February 11, 2020 by Darlene

Polar Cap Race Recap

This post was hard to write and you’ll see why as you read on…

You all know how much I love Lake George (at least in the summertime). Well, this race gets me up to the lake in the winter. Ex-blogger Andrea (now runner friend) and I have run this race together SEVEN times. She has done this race 13 times (in a row)!!!

AJH got 2nd place...we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

I ran with her in 2014 but only she got an award

In 2015, another hat for Andrea but my first and I beat her for the first time

I surprisingly got a PR in 2017

And yes, Andrea’s cancer diagnosis rocked my world, for sure. But she is strong and I was pretty confident that she would beat it.

I started reading her blog when I started running. She inspired me from the beginning. We are the same age exactly!! But she has run longer, farther, faster…even has competed in triathlons.

We met face-to-face for the first time at a race in 2010 and since then we have completed many races together (in addition to this race 7 times). I have even stayed at her house in VT twice.

Silks & Satins 5k – 2010

Adirondack Half – 2011

Biggest Loser 5k – 2013

VCM Relay – 2015

VCM Relay – 2016

FRW – 2017

Race the Train – 2018

She has also come to my area each year to participate in a duathlon. I have always come to the race to cheer her on.

But this year, for the FIRST time, Andrea did not come to the Polar Cap race. She valiantly lost her fight with cancer and died a few weeks earlier. So I ran this race alone with a heavy heart. I ran it for Andrea…

Back to the race recap…

The thing with this race, you never know where it’s going to start and what the course will be (besides hilly.) Three years ago, they changed the course for the third time.

during the snowy 2014 race

during the cold 2015 race

getting my PR in 2017

I have not been doing any speed work at all or running on any hills. (Um …do I ever? lol) My runs on the weekend have been longish. And I have been suffering with a sore foot for it seems like forever. So as usual, I went into this race with no expectations other than to have fun and finish standing.

I bundled up in my usual running layers (2 shirts, DIY arm sleeves, vest, skirt/tights, gaiter, beanie, gloves).

I arrived around 9ish and got a great parking spot in a nearby parking lot.

Packet pick-up was again at the parish hall of the church in Lake George. This newer location was warm and had restrooms which is always a plus.

Instead of a shirt this year, they gave you a hat.

Eventually runners did arrive and I chatted with some whom I knew. It was strange not to be waiting for Andrea to drive in from VT. Definitely made me feel said…

Hi Don Yeaton (credit)

For the first time since startled running this race, it was not frigid…so I decided leave the vest behind.

We all waited until the last minute to go out into the cold. We had to walk quite a ways as the race started in town by the lake. (Since the race repeated its course, I will re-post some of my pics from previous years in addition to this year’s pics.)

There was no real starting line and the race was not chip timed. Even though I’ve run this course in previous years, I never really remember what the course was like so here is a map that I found online.

I am directionally challenged anyway so it wouldn’t have meant much to me even if I looked at the map before the race.

waiting to begin (pic from D. Olden)

Before the they started the race, they had a moment of silence for Andrea and then announced that this year’s race would be dedicated to her. I got pretty emotional but luckily, the race started quickly after and I concentrated on running.

My foot, in my mind, had gotten less painful but I realized that during this race, it really HAD NOT. It hurt with EVERY step. It made me very mad and frustrated but then I thought about Andrea and all the pain she had gone through this past year. And I just ran through the pain. It was just a race…and I would finish it no matter how long it took.

A lot of the course was a blur, as usual, but here’s what I remember. Rather than taking pictures during this race again, I’m posting a previous year’s as they did not change the course.

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pic from FB – cute markers at each mile

The first mile started with a slight uphill and then it flattened out. I concentrated on the scenery and surprisingly, the ground was not as slippery as I feared. Still, I needed to pay attention.

Mile two started where the race used to start and than meant a steepish hill. I told myself to be smart since I had another half marathon in TWO weeks and I never train on hills. However this time, I pushed myself to run slowly and not walk. It was practically a crawl and I did it. At this point, I actually felt warm and took off my gloves. I was happy that I did not wear that vest.

The longest and biggest was at mile 3 and although it was only 1/2 mile, it seemed to go on forever. This time I walked/ran it. Afterward we were rewarded with a nice downhill. I am always hesitant to go all out on the downhills especially with the black ice. One particular runner (in my age group) had been behind me (and always finishes after me) breezed by me. As she did, she yelled “This downhill runner got you this time.” The competitive part of me wanted to speed up and overtake her. But my foot was killing me and I decided to just let her beat me.

Finally for mile 4, we ran along the lake and back into town. At this point, I wanted to be done and picked up the pace. Luckily the hills were finally over. I didn’t care about a PR but I secretly want to win an AG award. But I had no idea where the other runners in my AG were in at this time in the course (besides the one who passed me by on the downhill).

Finally, I saw that the clock ahead and it read 37:xx. I sprinted as fast as I could (as not to finish over 38:XX) and crossed around 37:55.

The runner who beat me was there gloating… “I’m so happy to have finally beat you,” she said.

It was too cold to wait around for others so I walked back to the church.

There was chicken noodle soup, bread, bagels, chocolate milk, fruit and baked goods – I am a sucker for home-made stuff and ate quite a few cookies and brownies (and chocolate-covered pretzels). I also had the soup and of course, the chocolate milk!

I chatted with some running friends while waiting for the age group awards.

next year Jill & Sue will no longer be in my AG.

And I did indeed win one…2nd and my friend Sue won 3rd.

we’re old but going strong

With a 12 mile long run on my schedule for the day, I had been debating about skipping this race. Once I found out that Andrea had died, I knew that I could not skip this race. It was one of her favorites. I had to do it.

I debated about running more. My foot hurt…a lot but I had a half marathon to run in TWO weeks. So changed my shoes, put my vest back on and I ran around the church area and then into town to the Winter Carnival.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

I ran around town some more… for about 5 more miles. I didn’t get my 12 miles in but 9 was sufficient in my book.

cooling off… ha ha

As usual, I loved doing the race (even with the hills and sore foot). Small local races are the best.

Race Splits:

mile 1: 9:09
mile 2: 9:37
mile 3: 9:54
mile 4: 8:58
.05: 7:11

Garmin time: 37:51
Official time : 37:55

The whole time I was running, I felt like I was going sooo slow. I couldn’t really push off my sore foot and I felt like my form was suffering as well. I also thought that my 4 mile PR was like 35:XX. I was shocked when I sat down to write this… and discovered that my PR was 37:21 and that my finish time was faster than the last two years 38:28, 38:47 (when I was healthy).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m linking up also with this new link-up:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Have you raced yet this year? How do you feel about winter races? Anyone remember Andrea? Her blog was Age Groups Rock and on IG, she was andyja. Are you absent-minded about your PR times?

February 5, 2019 by Darlene

Polar Cap Race Recap

Feb. 2, 2019 – 10 am – Lake George, NY

You all know how much I love Lake George (at least in the summertime). Well, this race gets me up to the lake in the winter. Ex-blogger Andrea (now runner friend) and I had run this race together SIX times already. She had run this race 12 times!!!

I was injured in 2012 and couldn’t run but AJH did snag another award.

I ran with her in 2014 but only she got an award.

AJH’s award in 2014

Then in 2015, we both got awards and for the first time, I beat her.

another hat for AJH but my first.

I was away in 2016 but we ran it together in 2017. I won my AG and surprisingly got a PR!!!

We ran it last year and almost froze to death. It was 4 degrees!! (But I came in 2nd in my AG).

Andrea signed up, of course, again this year and I was looking forward to seeing her.

But then a few weeks before the race, I stumbled upon her daughter’s post on IG:

My faith in the universe has been totally rocked but my faith in my mother is more ironclad than ever. This strong and tenacious woman ran her first marathon the year she turned 50(!), beat me by 20 minutes during my first 26.2 mile jaunt(!), conquered her maiden triathlon at 60(!), regularly rides 40-50-60-70-80+ miles on her trusty blue bike(!), read 171 books last year(!), and now she’s one big surgery into beating cancer. She’s the very greatest bad ass I know and I have no doubt that she’s gonna absolutely pulverize this fucking cancer, with even less mercy than she showed me when she left me in her dust on the Marine Corps Marathon course.

And yes, it brought tears to my eyes. It rocked my world, for sure.

I started reading her blog when I started running. She inspired me from the beginning. We are the same age exactly!! But she has run longer, farther, faster…even has competed in triathlons.

We met face-to-face for the first time at a race in 2010 and since then have completed in many races together (in addition to this race 6 times). I have even stayed at her house in VT twice.

Silks & Satins 5k – 2010

Adirondack Half – 2011

Biggest Loser 5k – 2013

VCM Relay – 2015

VCM Relay – 2016

FRW – 2017

Race the Train – 2018

She has also come to my area each year to participate in a duathlon. I have always come to the race to cheer her on.

So I ran this race with a heavy heart. I ran it for Andrea.

here she is finishing last year’s race walking on a bum knee but with a smile

Back to the race recap…

The thing with this race, you never know where it’s going to start and what the course will be (besides hilly.) Two years ago, they changed the course for the third time.

during the snowy 2014 race

during the cold 2015 race

getting my PR in 2017

chillin’ after last year’s race

I have not been doing any speed work at all or running on any hills. (Um …do I ever? lol) My runs on the weekend have been longish. So as usual, I went into this race with no expectations other than to have fun and stay healthy.

When I woke up, I checked Lake George’s weather and saw this:

yikes! And no I didn’t consider bailing!

So I bundled up in my usual running layers (2 shirts, DIY arm sleeves, vest, skirt/tights, gaiter, beanie, mittens). One of my running friends, Barbara, also wanted to run this race so we drove the hour ride up to Lake George together. It was nice to have company.

We arrived around 9ish and got a great parking spot in a nearby parking lot.

Packet pick-up was again at the parish hall of the church in Lake George. This newer location was warm and had restrooms which is always a plus.

another cotton t-shirt to give away

Eventually runners did arrive and I chatted with some whom I knew until Andrea arrived. She is hard core – drove over 2 hours from VT since her doctor said that she could walk the race. Yes, in addition to hard core, she is definitely Badass!!!

We waited until the last minute to go out into the cold. We had to walk quite a ways as the race started in town by the lake. (Since the race repeated its course, I will re-post some of my pics from previous years. It was too cold to take any))

There was no real starting line and the race was not chip timed. Even though I ran the race last year, I didn’t really remember what the course was like so here is a map that I found online.

I am directionally challenged anyway so it wouldn’t have meant much to me even if I looked at the map before the race.

waiting to begin (pic from D. Olden)

Luckily we didn’t have to wait long in the cold before the race started. There seemed to be less than 100 runners which is much fewer than usual (probably because of the cold temps.)

A lot of the course was a blur, as usual, but here’s what I remember. Rather than taking pictures during this race again, I’m posting last year’s as they did not change the course.

pic from FB – cute markers at each mile

The first mile started with a slight uphill and then it flattened out. I was cold (at least my face and lips were from the wind) and my legs felt very stiff since I hadn’t warmed up. I was ok with that because I wanted to start out slow. I also found my stomach growling since the race started at 10 am and I had eaten 3 hours ago. I concentrated on the scenery and surprisingly, the ground was not as slippery as I feared. Still, I needed to pay attention.

I wore again my new “old” Garmin and I thought I fixed it to show pace. But nope but at least now, it does measure the pace which I looked at after the race.

Mile two started where the race used to start and than meant a steepish hill. I told myself to be smart since I had a half marathon in ONE week and I never run on hills. However this time, I pushed myself to run slowly and not walk. It was practically a crawl and I did it. At this point, I was actually thawing out. In fact, I felt warm.

The longest and biggest was at mile 3 and although it was only 1/2 mile, it seemed to go on forever. This time I walked/ran it. Afterward we were rewarded with a nice downhill. I am always hesitant to go all out on the downhills so many runners passed me by but that was better than getting DOMS. Believe it or not, I was so warm that I unzipped my vest and took off my mittens.

Understandably (due to the weather), there were fewer volunteers than normal. There was a point along the lake where there was a roundabout and I had no idea where to run. I stopped and called to the last volunteer and asked which way to go. He told me and I ran a little more and then was confused. I turned back and he gestured to continue straight. I think I went the right way and eventually there was another volunteer ahead at the next to last turn before the finish line,

Finally, I saw that the clock ahead and it read 38:xx. I sprinted as fast as I could and crossed at 38:28.

Barbara finished just a few minutes after me. I thought about waiting around for Andrea but it was TOO COLD so Barbara and I walked back to the church together.

Due to technical glitches and the runners still out on the course, we had to wait around for the age group awards. It was quite a while so I chatted with a law professor that I used to work with and snacked on the refreshments.

And both Barbara and I won our age groups. So there were not many runners in our age groups. Still a win’s a win.

While Andrea was out walking the race, I mentioned to the race director that she had run this race 13 times and it was the only race that she has run EVERY year.

I think she was surprised and hopefully happy with the “Badass”award.

With 8 miles on my “training” schedule for the day, I debated about running more (for about a second) but it was TOO COLD. We did put on warmer clothes and walked into town to the Winter Carnival.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

they had a chili cook-off. but the line was too long and it was freezing

I said hello to my friend who was volunteering and then we walked back to my car and headed home.

As usual, I loved doing the race (even if it was cold). Small local races are the best and running one with a friend is just icing on the cake.

Race Splits:

mile 1: 9:06
mile 2: 10:02
mile 3: 9:48
mile 4: 9:07
.05: 7:36

Garmin time: 38:26
Official time : 38:28

PR – 37:21

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Have you raced yet this year? How do you feel about cold weather races?

February 3, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.28.19-2.2.19 – The Polar Vortex and Taper Time

This is the week all half marathoners look forward to. The Taper. However it was also the week that it was TOO COLD to run outdoors. I did have my first “real” race of the year (the others were just fun free ones) and didn’t freeze to death.

Last week –

Monday – It was cold and windy as usual but the sun was out for at least the beginning of my run. It now stays lighter longer each week. I ran the only place I know with clear paths and then I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

the 3rd day in a row running which I never do…now I know why…after 2 miles, my legs said “enough”

Tuesday – After running 3 days in a row, it was time to rest the old legs. A snow storm was predicted as well and I had to work late.
Wednesday – After a long work day, I planned to run at Ualbany but…

Nope even too cold for me…the wind was brutal.

Thursday – Since I was going into work late, I thought about a before work run. Then I looked at the temps and quickly changed my mind.

no can do. winter 2019, I hate you!

Since I had a hair appointment after work, this almost turned into a rest day for the THIRD day in a row. But I bit the bullet went to UAlbany at night for a run. It was cold. No lie but no wind and I didn’t freeze to death.

I was not the only crazy person running there. 7 degrees when I started and 2 when I finished. Brrrr

Friday – And the polar vortex continues..

actual temps not windchill

I could have run after work since I hadn’t run Tues or Wed. but I didn’t want to run the day before a race so I declared it another rest day. THREE days of NO RUNNING —not sick or injured. I.Hate.Winter. This week turned into a real taper.

At least I can wear the reversible hat I finally finished knitting.

Saturday -Today I ran the Polar Cap Run, one of my favorite 4 mile races. Only one of my Sole Sisters, Barbara, was game enough to accompany me on the 1 hour drive to run this race. In addition to running the race, I was planning to connect with my VT friend, Andrea. The temp was 2 degrees when we started but we survived the cold and the HILLS and both of us even won our age groups.

Andrea kept her streak alive and did the race for the 13th time!

Sunday -Originally I thought that today would be a rest day because I would have, as usual, added more miles on to the Polar Cap Run and call it “long run completed.” But it was too cold!! So I contacted Judy and I accompanied her on 8 of her 12 miles. Win. Win. And it was a balmy 32 degrees!

This Coming Week – Race Week!

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – rest day – pack
Thursday – rest day, early flight to West Palm Beach, FL, drive to Delray Beach
Friday – 4 miles, drive to Hobo Sound
Saturday – rest day, drive to Melbourne (packet pick up), drive to Sebastien
Sunday – Publix Florida Half Marathon

getting excited!!

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

February 7, 2018 by Darlene

Polar Cap Race Report

Feb. 3, 2018 – 10 am – Lake George, NY

You all know how much I love Lake George (at least in the summertime). Well, this race gets me up to the lake in the winter. Ex-blogger AJH (now runner friend) and I have run this race together many times.

Here we are winning AG awards in 2011

I was injured in 2012 and couldn’t run but AJH did snag another award.

AG awards again in 2013

I ran with her in 2014 but only she got an award.

AJH’s award in 2014

Then in 2015, we both got awards and for the first time, I beat her.

another hat for AJH but my first.

I was away in 2016 but we ran it together last year. AJH did not get an award (but she is such a great sport) and I won my AG and surprisingly got a PR!!!

AJH was running it, of course, again this year and I was looking forward to seeing her. We hadn’t seen each other since August at the Race the Train race.

The thing with this race, you never know where it’s going to start and what the course will be (besides hilly.) Last year, they changed the course for the third time.

during the snowy 2014 race

during the cold 2015 race

getting my PR last year

I have not been doing any speed work at all or running on any hills. (Um …do I ever? lol) My runs on the weekend have been longish. So as usual I went into this race with no expectations other than to have a good time.

But it was so COLD!!! In the single digits. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

So I bundled up in my usual running layers (2 shirts, jacket, skirt, tights, gaiter, beanie, mittens with hand warmers) and drove the hour ride up to Lake George.

not today but the same outfit

Well, obviously my age is rearing its ugly head. In other words, I’m having more senior moments. Because I went to bed very late (mah jongg hostessing), I was tired the next morning and rushed out the door without my Apple Watch and my Garmin. Ugh! I could have gone back to get it but I didn’t want to be late for the race.

As I drove north, I watched the car thermometer drop from 8 to 2 degrees.

I arrived around 8ish and got a great parking spot but was surprised that no one had yet arrived.

Why?

Because the race started at 10 am. Duh! I was 2 hours early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (And yes, I could have returned home to get my watch!!!)

Packet pick-up was again at the parish hall of the church in Lake George. This newer location was warm and had restrooms which is always a plus.

my friend Sue and speedy Kim, now in my AG

Eventually runners did arrive and I chatted with some whom I knew until AJH arrived. (She is hard core – drove over 2 hours from VT. and is injured so had to walk the whole race.)

There was no real starting line and the race was not chip timed. Even though I ran the race last year, I didn’t really remember what the course was like so here is a map that I found online.

I am directionally challenged anyway so it wouldn’t have meant much to me even if I looked at the map before the race.

waiting to begin (pic from D. Olden)

Luckily we didn’t have to wait long in the cold before the race started. There seemed to be only a little over 100 runners which is much fewer than usual (probably because of the cold temps.) I knew that this race would be interesting without a watch. Not because I was going for a PR but because I sometimes glance down at my watch to see if I am running too fast at the beginning or have slowed down too much at the end. Nothing I could do about it now so I just decided to try not to freeze to death and enjoy the pretty scenery.

A lot of the course was a blur, as usual, but here’s what I remember.

pic from FB – cute markers at each mile

Mile two started where the race used to start and than meant a steepish hill. I told myself to be smart since I had a half marathon in 6 weeks and I never run on hills. However this time, I pushed myself to run slowly and not walk. It was practically a crawl and I did it. At this point, I was actually thawing out. In fact, I felt warm.

The longest and biggest was at mile 3 and although it was only 1/2 mile, it seemed to go on forever. This time I walked/ran it. Afterward we were rewarded with a nice downhill. I am always hesitant to go all out on the downhills so many runners passed me by but that was better than getting DOMS. Believe it or not, I was so warm that I unzipped my jacket and took off my mittens.

I saw that the clock ahead read 38:xx. I sprinted as fast as I could and crossed at 38:48.

Initially I was disappointed. My time was slower than last year and even slower than 3 years ago. It’s tough when you run without a watch because you have no idea what your pace is. Could I have finished faster if I had known? Definitely!! I’m pretty competitive. I would have pushed myself more. But it’s not the end of the world. There will be other races.

AJH was walking so I decided to wait for her. But it was too cold to stand still so I headed back onto the course and ran it in reverse until I met up with her.

A soon as she finished, we walked back to the church together.

There was chicken noodle soup, bread, chocolate milk, fruit and baked goods – I am a sucker for home-made stuff and ate quite a few cookies and brownies. I also had the soup.

We waited around for the age group awards. surprisingly, I did win one – second.

won a headband/gaiter/cap thingie

After AJH left, I was debating on changing my clothes and leaving or running more.

With 8 miles on my “training” schedule for the day, I decided to stick around and try to find somewhere to run. I had already run about 2 miles while waiting for AJH so I ran around the lake a bit and then to the Winter Carnival in town to get 2 more miles in.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

they had a chili cook-off. I just donated my money because the line was too long and I was freezing!

I visited with friends who were volunteering and took some pics.

Eventually it seemed to be getting colder so I headed back to my car (that I had left at the church).

freezing my butt off (literally)

As usual, I loved doing the race (even if it was cold). Small local races are the best and running one with friends is just icing on the cake.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Have you raced yet this year?

February 5, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.29.18-2.4.18: Let the training begin

When I first started running half marathons, I used to start “training” 12 weeks before the race. My next one is my 30th half marathon and it is in 6 weeks (I think – check out my Ultimate Coffee Date post for an update on my situation) so I guess I need to start increasing my long run distance. (That is what I now call “training.”)

Last week –

Monday – Another day in the high 30s with no snow or rain. I decided to check out my favorite path to see if the ice had melted and I was very excited that it had. I even had enough time before it got dark to squeeze in a run.

love the extra hour of daylight

Tuesday – Since I was not travelling, I was able to play in my tennis group. As in previous weeks, I took advantage of the fact that there is a treadmill there and ~~ran~~ struggled through a few miles on it.

only 2 miles but I did sweat…why do they keep these rooms so hot?

Wednesday – We can’t get a break with the weather … cold and windy again but I did get in a run before meeting my BFF for a walk around the mall.

campus + pond loop

Thursday – Finally a deserved rest day. Instead did some errands after work and then went out to dinner with a friend.
Friday – Rest day #2 and mah jongg at my house.
Saturday – Today my third race of 2018 (and my first serious one), the Polar Cap Run, a 4-miler. And a cold one it was. Though it was not a fast one for me, I still managed to snag 2nd in my age group. (Recap will be coming soon…)

Afterward I ran 4 more miles (2 while waiting for AJH to finish and 2 around town).

Sunday – Another rest day and my first visit to Hot Yoga. I have been meaning to start back at yoga and with these cold temps, hot yoga seemed perfect.

Afterward, we went out to lunch to celebrate my stepson’s engagement!!

an April wedding is planned 🙂

I’m not a big football fan but wasn’t that a great game?

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – drive to Buffalo, rest day
Wednesday – 3-4 miles?
Thursday – 3-4 miles?
Friday – rest day, drive home
Saturday – 9 mile run
Sunday – rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and NEW host Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are dealing with winter? Please share.

January 31, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #4 Race Recap

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.

Since I have a half marathon in 7 weeks, I probably should have chosen to run the 15K but I ran 7 miles the day before so I decided to run the 3 Miler as a recovery run instead.

during the 15k in 2015

and again

in 2017

These Winter Series races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. Barbara decided at the last minute to run the race with me so we drove together. I always leave early to get parking since these races are often crowded and there may be other events going on at UAlbany at the same time. Well, I guess I didn’t leave early enough since the lot was already full when we arrived. So I dropped Barbara off to register and I parked in another lot and walked over.

The weather was perfect for racing. It was in the 40s and less windy than the day before. I wore something similiar to what I wore the day before but wound up taking off my jacket, vest and gloves.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And since the weather was so nice (and warmer than the last race), the numbers were significantly higher.

2015 meet up with Judy & Barbara (I ran the 15k that year too.)

And I immediately bumped into many different running friends. We chatted. Some were running the 3 miler and others the 15k. I even spotted Patrick, my coach from the Turkey Trot & Freihofer running groups.

Anyway we hung indoors until the last minute and then made our way outside.

the start (pic from Winter Series #1)

All three distances started at the same location this week. As usual, I started not too far away from the front (since it is not chip timed) and let the speedy runners pass me by.

Right away, the 3 milers split from the 15kers and 30kers but the speedy longer distance runners eventually will pass you by midway.

not that it matters ’cause I just follow the other runners but the 3 miler is basically a loop

For most of the race, I felt perfectly dressed (for a change). I unzipped my shirt and pushed up my sleeves (many runners were even in shorts!) when the wind was at my back but then it got chilly when you were running into the wind.

This time, I was familiar with the course since I just ran it in December. I remembered the hill at the beginning and then some rolling hills in the middle, ending with a slight hill. Nothing too challenging.

I am usually pretty bored by this course because it is just a road and office buildings. But I ran and chatted with different friends throughout the race. First Nancy, then Anne, then Mona, etc. Each one after a short period ran ahead and left me behind.

running with Nancy.

It didn’t bother me at all. I tried to run at my own relaxed pace. Of course, I’m not sure what exactly that is (since I don’t look at my Garmin until I’m done).

I was very happy that my legs didn’t feel tired at all and I couldn’t even tell that I had run the day before.

Eventually as we neared the finish line, I took off and tried to cross under 27 minutes.

Nope, I did not – 27:02 (slower than the last time which was at 26:49).

After Barbara finished, we went inside had some refreshments. There was pumpkin apple chili, bread, fruit, cookies and hot cocoa. Free race..free good food. Win-win.

The awards were for 10 year age groups and just top 2.

Although my finish time was slower than the last time, obviously the speedy runners in my age group ran the 15k so I won my age group (as did Nancy.)

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a recovery run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR and not even a course PR. But I am pretty thrilled to have a pace of under 9 mm for each mile. Maybe a 5k PR is in my future….

Race splits:

mile 1 – 8:50
mile 2 – 8:57
mile 3 – 8:54
.06

Finish Time – 27:02

Next Saturday, I signed up for a 4 mile race in Lake George. Fingers crossed for no ice or snow.

AJH (from VT) & I at this race in 2015. We try to do this one together every year.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

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

March 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 2.27.17-3.5.17 and 3.6.17-3.12.17

So since I was on vacation last Monday, this is a TWO week update.

Two Weeks Ago:

Monday – my legs were tired but rain was in the forecast for the next few days so I dragged them out for an after work run around campus

it was not a great one but as they say a bad run is better than no run & I listened to another podcast

Tuesday – It was supposed to rain but never did but I had scheduled a rest day anyway. After work, I played tennis and attended a STEM committee meeting
Wednesday -Warm, windy day. I met Alyssa for a run. We ran on the rail trail instead of our usual campus loop. It was a great run. Finally!

running with friends is the best!

Thursday – Winter temps returned. Snow flurries and insane winds. I had planned to run at lunch but decided against and then had a hair appt. after work. So resting for my big race began a day early.
Friday – 6 am flight to West Palm Beach. Arrived, picked up a rental car with my friend Fran. We met Fonda (whom I would be staying with) in Delray Beach. We had a nice lunch, walked around town and then decided to walk around Green Cay to do some bird watching. We went back into town to visit the art gallerys (First Friday event in Delray) and the shops and eventually enjoyed a light dinner. I finally dropped my friend Fran off at her hotel and then drove to Fonda’s to call it a (long) day.

Saturday – Started the day off with a walk around the golf course where Fonda lives, then headed to Wakodahatchee for more bird watching. Saw alligators, iguanas and tons of birds nesting. Even saw some newly hatched baby birds. After, I picked up Fran and we had lunch with some old friends in Delray Beach.

After lunch, Fran and I drove an hour to Hutchinson Island so I could pick up my race packet. Then we headed to Hobe Sound where we had dinner with Georgette and her husband (with whom I would be staying for the next two nights). After dinner, Georgette was nice enough to take Fran to her hotel in Stuart so I could hit the hay early.

Sunday – Today I ran the Treasure Coast Half Marathon. It was a beautiful course and I enjoyed it even though I felt my lack of training, it was insanely windy, I had stomach cramps the first half, and sore feet and lower back the second half. Yes. I am a crazy runner.

2:18:25 – Half Marathon #24

After the race, I drove to Fran’s hotel so I could shower and change and then off we went to a Mets vs Cardinals spring training game. The Mets lost 14-10 but we still had fun. After the game, we went out to dinner with Georgette and her husband. Another busy LONG day.

20 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

Last Week:

Monday – Georgette and I got up early to take her dog for a walk on the beach.

I am in my “happy place.”

Afterwards, I picked up Fran at her hotel and we drove to Stuart where we had a lovely lunch with an old friend and then we strolled through the shops in town.

Eventually we dropped of the car in West Palm Beach and prepared to fly home. As usual, it wasn’t without hassles and delays. I won’t go into details but I didn’t get home until 1 am. 😦

Tuesday – I did 2 webinars at work, rented a car and then drove to Liverpool, NY. A rest day but not a day of “rest.”
Wednesday -Trained all day and drove home from Liverpool. Another day without running and without any “rest.”
Thursday – Grateful to be back home and able to run with Alyssa. It was a great run. Wish they all could feel this good.

Friday – Day 4 of rest from running and an evening with my mah jongg friends.
Saturday – I ran the Runnin’ of the Green Race (4 miler). Winter returned with a vengeance. It was -9 with the wind chill…BRRRR!!! I have never been so cold.

37:48 – not fast but at least I didn’t get frost bite

I had planned to run some more miles after the race but it was just too cold.

I had a lovely evening catching up with a friend – wine, food, wine, dessert. Just what I needed after a tough week.

Sunday – Another rest day (without rest). Filled the day with unpacking, laundry, cleaning, shopping and lots of cooking (yes, you heard that right) …all the stuff that doesn’t get done when you are away

10 miles done with 2 runs and 5 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Tuesday – rest day, ~~work training~~
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner out with tennis ladies, travel to Liverpool, NY for work
Thursday – ~~6 miles~~, training, drive home from Liverpool
Friday – ~~rest day~~, 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – proctor MPRES
Sunday – 8 mile run

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? How is your running weather?

March 12, 2017 by Darlene

Runnin’ of the Green Race Recap

This used to be a very popular race. It was flat and fast with awesome swag.

Two years, they changed the location. It is no longer flat and gone are the tech shirts, beer glasses, etc. As a result, not as many runners do the race.

I ran it that year and didn’t like the course as much but still enjoyed running it.

11081113_948688318475731_2532455934048886077_n

in 2015 – 37:27

I had just run a half marathon this past Sunday and only ran once this past week. So as I have said about all my races, I run for fun. I race because I enjoy it. I don’t really train so I don’t expect a good time. Of course, I am over the moon if I unexpectedly PR.

I did run a 4 mile race in February and I finished at 37:21 – a PR!! I was pretty sure that with the wind and my weary legs that a PR would not happen in this race.

Plus, this is the weather I woke up to:

the coldest day of the year!!

Yes, you got that right. -9 with the wind chill. Most runners would stay home and wait until later to run or run on the treadmill.

I did consider DNSing the race but in the end, I fished out my winter clothes (clothes that I didn’t even have to wear this winter or even last winter) and headed out.

The race began at 10 am but I left early in order to make sure I got a parking space in the school lot.

We received a cotton tee shirt which I will send to my running buddy. Then I debated about how many layers I would wear. I ditched one shirt and a fleece vest and decided to only wear one layer and a down jacket (I have never run in it before.) I even wore my heavier tights for the first time in years.

all dressed in Green for “Runnin of the Green”

I bumped into the usual folks that I see at all the HMRRC races. I also saw the lady that I will be rooming with in NYC for the Shape Half Marathon. We chatted until it was time to go outside.

In fact we waited until the very last second. It was FREEZING!!!!!!! The wind was blowing and I was wondering why I was running in this weather. As was everyone else.

I normally start near the front but I wasn’t paying attention and we were standing somewhere in the middle when all of a sudden, the race started.. .Oh well!

At least I was prepared that there would be hills and mostly at the end of the race when you were tired.

course

So we left the school parking lot, turned left onto a main road and we ran INTO the wind. Similar to Florida except it wasn’t 70 degrees, it was 7 degrees.

My face was freezing. I couldn’t feel my lips. My hands were numb as well as were my feet. Plus it was so hard to breathe. So I just trudged along.

Eventually we turned in a residential neighborhood and the wind wasn’t so bad. In fact, I almost felt a little warm in my down jacket.

That didn’t last because the hills came and we, of course, were again running to the wind.

I managed to run without walking until mile 3 and then the wind and hills were getting to me.

Finally we were back on the main road that lead to the high school and I got a second wind as the wind was finally as our backs.

I crossed at 37:48. Not a PR or even a course PR but I was surprised that it was under 38 minutes.

I quickly ran inside to thaw out.

The refreshments, as usual, were decent – soup, pizza, fruit, cookies, hot chocolate. I ate everything while waiting for the awards.

I hung out with the same ladies as before the race. The awards were for 10 year age groups. I didn’t win anything. I think I was 6th. (It was only a medal anyway!)

Considering that I have done no speed work and just ran a half marathon, I was pleased with my time.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:17
mile 2 – 9:01
mile 3 – 9:53
mile 4 – 9:09
.04 – 6:43

Garmin time – 37:36 (I used my old 205 since the battery does last for 4 miles.)

I had planned to run 3 more miles as I am supposedly training for my next half marathon on April 30 but it was just TOO COLD.

Maybe I’ll have better luck next weekend and be able to run 8 miles in warmer, less windy temps.

I am sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! Do you run a St. Patty’s Day-themed race?

March 9, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Weather, Training, Racing, etc.

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

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

WEATHER:

Ok, the weather lately has been crazy!!

Not because I was just in Florida. In the NE, it has been warm enough to run in a tank top several times.

So look at the forecast for the next few days:

with the wind chill, it’s supposed to be below zero 😦

Last year at this time, it hit 80 degrees!!

RUNNING:

It’s just hard to fit in. Work will be getting in the way…more and more. I’m trying not to be a whiner but I’m going to run whenever I can. I am not that dedicated to get up at crazy hours or run late at night when I am exhausted. My health and my happiness are more important than running.

So this week, it may only be just once. And that’s ok.

And if that’s the way it’s going to be, I will re-adjust my expectations for my races. I love racing and I plan to continue racing even if I don’t have time to train. I know that if I don’t train, my finish times will suffer. As long as I stay healthy and can run, I’m happy.

Well, of course, I’d be happier if I could do all my runs during the week and improve my times. But we can’t always do what we want.

This is so much better than being injured, right?

happy to run with my buddy once a week

MY LAST HALF MARATHON:

I didn’t expect to run well. I didn’t train well.

I expected to love the race and the course and I did!!

I didn’t have an awful finish time but it was slower than the last 5 out 7 of my half marathons.

It was insanely windy but unfortunately it wasn’t only the wind.

My stomach cramped, then my back and feet ached. No injuries and I am grateful for that. I didn’t give up and pushed through the pain. I am proud of how tough I am!

enjoyed meeting other Skirt Sports ambassadors

UP NEXT?

I have a frigid four mile race this Saturday and races almost every weekend.

this same race two years ago.

I am also starting my training for my next half marathon which is in hilly Central Park, NYC on April 30.

That means that I will need to add extra miles onto my races. This weekend, I have 7 miles on the schedule.

This is not an optimal way to do your long runs but it makes me happy to race. Plus, I don’t have PR goals for any of my half marathons.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? How are you dealing with the crazy temps? How do you cope when life prevents you from running? Do you do your long runs in-interrupted?

March 7, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Spring Race Plans

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today I am going to share with you my Spring Race Plans.

I mean spring will be here soon. Although we have actually had spring temps this winter LOL

I’ve already run in a skirt several times!!

I hope that you don’t expect me to discuss ALL my spring racing plans…

3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL) – this past weekend
3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-15-17 – Code Blue 8k
4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (in NYC)

Tennis vacation in Naples, FL 5-03-17 to 5-10-17

5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K
5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5)
5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon (in Adams, MA)
6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run 5k
6-11-17 – Betar Byway 5k/Moreau Mile
6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k

Here are the highlights:

Treasure Coast Half Marathon – a Race-cation in Stuart, FL – 13.1 miles, visiting with 4 non-running friends who live nearby, my first Mets spring training game (recap coming soon!)

Delmar Dash – a local 5 miler (closest race to my house) and a popular one with the local runners

Bacon Hill Bonanza – a very scenic and well-run 5k or 10k in the country (great post-race food).

Shape Women’s Half Marathon – a girls weekend (so far there are 3 of us plus some STEM runners) in NYC and my first race in Central Park.

Steel Rail Half Marathon – in Mass and on the same course as the Ramblefest Half that I ran last October. It’s flat and scenic.

Freihofer Run for Women – I’ll join the training group again. This is my only racing streak. It’ll by the 10th year running this 5k race with 4,000 of my closest friends (ha ha).

Betar By-way 5k/Moreau Mile – another scenic 5k and 1 mile race.

So the scheduled topic is how do you create your race schedule.

I do race a lot and I am fortunate to have many to choose from between March and November. My only problem is that work and finances get in my way of running many destination races 😦

Here are some of the factors that I take into consideration when I make up my schedule: