November 29, 2014 by Darlene

Run Off That Turkey 5K race report

I wasn’t planning on running a race today.

Yesterday was a beautiful day…cold but beautiful. So on my rest day, I couldn’t keep myself indoors. The problem was where to run.

The streets and sidewalks were slippery and snow-covered.

So I drove to a bike path hoping it would be clear.

It wasn’t. Just part of it was so I couldn’t run very far and had to head out onto the streets. But it was so nice out…

I came home wondering about whether or not I should go to my last Turkey Trot Group run this morning. It is at the RPI campus and it is very hilly. Would it be safe to run there?

So I did what any race-addicted runner would do, I signed up for a 5K. I assumed that for a race, the course would be clear and I could get in a good run. (The group run started at 8:30 am and the race at 10 am…. it would be warmer, as well.)

I ran this race back in 2011 and finished at 28:11.

After running 9 miles in 2 days, I just wanted to get a good run in. I had no idea what my legs would be able to do.

And it was FREEZING!!! In the single digits when I got up and it warmed up to the teens when I left but the sun went in.

The race started at 10 am and I knew where it was so I left around 9:00 am. (I was glad that I decided not to run at 8:30 and got to sleep in and wait for it to “warm” up.)

I dressed similar to what I wore for the Turkey Trot except that I wore tights instead of capris & compression socks and a warmer hat plus a fleece vest as an extra layer.

Once I arrived, I realized that it started at the elementary school not at the church as it did last time. I was hoping that the course was the same.

I remember that it was an out & back course on village and country roads and that it ended running uphill.

I hung out with some familiar faces….the 2 older women that run every weekend. We chatted since I hadn’t seen them in a while.

we got gloves instead of a shirt

I also met a 40ish women who was running her second race. She ran her first 5k with no training and finished in 27 minutes. She was wondering about the course and how she could run fast. I had a hard time relating to someone who thought 27 minutes was slow but I humored her.

Eventually we headed to the start. There were close 200 runners. And we were all freezing while waiting to start. I moved close to the front since there were no chips.

The course was pretty with the snow on the trees and the mountains (Helderbergs) in the distance. It was cold!!! I had a hard time breathing or maybe it was the weariness in my legs but I didn’t feel like I could run fast. My new “young” friend sprinted ahead but I could see her the whole time.

The course seem flatter than last time. (Maybe I am in better shape from all those hills in Troy.) The problem was that you had to keep an eye out for icy spots and you couldn’t run the tangents since the turns were covered with ice.

I couldn’t wait to finish since my face was frozen & I couldn’t feel my fingers. I ran the whole thing. I was too cold to stop for water. (There weren’t any volunteers. You had to pour your own.)

And as I suspected, this was one of my slower races of recent. I crossed at 28:16. Not too shabby. Things considered.

I went inside to warm up…there was only cookies, bananas & water. The problem with non-chipped races is that it takes forever to figure out the awards.

In the meantime, they had raffles prizes. (I was one of the few who didn’t win.)

rott

But I did win 1st in my age group! Yay!

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:54
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 9:19
.14 – 8:33

Being that I didn’t register until yesterday, I didn’t have any goals other than run a good race and have fun.

Despite the cold, I enjoyed the race and I am glad that I “ran off that turkey.”

I made these when I got home

Happy Running! Did you run off that turkey?

November 20, 2014 by Darlene

Holiday Traditions

It’s that time of year!! I personally love the holidays. And there are things that I do EVERY year…

On the running front:

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot – when I am healthy I like to run a 5K. This year, I am running a 10K for the first time.

MaryPat & I usually run it together

me & MaryPat at the Delmar Turkey Trot

Running through the lights in the park. The lights go on at 5 pm from Nov 20-Jan 1. Cars don’t enter until 6 pm. Perfect place to run for one hour in the evening.

The Last Run in Albany – a crowded 5k that starts with fireworks and weaves around the park above.

waiting inside before the race

Running anywhere & anytime during my TWO weeks off from work!!

Non-running activities:

Thanksgiving – my hubby & I usually go out to a restaurant and then stop by his mother’s after to visit with her & his sons.

outside our favorite restaurant in Lake George

a trip to NYC – to see the decorations, etc. with friends

fun in the city

Decorating – since the kids are grown & we don’t entertain much, I have scaled it down – just a small tree and lots of snowmen (love them!)

December Birthdays – my mentee Amanda’s is Dec 9 and her son is December 14. I have friends with birthdays Dec 10, Dec 12 & Dec 17. There will be a lot of dinners out to celebrate.

Lights in the park for Richard’s

Amanda, me & Hannah enjoying our chocolate fondue desset

dinner & a movie for Amanda’s

many birthday desserts

Cookie Swap at work – it’s the only time during the year that I bake cookies.

I try not to eat all of them & give some to my hubby

annual work party – we used to have a big fancy one with spouses. Now we have a luncheon at work.

holidayparty2013 003

annual dinner with my tennis friends – Chinese auction and sing a-long

tennis party

Christmas Day – first with my mentee & her sons and then to my hubby’s mother to see her & my stepsons.

a trip to the NYC Boat Show – my hubby loves to look at boats & I love the city.

New Year’s – we usually do something with our Lake George friends.

Happy Running! What are some of your holiday traditions?

November 13, 2014 by Darlene

A Defining Moment

As I train for my TENTH half marathon, I started to think about how my running has changed and when?

For several years, I ran 1-1 1/2 miles several times a week and then ran a 5K on the weekend. I didn’t own a Garmin but instead used a chip attached to my shoe that tracked my mileage to a Nike+ app on my iPod. It wasn’t accurate but I didn’t know it at the time and it didn’t matter. My goal in running was to break 30 minutes in a 5K and I was happy when I did. Being in my late 50s, I was faster than most in my age group so I was content. I didn’t like the cold weather so I didn’t run during the winter months and started back up in the spring each year. I wore shorts, cotton tops and never heard of compression socks.

100_0235

jailhouserock5k

Then came my Defining Moment on October 24, 2010. I was scheduled to run my FIRST 10K. I was nervous and almost changed my mind to run the 5K.

But I got a migraine and couldn’t run it. In fact, I wound up in the ER with blood pressure of 197/109. They & I feared that it would lead to a stroke. They did all kinds of tests and all were negative but it was very scary. At the time, I still played tennis a lot but as I lay in the hospital, I worried that I would be an invalid and that I could no longer run.

The next day, I signed up for my FIRST HALF MARATHON! I decided to stop being a wimp and go for it. Life is short and no one knows what the future will bring. So I decided to go from running 3.1 miles to 13.1 miles. Just like that.

I didn’t tell anyone. My friends would have thought I was nuts and I also thought that I may not be successful.

So I bought compression socks, a running skirt and a Garmin watch. And I did long runs on the weekends to train.

my first Half in Naples, Florida (1/16/11 – my wedding anniversary)

My First Half Marathon was great — the best day ever. And I haven’t looked back since.

10k

15K

10 miles

I have run 4 milers, 5 milers, 10 milers, 10Ks, 15Ks and 8 more half marathons.

I’m not sure if October 24, 2010 didn’t happen, I would have signed up for that first Half marathon????

I continue to run 5Ks and I love them but because of adding longer runs, I think my 5K times are faster. (I recently had a PR.)

Happy Running! Has your running changed? Have you had a “defining moment”?

November 1, 2014 by Darlene

October Recap

october-month-halloween

October Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

after work in the park

after work on the rail trail

Walk once a day while at work. Yes, most days.

in the morning around work

afternoon in the park

Participate in Turkey Trot Training Group Runs at least once a week. YES!

Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace. YES! Both!

Apple Run 5K – 27:47

Falling Leaves 5K – 27:46

Complete a 10K race. YES! and a PR!

Great Pumpkin Challenge – 58:28

Complete a 10 mile race. YES! and a PR!

1:38:45

Do long runs on the weekend. Yes, post races.

post race run on the towpath byway

post race

Run at least 75 miles. YES! 92.5! (The highest monthly miles since March!)

October 2014

Go to the gym twice a week. At least once a week.

Finish knitting hat #2. YES!

IMG_4256-0

Spend time with my mentee & her sons. YES!

What else?

I went to NYC with my tennis friends.

ate out and saw a show – Kinky Boots

I started volunteering with the STEM running group (Couch to 5K program for women who are victims of domestic violence)

I went to NYC for a Nice College Reunion.

I visited Grounds for Sculpture in NJ

I went bowling & out for pizza with my tennis friends.

november

Run 3-4 times each week.
Walk once a day while at work.
Participate in Turkey Trot Training Group Runs at least once a week.
Volunteer in the STEM training runs once a week.
Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace (if I run any.)
Complete a 10K race.
Complete a 15K race.
Do long runs on the weekend in preparation for half marathon #10
Run at least 80 miles
Go to the gym at least once a week.
Start knitting hat #3

Happy Running! How was your October? Anything special planned for November?

October 13, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – walk at work, 3 4 mile group run, mall walk with BFF

getting a little chilly, at least the sun was out

fun running with a group!

Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis

AM walk

Wednesday – walk at work, 3 5 mile run, ~~yoga~~

AM walk

after work around and through the park

Thursday – walk at work, 4 mile run

AM walk

after work on the rail trail

Friday- 2 walks at work, rest, gym, mah jongg

AM walk

PM walk in the park

Saturday – 5k race + 6 7 more miles

lst in my AG

Sunday – ~~gym,~~ rest, last day of boating for the season :(, 4 mile hike

no willpower

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, 4 mile group run
Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – walk at work, 3 mile run, yoga
Thursday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Friday- walk at work, rest, gym, mah jongg
Saturday – 10k race + 3 more miles
Sunday – rest, duathlon spectating, farm with mentee & kids

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

October 11, 2014 by Darlene

Falling Leaves 5K race recap

Believe it or not, this is NOT a NEW race. I have run it before.

I registered for this race on a whim. (No surprise there.)

photo from 2009 -the water was so much higher

It sounded scenic and it was north of my house so I could continue up to the marina if the weather cooperated.

Then I read my recap of the race from 2009:

The race started up a STEEP hill and then went down it. I thought I was done but it continued to go up and down hills throughout the course. I walked twice and said to myself: NEVER AGAIN!! Too tough a course for me…

Great, a hilly course! Maybe in 5 years, I am better with hills. (Probably not).

Oh well, I have never regretted running a race.

I did win my age group but that was 5 years ago. Now I am in the 60+ age group. (Hate that!)

Again, rain was predicted. I got lucky last weekend. And I got lucky again…just cloudy and cool.

It’s this type of weather that you don’t know what to wear. I hate to overdress. I will resist wearing tights, capris or long sleeve shirts, half zips, etc. as long as I can.

I have been running lately with a skirt, knee socks and a short sleeve shirt .(Sadly have passed on wearing tanks lately.) I have been cold at first but warm up nicely.

However, today the temps were in the 40s…brrr! So I gave in and wore a long sleeve shirt but brought a short sleeve shirt for later.

The race started at 10am so I planned to get there around 9:30am so I left my house at 8:45am.

I got there in plenty of time (got the last parking spot in the lot) and it was very chilly waiting for the race to begin. I saw my Turkey Trot Training group coach who was doing the race timing. We chatted for a bit. I told him that I was going to win my age group 🙂

Finally it was time to take off my jacket and start the race. There were about 150 runners..a nice size for a local race on this busy weekend.

Like I remembered, the race started with running up a steep hill.

Maybe it was the cold but my legs were very stiff and I had a hard time moving for the first mile. I glanced down at my Garmin and I couldn’t believe how slow I was running.

photo from 2012 race

After the downhill from the first hill, the second mile was a long long incline. I got into a groove finally and believe it or not, I never walked during the race.

Eventually we turned around but it still didn’t ever feel like we were running downhill until the end.

I finally picked up steam during mile 3 and finished with a decent time.

27:46!

That was a second faster than last week on a flat course.

My race goals were almost the same as all my other 5Ks:

run each mile under 10 min. YES! even mile 3 under 9 min!!!!
run the whole thing. Yes! Finally.
win a AG award. YES! 1st.
have fun & stay healthy. YES!

Splits:
mile 1 – 9:08
mile 2 – 9:18
mile 3 – 8:46
.1 – 7:01

done and happy!

I actually didn’t know anyone at this race. But the food kept me occupied.

lots of homemade pumpkin treats – yum!

And I won first in my age group (60+). I am not proud to say that I was the ONLY one in my age group.

fl5k

At the conclusion of the awards, they had raffle prizes (gift certificates to local restaurants). I have never seen so many at a race. They called bib numbers for over a 1/2 hour. I think I was the only one there not to win anything. I did eat my weight in pumpkin cookies, bread and cupcakes 🙂

After the race, like last time, with only 2 weeks until the Perfect 10 miler race, I wanted to continue running. I wanted some place not too far but scenic enough so I wouldn’t mind running extra miles. Last week’s location was perfect but I wanted something different so I chose the Colonie Town Park.

This is the starting point for the Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon tomorrow (which I ran last year.) I kinda wish I was since so many local runners are running it but I have decided to not repeat half marathons.

last year in the park

I have run on the bike path before but never through the park so I started that way.

There were a lot of trails but they were too rocky & leaf-covered to run on.

So I ran on the road.

Eventually I came to the Mohawk River.

I was right across from where I ran last weekend.

I ran back to the bike path and continued my run. But first, I stopped at my car. The sun had come out and I changed to a short sleeve shirt.

The path was pretty and not crowded but there was a fair amount of walkers, runners and bikers.

I had planned to do an out and back so that my total would be 6.9 miles.

I didn’t get to the end but took a detour to catch a view of the city of Cohoes.

Then I turned around to drag myself back to my car.

It was only in the 50s but felt warmer with the sun.

I must note that I’ve never had so many people comment to me while I was running:

One guy on a bike said: “Run Forrest, Run!”
Another old guy on foot, said: “Take it easy, young lady.”
A guy running said: “Keep your arms looser!”

Usually people just smile and wave.

This run was a lot harder than last week’s run of the same distance and it was FLATTER! Either the 5K tired me out more or it was the shoes…or who knows. But it was tough!!

I got 10 miles done for the day which made me content.

I ran a race which is always fun!

On the way home, I stopped at Target.

but I didn’t buy the pumkin Oreos or the pumpkin chips or any candy!!!

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?

October 6, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – ~~walk at work~~, 3 mile group run

sort of did intervals … it was humid & hilly…met some more nice people to run & chat with 🙂

Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis

PM walk

Wednesday – 3 mile run, walk at work, 4 6 mile run

Thursday – ~~3 mile run~~, ~~walk at work~~, gym ~~orientation,~~ 2 mile run

Friday- walk at work, rest, gym, mah jongg

AM walk

Saturday – 5k race + 6 7 more miles

Sunday – NYC for lunch & to see Kinky Boots with the tennis ladies

I won a blog giveaway!

winner

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, 3 mile group run, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – walk at work, 3 mile run, yoga
Thursday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Friday- walk at work, rest, gym, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + 6 more miles
Sunday – gym, rest, last day of boating for the season 😦

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

October 5, 2014 by Darlene

Apple Run 5K race report

apple run

I continue on my streak of running new races. This was another. It was recommended to me by the ladies that I met at the Spring Run Off 5k/10k race.

Ilsa & Sue at the Spring Run Off pre-race dinner

All I knew from the website was that it was a looped, flat certified course.

apple run course

I have been very lucky with weather. All of my races have had nice weather (except for the Love Run monsoon). It was bound to happen. Rain was predicted for the morning of this race.

Sue won our age group last year (with 28:02) so she is my competition. On a good day, I may beat her but who knows. Not every race can be as good as my last one (27:11).

here is Sue at last year’s Apple Run

I was still on a high from the PR in my last race so I didn’t care if I got another….yet.

I just wanted to have a fun race.

I worked all day yesterday and didn’t have time to eat much, then I did some machines at the gym, rushed home and went to play mah jongg. I went to bed much too late and woke up hungry and TIRED!! Oh well, not every race can be a fast one…

It rained all night and was pouring when I got up. I really didn’t want to run in the rain but I knew I would at least go to the race.

It took about 45 minutes to get there and it was raining the whole way. I contemplated just getting my shirt, waiting inside and then going out with an umbrella to cheer on the die hard runners.

But as soon as I arrived, IT STOPPED RAINING!

I hoped that this dry spell would last until the race ended…

10357185_10153193931984428_7343606824457466028_n

I went inside the school to get my race packet… quite a nice bit of swag for a local race.

glasses are so practical…there was a bunch of other stuff too.

I immediately bumped into Sue and Ilsa…the nicest ladies. We chatted for awhile. Isla invited me to do a race with her in Fairfiled, CT some time (You know I may do it!!)

I also saw Alice & Nancy, the runners in my AG that I meet at many of the races I run. Again, it was nice to run a race that has real bathrooms!

Soon, it was time to line up outside with the 300 or so other runners to start the race. And it was still dry!! I had worn a jacket because it was chilly when I arrived but decided to leave it behind. (Good move!)

I started with Sue & Ilsa but didn’t stay with them very long. Sue yelled to me: “Go ahead!” so I did.

The course was pretty flat. I don’t remember much about it so I guess it wasn’t scenic or very memorable.

I wasn’t feeling very fast and my plan was to run slower than last week and try to run the whole thing without stopping.

I managed to pass the first water stop and then tried not to walk until mile 2 but when I got there, I was still running. The weather was the perfect temperature but still very HUMID!

I felt myself slowing down and probably should have walked since it worked for me last week. Eventually I did walk…close to the mile 3 sign. I thought it would give me a boost to finish strong.

happy to be done!

I crossed at 27:47. Not a PR but a decent time. I definitely didn’t feel as sick as last week… I was even hungry.

Sue cheering on the runners

Sue finished about a minute later and we waited for Ilsa to finish.

she’s 70 and beating a guy half her age…go Ilsa!

Then we went inside to get something to eat…there was fruit, bagels and even pizza.

We waited for the results. I won first, Sue second and Isla first, as well. We were Happy Ladies 🙂

my first plaque

We said out good-byes and hoped to run again together.

I am happy that I ran this race…very happy that it didn’t rain. I think this race has been added to my favorite races list.

My race goals were almost the same as all my other 5Ks:

run each mile under 10 min. YES! even mile 1 under 9 min!!!!
run the whole thing. NO. I walked once.
win a AG award. YES! 1st.
have fun & stay healthy. YES!

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:49
mile 2 – 9:02
mile 3 – 9:07 (walked)
.14 – 7:34

After the race, since it still wasn’t raining, I decided to run some more miles. I drove to the closer place that I do my long runs – Mohawk Towpath Byway.

IMG_3907-0

It was very cloudy and seemed like it could rain at any moment. I kept my fingers crossed that I could at least run 5 more miles.

IMG_3903-0

It was still pretty despite the clouds. In a few more weeks, the foliage will be peak. I ran in the short direction and turned around.

Then I ran on the road, taking my detours…through a park and then around the grounds what used to be a restaurant (Krause’s) that catered large events.

It is now boarded up and closed. Last year, a duathlon took place here.

I ran as far as the marina taking my time since if it started to rain, I would have to run without stopping.

I was at 4.25 miles before I turned around and it still wasn’t raining.

I continued back without the detours and completed 6.9 miles. That made 10 miles for the day! This was one contented runner.

Finally it was starting to rain. I had a coupon for a free cider donut and a free apple at Fo-Castle Farms so I headed back there now that I was finished running. I used to go here all to time to pick apples but haven’t been in years.

As they expected. I also bought a bag of apples, some fresh cider and …

I love pumpkin everything, Downton Abbey & tea…perfect!

At this point, it was raining hard so I headed home.

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

October 2, 2014 by Darlene

September recap

September Goals:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week. YES!

after work

before work

on the weekend

Do planks. NOPE!
Walk at least once a day at work. YES for the most part!

AM walk

PM walk

Use those 5 lb weights on my desk. NOPE!
Lose those extra lbs. YES, NO, YES, NO, YES! (the yoyo lbs)
Run 5k races under 10 minutes per mile! YES! All 3 of them.

Malta 5k – 28:47

Run for the Roc 5K – 27:11 – PR!!!

Teal Ribbon 5k – 28:16

Start training for October 10 mile race. YES and NO! 2 long runs not 4

Pick a destination Winter or Spring race. YES! Winter.

January 17, 2015

Run at least 70 miles this month. YES! 74.

September 2014

Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy. YES!

What else?

I finished knitting a kid’s hat.

this photo does not have the pompom

I spent another weekend on the Schroon River.

and more time on Lake George.

at the beginning of the month

I started playing tennis indoors – once a week.

I RAN IN NYC!!

I have access to exercise equipment.

october-month-halloween

October Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Walk once a day while at work.
Participate in Turkey Trot Training Group Runs at least once a week.
Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace.
Complete a 10K race
Complete a 10 mile race.
Do long runs on the weekend.
Run at least 75 miles
Go to the gym twice a week.
Finish knitting hat #2
Spend time with my mentee & her sons.

Happy Running! How was your September? Anything special planned for October?

October 1, 2014 by Darlene

Run for the Roc 5k race recap

I’ve never run this race before. I signed up because it was a new race for me and it was on Sunday (I had to work & had a party on Saturday). It also took place in Saratoga where I wanted to run in the park there afterward. And I love the race track.

this past August

When I was a teacher and off for the summer, I used to go to the races often. Now I just go once for breakfast.

roc5k

As you can see from the map above, the race is run around the race track. It should be pretty flat.

Unfortunately, it was very warm especially for this time of year and the race started at 11 am.

It was sunny and in the 70s. Very warm for this time of year!!

I knew that this would be a crowded race and the kids race and team photo ops would be first so I planned to arrive early. I got there about an hour early, found parking in a big lot and picked up my race packet.

I had forgotten that you could personalize your bib. JA is my running buddy. You also got a long sleeve lime green tech shirt. It was nice that they had (many) real bathrooms, massages and a bag check. So I checked my shirt, walked around and watched the kids race.

finish line for the kids race

It was getting warmer so I tried to drink more water and stay in the shade.

(While I was waiting, my hubby called saying he and my friends were waiting for me on an island in Lake George. I guess he forgot that the race started so late and of course said “Can’t you just skip it?” You know what my response was and he agreed to come get me at the marina in a few hours.)

pre-race photo

Then we had to line up. There were signs for paces and I stood with the 8-9 min milers. I think there were about 800 runners.

you can see me on the right

The course was very winding. So I tried to run the tangents but if you did, you were in the sun.

As usual, I went out fast. It was warm and I found it hard to breathe but I willed myself to not stop until at least the halfway point. I even skipped the water.

Eventually, I did stop and walk for a while. I hated to do it but when I do, I get a second wind.

I tried not to look at my Garmin but when I did glance at it around mile 2, I got PR thoughts in my brain.

But again during the last mile, I felt the need to walk AGAIN! I knew I couldn’t finish strong unless I did.

I figured my PR hopes were over and tried to just finish without puking.

As I approached the finish line, I saw 26:XX. I was shocked but couldn’t muster up enough energy to break 27 minutes.

I am coming …

a little closer

Needless to say, I was happy.

I wasn’t very hungry unfortunately because the post-race refreshments were great – the usual bars, yogurt, bananas, apples but also CHOCOLATE MILK, string cheese, homemade PUMPKIN muffins and hot dogs, etc.

I had 2 chocolate milks and took a muffin to go.

I checked the results and saw that I won 2nd in my age group…engraved rocks (run for ROC, get it?)