May 9, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update & Today’s My Birthday

Last Week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22.5 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

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

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

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races? Did you have a nice Mother’s Day?

May 5, 2016 by Darlene

Cherry Blossom 5K Race Recap & TOLT

May 1, 2016 10:15 am

This was the third year that I have run this race. I really like it plus I have come in 2nd in my age group each year.

2014 – 27:51

2015 – 27:56

The course is very winding. Someone last year said that there were 20 turns. But it is also pretty flat except for the last mile which is uphill.

As you can see, my times in this race have been pretty speedy (at least speedy for me!!). Could I beat that??

And should I try? After all, I just ran a 10K the day before and a half marathon the week before.

Nevertheless, I was determined to give it my best shot and not to be disappointed if I sucked.

I woke today with a sore throat. (That usually means that I am coming down with a cold…no!! No time for this!!)

And it was RAINING!!!

I really felt like staying in bed.

But I didn’t. I planned on a similar outfit to one that I wore at my race the day before but decided to add a long-sleeved shirt and capris (since there would be NO sunshine to warm things up.)

wearing last year’s race shirt (which I love)

The race started at 10:15 and I got there around 9:15 and parked a few blocks away on the street. It was pretty crowded even in this inclement weather (about 400 racers and many walkers.) I stayed in my car until about 9:45. It was drizzling then raining and then drizzling.

Again I bumped in many people that I knew: Jan and her friends and some from “Team BadAss.” I was chilly so decided to wear a windbreaker (in case it started to pour.)

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Unfortunately at this Cherry Blossom race each year, there are never any cherry blossoms. (Maybe next year!) There is also usually a Cherry Blossom Festival, as well. I didn’t even check it out this year.

2015 but similar to this year

I wound up starting with Team BadAss and Benita Zahn (a local TV reporter.). We moved toward the front but not too close since it was chip-timed.

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a dreary wet day

I usually have a pretty fast first 2 miles and then slow down but I was tired even during the first mile. (Yup, those 6.2 miles from the day before were having an effect.)

two members of Team BadAss

It was a pretty interesting course – you just wind your way around the neighborhoods. I tried to run the tangents as much as possible.

I stopped to walk and catch my breath at the water stop (around mile 1.5) even though I wasn’t thirsty and then tried to run non-stop to the finish.

Nope, I had to walk again and again!! The third mile was uphill… Boo!!

Plus, my windbreaker was suffocating me. It was warmer and more humid that I thought. I wanted to take it off but it was too complicated with my watch and my race belt. So I just unzipped it.

Finally I saw the finish line. I should have been looking at my watch. They had been calling out times at each mile but they seemed to be off. So I was surprised that it was already over 28 minutes.

I sprinted and Team BadAss cheered me on (they are all much speedier than me) and I crossed at 28:24. (chip time)

I was slower than my last two times on this course and it was slowest 5k of the year 😦

At least the refreshments were decent – fruit, yogurt, granola, bagels, cupcakes and chocolate milk.

I had 2 milks and 2 cupcakes 🙂

I hung out with Team BadAss to see if we won any awards.

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Nope! No award this year! I came in 5th.

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Tom & Benita

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Sherry came in 2nd in her age group and Pam got a PR!!

As I remarked in my 10K race recap from the previous day, I cannot expect to win an age group award. Especially if I am not prepared to run my best.

I ran the best race I could given the circumstances. For that, I am happy. And I am NOT injured. No aches or pains!!!! End of my whining!!

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:58
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 9:13
.14 – 7:30

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Plus I ran with friends and got chocolate milk!

And no, I didn’t run more miles after the race. (If it were sunny, you know I would have been tempted.)

Instead I drove home to cooking, laundry and cleaning.

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 –

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I signed up for two races again this coming weekend.

This one is on Saturday. I signed up for the 15K even though I know it is very hilly. Last year, I ran the 5k (and fell.)

Mastodon Challenge 5K

I thought of changing to the 5k but after yesterday’s GOTR Practice 5k, I decided to stay with the 15k.

finishing 12 laps around the school

On Tuesday, I ran a practice 5K race with my running buddy. She is so cute and it was so much fun. Of course, she ran the first 4 laps as fast as she could and then, thank God, she ran out of steam. We had to take walk breaks during the remaining 8 laps.

So on Sunday, I will be running a 5K with her.

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Last year, my GOTR girl was a runner and she had run 5ks before so I needed to be on my game. This year, I am sure we will be running just for fun.

post-race 2015

My Birthday –

It’s on Monday, May 9. It always get mixed in with the annual Tulip Fest and Mother’s Day.

I plan to go to the Tulip Fest with Amanda and her kids after my Saturday 15k.

Then on Sunday, we’ll go out to lunch or dinner to celebrate Mother’s Day with my stepsons, MIL and SIL.

I am going out to a movie & dinner tonight with my BFF to celebrate and maybe a celebration at mah jongg??

Usually I go out on my birthday with a former co-worker but she is in France.

So on my birthday, I could go to my running group instead and then next weekend go out for a special dinner with the hubby. We’ll see…

Upcoming Vacation –

12th trip to Naples, Florida + 1 Palm Springs, 5 Las Vegas, 1 Dominican Republic, 1 Delray Beach = 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!!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any races or runs? Any races coming up? What are you thinking about today? Please share.

May 2, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – A cool, cloudy day. I managed to take my Starbucks walk to the park. I hope you are not tired of tulips pics because they are just beginning to bloom (and I will probably post pics everyday.)

I was secretly hoping that it might rain so I didn’t have to go to my group training run. But it didn’t rain until much later. On the schedule was 4-6 800m at 5k pace. I talked to my coach and he said not to do that but to run with the Intermediate group. Phew!!! So I did and the 8:1 intervals were perfect. I spent the first half of the run talking to one of the mentors who is also a Skirt Sports ambassador and the second half to another runner that I met during one of the Troy Turkey Trot training groups. And actually after that recovery run, my legs felt better. I even continued my walk in the mall.

Tuesday – A cold nasty day. It also poured most of the day. I was glad that a rest was on my schedule. And that I play tennis indoors.

Still went for my walk to the park. The tulips were even prettier in the rain.

Wednesday – The day started out poorly. My car battery died. Luckily my hubby could drive me to work and my friend could drive me home. Instead of my walk to the park today, I ran near work.

After work, my tennis friends scheduled a visit to the “Mystery Room” in the mall. We had a blast. Then afterwards, we went out to dinner (what else?)

we even solved the mystery!

Thursday – To celebrate Million Mile Month, my co-workers took a walk to the park at lunch. (Not so exciting for me, since I do it everyday but they enjoyed viewing the tulips.)

I went for a run after work before walking the mall with my BFF.

tired legs but ran into an old tennis friend

Friday – No running today and of course, I walked to the park to gaze at the tulips.

After work, I went to the free pasta dinner given to runners in Saturday’s race. Chatted with some nice people and ate way too much.

Played mah jongg afterwards.

Saturday – Perfect weather for a race. Unfortunately due to stomach issues, a blister and tired legs, I didn’t have my A game. Knowing so many runners at this race made it one of my favorites (despite my 4th place AG finish.)

Afterwards, I took advantage of the weather and went for a long walk.

Then drove to pick up my bib for my 5k the next day, went grocery shopping, did some errands, etc.. After a soak in the hot tub, went out to dinner with the hubby.

Sunday – I woke up to rain and contemplated bailing on the race. But I didn’t and I’m glad I didn’t. My legs were even more tired than yesterday. I gave it my best shot (but only finished 5th in my AG – those darn speedy old people!). Again, seeing familiar faces made the race much more enjoyable.

19 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – Practice GOTR 5K
Wednesday – 3 miles, STEM Run
Thursday – rest, b-day dinner & movie with BFF
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 15K race, Tulip Fest with mentee & sons
Sunday – 5K race (GOTR), dinner out for Mother’s Day

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 1, 2016 by Darlene

April Recap

I can’t believe April is over already… Time is flying by!!

So here’s how things went:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.

Long Runs:

There were a few races with extra miles added on. Then I ran a half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

: 5 mile race + 6 = 11 miles

: 5K + 3 + 6 = 12 miles

: 11 miles

Total Mileage:

100 miles this month!

april16

I was pleased that my mileage is back up because next month, there will be a lot fewer miles run.

Races:

I ran FOUR races this month – a 5 miler, a 5K, a half marathon and a 10K.

: Bacon Hill Bonanza – 27:44 – 1st in my AG

: Lake George Half- 2:16:56 – 2nd in my AG

: Spring Run Off 10K

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for. The 10K was the week after the half.

Cross Training:

I had taken a few weeks off from tennis to heal my sore elbow. I started back playing once a week and now it feels FINE!! Yay!!

happy to back on the court with my friends – played 3 times this month.

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 said that last month and the month before!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.

My Starbucks addiction continues!!

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 4 times with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. We started out the month with snow, then there was rain and we ended with sunshine. I enjoy running with my “advanced” group friends and coach Patrick. He has had us running 400m intervals. These are tough for me because they often come on the day after a long run.

I’ve also started my volunteering with STEM. These year’s group is so enthusiastic. It makes it even more fun. I am paired up with a lady who is very speedy, as well. No goofing off here.

The place where I work participated in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I changed my original goal of completing 100 miles to 300. And I did it!!!!

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I’m reading a new book that I am enjoying.

I finally got together with my mentee and her 2 sons. I hadn’t seen them in months. We went to the Firefigher’s Museum and had a blast.

After missing a monthly gathering with my tennis friends, we did get together this month.

lots of laughs and we did solve the mystery.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am not training for my next half marathon in May. It’s another hilly but scenic course. I am looking forward to spending time with AJH and visiting the Burlington VT area again.

May 29, 2016

I have been busy signing up for spring races. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-03-16 – practice GOTR 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day Against Domestic Violence 5k
5-14-16 – Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay
6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-12-16 – Run for Help 5k (for STEM)
6-26-16 – Adirondack Distance Run 10m

And May is my favorite month!!!

Flowers are in bloom and it’s my birthday and I go on vacation!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!

you’ll see a lot of my runs here

May 9 = annual b-day out with a former co-worker

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a week of tennis in the Fla. sunshine

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did your April turn out? Anything exciting planned for May?

April 15, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite 5Ks

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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 My Five Favorite 5Ks.

Lately, I’ve been thinking speed (even though I am always in the middle of training for a half marathon). So here are the 5Ks that I love and try to run each year. (Believe me, it is tough for me to pick just 5).

1. Bacon Hill Bonanza

Small race in the country to support a local church held in April. Scenic course, great post race refreshments and pies as age group prizes. What more could you ask for?

2. Freihofer Run for Women

A big race held in the city of Albany at the end of May/beginning of June. All women, attracts the elites, the newbies and everyone in between. Course goes through and city and the park. There is a fitness expo held the day. Your race swag includes a box of cookies and a loaf of bread.

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AB-3069-XL

3. Dash to the Finish

An even bigger race held in a bigger city – New York City. It takes place the day before the NYC Marathon and you run from the UN, through Manhattan and end by crossing the marathon finish line. The day before, you get to go to the marathon expo, too.

4. Last Run

This race in held in Albany again like the Freihofer’s but in the middle of December. The race starts off with fireworks and then you run through the lights in the park. And everyone is in such a very festive mood.

Tie: 5. Sean’s Run, Spring Run-Off and Silks and Satins

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Unfortunately, this one often conflicts with another race but I love this community run. There is so much crowd support and great post-race eats.

best cone ever!

This 5k is held along the Hudson River. It’s a place where I run often and there’s a free pasta dinner the night before (yes, food is a recurring theme.)

pasta dinner before the race above

Saratoga is the place to be in the summer – for the horse races! This race starts and finishes near the flat track and you run around the neighborhoods of Saratoga.

I could go on and on about 5ks that I love but I’ll stop here.

Happy Running! Which is your favorite 5k? And why?

April 11, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Snowstorm. Yes, in April.!!! My group run got cancelled. I actually went for a short walk to the park and back but it was freezing so then I used the exercise bike. Not happy with Spring 2016.

snow as almost as high as my Grande cup

Tuesday – Even though it was windy and cold, I did go for a walk to the park (& Starbucks). I skipped tennis in favor of my re-scheduled Freihofer Training Challenge group run. (My tennis elbow is still on the mend anyway.) It was freezing but I survived some 1 minute sprints with the speedsters.

Then I went to the mall to get more steps and do more bargain shopping.

Wednesday – I continued my walk a day at work. After work was my first run with the STEM Couch to 5k group. I got there early and ran a sluggish 3 mile loop.

This STEM group was so enthusiastic. I can’t wait to run with them again.

Thursday – I got to work and found 9 dozen of the best doughnuts in our area. And this is “our be healthy month!” WTH?

Of course I had to have one…or 2.

the Cappuccino one was the best!

I tried to squeeze in a run before the rain but was not successful. But I did use the treadmill before I left work to go to my hair appt.

Anyone watch Call the Midwife?

Friday – Other than one walk, it was a real rest day followed by an evening of mah jongg (and to bed too late!)

there was beachball volleyball during lunch but my tennis elbow prevented me from playing

still waiting for tulips in the park – this was the only flower I saw during my walk

Saturday – Ran a chilly 5k race. I switched from the 10k to the 5k because I didn’t want to run the hills.

not a PR but 1st in my AG and an apple pie

While I was waiting for the results, I ran another 3 miles.

Then I drove to the Zim Smith Trail to run more miles with Judy and her friend Denise. I celebrated my 12 mile run day with delicious bread pudding.

Later I went out to dinner with the hubby.

Sunday – I knew we had to pay so I left this to the last minute…TAXES!!! And laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning…not my favorite activities. But it was still sunny when I was done so I went for a walk.

23.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis?
Wednesday – 3 mile run, STEM Couch to 5k run
Thursday – rest, mall walk with BFF ?
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, day with mentee & sons
Sunday – 10 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?

April 10, 2016 by Darlene

2016 Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K Race Recap

April 9, 2016 – Start: 10 am

I signed up for 10K instead of the 5k. They were both the same price and I needed to run 12 miles before my half marathon in 2 weeks.

10 K

Then I remembered the hills of the second half of the 10K and that the 5k was an out and back and would be mostly flat.

5k – not as flat as it looks

So I changed my mind and switched to the 5k and then planned to run 9 miles after.

I ran this race for the past two years and loved it. They had great food – the usual food but also chili and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

And there was chocolate milk, fresh from the dairy.

Plus, I won a homemade apple pie as first in my age group for the past two years. (28:01, 28:56…not sure I would run this fast this year?)

The race started at 10 am which was good since it would be an hour minute drive from my house.

Again the weather was tricky. What to wear? I was brave the last 2 years and wore a skirt, a baseball cap and no gloves.

This year I wimped out. … It was cold in the morning. Winter has returned to our region. So I opted for a long sleeve shirt, jacket, skirt attached to capris, compression socks, gloves & a winter hat. I am so tired of winter running clothes but it is still cold out…

I got to the race early and found a parking spot in a field next to the church. The race started at the church in the town of Bacon Hill, a small farming town with awesome scenery. (It reminded me of Vermont.)

these pics are from last year & the year before …everything still looked the same)

It was chillier than I thought. It was in the 30s and 20s with the windchill. Brrrr!! At least, it was sunny!

nice shirt with NO advertising and a pasta scoop?

I didn’t think that I would know anyone at this run since two years ago, I hung out with Holly who was in the Turkey Trot training group and now the FRW training group but she had to work this year and couldn’t race.

But I did bump into someone who recognized me from another race. We chatted about racing, of course.

At the last minute, I decided to shred my jacket. I didn’t bring a windbreaker and it seemed too heavy.

Soon it was time for the race to start. The pastor read a prayer, the church bells rang and we were off.

The 5k was an out and back. The 10k veered to the right and supposed had hills and breath taking views.

I decided to go out fast. I always have positive splits so why try not to. It isn’t as flat as the map shows. The hills are rolling throughout but not that bad. Even I could run up them.

I loved all the signs along the route.

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This one as my favorite: 14002247934_c17e330207_z

The wind was a killer. I was freezing. There were volunteers on the course calling out times. I occasionally glanced down at my Garmin to make sure I was running in the low 9’s. Eventually we turned around and headed back… The wind had calmed down and I was actually very comfortable.

I stopped for water and walked for a little bit. Not because I was thirsty but because I was was out of breath. I never seemed to get into my groove. I guess I need to do some speed drills.

I thought I had gotten a second wind but then again, I was winded.

I knew at this point, there would be no PR. That was fine because I wasn’t expecting one.

As I approached the finish line, I realized that I could still finish under 28 minutes, Unfortunately I had no gas left and I barely made it. My Gamin said: 27:54!! And I was pleased.

I immediately made a bee line for the chocolate milk. Boy, was it good. I had at least 2 cups.

They had the same great food (chili, muffins, cookies, fruit) as last year plus a vegetarian dish and pizza.. I sampled it all! YUM!

While everyone was waiting for the results and all the 10k runners to be done, I went out to run another 3 miles.

I ran a mile and then saw that they posted the results…Mine was listed as 27:56 and I was first my age group.

Since it was so cold, they said that they wouldn’t be handing out awards and to just pick yours up.

And I won a pie again!!!

I checked out the 10k results, as well. I would have won there too.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:44
mile 2 – 9:22
mile 3 – 9:04
.1 – 7:44
_________________

27:54

All in all, I loved this race. I will definitely do it again…maybe even the 10K someday. I was happy with my time. I didn’t go all out but I did beat my time for this course from both the last two years.

I put the pie in my car and headed out to run more miles. I ran one more.

Then I returned to hear the results of the raffle. I didn’t win so I left to run one more mile.

6 mile down and it was finally time to leave to to meet Judy and her friend, Denise at the Zim Smith Trail to run another 6 miles.

It was a half hour away but I still got there early and had to wait until they had finished their 4 miles. Then we all headed out together. We ran in a different direction from my last time there. I thought it was a lot more scenic – a bridge, a few waterfalls, etc.

I was very happy to have the company. We ran together for most of the miles until I got impatient and ran ahead at the end.

After we were done with our run, we all had some dessert at the bakery where we parked our cars.

delicious bread pudding

After a long soak in the hot tub, I was revived enough to go out to dinner with my hubby.

So I completed my longest training run – 12 miles! It was actually – 3.1 + 1+ 1+1 +6. Still counts, right?

Happy Running! Are you running or racing this weekend?

March 31, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT & My March Recap

I can’t believe March is over already…

So here’s how things went:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.

Long Runs:

There was a half marathon. Then I immediately started preparing for my next half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

a week before the half

5 mile race + 4 = 9 miles (a week after the half)

5k race + 7.4 = 10.5 miles

Total Mileage:

86 miles this month!

mar16

Less than last month but about average for me.

Races:

I ran THREE races this month – a 5k, a 5 miler and a half marathon.

2:22:40- very hilly race

46:28 (3rd in my AG)

27:55 – 1st in my AG

I was happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week until my tennis elbow flared up.

may have to take a break for awhile

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 said that last month!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.

My Starbucks addiction continues!!

I went to the gym once. It was not so bad but now my elbow is my excuse.

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I met my GOTR running buddy. Her name is Jayme and she is in 5th grade. We will be corresponding through notes and then I run both the practice 5k and the real 5k with her. She is very cute and it should be fun.

I ran twice with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. My “advanced” group friends signed up again. There are also some new runners. I have enjoyed it so far.

I am still working on that scarf. It is very long. Someday I may finish it and start something new.

I’ve gotten back into reading. Finished this book:

enjoyed it …it’s about a grandmother telling her life story to her granddaughter.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

The place where I work is participating in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I plan to walk/run 100 miles.

MMM_VertLogo_2016_forweb_copy

I am training for another half marathon in April. It’s another hilly but scenic one. I am looking forward to the lake views not necessarily the hills.

April 24

I have been busy signing up for spring races. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 5k
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day Against domestic violence 5k ??
5-14-16 – Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay

I signed up to be a STEM volunteer. I will be running with the group on Wednesdays after work.

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

Happy Running! How did your March turn out? Anything exciting planned for April? What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

March 27, 2016 by Darlene

Ice Breaker 5K Challenge Recap

The Ice Breaker Challenge is a one of a kind Capital District running/walking road race challenging runners and walkers against rowers from the Albany Rowing Center. Runners/walkers will travel along the Corning Preserve Bicycle Path while rowers from the Albany Rowing Center will race along side in shells on the Hudson River.

This was my second time running this race. I ran it in 2013 and I do my long runs here often so I am very familiar with the course.

There were many races to choose from this weekend, but I choose this one based on its location (close to home) and I could easily add more miles on after the race.

In some ways a 5K is harder than a half marathon. It’s only 3.1 miles and you have no reason not to run fast. That’s pressure. But I tried not to succumb it. Besides, I planned to run another 7 miles afterward to complete my 10 mile long run.

I was dragging my feet (a late night playing mah jongg with a lot of junk food consumed) but perked up when I arrived at the race. I tried not to overdress (but it is hard when you are cold at the start & afterwards). I wore capris attached to a skirt, a long sleeved tech shirt, and a baseball cap.

That’s because the weathermen had predicted a nice day – 50’s and sunny. So I thought. I should have checked before I left the house. Because it was overcast, very windy and in the 30’s (20’s with the windchill.)

So I was frozen. I found a windbreaker in my car and light gloves. Thank God. But my ears and legs were very cold.

from 3 years ago – it was too cold to take pictures

I grabbed my bib and sat in my car with the heat until it was time to line up.

rowers getting ready to race (again from 3 years ago when it wass unny)

I went back out about 15 minutes before the start & bumped into Ingrid, from my running group. We chatted and then the race started. She took off and left me in the dust. (She is super fast.)

I tried to focus on the scenery…the river…the rowers and not worry about my pace. I hardly glanced at my Garmin (just a few times & was pleasantly surprised.)

The first half of the race was running into the wind. At least today, my hat stayed on but it was tough going.

There was a water stop at the turn around. I wasn’t really thirsty but was tired so I stopped and walked.

don’t get fooled by the sunshine. I took this on my way back from my post race run.

At least on the way back, the wind wasn’t a problem. Although, it din’t appear to be at our back either.

Shockingly I crossed the finish line at 27:55.

No chips. You tore off the bottom of your bib. There were two lines, who knows how they kept things straight.

(I got a text with 27:55 and it was posted with that time. However, now it is listed as 28:03. My Garmin has the faster time so I’m sticking with that.)

Splits:

mile 1: 8:59
mile 2: 9:31
mile 3: 8:58
.14: 7:20

I had some food – There were cookies, bagels, fruit, etc.

two of my former students – so cool to see them here

Then I walked back to my car to put away my race belt, etc. They also gave away boxes of Freihofer cookies

I was hoping to have company for the rest of my miles. I got used to having a buddy along on my long runs. Both Judy and Barbara were unavailable. Thanks to FB, someone responded to my plea and agreed to run with me. All I knew about her was her name, Alyssa. We agreed to meet at 10:00 am.

Then I checked my phone and it turns out that her son was sick and she had cancelled.

I was disappointed but it gave me time to hang around and see if I won an age group award.

And I did!! First in the 60-99 category. Gee, that made me feel old. And they only gave out first place (no 2nd & 3rd – so lucky me!)

another pretty picture from 3 years ago

I didn’t feel like it but I had to continue running. I was freezing so I added another skirt under my jacket and off I went. I ran 1.5 miles toward downtown Albany and back.

Suddenly, the sun came out and I wasn’t so cold. I stopped back at my car and grabbed some Gu chomps and shed my jacket.

Then I ran 2 miles in the other direction and back. My legs were dragging. I tried to get distracted by my surroundings.

Yes, NOW it is sunny!

Brrrr! Fishing!?

this annoying goose actually chased me

a hawk in the tree

I misjudged my turn around so I wound up with 7.4 miles instead of 7.

I’m not sure how long I sat on this bench…it was a while LOL

10.5 miles done for the day and tomorrow I can enjoy a relaxing Easter. My mother-in-law is cooking!!

My daffodils have bloomed too. Spring is here???

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend? What did you on Easter Sunday?

March 21, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Rainy miserable day but at least it cleared up so I could take a short recovery run after work.

only thing bright about the day was my shoes

Followed my run with a soak in the hot tub. Aaahhh!

Tuesday – DOMS arrived to my quads today. Otherwise, just a work day with 2 walks followed by tennis in the evening (and despite my sore quads, I played better than ever.) Instead of dinner out, we had wine and popcorn at the club.

Wednesday – Another normal work day with an afternoon walk to the park. Quads felt better so I went for a run after work. It was quite warm so I didn’t mind when I got caught in the rain twice.

After my run, I stopped at the gym to use the machines. Yes, first time since August!!!!

Thursday – A busy work day but got in a walk in the afternoon for my 50 cent cone at Stewarts.

Mint Marcy – yum

Since this was my rest day, in the evening, I just went for a walk with a friend in the mall instead of a run.

Friday – Spring has temporarily left us. I didn’t feel well when I woke up so took a needed day off from work. By the afternoon, I was feeling better but it was insanely windy. Not being at work, I had no option of a treadmill so out I went and battled the wind for a few miles. Then played mah jongg all evening.

actually wine and mah jongg

Saturday – My rest day!! I proctored the MPREs at work in the morning and then the afternoon, there was the usual catch up stuff – errands, housework, cooking… and it was cold!!! In the evening, I talked my hubby into getting a sub for tennis so we could go out to dinner. Then I remembered that I was supposed to go out to dinner and a movie with 3 friends …Ooops! Senior brain!! Anyway, I ate eggplant parm, pasta & a cannoli to carb load for my race the next day.

Sunday – Ran the Shamrock Shuffle 5 Mile Race for the 2nd time. I was pleased with my time considering it was a week after my hilly half and my legs were still in recovery mode.

Afterwards, I ran on a new trail with Judy for 4 more miles. The trail was conveniently located next to a bakery…

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #19)