I made a pact with myself to never complain about an event I’ve successfully finished. No matter what my finish time or pace, I will cross the line with a pocket full of gratitude. Records are meant to be broken, but those moments are far and few between. Every adventure offers an opportunity to evolve, explore, and celebrate life. And that is the gift that keeps on giving. — Jenny Hadfield
That will be my motto for 2013!!
Happy Holidays! Thanks for reading! What is your favorite running quote?
This was my third time doing this race so I was prepared for the course, the darkness & the potholes. The fireworks were usually before the race and you have to get ready to run right after they ended. I remember that the race ended coming down a hill. I hoped that this year I wouldn’t trip on a pot hole and fall like last year!!.
I also knew that this race would be crowded so my plan was to just have fun with it.
The race started at 5 pm. It’s always a little tricky to run a race at night when you’re used to fueling in the morning. So I decided to carbload throughout the day: oatmeal…bagel…waffles… chicken lo mein.
I saved time in picking up my race packet yesterday during lunch.
This year’s windbreaker. I also have yellow & orange. I’d wear it if it were a holiday color.
It wasn’t too COLD…in the 30’s . There was no snow or ice…YAY!! I just wore layers… turtleneck, t-sheet, green windbreaker, skirt with capris, holiday knee socks, Santa hat, red gloves. My hubby has a parking pass for under the mall so he drove me. We planned to go out to dinner afterwards.
waiting inside before the race
As you know I have been recovering from another injury and haven’t been running much. I probably should have sat this one out but the park is beautiful with all the lights so I thought why not just run it slow.
Several of my friends that wanted to run the race got closed out…this race is very popular. But I did run into several runners that I knew. I was surprised to see my good tennis friend MaryPat. I didn’t know that she was running it until I saw her standing next to me while watching the fireworks outside before the race began.
MaryPat
The race started after the fireworks. There was supposed to be a starting mat but I didn’t see one. It was very crowded where I was standing and it took some time to get moving. It was very slow going for awhile but was perfect for me. I couldn’t run fast even if I wanted to. I spent most of the race looking at the ground. I was paranoid about falling again and I did see several runners who did just that.
(Some cute photos here: http://cms.dailygazette.com/photos/galleries/2012/dec/15/last-run-5k/)
I just ran at an easy pace taking in all the scenery and the runners in costumes. I passed the mile 1 marker at 12:xx but that was because it was so slow at the beginning.
I kept the same pace the whole race. I ran the whole time even up the hills. Mile 2 was around 22:xx which is more my speed. Finally we got the the downhill part and I was very careful not to fall (even though my shoe was untied but it was too dangerous to stop to tie it & I didn’t want to lose any more time.)
I did manage to sprint across the finish line around 35:20 (I think). Normally I would be depressed at such a slow time. But I was so happy to have run a race and to have run 3.1 miles without stopping.
What was really cool was that there were fireworks going off as the runners crossed the finish line. I watched for a little bit but I had to go inside and look for my hubby.
Inside there was a band and refreshments including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. I headed toward the ice cream and then located my hubby who was anxious to head to Applebees for dinner.
Albany’s Last Run was hopefully not my “last” run but it was my last and 12th RACE of 2012. It was the kind of race that you do for fun. And it was fun!
Happy Running! Anyone one else running a holiday race?
Ms. Zippy asked us to tell her about our 2012. As you know, it wasn’t a great year but here it is in a blog post:
MPBA 5K – Finally broke 30 minutes which I used to do easily.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Most of these races I’ve run before but there are a few news ones (in BOLD).
Of course, I hope to have a healthy year.
It’s good to have goals. It keeps you motivated. For me this year, it’s to cross the finish line and have fun!!!
Happy Running! What races are on your bucket list for 2013?
Santa,
I want this:
On it is this runners version of the famous holiday poem:
Twas the night before the race and all through the state,
Runners were carb loading hoping for a great pace.
Their race day clothes were hung with care,
Along with the gels, watches and bibs all there.
The many weeks of training were not very fun,
Hill repeats, fartleks and long runs were done.
Hydration intake has all been perfected,
Thankfully no major pains were detected.
When race day arrives runners fill the streets,
And into their corrals they eagerly retreat.
Setting their watches as they run through the start,
We bid them all a good race admiring their dedication and heart.
As miles pass by they run with all their might,
Water and fuel stations were a very welcome site.
The crowds were all cheering and having a good time,
Giving the runners high fives all down the line.
When what to their wondering eyes should appear?
But the finish line with gleaming medals ever so near.
Endorphins are dancing all around in their heads,
It’s time for celebrations and then straight to bed.
May your running always be such a wonderful delight,
Happy running to all and to all a good night!
Copyright GoneForaRun.com
Of course, I wouldn’t mind another pair of running shoes and more running clothes…
All kidding aside, I don’t need any material things.
What this past year has shown me is that, it all means nothing if you aren’t healthy enough.
Happy Running! What running gift(s) do you want?
Date: 11/7/12
Symptoms: Blood in Urine
Tests/Procedures in the last 4 weeks:
Results:
Next Steps:
So how does this relate to running?
For the most part, I was not in any physical pain during the first 3 procedures. When I went to my doctor for #1, the PA there told that I had bladder cancer & to go to the hospital for more tests. Test #3 revealed that the problem was not in the bladder. For test #4, the urologist was looking for evidence of kidney cancer. That has been ruled out for now.
So as you can see, it was pretty scary. And mentally, I could not focus on running…at all. (I was also very sore after test#4)
Running Post Stress Fracture:
11/11 – 1/2 mi
11/13 – 1/2 mi
11/15 – 1/2 mi
11/17 – 1 mi
11/19 – 1 mi
11/21 – 1 mi
11/23 – 1.5 mi
11/25 – 1.5 mi
11/27 – 1.5 mi
12/2 – 2 mi
12/4 – 3 mi
NO tennis yet. Yes, I am off my half marathon plan already. Not worried…
Here are some photos from my run/walk through the park yesterday. It definitely lifted my spirits.
Ready or not, I am doing my 12th race of the season (a 5K) in this park around these lights on Dec. 15!!
Happy Running!
I can do this, right?
Here is my racing history:
2008—–2009—–2010—2011—-2012
2008 – 13 races (did not run in the winter)
2009 – 17 races (did not run in the winter)
2010 – 21 races
2011 – 22 races (strained achilles)
2012 – 12 races (broken ankle, foot stress fracture)
So I am hoping that without any major injuries, I can race at least 13!!!
Happy Running! What about you…how many races do you plan to run in 2013?
No for the first time in several years, I did not participate in a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!
last year
I was tempted…but I am only up to running 1 mile and it would be stupid to do it (even though I am known to do stupid things like running a 5k with a stress fracture). I did not want to end up with another stress fracture.
Since it was just my hubby & me, I decided not to cook and instead go out to eat. We decided to go to Lake George Village. Two restaurants there had Thanksgiving Buffets and although both of the menus looked great, I chose The View at Dunham’s Bay (because it had a better view.)
It was beautiful day for a ride.
the view from our table
The food was good. Not as good as mine…ha ha. But certainly more relaxing than shopping…cooking…and cleanup.
The desserts were the best. I had French Silk pie and apple pie. My hubby had strawberry shortcake & pumpkin pie.
We couldn’t resist after dinner taking a ride north to our marina.
it looks odd without any boats
We ended the day at the movies – Life of Pi. A little sad and definitely leaves you thinking. I recommend it. (now I want to read the book – which I usually do first.)
Happy Running! Did you run a Turkey Trot? Hope you had an enjoyable day.
I have a plan:
(The white cells are when I am on vacation in Florida. CT or Cross Training is tennis.)
Happy Running! Do you have a half marathon training plan or do you wing it?
The City of New York and New York Road Runners announced late Friday that the 2012 ING NYC Marathon had been canceled.
According to the mayor:
While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division. We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event — even one as meaningful as this — to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to help New York City recover from the storm.
This was definitely a no win situation. Yes, this race brings a lot of money into NYC. But it is hard to justify spending money for generators and water for runners in a race when so many residents are still without water and power.
Now if I had been training for 6 mos or more for my first or maybe only NYC marathon, I would have been so disappointed. It is hard training for 13.1 miles never mind 26.2. However, it would not have been a good experience with all the negative publicity surrounding the mayor’s call to hold the race.
So it was cancelled. Unfortunately, many runners had already arrived to run the race. They had already spent money on trains, gas, flights, hotels, etc. Too bad, the mayor has not cancelled the race immediately!!
Now on to my own personal misery.
Today’s race was going to be my 2nd 10K but my first real one. The lst 10k race that I ran was in August when I had not been running more than 3 miles. For this one, I would have been training and running at least 6 or more miles on the weekend. A 10K PR for sure!
So I showed up to the race in my boot and collected my race packet. At least I got a long sleeve tech shirt.
Happy Running! How did you feel about the NYC Marathon decision?
My First 5K and More... 