January 25, 2011 by Darlene

Tentative Winter-Spring Racing Schedule

It’s not written in stone but I need a plan OR I won’t get out of bed to run:

Jan 16 – Naples Half Marathon – Naples, Fla.

Feb 5 – Polar Cap 4 mi Run – Lake George, NY

Mar 12 – Runnin of the Green 4 mi Run – Green Island, NY
Mar 26 – Firefighters Run 4 Life 5K – Schenectady, NY

Apr 10 – Delmar Dash 5 mi – Delmar, NY
Apr 23 – Lake George Half Marathon

May 1 – Literacy 5k – Troy, NY
May 8 – Mother’s Day 3.5 mi Race – Delmar, NY
May 22 – SPAC 5k Rock & Run – Saratoga, NY

Jun 4 – Freihofer’s Run for Women (5K) – Albany, NY
Jun 11 – OK 5K – Kinderhook, NY
Jun 25 – Valley Cats Home Run 5K – Troy, NY

You can see I’ve added some new races.

Once it gets warm and the days get longer…I think it will be warm by July, I may change my long runs to during the week. That way, if I want to do another Half Marathon, it’s won’t interfere with 5k Sat races or weekend boating plans.

There are 3 HM possibilities:

Aug 6 – Camp Chingachgook Challenge Half – Lake George, NY
Sept 18 – Melanie Palio Half – Saratoga, NY
Oct 9 – Marine Corps Half – Colonie, NY

Happy Running!

January 5, 2011 by Darlene

McMillan..McSchmillan

Someone mentioned that the McMillan Calculator can help you figure out what your finish time & pace would be at different races. So I tried it.

It says to put in your best time at a distance you run (which is 5k for me). Here’s the results:

No way I will finish 13.1 miles in 2:07:07!!!

So I put in my average time over the course of my 5ks. Here’s the results:

2:18:40? I don’t think so but it would be nice.

Then I put in the pace I think I will run a 5k at this distance. Here’s the results:

2:37:10. Now that’s more like it!!

Of course, I didn’t need the McMillan Calculator to predict that!

Happy Running!

January 1, 2011 by Darlene

Welcome 2011!

First, let’s look at my 2010 Running Goals:

lower my 5K PR———YES! from 29:30 to 28:42 to 27:12
run a 5k under 29 minutes——-YES! 4 times
win my age group at least once——YES! on 11/11/10
run new races——-YES! 11 out of 21 were new races
run on the treadmill all winter (3x week)——YES! (unless I could run outside)
run a longer distance on the treadmill (more than 2.75 mi)——– YES! up to 6 mi.
motivate some of my friends to run————YES! 2 that started with me, stopped & are now running again
increase the distance of my training runs (more than 3mi) at least once a week————– YES! 6-12 mi
run at least 15 races———–YES! I ran 21 races
run a 5k in another state (preferably Fla next fall)————–NO!!! but I signed up for a half in Florida in 2 weeks
take more running pics—————— YES! I took a photo at almost every race.
keep track of how many miles I run this year————-YES! I counted every run on this blog, dailymile.com & tickerfactory meter

SO 11 out of 12 ain’t bad!!!

And now my 2011 Running Goals:

lower my 5K PR
run 5ks under 28 minutes
win my age group
run new races
run at least one race each month
run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR (use the treadmill when it is too cold or slippery or raining outside)
run a longer race than 5k (4 mi, 5 mi or 10K)
run a half marathon race
run at least 15 races
run a race in another state
volunteer at a race
take running pics & post on FB & this blog
keep track of how many miles I run this year

I don’t think they are too ambitious… many are similar to last year’s…some are brand new.

Happy Running! Good Luck setting your goals!

December 31, 2010 by Darlene

2010 Running in Review

2009——-2010

Jan – 0 mi——38 mi

Feb – 0 mi——44 mi

Mar – 0 mi——53 mi

Apr – 12 mi—–47 mi

May – 19 mi—-53 mi

Jun – 12 mi—–55 mi

July – 23 mi—-54 mi

Aug – 33 mi—-45.5 mi

Sept – 33 mi—-59.5 mi

Oct – 31 mi—–68.5 mi

Nov – 17 mi—-66 mi

Dec – 29 mi—–95 mi
209 mi —– 678.5 mi

RACES

2008—–2009—–2010

Jan – 0——0——-0

Feb – 0——0—— 0

Mar – 0 ——0——1

Apr – 1——-0—- —1

May – 2——4——4

Jun – 1——–1——-3

July – 2——-0—–1

Aug – 1——–3——2

Sept – 3——-3——3

Oct – 3——–4——2

Nov – 0——-1——2

Dec – 0——-1——-2

13——-17——21

Yup, I’m running more!!!!! and I love it!

lst in AG

Happy Running! Happy New Year!

December 20, 2010 by Darlene

Brain Exchange #23 & Monday Goals

This week’s question: Write a poem (any kind works) that sums up your 2010 year of racing.

Answer:

There once was a runner named Darlene
     Who at every 5k race could be seen.
            Then she started to wonder
     If at longer runs she would blunder.
            So she signed up for a 10k
     But that day she did not feel ok.
Give up, she did not
And PRed at a Turkey Trot.
Now her goal for 2011:
Run a Half at age 57!!

Recap of last week:
My weekly goal was 22 miles. I did 22 miles! Yay!
I ran a 5K. (under 30 minutes!)

This week’s schedule:
Mon – tennis
Tues – tennis
Thurs – off from work
Fri – off from work, tennis, mah jongg
Sat – Xmas in LG

This week’s running:
Wed – 4 miles after work
Thurs – 4 miles
Fri – 4 miles
Sun – 11 miles

Weekly Running Goal = 23 miles
December Monthly Running Goal = 70 miles, a 5k race, half marathon training schedule

Yearly Running Goal = 300 miles ( I passed it, New Goal is 600 and I passed it too!!!!)

Happy Running!

December 18, 2010 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5K Race Report

Another new race for me. My first night race also. The route features a beautiful course through Capital Holiday Lights in Washington Park and a spectacular fireworks show so I thought it was be fun. Even though today was my long run day, I wanted to be fresh for the race so I’ll do it tomorrow.

My blogger friend Amanda had signed up as well as my friend Mary. The race sold out at 1200 several weeks ago and I was glad I signed up early.

My hubby came and we got there early so waited inside where it was warm.

Before the race

Yes, I look like a giant pumpkin. This was a Holiday race, why did they choose ORANGE? It was a nice wind shirt, though.

At 4:45 pm, we went outside for the fireworks display. It lasted 15 minutes which seemed like forever when you are cold and anxious to run a race.

Then all of a sudden, they ended and I heard the mayor say “Start.” I was just watching the fireworks with my hubby and nowhere near the start.

I took off like a flash and tried to fight my way through the crowd and get into the race. I even had to go on the sidewalk. Obviously I lost a lot of time here but this was such a fun race, I didn’t mind.

It wasn’t cold. In fact, I felt over dressed with my layers, hat & gloves. Many of the racers were dressed as elves, Santas, etc. We ran through the park which was decorated with light displays. I had recently seen it through my car window but this was so much better.

The route was rather hilly, not steep ones but annoying ones. I felt like I was running at a good pace all the same and taking in the scenery.

The mile 1 marker read 9:40 which wasn’t bad after the late start but mile 2 said 21:50 . That’s slow, I said to myself but there were lots of hills. Then all of a sudden, the race seem to be nearing the end. So that wasn’t really mile 2 – how deceiving!

The race which started uphill now ended downhill – Hooray! I crossed at 29:15. Two minutes slower than my recent 5k PR but still a good effort! (I came in 456 out of 1200….4th in my AG)

After the race, I had been invited online to have drinks with 2 Daily Mile.com racers. So I stopped by the restaurant. It was fun meeting them in person. We chatted about running, of course.

So my year of racing has ended. 21 races in 2010!

Happy Running!

December 16, 2010 by Darlene

Busy Time of Year

for blogger card exchange

Things have been so busy lately that I almost forgot my hair appointment for this afternoon. I was bummed when they called to remind me because I had planned to run 4 miles outside after work.

Instead I had to drag myself to the gym this morning to run on the treadmill. It has snowed last nite & I’m still nervous about slipping & falling. Actually running on the treadmill was a little better than the last 2 times but I know that I can’t do my long runs on it.

Dilemma:

I signed up for a 5k on Sat nite – it should be fun but will it be slippery??? Will everyone be wearing Yak Trax? Should I do my long run first & then do the race or wait til Sunday to do my long run?? (The weather is supposed to be better on Sat. but I don’t want to be tired for the race.)

I wish I weren’t so competitive. I would just run and have fun…

Lucky for me, it’s just me & my hubby so there’s not much to do…just a little decorating which is done…a little baking (this Sun!)… and a little shopping (next week).

My cards have been sent… (We took these photos on lake George this past summer.)

Happy Running! Stay warm! Don’t forget my Marathon Giveaway!

December 13, 2010 by Darlene

Brain Exchange #22 and Monday Goals

This week’s question: Tell readers about your 2010 Best and Worst races. What made them so great or not so great?

Answer:

Best race(s)- There are several. My Thankgiving Turkey Trot was one because it was a 5k PR – 27:12 and it was so unexpected!! Another favorite was the Freihofer Race for Women because I was part of a group of 1st time racers and it was so exciting to train with them and see them do the race. I also enjoyed the Silks & Satins 5K because I met fellow bloggert, AJH. Of course, I loved winning lst place in my age group at the Veteran’s Day 5k. Lastly, the Home Run 5k because I met Mary who I’ve raced with several times since and has become my biggest fan & she mine.

Worst race(s) – Of course, there was the Great Pumpkin 10K that didn’t happen because I got sick & ended up in the ER. It was going to be my first long distance race. Most of my races have been good experiences in some way, even if I didn’t do my best.

Recap of last week:
My weekly goal was 21 miles. I did 21 miles! Yay!
I ran 10 miles which is my longest EVER!
I am hosting my first GIVEAWAY!!

This week’s schedule:
Mon – lights in the park w/A & R
Tues – tennis
Wed – b-day dinner w/bf
Thurs – hair appt
Fri –mah jongg
Sat – R’s b-day party

This week’s running:
Mon– 3 miles before work
Wed – 3 miles before work
Thurs – 4 miles before work
Sat– 5K race (5pm)
Sun – 9 miles

Weekly Running Goal = 22 miles
December Monthly Running Goal = 70 miles, a 5k race, half marathon training schedule

Yearly Running Goal = 300 miles ( I passed it, New Goal is 600 and I passed it too!!!!)

Happy Running!

December 6, 2010 by Darlene

Brain Exchange #21 & Monday Goals

This Week’s Question: What activities do you enjoy outside of swim/bike/running? Are you a winter sports person or summer sports person? Do you enjoy team or individual sports? Do you participate in more alternative activities during the off-season?

Answer:

I am definitely a summer sports person! I LOVE the sunshine and warm weather.

I am an avid tennis player. I’ve been playing on a team and with friends for about 10 years. I have made some very awesome friendships through tennis that have led to permanent friendships outside of tennis.

But what I like about running is that it is an individual sport where you can have personal goals!!

Recap of last week:
My weekly goal was 19 miles. I did 21 miles! Yay!
I ran a 5K !! (not my best but under 30 min.)

This week’s schedule:
Mon – tennis after work
Wed – movie w/friends
Thurs – mall w/friend
Fri – bday dinner
Sat – quilting party
Sun- Mentor party

This week’s running:
Mon– 3 miles before work
Tues – 5 miles after work
Thurs – 3 miles after work
Sat– 10 miles

Weekly Running Goal = 21 miles
December Monthly Running Goal = 70 miles, a 5k race, half marathon training schedule

Yearly Running Goal = 300 miles ( I passed it, New Goal is 600 and I passed it too!!!!)

Happy Running!

December 4, 2010 by Darlene

Jingle Bell 5K Race Report Plus More

This was my 2nd year running this race. Last year it was 9 degrees and I FROZE!! I knew it had to be better.

Today was my long run day since I had a work Holiday party last night and I am going to NYC with my Mah Jongg friends tomorrow. I was torn on how to get it in but I decided to run the race and then add 6 miles to it later.

the party "look"

Though I didn’t drink last night, I danced for 2 hours in HIGH heels and my legs felt it this morning!!

Ready to "Race"

The weather seemed to be similar to my Turkey Trot so I dressed accordingly but added some accessories to go with the spirit of the race.

Before the race I bumped into some old running friends – Amanda (the amazing recent marathoner), Felice (the speedy new Mom), and Jen, Brigid & Janis (the news runners from the spring).

Jen, Janis, Brigid & Felice

with Santa & me

We all started the race together. It was very crowded at the beginning and it was very difficult to get going and get by a Grinch, do, & lady with a cap.

Felice flew ahead. She didn’t seem rusty after just having a baby just 2 mos ago. I knew I couldn’t keep up. Then the rest of the group eventually passed me but Amanda & Brigid were always in sight.

I found the course more difficult than I remember. The hills kept coming and I battled the wind was in my face.

I didn’t have the energy to PR and something in my brain kept repeating that “You’ve got to run slow because you have 6 more miles to do when this is done.” But I really wanted to run fast!!!!

The clock flashed 29:31 when I crossed the finish line. At first I was disappointed but then I remembered that all my times at races on this course have been over 30 minutes.

Everyone did well. Felice finished under 26 minutes!!!! We hung around and had pizza and chatted about racing. Everyone was encouraging about my half marathon plans. In fact, Janis & Brigid plan to run one in April. I know Amanda will also.

No one won an award since they only gave out medals for the top 3 finishers. No age group awards! Darn! I would have won 3rd or 1st!!