February 9, 2013 by Darlene

Running after the Snowstorm

my hubby clearing the driveway on Sat.

The snowstorm was kinda a bust here. Schools closed on Friday and I even ran on the treadmill at lunch but not much snow came until overnight and then only about 6-8 inches. CT and LI did get 30-40 inches.

So Sunday I went back to the Nisky bike trail hoping to get in 9 miles. When I got up in the morning, it was 0 degrees so I waited until it warmed up to 15.

unplowed for snowshoers or skiiers?

It was a beautiful sunny day. As you can see from the photo, the trail was not clear…even with yaktrax, you couldn’t run on it.

it was clear in the other direction..yay!

So I headed toward lock 7 which was perfectly clear. No runners were on the path just some walkers with dogs (on leashes).

pretty empty but peaceful

As I mentioned before, my right foot is bothering me. There’s not much to do about it…I’ve changed shoes but it seems that my bunion will hurt until it wants to stop hurting.

Unfortunately, this part of the trail ends at lock 7 which is only 2.25 mikes away so in order to get a long run in, I have to do it TWICE!!

So I ran it and then had some Gu & water and then did it again. My foot was ok and not really bothersome until around mile 7. Then I had to stop and start because of the pain.

I wound up with 9.5 miles in 2 hours. I am not focusing on time. I just want to get my legs used to the distance.

Happy Running! Did the snow affect your running this weekend?

February 8, 2013 by Darlene

Snow …Oh No!

Though Forecast Is Tricky, Northeast Could Face Record-Breaking Snow Storm!!

In Albany, we may get a 12-20 inches of snow… starting this morning and ending tonight.

I bought this in Florida and put it up at home but the weather is obviously not listening.

So I see the treadmill for my run today. (There’s a new episode of Grey’s Anatomy and Smash to watch!!)

Tomorrow will be a rest day and for my 9 miles on Sunday???

I can’t image a long run on the treadmill. I like to run on the bike paths for those. Will they be plowed?? If not, then it’s Yak Trax.

No matter how hard it is to run 9 miles on dry pavement, it is slower and takes more effort in the snow. That’s fact!!

I will just have to go slow, stay upright & enjoy the scenery.

Happy Running! Any tips for running in the snow?

February 7, 2013 by Darlene

Running on the Rail Trail

Albany County will eventually have 9 miles (from a former rail line) cleared to run (from Albany to Voorheesville.) On Tuesday I was looking for a 4 -5 mile location to run so I chose the rail trail.

Stewarts parking lot – beginning of the rail trail and where I often start my neighborhood runs

I have run here in the spring, summer and fall but never in the winter. There are no lights so I run in the neighborhood.

Cherry Avenue Extension Bridge Over Rail Trail (in the fall)

It is now light for awhile when I get out of work so I thought I would attempt this route. (There are no lights.)

rail trail in the summer

I at first headed east (toward Albany) but the trail was icy so I turned around and headed the other way. I figured at my speed I would hit darkness before I was done so I could hit the streets at mile 1, mile 2, and then mile 3 or mile 4 on the way back.

As predicted, I got to mile 2 and turned around as it was getting dark but still light enough to run. (I was actually worried about it being light enough to not step in dog poop. yeah, it seems that this is what the trail is used for in the winter.) Then all of a sudden, two BIG DOGS were running down the trail at me. No owner(s) in sight!!!

I just stood still (in shock) and they ran by me like I wasn’t even there. Bizarre! I was really frightened!!! I took off down the trail. I never saw the dogs again & I never saw any people on the trail.

As soon as I got to mile 3, I headed onto the street and finished my run. My legs were beat and my right foot/bunion was hurting but I dragged myself through one more mile to make it 5 for the day.

I think I’ll NOT choose this route until spring 🙂

photo from fall 2011

Yesterday I ran 3 slow windy miles in Washington Park where there lights and dogs on leashes.

Washington Park lake around 6 pm

Happy Running! Have you ever run into loose dogs while running?

February 4, 2013 by Darlene

Six More to Go

I’m halfway….

Week 6 Update:

Mon – stationary bike, ~~tennis~~ (cancelled – snow/ice)
Tues – ~~stationary bike~~ (cancelled – soup potluck at lunch), tennis
Wed – 4 miles on treadmill at lunch & 2.5 miles in the rain after work (6.5 miles total)
Thurs – 1.75 miles on treadmill at lunch, haircut
Fri – ~~stationary bike~~ (cancelled – farewell lunch for boss)
Sat – 4 mile race
Sun – 7K race + .6 miles

AJH got 2nd place...we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

after Saturday’s race

after Sunday’s race

Week 7:

Mon – stationary bike, tennis
Tues – stationary bike, 5 miles after work
Wed – stationary bike, 3 miles after work
Thurs – stationary bike, mall walk with a friend
Fri – stationary bike, 4 miles after work, MJ
Sat – rest
Sun – 9 miles

I hate running on the treadmill so I hope the weather cooperates. I don’t mind the cold…it’s the snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain that I hate.

Though I am starting week 7, I really haven’t been looking at the plan…

and when I do, I realize that I am running less than I should (except for my vacation week) but then again, I would rather run less than be injured and not run at all…

Week Totals: Long Runs:

1 – 11                             5
2- 6                               3
3- 14                              6
4 – 14 75 6
5 – 26.5 8
6 – 17.25 6.5

So for week 7, I added an extra day of running. My next race is March 17…gulp!

Happy Running! Do you strictly follow a running plan?

February 1, 2013 by Darlene

January Update

The Highlights:

6 weeks of Half Marathon training completed (with 6 weeks to go.)
ran 4 days in a row while vacationing in Florida
67 total miles run (despite 2 missed runs during my bout with a cold/flu)- YAY!!

ran a 10K race (even PRed)
bought a new pair of Brooks
played tennis twice
did yoga once

Running over Granada Bridge

Running on Nisky Bike Trail

I just realized that I didn’t set any goals for January so I will for February:

Run regularly (at least 3x per week)
Train for my March Half Marathon (one long run per week)
Play tennis (at least once per week)
Do yoga (when I can, at least once per month)
Run a race
Stay healthy!!!!

Happy Running! How did your January go? Anything new planned for February?

January 31, 2013 by Darlene

Crazy Weather & A Mid-Week Long Run Attempt

Sunday – 18 degrees & sunny – 8 miles done
Monday – snow & sleet – tennis cancelled
Tuesday – 30 degrees & cloudy -tennis
Wednesday – 55 degrees and rain – NEED TO RUN!!
Thursday – 30 degrees & cloudy – haircut scheduled
Friday – 20 degrees – Mah Jongg scheduled (race on Sat)

As you can see, only one day free to run this week!!! And it was forecasted to RAIN!!!

With the forecast for rain/thunder & high winds after work, I set my alarm for early Wednesday morning (hoping to squeeze 4 miles in) but woke up to darkness, drizzle, and 25 mph howling winds…I went back to bed 😦

Plan B- Maybe I’ll run 4 miles outside at lunch or maybe on the dreadmill and then run 4 more miles after work…

It was drizzly and very windy around lunchtime. So I suffered through 4 miles on the treadmill (while watching an episode of Revenge on my iPad).

After work, some friends were planning a run at 6 pm at the Corning bike path.

When I got out of work at 4:30 pm, it was not raining and the wind had died down but it looked like it may not last. It was 55 degrees. I had to get outside. I hurried, got changed & took off to do 4 more miles.

I ran about 1 1/4 miles and the wind picked up and it started to pour. I mean in minutes I was DRENCHED!!! So I turned around and headed back to my car. I was dripping wet and guess what? The rain stopped. Grrrrr! (I guess I should have waited to run at 6 pm.)

Not me…it makes me feel WET.

As for my foot, it didn’t really hurt on the treadmill. I did hurt outside but not worse. I think I’ll try a few more miles tomorrow at lunch. Friday is my rest day before a race on Saturday.

Happy Running! Anyone like running in the rain?

January 29, 2013 by Darlene

Too Early to Plan 2014?

I was playing with InstaCollage and missing the warm weather and my friends in Florida.

So I started looking for races near their new house.

they hope to buy this amazing house in Flagler Beach

Guess what I found?

HALF MARATHON TRAVERSES BEAUTY OF PALM COAST

On Sunday, January 5th, hundreds of runners will participate in a rigorous event that will cross a magnificent route that invigorates the soul as well as the body.

The City of Palm Coast will host its annual Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk and one mile Fun Run on January 5th, 2014, beginning at 8:00 a.m. All events will take runners/walkers through the natural beauty and peace that has become Palm Coast’s trademark: the interpretive preservation areas of Linear Park/St. Joe Walkway trails; the exciting Intracoastal Waterway and canals; the beautiful beaches.

The 4th Annual Palm Coast Half Marathon, 5K and Fun Run has the same start and finish – the World Class Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Florida as the 2103 race.

Event Schedule:

8:00 a.m. – Half Marathon
8:15 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk
9:45 AM- 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
10:00 a.m. – 5K Awards Presentation
11:00 a.m. – Half Marathon Awards Presentation

RACE HIGHLIGHTS:

Half Marathon / 5K / Fun Run
Chip Timing
Tech Shirts to Half-Marathon Runners
Commemorative T-Shirts to 5K Fun Runners
Post Race Celebration featuring Music & Refreshments
Finisher Medals to Half-Marathoners
ALL Events open to Walkers
Hydration stations, medical support throughout the course
Results printed online

FINISH LINE CELEBRATION: Once you cross the finish line, the real fun begins. Join with friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment with refreshments and live music!

Blog posts about this race –

http://www.fit2flex.com/2013/01/palm-coast-half-marathon.html

http://bostonorbust330.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/palm-coast-half-marathon-starting-the-new-year-on-the-right-fast-foot/

Only 153 runners competed in 2013. With such a small field, I could be running alone. I could finish last.

But I REGISTERED!!! (It was only $40 so if I don’t go, I won’t be losing that much $.)

Happy Running? Anyone else plan this far ahead??

January 28, 2013 by Darlene

Week 6 – Almost Halfway

after climbing 219 steps

Week 4 update:

Mon – tennis
Tues – 4 miles
Wed – stationary bike, yoga
Thurs – 6 miles
Fri – stationary bike
Sat – rest
Sun – 4.75 miles, 438 steps

someone took my pic to prove that I duid run over the bridge.

after running 3 miles to this bridge

Week 5 update:

Mon – 6 miles, 406 steps
Tues – 5.75 miles
Wed – 3.75 miles
Thurs – stationary bike
Fri – stationary bike, 3 miles
Sat – rest
Sun – 8 miles

running 8 miles on the Nisky bike trail

Week 6:

Mon – stationary bike, ~~tennis~~ (cancelled – snow/ice)
Tues – ~~stationary bike~~ (cancelled – soup potluck at lunch), tennis
Wed – stationary bike, yoga or 8 miles?? (depends on the weather)
Thurs – stationary bike , haircut
Fri – ~~stationary bike~~ (cancelled – farewell lunch for boss)
Sat – 4 mile race (& add some if 8 not run on Wed)
Sun – 4 mile race (if 8 wasn’t run Wed or Sat)

So here are my issues:

Running in the cold dark morning hours is not appealing!!!

But energy-wise, I run better in the morning.

Running on the same day as tennis is not good for the foot & ankle.

Running a race infers with long runs but I love racing!

Weather such as snow and ice impacts my running.

But as Miss Zippy says: I signed up for this!! A March Half Marathon means training in the winter!!!

I need to believe this!!!

Happy Running! Do you have any of these issues?

January 27, 2013 by Darlene

I’m Not In Florida, Sigh

Wish I was still in warm, sunny Flordia

Instead I ran on the street after work on Friday. It was a dark 16 degrees. I could only muster 3 miles.

Today I set out on my long run. I headed for the Nisky bike trail. I got there and forgot that it had snowed and they didn’t shovel the path.

YakTrax to the rescue!!

It was sunny but only 18 degrees. I had all my layers on and felt pretty good.

I headed west toward Lock 7. As you can see, it was very deserted.

Mohawk River is frozen…

I wasn’t slipping or sliding but I felt like I was running very slow and it seemed to take more effort running in fresh snow. I turned around and headed back to my car to get some Gu and water. I had run (with some walking) about 4.5 miles.

I had planned on 7 miles so I headed in the other direction.

the scene of the crime

I wanted to go to where I fell & broke my ankle on Dec 29, 2011. It looked quite different. That day, there was no snow. I ran a little further and then turned around.

my friend said to pretend that it was white sand & that I was still in Florida

All in all, I ran 8 miles. Not bad for a COLD sunny Sunday.

Of course, I had to reward myself with a trip to Target (and a HOT Starbucks latte.)

YakTrax tracks

Happy Running! Do you run in the snow? Is it is harder (or my imagination)?

January 24, 2013 by Darlene

Vitamin D Part 2 = Best Vacation Ever

Daytona Beach, Fla in the summer (it was not this warm when I was there)

Last year our best boating friends moved to Daytona Beach. My hubby & I decided to visit them for a few days. (Since we are closed for Martin Luther King Day, I only had to take 2 days more off from work).

me, my hubby with Fla friends Mary Ann & Bob upon our arrival

Of course, this was not convenient in terms of my half marathon training schedule but I tried to be flexible. (I brought running shoes, just in case).

20.25 miles with views of the river or ocean

Why was this the best vacation ever??

In addition to climbing to the top of two lighthouses, going out to dinner and/or lunch everyday, seeing umpteen alligators on an airboat ride, seeing umpteen manatees in a blue spring/sanctuary, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in the oldest city in the US, seeing the sunrise over the ocean and the sunset over the river…. I RAN EVERYDAY!!!

Our friends live in Holly Hill, Florida, a block from the Halifax River and 4 miles from the ocean. The first day I ran south toward the Seabreeze Bridge and back.

runeast

The path is paved and along the river with many parks along the way.

photo stop at one of the docks in the park

The second day I went in the other direction (north) and back. I wanted to run over the Granada bridge and to the ocean. The road is very similar as running south.

However, the distance to the bridge was farther than I thought (remember I am not running everyday…haha…the weather was too perfect to follow my injury-free running plan!!) so I turned around after crossing the bridge.

someone took my pic to prove that I did run over the bridge (you can see the ocean in the distance).

On the third day, I ran the same direction as the first day but decided to run over the Seabreeze Bridge and back. The distance was little shorter than the previous day but it was quite windy.

as you can see it was a cool day but who can complain (60 rather 10 degrees)

On my last day, I ran toward the Granada bridge and back but not over it as I had to get back to pack for my return to FRIGID Albany, NY.

sunshine has returned...bumped into Bob 7 my hubby walking the dogs

sunshine had returned… even bumped into Bob & my hubby walking the dogs

So I was in running heaven!!! The river views, no traffic, wearing shorts, no schedule…just run when and where I wanted and as far as I wanted (6 miles is my limit with 7 scheduled for this weekend.) I was a little worried about running 4 days in a row but I took it easy and I feel great.

Our hosts were so easy-going. They did their errands in the morning and we were both ready to embark on our daily adventure around 11 am. (I’ll post more vacation/non-running pics soon.)

Stay tuned for Vitamin D – Part 3 – March 12-18 and my attempt at a HALF MARATHON!!!!!

Happy Running!