September 24, 2013 by Darlene

Tuesday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – tennis, 1 mile walk at work
Tuesday – ~~3 or~~ 4 miles ~~before~~ after work

Delmar Rail Trail

Wednesday – rest, movie

a silly movie

Thursday – 4 3 miles after work on the track (200 x 200 repeats – my version of speed work)
Friday – rest, 2 mile walk at work
Saturday – 10K race + 5 miles

Helper’s Fund 5K – a PR and 2nd in my AG award

Sunday – rest

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest
Saturday – boating, 5K night race or 5k am race
Sunday – mah jongg at Schroon River house
Monday – DAY OFF -long run of 12 miles

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

September 21, 2013 by Darlene

Helper’s Fund 10K Race Report

Unfortunately, my friend who owns a house in Chestertown had someone staying there (her son on his honeymoon) so I couldn’t stay there last night as I did last year.

imagine…the honeymooners got preference over me!

So I got up early this morning and headed up North.

It was cloudy, chilly, breezy and very HUMID. At least it wasn’t raining. As I drove, the sky brightened.

I wore my new running skirt & compression socks. I opted for short sleeves but brought a jacket & a long sleeved shirt, just in case.

I parked in the Grand Union parking lot and walked across the street to get my racing packet.

a previous year’s start

This was a small community race – about 200 in the 5K and less than 100 in the 10K. I got there early enough to use the real restrooms and chat with some runners.

Both the 5k and 10K runners start together and then separate. There was no timing mat at the start so I tried to stand not too far back.

I started with the lady was chatting with but soon realized that she was slower than me (there were only a few others that slow.)

me at the beginning

As I mentioned the course is hilly…real hilly.

I wasn’t gunning for a PR so I just took it slow.

I ran until the first hill and then walked up it and the others as well as through the water stops. Besides the hills, this was a beautiful course. You ran through the back roads and it would have been awesome if the foliage was at peak.

Around mile 3, you ran into the 5k runners but actually it was the ones who were walking. Then you separated again.

I finished the first 5k around 33 minutes. I was pleased considering how much I walked. I could have pushed myself but I am used to running on FLAT roads and I didn’t want another injury. Besides, I wanted to add 5 miles to my run after the race.

Around mile 4, when I was walking, a runner caught up to me and we started chatting. This was the only boring part of the course – a LONG uphill on a main road. I ran because she was and she thanked me for getting her through it. (She also thought we were in the same age group. She was 45 & I 60. Made me feel good.)

Eventually the hills got steeper and I let her go ahead. But I stayed behind her and finished right behind her.

I stopped at all the water stops but I had no fuel and I definitely needed it around mile 5. But I gathered my strength and finished strong.

I wasn’t last and finished at: 1:06:10 which was a PR by over 2 minutes. This is my 3rd 10K. The 1st was while I was recovering from my broken ankle and the 2nd was last winter on a pretty flat course.

happy to see the finish line

I was pleased. My 2nd half of the race was about the same as the first and I know that I can do better.

My Splits:

mile 1 – 9:56
mile 2 – 10:37
mile 3 – 11:41 – water stop
mile 4 – 10:59
mile 5 – 11:41 – water stop
mile 6 – 10:50
.2 – 7:42

pic from FB

I had some refreshments (all home-made – cookies, fritters, breads, bagels, etc) and stuck around for awards (and it took forever) since there was a chance because last year, there was NO ONE in my age group.

Actually there were 2 this year so I came in 2nd. Hooray for AG awards.

race swag

I had planned to run 4.8 more miles today. Boy, did I not feel like it.

I told myself that my reward would be lunch in Schroon Lake and maybe a cool purchase at the Expo.

I drove to familiar territory – near my friend’s house and parked my car. I ran/walked 5 more miles admiring the scenery.

As you can see, the leaves are still pretty green. My run was painful…my feet & back ached but I got it done.

When I was done, I drove to Schroon Lake. There were marathoners and half marathoners everywhere.

I went to the expo but only bought some energy gels and a race belt. (I saw many familiar faces from the race I just did. In fact, the women who won the 10K was going to be running the marathon tomorrow.)

it has 2 pouches, holds 4 gels and your bib

Then I ate at my favorite restaurant a French creperie.

apples, walnuts, raisins & maple cream – yum!

On the way home, I stopped at our marina but no one was out on their boats – TOO WINDY! And then at my friend’s house in Lake George (her hubby just had back surgery.).

A long full day. The highlight was my race, of course.

I think I made the right decision about the race. I love scenic courses, The weather turned out to be great (just a little windy but there was hazy sunshine all day and NO RAIN!) I had a PR and got an award plus got in my miles.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing?

September 20, 2013 by Darlene

My Fall Race Schedule

6469844-cartoon-of-a-woman-reaching-the-finish-line-in-a-running-event

I love racing.

September:

Sept 7

Sept 28, 2013 (that’s me with my mouth open LOL)

October:

5K
Oct 5

13.1
Oct 13

Oct 19 in Lake George

November:

15K
Nov 10

5K
Thanksgiving Day

December:

Dec 14

There may be even more…

Happy Running! Are you racing a lot in the fall?

September 19, 2013 by Darlene

Three Things Thursday

In this case, it is THREE RACES.

I have 3 races that I can do this weekend.

1. The first is on Friday night. I have done it twice before (2010 & 2009) and it is flat. The race course is NOT scenic (highway and rundown apts.) It is only a 5K so I would have to do my long run on Sunday.

Sept. 20, 2013

2. The second one is on Saturday morning. It is in Chestertown (1.5 hrs away) and I did the 5K last year. It is VERY HILLY. It is a 5K or a 10K so I could add miles to the 10K and get in my long run. it is scenic and I could go to nearby Schroon Lake to go to the expo for the Adirondack marathon. I would have Friday night for mah jongg and Sunday free to go boating. (The weather forecast is iffy too 😦 )

3. The third one is on Sunday morning. It is nearby and flat. I did the 5K several years ago. I could do the 10K and add miles to get in a long run. The course of the 10k is 2 loops of the 5k and not too interesting.

Sept 22, 2013

So which one will I choose???

Most likely #2. Why do something something close & flat where the weather is nice??

I love a challenge. I am hoping that the rain will hold off until the afternoon. I plan to run a nice slow race and add additional scenic miles to complete 11 miles for the day.

a goofy picture from last year’s race

My goals for the race are: to finish, walk up the hills, remain uninjured and of course, have fun.

Happy Running! What factors do you consider when picking a race?

September 17, 2013 by Darlene

TRU

Last Week:

Monday – tennis, 1 mile walk at work
Tuesday – tennis, 1 mile walk at work
Wednesday – 3 HOT SWEATY miles before work, 1 mile walk at work
Thursday – 4 3 sweaty miles before work, 1 mile walk at work
Friday – rest
Saturday – long run of 10 miles

Nisky bike path

Sunday – boating & a 5 mile hike

This Week:

Monday – tennis
Tuesday – 3 or 4 miles before work
Wednesday – rest, movie
Thursday – 4 miles after work
Friday – rest
Saturday – 10K race + ?? miles (weather depending)
Sunday – boating hopefully

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

September 12, 2013 by Darlene

TTT

Ugh! A five day week.

It is the first time I have worked a full week in awhile.

I didn’t defer my Oct 13 half marathon. That just means that I didn’t pay the $25. I still may run/walk it or if the weather is lousy, skip it and maybe even sign up again next year. Who knows… The jury is still out.
Tennis wasn’t so bad. I played on Monday with some friends (at my level). I wasn’t awesome but I didn’t suck. (4-6, 4-6, 2-0) Tuesday I played with women that were at a higher level. I played a little better (8-6, 3-3)
Crazy weather..how’s a girl to dress or run?

On Wed, I ran before work to avoid the heat & humidity (& possible thunderstorms). I did the same today.

Happy Running! Are you having crazy weather as well?

September 10, 2013 by Darlene

Another Weekly Update

Last Week:

Monday – day off – ~~3-4~~ 3.75 miles at home
Tuesday – 2 – 1 mile walks during work, ~~tennis~~
Wednesday – 3 miles after work, ~~yoga~~, 2 – 1mile walks during work
Thursday – 4 2.75 miles on the track after work, 1 mile walk during work
Friday – ~~walk~~ rest
Saturday –5K race + 7 miles

after the Malta 5K

walk/run on the Mohawk Towpath

Sunday – boating + 4.5 mile hike

Black Mountain Pt on Lake George

I have a Love-Hate relationship with tennis. I love.love my tennis friends. When I am on the court I enjoy the exercise, competition, social aspect of it but I HATE having to take time away from running and I HATE that since I don’t put any priority into it, my skills are lacking. I HATE that it is expensive.

Unfortunately, you can’t just go out and play (which is why I haven’t made the effort to play since my Naples vacation in May.)

So if I want to keep it up at all, you have to join a club and pay to be part of 35 week contracts.

So I did. I will be playing in a half contract on Mondays and a half contract on Tuesdays. (Ideally only once a week not 2x and then 0x.) I don’t plan to join any teams. (Gone are the days when I played 6x a week and on 3-4 teams.)

at least I’ll get some use out of my tennis clothes and new sneakers

Next Week:

Monday – tennis
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest
Saturday – long run of ???
Sunday – boating

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

September 7, 2013 by Darlene

Malta 5K Race Report

I ran this race last year so I registered again on a whim.

However last summer, I had run 4 5K races and a 10K. This summer – zippo. I was hoping that a race would light a firecracker to my running.

Luckily it was beautiful weather for a race. Sunny and cool (50’s) and little humidity. I opted to wear a summer outfit with compression socks and brought my DIY arm sleeves and a windbreaker.

I left nice and early but decided to use my iPhone rather than my Garmin GPS to locate the race. BIG MISTAKE!! It told me to get off the highway an exit earlier than I thought (I shouldn’t have listened.) and then took me on back roads to who knows where. When it finally told me to turn into my destination, there was no road. I think the Google maps had not been updated since Global Foundries was built. So I wandered around and found an entrance to Global Foundries. But then I encountered a road block for the race. They told me to go out and back to the next exit and go in the other entrance. GREAT! So instead of arriving nice and early, I rushed to get my race packet and put all the stuff they gave us back in my car and got to the start with 5 minutes to spare. Phew! No time to even use the rest room (yes, there were real bathrooms!).

heading toward the start/finish line (photo from last year)

There were a lot more runners than last year. Especially those running for the sponsor, Global Foundries (where coincidentally my stepson works.) probably about 600 or so. The race was chip timed so no need to start in the front. I started with my sleeves on but quickly got warm from the sun and rolled them down.

the course: 2 loops around the campus

The course is very boring…you are running around chip plants but the loops let you see the fast runners and all those runners that are behind you twice during the race.

My goal for the race was to run as much of it as I could. There were some inclines but not what you call hills. At mile 1.5, I succumbed to walking at the water stop. Then I walked even longer at the same water stop which was at mile 2.5. In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t but who knows maybe I finished faster because of it.

I knew from the clocks and my Garmin that I could unbelievably finish under 30 minutes.

And I did… gun time 29:56, chip time 29:49

I was very happy.

I grabbed some food ..the usual food, bagels, etc and hung around talking to a nice lady who just started running a year ago and another familiar face from many races.

Did I win an award?

nope – 4th- those darn water stops!

The lady that I crossed the finish line with was in my AG but she started 6 sec. after me.

Oh well. Maybe next time.

Split times:

mile 1: 9:29
mile 2: 9:56
mile 3: 9:54
.10: 7:45

(all under 10 min. woo hoo!!)

I am happy and I met ALL my goals for the race.

Have fun – YES!
Finish uninjured – YES!
Finish faster than my last 5k run walk (39:xx) – Yes, by 10 min.!
Finish under 35 minutes – YES, under 30 min.
Run most of the race – Yes, just walked at both water stops

nice swag (and there was even more junk)

This race was just what I needed.

I was on a runner’s high so I stopped on my way home to run some more. More about that in my next post.

Happy Running! Anyone racing this weekend?

September 6, 2013 by Darlene

D-Day

Oct. 13, 2013

Tomorrow is the deadline to defer my registration for the above half marathon until next year.

I can’t decide what to do. I keep going back and forth. I have 3 choices. (see below.)

I am definitely NOT IN SHAPE to run 13.1 miles.

YES, JUST DO IT

just walk most of it … they’ll be other walkers
you have your SRM shirt to wear
you will be depressed if you don’t
you will get a medal anyway as long as you finish
you’ll be more motivated to do longer runs on the weekends in the coming weeks
you will save $25 (that you can use to register for another race)
you will be among the marathon finishers so you won’t be alone
you already paid $60
5 hours vs 2.5 hours – more for your buck
if the weather is nice, it’s a beautiful course
you can always sign up next year and train better
Carpe Diem…who knows what injuries next year will bring?

after run/walking the Adirondack HM – Sept 2011 (2:45 finish)

NO, SKIP IT

run another race that weekend
go boating or for a hike that day
you will save $25 (that you can use to register for another race)
won’t have to stress in the coming weeks about long runs & can do some shorter races instead
you can still get the race shirt
you won’t be embarrassed by your slow time
who wants to spend 5 hours walking…
you can always sign up next year and train better

last weekend for running & boating on Lake George
(our marina closes Oct 15)

NO, DEFER IT

It’s only $25?? you already spent $60
run another race that weekend
go boating or for a hike that day
won’t have to stress in the coming weeks about long runs & can do some shorter races instead
you won’t be embarrassed by your slow time
you can train properly next summer
you can even try for a PR next year

maybe beat my time from the rainy hilly Lake George HM

Happy Running! Ever have this dilemma? What would you do?

September 4, 2013 by Darlene

Just Do It

Last Saturday, I had wanted to run a 5K race. I printed out the registration form & filled it out. I picked out my outfit, set my alarm and…… chickened out.

Why? Because my running sucks. I mean my 3 mile times have been almost 40 minutes!!, Yeah, seriously sucky!

I didn’t run this 5k in Saratoga

I did what ever runner would do, checked the race results. And guess what? The winner in my age group ran it in 37:xx!! Even with my sucky running, I think in a race, I would have beat that. (I ran a 5k with a broken foot in 29:xx) I could have won an AG award.

On Monday, my 3 mile run was a sweat fest but I did it in 35 minutes. I plan to run again today and tomorrow and if I am lucky it will be less humid and I will run faster. (Actually it’s just walk less often and I will have a faster time.)

Sept 7, 2013

Yep, this time I paid for the race and I plan to run it even if I suck.

Last year, I ran this race while recovering from a broken ankle and it was my first 5k under 30 minutes since the injury. I don’t plan to repeat that feat…yet.

GOALS: