November 8, 2015 by Darlene

Stockade-athon 15K Race Recap

This is my fourth time running this 15k race. In 2011, my first time, I finished in 1:36:08. I was injured in 2012 and then I ran it in 2013 and finished with a disappointing 142:22.

fake happy

With over 2000 runners in this race, they were forced to make some changes to the course last year.

It no longer starts and ends in Central Park. It also starts earlier – 8:30 am

This is a description of the new course:

It starts near Veterans Park in downtown Schenectady. The course travels west on State Street for 1K before entering the historic Stockade District and proceeding on a scenic bike path in Riverside Park along the Mohawk River. The course exits the Stockade District via Front Street after crossing Erie Blvd. The course then proceeds east on Nott Street past Union College before entering the historic GE Plot residential neighborhood via Lenox Ave, Douglas Rd and Rugby Rd. The course exits Rugby Road and proceeds north on Waverly Place near the 5K mark. The course turns east off Waverly and follows Grand Blvd to the city boundary with Niskayuna, then proceeds south on Dean Street to Central Parkway past 8k. After a 1K residential loop on Central Parkway, the course enters beautiful Central Park and follows a bike path around Iroquois Lake and Duck Pond before reaching its highest elevation near 12K. The final 3k is mostly downhill or flat as the course exits Central Park and proceeds west through historic Vale Cemetery and Vale Park before a final downhill section on Franklin Street to the finish at City Hall.

Well, I loved the new course and finished the race with a new PR – 1:33:23

This year, they decided to stay with the same course. YAY!

However, there has been a big difference in the my training – slower (long) runs due to a half marathon in October and an upcoming one in December.

So I didn’t expect to PR but just wanted a decent long run (and not get INJURED!!)

To save time, I picked up my race packet on Saturday at Fleet Feet in Albany.

I met Frank Shorter there and he was soooo nice!

a cotton shirt (ugh!) but I got my bib signed (as a good luck charm)

As usual, I didn’t sleep much the night before the race. I had decided what to wear but still wasn’t sure about how cold it would be. It was in the 30s when I got up and it was forecast to warm up to the high 40s. I hate this time of year. But at least there was a bag check and I could bring extra clothes for after.

Even though, I went last year, I still left extra early not knowing where exactly to park. I got there around 7:15 am and found a spot on the street a few blocks from the start of the race.

I walked to the YMCA to use the restroom and check my extra clothes. There I bumped into a few familiar faces. I also met someone new (Linda, a 70 yr old) and we spent a lot of time chatting.

I used the restroom right away and was glad that I did since the line got very very long later on. It was so nice to have some place to stay warm before the race. They even had water, coffee, donuts, fruit, etc. I didn’t eat anything since I ate breakfast before I left but did take a GU.

Soon, it was time for Linda & I to walk a few blocks and head to the starting line.

The course map:

stockade-athon

As with any big race, it was very slow going at first.

from Daily Gazette

As the map above shows, we headed west along the Mohawk River into the Stockade section of town.

photo by David Giacalone

After the bike path and the Stockade area, we ran past Union College and around various residential neighborhoods.

photo by David Giacalone

I knew a lot a runners in this race. They kept catching up to me, we’d chat and then they would go on ahead. That was ok with me. I was determined to run at my own pace and have a pain-free race.

I was trying to keep my pace under 10 but at this point I was starting to slow down. The hills were relentless. I remember last year being able to run up them. Not this year but I gave myself permission to walk if I needed to.

And I was HOT!! Yes, with the sun out, I was dying but there was nothing I could do. There were times, I felt nauseated due to being overdressed.

10479095_10204157647595890_3881613154386506276_o

Around mile 6, we entered Central Park with its rolling hills, lake, and pretty foliage.

photo by David Giacalone

I had at this point walked through both water stops and a few other times (including one long bout to take a GU).

I wasn’t concerned about my time but when I crossed the 10k mark at 1:00:xx, those PR thoughts came into my head. I tried to think about something else because I knew what was coming.

Between mile 7 and 8 is where the BIG hills were. I walked up the first one. Then I decided to run up the second because it was the last one. It was so steep that when I got to the top, my legs were jelly and I could hardly run.

At least the hills were over and I got a second wind. We proceeded to run through the cemetery and then through a park before heading DOWNHILL to the finish line at city hall.

Stockadeathon-1047

Stockadeathon-1049 unedited

Of course, the wind picked up and we were running INTO the run!!

stock7

Stockadeathon 15k

But when I saw the clock in the distance, I ran as fast as I could.

I finished at 1:31:35!!

Yes, a PR by almost 2 minutes …without even trying!

10 of 20 in my AG 1st 5k=29:44; 2nd 5k=31:02; 3rd 5K =30:56

I was happy with the results. There was no chance of an age group award. All the speedy old ladies run this race.

I really liked this course. It was so varied that it also took your mind off the hills. With the large number of runners, I felt like I was always running with others and it kept me going.

Yes, it was hilly. The first half had a lot more hills but they were manageable. The second half had fewer hills but they were steeper.

The best part of the race was that NOTHING HURT!! Not my feet, not my back…nada. I didn’t put it all out there and I just enjoyed myself.

This was a confidence booster for me. When I was done, I felt like I could still run more…

I waited around to see Judy finish.

As I was waiting, someone came over and said “I like your skirt.”

love the wind blown hair!

She was a SkirtSports ambassador too! She has since emailed me and maybe we will see each other again.

Then Judy & I walked to the YMCA. I changed into warmer clothes and then went to Proctors to get something to eat. There was vegetable soup, pizza, bagels, cider donuts, fruit, chocolate milk, yogurt, and lots more.

Then I wandered over to the indoors Farmers Market — 2 floors of local baked goods, fruits, vegetables. I just sampled the food and walked around.

I stayed around for the awards since Linda was probably getting one (there were 20 in my AG and only 1 in hers).

she was last but has such a great attitude (photo by David Giacalone)

I will definitely add this race to my must-do list. It was very well organized and I was thrilled with my time. The hills slowed me down but next year, I’ll be ready for them…maybe gun for a sub 1:30.

Splits: (2014 – 2015)

mile 1 – 8:49 – 8:57
mile 2 – 9:29 – 9:36
mile 3 – 10:03 – 10:02
mile 4 – 10:04 – 9:59
mile 5 – 9:49 – 9:33
mile 6 – 10:30 – 10:16
mile 7 – 10:35 – 10:04
mile 8 – 10:58 – 10:21
mile 9 – 10:02 – 9:38
.4 – 8:26 – 8:14

The difference was starting slower which gave me more energy for the 2nd half.

and Frank signing my bib LOL.

Race Goals:

A: Finish under 1:35 – YES!! And a PR!!
B: All miles between 9 and 11 minutes. YES!
C: Finish happy and healthy. YES YES!

The day ended with a Chinese dinner with my Mah Jongg group to celebrate 7 years of playing together.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend? If so, how did it go?

November 5, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Speedwork, Fall & Another Race

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Can I really get faster?

I’ll be honest, the only time, I sprint is if I am running through the finish line …. until this past Monday.

Last year, I joined the Turkey Trot Training group and the Freihofer’s Training group. I ran with the group on Mondays. But I never really did the drills correctly. I ran with my friends and we chatted. Most of the time, I was in the midst of training for a long race so speed work was not a good idea the day after a long run or the day after a half marathon. And when there is a large group of people, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. I do, however, think that running up the hills made me stronger last fall and even faster.

This fall, we just switched locations and there are no hills. And on Monday, only 3 people showed up from my group. Oh no!!

Our coach, Patrick’s plan was for a warm up and then 4 minutes fast, 2 minute jog, repeated 4 times followed by a cool down (4 miles total)

There was no room to hide. But I tried.

The first 4 minutes, I ran kinda fast and was in the middle of the 3 runners. Patrick was running with the fastest runner.

The 2nd 4 minutes, I was slowing down and Patrick noticed. Oh shit!

He lectured me and told that I wasn’t even breathing hard and that I could do better. Of course, I complained that I was old & tired but he was hearing nothing of it. We compromised and I said I would sprint for the last minute of the 4 minutes. And I did. I ran so fast that I thought I would puke (and 1 minute can sometimes seem like forever.)

Well, Patrick was impressed but that meant that he expected me to do it again. And I did and I didn’t die.

He said that I was strong and could get faster if I put in the effort.

Probably true.

Would I do this if I were running alone? Probably not!

Will I run like this when the other runners show up next week? We’ll see.

Am I the only one who doesn’t do speed drills & just runs for fun??? (I guess that’s why coaches are important.)

Fall has been awesome.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE summer!! But they said that because we had such as dry summer, the fall foliage would be disappointing.

They were wrong.

I’m not complaining but it’s been warm enough to wear skirts to run!!

This is how I dressed today…

72 degrees on November 5th.

The thing I don’t like is that now it gets dark so early!!! I have to find new places to run (with lights.)

Guess what? I have a race this weekend. No surprise. It’s a 15k so it even fits right in with my half marathon training.

This is my fourth time running this 15k race. It is the 40th anniversary of one of the oldest 15ks in the country and Frank Shorter will be there running it. So I am pretty excited. (It’s not NYC but cool for upstate NYS.)

My first time running this race was in 2011. I was injured in 2012 and didn’t run it. I ran it in 2013 and was disappointed with my finish time.

my fake happy face

Last year, they changed the course. It started and ended in downtown Schenectady rather than in Central Park.

Well, I loved the new course and finished the race with a new PR!!

However, this year, I have been either training for my half marathon in October or the upcoming one in December. My long runs have been slooooow! I don’t even feel ready to run 9.3 hilly miles but I need to be since I’ll be running 13.1 in 3 weeks!!!!

So I do not expect a PR but I just want a decent long run (and not get INJURED!!)

Race Goals:

A: Finish under 1:35 (my PR is 133:23)
B: All miles between 9 and 11 minutes.
C: Finish happy and healthy.

Happy Running! What are thinking about today?

November 1, 2015 by Darlene

October Recap & Runfessions

OCTOBER GOALS:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

I continue to run 3-4 miles during the week trying to vary my running courses.

near work

on the new rail trail

Continue the long runs on the weekend. YES!

But not as long since I was tapering and then just beginning to train for next one.

10/3 – 9.2 miles

10/17 – 6.2 miles (10K race)

10/25 – 7 miles

109/31 – 5 miles post 5K race

Run a 5k race under 29 minutes. YES

It wasn’t a PR but it was faster than my last few 5ks.

28:01

I just ran this one for fun and it was.

28:59 (28:37 – Garmin time)

Run a 10K race under 60 minutes. YES!

59:19 – 3rd in AG

Finish a half marathon under 2:25:00 NOPE! But close.

2:25:47 – stupid lower back pain

Do some yoga. NO! 😦
Start doing planks again. Not really. 😦
Continue running with a group. YES!

every Monday (I skip the Saturday runs though)

Walk 70,000 steps each week. YES!

Oct 10 – new record high

My FitBit has motivated me to take the stairs at work and walk at lunch most days.

park is beautiful this time of year

Pick a spring half marathon. NO!

But I did register for another winter one (EAU Palm Beach on Dec 6).

I registered for NYC on March 20 but I don’t know if I’ll get in.

I will also try to get into Brooklyn on May 14 (registration doesn’t open until Jan) as well as VCM (if AJH wants to run the relay again.)

Run at least 85 miles. Nope! But close.

Start a knitting project. Nope not yet.

What else?

Went to NYC with my tennis friends.

We walked the High Line and saw the Carole King musical Beautiful.

Had a nice time touring Brooklyn before and after my race.

I walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and visited Prospect Park on Saturday.

After the race, I spent the afternoon on Coney Island.

Volunteered with the STEM program again.

I run with Kelly after work on Wednesdays. She is going to do great in her first 5K.

Spectated at a Duathlon.

I was my 4th time watching AJH compete in this race and I enjoyed it. If it were warmer, I would have enjoyed it even more 🙂

Walked over the Walkway Bridge with my college BFF.

After meeting at the Clark Institute in September, we decided to get together more often. Unfortunately, my other college friend fell and broke her ribs & collar bone biking and couldn’t come. I’m glad we chose to walk instead of bike. The day turned out great.

Saw my Mentee’s son.

We went to Ellms Family Farm which has become an annual fall tradition for us. (Unfortunately his mom had to work.)

Ran a race in NYC…finally!

Dash to the Finish 5k

It started at the UN and 3.1 miles later, I crossed the NYC Marathon finish line. What a great experience.

Took a Food Tour of Little Italy the day before the race.

And got to run around Central Park on a beautiful fall day after the race.

November Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue long runs on the weekend.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Run a 15K race under 1:35.
Start going to the gym once a week.
Do those planks!
Continue running with a group.
Walk 70,000 steps each week.
Run at least 80 miles.

This month I’m linking up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

I think I may have to make these yearly Runfessions rather monthly because they repeat.

I runfess..,.

I am still in weight la la land. I have no idea how much I weigh since my scale STILL has no battery.

I runfess…

I have not gone to the gym or signed up for a yoga class.

I want to but things get in the way (mostly running.)

I runfess…

I have only run once with my STEM client (victim of Domestic violence.) She has cancelled and I haven’t been able to reschedule . Each time, I am secretly happy because that means I can run on my own nearby.

I hope it works out for the next few Wednesdays because she is very sweet and a good runner.

I runfess…

On my training group runs, I walk up the hills and I do not run fast on the speed drills.

I am either too tired after work or did my long run the day before. I better get it together or my Turkey Trot 10k will suck.

I runfess…

I love taking pictures when I run. This means that I stop and walk … A LOT. I should leave my phone home but fall is so pretty.

I runfess…

My fitbit excitement is wearing off already (after one month.)

I am sitting more at work and now it doesn’t bother me when I don’t hit 10,000 steps.

I runfess…

I don’t drink anything caffeinated. I drink herbal tea in the morning. But I think I use sweets for energy.

Yup, cider donuts, pumpkin poptarts, etc … If I am tired, I eat.

I runfess..

I jump into things without thinking them through.

So I signed up for a half marathon on Dec 6 in Florida. It’s on a Sunday and I arrive on Friday. Though I have friends to stay with on Friday & on Sunday, it’s going to be inconvenient. The Race is in West Palm, one lives 1/2 hour north and one lives 1/2 hour south. Last time, I arrived the day before the race and stayed for a few days after. It worked out well but this time, I was afraid of transportation snafus.

Happy Running! How was your October? Anything interesting planned for November? Do you have something to Runfess?

August 11, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Fall Race Schedule

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week, the theme is Fall Race Schedule

Here is my tentative list of races:

9-5-15 – Run for the Horses 5k

I ran this once several years ago – another race in the Saratoga park

9-12-15 – Malta 5k

this will be my 3rd time – a nice local race

9-19-15 – Arc in the Park 5K

this will be my first time

9-26-15 – Helper’s Fund 10K

I ran the 10k last year – hilly but scenic

10-03-15 – Apple Run 5K

my first time was last year – it’s on my list now

10-10-15 – Rock N Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon

This is an inaugural race and my first time too

10-17-15 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

I ran it last year and it was fun.

11-08-15 – Stockade-athon 15K

this will be my 4th time but 2nd on the new improved 15k course

11-21-15 – GOTR 5k

It’s an inaugural race – to raise $ for GOTR

11-26-15 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k

my 2nd time – loved this race last year

Happy Running! What races are on your fall schedule? Any of the ones above?

June 30, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: 2015 Goals Update

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: 2015 Goals Update

6 months down. 6 months to go. So how am I doing on my 15 goals for this year??

GOALS
FOR

1. Do not get injured.

No major injuries just some nagging foot issues.

ouchy!

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

Yes, for the most part.

2x before work

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.

Tennis, yes. Yoga, no!

4. Do some upper body exercises.

Just a few times. Nothing to write home about.

5. Finish all of my races under 10 minutes per mile (except half marathons)

Yes. Except 15ks and 10 milers.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 8:59
Bacon Hill 5K – 9:00
Delmar Dash 5m – 9:09
Shamrock Shuffle 5m – 9:17
Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 9:21
Spring Run Off 10k – 9:22
Polar Cap 4m – 9:24
Albany Law Day 5k – 9:25
Mastodon Challenge 5k – 9:25
Freihofer Run for Women 5k – 9:28
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
Mother’s Day 5K – 9:45
HMRRC Winter Series #3 10K – 9:48

6. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.

Yes. 20 so far…

January – 4

February – 2
March – 3
April – 3
May – 6

June – 2

: 2015

7. Run a race in another state.

Yes. Florida, (almost California), New Jersey and Vermont

West Palm Beach Half in FL

Asbury Park Half in NJ

VCM Relay in VT

8. Run in NYC.
No. Not yet.

9. Get several Age Group awards.

Yes. 9.

: West Palm – Jan 2015

: 2015

: 3rd

: 1st

: 2015 – 27:56

: 1st

: 3rd

: 3rd

10. PR in a half marathon.

Yes.

West Palm Beach Half – 2:09:40

11. PR at another distance.

Yes. 4 mile and 5 mile.

Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 37:27

Delmar Dash 5m – 45:26

12. Join a running group or two.

Yes. Freihofer Training Challenge.

13. Volunteer.

Yes. At the HMRRC Winter Series Marathon and I was a GOTR running buddy.

14. Run over 900 miles.

Not if I don’t get moving. 5 Half marathons and only 404 miles so far. (Last year I ran 911 miles.)

15. Continue to blog almost everyday.

Yes.

So what do I focus from now until the end of the year?

Keep up the weekly runs
Continue signing up for races
Drag myself to the gym now and then
Take a yoga class or two
Focus on speed for the shorter races.
Prepare for my half marathon in October.
Find a solution for my annoying achy feet (besides surgery)
Lose those extra pounds.

That should keep me busy!!!

Happy Running. Did you set goals for this year? If so, how are you doing?

May 11, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update and Giveaway Winner

Last Week:

Monday – walk at work, 4 3 mile group run with FRW training group, mall walk my BFF

Tuesday – 3 2 mile run at lunch, tennis

on the track

Wednesday – walk at work, rest, birthday dinner out

a delicious dinner including creme brulee for dessert

Thursday – walk at work, 5K race

29:16 – far from my best effort but no foot pain at least

Friday- walk at work, rest, mah jongg

Saturday – 15 5K race, Tulip Fest, ~~dinner out for my birthday~~

29:14 – 2nd in my AG – tripped and fell – only hurt my pride

Sunday – GOTR 5K, dinner out for ~~Mother’s Day~~ my birthday

a slow 30:16 but got 3rd in my AG

1508071_10153802254859428_8318378114823220880_n

dinner with my hubby and a view of Lake George

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile group run with FRW training group??
Tuesday – 3 mile run at work??, rest, tennis
Wednesday – rest, fly to Naples, FL
Thursday – Sunday – tennis, running, sunning, having fun

A BASIC LEVEL entry to the Skirt 13er/10k/5K Local or Virtual Giveaway which includes:

$50 gift certificate
Race #
Finisher’s Skirt (Don’t Sweat It Collection pull over skirt)
Sponsor swag

Congrats Jamie!!

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

May 7, 2015 by Darlene

My Birthday Race

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

And my birthday is Saturday.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

This race is a new one for me.

Normally I run my birthday race every year on Mother’s Day. I will be this year but as a running buddy for the GOTR program.

So this is my serious race and I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday.

This is how the course is described:

Both races start at 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 mache 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.

Sweet.

Challenging.

Cohoes Falls

Yes, it does sound challenging. The question was whether to run the 5k or the 15K?

I chose the 15k (for now.)

But with my foot issues and a 5K on Sunday, I am seriously thinking of downgrading (AGAIN) to the 5K…

Either way, my goal to enjoy running and not worry about my finish time.

Happy Running? Do you race on your birthday?

May 4, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 4 mile group run with FRW training group resting in my foot
Tuesday – ~~rest~~ 3 miles on the track at lunch, tennis

Wednesday – walk at work, 4 3.5 mile run after work

Thursday -GOTR practice 5K

my running buddy is one of the 2 fastest girls!

Friday- rest, walk at work, pasta dinner, mah jongg

Saturday – 15 10K race + 4.5 miles

58:19 – 1st in my Age Group with a painful foot

Sunday – rest, boating !!

first day on the lake this season

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile group run with FRW training group?? mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – 3 mile run at lunch??, tennis
Wednesday – rest, birthday dinner out
Thursday –5K race
Friday- rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 15K race, Tulip Fest, dinner out for my birthday
Sunday – GOTR 5K, dinner out for Mother’s Day

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

April 30, 2015 by Darlene

April Recap

April Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. Yes!

on the treadmill

Get some strength training or yoga done. I have gone to the gym twice. (It’s a start.)
Continue running with a training group. Yes! On Mondays.