July 25, 2015 by Darlene

Silks & Satins 5K Race Recap

This was once one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running and I was skinnier

But I haven’t run it since 2010.

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

I met Mary at many races back then including this one in 2010.

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 14 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34 so things haven’t changed that much.

According to the web site, the course had changed for 2015.

Here is the new course:

I hoped that it was still flat.

They also give out cool medals now as AG awards:

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Yup. I wanted one!

The race started at 8 am (an hour earlier than my last one). That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (That is earlier than when I work. The things we runners do!)

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not there was already traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot.

I saw a lot of familiar faces. There was over 1000 runners at this race. The weather was nice…in the 60s at the start but pretty humid.

pre-race pose with my new skirt

Judith, a blogger and fellow SkirtSports ambassador recognized me by my skirt. We hung out and started the race together.

She reminded me that this new course would have 15 turns and not to expect a PR. And she was right. Plus, it was not chip timed from the start.

photo by Stan Hudy

This cost me some time since it was very congested from the start with lots of kids in front of me. All of a sudden, Holly, from my Turkey Trot & Freihofer group caught up to me. We talked for a few seconds and then she sped ahead.

I tried to keep up with her but I just don’t have her speed and she kept getting farther and farther ahead.

So I just did my thing. I felt fine…no aches or pains…just not able to push myself to run fast.

I only walked at the the water stop which was around the halfway point…not because I had to but because I was very thirsty.

I continued to trudge along…until I saw the finish line. I sped up because I was determined not to finish over 29 minutes.

According to my Garmin, I crossed at 28:33 but 28:41 gun time. I was happy with that.

Done!

Besides all the turns, it was a pretty flat course. I would do this race again.

photo by Stan Hudy

I immediately found Holly after I finished. We chatted until the results went up. She finished 6 out 24 and I finished 7th. There was some pretty speedy ladies in our age group.

No AG award this time (even if I PRed)

Splits:

mile 1- 8:59
mile 2 – 9:26
mile 3 – 9:25
.1 – 7:37

Since I wasn’t getting an award, I had a bagel and some chocolate milk and left. I got to my car just as they were towing others in the same lot. Oops, I guess I didn’t park in the right lot. And If I had gotten an award, my car would have been towed. (I guess things happen for a reason.)

since I was in Saratoga, I should post a picture of some horses

I was not going up to the lake because we had to go to a graduation party later. So I took advantage of this opportunity to get some more miles in. I drove to Saratoga Spa Park for a change of scenery. I’ll post pics tomorrow.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I’m also linking this one up with Jessica at The Silvah Lining–she hosts a Race Recap linkup every Tuesday. Please head over and linkup a race recap you’ve written, new or old. And check out some of the other posts!

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

July 23, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Racing and Training

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

I’ve been thinking about racing and training.

How do you do both? Should you?

It’s no secret that I love to race! I have a hard time not signing up for a race every weekend.

There are a few problems with this besides that it’s expensive.

It’s hard to train for a long race such as a half marathon.

There would be no problem if I just ran shorter races but I like to run half marathons too.

What I have done in the past is add more miles after my races.

I guess it works. But I am not sure if it is the best way to train.

It’s like running a speed workout and taking a break, eating and then running some slow miles. Not quite the same as you would do when you run a actual half marathon.

So I am going to run lots of races before my next half (on Oct 10): 7-25, 8-1, 8-7, 8-17, 9-5, 9-12, 9-19, 9-26, 10-03 because I like to race.

This decision means that I have to be satisfied with a good or mediocre half marathon performance but maybe not a great one. I think if I want to run my best half, I will have to cut back on racing. Right now, I don’t want to do that.

I’m also thinking about my next race.

It’s summer. Summer is a time to kick back and relax. Enjoy the sunshine and time with family and friends.

So I have been doing that…a lot!

That means that I have had to skip weekday runs or shorten weekend distances.

My next race is Saturday – another 5k.

I was hoping to get back some speed. My last 5k was under 29 minutes. I’d love to do that again. I’d love to win a age group award too. We’ll see.

I’m debating about the race after that – either a difficult hilly longer but fun one or another 5k in a scenic area?

The train leaves at 8 am. It takes you to the start and you run back on the wooded hilly trail to the station. Sounds like fun but it is a longer distance than I have been running.

Not as interesting but certainly easier. There will be lots of pretty views.

Happy Running! Do you run many races while you are training for a long race? Do vacations and the heat tempt you to skip runs?

July 20, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- rest, ~~walk at work,~~ gym

my usual 15 min max

Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, tennis after work (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)

1.5 hours of doubles

Wednesday – rest, ~~walk at work~~, dinner out, movie

a fun film for women

Thursday – 4 mile run ~~after work~~ before work, 3 mile run after work, errands

Friday – 3 mile run before work rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest, boating

Sunday – 5 mile run, boating

This Week: (Week #1 of HM training)

Monday- OFF FROM WORK, trip to NYC (lots of walking)
Tuesday – 3 mile run after work, ~~tennis~~ (work webinar)
Wednesday – 5 mile run after work
Thursday – rest, walk at work, dinner out
Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + miles, graduation party
Sunday – rest, boating

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

July 13, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- 3 mile run

Tuesday – walk at work, ~~tennis~~ (rain), nails, gym

my usual 15 minute workout

Wednesday – 3 3.5 mile run

Thursday – 3 mile run with Judy after work

Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race, boating, dinner out

Sunday – 5 mile run, breakfast out, boating

deck overlooking the lake

This Week:

Monday- rest, walk at work, gym
Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, tennis (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)
Wednesday – rest, walk at work, dinner out, movie
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – 3 mile run after work, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday – 6 mile run, boating

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

July 12, 2015 by Darlene

TEAM Sarcoma 5K Race and Weekend Recap

I wasn’t planning on racing this weekend.

But my runs have been so sluggish lately that I thought I needed a pick me up and I signed up on a whim.

The weather was predicted to be good (but maybe a little too warm). I had never run this race but have done several in this park. And more importantly, it took place in Saratoga which is halfway to the marina.

I almost signed up for one on Sunday but it was at the same time as a half marathon (so would be more crowded).

It was really tough to set any goals. I had not run a 5K in about 6 weeks but if I wanted to push myself, this would be this:

Finish under 29 minutes.
Run all splits under 10 minutes.

But with the heat and my unpredictable feet, it was this:

Finish under 30 minutes.
Total pace under 10 minutes.

I got up and had my usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea and headed north for my 45 minute ride. The start was at the Warming Hut in Saratoga State Park. It is a big park and always confusing on where to enter.

There was a sign luckily and I found a parking spot in a lot not far from the start. I got there about 8:15 and the race was to start at 9 am. Just the right amount of time to get my race packet, hit the restrooms and look for familiar or unfamiliar faces to chat with.

waiting…

I immediately bumped into Jackie who I knew from the Troy Turkey Trot and Freihofers training groups. We hung out and lined up together.

the start area

It was a small race – about 400 runners, many of which were walking for the cause.

I’ve run over a 100 races and I still get nervous before each one. Will I suck? Will I get injured? Once the race starts, I relax and enjoy it.

The start line was confusing. It was just a mass of runners on the grass. So the race started and we were running on the grass. The grass was very wet so it was slow going. I tried to keep up with Jackie but she is faster. So I just tried to keep her in my sight up ahead.

Next we were running through a gravel trail. You know how clumsy I am especially with wet feet so I was very careful here.

Finally we were on concrete and the crowd finally thinned out.

I haven’t run fast in quite a while and my legs felt like lead. But I just trudged along and decided that I wouldn’t stop until the first water stop.

I made it. It was a little past the 1 mile point. It was quite warm and in the 70s already. So I drank the water and walked and then tried to make up time.

I still was dragging but willed myself not to walk until mile 2. Luckily, running through the park was mostly shady and I was enjoying the course.

The last mile went on forever and I really wanted to walk again but I didn’t and managed to sprint across the finish line. I was happy to finish under 29 minutes.

In fact, it was 28:38 (and really a little less since it wasn’t chip timed.)

The race was exactly what I needed.

I never pushed myself and I know I could have run faster.

It was very warm and humid and my time was not a PR but it was still faster than my last few 5ks! Happy. Happy.

Jackie and I hung around for awhile. We were hoping that they would give out awards. But they did not…only for the top teams who raised money.

Yup. I would have won my AG

Oh well. We don’t race for bling, do we?

My Positive Splits:

mile 1 – 9:06
mile 2 – 9:23
mile 3 – 9:34
.14 – 8:03

So my next 5k is in two weeks – it will be hillier and there will be more runners. Hopefully, I will be more confident.

After the race, I headed up to the marina and spent the rest of the day on our boat tied up to our friends’ boats.

We spent the whole day relaxing in the sun and then went out to dinner.

The next morning, I got up early and went for a hilly 5 mile run. It was perfect. I felt great.

Then I returned to the marina, everyone wanted to take our boats out fro breakfast. I had already eaten but a 5 mile run deserves a 2nd breakfast, right?

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Then we spent the rest of the day on an island where we hung out in the shad and grilled an early dinner.

After we left the island, we rode around the lake for a while and then headed back to put our boat away until next weekend. I ended my weekend with a homemade soft ice cream sandwich (I ate it too fast for a photo.)

I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I am also linking up with Jessica from The Silvah Lining for the Race Recap Link Up.

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

July 9, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: That Elusive Speed

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

I have been thinking about running goals and speed.

I was getting faster for awhile..

and then things slowed down for whatever reason.

Of course as we age, we slow down.

But what if we started running when we were old. Do we still slow down?

So it seems that if we don’t slow down then it’s a Win-Win.

After a few months of running, my 5k finish times went down to a consistent 29-30 minutes.

Then all of a sudden, I was able to run 27-28 minute 5ks.

Now, I am back to finishing at 29-30 minutes.

Did I slow down or is that where I should be for my age??

Am I going to get even slower? If so, I need to adjust my goals!!

The same thing happened with Half Marathons.

I finished my first one in around 2:26.

Of course, eventually I got faster and finished one in 2:09

Now, I am back to finishing close to 2:26.

So will I continue to run at this speed? Or can I get faster? Or as I age will I get even slower?

Just food for thought.

On another related topic….

I decided to run some 5ks this summer.

TEAM Sarcoma 5k on July 11 (this Saturday)
Silks & Satins 5k on July 24 (in 2 weeks)

Both take place in Saratoga – the first one in the park and the second in town starting at the race track.

How fast will I be? Who knows?

Happy Running! Do you struggle with race goals related to speed?

July 6, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- 3 4 mile run before work, dinner out for friend’s bday

Tuesday – ~~walk at work~~ (rain), dentist after, gym

15 mins – better than nothing

Wednesday – 3 mile run before work (rain), 2 mile run at work, hair appt, mall walk with BFF

got rained on or may have gotten another mile in

Thursday – 4 3 mile run after work

with Judy, new Hokas and ice cream afterwards = good run

Friday – off from work, 4 3.5 mile run, ~~nails~~, gardening, errands, mah jongg

Saturday – boating

it wasn’t sunny but it was so much fun

Sunday – 3 5 mile run, boating

slow, hilly but scenic ❤

warm, sunny day in the bay

This Week:

Monday- 3 mile run
Tuesday – walk at work, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, rest
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday & Sunday – 5k race, boating

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

July 1, 2015 by Darlene

June Update & Wednesday Word

June Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES! except for taper & recovery week

even ran before work twice

Get some strength training or yoga done. NO!!! Not yet…
Go for a walk several times a week at work. YES!

Run a 5K. YES!

not fast but won 3rd in my AG

Complete Half Marathon #14. YES!

again very slow but won 3rd in my AG

Complete a 10 mile race. No! My flight got cancelled.
Lose at least 5 lbs. Doubt it!
Run at least 80 miles. No, not even close.

took a week off after my half marathon

What else?

I went to NYC with friends

to the Neue Galerie

and the Metropolitan Museum of Art &

I went to Denver for a work conference and took a City Running Tour

I went boating several times

I read some good books and saw some movies

and Mary Coin, the Ape House and others that I can’t remember

and Spy

July Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Get some strength training or yoga done.
Go for a walk several times a week at work.
Run a 5K race or two.
Improve my speed.
Keep my weight in check.
Run at least 70 miles.

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is INDEPENDENT

Here’s what “Independent” means:

not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct,etc.; thinking or acting for oneself:

not subject to another’s authority or jurisdiction; autonomous; free:

not influenced by the thought or action of others:

not dependent; not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc.

not relying on another or others for aid or support.

rejecting others’ aid or support; refusing to be under obligation to others.

Hmmm…am I independent?

Yes and no. But more Yes than No.

at a Jimmy Buffet concert

I am married so of course, I can rely on my hubby for support. He will tell that I am stubborn and don’t listen to his advice. Although we enjoy boating and tennis, we have many different interests. This results in spending a lot of time doing things separately. (Some people might think this odd because many married couples do most things together.) For example, I don’t expect him to accompany me on vacation and to races.

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solo at a tennis tournament in CA

I do have a lot of friends. I love being with them.

But if I can’t find someone to do something, I will do it alone. I will go to the movies alone. I will go on a trip alone. (I have flown to Europe several times alone.)

in Fla solo running a half marathon where I knew no one

So how does “Independent” relate to running?

not influenced by the thought or action of others – I don’t care when people say “Isn’t that bad for you knees?” “Should you be doing that with your ankle?” (Runners don’t care what others think.) We also can run at whatever pace we are capable of.
not relying on another or others for aid or support – I drive to my races by myself and run by myself most of the time (Running is a great sport because you don’t need others to do it.)
not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc – All you need are running shoes (and some cute outfits LOL) and you can run.

Happy Running! How did you do in June? What’s planned for July? Are you independent?

June 30, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: 2015 Goals Update

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: 2015 Goals Update

6 months down. 6 months to go. So how am I doing on my 15 goals for this year??

GOALS
FOR

1. Do not get injured.

No major injuries just some nagging foot issues.

ouchy!

2. Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.

Yes, for the most part.

2x before work

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.

Tennis, yes. Yoga, no!

4. Do some upper body exercises.

Just a few times. Nothing to write home about.

5. Finish all of my races under 10 minutes per mile (except half marathons)

Yes. Except 15ks and 10 milers.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 8:59
Bacon Hill 5K – 9:00
Delmar Dash 5m – 9:09
Shamrock Shuffle 5m – 9:17
Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 9:21
Spring Run Off 10k – 9:22
Polar Cap 4m – 9:24
Albany Law Day 5k – 9:25
Mastodon Challenge 5k – 9:25
Freihofer Run for Women 5k – 9:28
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
Mother’s Day 5K – 9:45
HMRRC Winter Series #3 10K – 9:48

6. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.

Yes. 20 so far…

January – 4

February – 2
March – 3
April – 3
May – 6

June – 2

: 2015

7. Run a race in another state.

Yes. Florida, (almost California), New Jersey and Vermont

West Palm Beach Half in FL

Asbury Park Half in NJ

VCM Relay in VT

8. Run in NYC.
No. Not yet.

9. Get several Age Group awards.

Yes. 9.

: West Palm – Jan 2015

: 2015

: 3rd

: 1st

: 2015 – 27:56

: 1st

: 3rd

: 3rd

10. PR in a half marathon.

Yes.

West Palm Beach Half – 2:09:40

11. PR at another distance.

Yes. 4 mile and 5 mile.

Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 37:27

Delmar Dash 5m – 45:26

12. Join a running group or two.

Yes. Freihofer Training Challenge.

13. Volunteer.

Yes. At the HMRRC Winter Series Marathon and I was a GOTR running buddy.

14. Run over 900 miles.

Not if I don’t get moving. 5 Half marathons and only 404 miles so far. (Last year I ran 911 miles.)

15. Continue to blog almost everyday.

Yes.

So what do I focus from now until the end of the year?

Keep up the weekly runs
Continue signing up for races
Drag myself to the gym now and then
Take a yoga class or two
Focus on speed for the shorter races.
Prepare for my half marathon in October.
Find a solution for my annoying achy feet (besides surgery)
Lose those extra pounds.

That should keep me busy!!!

Happy Running. Did you set goals for this year? If so, how are you doing?

June 10, 2015 by Darlene

Betar Byway 5K and Moreau Mile Race Report

I ran this race last year and remembered it being fun (even though there were hills) so I signed up again.

The 5K is a out and back and has one hill just before the 1 mile mark, with the rest being flat and the down hill at about 2.25 and a slight increase at the finish. Course is both paved (along Hudson River) and packed dirt path in wooded area, for approx 1.25 mile.

bb elevation

It is about an hour north of my house (and on the way to my boat.)

And most importantly, I love scenic. Here are some views of the course:

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finish line view

The weather was cool and cloudy. It was about 50 degrees when I left the house. It was predicted to warm up to the 70’s later. Actually perfect running weather for a change.

I left early and arrived in plenty of time. I parked nearby and got my race packet.

ready to race in purple

Then I used the restroom – yes, there were real ones.

Believe it or not, I didn’t know anyone at this race.

So I just patiently waited until it was time for everyone to walk down to the water for the start.

Of course, while waiting for the gun to go off, I wound up talking to some older runners… about future races and running shoes.

I planned to start near the front since there were no timing chips or start line but I was chatting and forgot.

I must say that this was one of the prettiest course I have ever run. It was along the water most of the time or on a paved trail through a park.

I tried to focus on the scenery since I knew that this one would be tough due to hilly course.

The first mile had a small hill which I ran up and then came the monster hill. I walked up the whole thing and had trouble doing that it was so steep. I think I did the right thing since it was early in the race.

It wasn’t warm but I walked through the first water stop anyway but very quickly.

Lately I am having trouble running fast. I am trying but my breathing is labored and my legs just won’t go. ( guess that’s why runners do speed drills!)

Eventually the course looped around and you headed back to the start. I passed through the second water stop and then finally came the big hill. This time you were running down. These hills always scare me so I hold back especially with my falling history.

Then I think I walked once more before the final hill which led to the finish line.

can I catch her?

nope. she’s too fast

I tried unsuccessfully to pass a 10 year old.

but I will beat 30 minutes!

yes, I will!

But at least I finished under 30 minutes! 29:25

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:38
mile 2 – 9:44
mile 3 – 9:06
.14 – 8:43

At least, I was 24 seconds faster than last year but slower than last week’s 5k.

After the 5K, there was a one mile race. Not for kids but for everyone. It looked like fun last year so I signed up for this one too (I am crazy like that.)

Of course after the hilly 3.1 miles, my legs were too tired to run even ONE mile but I wanted to give it my best shot.

However, I never ran it before and I didn’t know where they would start the race. I was chatting with an older runner about injuries (what else?) and I noticed that they were not starting the second race and it was almost time.

So I asked and they said, the it started a mile into the course and finished in the same spot as the 5k. Well, that made sense.

Would I have enough time to get to the start? Probably not but I started running.

I ran and ran but unfortunately I wasn’t there yet when I heard the gun go off to start the race. So I moved over and let the runners go by and then continued to the start and started running.

I was last, of course, and tired since I just race a 5k plus an additional mile getting to the start.

But I did pass a few people.

relaxed…

now serious!

Garmin time was 9:46.

Then they gave out the awards and I won third place in my age group in both races.

betar byway 5k

moreau mile

Even a faster time wouldn’t have gotten me ahead the speedier ladies.

I will definitely do this race again. I loved the course and the scenery. Next time, maybe I’ll try to run up that hill and now I know where the Moreau Mile race starts.