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)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles), STEM Orientation
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday –4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 5k race + 7 miles
Sunday – rest, Easter dinner

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?

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Spring Race Plans

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

tulip12d

This week’s topic is Spring Racing Plans

I’ll try to keep this short since I run A LOT of races. Here are the ones that I’m thinking about running:

Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13

It’s a hilly one but I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time. I plan to run 13.1 miles for her.

There will be signs posted in memory of those who have had cancer.

Shamrock Shuffle 5m

ss5m16

I ran it last year for the first time and it was a nice flat local race. So it’s on my race schedule again.

Ice Breaker 5k Challenge

March 26

I ran this race 3 years ago and its course is one of my favorite places to run. You also race against the rowers on the river which is cool.

post injury 5k PR

Delmar Dash 5m

dd16

This race is flat and it is held near where I live so it’s on my list every year.

Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10K

April 9

This is one of my favorites. The course is out in the country and I’ve won a pie both years I’ve run it. Let’s see if I can repeat.

Spring Run Off 5k or 10K

sro16

This race is held at the same location as the Ice Breaker. They have a great free pasta dinner the night before. I usually run the 10K. But since it’s the day before the Cherry Blossom, I may just run the 5K.

Cherry Blossom 5k

May 1

I love this race too. I am hoping for a year where the cherry blossoms are actually in bloom. This may be the year since it is 2 weeks later than last year.

2nd

Mastodon Challenge 5k or 15k

May 7

I ran the 5k last year on my birthday and fell. I want a redo or maybe I’ll challenge myself and run the hilly 15K.

race location is near the Cohoes Falls

Mother’s Day 5K

May 8 this year

I usually run a race on Mother’s Day so this is a possibility especially if it is the GOTR race. It is held at Central Park in Schenectady which is a great place to run. But there are several Mother’s Day races so I may just choose another one.

pre-race last year

Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run

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 mentors from the program. I am honored to support this cause and to have known and run with Summer.

Vermont City Marathon Relay

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.)

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 4

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

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

I also signed up for the Training Challenge for the 2nd time.

10422515_10152728634751618_2533787278118590781_n

I’m there somewhere?

Betar Byway 5K & Moreau Mile

bbw5k

This race has such a beautiful course. Last year, I ran both the 5k and the mile. It was a lot of fun. Once boating season starts, I try to run races that are held on my race up north.

And yes, there will probably be more added. Maybe even a half marathon in Aptil. Who knows?

Happy Running! What spring race(s) are you planning to run in 2016?

January 2, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap & Ultimate Coffee Date December

Since today is the first Saturday in January, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that December just flew by. It seems like I was just writing my goals and now it’s January.

Over coffee…

As I have done every month, I would tell you how I did on my December Goals.

December Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.) YES!

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

near work

Walk while at work especially on rest days. NOT REALLY.

I got lazy! And we had a warm December too.

Continue long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon #17 on February 7. YES!

12-13

12-20

12-26

Complete a 5k race under 29 minutes. One YES and one NO.

28:16

29:54 😦

Complete a half marathon under 2:20. NOPE!

2:29:14 (heat, wind & humidity – UGH!)

Run at least 85 miles. YES!

dec15

Continue going to yoga. YES!

I went to Heartspace twice.

Avoid gaining weight (while attending holiday parties) ??? Doubtful.
Spend time with my mentee. YES!

I saw her & the kids on Christmas Day and we also went to Canvas, Corks & Forks to celebrate her birthday.

Start knitting again. YES!

I started knitting a lace infinity scarf.

Over coffee…

I would update you on all the other things that I have done this past month (that don’t relate to running.)

I had a great time in Florida visiting my friends as part of my race-cation. I spend time in both Delray Beach and Jupiter seeing the sites (despite the awful weather.)

I went to NYC with my friends We saw all the store windows decorated for the holidays and did walking tour of the best food in Greenwich Village.

Over coffee…

I normally would now outline my January goals.

~~January Goals:~~

None.

I’ll write about my NO GOALS 2016 in a later post.

Happy Running! How was your December? Anything exciting planned for January? What would you share with me over coffee?

December 21, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Ran 3 miles after work and went out to dinner with a co-worker. (We have been planning this for ages.)

just 3 miles this time

Tuesday – Played 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – A quick run followed by a yoga class which I thoroughly enjoyed and must do it more often.

Thursday – It was raining so I had to resort the dreaded treadmill and then I drove to pick up my race packet.

4 torturous miles. Thank God for a new episode of Nashville

Friday – Just a work day and then mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Spend Saturday at home for the first time in weeks. Ran a fun but COLD 5k in the evening. (Recap here) Went out to dinner after the race with friends.

not a fast one but a fun one

Sunday – Cooked (yes, me!), did errands and ran 7 miles on the rail trail (because I didn’t get my long run in yesterday.) Then went to dinner and a movie to celebrate my BFF’s birthday.

great film

20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 3 miles, shopping
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before or during work, hair appt after
Thursday – OFF, 4 miles
Friday – OFF, holiday dinner, movie
Saturday – 8 miles, celebrate my mentee’s b-day
Sunday – tennis holiday party

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

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

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

December 20, 2015 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5K Race Report

This is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1700). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill.

Here are some pics from a previous year:

Last year, I ran this race in the rain. The year before in a blizzard. I was hoping for better weather this year.

I picked up my bib & shirt on Thursday to save time.

Then I pondered what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. The coldest it’s been in a while and very windy – 30’s but 20s with the wind chill.

I decided to park at work and walk the mile or so to the race. I wore an extra coat (that would ditch before the race) and I was still cold.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends.

MP, her SIL, Judy & me (the crazy lady who dresses up for these races)

We chatted until it was time to head out.

It was so windy and cold that MP & I hung out with our backs against a wall to block the wind.

I even bumped into a former student of mine

Then all of a sudden the firework began. We were accidentally very close. And they were great!! To Star Wars music, no less.

We even got our photo taken by the newspaper photographer.

courtesy of the TU

Soon it was time to head to the start. I lost MP but found my (super fast) turkey trot group friends. I would have preferred to be closer to the start but hung out with them instead.

Unfortunately I made 2 wardrobe fails for this race. I chose to wear old shoes (because they were green, why else?) and they had my orthotics in them. I stopped wearing those orthotics after I broke my ankle because they were now SO uncomfortable. Yes, they killed the arch of my foot (the whole race).

Second, it was windy and cold but the wind died down and I was soooo HOT. I had a half zip, a shirt (cotton – my bad) and a vest – too many layers and my half zip felt so tight!! Yes, I was uncomfortable…

Back to the course:

courtesy of the Times Unon

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first especially since I didn’t start right in front.

My legs felt really sluggish. I think it was all that standing around and starting at 5 pm (I have much more energy to run in the morning.)

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

I felt better once we entered the park and it was fun looking at all the lights. There were at least two hills that I remember in the park and I was proud of myself for not walking at all. I ran up them..slow but at least I ran.

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes (I did fall during this race several years ago.)

Finally we left the park and ran downhill to the finish. I wanted to finish fast but was still hesitant to run at top speed …in the dark. I heard a friend yell: “Darlene, finish strong!!” That made me pick up the pace.

It was dark so I couldn’t see my Garmin but I knew by the timing clocks that this wouldn’t be a PR nor would it be as fast as last year.

I barely finished under 30 minutes. According to my Garmin, it was 29:46 but officially I finished at 29:54.

I went inside to check the results and wait for MP and her SIL, Shannon.

Shannon is so fast & finished 22:xx and MP is a social runner – she took videos while she ran and even got a picture with Santa.

Last year, I was 3rd in my AG. This year, 6th. (Even I had a great race, I wouldn’t have placed. Darn those fast old women!)

lastrun5k15

Splits:

mile 1- 9:51
mile 2 – 9:50
mile 3 – 9:17
.15 – 7:42

Very usual for me to have negative splits.

So not an amazing finish time but such a fun race. Sometimes, you just have to “finish fun” if you can’t “finish fast.”

After the race, we continued our fun by going out for a bite to eat and for some drinks.

So my year of racing has come to an end. 38 races!!

Looking forward to 2016.

__________________

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

Happy Running? How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race?

December 19, 2015 by Darlene

My Year in Racing: 2015

I’m linking up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races I ran this year. Since I ran 38 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved the views of the Hudson River while running across the bridge during the Walkway Half Marathon.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

It was also awesome to run with views of the ocean during the beginning and end of the West Palm Half Marathon.

Most Challenging Course –

I didn’t run any super hard races but I guess since it had hills, I’d say the most challenging was Vermont City Marathon Relay.

– from Burlington Free Press

There were quite a few hills in the Stockade-athon 15K too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.

Another popular local race is the Freihofer’s Run for Women. Lots of support here too.

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon hands down had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

it was so cool to meet Deena Kastor.

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

I bought this awesome sweatshirt on sale

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a zippered tote bag, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

Most Unique Medal/Award –

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved the bridge award from the Walkway Half Marathon.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this hat at the Polar Cap Race was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

The Asbury Park Half Marathon also had amazing food.

potato, macaroni & pasta salads and more…

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the one from the Bacon Hill Bonanza. It doesn’t have sponsors on the back and it is very light and comfy. I have even worn it several times even to play tennis.

I also like the long sleeve tech shirt from the Great Pumpkin Challenge – love its bright yellow color.

And the shirt from the Walkway Half Marathon is also very light and comfy plus it is made from all natural materials.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year. I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

So I would have to say the Asbury Park Half Marathon because of how painful my feet were the whole race

and the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon due to the heat and humidity that I was not acclimated to.

(Maybe I should wear different colors LOL)

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DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2015?

December 17, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: NYC, Last Race for 2015

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

You must think I go to NYC all the time. But for some reason, I have gone there 7 times this year.

Of course, each time is different. Twice I even went to run.

June – 2 museums

boat ride & highline

Oct – high line & Broadway show

Oct – Brooklyn & half marathon

Oct – 5k & Central park run

Nov – high line & Broadway

So on Sunday, I went to the Big Apple for the last time this year – to experience the holidays there – no better place, in my mind.

For my friends (& hubby), I get to be the tour planner, which means I pick whatever I want to do. (Perfect, right?)

We took the Megabus from Albany to NYC and then walked umpteen blocks to have brunch (stopping on the way to view the holiday windows.)

Macy’s windows – Snoopy theme

We ate at KTCHN and it was very good.

on 42nd & 11th

shrimp omelet

After brunch, we continued walking around the city.

Lord & Taylor

Bergdolf Goodman

real ice at Barney’s

being photobombed at Bloomies

We viewed the windows at Lord & Taylor, Saks, Barneys, Bergdolf Goodman, Bloomies and more. This is the map we followed (Thanks Shawna!)

You’ll notice that the coats came off quickly. It was 65 degrees!!! On Dec 13 – incredible. It certainly didn’t feel like Christmas.

So we stopped on the way so I could have an ice cream cone to celebrate the summer-like weather.

candy cane ice cream – yum!

This was tempting but …

Our next stop was Greenwich Village for the 2 hour Great Food Tour of NY.

Here’s the itinerary:

Pizza Authentic Tuscan style thin-crust pizza from Bleecker St Pizza,’The best pizza in NYC!’
Deli Faicco’s is, for many New Yorkers, synonymous with sausage. You’ll taste why.

Macaron Bisous, Ciao, a minimalist bakery specializing in colorful French-style macarons in traditional & seasonal flavors.
Coffee Porto Rico Importing Co. has been serving the finest coffees in the world since 1907
Bagel Bagel’s on the Square, a long time favorite bagel place for New Yorkers in the know
Cupcake At Molly’s Cupcakes you can create your very own cupcake. Pick a cake flavor, choose a frosting and then dress it up with tasty toppings. Made right in front of you. Yummy!
Falafel Mamoun’s Falafel, an NYC institution since 1971. Try their hot sauce if you dare, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

We took the subway which got us to the start of the tour in no time. There were too many people signed up so they hired another guide and split the group in half. Our guide was Walter, the one I had for my Little Italy Food Tour in October and I was thrilled.

who would have thought it would be warm enough to eat outdoors in December??

He was great. We learned a lot about the history of Greenwich Village and sampled lots of good food.

yea, the best pizza ever!!!

NYC bagel!!!

delicious macarons

I don’t have more pics because we devoured the food too quickly.

It was 5 pm when the tour was over so we hopped a subway and headed uptown to continue our holiday in NYC experience – We had to see the tree at Rockefeller Plaza.

We got off at Times Square and walked…I have never seen the city so crowded. Sunday night? Not during school vacation. What gives?

Anyway, we struggled through the crowds to catch a glimpse. And yes, it was worth it.

As we were leaving, we ran into even more crowds on Fifth Ave. There was a sound and light show going on at Saks. What a wonderful surprise!!

We watched it and then continued walking toward Penn Station to catch our train home. What an long, tiring but fun day!!!

What does this have to do with running?

24,000 steps and 10 miles of walking!! That’s what!

Now I have ONE more race for 2015.

#38. That’s what happens when I am not injured. It would have been 40 but I missed 2 races due to flight cancellations.

Dec 19 – 5 pm

This a fun one. It sold out with 1700 runners. The race starts with fireworks and most runners are dressed in festive attire as you run through the lights in the park.