10k

by

Chili, Balloons & Running

Another perfect weekend…great weather, activities, friends, etc. 

Saturday was the annual Chili Cookoff on Speaker Heck Is (Lake George).    It’s always scheduled the weekend of the Adirondack Balloon Festival. We didn’t take our boat but went on our friend’s pontoon boat. 

the "pirate" pontoon

It was the first time we attended but these people are serious about their chili. I did enter the contest (there were 10 chilis) but didn’t win.  Truthfully, they all tasted good to me. 

 

The "winner"

In addition to eating chili, people played games such as washers, etc. 

playing washers

After the cookout, we headed back to the marina and then went to our friend’s house.  He took out his boat on the lake to watch Moon Glow and then the fireworks.  There were 11 of us on the boat …so much fun!!! Unfortunately it was windy so only 2 balloons participated but the moon was full and the fireworks were awesome. 

watching the moon

Moon Glow

fireworks on the lake

The next morning..it was beautiful. I insisted that we sleep on our boat so I could run.  It wasn’t as cool as predicted and it was even sunny.  I headed out on 9N south (as I did last week).  I thought I might try 10K.  I forgot how hilly it was and I walked a lot of it.  Around 9K, my right calf tightened up which made me nervous so I stopped at 9.4K.  I was satisfied (1:04:00) but I wish I had my camera.  The colors are changing fast up here. 

We then headed back to Speaker Heck Island for a relaxing day with our friends. 

Speaker Heck Island

Another 5k on Saturday coming up — The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  I’m running on a team with those I work with. 

Happy Running (Hope you had a great weekend, too!)

by

Three Things Thursday

  1. My morning run got rained out.  I was kinda glad.  I played tennis Tues. after work, Wed. before work and Wed after work, so with this heat and humidity, I was POOPED.
  2. I have another 5k race this Sat.  The Fasig-Tipton in Saratoga.  It’s the same starting point as my last race but a different course.  Last year, it was my PR race! My friend, Mary, was supposed to be in LA but she’s not and will be running with me 🙂 However, I have been playing tennis not running.  I’m debating whether I should run tomorrow or just be very rested???
  3. I’m still debating the 10k option.  I want to do it but tennis is very important now that we’re going on to Sectionals Aug 20-22. So if we lose, I’m going to try training for the Oct 23 10k.  And if we win, we go to Arizona Oct 15-17 and I’ll keeping doing 5ks til next year….

Happy Running!

by

Tennis, Running Partnership Postponed & 5 Foto Friday

me & Georgette

 

Tomorrow, my tennis team is playing in the Regional Championships against a team from Cooperstown, NY. I’m playing with Georgette (whom I played with in Fla in April).  If our team wins, we go to States and play in Syracuse in August.  I’M NERVOUS!!!!! 

And now for Five Foto Friday, RunningLaur-style. I have 5 cats.  Here they are: 

Jerry

Spooky

Slater

Honey

Billy

As for running…I ran 3.5 miles Tuesday after work and 4 miles yesterday after work.  Tuesday it was very HUMID. Yesterday, the weather was perfect.  Neither run was.  As much as I try, I stop and walk when I get tired. I can’t get motivated to push myself if I am by myself.  I’m debating the 10k option but I’m going to wait til the last minute to sign up for the Great Pumpkin Challenge on Oct 23. It’s a 5k and a 10K. I’m to start training after Aug 22 (unless my tennis team loses tomorrow) & I’ll see if I am capable of running 6.2 miles! 

me & Mary

After my last race, Mary & I decided to be running partners.  We made plans to run today at the Crossings and then race on Aug. 7 together.  She wants to run a half in October.  Unfortunately, she had to go to LA for a funeral and won’t be back til Aug. 14 😦

Happy Running!

by

To Run Faster or Longer…That is the Question

This is my 3rd summer running.  I’m still doing 5Ks!!!! I’m done 37 5k races  and 3 3.5 mile races. The farthest I’ve run  is 5 miles and that was with A LOT of walk breaks!!

Even those who just started are working toward 10ks and even 1/2 Marathons!!!

Should I run longer?

Pros:

  • It’s cool.
  • More prestige
  • finisher medals
  • others are doing it
  • I can use my giveaway prizes (Nathan handheld, GU…)
  • harder as you get older so do it now
  • it would be exciting
  • it would be a CHALLENGE

Cons:

  • there are more 5ks locally
  • I know I can run 5K
  • I can win an age group from time to time in 5k
  • I still want to improve my 5k pace
  • need to have a new training plan
  • need more time to train to run a longer distance
  • more chance of injury
  • don’t have a running partner to motivate me
  • need to carry stuff (water, energy gels, etc)
  • will I have stomach issues?
  • hard to schedule longer training runs (I work, I play tennis, I go boating on the weekend…)
  • 5k is nothing to be ashamed of…better than staying in bed

Any advice would be appreciated…

Happy Running!