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

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

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

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! What is the hardest course that you’ve ever run on?

December 2, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 11.26.18-12.2.18: Taking a Break

Not from working in NYC but from training for a big race. The next one is not until February 10 so I can have a few weeks of short weekend runs.

Monday – Only two days after my hilly half. My legs felt ok so I planned to take them on an easy run through the lights in the park. But it was raining hard. Obviously someone was telling me to rest one more day. Instead I met a friend for a drink.
Tuesday –Today it snowed. Not a lot but just enough to wreck havoc on the drive to work. Luckily it stopped by the time I got out of work. I never turn down a chance to run with my “Sole Sisters” so I met two of them to a run around the UAlbany campus. Of course as soon as we started to run, it started to rain. (At least just a steady drizzle.) Afterward I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Wednesday – Off to NYC (again) by train. I got there earlier than usual and of course I had to go for a run. I took the crosstown bus and took a chance that the East River route would be lit up. (It was the night that they lit the tree at Rockefeller Center so I wanted to steer clear of that area.) It was and there were other runners too. Afterward I ran/walked back to my hotel and watched the tree lighting on the TV at the bar.

Thursday – Back after work to my trusted Central Park running route. I surprisingly ran into Cari and we ran for a while and then walked and chatted.

I continued my walk back to my hotel so I could see the lighted tree at Rockefeller Center.

Friday – Rest day and an uneventful train ride home.
Saturday – I was up in the air on whether or not to run a local 5k or an easy run with friends. I decided on the run followed by brunch and errands.

at the Corning Bike path

Sunday – A rainy rest day and anniversary dinner out with my Mah Jongg friends. We’ve been together for 10 years!!

3 missing from photo

This Coming Week –

Monday -jury duty, 3 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis sub
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday –3 miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Race Night – Last Run (5k), Sole Sisters party after
Sunday – Race Day – Winter Series #1 (3m), Tennis Holiday Party

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 have an off season? Please share.

November 27, 2018 by Darlene

November Report Card

Image result for welcome december

This was supposed to be a big racing month -5K, 10k, 15K, Half Marathon!!

Unfortunately the weather interfered with two of those races :(.

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill (though a snowstorm forced me on it once.)

: Colonie Town Park

: UAlbany

: hotel tm

I ran a few times while working in NYC and on Long Island. Otherwise I ran locally. My weekday runs were usually around 3 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

: Central Park

: Hudson River

: Eisenhower Park

Unfortunately I missed ALL of my Turkey Trot Training Monday group runs. I missed ALL of the Saturday ones too but I had no intent of attending those. Although I love this group, if my work schedule does not change, I will not sign up again next year.

Long Runs:

I did my best to get in a few long runs in to prepare for my 33rd half marathon this month. It helped that I have great running friends.

: 10 miles instead of 11

: 9.4 that should have been 12

: 8 miles

Total Mileage:

I’ve run 78 miles so far this month. It may be a slight increase over last month and I am still behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

November is usually a popular month for racing and this November followed suit. I ran the Stockade-athon 15k and got a PR. Unfortunately the Girls on the Run 5k a week later was cancelled. Then on Thanksgiving Day, I DNSed the Troy Turkey Trot 5k. Two days later I did run the HILLY Pelham Half Marathon and won my age group.

: Stockade-athon – 15K PR

: Pelham Half Marathon

Cross Training:

Due to my work schedule, I only played tennis once and I did NOT work out at the gym at all.

I did not walk at lunch at all. Of course, I got a lot of steps in during my work time in NYC.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend, family and hubby time. I even saw TWO movies (Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born.)

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #34 is February 10, 2019.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

12-01-18 – Jingle Bell Run 5k ???
12-08-18 – Albany Last Run 5K
12-09-18 – Winter Series #1 (3m)
01-01-19 – Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
01-13-19 – Winter Series #3 (10K)
01-24-19 – Winter Series #4 (15k)

(Winter Series races are local and FREE)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her December Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B+

Despite my busy schedule, I did my best to get in my weekday runs. My long runs actually got done but were not as long as they should have been. I did play tennis once but did not go to the gym at all. I ran a 15k race PR and a half marathon.

Not a bad month but feel a lacking in the mojo department. (I even DNSed a race which is so unlike me.) It is maybe the cold weather and early winter snows. I better get used to it. It’s only just begun.

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 did your November turn out? Anything exciting planned for December? What grade would you give your running month? Does the cold weather zap your mojo?

November 25, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 11.19.18-11.25.18 – Running Before and After the Turkey

Back to guess where? And my last Half Marathon for 2018!!

Monday – Though I was tired from the weekend, I do love my NYC runs. I started along the Hudson River

but for safety sake I ended up running on the city sidewalks. Crowded for sure but I got to see some the holiday decorations.

Tuesday – Today after work I took the subway to Central Park. I was hoping to run with Cari but she was stuck at work so I was solo. Not really. There were lots of runners in the park.

I walked back to my hotel. Again admiring the lights of the city at Christmastime.

Wednesday – Rest Day. Train home after work.
Thursday – Race Day – Troy Turkey Trot 5k. Well the night before there was a train derailment which led my train to be stuck an hour away. My hubby picked me up but I didn’t get home until after 11 pm. I also woke up to negative single digits with the windchill so I decided to skip the race.

It felt really strange not to race on Thanksgiving Day. I had done a turkey trot every year since 2009 (except 2012 when I was injured.) I waited for the temps to warm up to double digits and ran my own 5k. It was not fun but got it done.

Later in the day I ate back all the calories I burned and more at the family Thanksgiving dinner.

Friday – Rest Day and drive to Pelham with Alyssa. After checking into our hotel, we picked up our bibs and carb loaded at dinner.

Then we walked off our dinner at a nearby mall.

Saturday – Race Day. Pelham Half Marathon – the hilliest race ever. I mean I had problems even walking up the hills. But Alyssa and I survived and had fun. It is great local race. I even won my age group.

does it count if I was the only one in my AG?

Sunday – Rest Day and I deserved it!

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles??
Tuesday – 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – train to NYC, 4 miles
Thursday –3 miles (in NYC)
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – Long Run with Sole Sisters (6 miles) or Jingle Bell 5k
Sunday – rest day and anniversary Mah Jongg dinner

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? Did you experience the arctic chill on Thanksgiving Day? Did you run a Turkey Trot? Please share.

November 18, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 11.12.18-11.18.18 – It’s beginning to look a lot like….

New work travel location and a few cancelled running events due to an early winter.

Monday – Most of my running friends were off for the Veteran’s Day holiday and went for a morning run but I had to work so waited until after work. It was a slog but got it done.

Tuesday – Drive to LI for work. It was my first time going to this location (even though it’s where I grew up.) I had no idea where to run but it didn’t matter because it was raining. But then it stopped and it was still light so I headed to Eisenhower Park hoping to find a route to run on. And I did.

Wednesday – After work, I headed back to Eisenhower Park but just for a short walk. It was freezing and I had connected with two friends from high school with whom I would be having dinner. No time for a run but had a fun evening.

Thursday – Well almost another Rest Day. I planned to run on the treadmill before work but bailed. After work, I had to tackle the long slow drive home from LI. It was forecast to rain but it turned out to be a blizzard so I spent an extra night there. And guess what? I actually ran on the hotel treadmill. Hated every second but got it done.

Friday – Rest Day. Today I made the long drive home. No time to run as I had a hair appointment after work and a race the next day.
Saturday – Race Day. But the Girls on the Run 5k got cancelled due to the weather. I had run this race before but it was in a new location. I basically was going to do the race to support this charity and to meet up with the STEM coaches and runners. I was thinking about not running it even before it was cancelled (too tired!!!). So instead I ran a leisurely long run with my Sole Sisters followed by brunch. Love my running friends ❤

at the Crossings where they shoveled the paths 🙂

Then it was date night with the hubby. Movie (Bohemian Rhapsody) and dinner.

Sunday – Today I was supposed do a fun run with friends. It was called the Raffle Run and you run for an hour completing a one mile trail loop as many times as you can. Each time around, you earn a raffle ticket which is entered into a drawing to win a prize. This was cancelled as well. So instead I did errands, cleaning, packing and picked up by race packet for Thursday’s race.