December 31, 2012 by Darlene

Sandy Hook Elementary Memorial Virtual 5K

the bib

This was organized by Beth & Ben in Tampa, Fl. For $20, you got a Bib and a Medal and you supported the school. Plus, you ran 3.1 or 13.1 miles.

I would have done it by myself but I was lucky that The Happy Runner organized it on FB so I could run with some great ladies.

However, weather conditions (icy roads) forced Felice to cancel.

At first I was relieved so not to worry about the hills & falling on the ice. But then, I was psyched to run. It’s not often that I am off on a weekday. So I decided to do it on my own (just in case when they re-schedule I am not free – I will be away Jan 5 and Jan 19-23).

oops! I left my bib at work.

I chose the same route as I ran on Saturday but it was a lot more slushy and slippery!!

I had to run in the middle of the road and then move over every day a car went by in either direction. So it was slow going but I got it done (even had negative splits).

Now I won’t feel so guilty indulging at the dinner party that we are going to tonight!

Happy Running! Did you participate in the 5K or Half?

December 29, 2012 by Darlene

Week 1 & My Anniversary

Yes, half marathon training has begun and 2 snowstorms have happened as well.

Sun – 4 miles
Tues – 3 miles
Thurs – 3 miles
Today, Sat – 5 miles

But I successfully ran every other day… 11 weeks to go!!

Last night was my annual tennis party…it was fun but I over ate again!!

several entertained us by playing the piano

one of our friends moved to Florida so we skyped with her

lots of appetizers and desserts!!

we had a Chinese gift exchange which is always fun

This morning I slept in and barely made it through my run before the snowstorm. I had planned to go the Nisky bike trail (the scene of the accident) but decided to stay local due to the impending snowfall.

I went to the same neighborhood but ran in a different direction. I didn’t wear my Yak Trax but stayed in the road looking for dry turf and watching for black ice.

And I succeeded but after 3 miles my stomach started growling. I haven’t done a long run in a year so I need to remember to drink water and bring some Gu.

4.5 miles done and off for some nourishment

I went back to my car and got some money and headed off to the coffee shop.

this did the trick!

But I left the coffee shop to this:

SNOW!!

glad I only had .5 mile to run/slide.

and today is my ONE YEAR Anniversary…a year ago today, I fell during a 10 mile run. I slipped on the ice and broke my ankle in several places & had surgery. I didn’t run for 5 months.

I wasn’t sure I would get through it but I did.

Yes many people said to give up running. I knew that I would not.

I am running again. I may never get the speed back but I am running again!!

To celebrate, I ran today and I even wore almost the same outfit.

Happy Running! Have you ever had a run-threatening injury?

December 23, 2012 by Darlene

Half Marathon Training Begins…

I will be in Sarasota, Florida to run this in 12 weeks!! Yikes!!

I was googling “Half Marathon” and found this training schedule. I like it because it is simple and flexible.

Although this is technically my 6th half marathon, it feels like the first.

I am actually more nervous because I know more. I was very naive regarding my first. I didn’t even have a Garmin during the training.

don’t I look calm?

Now I have experienced injuries (3 to be exact) and know how quickly things can go wrong.

I have to go slow and be conservative but yet instinctively I want to do well. (Well for me, that is…)

So to keep things in perspective, I will try to remember this:

Running is a gift. Not everyone can. I will remember the times I could not. I wil not take any step I take for granted.

Happy Running! Any other motivating thoughts for this returning runner?

December 22, 2012 by Darlene

Another Motivational Quote & Holiday Greeting

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?

December 15, 2012 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5K Report

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?

December 14, 2012 by Darlene

For Miss Zippy: My 2012

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:

1. Best race experience?

Freihofer’s Run for Women – I was recovering from a broken ankle and wasn’t supposed to run it. At the last moment I decided to walk it but then when the gun went off, I started running & didn’t stop until I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes.

Runners World 5K – This was a destination race and I was visiting my best friend from high school who was waiting at the finish line. Again, I was injured with a stress fracture but determined to run the race anyway. It was a really fun race and I hope to run it again (or even the 10K or the half) some day when I am healthy.

2. Best run?

Camp Chingachgook 10k – I would have to say this one because it was my longest run of the year, my first 10K and at my favorite summer destination – Lake George.

determined to break 30 minutes!!

MPBA 5K – Finally broke 30 minutes which I used to do easily.

3. Best new piece of gear?

Camp Chingachgook Challenge

Compression Socks – Now I have white (Saucony), black (runningskirts.com), blue, pink, green (procompression). They are really great to help recover from injuries.

me feeling short with the Running Skirts ladies

My Running Skirt – This new one is my favorite from runningskirts.com. I have worn it to many of my races this year.

4. Best piece of running advice you received?

From Runner’s World in January: “Injury is something that happens to you as an athlete. Others might tell you that you’re done. But if you keep at it, you might be able to get back…” –Abdi Abdirahman, third-place finisher in the men’s 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials.

5. Most inspirational runner?

AJH at Age Groups Rock – She is amazing. In her 50’s like me, she started doing triathlons this past year. She runs and bikes in all types of weather conditions. She is also a teacher which I know from experience is a tiring job. But she seems to have endless energy and enthusiasm. What an inspiration!!

Crista at Livin a Little Life – She lives with cancer (Stage 4) every day. Yet she doesn’t complain. She runs half marathons and 5ks. She even raises money for charity. She makes my health problems seem minor. She inspires me, too.

6. If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?

Injured, Frustrated but Grateful – Two injuries and sidelined for 5 months, then 2 months. Frustrated when not running and even more when I couldn’t run at the level I was used to. Grateful that I was able to run at all. Grateful for my friends and family.

Happy Running! Feel free to share your answers to Miss Zippy’s questions.

December 9, 2012 by Darlene

2013 Bucket List of Races

January

maybe a free HMRRC race (Albany)

February

Polar Cap 4 mi (Lake George)

March

First Watch Half Marathon (Sarasota, Fla.)

April

Delmar Dash 5 mi Race

May

Sean’s 5k Run (Chatham)
Mother’s Day Race (Schenectady)

June

Freihofer Run for Women (Albany)
Kinderhook Bank OK 5K
Adirondack Distance Challenge (Lake George-Bolton Landing)

July

Jingle Bell 5k (Lake George)
Silks & Satins 5K (Saratoga)

August

Camp Chingachgook 10k (Lake George)
Jailhouse Rock 5k (Ballston Spa)

September

5 for fiVe (Saratoga)
MBPK 5k (Malta)
Helper’s Fund 5K (Chestertown)

October

Susan Komen Race for the Cure (Albany)
Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon (Ponce Inlet, Fla.)

November

Fall Frun 10K (Clifton Park)
Stockade-athon 15K (Schenectady)
Bethlehem Towne Turkey Trot 5k (Delmar)

December

Albany Last Run 5K

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?

December 8, 2012 by Darlene

What’s on Your List?

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!

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?

December 5, 2012 by Darlene

My Last 4 Weeks

Date: 11/7/12

Symptoms: Blood in Urine

Tests/Procedures in the last 4 weeks:

Urinalysis to diagnose an infection (11/9)
CT scan: an X-ray but gives much better detail. (11/9)
Cystourethroscopy: a cystoscope (a thin, telescope-like tube with a light and tiny camera attached) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to view the bladder and kidneys (11/21)
Cystoscopy & Biopsy (under anesthesia): A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is passed through the urethra to visualize the right kidney. (11/28)
Ureteral stent: a thin tube inserted into the ureter to prevent obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney.Stent inserted (during above procedure) to reduce trauma (11/28)
Intravenous pyelogram, or IVP: X-ray of the urinary tract. A dye is first injected into your vein; the dye is filtered by your kidneys and provides contrast so the kidneys are easier to see. A series of X-rays is taken over a 30-minute period, looking for blockages or problems. (12/4)
Urinalysis. Stent removed. (12/5)

Results:

Negative – no infection
Negative – no tumors, no masses, no stones
Negative – normal bladder (no cancer), normal left kidney, blood source= right kidney
Negative – no biopsy needed – no polyps or abnormal cells found
…
Negative – nothing abnormal found – no malignant cells, no blockages
No infection. Antibiotics prescribed as a precaution

Next Steps:

There seems to be NO FOUND CAUSE for the bleeding.
Continue on as normal
Hopefully the bleeding will stop or be minimal.
Contact the doctor if the bleeding increases or there is pain.
Return for procedure #3 in 4 months.

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!

December 4, 2012 by Darlene

13 in 2013

I can do this, right?

Here is my racing history:

2008—–2009—–2010—2011—-2012

Jan – 0——0——-0——1——-0
Feb – 0——0—— 0——1——-0
Mar – 0 ——0——1——2——0
Apr – 1——-0—––1——2——0
May – 2——4——4——4——-0
Jun – 1——–1——-3——2——-2
July – 2——-0—–1——0——-1
Aug – 1——–3——2—–0——-2
Sept – 3——-3——3—–1——-4
Oct – 3——–4——2——2——2
Nov – 0——-1——2——5——-0
Dec – 0——-1——-2—–2——-1

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)