I added some extra miles to two 5K races.
Run any 5k races under 10 minutes per mile! YES!

Betar Byway 5k – 29:49

10448831_905771336116000_4681778787169106259_n (1)

2.25 m Strawberry Fest 5k – 20:19

Run a 10 mile race and finish under 2 hours. YES and a PR!

1:44.:39

Run at least 75 miles this month. YES! Finally!

jun14

Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.YES!

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my race shirt is his favorite shirt

Boating on Lake George has begun. (Maybe that’s why my running has been slacking.)

I also went to NYC for the day. So much fun!

on the ferry to Staten Island

at the Chinese Scholar Garden

at the Alice Austen cottage

Sad news: Amanda, the girl I have mentored for over 6 years is moving to NJ. She is like a daughter to me. I will miss her and especially her 2 sons.

10286958_10152810125379428_1312739711227090147_o

2014

2010

JULY GOALS:

Repeated goals:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week.
Continue planks.
Go to Yoga at least 2x.
Walk at least once a day at work.
Play tennis outdoors once a week
Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk.
Run any 5k or 10K races under 10 minutes per mile!
Run at least 75 miles this month.
Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.

New goals:

Lose at least 5 lbs.
Add weekly long runs.
Complete my 9th half marathon.
Choose a fall or winter half marathon.
Start training for a fall half.

Happy Running! How was your June? Anything special planned for July?

June 29, 2014 by Darlene

We’re halfway.

report-card1 6 months down and 6 to go. How am I doing on my 2014 Goals?

1. Do not get injured. So far, so good.

happy legs and feet!

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

in the freezing cold

in the spring

during my vacation

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week upper body & core strength exercises (planks & weights). Tennis YES, Yoga Rarely, Planks & Weights SO SO

my instructor returned from maternity leave on May 7.

when I can remember to use them

4. Finish all races (except 15ks & half marathons) at under 10 min. pace per mile. Almost all.

: 5k – 30:10

: 4 miler – 38:07

: 5 miler – 48:14

: 4 miler – 38:06

: 5k – 28:56

: 5K – 27:51

: 10k – 1:00:52

: 5K – 28:14

: 5K – 28:51

: 2014

: short 5k (2.25 m) – 20:19

5. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.Yes! 14 races so far.

: HMRRC 15K – January

: Polar Cap – February

: Runnin of the Green 2014

: 3rd

: Betar Byway – June

6. Run a race in another state or even a NEW state. Yes, Mayor’s Wellness 10 miler in CA, Lighthouse 5k in FL and the Love Run Half in PA. But they are not new states.

Lighthouse 5K in FL.

7. Run at least 10 NEW races. 11 already!- Mayor’s Wellness 10m, HMRRC Winter Series #3 15K, Lighthouse 5k, Love Run, Bacon Hill 5k, Rabbit Ramble 4m, Cherry Blossom 5k, Spring Run off 10k, Mom’s 5K, Betar Byway 5K, Strawberry Fest 5K, Adirondack Distance Run

first annual Love Run

Bacon Hill 5k

Spring Run Off 10K

Strawberry Fest 5K

8. Run in NYC. No, not yet.

This is as close as I have gotten

9. Get an Age Group award. Yes! 9 of them – 3rd at the Mayor’s Wellness, 1st at the Lighthouse 5K, 1st at Bacon Hill 5k, 2nd at Rabbit Ramble 4m, 2nd at Cherry Blossom 5k, 3rd at Spring Run Off 10K, 1st at Mom’s Day 5k, 1st at Betar Byway 5K, 1st at Strawberry Fest 5K

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

Cherry Blossom5k

Mom’s Day 5K

Spring Run Off 10K

Betar Byway 5K

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Strawberry fest 5K

10. Run a 10 mile race. Yes! Mayor’s Wellness 10m and Adirondack Distance Run

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

11. Run at least one half marathon. Yes! The Love Run.

12. PR in a half marathon. Yes! at the Love Run.

4 sec PR

13. Run over 800 miles. 4 miles so far. I’m on my way.

14. Continue to blog almost everyday. Yes! So I am doing pretty good so far. Things to work on the next 6 months:

Go to yoga regularly
PR in a 5K
race in a new state
run in NYC
continue to race each month
continue to sign up for new races
STAY HEALTHY

Happy Running! Do you have yearly goals? If so, how are you doing so far this year?

June 23, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

update Last Week:

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

to the park for lunch

after work

Tuesday -2 walks at work, tennis

AM walk

Wednesday – lunch luau at work, walk, 3 4 mile run, ~~yoga~~

lots of eating

PM walk around campus

on a full stomach – ugh!

Thursday – rest, day in NYC (lots of walking)

Friday – walk at work, 4 mile run, mah jongg

Saturday – rest, spectate a 5K, nails, gardening

my friend’s first 5K

Sunday – 10m race, boating

perfect weather & a PR

Lake George with friends

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 3 recovery miles
Tuesday –rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles at lunch, concert
Thursday – rest, movie
Friday – 4 miles, mah jongg
Saturday, Sunday – 6 miles, boating

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

June 22, 2014 by Darlene

Adirondack Distance Run recap

Sunday, June 22, 2014 – 7:30 a.m.

A ten mile race consisting of rolling hills from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing.

adc

I was excited but nervous about this race.

I’ve wanted to run this race since I started running.

Finally this year I was able but…

I was not really prepared. I had been racing 5ks and working on my speed. Plus my running had been on mostly flat surfaces.

So yes, I decided to run this race but not as a race but just as a hilly long run/walk….take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

The race started at 7:30 am in the village of Lake George and ended in Bolton landing (next door to the marina where we keep our boat.)

I had a few options since there was a bus leaving Bolton Landing at 6-6:20 am. But I decided to stay home yesterday and drive up very early this morning. (I could have slept on our boat and then take the bus to the start but I wanted to get a good night’s sleep.)

The weather was perfect…cool (in the 50s to start) and sunny. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer day to race.

I wore the outfit below –

I got so many comments about how well everything matched

The drive takes about a hour or so so I left around 5:45 am.

I got there and found parking in a small lot and then walked to the fire station to pick up my bib. Then I walked back to my car to get rid of my jacket & race shirt. (It was chilly but I knew I would not need it racing.)

I used the rest room (there were real ones) and then it was time to line up. I was surprised at how many people were racing – about 500 and all the fast runners were there (from the local running clubs.)

I bumped into someone I knew and we ran together for a while and chatted.

As I mentioned, this course is hilly but it is also very scenic. I tried to focus on the scenery to take my mind off the hills.

I made a conscious effort to run conservatively. I felt great and I felt strong but I was worried about getting injured since I hadn’t trained for this. I have had a strained achilles and a stress fracture from overdoing and I don’t plan on repeating my past mistakes.

So I think I walked during every mile except for the first. I especially took it easy on the uphills.

I kept glancing at watch and even with all the walking, I was still running around a 10 minute pace for the first 5 miles.

The hills were steeper the first half but the second half seemed harder. The hills kept coming and coming. I knew by the last few miles that I would have a PR so I kinda lost my motivation to push on. I could have run harder but didn’t see the point.

I really loved running this race. It is the route that I drive every weekend during the summer to go boating. I kept thinking during the race about how I would run this one every summer and that it would be one of my favorites.

Anyway, I finally made it to where you turn to get to the finish line. I was surprised to see my hubby and some boating friends there cheering me on.

Of course, at that point I ran as fast as I could.

adr3
adr2

I crossed at 1:44:39. A new PR – over 5 minutes faster than my last and only 10 mile race.

phew! done!

Everyone got medals which is always a plus.

my proud hubby

I was so happy to have finished pain-free!! (love my new New Balance shoes!!)

trying to photo bomb

I grabbed some watermelon and a pastry and headed straight to the water to soak my feet in the cold lake water.

aawww

A great end to a great race.

For this race, they gave out awards to first place in EVERY age. I looked at the results and saw that there were 2 61-year old women ahead of me so I didn’t stick around.

I walked next door (how convenient) where my hubby and our friends were waiting to head out on the lake. I spent the rest of the day relaxing in the sun on the water

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:45
mile 2 – 10:19
mile 3 – 10:00
mile 4 – 10:00
mile 5 – 10:34
mile 6 – 10:36
mile 7 – 10:04
mile 8 – 11:19
mile 9 – 11:18
mile 10 – 10:26

Race Goals:

Have Fun.
Finish uninjured.
Not Finish Last.
Finish under 2 hours.

Yup. I met them all.

first sleeveless tech shirt

As I already mentioned, this race was on my bucket list and now it will be on my race to run every year list.

It was well-organized – lots of volunteers, plenty of water stops, someone calling out times at each mile, bikers warning you of oncoming cars, buses to the start before & after the race and you can’t beat the scenery.

Happy Running! Do you have a bucket list race?

June 19, 2014 by Darlene

My bucket list race

Nope it’s not a Half Marathon.

It’s a 10-miler. Rolling hills from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing. And it is THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!

Sunday, June 22, 201417 7:30 a.m.

I always wanted to do this race but:

June 2008, 2009, 2010 – 3.1 miles was the longest I was running back then
June 2011 – strained achilles
June 2012 – recovering from broken ankle surgery
June 2013 – broken foot (and I actually registered for the race 😦 )

Here are some views of the course (route 9N) from previous summer runs:

Race Info:

Packet pick up: Sunday 6:00-7:15 a.m. at Lake George Firehouse on Ottawa Street.
Pre-Race Transportation: Race Day-Buses leave Bolton Landing, Town Hall Office , Main Street starting at 6:00 a.m.
Last bus leaves at 6:40 a.m. (I could sleep on my boat and take this bus to the start)

Race Start: 7:30 am at Lake George Firehouse on Ottawa Street.

Post Race Transportation: Buses leave from Main Street beginning 9:00 a.m. through post award ceremony 10:45 a.m. (I could sleep at home or at my friends’ in LG and take this bus back to my car)
Awards: Awards ceremony 10:00 a.m. Overall top 3 male and female. Awards to fastest time for each individual age. (That’s different! Last year I was the only person with my age!!!!) Raffle prizes.

The Course:

yes, rolling hills – steeper the first half but not easy the 2nd half (I know)

When I am done with the race, I am next door to my boat. Perfect, right?

Bolton Landing Marina

So I should be excited?

Yes. However, I am not really prepared. I have been racing 5ks and working on my speed. My running has been on mostly flat surfaces.

This is a HILLY TEN mile race.

So what do I do now?

I am healthy so I am DOING IT!

I don’t want to get injured so I will take it slow and probably walk a lot of it. But I will enjoy the scenery and finish. Maybe I’ll be the only one in my Age Group. (They give award for EACH age!!)

Race Goals: