August 16, 2016 by Darlene

Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10K Race Recap

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I was looking forward to another Lake George race because I love the scenery. This race is even more scenic than the Adirondack Distance Run and just as hilly.

I ran this race in 2012 as my first 10k ever. I finished it at 1:09:07 but I was still recovering from ankle surgery.

After that, I ran more 10ks and this race again in 2014. I finished in 1:04:54 (A big improvement).

This year, I hoped to improve upon my Camp Chingachgook Challenge time but not to PR due to the hills. (My 10K PR is 57:03). I suck at hills.

The course is out and back – which means hills both ways.

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along the lake most of the way

no flat sections!

We’ve had an awfully hot, humid summer. Today was no exception. 99% humidity and close to 80 degrees at the start. There was a threat of rain and thunderstorms. Normally I hate to run in the rain but rain today would actually make things bearable.

I had my usual breakfast of hot cereal and left around 6:45 am. I got there with no problems around 8:15 am, found parking, used the (real) restrooms and wandered around for a while exploring the grounds. I chatted with many runners who asked about the course. I felt like an expert since I had run it twice already.

I quickly bumped into Lara, a fellow runner and former tennis teammate.

our power pose in honor of our friend Tom who was not running the race

As I mentioned, although you run along the lake for the whole way, it is HILLY, I mean very HILLY. I have run 2 races on the other side of the lake and this side, the hills are a lot steeper.

Lara and I run around the same pace. Sometimes she beats me and sometimes I beat her. So we started out together and stayed together for awhile.

I started out too fast, of course, and I even tried to run up the hills. But since I don’t train for hills and hate them, I soon tired and realized that if I wanted to finish upright, I better walk them and so I did.

Lara continued to trudge up the hills without walking.

Walking during a race does not make me happy but at times, the hills were so steep that I had trouble walking up them. The only good thing was that many runners were walking and even those who did not, were running slow and I could pass them on the downhills.

So I used the same strategy as last week. Walk, run, walk, run, walk up the hills and run fast down the hills.

It seemed to work. I got way ahead of Lara and many other runners that I started with.

What was strange was that since this race was also a half marathon that started an hour before but had the same finish, you saw the fast runners heading to the end when we slower runners barely started. (The half marathon winner finisher in 1:11:xx!!!)

As with all Lake George races (this being my 3rd this year), the road was not closed to traffic. You had to move over to let cars go by and sometimes they were going in both directions and there were runners running in both directions.

The views were decent. You had the lake on the right the first half and on the other side the second half.

I got to the turn around with a decent time – under 30 minutes but I had to battle the same hills to the finish line.

Now I was running with the faster very sweaty half marathoners. I am not a sweater but the sun kept peaking out (I could wear my sunglasses because they kept fogging up due to the humidity) and it seemed that it was not going to rain. So I was dripping in sweat.

Around mile 4, at only the 2nd water stop, I took a gu and a long walk and then continued my run/walk the uphills and sprint (if you can call it a “sprint”) the downhills.

Finally we turned left toward the lake and the race ended. I was happy that it was on a downhill. I even mustered up enough strength to sprint past a few runners. I crossed at 1:02:23 (gun time)

Yes, this was over 5 minutes slower than my 10K PR, but considering the conditions, I was pleased. It was actually a course PR – over 2 minutes faster than the last time.

I got my medal and just walked around near the water. Believe it or not, I was too hot to eat right away.

Then I went to get my shirt. (They didn’t have small sizes when I check in.)

I waited for Lara to finish (She was about 4 minutes behind me.)

Then I played around getting medal pics while waiting for Alyssa to cross the finish line. The poor girl was running the half marathon.

Finally I saw her. Like everyone else, she had a slow race.

She jumped into the lake and then headed to take the shuttle bus back to the start.

looks like a storm’s a comin

By this time, I was getting hungry and sat down with Lara and some other runners that I knew.

I got some food…there were hot dogs, chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, bagels, and watermelon – quite a spread.

While we were waiting for the awards, it started to thunder and the skies opened up. Good thing, we were under cover.

food pavilion

I did come in first in my age group.

Normally they give out cool prizes and only to the winner. This year, they gave 3 deep and your prize was food.

I won a chocolate muffin and it was delish.

It continued to rain so I decided to forgo my plans to get in more miles. My legs weren’t tired (thank you compression socks) but I was so sweaty. Those 2.8 miles would have to wait until the next day.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:36
mile 2- 10:25
mile 3 – 9:41
mile 4 – 11:01
mile 5 – 9:58
mile 6 – 10:10
.2 – 7:59

1:02:16 (Garmin time)

In looking at last year’s stats, the difference in the race was the last 2 miles. I had a faster first half but slowed down more the second half.

So was I disappointed? Not really. I don’t train on hills. And walking on the hills saved my legs. I beat my time on this course from two years ago but I know I can do better.

I used to walk up the whole hill. Now I walk and run. Maybe someday I’ll have the strength and/or confidence to run up the hills.

I did enjoy the race. I never regret a race. And my legs felt fine after. I was even able to run the next two mornings.

The race was the beginning of a weekend with friends – we ate, chatted, knitted, hiked, watched the Olympics, saw a movie (Pitch Perfect)…

Since this is Tuesday, I am linking up with:

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

Happy Running! Any advice for running hilly races? How was your weekend?

August 15, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – For the past 33 years, my friend (former co-worker) & I had gone to breakfast at the race track.

Sometimes after breakfast and watching the horse warm up, we stay for the races. We did this year and had a lot of fun betting – mostly successfully but I don’t bet a lot of money so I don’t win a lot of money.

Afterward we decided to stop off at the casino cuz I had never been. Beginners luck had me winning $77. We celebrated with ice cream.

Tuesday – After another day of car shopping, I ran at the Colonie Town Park and then played tennis.

unfortunately I waited until 4 pm when it was 90 degrees! At least there was shade.

Wednesday – We finally got the rain that we needed but the result was oppressive humidity. I was running with a friend which made it more bearable.

at the Corning Bike Path

Thursday – I played tennis in the am and I couldn’t believe how humid it was!!! (I don’t know how you Southerners do it.) Since they predicted a heat index of 100 degrees, I reluctantly ran (3 slow miles) on the treadmill at the gym. Then worked out with a friend, went out for dinner and a walk on the rail trail.

Friday – AM tennis was cancelled so I did stuff around the house. Then I went with my hubby to pick up his new truck. We had two parties to go to – one at our marina and one for the hubby’s tennis team. Yup, we managed to go to both. (carb loading for my race the next day, right?)

Saturday – Ran a HOT, HUMID, HILLY 10k.

a course PR and won my age group

After the race, I headed up to spend the rest of the day at my friend’s house on the Schroon River. This was a “knitting” weekend. Rained on and off all day so only managed a walk. Perfect knitting weather.

Sunday – I got in a run before everyone got up. After breakfast, I talked them into 2 hikes.

Then there was lunch, more knitting and some swimming.
20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run, hiking
Tuesday – AM tennis, tennis pizza party, PM tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a friend, mall walk with bff, mini golf /dinner
Thursday – AM tennis, pool party, 4 miles with a friend
Friday – AM tennis, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + 7 more miles
Sunday – boating

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

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

May 17, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Picking your races

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

This week’s topic is: Racing. Are you a one-and done type? Or do you run the same ones over and over?

Well, both.

For half marathons, I have decided not to repeat. There are so many to choose from. I don’t feel the need even though I am tempted to re-do the ones I’ve loved. There are still many local ones that I haven’t run.

my favorite destination race

my favorite local race

For other distances, if I like a race, I do run it every year. I won’t list them all since as you know, I run a lot of races. The ones below, I try to put on my racing calendar every year.

I will be running the Freihofer’s 5k for the 9th time this year.

the Spring Run Off is my favorite 10k

I love the Stockadeathon 15K

Delmar Dash wins for a 5 mile race

and the Polar Cap for 4 milers

My favorite 10 mile race is the Adirondack Distance Run

Happy Running! Do you repeat races?

May 4, 2016 by Darlene

Spring Run Off 10K Race Report & Being Fearless

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I almost didn’t sign up for this race since I had already signed up for a 5k the next day. Normally these two races are not on the same weekend.

But I have run this race twice before and I have enjoyed it.

2014 at the 10K

Plus I’ve always won an award.

: 3rd

: 1st

I am familiar with the course. It is where I do a lot of my long training runs.

running here with Denise a few weeks ago

I tossed around the idea of running the 5k but in the end, I decided to do the 10K (even though it meant that at the race the next day I would not be in top form.) Basically because even if I am NOT doing my long runs, I need to keep my mileage up for my May 29 half marathon – the VCM Relay.

No goals for the race but since it was my third time, I expected something like the past two years:

2015: 58:19
2014: 1:00:51

My 10K PR is 57:03

The night before the race, there was a free pasta dinner at packet pick up.

another unisex tech shirt that it is big!

The food was really good. It was catered by D’Raymonds, a local Italian restaurant. There was salad, bread, pasta, wine, and lots of homemade desserts. It wasn’t a buffet. They actually served you. I ate A LOT!!

Two years ago I got invited to sit with two lovely older runners. We had some great discussions….about running, of course and have seen each other several times since.

pasta dinner before the race above

This year, these ladies couldn’t come so I sat with some runners that I know since we run many of the same races. It was fun.

I may have over indulged

After dinner, I rushed off to play mah jongg (and stayed out later than I should have.)

I was tired when I got up the next morning (and with an upset stomach) but happy that again I lucked out with the weather – sunny, no wind and cool (40s to start and 50s later). I wore a short-sleeved top, skirt, compression socks and brought a jacket just in case.

cloudy & chilly when I first arrived

I arrived early to make sure I got parking and to look for people whom I knew. I found parking in the closer lot and then walked over to the start.

I immediately ran into Lara, a former tennis teammate but now running friend.

I decided to run without my jacket and I was so glad that I did

We hung out and chatted. What was great about this race was how many runners were there that I knew. Some I hadn’t seen since last year. It was like a reunion.

This race included a 5k and a 10k. This year for the first time, both races started at the same time.

I started toward the front but not too near the fast runners.

the sun came out once the race started but it was breezy near the water

I went out fast of course because I knew that I would slow down – bad attitude, right?

The course is lovely. You run along the Hudson River.

But I was already walking through the water stop at 1.25 miles.

This was a sign that the race would be going downhill. I actually felt nauseous the whole race. And my legs were telling me that they were not ready yet for speed.

Nevertheless, I willed myself to keep up an even pace until the turn around of this out and back course. (In fact, I was at 28:xx minutes at the 3.1 mile mark but I knew that I was tired and as usual, would slow down.)

You would think that there would be water then but nope not again until about mile 4.75. It was warm and I was VERY thirsty. I complained to the volunteers like I did last year.

I wanted to eat some Gu to get more energy around mile 4 but decided against it with no water (plus my stomach was unhappy.)

I got 2 blisters during my half on Sunday. I thought they were both healed and didn’t put anything on them. Wrong! One was healed but the one on the bottom of my leg foot started to hurt…with every step.

So I dragged myself/limped to the end (which always seem to have annoying inclines.)

Lara & I run af the same pace. Sometimes I beat her and sometimes she beats me. She was behind me the whole the race until the last mile. Then she passed me by. I tried to catch her to no avail.

As I approached the finish line, I sprinted in hopes of finishing under 59 minutes but did not.

I crossed at 59:11 (gun time).

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Race Splits:

mile 1 – 9:02
mile 2- 9:21
mile 3 – 9:31
mile 4 – 9:41
mile 5 – 10:02 (check out those positive splits!!)
mile 6 – 9:41
.2 – 8:29

59:06 – Garmin Time

I had some refreshments and waited for the results. Homemade cookies, brownies and cakes – YUM!

My inaugural Team Badass photo

I also began to feel better about my race. My time wasn’t bad. I beat my time from my last 10K (Troy Turkey Trot) and my legs hadn’t recovered yet from last Sunday’s hilly half.

I cheered on some friends who got age group awards. This year, I did not!!

some old ladies are still speedy

So I really enjoyed the race. Although I didn’t expect to PR, I probably thought I would win an age group award. I need to adjust my expectations.

The weather was so perfect that I hung out with some older ladies for a while and went for a walk. (Especially since rain was in the forecast for the next day.)

I wound up walking 4 more miles. That was 10 miles for the day so far. (Probably not too smart with another race scheduled for the next day.)

My legs felt better as the day wore on… I even went grocery shopping and did lots of errands. Also picked up my race packet for the race the next day.

one more disappointing unisex shirt

Since it is Wednesday, I am also linking to Deb from Deb Runs‘ Wednesday Word.

This week’s word is FEARLESS.

Just look at Katherine Switzer – the first woman to run the Boston Marathon (in 1967.)

and Bobbi Gibb who crashed the Boston Marathon in 1966.

What about Harriette Thompson who ran a marathon at age 92?

Now these women are FEARLESS.

Moi?

I try to not let fear get in my way. I am a risk taker, to some degree. (At least with my running.)

Run only 5ks and then train for a half marathon? No problem.
Run a 5k as your first run after serious ankle surgery? No problem.
Run a race with a foot stress fracture? No problem.
Finish a race after breaking your foot? No problem.
Race a hilly half marathon without training on hills? No problem.
Run 2 races in one weekend? No problem.

And yes, I am running 2 races (a 15 and a 5k) again this weekend.
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race? Are you fearless?

May 2, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – A cool, cloudy day. I managed to take my Starbucks walk to the park. I hope you are not tired of tulips pics because they are just beginning to bloom (and I will probably post pics everyday.)

I was secretly hoping that it might rain so I didn’t have to go to my group training run. But it didn’t rain until much later. On the schedule was 4-6 800m at 5k pace. I talked to my coach and he said not to do that but to run with the Intermediate group. Phew!!! So I did and the 8:1 intervals were perfect. I spent the first half of the run talking to one of the mentors who is also a Skirt Sports ambassador and the second half to another runner that I met during one of the Troy Turkey Trot training groups. And actually after that recovery run, my legs felt better. I even continued my walk in the mall.

Tuesday – A cold nasty day. It also poured most of the day. I was glad that a rest was on my schedule. And that I play tennis indoors.

Still went for my walk to the park. The tulips were even prettier in the rain.

Wednesday – The day started out poorly. My car battery died. Luckily my hubby could drive me to work and my friend could drive me home. Instead of my walk to the park today, I ran near work.

After work, my tennis friends scheduled a visit to the “Mystery Room” in the mall. We had a blast. Then afterwards, we went out to dinner (what else?)

we even solved the mystery!

Thursday – To celebrate Million Mile Month, my co-workers took a walk to the park at lunch. (Not so exciting for me, since I do it everyday but they enjoyed viewing the tulips.)

I went for a run after work before walking the mall with my BFF.

tired legs but ran into an old tennis friend

Friday – No running today and of course, I walked to the park to gaze at the tulips.

After work, I went to the free pasta dinner given to runners in Saturday’s race. Chatted with some nice people and ate way too much.

Played mah jongg afterwards.

Saturday – Perfect weather for a race. Unfortunately due to stomach issues, a blister and tired legs, I didn’t have my A game. Knowing so many runners at this race made it one of my favorites (despite my 4th place AG finish.)

Afterwards, I took advantage of the weather and went for a long walk.

Then drove to pick up my bib for my 5k the next day, went grocery shopping, did some errands, etc.. After a soak in the hot tub, went out to dinner with the hubby.

Sunday – I woke up to rain and contemplated bailing on the race. But I didn’t and I’m glad I didn’t. My legs were even more tired than yesterday. I gave it my best shot (but only finished 5th in my AG – those darn speedy old people!). Again, seeing familiar faces made the race much more enjoyable.

19 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – Practice GOTR 5K
Wednesday – 3 miles, STEM Run
Thursday – rest, b-day dinner & movie with BFF
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 15K race, Tulip Fest with mentee & sons
Sunday – 5K race (GOTR), dinner out for Mother’s Day

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?

May 1, 2016 by Darlene

April Recap

I can’t believe April is over already… Time is flying by!!

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 were a few races with extra miles added on. Then I ran a half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

: 5 mile race + 6 = 11 miles

: 5K + 3 + 6 = 12 miles

: 11 miles

Total Mileage:

100 miles this month!

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I was pleased that my mileage is back up because next month, there will be a lot fewer miles run.

Races:

I ran FOUR races this month – a 5 miler, a 5K, a half marathon and a 10K.

: Bacon Hill Bonanza – 27:44 – 1st in my AG

: Lake George Half- 2:16:56 – 2nd in my AG

: Spring Run Off 10K

I was generally 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. The 10K was the week after the half.

Cross Training:

I had taken a few weeks off from tennis to heal my sore elbow. I started back playing once a week and now it feels FINE!! Yay!!

happy to back on the court with my friends – played 3 times this month.

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 and the month before!!)

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 did not go to the gym at all. My elbow is healed so I have NO excuses…just lazy (or have other priorities).

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I ran 4 times with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. We started out the month with snow, then there was rain and we ended with sunshine. I enjoy running with my “advanced” group friends and coach Patrick. He has had us running 400m intervals. These are tough for me because they often come on the day after a long run.

I’ve also started my volunteering with STEM. These year’s group is so enthusiastic. It makes it even more fun. I am paired up with a lady who is very speedy, as well. No goofing off here.

The place where I work participated in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I changed my original goal of completing 100 miles to 300. And I did it!!!!

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I’m reading a new book that I am enjoying.

I finally got together with my mentee and her 2 sons. I hadn’t seen them in months. We went to the Firefigher’s Museum and had a blast.

After missing a monthly gathering with my tennis friends, we did get together this month.

lots of laughs and we did solve the mystery.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am not training for my next half marathon in May. It’s another hilly but scenic course. I am looking forward to spending time with AJH and visiting the Burlington VT area again.

May 29, 2016

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

5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-03-16 – practice GOTR 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 Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay
6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-12-16 – Run for Help 5k (for STEM)
6-26-16 – Adirondack Distance Run 10m

And May is my favorite month!!!

Flowers are in bloom and it’s my birthday and I go on vacation!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!

you’ll see a lot of my runs here

May 9 = annual b-day out with a former co-worker

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a week of tennis in the Fla. sunshine

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did your April turn out? Anything exciting planned for May?

April 4, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – A cold, rainy, dreary day but at least the rain stopped so I decided to go to my Freihofer Challenge Group Run. Then as soon as we started running, it started to pour. It rained for the entire run and stopped when we were done.

Tuesday – No rain but lots of wind. I left work early to meet my GOTR running buddy (Jayme, age 11) & then attended the GOTR orientation. Afterwards, I walked the mall with my BFF who just returned from a month in FL. (Got my 10k steps in!!)
Wednesday – A busy work day (and giving day). Still had time for a walk and a group pic.

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My monthly dinner with tennis friends got cancelled (too many were sick ). Instead I ran in the park and yes, I ran up a hill (a few times.)

Thursday -Another rest day but I did go for a walk during work. Ate dinner out. This time Thai food with two co-workers.
Friday – We started this at work today. My goal is 100 miles this month (walking + running):

MMM_VertLogo_2016_forweb_copy

At lunch we had a fun kick-off event.

april 1

After work, I squeezed in a run before dinner (in between the rain) and mah jongg.

Our new mah jongg cards start on April 1 each year so it is always exciting the first time you play on them. I won 2x so a good night.

Saturday – A rest day filled with all those things you have to get done because you work all week. But I did take a walk on the trail right behind my house. Believe it or not, the last time I was on it was when we moved in 16 years ago.

just missed the rain

My hubby wanted to go out to dinner so I agreed…carb loading, right?

Sunday – A wintery mix with gusty winds was not the ideal weather for the Delmar Dash 5 mile race. But actually the snow stayed on the lawns and wind was not unbearable until later on.

not happy with my performance but they all can’t be good races

We ran on the rail trail for most of it and saw 2 eagles

Luckily I had company for most of the 6 more miles I had to run after the race.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days. 95,078 steps.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles??)
Tuesday – rest, ~~tennis~~
Wednesday – 3 mile run, STEM Couch To 5k run
Thursday –3 mile run (before work or at lunch), hair appt.
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 10K race + 6 miles (or 5k + 9 miles)
Sunday – rest

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?

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Spring Race Plans

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

tulip12d

This week’s topic is Spring Racing Plans

I’ll try to keep this short since I run A LOT of races. Here are the ones that I’m thinking about running:

Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13

It’s a hilly one but I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time. I plan to run 13.1 miles for her.

There will be signs posted in memory of those who have had cancer.

Shamrock Shuffle 5m

ss5m16

I ran it last year for the first time and it was a nice flat local race. So it’s on my race schedule again.

Ice Breaker 5k Challenge

March 26

I ran this race 3 years ago and its course is one of my favorite places to run. You also race against the rowers on the river which is cool.

post injury 5k PR

Delmar Dash 5m

dd16

This race is flat and it is held near where I live so it’s on my list every year.

Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10K

April 9

This is one of my favorites. The course is out in the country and I’ve won a pie both years I’ve run it. Let’s see if I can repeat.

Spring Run Off 5k or 10K

sro16

This race is held at the same location as the Ice Breaker. They have a great free pasta dinner the night before. I usually run the 10K. But since it’s the day before the Cherry Blossom, I may just run the 5K.

Cherry Blossom 5k

May 1

I love this race too. I am hoping for a year where the cherry blossoms are actually in bloom. This may be the year since it is 2 weeks later than last year.

2nd

Mastodon Challenge 5k or 15k

May 7

I ran the 5k last year on my birthday and fell. I want a redo or maybe I’ll challenge myself and run the hilly 15K.

race location is near the Cohoes Falls

Mother’s Day 5K

May 8 this year

I usually run a race on Mother’s Day so this is a possibility especially if it is the GOTR race. It is held at Central Park in Schenectady which is a great place to run. But there are several Mother’s Day races so I may just choose another one.

pre-race last year

Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run

May 14

This is a new race and is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.gofundme.com/Summer5k4addiction There will be many other runners and mentors from the program. I am honored to support this cause and to have known and run with Summer.

Vermont City Marathon Relay

May 29

I ran this race last year with AJH. I ran the first leg so this year I’m looking forward to running the 2nd 13.1 miles (and crossing the marathon finish line.)

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 4

And of course, I have to run this race – my race streak race. This will be my 9th time running it.

I love the energy in this all women’s 5k.

I also signed up for the Training Challenge for the 2nd time.

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I’m there somewhere?

Betar Byway 5K & Moreau Mile

bbw5k

This race has such a beautiful course. Last year, I ran both the 5k and the mile. It was a lot of fun. Once boating season starts, I try to run races that are held on my race up north.

And yes, there will probably be more added. Maybe even a half marathon in Aptil. Who knows?

Happy Running! What spring race(s) are you planning to run in 2016?

January 24, 2016 by Darlene

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K Race Recap

I am excited to be a Running on the Wall race ambassador and yesterday, I participated in the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K.

Normally I run races every weekend. But in the NE during the winter months, there are very few scheduled.

I would have to just run for myself. But this was so much more motivating.

What I like about virtual races it that they help me push myself just a bit more and this race did just that.

It was not as fast as a real race but definitely better than if I was just running on my own.

What is even cooler is the nice race bling they send you. I got a bib, a medal, a tank top, the bib, a car magnet and either choose a runners hat or arm sleeves. (I chose the arm sleeves since I don’t have any besides the DIY ones made from cheap socks.)

And the tank top, it is light weight and perfect for me! It is one I will be proud and comfortable wearing to remind myself: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Yes, running is hard and it’s supposed to be hard.

Since I had planned to do my long run of 12 miles yesterday, I decided that it would be a good day to run the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10k Race.

The snowstorm hit south of us so we didn’t get a single flake but what we did get was COLD temps and wind.

It was 16 degrees when I arrived to start my race but in the single digits with the windchill. I did dress for these frigid temps and the only thing that was cold were my fingers because I kept taking off my gloves to take photos.

I started my race by running 2 miles around Colonie Town Park. I have run here before and it’s where the Mohawk Hudson Hal Marathon starts.

There’s lots of trails but I kept running into ice and turning around.

The park is on the Mohawk River which looks to be frozen.

Heading out of the park, you run under a covered bridge.

Next I ran on the path toward the Nisky Bike Path where I run many of my long runs.

It was mostly clear but every now and then there were snowy patches. Luckily, it was just snow not ice.

To get to the Nisky bike path, you had to run on the road.

this bridge is on the highway along the Mohawk River

you had to be careful because you couldn’t see cars coming around the curve

Finally I arrived at the entrance of the bike path.

Here there were quite a few snowy patches but they were not slippery.

a view of the Mohawk River in the distance

After 2 miles on this route, I turned around.

I have a really bad sense of direction and made a left when I should have made a right so had to back track. (Good news is that it gave me the .2 miles that I would have needed.)

back to the path leading to my car

I was very happy to arrive at my car and thaw out.

10K completed!

Time: 1:07:55

One of my slower 10Ks but I am happy!

I can’t wait to do another Running on the Wall race!

thumbs up to Running on the Wall Virtual Races

Happy Running! Do you like virtual races? Why or why not?

January 11, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – First day back at work after 11 days off. And it was freezing!! No running for me, just 1 1/2 hours of doubles tennis after work

Tuesday – Another freezing day (the coldest of the winter so far) but I bundled up and ran outside after work.

Wednesday – A lot warmer today (30 vs 10). I took a quick run after work before going to a yoga class.

my legs felt great yesterday but today, very sluggish!!

lheartspaceogo

Thursday – Rode the exercise bike at work during lunch. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it (and I was able to KNIT while on it 🙂 ). Went out to dinner with an old friend.

Friday – I had planned to run today but the iffy weekend weather made me skip it. I actually walked for 15 min in the morning and rode the exercise bike for 1/2 hr (while knitting) at lunch.

just walked in circle around the lst floor with a co-worker

Saturday – I had hoped for a relaxing day but since rain was forecast for Sunday, I needed to do my long run instead. I ran 5 by myself and then Judy arrived to run the last 6. Thanks Judy.

The rest of the day was filled with housework and taking doing those holiday decorations finally.

Sunday – Another free race – I had planned to run the 10K and follow it with 3.8 more miles to complete my 10 mile long run. But I had done my long run on Saturday and since it was pouring, I DNSed.