Half Marathon

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TOTR: Spring Race Plans

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today I am going to share with you my Spring Race Plans.

I mean spring will be here soon.  Although we have actually had spring temps this winter LOL

enjoying the run

I’ve already run in a skirt several times!!

I hope that you don’t expect me to discuss ALL my spring racing plans…

  • 3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL) – this past weekend
  • 3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
  • 3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
  • 4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
  • 4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
  • 4-15-17 – Code Blue 8k
  • 4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
  • 4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (in NYC)

Tennis vacation in Naples, FL 5-03-17 to 5-10-17

  • 5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
  • 5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K
  • 5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5)
  • 5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon (in Adams, MA)
  • 6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run 5k
  • 6-11-17 – Betar Byway 5k/Moreau Mile
  • 6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k

Here are the highlights:

Treasure Coast Half Marathon – a Race-cation in Stuart, FL – 13.1 miles, visiting with 4 non-running friends who live nearby, my first Mets spring training game (recap coming soon!)

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Delmar Dash – a local 5 miler (closest race to my house) and a popular one with the local runners

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Bacon Hill Bonanza – a very scenic and well-run 5k or 10k in the country (great post-race food).

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Shape Women’s Half Marathon – a girls weekend (so far there are 3 of us plus some STEM runners) in NYC and my first race in Central Park.

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Steel Rail Half Marathon – in Mass and on the same course as the Ramblefest Half that I ran last October. It’s flat and scenic.

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Freihofer Run for Women – I’ll join the training group again.  This is my only racing streak.  It’ll by the 10th year running this 5k race with 4,000 of my closest friends (ha ha).

Freihofer's Run for Women 5K

Betar By-way 5k/Moreau Mile – another scenic 5k and 1 mile race.

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So the scheduled topic is how do you create your race schedule.

I do race a lot and I am fortunate to have many to choose from between March and November. My only problem is that work and finances get in my way of running many destination races 😦

Here are some of the factors that I take into consideration when I make up my schedule:

  • Choose races that I’ve run before and have enjoyed
  • Choose new races that have been recommended to me
  • Choose races that are within an hour’s drive
  • Choose races that other friends are running
  • Choose destination races where I can stay with a friend (or share a hotel room)
  • Run at least 3 half marathons a year
  • In the summer, choose races that are on the way to our marina (so north)

Happy Running! What races are you looking forward to this spring? How do you create your racing schedule?

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Ultimate Coffee Date – March

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am currently in Florida visiting several friends. This is the third year that I have traveled to the East coast to visit them.  I always have a good time but the weather is unpredictable.  You never know if it will be hot or cold and if it will rain.  This year, it may be warm and humid.  Beach weather? Hope so!!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the real reason for the visit is to stay motivated to run during the NE winter by signing up for a Florida half marathon.  The training for my previous winter half marathons went well but that didn’t mean that the race did. This year, I didn’t get my last two long runs in due to illness so who knows what will happen.  Hopefully I will finish.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that cold or not, I always wear a tank top and skirt for my half marathons. I am crazy like that!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I have short races scheduled for every weekend but I am training for half marathons on April 30, May 21 and October 1.  I am thinking of switching my long run day to Wednesday or Thursday.  That way I can enjoy my races and my weekends more. Don’t know how that will work out with work but it’s a thought.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I signed up for the Freihofer Training Challenge again – the advanced group.  The race is a 5k  on June 3. Of course that doesn’t fit in with my training for my next two half marathons. But I like the runners and the drills on Mondays.

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This year, with new leadership, VENT Fitness is offering anyone who signs up for the Training Challenge and finishes the 5K on June 3, 2017 a 3 month membership for FREE.

I registered early and got a FREE membership from March 20-June 3.  So now I have a SIX MONTH gym membership.

Anyone taking bets on whether or not I will go to a gym?

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I need want to run one more half marathon in the late fall. So many choices… Still hoping for a #holottafun girls weekend again.

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miss you girls

Happy Running! Do you ever do your long run during the week?  Do you belong to a running club/group? How about a gym membership…have one? Got anything else to spill? 

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TOLT: Playing Possum, Weather Stalking, Running/Racing

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

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Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

  • My Running:

Last Thursday, I was complaining about the weather, the flu and having ZERO energy to do anything let alone run.

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Well, I’m happy to say that I feel much better.

I’m back running.  I didn’t get my scheduled long runs of 11 & 12 in but I got 8.5 miles done last weekend. It’s was after Alyssa had already run 6 miles so she was dragging. But any run with a friend even a slow one is better than a solo run in my book.

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I even had enough energy to run 4.5 miles the next day. The weather had changed drastically.  That’s the story of our weather in the NE.

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I tried to run for a third day in a row and it sucked.  I should have know better.

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So I took Tuesday off and ran again with Alyssa yesterday.  We ran 4 miles and we killed. it.

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must be a pink week

So I think I will end my training on a high note – no more runs and THREE rest days until the big day.

  • Weather Stalking:

Why do I bother?  I am just going to wear a skirt and a tank top.

last week

Today (and it will probably change several times before Sunday):

I can’t show you my outfit because it is packed but I’ll be wearing a black tank, skirt below, cap, matching compression socks and running shoes. (Yes I did some retail therapy while I was sick.)

  • Fall Racing:

It’s not even spring but I am planning my fall.  Probably because I already have my spring and summer races picked.

I am registered for one half marathon with a bunch of other runners on October 1. 

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October 1, 2017

But I wanted to race at least one more for the year.  I was considering another trip to Florida but then another #holottafun weekend seems to be in the planning stages.

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5k on Nov 11 & half marathon on Nov 12????

And then I got an email saying that if you running the May Steel Rail Half Marathon (which I am) and you run the October Ramblefest Half Marathon (my PR) also, you get a hoodie….

Alyssa is trying to talk me into it…but it’s ONE WEEK after Wineglass.  I have never run 2 halfs back to back!!!!!!!!!! Tempted…. What should I do?

  • Playing Possum, anyone?

This is not running-related.  Sorry!! But I wanted to runaway from home because of  it.

I’ll start at the beginning but try to be brief.

I have FOUR CATS (from ages 12-19).  They are adorable.  But several weeks ago, I would wake up to plants knocked on the floor.  My hubby said that the cats were restless. Ok.

Then I noticed chewing on the window sills in the family room.  Hmmm?  My hubby said that Honey (the orange cat) chews on napkins and toilet paper so it was her. Ok.

Next I found holes in the pillows on the couch in the family room and in the computer room upstairs (stuffing missing too).  Again my hubby said it was those darn cats. They were just anxious for spring.

So I replied that I think there’s another animal in our house…like a mouse or a rabbit or maybe a chipmunk.

He replied: “Are you crazy??? We have FOUR cats.”

Tuesday night, after I came home and we were watching TV, I heard a noise in the basement.

ALL FOUR CATS were hanging out in front of us.

After much begging, my hubby went down to the basement to check it out.

Isn’t he cute? NOT!!

Guess what he found….  A POSSUM!!!

Ok, a possum has been living in our basement, eating our cats’ food and coming upstairs when we are sleep and roaming the house.

GROSS!!!

So I locked the basement door and threatened to RUN away from home if it wasn’t gone by the time I got home the next day.

The good news is that animal control came, picked the stupid thing up by the tail and carried it out.

No sign of it since.

My adorable cats are not earning their keep.

“What did you expect me to do??”

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?  Ever have a wild animal in your house?  Would you run a half marathon two weeks in a row?  Ever run RNR Vegas?

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TOTR: February Report Card

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Wow, that was fast. Well, it was a short month, right?

Anyway, here’s how February turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Until this month, we’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a winter. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

But during this month, we had several snowstorms and I got the flu. 

Both made me miss several weekday runs.  The month, in other words, did not get off to a great start.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. But I’ve been getting bored and have been also running in the town where I live. I have even tried running during lunch when my schedule didn’t permit after work running.

The good news is that it stays light out longer and I don’t have to run in the dark after work anymore.

I ran alone most of the time. Barbara was still injured.  But Alyssa was able to accompany me occasionally.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I do this more next month.

Long Runs:

With a half marathon looming this Sunday, I better have done some long runs.

But a snowstorm and the flu got in the way of my long runs. 

Total Mileage:

I ran 78 miles so far this month.  I was on track for a great month but “sh&t” happens. Last year, I ran 101 & 90 so I need to get my a$$ in gear

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Races:

I ran two races this month – a 4 miler and a 4.5 miler. I ran the Polar Cap Race with a blogger friend from VT the first weekend of the month. The re-scheduled 4.5 miler was free and the last part of the HMRRC Winter Series. I ran that one the last weekend of the month.

I was generally happy with how they both went. I won my age group in the 4 miler and the 4.5 miler was just a fun run with insane winds the day after running 8.5 miles. Plus the Polar Cap was actually a PR and the 4.5 miler was my first at that distance so I guess it was a PR, as well!!

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I went to work out at the gym ONCE (a shocker, I know) and I did plank a few times at home!

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I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall. 

Other News:

I attended a Chinese New Year’s Party.  I also spent a day knitting with friends. There were a few tennis dinners out, as well. I even spent a day at our New Casino with an old friend (her idea, not mine LOL.)

Running is not my whole life.  I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends. CAN’T WAIT!!!

I have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here in the winter but pick up as the temps get warmer and the threat of snow diminishes.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

  • 3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL)
  • 3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
  • 3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
  • 4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
  • 4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10k
  • 4-15-17 – Rabbit Ramble 4m?
  • 4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
  • 4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (in NYC)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her February Race Linkup

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B- (I need to add some workouts to my month and some more miles if I want to earn an A)

What do you think?

Happy Running! How did your February turn out? Anything exciting planned for March? What grade would you give your running month?

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TOLT: Flexibility, Lady Gaga, Work, Giveaway, etc.

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

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Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

  • Are you flexible?

I’d like to think that I am.  But if you are too flexible, do people take advantage of you?

The latest is that a running friend asked me to run a half marathon with her.  She didn’t want to run it alone.  It wasn’t one that I wanted to run (TWO loops around Central Park) and the timing wasn’t great (right before I leave for a Florida tennis vacay). But I said that I would if she could find an affordable hotel so we could split the cost.

She found a hotel and I registered for the race (non-refundable.)

The race is in NYC so there’s still meals, transport, etc. but I started looking forward to running it with her.

Now she sprung it on me that she cannot go.  Her son wants to go a show that day.  I total get it.  Family is much more important than running.

So am I stuck running and spending a weekend in NYC alone and spending $250 on a hotel room???

Initially I freaked.

Sometimes things work out.  Remember my crazy NYC weekend with the Russian girls.

I FB messaged someone whom I met at a local race who had mentioned that she and a friend (whom I don’t know) were running this same race.

I asked her if she knew anyone who needed a roommate.  She said no but I was welcome to be a third person in her room.

Guess who’s sharing a bed with a runner that she’s never met?  That would be flexible Darlene.

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April 30, 2017

  • Ok. Who didn’t love Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl performance? I’ve always been a fan so I was in heaven.

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But now people are talking about her pot belly!

Seriously?

I should be so lucky to have my stomach look that good.  Just sayin.’

  • Working is tiring!!!

At the end of the day, my brain feel like I’ve run a marathon.  But then at night, I can’t sleep. (Age, hormones, stress???)

I am pooped.  I was too tired to run on Tuesday and too sick to run on Wednesday. (It could have been standing all day or lifting 80 lb laptop cases in and out or maybe the headache, sore throat and cold that invaded my body.)

Missing runs is not like me.

  • Have you entered my giveaway yet?

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I am giving away TWO free entries to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon (or any of the race distances -marathon, half marathon, or 10k) on June 10, 2017. Click here for your chance to win or you can use the code dc15 to get a 15% discount.

Happy Running! Do you get taken advantage of?  What did you think about Lady Gaga?  Did you enter my giveaway?  Does work or sickness interfere with your running?  Spill.  What’s on your mind today?

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Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am excited for my third year as Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. In addition to loving their products, I have never met such an enthusiastic and supportive bunch of women. If  you’re not an ambassador yet, you should apply next year!!

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Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that at the moment I am running a hilly 4 mile race about an hour from my home.  I probably should have skipped it and done my long run with Judy instead tomorrow.

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Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that to take my mind off the cold, I am planning my outfit for my March 5 half marathon in Florida. Cold or not, I am wearing a new skirt and new hat!!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to motivate myself to work out.  So far, it is not working.  So I am putting it on my calendar for one of my rest days.  There are three each week.  I am going to the gym TOMORROW!

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Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I will be sad when our FREE races are over.  Now I need to look for long run partners, places to run and food to eat post-race.

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only ONE more left

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that it is Declare It Day and I declared…

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For more info on this, go to: http://fellowflowers.com/declareitday/how-to-declare/

I have registered for FOUR half marathons already.  Still need one more in the late fall. Hoping for a #holottafun girls weekend again.

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love Sarasota so this one looks tempting.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

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Friday Five 2.0 – Where would I love to go this winter? Where do I dream about racing?

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the theme is Dream Vacations or Winter Destinations

For a Winter Destination, of course, it would have to be someplace warm and a place that has a half marathon:

1. Key West, FL.

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I have always wanted to go to Key West. (I mean, I am a Parrothead lol) and I’ve heard that this January Half has a beautiful course.

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2. New Orleans, LA

Image result for nola half marathon best damnI was in NOLA years ago for a conference and loved it – the food, the language, the atmosphere and it would be cool to go back and run this race.  (I did sign up for this March race but just can’t afford it this year.)

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3. Bermuda

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Blue skies, blue water, white sands…ahhh!

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4. San Diego, CA

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I also visited San Diego for a conference and thought it was the perfect city to live.

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5. Puerto Rico

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Who doesn’t like an all women’s race where it is warm?

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Now for Dream Vacations, that would involve more travel (and again, there would have to be a race involved):

  1. Paris

This is my favorite city in the world and I haven’t been there in many years. I love everything about the French culture.

2. Alaska

I’d love to take a cruise there. I’ve heard wonderful things about Alaska.

3. Hawaii

Another place that seems so beautiful that I want to experience it in person.

4. African Safari

I love animals!!! Lions, Tigers, Giraffes….oh my!

5. Iceland or Vietnam

I’d love to visit either or both.

Iceland

Vietnam

I’m not sure I’ll get to any of these places but a girl can DREAM!

Happy Running! So where do you dream about going this winter or anytime?

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December Recap

10 Things We Love The Most About December

Where has the time gone?.  I can’t believe that it is almost 2017. Wasn’t it just December 1?.

Anyway, here’s how December went down:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a December. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s now dark when I get out of work.

I ran mostly alone.  Barbara was injured.  Alyssa was busy and I was in Florida for 5 days.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

There were none! Just a half marathon!! Taking a break until mid-January.

Total Mileage:

I ran 69 miles this month –  My lowest monthly total of the year.  But I did run over 1000 miles for the year!! Woo Hoo! For the first time ever.

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Started out the year with my highest monthly total and ended with the lowest. LOL

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Races:

I only ran two races this month – a half marathon and a 5k.

I was generally happy with how they buth went. I won my age group in the half marathon and the 5k was just pure fun.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors now.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I actually went to workout at the gym ONCE!! Just I know – shocker!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall or to get a Starbucks coffee. 

Other News:

I went on the most awesome Girls Weekend Race-cation.  #HoLottaFun

I also spend a day in NYC taking in all the holiday sights.

I spent time with Amanda (my mentee).

There was a lot of holiday partying and eating but I won’t get into that.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is not until March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here when it gets cold.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

  • 01-01-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
  • 01-15-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #3  – 10K
  • 01-29-17 –  HMRRC Winter Series #4  – 15K
  • 02-05-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5  – 10M

All these races are FREE!!

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January? 

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Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Races

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Races

I run the same Holiday race (Albany Last Run) every year so I’ll change this post’s topic to December Races I’ve run or would like to run:

1. Albany Last Run

Mid-December every year in Albany, NY.  The race starts off with fireworks at the Capitol building and then you run around the lights in Washington Park ending with a downhill near where you began.  Lots of costumes and holiday spirit.  This is the race that I run every year.

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2. EAU Palm Beach  Half Marathon

Beginning of December in West Palm Beach, Fl.  I ran it in 2015 and enjoyed the course and ocean views. I’d love to do it again.

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I especially liked the champagne that you receive after you cross the finish line.

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3. Panama City Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in Panama City Beach, Fl.  I ran it this year and enjoyed the FLAT course and gulf views. If I got invited again, this one would be one to repeat.

Free gumbo and beer at Margaritaville after the race is a nice perk.

4. Hot Chocolate Run

5k in Northampton, MA. It raises money for an organization addressing domestic violence.  I’ve never run this race but I know a few runners who have and they say good things about it.

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Of course, there’s hot chocolate after the race.

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5. First Night Saratoga 5k

New Year’s Eve in Saratoga Springs, NY. Again I have not run this race but it is very popular locally. It starts and ends on the Skidmore campus and is moderately hilly. You receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

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Afterwards you can attend the annual First Night activities in beautiful downtown Saratoga.

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Happy Running? What races do you like to run during the holidays?

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TOTR: My Running Year in Pictures

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Your year in pictures:

I’ve run 43 races and over 1000 miles. How can I limit myself??

But I’ll and only post one racing picture per month:

January:

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lots of free races with friends as part of the HMRRC’s Winter Series

February:

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windy and cold but I completed an awesome half marathon (Sarasota Music) in Florida while visiting friends

March:

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perfect weather for the hilliest half marathon (Celebrate Life) and a fun time on the bus road trip

April:

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another nice day for a half marathon along my favorite lake (Lake George) and with my running buddy Barbara

May:

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loved getting to see fellow blogger AJH and survived this heat cancelled marathon relay (VCM)

June:

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one of my favorite races (Adirondack Distance 10 Miler) that finishes next door to the marina where we keep our boat

July:

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not all races have had good weather but still a good time in this wet 5k (Saratoga Springs)

August:

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this 8.4 mile race was on my bucket list and happy to be able to run this hilly one and win my AG

September:

Sept 18

Another local half marathon completed on a beautiful course (Saratoga Palio) followed by free beer and bar food

October:

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Half Marathon #22 and a PR!!! Loved this race!! (Ramblefest)

November:

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sharing 3 Russian young women’s first NYC racing experience was the best! (Dash to the Finish 5k)

December:

Sharing half marathon #23 with 7 amazing ladies #holottafun

Phew! That was tough!  I could have posted at least 10 pics for each month.  I also ignored all those running experiences that were not part of a race.

Here’s just a few:

I’ve enjoyed a great 2016 and feel so fortunate to have had zero injuries and to have been able to race often and with so many wonderful runners.

Happy Running! What is your favorite memory of 2016?

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