May 21, 2019 by Darlene

Summer Smith Memorial 5K Race Recap

May 11, 2019 – 9:45 am

This was the fourth year for this 5K race which 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

I had just returned the day before from 8 days in Florida where I did a lot of eating, drinking and sitting on the beach. I did some running but due to the heat and humidity, it was more of a slog. Plus the forecast for today was cool and windy.

However, I just had to do this race. I knew that there would be many other runners and volunteers from the STEM program. I wanted to support this cause and I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.

I did run this race the past three years as well. I remember it as NOT being flat. But I did win my AG and finished with a respectable 28:29, 27:26 and 27:24 times.

: 2016

: 2017

: 2018

Photos from two years ago:

It was cool, sunny (in the high 40s – low 50s) with lots of wind. I was still exhausted from my Florida vacation, woke up with a headache and really did not feel like running.

But as soon as I arrived, my mood lifted.

The race starts at a local high school so there are real bathrooms, easy parking, and ample room to hang out before and after the race.

I grabbed a needed cup of coffee and immediately bumped into some purple shirted runners. Many who were in Summer’s STEM group were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.

Sean’s Team last year

Another local runner that I know, Karen, also led a team of runners. Her son, Sean, had also died of a drug overdose. I forgot to sign up to be on her team this year (so I just ran for her virtually).

This race was one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag.

There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies.

There were also many many raffle items (most running-related but again I forgot to bring $$).

Before the race, there was a dedication ceremony followed by a balloon release.

31 balloons released for Summer

Then more balloons released for the others who also lost their lives due to drugs. Probably not a dry eye in the crowd.

The ceremony was followed by music and a Zumba session. I opted out and went inside.

I stayed inside until it was time to proceed out to the road to start the race.

I approached the start line and bumped into fellow Sole Sister (and STEM mentor), Judy and my running friend Tom.

in his standard “power pose”

Here’s the course description:

Start/Finish of this out-and-back 5 km course is on West Dr on the south side of Guilderland High School. The course proceeds out West Dr to turn L onto School Rd, continues across the intersection with Depot Rd onto Meadowdale Rd, then bears L at Frederick Rd to Mile 1 on Meadowdale Rd and continues to the Turnaround point. The inbound route retraces the outbound route of the course to Mile 2 on Meadowdale Rd and Mile 3 on West Dr just after the turn off School Rd, and continues to the Finish.

I lined up pretty close to the front since there were many slower runners and walkers in this race.

I just did the best I could. Not PR fast but I wanted to finish with a respectable time. With the chilly temps and no warm up, my legs felt like lead at the beginning. It was also a slight uphill for the first mile. I wore my DIY arm warmers for a bit but quickly pulled them down. The sun made it feel warmer than the actual temps. But the WIND!!! We seemed to be running INTO it most of the race.

The course levels out a bit and then when we turn left, there is a steeper hill (but not bad at all). There was a lot of support along the course. Friends of the families who lost loved ones to drugs were holding signs in their memory. I was glad that I was running to support this charity.

We turned around at the halfway point and continued on this country road back to the high school. I just tried to maintain a consistent pace. It was windy and I didn’t have the energy to push myself to a PR but I tried to save some so I could sprint through the finish line, at least.

I crossed at 27:XX. I was satisfied.

I wanted to wait to watch some of the other runners finish but I was chilly so I went inside to put on my long sleeve shirt and get some food.

There was chocolate milk, fruit, bagels and donuts. I was a happy camper.

Tom and I checked the results and we both got an award!!

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:55
mile 2 – 8:51
mile 3 – 8:46
.14 – 7:49

Garmin time = 27:39

All my laps were under 9 m/m. I was pleased with that and I ran NEGATIVE splits!! It wasn’t a 5K PR and it was not even a course PR (last year I finished in 27:21.) But it was faster than last week which was on a FLAT course.

Champ liked my metal too

Could I have Pr’d? Doubtful. These legs are getting older. Tom says that I will not get faster unless I lift weights. (Not happening!!)

I must say that I have enjoyed my last two 5ks. I have won awards without doing any speed work. My calf feels FINE too.

And especially loved this race. I was happy to support this charity. Plus the race was so well-organized. The only negative was the the wind and how tired I was from my trip (and the day delay in getting home. 😦

I am so humbled by these STEM women and others who have overcome adversity. And I am glad to be a part of their lives.

Tyler has WON this race 3 years in a row. His brother Zach died in 2015.

With a half marathon in a week, I had planned to run 7 more miles and then go to the Tulip Fest in the park with the girl I mentor and her two sons. (May 14, 2018 was our 11 year anniversary.)

the kids are getting so big…I had a blast

But I decided to skip the extra miles and do my long run the next day. (Well, bad idea because it rained all day and I never got the run in 😦 )

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies. Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). Hope you do too!

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! What is your favorite charity to support for a race? Do race because of the cause?

June 15, 2017 by Darlene

Run for Help 5K Race Recap

June 11, 2017 – 10 am

I wasn’t as active in this spring’s STEM program as I would have liked (due to work commitments) but as I did last year, I decided to help the STEM runners and registered for this race.

There were a few races scheduled for this weekend (plus boating) that I would have liked to do but as soon as I arrived at the race, I knew that I had made the right decision.

Running is not all about PRs and finish times. Sometimes you have to give back especially since running has given me so much.

: 2016’s race

Last year, we didn’t actually participate in the race. We ran along side our runner but never crossed the finish line.

This year, however, we did register and pay for the race. We would be running it in order to help a STEM participant achieve their goal.

Because I wasn’t planning to “race” the race, I ran 8 miles the day before.

I was glad too because race day was even hotter and more humid (and the race didn’t start until 10 am!!)

I arrived early to pick up my packet and meet up with all the other volunteers and runners. What is awesome is that in addition to the new STEM runners, many of the old ones continue to return for races. It’s a STEM reunion too.

I also ran this race in 2009. I am a sucker for “causes.” And this is just as important or maybe more important than a medical one.

It started out 10 years ago as a race for “Liza” who had been killed by her abusive husband but it is now also dedicated to Nikki who suffered the same fate.

The race is very well organized and offers lots of raffle prizes and even…

Eventually we went outside to take some group photos and then to pair up with a STEM runner. In my particular group, most of the STEM participants had dropped out and we had more volunteers than runners.

I got paired with our one ‘male” participant, Mike, who usually does his own thing in trainings (instead of Couch to 5k). He said that he wanted to finish under 30 minutes. I told him that I was there for him if he needed help.

Soon we moved to the start line and got ready to begin.

As I mentioned, I was not planning to run fast. And Mike just took off. Well, it was hot so I just ran my own pace, stopped to tie my shoes and walked at all the water stops. Luckily on this hot day, there were many (maybe 5 or 6).

The course starts out flat on a country road but when we turn left, there are rolling hills (2 steepish ones). I didn’t wear my Garmin (because I wasn’t going to be racing) but I did my best to run slowly up the hills. Everyone was sweating…even me.

What I love about this out and back course is that you get to see all the slower runners. And in this case, all the purple shirts. I high-fived them and screamed encouragement as I ran by.

Eventually, I caught up to Mike, he was walking. He said he had a side cramp. I walked with him and encouraged him to get some water and start running again.

And he did. I ran ahead so I could cheer him through the finish line.

Yes, he did cross under 30 minutes!! We were both happy.

I remained at the finish line to watch all the other happy faces cross and get their medals.

hot hot hot

Then I took my sweaty body to my car so I could sneak out. I didn’t even stay around for the awards.

this race was NOT about me anyway

My hubby was waiting for me at the lake but I felt happier (for these runners) than if I had run a PR. (There will be more times to run a fast 5k.)

ahhhh!

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! Ever run a race for someone else besides yourself?

January 7, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: One Word , a New Half, Winter & Long Runs

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

What I am thinking about today is…

My One Word for 2016.

The My One Word approach is popular every year.

If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.

2014 was the first time that I tried it.

My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

This year, I am picking:

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is “a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation.”

Why did I choose Gratitude?

Expectations lead to disappointments.

As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.

Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on being thankful that we CAN run.

How will I focus on my word?

Be more positive.
Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
Run & race happy.
Forget those PR and pace goals.
Volunteer more.
Thank those who make races possible.

Half Marathon #18

I am also thinking about a dear friend who had a mastectomy on Tuesday. It is her 3rd bout with breast cancer (& 2nd in 2 years.) She is strong. She is optimistic. I am confident that because of these qualities, she will beat this terrible disease.

So I made the impromptu decision to run another half marathon – one in her honor.

March 13, 2016

It is very hilly. It is only a 5 weeks after my Florida half. But these tough 13.1 miles will be nothing compared to the pain that my friend has endured.

clelevation

Winter

Dec 24:

Jan 5:

Amazing!

I HATE the cold. But I hate the treadmill more.

So yesterday after work, I braved the cold and ran outside. I was cold but I survived. It wasn’t so bad and I felt really “badass” when I was done. I warmed up at Starbucks where the barista remarked “You run when it’s this cold!?” And I responded “Yes, I do!”

Long Runs

But what do you do when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

sat-sun

I had planned to race (10K) on Sunday and add more miles on afterward to complete 10 miles total.

I don’t want to run 10 miles IN THE RAIN!!!

So I could change to do my 10 miles on Saturday (before the rain and if there is no ice and snow on the ground from Friday night). That means that I would rest on Friday (with Thursday also being my rest day) and on Sunday, skip the race or only run the 3 mile option. Or I could run on Friday and skip my long run since I did run 10 miles last Saturday and run 11 miles next weekend.

Decisions, decisions, decisions..

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Anyone else running this half marathon? Do you run outside in the colder temps? Does the weather get it the way of your long runs or do you run in any conditions? What are you thinking about today?

September 14, 2014 by Darlene

Teal Ribbon 5K race recap

I decided to run this race instead yesterday’s Race for the Cure.

This race was closer, smaller and just different. (I have run the Susan Komen race for the past 6 years.)

lake house

The course was two loops in Washington Park (where I run often).

I did run this race back in 2008, my first year running, but didn’t enjoy running a loop TWICE. I finished in 30:46 which at the time was my fastest 5K time. (So you see, I haven’t really improved much since I started running.)

Moses Statue

Since I hadn’t registered ahead of time (This is a first.), I left early. I parked at work and jogged/walked to the start. It is nice to run a race 20 minutes from where you live.

When I got there, I ran into quite a few runners that I knew.

these crazy SRMs had run 10 miles to get to the race

Then I ran into someone I went to college with.

Carol (on the right) has had 2 bouts with ovarian cancer

10635971_10202518967675569_3138774442138291211_n

I also bumped into someone I used to work with when I taught French. I didn’t recognize her and I was shocked that she was a runner.

Gina is to my right. I also met 2 former students.

Two ladies from where I currently work were there volunteering and I saw them too.

Soon it was time to line up. There were more walkers than runners and we started in different locations and had a different course.

The weather was cool & breezy which was perfect for running. I actually wore a jacket until the race started.

I wound up chatting with a runner in my age group for awhile (about races). The race started 20 minutes LATE since the registration line was holding things up

My quads were getting very cold and stiff waiting…

Eventually we were off to a congested start. I tried to keep up with the lady that I had been chatting with but NO WAY! She was fast. The first mile was tough. My quads were stiff. It was the first time that I had felt like that. By mile 2, they has loosened up.

The course is basically flat with some rolling hills but none too terrible to handle (and I hate hills.)

The weather was cool enough that I decided to skip the water stop which was at the halfway point.

As I mentioned you had to run the course twice. That meant that I saw my volunteer friends twice. It was nice to have people cheering me on. I tried to run fast when I passed them, of course.

Believe it or not, I willed myself not to stop at all during the race. I wanted to during the last mile but I didn’t. I can’t remember the last time I ran a race without stopping…years ago!

The race end with a downhill which was very nice.

I was pooped but sprinted to try to finish under 28 minutes…

Nope, I couldn’t muster up the strength.

There was no chip so you handled in the bottom of your bib to record your time.

Officially, it was listed as 28:16. Strange. I know I crossed much sooner than that.

While I waiting for them to post the race results, I checked to see if I won any raffle prizes…No luck! Then I had banana and 2 delicious home-baked muffins.

It turned out that the runner that I had been chatting with before the race start won 1st in my age group and by over 2 minutes. I came in second place. They gave out handmade mugs but only for first place. Darn!

teal5k

Even so, I was happy to have run this race. They raised over $100, 000 to support ovarian cancer ! My friend Carol raised the 2nd largest amount!

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:07
mile 2 – 9:20
mile 3 – 9:17
.1 – 6:32

My race goals were almost the same as my last 5K:

run each mile under 10 min. YES!
run the whole thing. YES!
set a course PR. YES!
have fun & stay healthy. YES!

Since they were only awarding first place in each age group, I omitted an age group award from my goals. (Good thing since I didn’t get one.)

After the race, I jogged back to my car. The wind has picked up and the sun went in and I was really cold. I stopped for a cup of hot coffee at Starbucks, put on my DIY arm sleeves and then headed out for more miles. I really didn’t feel like it but I knew that I have been slacking off and that 10 mile race will be here before you know it.

I decided to run around where I work and in some new neighborhoods. It was slow but fairly enjoyable.

apples -a sign that fall is coming!

I covered 4.5 miles and if you count the .5 to the race, the .5 from the race, and the race itself, that’s 8.5 miles for the day! YAY!

Now I can go out out to dinner with friends and not feel guilty!

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

September 11, 2014 by Darlene

Pink or blue?

No, I am NOT having a baby or at my age, a grandchild.

It’s about racing for a charity.

This Saturday, there is a 5k that I have done for the past 6 years. I even ran it with a stress fracture. The race used to take place the first weekend in October. Many years I ran it as part of a team.

at the Race for the Cure in 2013

‎1 in 8 women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime. In fact, I have 9 friends who have all battled this horrible disease (if you read my blog, you may recognize them):

Top Row: Judy, Mary Ann, Mary M. Ava
Middle Row: Sally, Phyllis, Maria, Sue
Bottom Row: Mary W.

The Komen Northeastern New York Race for the Cure® raises money to fund education, screening & treatment programs for these women & supports the national search for a cure.

On Sunday, there is the Teal Ribbon 5k Run/Walk, coordinated by Caring Together, Inc. which seeks to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and raise funds in support of research toward developing an early detection test as well as more effective treatment options for women with recurrent ovarian cancer.

I ran this race my first year of running but not since.

I have a college friend who has had 2 bouts with ovarian cancer and has a team walking in this race. Two people from work are volunteering and I know some others who are running it.

yes, I do have teal-colored running clothes

Both races support causes that I feel strongly about. (There are at least 6 other races that also support important charities this weekend.)

The races both take place in Albany. The Race for the Cure has the same course as the Freihofer’s and will probably have 4000 runners. The Teal race will have much fewer (about 300) and the course is 2 loops in Washington Park.

So I haven’t decided yet. I’m leaning toward the Teal Ribbon….

I forgot to mention that the reason that I am free this weekend is that a race that I signed up for in Lake George was cancelled.