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Rock n Roll Montreal 5k Race Report

Image result for rock n roll montreal

5K – September 22, 2018

I signed up to run the Half Marathon ages ago and then convinced some friends to join me.  Then on a whim, I signed up to run this 5k the day before. I figured why not?  Instead of one medal, I could get three!!

reward for racing two races

However, that meant that I had to spend two nights in Montreal but my friends were agreeable and we all stayed in the same hotel (and even had adjoining rooms.)

Things worked out even better when my roomie got injured and switched to the 10k.  We both would be racing on Saturday and could go to the start together.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

So on Friday, we all drove to Montreal (two others would be joining us on Saturday). A 3 hour drive that took 5 LOL. We checked into our hotel and though we were hungry, we instead headed straight to the expo.

(I’m going to more details about the whole RnR Montreal experience in my half marathon recap.)

We picked up our bibs and wandered around the expo.

Since it was too late to have lunch, we went back to hotel to drop off our stuff and change for dinner.  We walked to the Old City and had a delicious dinner (at Jardin Nelson). I ate as if I was running 13 miles the next instead of 3!! (But it was worth every calorie!)

Back at the hotel, I set out my racing outfit and tried to get to sleep early.

Race Day:

Alarm set for 6:00 am. After much debate, we decided to leave for the race at 7:00 am. (The 5k race started at 8:00 am and the 10K at 8:30 am.) I had originally picked our hotel because it was close to the subway.  They changed the course from past years and it now started about a 10 minute walk from our hotel!! 🙂

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and ate in the hotel room.

I debated about what to wear due to the chilly predicted temps and wind and eventually changed from the cute tank (in the above pic) to a short-sleeved shirt, added DIY arm warmers, and a throw away long sleeved shirt.

We made plans with the others on where to meet after the race (The Family Meet-up section by the letter S).

Jeri & I posing at the finish line

Then we wandered down to the start line. I tossed my long-sleeved shirt but Jeri decided to take it since she didn’t have anything to keep warm. (My DIY arm warmers worked great – just $1 knee socks cut down).

We also noticed that there didn’t seem to be any meet up area.  The only letters we could see were in the starting area  and they spelled M O N T R E A L.  Jeri texted the others a new spot to meet-up (not far from our hotel & the finish line).

Then all of a sudden, I looked up and saw a runner (Tina) that I knew from home. She said that she just looked for a skirt (I may have been the only one LOL). We hung out until almost start time. She drove all the way to Montreal just for the 5k.

I was actually listed to be in Corral 1 (who knows why?) but I decided since I was planning to walk to move back a coral or two.

Below is the course map:

My plan for this race was just get a medal.  I didn’t wear a watch — on purpose!  I wanted to not know my time/pace and actually enjoy the race and look at the scenery.

Mile 1

So I waited in the crowd until my Corral actually moved.  It was very crowded (about 2000 runners) which was great.  I started to run slowly weaving in and out  so that I could get some space to walk.  Well, as you may have guessed, I never walked.  But I did run slowly.

I looked at EVERYTHING on the course!!! The first mile was through the theatre district on a street that was unfamiliar to me. The sun came out and I pulled down my arm warmers but just shoved them under my skirt rather than tossing them.

You could hear music the entire time.

Mile 2

Unfortunately I don’t remember a lot of the course.  We did take several turns during mile 2 and I do remember seeing the Bio Dome in the distance. The view was pretty.

There was a water stop during this mile but I didn’t even stop. Music continued for this mile as well.


water stop for the 5k

Miles 3

The last mile was down Ste Catherine Street,  It was decorated with pink balls strewn across the street.  I wish I had taken a picture (found the one below so you get the idea).

Related image

Finally I approached the finish line. It was kinda anti-climactic since I was running so slowly.  I crossed in a sprint, of course.  I had no idea what my time was and didn’t care.

I felt like it was my best race ever because I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I was wishing that I could run every race that way.  But I knew that I could not. I am too competitive.

You were ushered through the crowd and eventually were handed your medal and then eventually, I found a cup of water.  No big deal since I wasn’t thirsty or drown in sweat.  I was cold.

I wandered around the finish area looking for food.  I found a line to get free socks so waited on it. Then I found a  Kind bar sample and the Kind reps gave everyone a flower.

with my medal, flower and free socks

I finally left the area in search of my friends so we could watch my roomie finish her 10K.  I walked to our chosen meet up and they weren’t there but I bumped into my friend Tina again. I texted my friends to see where they were and it turned out they were on the other side of the street.  Eventually they got daring enough to run across the race course LOL.

They completely missed me approaching the finish line but then again, I told them around 45 minutes in because I would be walking. My fault.

Soon we saw Jeri pass on her way to finish the 10k.

I laughed when I saw her since she was wearing my throw away shirt.

I won’t go into all the details but after many texts, we located Jeri and we all went back to the hotel together to plan the rest of our day.

FOOD, of course…

The next day was the big race.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was glad that I did this 5K race.  I am also happy that I didn’t race it. Of course when I saw that I was 4th, I did regret it..a teeny bit.

The course was flat and you ran down parts of the city that were different from the half or full. You got a medal for a 5k (that is rare where I live) and it enabled me to get a third medal for running the half as well as the 5k.

Music played for the whole 3 miles and a different band for each mile. That made the miles more enjoyable.

No food at the finish but I did get free socks and a flower.  ‘ll reserve all my critique for the organization of the race series and the post-finish experience for my half marathon race recap.

Final Stats:

official results now say 31:26 overall: 622/1916 and gender: 285/1198

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

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

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

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Happy Running!  Have you ever run two races in one weekend?  Ever run a race JUST FOR FUN?

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Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

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Weekly Wrap for 9.24.18-9.30.18 – Recovery Week

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Post Race depression with a trip to Liverpool for work and another trip to NYC for a re-scheduled 5k.

Last week –
  • Monday – I was surprised that my legs were not tired but my back was real achy.  Took a slow run after arriving in Liverpool.

the sun was nice but boy was it windy

  • Tuesday – It rained all  day but stopped by the time I was done with work.  My lingering cold made me want to skip my run but again rain was predicted the next day too so I decided to seek out a new route.  I entered Onondaga Lake State Park at a different entrance and ran from the opposite direction.

saw a red-tailed hawk and Christmas decorations but didn’t have enough energy to get my my planned 4 miles in (even with walking)

  • Wednesday – I decided on a rest day because it was raining but then it stopped so I decided to finish yesterday’s run and then drive home…in the rain (it started to rain again once I finished my short run.)

  • Thursday – Today was a rest day. Still hadn’t had time to unpack from trip to Montreal or my trip to Liverpool and then I had to re-pack for my short trip to NYC the following day…. Oy!
  • Friday – Rest day again since I had to hop the bus after work to get to NYC.  I headed right to my hotel (I still had my bib from when the race was cancelled.)
  • Saturday – Race Day.  Governors Island 5K –This time thunderstorms were not predicted and my hotel was close enough to walk to the ferry. It turned out to be a beautiful day to run and the race was so much fun. I got to spend a lot time in the island (in the sunshine) and even place FIRST in my age group.

might have had a 5K PR if I tried – tied my Gun time one with this Chip timed one – a big surprise!!!!

After the race, I headed back to Manhattan, checked out of my hotel and met Cari to stroll around the Village. We spent a few hours together and it was so nice to have the company.

met at Union Sq, walked around Washington Sq, visited Jefferson Market Library, AIDS Memorial and more…

Still had a few hours to kill before my bus home so I took in a movie (Crazy Rich Asians 🙂 )

  • Sunday – Still needed a long run for the weekend (another big race in 2 weeks!) so three of my running friends agreed to meet me.

Only had enough time for 7.. .it was nice catching up with Barbara & running part of the miles with Sherry. First time in capris – 40s at the start!! Is Fall here to stay?

Of course, It was also Boating Sunday.  Sadly, since I am away the next two weekends, this was our LAST time on the lake.  We went for a ride and then had lunch with friends.

By Bye Lake George. See you next May!

This Coming Week –

  • Monday – rest day (probably skipping my Training Group run)
  • Tuesday –  drive to Liverpool for work, 4 miles
  • Wednesday – 2 miles (in Liverpool), drive home
  • Thursday -rest day, hair appt
  • Friday –  3 miles, PACK
  • Saturday – 8 miles, drive to JFK and fly to Paris
  • Sunday – rest day, arrive in Paris, recover from jet lag

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

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

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Weekly Wrap for 9.17.18-9.23.18: Race Time!!

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An exciting week because I did not have to travel except for going to Montreal for my big race(s).

Last week –
  • Monday – FOMO had me signing up for the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge. I cannot go every Monday (due to work) and will probably never go to the Saturday runs but I enjoy the drills when I do go and love my running pals. Last night was the first night and though it was humid and the run hilly. I loved it!!

  • Tuesday – I got scheduled to sub on my former tennis contract. I was hoping to also get in a short run in before (if the rain stopped.) Holy heat and humidity but I did get in a short one at the town park but I was as wet as if it rained (from sweat.)

  • Wednesday – Rest day due to my monthly tennis ladies meet up (of course, the weather was perfect for running.) This month we went to the movies followed by dinner. As usual, lots of laughs.  Love these ladies!!

  • Thursday – Last run before my mini race-cation to Montreal and then rushed home to pack.

the uAlbany loop

  • Friday – Drive with 3 of my running buds to Montreal. No major problems besides the torrendous rain and getting lost LOL. We checked into the hotel, visited the expo and walked to Old City to have dinner. More rain so we ubered back to the hotel.
  • Saturday – I signed up for the 5k today and my roomie signed up for the 10k. Mine started at 8 am and hers at 8:30. But we walked to the start together.  The weather was cool and absolutely perfect.  I had planned to walk the 5k but instead I ran it slowly and took in the sights.  The best way to run a race in a new city. I need to do this more often,

After I was done, we all got to cheer my roomie in.  The rest of the day was spend having lunch, walking around town and then carb-loading in the evening with the whole group to get ready for big one.

  • Sunday – Race Day!! Another perfect weather day.  We were all so excited to run this race.  Unfortunately, the weather and friends were the only good things I could say about this race. But Half Marathon #32 is done.  I actually won 2nd in my age group but was too tired to pick up my award.

Afterward, we had a delicious lunch in the Old City and then drove home. Another short race-cation has come to an end. And it was a fun one (even though the race experience was not what we hoped.)

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday –  drive to Liverpool for work, 3 recovery miles. 
  • Tuesday –  3 miles, Liverpool
  • Wednesday – rest day, drive home
  • Thursday – 4 miles
  • Friday – rest day, bus to NYC
  • Saturday – Governors Island 5k, bus home
  • Sunday – Boating Sunday

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

WWSki-Orange

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

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Weekly Wrap for 8.20.18-8.26.18: Home Sweet Home

ru

Yay! No travel this week except to a girls weekend in the Adirondacks.

Last week –
  • Monday – Every year, my former co-worker and I have breakfast at the Saratoga Race Track (This was year 33, I think),  In the last few years, we have stayed and bet on the horses too.  It is loads of fun and we had the most perfect weather day of the summer.

my biggest win was $10 but I only bet $1…that way I don’t lose much

  • Tuesday – I was scheduled to play tennis after work today but it got cancelled (not enough players) so I ran (in my tennis clothes) and then met my BFF for a walk in the mall. Sorry no pix. Tennis outfit had no pockets to carry my phone.
  • Wednesday – A long day at work and before I knew it would be a training day, I had registered for a 5K race.  I seriously considered a DNS since I was tired and hungry but I did it.  It was hard and my slowest 5k in years but still no regrets. I won my age group and there was a post-race BBQ.

  • Thursday – Definitely not feeling it and I had to make food for the weekend and pack and go out for dinner & drinks with a friend but I did a quick one at UAlbany because I wasn’t sure when the next time I would have time to run.

  • Friday – Rest Day because after work, A friend & I drove up to Schroon River for my weekend with the tennis ladies. We decided (or maybe I begged her) to go for a short hike before dinner. It was a little steep but the views were worth it. Unfortunately on the way down, we both fell. (That is why I don’t do trail races.)

  • Saturday – Today was fantastic and filled with so many activities. I went out for a few short runs (to get coffee, a neighborhood loop, to the tennis courts).

Before everyone else arrived, I talked my friend into a second hike.This time we were careful on the descent. No falling!

Since this was scheduled as a tennis weekend, I actually played tennis.

After tennis, there was lunch, relaxing, swimming and a nature walk, followed by dinner.

I reluctantly left my friends a day early because I needed to be home since I was headed to NYC on Monday.

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday. Well, the hubby’s tennis team was playing in sectionals so this gave me the opportunity to do my long run. Unfortunately, the Sole Sisters ran together the day before so I was solo. I chose the Zim Smith Trail so I could reward myself at Leah’s Cakery. I did bump into some familiar faces but it was slow tedious run with lots of walking. Not much fun but I got it done.

This Coming Week –

  • Monday – rest day, train to NYC, US OPEN tennis tournament
  • Tuesday –  rest day, dinner with co-workers
  • Wednesday – rest day, train home
  • Thursday – rest day, hair appt
  • Friday – 3 miles
  • Saturday –  12 miles
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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

WWSki-Orange

 

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Are you sad to see the summer ending or are you looking forward to fall? Please share.

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Hump Day 5K Race Recap

At some insane moment I registered for this evening race.

  • Course is “fast and flat- A PR- maker”
  • Stay at the Y after the race for food & fun

I think it was only $15 when I registered. It supported the YMCA.

Then I got scheduled to work late on that day.  I brought my clothes (sort of) but thought I may have to DNS.  I had to pack up my equipment, load it in my car, change my clothes and head up the Northway during rush hour. I wasn’t sure that I would have enough time.

Luckily someone helped to clean up and I was able to leave earlier than expected.

I changed my clothes and realized that because it had been raining and cool when I left home in the morning, I didn’t bring a tank.  Mistake #1.  I also forgot a sports bra.  Not a big deal but I was wearing a strapless bra (that may fall down if I ran in it). Mistake #2. I hadn’t eaten much for lunch because they were technical issues to attend to. Mistake #3.

I could give more excuses on why I really felt like skipping the race.  But the big one was that after 10 hours on my feet, I was exhausted.

Nevertheless, I navigated myself up to the race and got there in plenty of time.

It was small race and I didn’t think I would know anyone but I did meet a nice lady and we hung and chatted (about running, of course.)

cool messages at the finish line

There was a guy dressed as a Camel.  It took me a while to realize that it was because it was “Hump” Day.

This small local race gave out cotton tee shirts and had a chip to tie to your shoe.  Both were fine with me.  I have enough shirts and I wasn’t planning to PR.

We lined up for the race and waited and waited.  Finally it started about 15 minutes late. The course was interesting and quite varied with a lot of turns.  We ran on the road, around an apartment complex, on a dirt path, along the road but on the sidewalk and eventually back to the Y where the race started.

It was warm and felt even warmer because at this time of day, the sun was going down and right in your face.  It was breezy and you were running into the wind for the first half. There was only one water stop and that was a little after mile 1.  No mile markers at all.  I knew where I was because my Garmin beeped.

How did I feel?

Lousy!

My legs were tired and I don’t think I have run fast since my last race a month ago. My clothing goofs made me uncomfortable. And I was thirsty and hungry.

I never looked at my pace.  I didn’t want to know but I did know that I was getting slower and slower and running out of gas.

I walked at the water stop (during mile 2) and then I walked TWICE during mile 3.

When I approached the finish line and saw that I was already over 28 minutes, I ran as fast as I could.

I guess I crossed at 28:36.  My slowest 5k time this year and maybe in years.

Not to be Debbie Downer. I actually enjoyed this race.  They had discontinued it for 5 or 6 years but plan to run it again next year.  And I’m in (if I am in town.)

As soon as I finished, I grabbed a water and headed to the BBQ.

dinner

As I was waiting for the posting of the results, I bumped into my FRW coach and fellow Skirt Sports ambassador. (She finished 3rd overall woman after recently completing the Lake Placed Ironman.)

The awards were for 10 year age groups and only to first place. I checked the results and saw that I did win.

This was an older crowd but a fast one.  In other words if you finished around 37 minutes, you came in 74 out of 75. Some runners over 60 were running 7 minute miles…

60 and Up!?

So as I always, I never regret a race (even one I’ve run poorly.)

me & my new friend

Splits:

Mile 1: 8:43
Mile 2: 9:07
Mile 3: 9:24
.16 : 8:40

Yup, those darn positive splits!  It would be less painful if I did some intervals, tempo runs or speed drills…

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

FIVE REASONS TO RUN AN EVENING MID-WEEK RACE:

  1. No early wake up in the morning
  2. Adds miles to your weekly run schedule
  3. Free dinner
  4. Not running solo/make new or meet up with running friends
  5. Races are more fun than just going for a run

Happy Running! Ever run an evening race? Ever DNS on a race?

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Governors Island 5k Recap of the Race That Wasn’t

Image result for Governors island 5k

August 11, 2018 – 9:00 am

I was planning to race today as I usually do but this race was not the one on my plan. I usually run the HILLY Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10K.

After I ran a HILLY 15k back at the end of June, I was planning to switch and run the Half Marathon.

However, my friend Anna from Russia saved the day.  She informed me that she was coming to the US and would be in NYC that same weekend.

You wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not a race, would you?  Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine. She wanted to run a race with me again and this race was happening on Saturday.

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there.

So we both registered even though I didn’t know much about the race besides what was on the website:

THE RACE – This great midsummer’s race features a great course with world class views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty, starts off with a ferry ride and features a great post-race party.

COURSE – We have an exciting new course planned that improves on the one we used last year. The 5K is one loop and the 10K is two loops.

AMENITIES – Bag check and toilets will be provided. Water and Gatorade will be available on the course, and bagels, spreads, fresh fruit and more will make up the usual great NYCRUNS post race spread to greet you at the finish line. Free finish line photos and video will be available on the results page. The giveaway for this race will be a great tech t-shirt*. *Sizes are guaranteed – if we don’t have your size at the race, email theteam@nycruns.com within two days of the race and we’ll ship your shirt to you a few weeks later.

RESULTS, AWARDS, FINISH LINE PHOTOS & VIDEO – Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners overall in each race. Age group awards in the 5K will be awarded to the top three in each the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Finish line photos and video will also be available on the results page.

DIRECTIONS – There’s only one way to get to the island – the Governors Island ferry, and your ferry ride is included in your race registration.  You must arrive at the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. no later than 7:30 AM to check in and you must have your race bib.  The 4,5, R, and 1 trains are closest to the ferry terminal.

This was the same group that organized the Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k that I ran back in June and that was well-organized. So I was pretty psyched for the race.

I couldn’t arrive in NYC until Friday night so Anna was supposed to pick up our race packets. Then she couldn’t get an early train so I changed my train, rushed to Paragon Sports (on the other side of the city) and made it just in time.

I then met Anna at the train station, walked to our hotel, and made plans on how to get to the ferry and to the race. Then we went out and explored the city.

We walked around Bryant Park, had drinks and dinner in Rockefeller Center and then walked around some more

Of course we went to bed too late but I hadn’t seen her in almost 2 years so lots to chat about.

rain was predicted so I brought a jacket and umbrella along

I picked out my outfit the night before.  I planned to wear my Skirt Sports race favorites – gym girl ultra skirt which is a perfect length for running and its pockets hold my fuel and other essentials AND wonder girl tank, also with a pocket (in the cleavage) and a very stylish comfy fit. (Use my code 128card to get 15% off these other Skirt Sports items.)

After a late night and not much sleep, I was glad that we decided on an Uber to get to the ferry rather than relying on the subway schedule. I ate my usual hotel breakfast (oatmeal & coffee) in the hotel room and left later than I would have liked but arrived to the 7:30 ferry (the last one!) with plenty of time to spare.

waiting to board the ferry – no rain yet…

The ferry ride was short and sweet. The views were pretty even with the cloud cover.

As we arrived on the island, it started to rain.

pretty ominous

But just drizzling.  We hoped that it would stay that way.

But it didn’t. Shortly after we arrived, we started to hear thunder and then see lightning. Everyone ran for cover as soon as the skies opened up.

There were little houses with screened in porches. We squeezed into the first one we saw.

It was raining so hard and so windy that it was raining actually sideways.  We put our umbrella up in front of the screen to stay dry. We stayed there listening the thunder for quite awhile until we started to see runners heading back to the ferry.

They told us that it was too dangerous and to seek shelter in the ferry building.

Then we got the bad news.  THE RACE WAS CANCELLED!!!

And back on the ferry all the runners went.

Boo!!!

Of course by that point the rain had let up but storms were predicted to come and go.

We were bummed but since the rain had now stopped, we decided to make the best of the day. We thought about heading back to the hotel to change our clothes but why waste the time.  My racing outfit was perfectly suitable and comfortable for all our planned activities…until dinner.  (Thank you, Skirt Sports.)

First we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge and We walked/ran over it and then back.

Then we had brunch at restaurant along the water at the South Street Seaport. Then we took a tram to visit Roosevelt Island where it rained on and off.

Finally it was time for dinner and to change out of our running clothes.

Since we still had not run together, we got up the next morning and walked to Central Park so we could go for a run. We bumped into runners competing in a 15 mile race and had a nice leisurely 5k run, followed by breakfast.

So there was no race and it was sad.  There is nothing you can do about the weather.

However, I was hoping for a refund. $40 for me and $50 for Anna or at least a credit.

Nope, the race is re-scheduled for September 29. (I do understand that money was already spent on this race.) Unfortunately, I doubt that I can afford to go back then and Anna lives in Moscow.  😦

Since it’s 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

I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How is your running going this summer? Any recent races? Ever had a race cancelled due to weather?

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Weekly Wrap for 8.6.18-8.12.18: A Travel Week

ru

Yup, 3 days in Liverpool for work and 2 days in NYC for fun.

Last week –
  • Monday – The hot muggy weather continued. After I set up for my job in Liverpool, I decided to go for a run along Onondaga Lake. Well with the heat index at 99 and little shade, it was a sweat fest. But I got it done and returned to the hotel just seconds before the sky opened up.

Eventually the torrential rain stopped and I went back to the park for a sunset walk.

  • Tuesday – Another rainy day but not as hot as the day before. The rain had stopped by the time I finished work so I headed back to the park. It was still very humid and this run felt even harder than the day before.

Again instead of sitting in my hotel room, I took my another sunset walk. The sky was clearer and definitely a worthy of the view.

  • Wednesday – Another rainy day.  Nothing new here.  But the rain stopped so on my way home, I stopped at the same park for a quick run.  Humidity prevailed and I struggled….

  • Thursday – Rainy morning led to a sunny day. Of course, I had too much to do to run.  I declared it a “Rest Day.”
  • Friday – Another Rest Day because I had to get to NYC to meet up with my Russian friend Anna. Her train was late so I rushed to pick up our race packet then we spent the evening catching up and having fun in the city.

Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and more

  • Saturday – Race Day. Governor’s Island 5k. The logistics were pretty complicated. We had to get up early to take an Uber to where we would catch the ferry to get to Governor’s Island. To make matters worse, A huge thunderstorm hit as soon as we got to the island and the RACE WAS CANCELLED!!! 

Initially we were bummed especially since the rain stopped but we decided to make the best of the day

Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Roosevelt Island

and evening.

dinner overlooking the World Trade Center and a visit to the NEW Oculus

  • Sunday – We got up early and went for a 5k run in Central Park, had lunch there and then I had to bid Anna farewell. Rushed for time, I ran back to the hotel and then walked back to Grand Central to take the train home.

ran right in the middle of a 15 mile race LOL

This Coming Week –

  • Monday –  train BACK to NYC for work, 4 miles
  • Tuesday –  3 miles
  • Wednesday – 3 miles, blogger meet up with Cari
  • Thursday – 3 miles
  • Friday – rest day, train home
  • Saturday –  5k Race + more miles or Long Run
  • Sunday -rest day, Boating

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you?  Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

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Silks and Satins 5K Race Recap

July 21, 2018 – 8:00 am

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 31 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016 and 2017, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37)

WouldI again this year???

Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:

15 turns in this course!!

Due to construction, it was changed slightly this year: The finish line was changed to 80 yards west on George St. so the start was re-located to 80 yards south on East Ave.

The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot.  Three years ago, I almost got towed.)

unisex shirt than even a XS was too big 😦 We did get free tickets to the track which I plan to use later in the summer!!!

The new pick-up area was moved to behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell, not too far from the old location. I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.

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There were close to 1000 runners at this race. So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces: Sue, my Shape & Brooklyn half roommate, Holly and Nancy from the Freihofer’s group and Judy, my current Sat. runny buddy., Patrick, the director for this race and coach for my running groups, to name a few.

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and HUMID but not quite as warm as it has been in past weeks.. I just hung around and chatted until it was time to head to the start.  I continued to hang out and chat with Nancy, Holly and Judy and should have lined up closer to the start line since it wasn’t chip-timed. But I just wasn’t paying attention or cared at the time.

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And so we were off.

pic from the Saratogian

 

Nancy is super fast and Holly is fast as well.  Nancy took off and just disappeared, I tried to keep Holly in my sight during the first mile but then I lost her.  I wasn’t sure if she was ahead or behind.  I lost track of Judy, as well, who was behind me.

It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. But as usual, my first mile was too fast. My plan was to have negative splits and but that never happened.

By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing.

It was warm but I have run in higher temps.  It was the HUMIDITY.  And it was sucking the life out of me.

nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from the Saratogian

I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point but I was looking ahead at the tangent and totally missed it because it was on the other side.

And as it turned out, my legs were tired, I was thirsty and I probably should have walked a little to catch my breath.  I wasn’t looking at my Garmin at all but I could tell that I was getting slower at each mile.

pic from the Daily Gazette

By mile 3, I was fading.  I think I say this during every 5k race recap.  I guess that means that I should either start out slower or do speed drills to build up my endurance.

Anyway, I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line.

I crossed at 27:XX (Gun time).

It was actually a few seconds faster than last year which was shocking.

Judy & I – sweaty but happy

Then I searched for my friends and found them on the food line.

Several years ago, the refreshments consisted of bagels & chocolate milk. This year like last year, there was only watermelon & bananas. I had several pieces of watermelon, a banana and a granola bar.  And I felt much better.

pic from the Saratogian

They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my NEW age group. Unfortunately, Holly was 5th but Nancy and Judy came in 2nd in their age groups.

While waiting for the awards ceremony, I bumped into more runners that I knew (Michele, Judy) and they all got awards, as well.

I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award.

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:27
mile 2 – 8:46
mile 3 – 9:12
.14 – 7:44

27:28 (Garmin time)

positive splits again!!!

I’m a sucker for swag and anything Central Park:

I get a tech shirt and an awesome medal.

So this race will count but I will do the real thing in August when I am actually in Central Park.

Since this was Saturday and I usually do my long run on Saturdays, I had planned on adding 6 more miles after the race.  But I was too hot and tired so instead I spent the day on our boat.

post race relaxing

Since it’s 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

I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

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Happy Running! How is your running going this summer? Any recent races?

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Weekly Wrap for 7.16.18-7.22.18 – Here comes the rain again….

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Sweating at home this week until the rain ended the week.
Last week –
  • Monday – It was a scorcher and my goal was to find a shady route and get in some miles while sweating. And I did.

at the Crossings

Afterwards, my cool down was a walk around the mall with some retail therapy. I said “Yes’ to the dress – my MOTG dress for next March.  A long ways away but the bridemaids, bride and MIL all have their dresses. It was just me left.

then found it online in a smaller size (so no alternations) and cheaper

  • Tuesday – A rainy day and a rest day. Hoped that the rain would end and the courts would be dry so I could play tennis. The rain did stop but the courts were too wet. I went home and decided not to waste the cooled down temps and went for a run. The humidity was as high as ever but I took a new route and bumped into a very old friend and some wildlife.

  • Wednesday – I had originally planned a run before meeting a friend at the neighborhood free gym (yes you heard that right – just a few minutes on the arm machines) but decided not to run 3 days in a row. Probably should have since we went out for dinner and I overindulged. I did convince her to also go for a walk before dinner.
  • Thursday – Another local run (actually calling it a run is a stretch – just wasn’t feeling it) and a mall walk to catch up with my BFF.

around the UAlbany campus

  • Friday – A scheduled rest day because my tennis friends and I signed up for a Garden Tour.

8 different historic homes and their gardens/art work

Afterwards we went out to dinner at a restaurant along the Mohawk R..  Always a fun time with these ladies.

  • Saturday – Silks and Satins 5k Race. Hated getting up so early but it is one of my favorite races and many running friends run it. It was not easy but again lots of fun.  Had a slight course PR and won my age group

The original plan was to add 6 more miles after the race but looking ahead to the forecast, I decided to go on our boat instead (and yes, it was a hard decision but life is not all about running.) And no it never gets old on this “Queen” of American Lakes.

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday was canceled due to rain in the forecast. But then it stopped raining so I decided to try and squeeze in a long run. By myself. In the humidity.  It didn’t go that well. It started to rain and then it stopped and was stifling. There was a lot of walking but I enjoyed the scenery and got to the end of the newly paved rail trail (even saw a train go by.)

This Coming Week – (if it doesn’t rain all week)

  • Monday –  rest day, get ready to work at the bar exam
  • Tuesday –  4 miles
  • Wednesday – rest day, hair appt
  • Thursday – 4 miles
  • Friday – rest day, drive to CT.
  • Saturday – 4 miles, tennis in CT
  • Sunday – rest day, tennis, drive home

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Did you race this weekend? What’s new with you?  Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date – July and Friday Five

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am always training for some long race.  This summer is no different.  But I am thinking that I am a much better short distance runner.

I am more successful and there’s less stress in running 3 miles vs 13.

But then there’s the medal and the pride. Not sure I can give that up…

Ever think of sticking to the shorter races?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that all of a sudden it is summer.  I’ve been waiting so long for these temps.  They are great for boating

but for running…not so much.

And I refuse to run on the treadmill!!

planned on 4 and this was all I could muster…

Do you struggle to run when the temps are over 80? Do you ever give in and run on the mill?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell that I complained about never being home but I kinda miss my NYC traveling.  Mainly because of the places to run there. There’s nothing like NYC for running.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg.  I’d love to run on Governor’s Island, Roosevelt Island, over all the bridges, etc.

Ever run in NYC and understand what I mean?

4. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I still haven’t made my decision for a winter Florida race.

I thought I would go to Florida, as usual, to visit my friends and family and of course, run a half marathon. Maybe this one???

Image result for melbourne half marathon 2019

But some local runner friends are tempting me with this race.  It’s been on my bucket list and it would be more fun to run it with people that I know…

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

unfortunately I think the expense (flights/hotel) is leading me to save this one for another year

Ever have a hard time choosing a race or is it just me?

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I enjoyed my summer mid-week races a lot.  It allowed me to not have to choose between long runs/boating and racing on the weekend.

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They sponsor 7 races (5k) on Weds in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Ice Cream Social 5k on Jun 12.

If only locally, we had some mid-week races.

I did find one and of course, I signed up!!

Would you like to run evening races in the summer during the week or would you prefer races on the weekend?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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