June 6, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. I could have gone up to the lake with my hubby but I just needed a day off to catch up – unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, weeding, DVR, reading… TIME ALONE aaahhhh!!!

Tuesday – Back to the normal routine. Walk to the park at work, a short recovery run after work and then dinner out with a co-worker.

peony time

Wednesday – National Running Day! I had several opportunities to run today. I wanted to run with the STEM runners but since I missed my Freihofer Training group run last week, I decided to run with them one last time. I was very hot and I was very tired. Luckily our coach was not there so I could slack off on the 1 minute sprints.

Afterwards, I attended the GOTR thank you reception. I even won a raffle prize.

post-run Merlot and my prize (long-sleeve shirt)

Thursday – REST day and it was needed. I walked at lunch and then walked around the mall with my BFF after work.

Friday – Another REST day – yes, two in a row. What a slacker. I walked to get my race packet and after dinner, I played mah jongg.

Saturday – Ran the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k for the 9th time. It was hotter than expected but still fun running a race where you know so many runners.

28:50 (recovered after a slow first 2 miles)

Afterward I ran 4 more miles (reluctantly) on the rail trail.

Sunday – This was supposed to be a boating day but the weather had different ideas so it was a day to catch up on stuff around the house.

12 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (recovery week!)

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – STEM run (3 miles)
Thursday – rest
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 5k race (with STEM) + 5 more miles

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

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

June 5, 2016 by Darlene

Freihofer’s Run For Women 5k Race Recap

June 4, 2016 9:30 am

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This is my 9th time!!!!!

My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running):

Due to construction, they changed the course last year.

They said that this course would be faster…less congested and have a less steep hill at the start and finish.

I did run the new course last year and I liked it.

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As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or have a PR.

Anyway, I should be recovering not running a 5K. I just raced a half marathon last Sunday. As you know, my feet are not what I would like them to be (but it is what is…)

But how could I miss my 9th Freihofer’s Run for Women?

And my second Freihofer Training Challenge…

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up. Monday runs were always after a Sunday long run or race and I never attended the Saturday runs.

But I was excited to be part of it and support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who would hopefully PR.

As I have done every year, the day before I walked to Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really nice expo with vendors and health-related booths but no more. You didn’t even get your cookies and bread at packet pickup as in previous years.

the race shirt was not tech 😦

For convenience, I parked at work on race morning and walked to the start. I do this every year. However, with the new course, it was an even longer hike. Like 2 miles!

It was strange to walk down Madison Avenue and not see the race banners and not see the giant poster on the bridge.

pics from 2 years ago…

And the weather…it was not forecasted to be as warm as previous years but I was starting to feel the uncomfortable humidty already.

I cut through the Empire State Plaza to use real restrooms.

I got to the race location and immediately located the Challenge Group Tent and a lot of first time 5k runners. It was pretty early but I bumped into so many runners that I knew. Several runners from work and from the Turkey Trot Training group.

another Skirt Sports ambassador and Freihofer Training mentor

I also ran into a few local runners and bloggers – Judith and Judy.

Catching up with everyone made the time go by quicker. Soon it was time to line up and squeeze in my blue corral.

Although it was very crowded, there were fewer runners than when it was Madison Avenue. I’m not sure why. (new route, weather??)

Times Union photo – can you spot me?

Anyway, with the new start, it didn’t take as long to get moving and the first hill was longer but not as steep.

As soon as I started, I got the feeling that my legs were not as recovered as I had hoped. They were moving but so slowly.

When I got into the park and looked at my time, I was shocked at how slow it was. Usually mile 1 is my fastest.

I continued to trudge along and couldn’t wait to walk at the first water stop around mile 1.25.

And boy was it hot!!! And humid!! I know after Florida and last weekend, I should be used to this weather. But I always find it hard to breathe and run fast in the warm weather. And my legs were steamy!! (Damn, compression socks!)

This course had you run around more of the park and it also seemed to avoid the bigger hills of the park. I tried to run in the shade of the trees whenever I could.

You would think that I would have a faster time for the 2nd mile.

Nope. I was dying. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop. That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get some energy and I picked up the pace.

Finally we left the park and headed downhill to the finish. Not the steep downhill that we used to have but at least it was downhill.

I ran as fast as I could. I knew that I would not have a great finish time but I was determined not to finish over 30 minutes.

And I did not.

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I’m on the extreme right (Times Union photo)

I grabbed a bagel and some chocolate milk. It was definitely less congested than when it was by the fountains on the Plaza. No long lines for food.

I ran into lots of runners again that I knew.

the Mayor!

The first time runners were so excited. That put a smile on my face. I quickly put my disappointment in the back of mind and congratulated them on their achievement.

I walked back to the Training Challenge Tent to get some more food and chatted with Judy and her friend for awhile.

I may not have run the race that I wanted but I still enjoyed myself.

You get what you put in. I did not do all the speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I also just ran a half marathon and I am no spring chicken. Plus my time was faster than last year. So I was happy with that.

13 out 168 / 688 out of 3078

Splits:

mile 1- 9:23
mile 2- 9:31
mile 3 – 9:00
18 – 7:17

Chip time – 28:50

Afterwards, I walked back to my car (uphill for 2 miles).

I had planned to run 4 more miles. I really didn’t feel like it.

But I drove to the rail trail and slowly shuffled my way to 4 more miles.

new sign

resting halfway on a new bench (without my compression socks!!)

sweaty & salty maple – a well deserved treat!

So FRW #9 is in the books! The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with over 3,000 women running it.

There is a bunch of women who have run ALL 38 FRW races.

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Even Joan Benoit Samuelson was there. She did great. Sara Hall came in 2nd. (Times Union photo)

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go?

June 3, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: FRW

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons to Run the Freihofer’s Run Fort Women(Again)

Why am I running this race for the 9th time?

It’s an all women’s race.

frw3

Young and old. Fast and Slow. 4,000 women with one thing in common – running.

2. It attracts elite runners.

Very cool to see the really FAST and famous runners like Joan Samuelson and this year, Sara Hall.

3. I trained with a group for the race.

This is my 2nd year training with this group of women. It’s the culmination of 10 weeks of hard work.

4. I run into so many people that I know.

My boss and another law professor

I am always surprised at how many women I know there. It’s a reunion of sorts.

5. It has become a tradition.

There are other races on the same day but I feel like I have to do it and I want to.

even when I shouldn’t have (1st run after ankle surgery)

Happy Running! Do you have a race that you run EVERY year?

June 2, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: May Recap

My favorite month has ended 😦

Here’s how things went down:

Weekday Runs:

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

Long Runs:

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

Total Mileage:

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

may miles

Races:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cross Training:

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

snapseed

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I say that EVERY month!!)

lheartspaceogo

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

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

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

: Mother’s Day

: Day in Lake Luzerne

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

: everyday!!

: doubles and lessons

: Naples Botanical Gardens

: the Dolphin Explorer trip

: 4 different beaches

: sunset at the Ritz

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

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

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

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

Boating season on Lake George is beginning. 🙂 🙂

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

thinking out loud

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

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

May 17, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Picking your races

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

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

Well, both.

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

my favorite destination race

my favorite local race

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

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

the Spring Run Off is my favorite 10k

I love the Stockadeathon 15K

Delmar Dash wins for a 5 mile race

and the Polar Cap for 4 milers

My favorite 10 mile race is the Adirondack Distance Run

Happy Running! Do you repeat races?

May 16, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Finally some sunshine. I’ll take it even though it was cool and very windy.

free Starbucks and some tulips to celebrate my special day

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It was my birthday and I could have gone out to dinner with a co-worker but I opted to run with my Freihofer Training group. Since I had run a 15k & a 5k over the weekend, I thought that I would run with the Intermediate but they were doing 800m intervals so I stuck with the Advanced group – 8 400m intervals at 5k pace. My legs weren’t feeling it at first and they got stronger as I ran. I even finished the last one at 2 min.

Tuesday – Yes – two sunny days in a row but I decided after 3 days of speedy runs, I would rest and just play tennis after work. Of course, I couldn’t miss my walk to the tulips.

Wednesday – Let’s go for 3 days of sunshine. Such as busy work day. I just had time for a very short run after work and then instead of running with the STEM group, I had an hair appt. (priorities!)

more walking than running but I did throw in a few strides

Thursday – Summer has arrived and we skipped spring. I had time today for my lunch walk to the park.

many of the tulips have died but still some nice ones left

Then after work I ran a 5k race in 80 degree, humid weather. It wasn’t pretty but it was for a good cause.

struggled to 29:31 finish (3rd in my AG but awards only to 1st)

Friday – Back to clouds and showers so I took a true rest day. No running or tennis just mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Another 5k race, the 2nd one this week. It wasn’t as warm as Thursday but it was more humid. Such an emotional race. I was glad I ran it and supported Summer’s mom and the STEM runners.

improved to 28:29 and won 1st in my age group

I had thought that I would run 9 more miles afterward but my legs disagreed. I ran (& walked) until I could do no more.

so so tired and hot… could barely pick my feet up

Sunday – A well-deserved rest day. We had planned to take our boat out but it was too chilly and windy. So we just drove to Lake Luzerne and had lunch with a view of the Hudson River then went for a long walk.

15 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – FRW Challenge Training Group (4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 mile run at lunch, pack
Wednesday – Sunday – tennis, sunning, fun times with good friends in Naples, FL. 🙂

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

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

May 15, 2016 by Darlene

Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Race Recap

This is a new race and is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.gofundme.com/Summer5k4addiction

I just ran a (sucky) 5k on Thursday and would have preferred to just do my long run today.

But I just had to do this race. I knew that there would be many other runners and volunteers from the STEM program. I wanted to support this cause and I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.

I have run a 4 mile race around Guilderland HS where this race took place. I remember it as NOT being flat.

It wasn’t as warm as it had been this past week and at least yesterday’s awful rain had stopped. But there was rain, hail and wind predicted for later in the day so it was pretty humid.

The route was described as:

Start/Finish of this out-and-back 5 km course is on West Dr on the south side of Guilderland High School. The course proceeds out West Dr to turn L onto School Rd, continues across the intersection with Depot Rd onto Meadowdale Rd, then bears L at Frederick Rd to Mile 1 on Meadowdale Rd and continues to the Turnaround point. The inbound route retraces the outbound route of the course to Mile 2 on Meadowdale Rd and Mile 3 on West Dr just after the turn off School Rd, and continues to the Finish.

I did take off that shirt and wear a tank to run in – it was the right move!

I arrived early and immediately bumped into those purple shirted runners. All the ones that were in Summer’s STEM group were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.

This race was one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag. There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies. And there were great raffle prizes – all running-related.

In addition to the STEM runners and volunteers, some members of Team “BadAss” were there.

just practicing our pose

Now for the real pose:

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There was a dedication ceremony followed by a balloon release.

Then it was time to proceed out to the road to start the race.

my BFF stopped by and got this picture of the beginning of the race

As in my last few races, my legs felt so dead the first mile. And it was warm (so glad I took off my t-shirt). I was very happy that there was water at mile 1. I walked for a bit and then continued on to the turn around where I walked again. My pace was slowing down. I didn’t have to look at my Garmin to know that. I tried to pick speed for the last mile but I just couldn’t. I walked at least twice more until I saw the finish line and sprinted through it. (My Freihofer coach was watching so I knew I better run fast.)

I crossed around 28:xx which was faster than Thursday 5k so that was good.

I waited to catch some of the STEM ladies finishing.

Then I went inside to get some food and check the results.

Well, again my time didn’t record so I had to talk to my coach (he was the timing person) and he added me in at 28:29. (My Garmin said 28:27 but I wasn’t going to complain.)

and fruit, bagels…but this was my favorite.

We all went back outside for a photo and the awards.

the STEM runners & volunteers who knew Summer

And today I did win something – first in my age group!! But no raffle prizes 😦

So not a fast one but not a bad one. Nothing hurt. That’s always a good thing. The heat is bothering me but I think I’m not used to it yet.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:51
mile 2 – 9:14
mile 3 – 9:15
.14 – 8:22

And this race. I enjoyed it. It was well run.

I am so humbled by these STEM women. I am glad to be a part of their lives.

love Kim!

With a half marathon in 2 weeks, I had planned to go run 9 more miles.

So I drove to the newly paved rail trail. It is now paved for 5.5 miles.

The last 4 miles are still dirt.

I was so tired. I could barely pick up my feet. I ran/walked for 4.5 miles and then quit and went grocery shopping.

Tomorrow’s another day but probably a rest day!!!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race?

May 13, 2016 by Darlene

Albany Law Day 5K Against Domestic Violence Race Recap & FF

I had seen this race on the schedule each year and have been tempted. It makes sense since I do work at Albany Law School.

But it is an evening race. It’s hard to get there after work and it’s not an ideal time to race for me. And how does one fuel for a race that starts at 6:30 pm?

Anyway, a FB running friend proposed a team and I got sucked in last year.

It was hot and humid and I didn’t really enjoy the race. I didn’t run well and though I came in 2nd in my age group, they only gave awards for first. I had decided that I probably wouldn’t run this race again.

Fast forward to this year. The place I work has been focusing all year on healthy challenges. They proposed that we do a 5k together. I suggested this one because is was during the week and raised money for an important cause. Everyone was enthusiastic about the race until it came time to sign up.

You got it – they all had excuses except me, 2 other staff members, 2 students and a husband & child. So out of 400 or so, we have a team of 7!!!

The weather cooperated in that it was sunny and no wind but it seemed like summer had arrived and we skipped spring. It was around 80 degrees. (I was wearing my winter jacket just on Sunday!!)

The race took place in the Crossings, a beautiful park.

This is where I go for my Freihofer training group runs. I have done a few races here as well.

I like it. There are hills and roads and trails.

There’s a pond.

I got there early so I could find parking. This year, I even knew where to park and where the race started.

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I wore a similar outfit to last year (Purple is the color that represents the fight against Domestic Violence. I’ll be wearing it again at Saturday’s race.)

I immediately bumped into a bunch of volunteers and clients from STEM (the survivors of Domestic Violence). I also saw some lawyers, co-workers and running friends.

If my race sucked last year, this year, it felt even worse.

It was hot. I immediately got a stitch in my side (maybe from eating a fig bar right before the race) and it stuck with me the WHOLE race.

Of course, I started out fast and then I could barely breathe – it was like I had asthma. Then I was coughing and sneezing. I attribute it to the pollen and grass (I used to have terrible hay fever when I was younger.) It was really tough to run when you are gasping for air. The only time this has happened was during this same race last year.

I made it about 1 1/2 miles before I started to walk.

I was also REALLY thirsty and the only water stop was at the 2 mile point. I walked then and several more times before the end of the race. I’ve never walked that much in a 5k but I just couldn’t catch my breath.

The result – 29:31 finish time – even slower than last year.

ald5k2

Well, that’s how it goes sometimes.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:02
mile 2- 9:46
mile 3 – 9:36
.2 – ?? (didn’t stop my watch)

I hung around watching the other STEM runners finish and the coordinator’s 7 year old daughter who ran her first 5k.

Then I had some refreshments which were awesome – bananas, brownies, pizza and Cider Belly donuts!!

They only gave out awards for 1st in 10-year age groups.

I came in third

I’ll have to remember next year that I should skip this race.

My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons I Ran this Race:

The Charity

Domestic Abuse is a horrible thing. It affects so many women. If you met them, you would never know what they’ve been through.

2. The Distance

It’s a 5k race so it would only take 30 minutes. Even if I am tired, I can muster my way through 3.1 miles. It shouldn’t affect my 5k /long run on Saturday. In fact, I would be running at least 3 miles today anyway.

3. The Challenge

Yes, it’s only a 5k but that means that you feel like you should run fast. That’s the challenge. The course is fairly flat. Could I PR??? (Obviously not.)

4. The Runners

It’s always fun to know people when you arrive at a race. You stand and around and chat. I love runners!!

5. Motivating Others

I want to set an example at work. I think running is great and it has helped me immensely physically, socially and emotionally. I am older than most people that I work with and I want to show them that if I can run so can they.

Happy Running! How do you feel about night races? Do you do them? Has it gotten warm where you live?

May 12, 2016 by Darlene

GOTR & Mother’s Day 5k bRUNch Race Recap & TOLT

I signed up for the 2nd time to be a Running Buddy for our local GOTR program.

Girls on the Run Capital Region is a 10-week after-school program for girls in grades 3-8 that uses running and physical activities to teach life skills and help girls develop a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

Here’s what it involved for me:

The Running Buddy provides encouragement and support to their buddy throughout the course of the season by sharing weekly notes of encouragement. These notes can be emailed or delivered to their buddy’s Head Coach.

The Running Buddy acts as a personal cheerleader for their buddy by attending the practice 5k and the end of season 5k.

The Running Buddy completes the 5k with their buddy and expresses support and enthusiasm for her accomplishment!

Last year, I didn’t particularly enjoy my experience. I met my girl for the first time at the practice 5k. At that race, she took off with a friend and the coach like a “bat out of hell.” I caught up with her to chat and found out that she was a runner and she had already completed the program before. That meant that she already had run a 5k and besides that, she was super FAST. (She obviously didn’t need my weekly motivational messages.) The same thing happened at the real 5K. She just took off with her friend & coach even though she was supposed to be running with me. So I ran by myself and eventually passed her as she tired (and got her photo as she finished the race after me.)

Nevertheless, I decided to give the program a second shot.

This year, I volunteered at Eagle, another elementary school near my home. I was paired up with Jayme who was 10 years old and in 5th grade. I met her once at an Orientation meeting (this was a new idea) and then again at the Practice 5K last Tuesday. She is super sweet. We had a great time chatting and running ALL 12 laps together.

As a result, I was very excited to be part of her first 5K race and help her along the way.

md5k16

The Final 5K was held on May 8th in Central Park, Schenectady. This was the Mother’s Day 5K that I have run in past years.

in 2013 and I even won my age group

I signed up for a 15k race the day before because I knew that I would be running this race just for fun and as a running buddy along side Jayme. It wouldn’t matter if my legs were tired from those 9.3 hilly miles.

The weather was not as nice as the previous day. In fact, I woke up to POURING rain. UGH!!!

short sleeved women’s tech shirt

I had to arrive early to meet up with 80 or so GOTR participants, their coaches & running buddies for a group photo.

By the time, I got there, it was still raining but not hard. I was immediately informed that Jayme was not coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WTH? What bugged me the most is that I texted her mom photos so she would have my phone number. And she didn’t contact me. With this weather and the fact that I ran a 15k race the day before, I might have stayed home. Or at least run another 5k. There were several that were closer to my house.

So I sulked by the fireplaces trying to stay warm and keep my cool.

One of the other running buddies heard about my situation and then asked me if I would pace her daughter. Her daughter was in junior high and was running her second 5k.

I guess this would have to do. However, I wasn’t planning on a real race. So I told her yes but that I wasn’t in shape to run fast.

She was fine with that. (Of course, in chatting with her, I learned that she ran her 1st one in 29:xx and wasn’t trying…uh oh!)

Finally it was time to line up in the rain for our group photo.

Then we headed out to start the race.

The course was pretty varied – around the pond, through the woods, around the lake, etc. I have run it many times before.

I started with my new running buddy. It was difficult to go fast at first because of all the kids in front of us. They didn’t realize that slower runners and walkers start in the back.

the starting line

Eventually we got moving and of course, my buddy wanted to run fast. I could not and I kept telling her to go on ahead. This kept happening until the first water stop around mile 1. Then she seemed to tire so I could keep up with her.

Mile 2 was through the woods. I was very careful of the roots and uneven turf. But at some point, I lost my running buddy. I wasn’t sure if I was ahead or she was ahead of me. Somehow I thought I may be ahead so I waited for her at the 2nd water stop. I didn’t see her so I continued on.

Mothers_Day_5K-190

Then for mile 3, we ran back into the park. The rain had stopped but the wind picked up and it started to get very cold.

Mothers_Day_5K-259

Finally I saw the finish line and sped up so I didn’t cross over 30 minutes. There was no chip timing. They just collected your bib and gave your a flower.

I waited and then I saw my buddy cross. She said that she had lost her earbud and doubled back to find it.

I waited some more watching all the young kids finish their first 5k. They were so excited and happy. This is what what running is all about.

But I was freezing and eventually went inside to get warm and eat.

There was an awesome food display. In addition to cookies, bagels, bars, pastries, bananas, chocolate milk, etc.

mimosas (minus the champagne)

chocolate fountain with pretzels and fruit for dipping

chocolate fountain with pretzels, cake and fruit for dipping

I didn’t want to eat too much since I was planning to go to my MIL’s for lunch at 3 pm.

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I put on my winter coat and gloves (brrr) and waited around by the fire for the awards. Surprisingly, I came in third and actually won something this time.

That made me feel a little better about my weekend racing.

Believe it or not, the lady who beat me by 6 min in the 15k finished after me??

My only goal for this race was to help Jayme finish her first 5k race.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:26
mile 2- 9:49
mile 3 – 9:21
.14 – 8:24

Garmin time – 29:32
Official time – 29:53

So things didn’t work out as planned – GOTR and the weather. I love the GOTR program. I think it is great for young girls.

Below are some photos posted on the Times Union website.

I will definitely support GOTR in some way but I doubt that I will become a running buddy again.

After I grabbed my plant, I rushed home to get ready to go out for Mother’s Day.

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My sister-in-law and her hubby drove up from Florida and we had dinner at my mother-in-law’s. My stepson & his girlfriend and my brother-in-law (not pictured) also came. My other stepson had to work (he is pictured with my mil above.) We all had a nice time together.

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

So in addition to last weekend’s race, this is what I am thinking about:

Upcoming Races –

May 12 – 6:30 pm

Yes, today after work. I’m not a fan of evening races but this one is for a great cause. There will be many lawyers there than I know as well as STEM volunteers. I was in charge of getting a team together but it didn’t go so well. Everyone at work said yes until it was time to commit.

May 14

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

May 29

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

June 4

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

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

I have also been participating in the Training Challenge for the 2nd time.

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last year’s photo but we’re wearing pink again this year

Upcoming Vacation –

12th trip to Naples, Florida but tennis vacation #20 for me!!! (We started traveling together in 2002 and only 2 of us haven’t missed one.)

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I leave on May 18 and return on May 25 (4 days before my next half marathon). Can’t wait!!

Fitting it all in –

When you live in the Northeast, you just live for summer. Winter here sucks (unless you ski.)

It’s a time for running, boating, hiking, picniking and all kinds of outdoor activities.

You know where I’m going with this.

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I want to do it all. Help??

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any races or runs? Any races coming up? What are you thinking about today? How you fit in your running when things get hectic? Please share.

May 9, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update & Today’s My Birthday

Last Week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22.5 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.