January 27, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.21.19-1.27.19: Finding a place to run…

Well, we finally got snow and it sucked. Really put a damper on my running. I hate to run on the treadmill!!)

Last week –

Monday – Love me a day off from work. I can run in the daylight anywhere I chose. Of course, it would have been nice not to worry about finding a running route without snow. As I mentioned for the Saturday long run, The Crossings is the only place (beside UAlbany) I knew where they shovel the snow on most of the paths. The biggest problem was not the snow, however, but the sub-zero temps. And NO, I did not run outdoors. The wind was horrendous. I cooked and cleaned but got cabin fever so I decided to go to my free gym since I was nearby doing errands. I threw in the towel after 2 miles on the treadmill. I was miserable. I won’t do that again.

Tuesday – An after work run at UAlbany. Both of my Sole Sisters decided to run on the treadmill. I chose UAlbany because it is a college and the paths are always clear and lit. It was cold but nothing compared to the day before. However the paths were far from cleared. Mostly snow-covered and hard to run on. Very disappointing.

Wednesday – Another after work run. It was windy but warmer but it threatened to snow/sleet/rain all day so I was ready to throw in the towel (even though the first run for the STEM program was scheduled for 6:30 pm tonight) However, when I got out of work, it hadn’t started yet…Next was the question on where to run??? Good News. All the paths at UAlbany were clear so off I went (sorry, STEM runners – it was raining hard by the time I finished so I went home.)

20 degrees warmer + no ice or snow + still light out= 🙂

Thursday – I planned on a rest day (and a rainy warm one it was) because I had plans for our monthly tennis dinner out. As always, a fun evening out.

weather and vacations made our group a lot smaller tonight

Friday – Another rest day and I played hostess to my mah jongg group.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we met at the Crossings to run again due to the snow/ice. I had 12 miles on my schedule. It was cold again but the sun was shining. I ran my first 7 miles with Barbara, the last 5 with Sherry and there was brunch after. All is good.

the paths were mostly icy so we ventured out into the neighborhoods to get it done (on tired legs)… so grateful for running friends

Sunday – Winter Series #4 Race and I downgraded to the 3m distance from the 15k. I wasn’t feeling great but when I got to the race and saw all my friends, my mood changed instantly. And although it was my worst 3 mile time in 5 tries, I got an age group award. Yes, sometimes it pays just to show up.

the speedy ladies in my AG ran the 15k or the 30k

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – ~~3 miles~~ work set up, rest day
Wednesday – 3 miles (volunteer with STEM)
Thursday – rest day, hair appt.
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Polar Cap Race + 4 miles (Feb. 10 half marathon taper begins)
Sunday -rest day, pack for Fla

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Did you get hit with the BIG snowstorm? If yes, how did you deal? Please share.

January 18, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Publix Florida Half Marathon

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

I have my first half marathon of 2019 in THREE weeks – the Publix Florida Half Marathon. Though I have run 8 halfs in Florida, this is the first time for this particular race.

: Naples -Jan 2011

: First Watch Sarasota – Mar 2013

: West Palm – Jan 2015

: Eau Palm Beach – Dec 2015

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016

: PCB Half – Dec 2016

: Treasure Coast Half (Jupiter)- Mar 2017

: Brew2Brew Half (Vero Beach) – Mar 2018

So my Topic this week is: Five Things I’d Love to Happen During This RACE

1.Good Weather

Not too hot and not too cold. No wind or rain. It’s in Florida so I’m not sure what I can do about the humidity.

don’t let the pic fool you…I FROZE during this one.

2. No pain.

No foot pain or lower back pain. Or any new aches or injuries.

ouch on new lower back pain during RnR Brooklyn

3. Ocean Views

Sometimes, they say there will be water views but you can never see the ocean or it is for such a short period of time. This is the main reason why I love Florida races.

it does look like I’ll see the water

4.Age Group Award

At my age, this is always a possibility and welcome reward.

won last year at Brew2Brew Half

5. Finish under 2:15.

Not expecting a PR (under 2:06:52) since I did not train for one. I’d like a respectable finish time although with crossing big TWO bridges, this may be a dream.

: 2:11:23

: 2:11:48

Happy Running! Do you have any goals for your first BIG race or any race in 2019? Please share.

January 15, 2019 by Darlene

Winter Series #3 (3M) Race Recap

As I have mentioned before, the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the winter for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free.

This weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 10K and 25K. I am in throes of half marathon training so instead of racing the 10k (as I usually do), I ran long the day before and chose the 3 mile race distance instead.

Last year, this race was not held (due to the re-scheduled Jan 1 race) but I ran this race in 2017, 2015 & 2013.

: WS 3 – 2017

: WS 3 – 2015 with Bridget & Elisa

: WS 3 – 2013 with Melissa

Choosing the shorter distance this year gives me the opportunity to compare my time to other Winter Series races of this distance. The 3 Mile course is offered frequently. (3 out the 5 races.)

But as you know, even running the same distance on the same course is not the same – different weather conditions and feeling different physically.

So running 10 miles the day before this race would most likely impact how fast my legs were wiling to go. And having a half marathon in four weeks also would make me hesitate to go all out for fear of injury.

That being said, my goal was a decent recovery run with running friends and no aches and pains afterward.

Then unexpectedly (even though he was very old), my cat died the night before. I was very very upset and really didn’t feel like racing but I knew it could only make me feel better.

I got lucky with the weather for the second day in a row. It was COLD (teens but single digits with the wind chill) but sunny. As usual on this campus, it was windier than anywhere else..

I left early to get parking since these races are often crowded and there could be other events going on at UAlbany. But there didn’t seen to be as many runners as in previous weeks. Maybe the freezing temperature scared people away.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know.

I immediately bumped into many familiar faces and even some runners that I haven’t seen in awhile.

I wound up talking to Judy and Karen and we stayed indoors until the last minute and then made our way outside. However they were running the 10K and they lined up in a different location.

Sole Sister Heidi arrived and we started the 3 miler together.

As I’ve mentioned in my previous race post, the Winter Series races are very informal – no bibs, no starting mat, no timing chips, etc. So I try to start not too far from the front.

As usual, when you start up front, you immediately get passed by by it seems everyone. These races attract all the speedy local runners too.

: 2018

I just told myself that this was simply a fun run and just take it at your own pace. Having not warmed up, my legs felt like lead and I couldn’t get moving.

It was so cold that it was also hard to breathe…at least for the first few miles (and then of course, it was over.)

I looked down at my Garmin and it said LOW BATTERY. In the stress of my cat’s death, I forgot to charge it.

I don’t care about pace but since the miles aren’t marked, I sometimes like to see where I am in the race.

Then I looked down and my shoe was untied. UGH! I thought of stopping but it was too cold and a pain to have to take my gloves off so I just ran gingerly making sure not to trip and fall.

The course is very boring (zero scenery besides office buildings and highway) but it also has inclines. Nothing steep, just enough to keep it interesting. I wanted to be better about hills and not walk up them. And I didn’t walk at all.

Winter3-106

Runners kept speeding by me…but they were actually those running the 25k!!!

I saw Alyssa ahead of me the whole race. I was surprised since I had thought that she was running the 10k. She acted like my pacer.

Eventually I did see the finish line and saw a time for the first time in the race. It said 27:xx. I sped up and managed to crossed around 27:24. There’s no timing chip. You honestly write down your time on a piece of paper and hand it in.

I was 30 out of 80. This is a fast group, as usual.

I chatted with others at the finish line while waiting for Heidi to cross.

If it were warmer, I would have waited to cheer on Karen and Judy. But I was cold so Heidi and I went inside to warm up and have some chili (red pepper & quinoa), bread, cookies, fruit, hot chocolate. Not a bad spread for a free race.

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 3rd this week.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 9:17 (crawling – 8:50 last time)
mile 1.8 – 9:18 (still a crawl)
mile 1.8-3 – ??? – (must have sped up)
27:24

WS Series #1 – 28:08
2017-18 WS Series – 26:49, 27:02

So it wasn’t a 3 mile PR or course PR (but not a PW either).

I was happy with the results and that I decided to run this race.

I get one more try at this distance in two weeks!!

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and start today!!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run this weekend?

January 13, 2019 by Darlene

1.7.19-1.13.19 – Four weeks to go…

Yup, I’ll be running my first half marathon of 2019 in one month….gulp!

Last week –

Monday – My legs felt good despite doing my long run the day before so I took advantage and ran after work in my town …for a change.

Tuesday – No running today since I was scheduled to sub in my former tennis group. I was pretty rusty but it was fun catching up with my Tues. tennis pals and of course, at dinner after.

Wednesday – Fleet Feet again offered an after work run as part of their running club. I thought about it and I may go next Wed (It’s at Nine Pin Cider) but I decided to run locally again instead since I had errands to run. Luckily the rain had stopped but boy was it windy!!!

Thursday – An after work run at UAlbany with one of the Sole Sisters. Another windy night!! We froze. But always glad to have someone to run with.

Friday – Another rest day (even colder and still windy) and still home so I could go play mah jongg.

if case you’ve never played, this is what it looks like…just add lots of conversation and laughter…we are competitive and you can win from $.25 to $1.00 a game. High stakes.

Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we met to run at the Corning Bike Path. It was VERY cold (teens) but at least the sun was out and the wind had died out. I ran my 10 miles with Judy (8 with Barbara) and I was glad for their company.

This week, our run was followed by a book club. We all read Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor and got together to eat and discuss the book. First knitting, now reading. What will our running group tackle next?

But on a sad note-

no words. just tears

Sunday – Today I ran in the Winters Series #3 Race. Usually I run the 10k distance but because I ran long the day before, I switched to the 3 miler. I’m glad that I did and it’s always a fun time (even though it was 2 with the windchill, my Garmin battery was dead and my shoe was untied for the whole race) since I get to meet up with so many familiar faces.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – rest day, tennis sub
Wednesday – 3 miles (FF Cider run?)
Thursday – 3 miles with SS
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 11 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training continues), anniversary dinner (20 years on 1/16)
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

January 8, 2019 by Darlene

Bill Hogan Winter Series #2 Race Recap

January 1, 2019 Noon

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

Then in 2016, 2017 and 2018, I wasn’t that crazy and I only ran the 3.5 Miler.

It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again. They call it a 3.5 miler but I realize each year after the race that it is actually 3.75 miles.

Starting at noon meant that I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve.

I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that there are a lot of local runners who do these races and I wanted to get a close parking space.

The weather was so much better than last year (even the re-scheduled race date was freezing). Today it was forecast to be in the high 40s but I worried about the wind on this course. It is always windy!

I took a big risk and wore a skirt. The good thing was that there is an indoor place to hang out before and after the race.

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc.

So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into runners that I know from races and lots of Sole Sisters. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.

I was hesitant about what to wear. I was afraid that my cap would blow off with the 40 mph wind gusts or that I would be cold without a jacket (which I brought). In the end, I went with my gut and I was perfectly dressed.

Eventually we did have to leave the nice warm building and climb down the stairs and head to the start.

I just squeezed in near the front in order to keep warm and be shielded from the wind.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid and get hurt.

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired (at mile 3).

pic from last year…no snow this year but no blue skies either

This was the first year that I can remember that there was NO ice or snow.

I won’t lie. I was a little cold especially with the wind but at times, I was warm and unzipped my vest. I even eventually took off my gloves. I was happy with my clothing choice.

There were about 230 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 225 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.

I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too since I rarely do that during my weekday training runs. And I did for the first two miles. In fact, I was feeling pretty good.

There were no mile markers on the course but I could hear my Garmin beep. I couldn’t pay attention to my pace or time because my Garmin was under my long sleeves. (Probably a good thing.)

another pic from a previous year

As I mentioned, I was feeling pretty good until mile 3. This was the most boring part of the course as well as uphill. To make matters worse, the wind was incredible here. There were times that I felt like I was not even moving forward. I struggled and the wind seem to suck the life out of my legs. Runners were passing me by, even a runner pushing a child in a stroller. I finally gave it and walked. But it was just as hard to walk into the wind and so I started running again. At this point, I just wanted to finish.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read 33:XX minutes. I knew that it would not be a course PR but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.

So I sprinted and crossed at 34:14 (according to my Garmin) and 34:15 on their clock.

I was content!!

Soon after, Karen and Alyssa finished. We chatted and then Barbara and Judy came in.

We waited for Judy and then went inside. Somehow we missed Sherry.

These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 8:50
mile 2: 9:01
mile 3: 9:27
.75 – 9:23

Good old positive splits. Nothing has changed for 2019. LOL

Again this year, the course was long!! I was surprised that in these windy conditions I was faster than last year (35:45) and not far behind my course PR from the year before (34:04). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I never felt really tired or that I was pushing hard. I think if it weren’t for the wind, I could have run the whole thing and had an even better finish time.

Definitely not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles in this weather.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – vegetable soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile and chatted with other runners and for Barbara’s niece to finish the half marathon.

They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Two years ago, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. Not so this year. I was 5th.

So a race and a perfect way to start off 2019!

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and starts today!!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s Eve or Day? If not, when is your first race of 2019?

January 2, 2019 by Darlene

Reliving 2018

Are you tired of my 2018 recaps yet? I hope not.

One of my most favorite things to do is look back at my photos.

They remind me why I love running and racing.

Here are the highlights month by month:

JANUARY

a bunch of free local races and runs with friends

Winter Series #4

Winter Series #2

FEBRUARY

some cold temps and then some unseasonably warm temps, lots of work travel runs and two races

Polar Cap Run

Winter Series #5

MARCH

A race-cation in Florida helps get me through this long winter. Then it is back home and two local races.

Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon

Shamrock Shuffle

APRIL

Spring racing has begun with three races

Delmar Dash

a rainy Cherry Blossom race

MAY

my birthday month, an annual tennis vacation in Florida and of course races, like FIVE of them

Tropicool 5k

Workforce Challenge

Brooklyn Half Marathon

Prospect Park Track Club Summer Speed Series #1

JUNE

the racing season continues with four races as boating on the lake begins

Freihofer Run for Women

Brooklyn Ice Cream Social

Adirondack Race to the Lakes

JULY

warmer temps mean less racing (just one race) and more boating and tennis

Silks and Satins 5k

AUGUST

A few races cancelled and only one mid-week race

Hump Day 5k

our race got cancelled but we did get to run over the Brooklyn Bridge

SEPTEMBER

Finally one of the race-cations I’d been looking forward to and the re-scheduled NYC race in addition to lots of work travel to NYC

Governor’s Island 5k

RnR Montreal ( I ran the 5k and the half)

Skirt Sports Sister meet-up in NYC

another meeting with fellow blogger Cari

OCTOBER

the long awaited trip to France and another NYC race

run in Paris with Karen

Poland Spring Marathon Kick Off

NOVEMBER

The racing season winds down with a 15k and my last (and hardest) half marathon of the year

Stockade-athon

Pelham Half Marathon

DECEMBER

and so it ends with a holiday 5k and a free local race

Albany Last Run

Winter Series #1

I realized that after picking those pictures above that they had nothing to do with age group awards or finish times.

In fact, many of them were not stellar running/racing efforts yet they were memorable for many other reasons.

I ran a lot of races in 2018 and each was special in a different way. Some were new experiences and some were races that I’ve run over and over again. Many were with friends but many were solo attempts. Very few were PRs and I’m sure a few were PWs.

But I think I had a smile on my face during each and every one.

This week I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! What is memorable for you in your running? Does it show up in your photos?

December 19, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #1 Race Recap

you get this hat if you run 4 races and volunteer at one – I’m in!!

Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races every year throughout the winter for its members ($15 to join). There are FIVE races and I try to run in as many as I can.

The course is pretty boring but free is free.

Winter Series #1 in 2011

And it’s like a reunion of all those runners who love to race. I bump into runners that I know from races, training groups, previous jobs, etc.

FRIENDS + FOOD + FREE = Perfect RACING Conditions

The food is catered by Bountiful Bread so there are always delicious breads, soups, etc. There’s a clock at the end, volunteers at each turn and the miles are marked. Plus there are even age group awards.

I love these races. They come at a perfect time of year. Not many other races are scheduled (unless you live in the South) and if you are racing, you can use these races as training runs.

This weekend, they offered distances of 3M and 15K.

Here I am in 2014 – look at all the snow!!

Normally I would have run the 15k and used it as a long run but I ran a 5K race the evening before so I opted for the 3 miler instead. (Plus the speedy ladies usually run the longer distances so I thought I might snag an age group award of a loaf of bread.)

I signed up for all the series races at once this year. Since they were free, I won’t mind a DNS if the weather is horrible. It just saves time when you arrive, not having to stand in line to register.

The temps were around 30 so I wore tights, two shirts, beanie and gloves. Though it was the same temps as the night before, it felt much colder due to the wind (always present on this campus.)

I left early to get parking since these races are often crowded and sometimes there are other events going on at UAlbany.

It turned out to be not as crowded as usual probably due the Last Run being the night before. Still there were over 100 for the 3 miler and 150 for the 15k.

I immediately bumped into some SRMs, some runners from the STEM group, from the Turkey Trot group, as well as other familiar faces from races. It was great to catch up with everyone.

We stayed indoors until the last second and then made our way outside.

Both the 3 milers and those running the 15k started together. I lined with some friends, some of whom were doing the 3 and some were running the 15k.

The race is very informal – no bibs, no starting mat, no timing chips, etc. There are also no clocks (until the end) and no water stops (maybe for the 15k??)

I just told myself that this was simply a training run and just do it. And if my legs were not tired from the 5k the night before, I could use the race a speed drill.

As I mentioned, the course is very boring but it also has hills. Not steep hills, just a few rolling hills throughout. This year, I have tried to be better about the hills and not walk up all of them. In fact, I didn’t walk at all!!

no pics posted yet for this year’s race so here’s one from last year

New addition – this year’s pic (in the same location):

I ran the whole thing. Not so impressive – it was ONLY 3 miles!! I have to admit, my legs did feel like they had run the night before. I had trouble getting up any speed at all.

But I did dress perfectly. I was warm & even took off my gloves toward the end.

Mile 1 – 9:22 – a steep hill near the start…at least it was short.

Mile 2 – 9:33 – just some slightly rolling hills

Mile 3 – 9:10 – a longish hill right before the end

Finally it was over and I sprinted across the finish line at 28:08

I ran this race last year and my time was 26:49!!!

Reality may be setting in. Am I getting slower??? Two days in a row where my time was significantly slower than other years on the same course. Or maybe it was a bad weekend? We’ll see what finish times 2019 brings in the shorter races.

I went inside to warm up and have some soup, bread, cookies, fruit, hot chocolate. Not a bad spread for a free race.

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 3rd in my age group. Two of the speedy old ladies did run the shorter distance…Darn!

Heidi with Alyssa who had just finished the 15k

Two of the other Sole Sisters were running the 15k so Sole Sister Heidi and I went back outside to cheer them on.

Judy finishing hers

Even though I hesitated, I am glad that I ran this race. I plan to run the other Winter Series races too. Maybe again as a speed drill, following a Saturday long run(ish) or if the distance is long enough as a half marathon training run.

After the race, I had to rush home for my annual tennis holiday party. And once again, though I ran 3 miles, I ate as if I ran a half marathon.

This week I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How you are enduring the weather? Cold yet? Did you run this weekend? How about races? Any planned for this winter?

December 11, 2018 by Darlene

Albany Last Run Race Recap

The Albany Last Run is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1500). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill. I have run it every year since 2010 and it is one of my favorite races.

The course map:

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard. Last year, this was how I finished the race.

snowy, icy and very slippery!!

I was hoping for better weather this year. Could it be any worse??

They used to give out windbreakers for this race and I have them in many colors

As usual I picked up my bib & shirt beforehand to save time on race night. (I also picked up shirts and bibs for NINE of my running friends.)

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. I hate to overdress but how to stay warm, dry and also be comfortable???

I wore several layers but ended up being a little warm because although it was in the 20s, there was no wind.

I carpooled with Barbara and decided to leave my car where I use to take yoga classes. (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. I wore an extra coat (that I would ditch before the race) and I was still a little cold. At least we got to wait inside.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends, etc.

So excited to see my tennis pal who got me started on this running thing. She has recently finished chemo and this was her first 5k this year.

We chatted until it was time to head out. It was fun to see all costumes and how everyone creatively got into the holiday spirit.

Most of my “Sole Sisters”

Finally we left our warm home to go watch the pre-race fireworks.

The fireworks were awesome but we were COLD and anxious for the race to begin.

the senior (over 60) members of the group

About 20 minutes later, the race finally did.

Not worried about our times for this race, we waited until the fireworks were over before we headed the start line. Then we just pushed our way into the crowd and waited to cross the start line. The race was only gun-timed so if you were serious, you had to watch the fireworks from the front of the crowd in line to start the race.

This may have been the best weather we’ve ever had for this race and it was insanely crowded, especially when you were starting toward the back with the slower runners and walkers.

Mile 1: 10:26

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first and usually the crowd thinned out but it never did. I unsuccessfully tried to run but just was weaving in and out, say “Excuse me, excuse me.”

I think this mile was much slower than my Garmin says because when I crossed the Mile 1 clock, it read over 12 minutes.

courtesy of the Times Union (last year)

Once in the park, we were running under the festive holiday lights. Though the road was filled with ruts and cracks, it was much lighter than on the streets. We hit our second hill and I would have normally been tempted to walk up the steep hill but I didn’t need to and actually picked up the pace. (After Pelham, these hills seemed flat.)

Mile 2: 9:40

It was still very crowded and I was passing everyone but since I felt like I was running slow due to the crowds. I was able to enjoy the lights and the crazy costumes worn by the runners. I got positive remarks from spectators about my outfit, as well.

from the TU (last year)

During this mile, I was really having fun!!

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes and NOT FALL!! So far so good. It was so nice that the roads were dry.

from my friend’s FB page

Mile 3: 8:53

Finally around mile 3, my hands had warmed up so I took off my gloves and there was enough space to actually RUN.

Eventually we left the park, the road was dark but it was DOWNHILL so I carefully sprinted to the finish.

Officially I crossed at 30:44 I guess.

On my Garmin, it was about 30:08 but not sure if I started or stopped at the right time.

Yes, my slowest 5k this year but one of my most enjoyable. Afterwards, I chatted with some of my friends but it got cold so I went inside to wait for my Sole Sisters, check the results and get some refreshments.

They gave awards to 10 age year groups so I was 6th. but would have won if it were 5 year increments. No big deal. Some races are just run for fun. And this was one!!!

The food was nothing to speak of – apples and bananas and some bars. Once everyone had finished, we all headed to one of the Sole Sister’s house for a pot luck dinner (and knitting lesson). It was a blast. I am so lucky to call those women my friends.

The Last Run is a standard on my racing list each year. It did not disappoint this year.

My time this year was the slowest of all my Last Run races (except for those years with snow, ice and injury). But there’s no way that this race could be a PR. I know in order to have those faster times again, I would have to ditch my friends and stand close to the start line at the beginning.

But this is more important:

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running? How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race this year?

December 9, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.3.18-12.9.18 – Races and Parties

Monday – The reason I was not traveling was because I might be called for jury duty. And I today I was called to report. However, the case was dismissed and so was I. Back to work for the rest of the week. I decided for my run to preview the Last Run course. That meant running around the park which is decorated for the holidays with lights. It was raining on and off but still worth the trip.

Tuesday – Rest Day because I was scheduled to sub for tennis and also wanted to get some shopping done.
Wednesday – My running dilemma has been where to run that is light enough. I get tired of UAlbany so I ran in my town under the lights when possible. (After first picking up my bib (and 9 of my running friends’ bibs) for Saturday’s race.)

Thursday – I was happy to be working locally so I could run at UAlbany after work with some of the Sole Sisters. This is a biweekly thing because the paths are lit there and shoveled if it snows.

we all decided to use some some type of lights – I even used my knuckle lights

Friday – Rest day and hosting Mah Jongg.
Saturday – Race Day. But actually Race Night. The annual Last Run, a 5k through the lights in the park. Always a fun time and even more fun when it’s not icy or snowing and you’re running surrounded by all your friends. It was my slowest 5k of the year but maybe the one I enjoyed the most.

Afterwards the Sole Sisters gathered for a potluck dinner. We ate, chatted, laughed and even knit!

Sunday – This morning was the first of five (free) Winter Series races. Having raced the night before, I can’t say I actually raced it but did complete the 3 miles and ate as if I raced 10.

In the evening, my holiday parties continued. This time it was my annual tennis party complete with gifts, food, entertainment and laughs.

This Coming Week –

Monday -train to NYC, rest day, Warhol exhibit at Whitney
Tuesday – NYC, 3 miles
Wednesday – NYC, 3 miles (Asics Run & Holiday Party)
Thursday -NYC, 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – Long run with my Sole Sisters, Birthday celebration with my mentee (Canvas Corks & Forks)
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

WWSki-Orange

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Do you run any Christmas-themed races? Please share.

December 4, 2018 by Darlene

Pelham Half Marathon Race Recap

November 24, 2018 8:00 am

It seems like I’ve been planning to run this race forever. I signed up for this race almost a year ago and because:

My running buddy Alyssa (whom I haven’t raced with in quite a while) talked me into it.
It was cheap. ($30 early-bird registration).
It was driveable. (2 1/2 hours)
I had enough points for a free hotel room.
Still not too cold (hopefully) to make the miles unbearable.
Alyssa was trying to run a sub 2:00 half and I wanted to be there to support and/or congratulate her (That was before either of us looked at the elevation chart and realized that this might be the hilliest course we’ve ever run.)

Here’s the race description:

A community-driven race. It is capped at 800 runners. The race starts and finishes in downtown Pelham and takes runners through the two villages of Pelham and Pelham Manor.

It was started by 9 local runners 7 years ago and has grown each year. The entire race covers an area of 2.2 square miles. Yes, lots of twists and turns.

Each water station (6 of them), each hill (7 of them) and each mile has a local sponsor.

I apologize in advance that this post will be long. You may want to skip ahead to see what I liked and disliked about the race itself.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan but I ran a 20 km race in Paris on October 14. I was not fully trained but had enough time to get there.

Since then I have completed easy weekday runs and longish runs on most weekends.

: Delmar Rail Trail

: UAlbany

: Colonie Town Park

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs but I do like to get in a 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon. After completing my last big race, I had busy weekends (and stupidly signed up for 2 races). So I just never got those scheduled long runs done.

: 9 miles

: Poland Springs 10k

: 10 miles instead of 11

: 9.4 miles instead of 12

: 8 miles

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

The day before the race, Alyssa and I drove to our hotel in White Plains. We checked in and then drove to Pelham (about 20 minutes away) to get our bibs. It was in a tiny pop-up store. We were also handed a paper bag with our shirt.

We checked out the race start and made sure we knew where to park the next day.

nice long sleeved tech shirt

Then we had a nice carb-loaded dinner. I usually eat pizza but this restaurant did not have any so I settled on chicken parm and pasta (and I ate way too much!!) It turned out that our waiter and 2 of the other waiters were running the race as well. It was fun to chat with them and get some more info on the course.

We headed back to our hotel which happened to be across the street from a huge mall so we spent a few hours there walking off our dinner. Then we stopped at Whole Foods to get dessert. (Definitely well-fueled for this race)

Back at the hotel, we planned our race day outfits and tried to get to bed early. (But who can sleep the night before a big race?)

Race Day:

We got up at 5:30 am and I ate my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee that I had brought from home. Then I again debated about how many layers to wear. It was in the 20s but no wind and the sun would be out. I added another shirt and a vest and brought a jacket to check and wear before and after the race.

We left around 6:30 am and had no problems getting there and finding a place to park. We walked to the Town Hall which was next the race start. There we checked a bag and used the “real” restrooms. A policeman tried to tell us to use the porta-potties outside and that the restroom was for the volunteers. But I pointed out that it said on the race website that there were indoor restrooms available so he let us stay and use them.

Then we just waited inside where it was warm until it was time for the race to start.

They announced a yoga warm-up outside but it was too cold. The first few miles would be my warm up.

Finally we couldn’t delay it anymore and we headed to the start and waited with the other runners.

So here’s how the race went.

The course map:

7 hills?!

and elevation chart:

yikes!

After looking at the elevation map and talking to others who had run the race, I decided that survival was my only goal. This was the plan:

Run the tangents.
Walk up the hills.
Don’t push the pace.
Finish uninjured.
Enjoy the race.

Miles 1-4:

9:57, 9:32,10:30, 9:46

Alyssa and I started out together. Before the race, I told her not to worry about losing me and that I would most likely be running slower than her.

So as predicted, I quickly got behind her. But for the first few miles, I could see her bright pink jacket in the distance.

We headed north from the start. It was constant twists and turns. I tried as much as possible to run the tangents. The big hills were labeled but if you look at the chart above, you’ll see that in between the big hills were small hills. It was just up then down and then up again, etc.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

I think I was trying to keep Alyssa in my sight because I was definitely running too fast the first 2 miles. I even tried to slowly run up Hill #1. I planned to walk at each water stop but I think I missed the first one. I was enjoying the neighborhood views and the foliage.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

More twists and turns and then Hill #2. This was billed as the worst one. There was even a sign that said “Sorry.” I walked it and it was killing my quads to walk up a hill that steep.

Of course, the downhills were a welcome sight but if I ran down them fast, I would feel it days later so I kept my speed in check.

Soon there was Hill #3 which I walked up as well and finally I stopped for water around mile 4. I expected the water to be frozen due to the temps but it was not.

The sun also came out so I unzipped my vest and took off my gloves. I stayed that way until the last few miles when the clouds came back.

Miles 5-8:

10:30, 10:29,11:09,10:47

The hills and twists and turns continued. As some point, I caught up to Alyssa and we ran together for a while and then I lost her.

I walked at each water stop. There were signs announcing each one. I think they were around every 2 miles. For the first long race ever, I just was not hungry. I had 3 Gus in my pocket but just drank water until mile 12.

The course through this small town was very varied. We ran through neighborhoods with amazing mansions and then on roads where there was traffic. There were volunteers at every turn (which were also marked with red arrows) and plenty of policemen making sure traffic was stopped for the runners.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

My favorite part of the course running on a path around the lake. You can see Alyssa yelling at me to sped up because there was a photographer ahead. LOL

I ran as fast as I could but the photographer didn’t get our picture together 😦

that arrow means UPHILL

Though there was not tremendous crowd support, the ones who were there were very enthusiastic.

This recap may sound repetitive but it was just turning left, turning right, running up a small hill, running down and walking up a big hill and running down…repeat.

Miles 9-12:

10:56, 11:29, 11:16, 11:01

At some point, I got ahead and lost Alyssa. All of a sudden, she slowed down. But I got to see her at each of the turn arounds. There were two that I remember during the latter miles,

As usual, the bottom of my left foot (the one with the bunion) was throbbing. I was still walking up the big hills and running down them.

However my pace was getting slower and slower. I was even just shuffling up the smaller hills.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

I loved when we ran on a dirt path because it felt better on my foot but sometimes I just ran on the sidewalk because it was a tangent.

Finally at the last water stop, I decided that I should eat a Gu. 13 miles with no fuel was probably not a good idea. (Maybe that’s why I had no energy…)

Miles 13-13.1:

12:02, 6:59

I thought that I was all done with the hills but Hill #7 appeared during the last mile. That was so nasty!

Eventually I could hear music in the distance. The hills were over and the cheerleaders cheered us through the finish line.

I couldn’t believe that I had enough energy to sprint. I crossed at 2:20:xx.

I was super happy with my time. I walked up the hills and so did all the runners around me. Those who live in this area have probably trained on these hills. I usually run on flat routes. My legs were not prepared for this.

After I got my medal, I waited for Alyssa to cross so I could get her picture.

She too was thrilled with her time. She agreed that those hills were tough on the legs. While she headed for the porta-potties, I went in search of food.

In addition to the usual bagels and bananas, there was baked ziti, chicken parm, meatballs, lasagna, burritos, black beans, rice. Yes, quite a spread.

I grabbed some food and headed for the town hall since I was freezing.

They were offering massages but it was too cold to stay outside any longer. I got my jacket and then checked the results. It seemed that I won my age group. So I asked if they had announced the awards and they told me that it was over and they didn’t have any left. They told me to just pick a shirt or a cap. I asked what would I have won. And they said a mug.

Darn! The plight of a BOTPer. (I later looked at the race schedule and the awards ceremony was at 10 am – Um – that’s only 2 hours after the start…. I was still running the race.)

posing with my medal and my “cap”

We walked around town and stopped for a cup of coffee. We then decided to go back to our hotel for a HOT shower and have lunch after we checked out.

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

Many emails with pre-race information
Well organized
Warm place to hang out before and after the race
Well marked course
Adequate number of water stops
Interesting and varied course
Excellent post race food
100% of race fees went to charity
Post race massages
Free race photos

The Bad:

the HILLS!!!
ran out of age group awards (time of awards ceremony)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes, it was a great small town race. Just be prepared for hills!

Final Thoughts and Stats:

So yes, I was BOTP but my time was actually faster than the hot flat Paris 20k race (which was only 12.4 miles.)

only one in my age group LOL

Alyssa and I had a fun time together and I am glad that we did run the race. A local running friend told me that her boyfriend also ran it and it was the hardest race that he’s ever run.

And my legs felt fine the next day and if it were not raining, I would have run 2 days after. No DOMS for the win!

Next Up:

Publix Florida Half Marathon on February 10, 2019!!

The Florida Marathon