Races

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Two (Races) for Tuesday

Ok, I got my racing mojo back after Sunday’s 15K so I signed up for TWO more (in addition to the 2 I had already signed up for).

November 20 – HMRRC Turkey RafFAL Run:

Runners run about a mile loop for an hour. Every time they go through ‘finish’ line, they are given a raffle ticket. Admission to run is a baked item. Items are raffled off.

November 24 – Our Towne Bethlehem Turkey Trot 5K

November 26 – Run Off That Turkey 5K

Benefit Event for ALTAMONT COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY Please bring an unexpired dry good food item or paper product. Running gloves to the 1st 175 registrants, limited to 300 entrants, door prizes, refreshments and more.

December 17  – Albany Last Run 5K

Happy Running! Do you sign up for more races after you have a good one?

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Last Week in Review & an Unplanned 15K

Monday – 5 miles walking in Van Nuys, Ca
Tuesday – many miles walking in Santa Monica, Ca
Wednesday – REST
Thursday – 4 mile run (day off from work)
Friday – 3 mile run after work
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 9.4 miles – Stockeade-athon 15K

Happy Running!

 

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Oops I did it again! An Impromtu Race!!

I was planning on volunteering at this race as I did last year. But the weather forecast looked good and many of my friends were running in it.  I’ve never run a 15K so there would be no pressure to PR because it would of course be a PR.

So I went to the expo yesterday and registered!!

It was chilly (in the 40s) when I left my house.  I planned as usual to dress in layers and take them off before the start of the race. I have been disappointed in my pace since I came back from my injury so I decided to wear my old running shoes — the ones I wore last January for my 1st half.  They’re not too light and not too heavy (but they are worn!)

I arrived pretty early and found Amanda & Tami by the fireplace.

trying to stay warm

 
Then I bumped into Bev, my mah jongg friend who nervously was waiting to run her 1st 15K.
 

 As it got close to race time, some of the “Strong Running Mamas” posed for a photo.

me, Suzy, Amanda, Tami, Janis, Bridget (Elisa taking the pic)

 I decided to take off my sweats & jacket but to leave on my gloves.  I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and capris under my running skirt (which got so many compliments!!).  I’m glad I did because when the sun came out I was fine — even rolled up my sleeves and took off my gloves.

This was the first race that energy-wise I felt good the whole race.  I’m not sure why.  I was running at a faster pace tha usual and was waiting to crash and burn but did not.

The 1st 5 miles were easy but I was warned about the hills.  Compared to Rhinebeck, they were nothing.  I did walk during all 3 hills to conserve energy but in hindsight, I think I could have run up them.

My skirt got a lot of attention (I wish it hadn’t shrunk in the dryer).  Someone yelled my name during the race.  It turned out to be a former student of mine.

Laura, race cheerleader

I stopped to tie my shoe around mile 2.5,  took one GU at mile 5 & had water during several of the later miles, but still I was surprised at my pace.

This was so much faster than my last 3 halfs.

My biggest problem was my feet (as usual).  I got MY FIRST BLISTER!!! Ouch! So miles 6-9 were painful!

According to my Garmin, this 15K was 9.4 miles!!! My time registered as 1:35:31. 

Official Time – 1:36:08 (10K time = 1:03:32)

I really liked the course.  It was quite varied – you started in the park, ran through city and the Stockade-athon district, up State St past Proctors Theatre, through the cemetary and then back through the park.

It was pretty crowded getting refreshments after the race.  But it was worth the line – besides the usual cookies, bagels, fruit, there was hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, choc milk, soup, pizza, pudding, candy and more…

love the pink tech shirt

So I’ve got my racing mojo back!! WooHoo!

Happy Running!  Did you race this weekend?

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Half #5 is Done! Now what?

I survived Half Marathon#5 — the pressure is off.

I had been worried since June 11 (when I injured my heel) that I would be going to LA to run with an old friend and I wouldn’t be able to.

Now what?

It’s getting cold…but I have to stay motivated because I have two 5ks scheduled:

Our Town Turkey Trot on Nov 24. – This 5K is near my house and it is my PR race (although they changed the course from last year.)

Albany Last Run on Dec 17 – For this race, you get to see the Capital Holiday Lights in Washington Park and a spectacular fireworks show.
 
Happy Running! Any holiday races on your schedule?
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Santa Clarita Half Marathon Post Race Report

Unfortunately my host, Ellen, had to work the next day. In fact, she had to work until 10pm.

That left me with the whole day free. After a leisurely breakfast combined with blog reading, I put on my running shoes. Nope.  I didn’t go  running… My legs felt ok but my feet were a little sore. I decided instead to go for a walk…a long walk it turned out to be –  with periodic stops for nourishment…cafe latte and a bagel…pumpkin yogurt.

roses in bloom in Nov!

 

tempting pastries

 

self serve yogurt

When I got home I spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool with my feet in the cold water while reading a book.

aaaahhh


I couldn’t put it down!!!

 

I forgot to mention that the weather was gorgeous … Unlike race day!!!!

Before I left for CA, thanks to Facebook, I discovered that 2 of my former French students lived nearby so we planned to meet. Actually I let them make the plans. Maeghan picked me up and drove to Long Beach to meet Erin. We decided that it would be a propos to eat in a French restaurant. Erin’s pick of La Creperie was perfect! We hadn’t connected in 18 years so we spent several hours catching up and eating delicious crepes. We even shared a huge dessert crepe among the 3 of us.

me, Maeghan & Erin

The next morning, I did don my running clothes but that’s all. I didn’t run although I seriously considered it. I decided it was more important to go sightseeing on my last day. Google maps helped me plan my trip to Santa Monica. Yeah, I didn’t have a car and Ellen had to work but as a capable adult, I could take 2 buses by myself and safely get to & from Santa Monica.

And I did! It was fun.

I had lunch on Santa Monica pier, walked around & even watched students in the trapeze school.

 

tribute to Forest Gump

I took a long walk along the beach. It was cool but sunny.  PERFECT!!

Then sat near Muscle beach and watched all the runners on the bike path. I even made friends with an iguana named “Green.”

lots of hunky guys exercising

 

Yeah, I got the running urge. So I bought an ice cream cone and walked into town to catch my bus back.

Oh, did I mention that the weather was gorgeous except for race day.

The day ended with dinner in a Mexican restaurant. I was told that you have to eat Mexican when in CA. They were right. Dinner was great so was the Cadillac margarita and fried ice cream.

 

yum!

So now, I’m back East … Home from my destination race vacation.

Yes, everything didn’t go as planned. But I’m glad that I went.

Happy Running! Happy Veteran’s Day!

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Santa Clarita Half Marathon Race Report

 

I got up at 4:30 am and had my traditional race breakfast of coffee and hot cereal. Ellen quickly informed me that weather.com was wrong… it was already raining!! After uttering a few obscenities, I got dressed and tried to remain positive. I secretly wished I had some rain gear.

I was also COLD – yes it was warm before I got here! In fact it was 80 last weekend for LA RNR Half.

I decided to wear a short-sleeved tee, arm warmers (cut off knee socks), skirt, cap, gloves, windbreaker. I added a jacket & sweats that I would ditch at the start. Ellen (an experienced racer in the rain) also brought an umbrella.

We left about 5:30 to get to the race early. As we drove, it was raining harder & harder. WE WERE NOT HAPPY CAMPERS!

We parked in the Hilton lot and hung out there until the start. Hotel bathrooms YAY! Everyone seemed to be putting on plastic bags YUCK!

getting ready to head out into the rain

As planned, I hid my jacket, sweats & umbrella and we headed out in the rain to start the race.

the start

Ellen & I had hoped to have our best half finishes for this race but since we run different styles & at different paces, we separated and planned to meet again at the finish.

It was raining very hard. I had nothing on that was waterproof & I got soaked! Nevertheless I was running at a good pace… In fact probably too fast, but I thought I has trained well and could keep it up.

There was water at every mile but I grabbed a cup and walked at every two & took a GU at every four miles.

Unfortunately, this half panned out like the last two. I had no energy for the second half so my pace got slower and slower. When a PR was no longer possible, I started to walk.

The good news is that the rain did stop around mile 7. It was cool out and I was wet so even when the sun peeked out, I was never sweaty. I finally took off my jacket and wrapped around my waist toward the end.

pic from last year, obviously

The course was great – scenic, varied, rolling hills but very doable and many downhills. I should have been able to have a better finish time… I was very disappointed!

Official time: 2:30:13

The infamous photos that I will not buy:

heading to the finish

 
 

crossing the finish line

 

Done!

After I finished, I was cold but waited for Ellen to cross. I was hoping that one of us had a good day. NOPE! She also did not have a good race.

at least I got a medal!

I found my discarded stuff & went to car to get a dry shirt and socks. It didn’t feel so great over WET underwear. Then we went back out to cheer on the marathon finishers.

This guy has run over 200 marathons!

We spent the rest of the afternoon lamenting over our half marathon failures. Even the “best bloody Mary in the world” only helped a little.

The day ended with a fancy gala where Ellen’s daughter was being honored.

Half Marathon #5 completed.

Happy Running! How do you deal with a bad race?

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Santa Clarita Half Marathon Pre-Race Report

Friday night, I arrived in LA after a LONG uneventful flight. The 3 hr time gain was helpful as Ellen & I  stayed up for awhile and chatted. I hadn’t seen Ellen since her sister’s wedding in 1975!!!

Ellen's house in Van Nuys

Saturday am we got up early and headed to the expo to pick up our race packets. It was a beautiful sunny day -a little cool but a perfect day for a race. Unfortunately the race was on Sunday when RAIN was predicted!!

Ellen & I with our bibs

 

I got a cool tech shirt & a bag

I tried to put that horrible thought out of my mind and let Ellen become my personal tour guide. She was great and drove me past all the famous sites of LA.

I even got to have a carb-loaded pasta lunch in Beverly Hills.

Of course, several times Ellen suggested that I buy something to wear in case it rains for the race. I chose to be optimistic – weather.com said 30% chance of showers. That’s 70% chance of no showers!

I ordered some more carbs – French toast – at dinner and I was set or so I thought at the time.

wearing our race shirts that we weren't racing in

Ellen and I spent the rest of the evening organizing our race outfits before heading to bed early for a early wake up…

To be continued…

Happy Running!

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Last Week in Review & Another Half Completed

Monday – 1.5 hours tennis after work
Tuesday – 3 miles during lunch, 1.5 hours tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 miles after work, 1.25 hours yoga
Thursday – REST
Friday – REST
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 13.1 miles – HALF MARATHON #5 – DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2:30:12 – the short version: rain the first half…ran too fast..died…nice course..should have done better…

(Race Report coming when I return East…)

Happy Running!

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Half Marathon Goal Revised

 

I decided to not be a wimp and just GO FOR IT!

My New Goal= 2:22:38 or lower!! Yes, I plan to try to PR!!!!

 Here’s why… 


Lake George Half elevation
Finish time = 2:22:39


Fall Foliage Half elevation
Finish time = 2:32:50

 

Santa Clarita Half elevation

 Looks flatter to me….

I have nothing to lose…no embarrassment if I don’t  make  it.

I’ll be happy to finish and grab my medal…

Correction= HALF MARATHON 11/6/11

In fact, after my last long 12 min/mi run, it doesn’t appear very likely that I will succeed … but I’m gonna try!!

(You’ll find out on Thursday when I get back….suspense………..)

Happy Running!  How do you come up with your goals?

 

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Goals for Half Marathon #5

As I said in yesterday’s post, I am a little nervous about this race.  In addition to having a heel injury and penguin-like training runs, I also will be changing time zones (3 hour time difference) and staying with a friend’s sister, Ellen, whom I haven’t seen in 36 years.

But really, I’m excited about leaving the Northeast and heading to sunny Cali! I am also looking forward to hanging out with Ellen, her hubby & her daughter. (Ellen, stop cleaning!!!)

My Goals:

A. Have FUN!
B. Finish!
C. Do not re-injure my foot or injure any other body part!
E. Finish faster than Half Marathon #3 –under 2:45.
F. Finish faster than Half Marathon #4 –under 2:32. (This is my hope!)
G.Finish faster than Half Marathon #2 — under 2:22. (This is A DREAM & a PR!!)

Happy Running!  California, here I come!