June 2, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: May Recap

My favorite month has ended 😦

Here’s how things went down:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. I was able to run at least 3 times each week – mostly after work and everyday during my Florida vacation.

Long Runs:

There were NONE. I ran a lot of races and went on vacation. There were NO double-digits runs. The longest were a 15k race and 4.5 mile post 5k run.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – fewer than last month but expected.

may miles

Races:

I ran SIX races this month – a 15k, four 5Ks, and a half marathon. That may be a record for one month!

: Mastodon Challenge 15K – 1:36:10 – 2nd in AG (but prize for 1st)

: Mother’s Day bRUNch 5k – 29:53 – 3rd in AG

: Albany Law Day 5k Against Domestic Violence – 29:31 – 3rd in AG (but prize for 1st)

: Summer Smith Addiction Awareness Memorial 5k – 28:29 – 1st in AG

: Vermont City Marathon Relay – a HOT unofficial 2:33:55

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. My Half Marathon could have (maybe should have) been a DNF but wasn’t.

Cross Training:

My tennis elbow healed so I started back playing once a week and everyday during my Florida vacation.

snapseed

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 say that EVERY month!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). On vacation, I walked to and from the tennis courts each day.

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 3 times with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. I ran once with the Intermediate group. I enjoy running with my “advanced” group friends and coach Patrick. He has had us running 400m and 800m intervals. These are tough for me but I know they are important if I want to get faster.

I’ve also continued my volunteering with STEM. These year’s group is so enthusiastic. It makes it even more fun.

I finished my stint as a Running Budding in the GOTR program. I enjoyed our practice 5k but she didn’t show for the real 5k. 😦

I got together again with my mentee and her 2 sons. We spent a great day in the park for Tulip Fest.

Speaking of tulips. I walked to the park everyday to see them. They were beautiful.

I celebrated my birthday in May also. I went out to eat several times.

: Mother’s Day

: Day in Lake Luzerne

My favorite part of this month was my vacation in Naples, Florida. It included running, tennis, beaches, restaurants, dolphin watching, sunsets, botanical gardens, movie, concert, shopping, comedy club… What a great time with good friends.

: everyday!!

: doubles and lessons

: Naples Botanical Gardens

: the Dolphin Explorer trip

: 4 different beaches

: sunset at the Ritz

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I’m not sure when my next half marathon will be. So far, it’s not until September. But that could change.

I do have a bunch of races coming up. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-12-16 – Run for Help 5k (for STEM)
6-18-16 – Cancer Crushers 5k ??
6-26-16 – Adirondack Distance Run 10m
7-23-16 – Silks and Satins 5K
7-31-16 – Care for Kids 5k

Boating season on Lake George is beginning. 🙂 🙂

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

thinking out loud

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

Happy Running! How did your May turn out? Anything exciting planned for June? What are thinking about today? Please share.

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 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?

May 9, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update & Today’s My Birthday

Last Week:

Monday – Ugh! A rainy day but I took my umbrella and got my tulip fix.

The rain stopped so I could run with my Freihofer Training group. Since I had run a 10k & a 5k over the weekend, I decided that I had done enough speed work. Instead I ran with the Intermediate group for 8-9-8 minutes with 45 sec walks in between. Perfect. Of course, I added more steps in the mall after.

Tuesday – Another cloudy dreary day. I couldn’t go for my walk since I had to leave work early to go my GOTR practice 5K. It was so much fun even though we ran around the building 12 times. My girl was very speedy for the first 4 laps but then, as expected, she got tired and we walked several times after that. Still we finished 2nd and she was thrilled.

Wednesday – Rain, rain, rain. Too busy at work for a walk, too. Yes, it rained all day and I was dreading my run with the STEM folks but miraculously, it slowed to a drizzle and then stopped. We had a great run. They are up to 8 minutes of running and 25 on Friday. A month away from their first 5k. They are planning a flash dance as entertainment after the race. I don’t know…I think I’m too old for those kind of moves.

Thursday – Still cloudy. Haven’t seen sun in days and hadn’t walked since Monday. But the rain had stopped so I went for a walk to the park.

After running 5 days in a row (though truthfully, the last 3 runs were with training groups and involved a lot of walking), I decided to rake 2 days off completely and rest up for Saturday’s 15k.

Instead, I went out to dinner and a movie with my BFF as an early birthday celebration.

I love Tom Hanks but this wasn’t his best movie. The Thai food was good, though.

Friday – Sounds like a broken record but it rained all day again. I did nothing but work and play mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – The weather turned out great for this 15k. I just ran it for fun…ignored the steep hills and walked/ran while totally enjoying the views and chatting the second half with the sister of a former student. This was the first race that I ran with someone else and though it wasn’t fast, I had the best time ever.

1:36:10 (not one of my best) – 2nd in my AG (& they only gave out prizes for 1st)

I rushed home to get ready to spend the rest of the day walking around the Tulip Fest with Amanda & her sons – bouncy-bounce play, making music instruments, pony rides, feeding the animals and ice cream = 4 hours of fun.

Sunday – The day started with pouring rain. I was supposed to run this 5k as a GOTR running buddy but Jayme did not show. Instead I paced another running buddy’s middle school daughter in her 2nd 5k. That was not part of the plan (since I did run a hilly 15k the day before) nor was the cold & wind that arrived after the rain had stopped.

fun watching about 100 girls run their first 5k and I did win 3rd in my AG with 29:53

Again I rushed home from the race to spend the rest of the day with my mother-in-law, stepson & girlfriend, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and husband. Boy, did we eat a lot!

22.5 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – FRW Challenge Training Group (3 miles), b-day dinner out?
Tuesday – rest or 3 easy lunch miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest, hair appt
Thursday – 5k race after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race+ more miles
Sunday – rest, b-day dinner with hubby at the lake

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? Did you have a nice Mother’s Day?

April 30, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions March

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

I STILL can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

When I am busy after work and I need to run, I have to run at lunch. It’s ok now because it is still cool out. That will change when it gets warm and I will be too sweaty to go back to work.

How do you early morning runners do it?

I runfess…

Last month, I couldn’t go to yoga or the gym because I had tennis elbow. Good excuse, right?

Now, my elbow feel fine…but I still haven’t gone… no time, no ambition, too lazy.

I need an intervention!!

I runfess…

I din’t taper for my last half marathon.

I usually run 8 miles the weekend before but I ran 11 miles on Sunday.

11 miles

Then I ran 4 miles on Monday, 5 miles on Wednesday, 2 miles on Thursday….

OOPS!

I ran my second fastest half so I guess it was okay and if it weren’t so f##in hilly, I might have PRed.

I runfess…

I also did not recover after my last half marathon.

half recover

My bad!

I ran 3 miles the next day and also on Wed & Thurs. Plus I have 10k on Saturday and a 5k on Sunday.

my legs were TIRED!!

I runfess…

I still have my Starbucks addiction. I stop on the way to the park. And I walk to the park everyday at lunch. (Darn, I wish they would close that store!!!)

I even walked there in the rain

However, I have discovered their Chocolate Banana Smoothie. Tell me it’s healthier than a frappuccino!

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

May 8 – HILLY!!!!!

May 29 – Hilly

I haven’t signed up yet but I probably will…

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

February 7, 2016 by Darlene

January Recap

january

Weekday Runs:

The weather got colder, windier and snowier (no big storms) but I still was able to run 2-3 times each week.

Long Runs:

In preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I completed higher mileage each weekend.

Total Mileage:

jan16

101!! The most monthly miles in years or maybe ever!

Races:

I ran three races (& DNSed on one). All were part of the the HMRRC Winter Series (and were free.)

35:00 (Gun time)

1:33:13 (course PR)

1:44:10

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I actually went to a yoga class several times.

lheartspaceogo

I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building.)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I also discovered that I can knit while riding the exercise bike so I did that every now and then.

It’s done but I started a new one – maybe too complicated to do on the bike

scarf #2

Other News:

I am a SkirtSports Ambassador Captain for another year. So thrilled to be part of this organization. Love the product and being associated with a great bunch of women.

I am also a Running on the Wall Ambassador – they sponsor virtual races.

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K

I am Half Fanatic #13812. You qualify if you run 3 halfs in 90 days. I did that in 2011 but never applied and did it again in 2015.

I celebrated 17 years being married to this guy:

then

12038287_10154200672714428_4679287681227959390_n

now

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am taking race-cation in Florida for 6 days. During that time, I will be running a half marathon and visiting friends.

Feb 7, 2016

I am hoping for a mild winter so I can painlessly train for another half marathon in March.

March 13, 2016

I love racing and unfortunately I miss one of my favorite races while I’m in Florida so I am searching for a replacement.

I hope to be back in 2017, AJH!

maybe on Feb 14???

I signed up for a September Half Marathon. I will be running it with Andrea and Lisa (my roomies from the Love Run.)

having fun in Philly… plan to make more memories in Cape Cod (hopefully without torrential rain.)

The Vermont City Marathon Relay is no longer a lottery.

vcm16

But WE got in! Woot! Woot!

vcm16

The “Age Groups Rock” team will be back. This time AJH will be running the 1st leg and I the second.

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did you January turn out? Anything exciting planned for February?

January 17, 2016 by Darlene

HMRRC Winter Series #4 (15K) Race Report

This same race in 2015

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members and this weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 15K and 30K.

I was hoping for better weather than last weekend so that I could run one of these races. Remember, I don’t like rain or snow of ice….

Well, it was great – in the 30’s with just a little wind.

Since I have a half marathon in 3 weeks, I chose to run the 15K and then add on more miles after.

I have run several 15Ks (including 3 on this same course) and as you can see my times are all over the place:

2015
HMRRC #4 – 1:34:29 -same course
Stockade-athon 15K – 1:31:35 PR
2014
Stockeadeathon – 1:33:23
HMRRC #1 – 1:34:55 – same course
HMRRC #4 – 1:42:40 -same course
2013
Stockeadeathon – 1:42:22
2011
Stockeadeathon – 1:36:08

As I said previously, I am NOT stating any goals for my races. I just wanted to enjoy the race, not have any pain and get my training miles in for my upcoming half marathon.

Without all that pressure, I felt relaxed for the race.

These races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. I always leave early to get parking since these races are crowded and there are other events going on at UAlbany.

Because this race was organized by ARE, I thought that they would have bibs & chip timing like last year so I wore my race belt but they didn’t.

And since it was a holiday weekend, the attendance seemed to be down from 2 weeks ago so I was there earlier than I needed to be.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And I immediately bumped into running friends, Judy & Barbara again.

We stayed indoors until the last minute and then made out way outside.

I lined up with Barbara who was also running the 15K. I hoped that she would run slower than the 3.5 mile race a few weeks ago and we could run the race together.

basically a few loops around parking lots

With all the races that I have run (about 175?), I have never raced with anyone. My friends are either slower or faster so I always run solo.

Well, I did stay with Barbara for about 3 miles. We were running in the 9s and I had wanted to run this race around 10. It was a training run and I was afraid of straining something.

As you can see, Barbara is getting ahead of me

So I let her run ahead and as she did last time, she seemed to maintain her pace and I did not. I could only keep her in my sight for a few miles and then she disappeared from view.

For most of the race, I felt fine. I was warm so I unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves but by the end, I felt chilled.

I walked through the water stop around mile 3 and then several times after mile 6 including to take a Gu (Orange – gag!) and another water stop around mile 7. I ran up most of the hills until the last one (I was pooped by mile 9.)

love this pic!

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a training run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR 15K but it turned out to be a course PR and my 2nd fast 15k.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9:28
mile 2 – 9:53
mile 3 – 9:41
mile 4 – 10:16 (water)
mile 5 – 10:07
mile 6 – 9:58
mile 7 – 10:50 (gu & water)
mile 8 – 10:07
mile 9 – 10:26 (walks)
.3 – 8:38

Finish Time – 1:33:13

only prizes for 1st & 2nd

Barbara whose time was 1:29:xx was waiting for me at the finish line. (Judy had run the 3 miler and was long gone.)

We chatted and had some refreshments. There was pumpkin bisque and vegetable curry soups – I had both and some bread and hot cocoa.

After Barbara left, I dragged myself out the door to run some more miles. It was tough. My legs had stiffened and I was cold & sweaty but I ran the scenic part of the campus.

img_8156-1

img_8158-1

img_8157-1

2.2 miles more to bring my total up to 11.5 for the day.

my new bargain smartwool socks & Nike shoes = no blisters (happy feet)

My hubby won his tennis match so we are off to celebrate that, my race and our wedding anniversary.

l&d 12038287_10154200672714428_4679287681227959390_n

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run this weekend?

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.

cross-training??

17 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (9 miles less than last weeks. Oops)

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, holiday brunch at work, tennis
Wednesday – holiday lunch at work, 4 mile run after work
Thursday – rest
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K race + 1.7 more miles

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 ?

December 19, 2015 by Darlene

My Year in Racing: 2015

I’m linking up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races I ran this year. Since I ran 38 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved the views of the Hudson River while running across the bridge during the Walkway Half Marathon.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

It was also awesome to run with views of the ocean during the beginning and end of the West Palm Half Marathon.

Most Challenging Course –

I didn’t run any super hard races but I guess since it had hills, I’d say the most challenging was Vermont City Marathon Relay.

– from Burlington Free Press

There were quite a few hills in the Stockade-athon 15K too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.

Another popular local race is the Freihofer’s Run for Women. Lots of support here too.

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon hands down had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

it was so cool to meet Deena Kastor.

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

I bought this awesome sweatshirt on sale

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a zippered tote bag, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

Most Unique Medal/Award –

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved the bridge award from the Walkway Half Marathon.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this hat at the Polar Cap Race was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

The Asbury Park Half Marathon also had amazing food.

potato, macaroni & pasta salads and more…

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the one from the Bacon Hill Bonanza. It doesn’t have sponsors on the back and it is very light and comfy. I have even worn it several times even to play tennis.

I also like the long sleeve tech shirt from the Great Pumpkin Challenge – love its bright yellow color.

And the shirt from the Walkway Half Marathon is also very light and comfy plus it is made from all natural materials.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year. I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

So I would have to say the Asbury Park Half Marathon because of how painful my feet were the whole race

and the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon due to the heat and humidity that I was not acclimated to.

(Maybe I should wear different colors LOL)

_____________

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2015?

November 9, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 7th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We changed our meeting spot from hilly Prospect to the State Office Campus because it was getting too dark to run in the park. But only 3 people showed up for my group. Nowhere to hide, my coach made me run fast (so fast, I almost puked LOL). I cooled down with a walk around the mall with my BFF.

4 intervals of 4 min fast X 2 min jog- at the State Office Campus so no hills

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk and since I wasn’t schedule for my usual tennis after work, I did a nice easy 3 mile run. Had to take advantage of this nice weather (70 degrees in Nov?)

soo dark!

Wednesday – The weather has been so nice. I took a walk during work and after work, I ran 3 miles with my STEM client. We ran at UAlbany this week since there were no lights at our other location. It was so warm that I ran in a tee shirt!!

at UAlbany

Thursday – Had a busy work day but sneaked out at lunch for a 3 mile run. It was supposed to be a rest day but it was so warm that I had to do it. After work, I went to visit a friend that I haven’t seen in a while.

Friday – After 4 days in a row of running, I decided to take 2 days off. Besides, there was rain in the forecast. But between the raindrops, the sun came out and I took a Starbucks walk. I spent the evening playing maj jongg.

Saturday – I got up early to proctor the MPREs at work. Afterwards, I drove to pickup my race packet for the Stockade-athon. Frank Shorter was there and it was a thrill to meet him. The rest of the day was filled with errands and carb loading.

Sunday – I ran the Stockadeathon 15K race. It was my 2nd time running the new course. It was fun since I knew a lot of runners there. And I got a PR – so surprised!! That evening, we celebrated our 7th year of mah jongg with an anniversary dinner.