May 27, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 5.21.16-5.27.18 – Recovering in the Big Apple

Last week I slept in my own bed all week. Not so this week.

Monday – After a train ride to the city and set up in Queens, I took the subway to Central Park to see if I was recovered enough to run. Mentally yes but my foot still protested so I ran a little, walked a lot and enjoyed a beautiful evening in the park. Then walked back to the hotel.

2.5 miles while my medal was being engraved

Tuesday – it was a rainy day so I was not tempted to run. Instead I spent the evening with a former coworker.
Wednesday – Racing? Who me? I ran one of these summer 5ks in Brooklyn last July so I signed up again. I was a little nervous about the foot but it turned out fine. It was warm and humid and I was slow but still won my first award in my new age group. Win Win.

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #1

Thursday – Tired from work all day and another warm humid day but with the upcoming weekend forecast, I figured I should drag myself out. So I took the bus to the East River (after a1/2 hour wait for the bus) and then ran/walked a few miles. Afterward, I had a lovely (one hour) walk back to the hotel.

3 slow run walked scenic miles

Friday – Rest Day!! Worked all day then headed home on the train.
Saturday – I wanted to run with the FRW group (and go out to brunch with the wineglass ladies) but we still haven’t gone boating yet. And though the weather did not look promising for the afternoon, the hubby and I headed up anyway. And we had a nice day. Not perfect weather but no rain. After a dinner in town with friends, we drove home.

Sunday – Since it was raining at home, we decided to drive back to the lake. It was cool and cloudy but we had fun BBQing at the marina. Yup three days in a row without running. Sometimes life gets in the way and you have to take a break.

This Coming Week –

Monday – Memorial Day, DAY OFF, 5 miles
Tuesday – rest day, movie and dinner with Bff
Wednesday – drive to Rochester, 4 miles
Thursday – drive home, 3 miles
Friday – rest day, expo, mah jongg
Saturday – Race Day. Freihofer Run for Women 5k + 4 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating?

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? Do anything fun during your Memorial Day weekend? Please share.

May 22, 2018 by Darlene

2018 Popular Brooklyn Half Marathon Race Recap

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

MAY 19, 2018

It seems like I’ve been planning to run this race forever. But actually it is a lottery and this year, I was determined to get in. I sat at the computer and exactly at noon, I clicked Register and my friend Sue and I both got in. (Sue is my partner in crime for the France 8k and the Shape Half – both in NYC)

I signed up to run Brooklyn as my 31th Half Marathon for several reasons:

I love NYC (and Brooklyn).
I had enough hotel points for a free room.
My friend Sue agreed to run the race and room with me.
NYRR races are so well-organized
Who wouldn’t want to finish at the beach in Coney Island.
It was on a Saturday so I would still have Sunday at home.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on March 17 in Florida and since then I have completed easy weekday runs and longish runs on most weekends.

: 5k + 7 = 10

: 5k + 8 = 11

: Mother’s Day on the rail trail

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I do like to get in a 10, 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon.

I skipped my 12 mile long run entirely the weekend that I was on vacation in Florida. I added extra miles to my weekend 5k races. Only ONE of my long runs was completed without a break in between the miles and that was the last one of 9 miles

I am sure that this is NOT the my best way for prepare to run 13 miles. I am a coach’s nightmare. LOL.

However, I wasn’t really worried. I didn’t expect to run the half marathon at a PR pace anyway. I was running it purely for the experience.

Dealing with a crazy work schedule, travel and rain does not equal a fast finish time. The goal for this half marathon was survival and enjoyment!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep on my last half marathon in NYC and Vegas– rest the legs the day before.

So we didn’t really walk that much. We took the bus to Manhattan and then the subway to Brooklyn so we could check into the hotel. Then we took a subway to Pier 2 to the Pre-Race Party to get our shirt and bib.

: Brooklyn Half 2018

The Pre-Race party was a little disappointing. Not many booths or food and there was no entertainment. But if you just wanted to get in and out, it was fine. You could also get any information you needed about the race and logistics. We asked a lot of people about what time to be at the race and got many conflicting answers so made our own decision.

: 13.1 miles in Brooklyn

While we were at the pier, we did a little sightseeing by touring an old schooner and watching a glass blowing demonstration on an Erie Canal boat. Our last stop was Coney Island where we had a delicious pasta dinner before heading back to the hotel to call it an early night.

Race Day:

Alarm set for 5 am. After much debate, we decided to leave for the race at 6:30 am.

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and ate in the hotel room. Good thing because the hotel breakfast didn’t open until 6:30 am.

My original race outfit was going to be a tank and skirt. But with each weather forecast predicting colder and colder temps, I kept changing my mind.

So in additional to the above, I added compression leg sleeves, DIY arm sleeves, a throw way long sleeved shirt and a rain poncho.

I was very close to adding capris and a jacket but decided at the last moment that I didn’t want to be too warm. Sue and I both also decided against a checked bag based on the logistics, long bag check lines and having to wait outside in the rain even longer.

Our hotel was fairly close to the start so we would have walked if it hadn’t been raining so hard. We had planned to call an uber but two sisters outside our hotel had already called one and offered us a ride. We accepted and hung out with them for a while before the race (one was running her first half… poor thing.)

We arrived at 6:45 to cold pouring rain and wind and did our best to stay dry by standing under one canopy after another.

Unfortunately we had to eventually get to the start. We waited so long that wave 1 (we were in wave 2) had already started. That meant we had to run across the course. Just imagine how hard it is to cross between runners running at a 5-6 min pace. I almost had a heart attack but we all did it successfully.

Then we had to wait on a very long line in order to go through security before getting into our corrals.

We decided to stay under a canopy until the very last minute and it was the right decision. Then the line moved pretty fast and we pushed our way into the corrals and just moved to about the 10 minute pacer.

I kept my rain poncho on until it was time to begin. Many runners kept theirs on all or most of the race. I thought that it would be too uncomfortable. I normally take off my throw away shirt too (because it was heavy cotton) but I was just too cold. I wished that I had gloves on, as well.

My plan for the race, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every 4 miles or so. And of course, not slip and fall or succumb to hypothermia. Sue and I planned to meet inside the Coney Island subway station and go back to the hotel together.

Anyway, here’s how the race went (photos courtesy of the NYRR website):

Miles 1-3:

9:53, 9:58, 9:14

As you can see, it was quite congested in the beginning of the race. For the first 3 miles, you run outside of Prospect Park and there were minor ups and downs in the elevation. I tried not to step in any big puddles but in trying to cut the tangents, I stepped in one monster one. In addition to my feet now being soaked and sloshing around, my throw away was getting water logged and I had to stop and toss it. The good news is that it was covering my watch and I couldn’t worry about my pace. I still had on my DIY arm sleeves for warmth.

My plan to stop at every water stop slowed me down because in this race, they were at every mile (not every 2 miles as I am used to.) I stopped anyway even though I wasn’t thirsty. They were a tempting opportunity to walk and so that’s what I regrettably did.

Miles 4-6:

9:41, 10:27, 10:01

At mile 4, you head into the park. It starts off flat and just before Mile 5 comes the biggest hill on the course which is not as steep as some of those Central Park hills, but seems like it will never end. I continued my water stop walking and used the one at hilly mile 5 to eat my first GU. Thankfully as you loop around the park, you discover what goes up must come down and you get to enjoy a nice downhill. This was my favorite part of the race. At this point, I rolled down my arm sleeves. They were so wet that they weren’t keeping me warm anyway.

Miles 7-9:

8:56, 9:41, 10:09

As you come through Mile 7 just outside the park, you head to Ocean Parkway with a quick dip down and a steady bump in elevation on the entrance ramp.

I tried to think of this as my final stretch to the finish line. But it felt like Ocean Parkway would never end. Until this point in the race, I was really feeling strong. My lack of long runs really reared its ugly head at mile 9. I started to get a big blister on my left foot (where I always get one). It was painful and I think it made my gait awkward. My lower back starting aching and then the arch on the bottom of my right foot started feeling funky. As a result, walks at the water stops were getting longer. To make things worse, it was raining even harder. Believe it or not, there were lively crowds all along the course…even in this weather. That helped a lot.

Miles 10-12

10:35, 10:02, 10:25

Still running down that endless Ocean Parkway. At mile 10, I ate my second GU and walked what seemed like forever hoping to get some zip in my step. Finally as you run South, the Avenues go in order from A to Z then you make a right hand turn onto Surf Avenue where you can see the roller coasters up ahead. But by mile 12, I barely had any energy. I just willed myself to continue. I knew the end was near.

Mile 13- 13.25

9:56, 9:21

Soon I saw the sign that said “800 meters to go” and then I was finally on the boardwalk. The finish line seemed so far away but all of a sudden, the race was over. I crossed….

Garmin time= 2:11:18
Gun time = 3:09:46
Chip time = 2:11:23

I got my medal and then was handed a bag with water, gatorade and some snacks.

too cold and wet to take any fancy pix with the medal 😦

I followed the crowd to exit and my original plan was to hang around, go to the After Party in MCU Stadium (where you got beer, pizza, Nathan’s famous hot dogs, etc.) but I was FREEZING!!!!!

a friend’s pic from FB

So I made a bee line to the subway to wait for my friend Sue.

I checked my phone and saw a message from her. “DNF. Quit at mile 5. Took an early train back to Albany.”

WTF?

I had the feeling that she didn’t want to run in the rain. At mile 5 we had looped the park and it was an easy walk back to the hotel.

Now I was stuck alone in the rain in NYC until my 6:30 pm bus home.

(In the end, it was fine. I had a nice lunch and went to the movies.)

Additional Race Reflections:

Though there were timing clocks at every mile during the race, they started when the elites of wave 1 started so I really wasn’t sure how I was doing. I kept thinking that I was about an hour less than the displayed time. It was hard to see my watch because of my arm sleeves (I had only rolled them down not thrown them away.) So I was pleased at my time. I thought I would finish much slower. I knew I would not PR but secretly, I wanted to finish faster than 2:12. That was the qualifying time for my new age group for the NYC Half Marathon next March. (I may not run it but it’s nice to qualify for something.)

Well, this was a bucket list race for me. Since I didn’t train hard, I was expecting to completely enjoy my experience, take lots of photos, hang out at the beach, etc.

All of this impossible in such miserable weather conditions.

But no, I don’t regret running the race. I actually liked the course more than I thought I would. The hills weren’t as bad as Central Park. More than 25,000 excited runners. So much energy. NYRR puts on a first class event.

even Deena Kastor was not smiling

The Good:

Easy organized packet pick-up.
Lots of information from sign up to race day
The excitement and energy
Prospect Park part of the course
Ending on the board walk of Coney Island
Hot Dogs and Beer at the Post-Race Party
Water & Gatorade Stops at every mile (many tables of cups and many volunteers)
Crowd Support (even in the rain)

The Bad:

Running down Ocean Ave for so long was a little boring
Pre-Race Party was disappointing – few vendors
Congested before the start due to security check

The Ugly:

The Weather!!

: trying to look happy

: heading the finish

Would I recommend this race?

Yes definitely. Too bad, it sells out so fast. I would do it again if I could wait to see the weather forecast first.

Final Stats:

It was not my fastest half marathon. But it was actually faster than my last two half marathons.

I am pretty sure than if I had seriously trained and the weather was better (Honestly the rain just put me in a foul mood), I would have had a better finish time. But “it is what it is.” I chose to run those 5ks instead of doing my long runs (and I don’t regret it one bit). And you can’t control the weather. It was the same for every runner.

Next Up:

Image result for rock n roll montreal

September 23, 2018

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! Have you ever a big run in the rain? Do you prefer large races or small ones?

May 20, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 5.14.18-5.20.18: Race Week

Monday – I was supposed to have jury duty but I didn’t have to appear today. So I was able to attend Week 9 of the Freihofer Training Challenge group run. Being a taper week for me and having run 12 miles in the previous two days, I hesitated going and definitely about doing the Advanced speed workout. So I went and ran with the beginner group. A slow easy 3.5 miles. Just perfect. And I got to run and chat with a friend Denise who has been injured and I haven’t seen in ages.

Tuesday -Again I didn’t have to report for jury duty. So I was able to play tennis after work. Rest day for running (after running 3 days in a row and besides it was raining. My tennis lessons over vacation must have helped but we won both sets.
Wednesday – Finally reported for jury duty. I did take a long walk to the court instead of paying for parking or taking the bus. Not selected as a juror because I asked to be dismissed (chose to report again in Dec.) But no running again due to a hair appointment.

I missed Tulip Fest due to rain and these are past prime but still beautiful

Thursday – Back at work and because I was in town, I had signed up with my co-workers (as I did last year) to participate in the Workforce Challenge. Ten thousand runners in a 3.5 mile race downtown. Crazy, right with a half marathon in two days!? So to make sure that I didn’t race, I didn’t wear my watch. And I met someday who works upstairs from me who wanted a running partner to get her through the race. She’s much slower than me so it was perfect. We chatted and chatted and dodged the walkers. I may have finished 10 minutes slower than last year but who cares?
Friday – Took the bus to NYC with my running buddy Sue and subwayed to Brooklyn to check into our hotel, go to the expo and get ready for race day. That included a delicious pasta dinner in Coney Island.
Saturday – Race Day. Brooklyn Half Marathon. I had been looking forward to this race for years. Not as a goal race but for the experience. Running around Prospect Park and finishing at Coney Island. What was not in the plan was the RAIN!! Cold pouring rain and wind. It was so bad that Sue quit after mile 5 and took the train home. I persevered and finished. The last 4 miles were painful but I didn’t succumb to hyperthermia.

not my best nor my worst but at least fast enough to qualify for 2019 NYC Half.

Alone in the city on a rainy day so I opted to have a nice lunch and go to the movies.

Image result for book club movie

Sunday – Rest Day. We were hoping for boating weather but the nope, rainy Instead we did go out to a nice brunch to celebrate both of our May birthdays (and both qualifying for Medicare.)

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC for work, 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – 3 miles or Al Goldstein 5k (in Brooklyn)
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day. train home
Saturday – 6 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating?

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? Anyone ever have jury duty? What about running a big race in the rain?

May 15, 2018 by Darlene

2018 Tropicool 5K Race Recap

May 6, 2018- 7:30 am

As you may remember, this race took place during my annual non-running tennis vacation in Naples, Florida. I take lessons and play tennis every morning and then spend the afternoon on the beach. Each evening I go out for drinks, dinner and dessert with my tennis friends. Eight days of pure relaxation and enjoyment… (every May since 2005)

I love it. It’s usually my only vacation that doesn’t include a race. You have to admit that racing during a vacation does add an element of stress.

Last year we changed our dates. We were in Naples two weeks earlier and that meant that the temps were only in the 80s (not the 90s) and that the racing season was not over yet.

I happened upon a 5k race that took place on the Sunday during our stay. One of my friends offered to get up at the crack of dawn and drop me off and another offered to pick me up.

I unexpectedly bumped into a tennis friend who had moved to Naples and despite the heat, did fairly well.

And so I registered for the same race this year.

Here again is the description of the race and the course map:

Enjoy a wonderful 5K race that showcases the beautiful streets of Olde Naples. This course is two loops starting on Broad Street.

I’m not a fan of loops but at least it was only a 5K and I don’t remember it bothering me.

As she did last year, my friend Catalina agreed to drop me off at the race start. I was familiar with the race location so I didn’t need to arrive as early as I did last year.

The day before the race, on the way to dinner, we stopped at a local running store so I could pick up my bib. Instead of a tee shirt this year, they gave out mugs. 🙂

We went out to an awesome dinner which included a few glasses of wine. (Oops I don’t usually drink the night before a race but I was on vacay…) Then we went to the theatre followed by a stop at an ice cream shop. Obviously, it turned out to be a later night than normal.

Sunday morning, I groggily ate my usual race breakfast at 5:30 am. I got dropped me off in town around 6: 30 am. It was still kinda dark and there were still not many runners there.

i bumped into a runner from NJ and we started chatting. We decided to walk a few blocks to the water and take each other’s pictures.

Around 7 am, We walked back to the start and hung out there. This was not a big race. There were about 350 runners – all ages and very friendly.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm. But it was not as warm as it could have been. I checked the weather app on my phone and it said 100% humidity!! Holy cow!!!

As you can see from the map, the course winds around town and through the neighborhoods twice. And it was flat!!

I had no plan for the race – just finish and get back to my tennis friends so we could get on with the day’s activities.

From the get go, my legs felt like lead but my biggest problem was that I had a hard time breathing and I felt dizzy. Was it the heat? Most likely it was not being acclimated to the humidity. I couldn’t wait to get to the water stop… It seemed like forever but I think it was during mile 2. I stopped and walked for a while (longer than normal). I actually felt worse after walking so I ran and tried to just get to the finish line without puking.

Eventually it appeared and I gave it my all.

I was shocked when I crossed at 27:xx. I felt so much slower than my last few 5ks.

As soon as I crossed, I saw my tennis friend Rebecca who ran the race last year. We talked for awhile while waiting for the results to be posted.

Last year I was 3rd in my age group. So imagine my surprise when they called my name for Senior Grand Masters Winner.

Apparently the speedy old ladies from last year did not run the race.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:35
mile 2 – 8:57
mile 3 – 9:03
.14 – 7:14

Two of my friends who were not playing tennis came to pick me up after the race. Since the others were playing tennis and taking a lesson, we had plenty of time to hang out in town.

We walked to the famous Naples Pier and then went out to brunch on Fifth Avenue.

I am especially glad all the logistics worked out. I got back in plenty of time and my friends and I enjoyed a lovely rest of the day.

So back to the race…

The course was small so there were spectators cheering all along it. Although we looped, I didn’t find it boring because I didn’t even notice.

I enjoyed running around Olde Naples and especially along Gordon Drive where you could see the Gulf at the end of each cross street.

I am so happy that I ran this race again. I loved the course and it was very well-organized. (I am sure that I’ll return next year.)

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! Ever run a 5K race while on vacation?

May 13, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.30.18-5.6.18 and 5.7.18-5.13.18 – Back to Reality

Two weeks ago –

Monday – Off to NYC by train. Once I had set up Queens and returned to Manhattan, I planned to squeeze in a run before dinner. But the weather wrecked my plans. Cold wind and rain. Nope. No run for me.
Tuesday – After work, I hopped on the subway to run in Central park. Finally spring like weather. Or more like summer. 80 degrees and the Park was packed with runners, beautiful flowers and fragrant smells.

Wednesday – Rest day due to having to get the train to return home, pack and get ready to leave on vacation the next morning.
Thursday – 8 am flight to Florida. We landed in Ft Myers and picked up a rental car to drive to Naples. This is our 12th tennis trip here so we have a routine and it felt like coming home – unpacking, grocery shopping, relaxing by the pool, dinner out, chatting, sleep?

Friday – My first Florida run – holy humidity! My goal was to run at least 3 miles most days before a tennis lesson and doubles play. After tennis we pack a lunch and spend the rest of the day on the beach, soaking up vitamin D, reading, playing Scrabble or strolling along the water – heavenly! Every evening we go out to dinner at a different restaurant. Tonight’s choice was the Ritz with a view of the sun setting on the Gulf.

Saturday – As I did yesterday, I went for a run, played some doubles and then had a tennis lesson. We thought it might rain (which it never did) so we stayed at the pool rather than going to the beach. Then we went out to dinner, to a play and out for ice cream. I could get used to this life.

: Our tennis instructor, Mark and a 90 year old player (my hero)

Sunday – The group played tennis and had a lesson. I instead ran a 5k race. No surprise there. The surprise was how hard it was to run in 100% humidity. Lucky for me, the older ladies from last year weren’t there so I was the women’s senior grand master champion. To celebrate we walked to the Naples Pier and then went out to brunch. Again it was a busy day (We had to record a song for the ladies who couldn’t make the trip – re-written lyric to You always on my mind) so we relaxed at the pool and then went out to dinner.

Last week –

Monday – It may sound boring but it was more of the same. A run, followed by doubles, a tennis lesson and then we packed a lunch and spent the afternoon at the beach. In the evening, we watched our tennis instructor play in a tournament and then went out to dinner.

Tuesday – It’s tough when every day it is sunny and warm. So I ran, played tennis, had our last tennis lesson and went to the beach for the last time. Tonight we had dinner but brought our desserts home because it was book club night (we discussed The Girl Before.)

Wednesday – My BIRTHDAY! And the day was absolutely perfect. I ran 6.5k and I played tennis after. Then we packed lunches and headed to Oscar Sherer State Park for a picnic and a hike. Next we drove to Sarasota to visit the Selby Gardens (and see the Warhol exhibit). We ended the day with dinner on the water.

Thursday – Last day of vacation. No running today. We played tennis instead and hung out at the pool unitl we had to leave for the airport.
Friday – Back home. Back at work. I needed a vacation from my vacation. Too pooped to even play mah jongg. Instead stayed home, unpacked and did laundry.
Saturday – Race Day. Summer Smith Memorial 5K. A cold, miserable rainy day. So tempted to stay in bed (with my headache) but I didn’t. Of course, I got soaked but still glad I ran this race.

course PR and 2nd in my AG

I spent the rest of the day (not at the Tulip Fest as planned) but with the girl I mentor and her two sons.

Sunday – Mother’s Day! Of course, I had to go for a run. It was cool and cloudy when I started but it warmed up and the sun came out. With a half marathon in less than a week and no run longer than 8 miles done, I thought I might run 12. Ha Ha! My legs said “no way” and I struggled even getting 9 miles done (with lots of walking). Let’s hope I can rally next Saturday!

50 cents ice cream cone – I couldn’t resist.

Th rest of the day was filled with laundry, grocery shopping, gardening and a late lunch with the family at my MIL’s house.

This Coming Week –

Monday – jury duty (postponed), 4.5 miles (FTC)
Tuesday – jury duty? 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – jury duty? rest day, hair appt.
Thursday – Corpoorate Challenge Race (3.5m)
Friday – rest day
Saturday – Brooklyn Half Marathon
Sunday – rest day, boating, hubby’s birthday

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you celebrate Mother’s Day? Please share.

May 2, 2018 by Darlene

Cherry Blossom 5K Race Recap

April 29, 2018 10:15 am

This was the fourth year that I have run the Cherry Blossom 5k. It is a fun local race, raises money for a great cause (ALS) and I really like participating in it.

The first two years, I won 2nd in my age group. The third year, I did not win anything but I had run a 10k the day before and I didn’t run it last year. I seem to be on a PR roll for some unknown reason. But who knows? Anything can happen in a race on any given day.

: 2014 – 27:51

: 2015 – 27:56

: 2016 – 28:24

The course is very winding. Someone said that there were 20 turns. But it is also pretty flat except for the last mile which is uphill.

As you can see, my times on this race course have been pretty speedy (until 2016). Could I beat my 2014 time??

And should I try? After all, I just ran a 5k PR last weekend and I have a half marathon in a few weeks.

Nevertheless, I was determined to give it my best shot and not to be disappointed if I sucked.

They always have a short sleeved race shirt. One of these years, it’ll be warm enough to wear one of them. Instead, I wore a long sleeved shirt, a vest, a skirt (yes, this was risky), compression socks and a cap. I brought 2 jackets, capris and gloves for before and after. It was near 40 degrees but the wind made it feel colder and it was raining! A miserable day!! Not one that I wanted run on. The crowd was smaller than previous years but still there was over 300 runners.

The race started at 10:15 and I got there around 9:15 and parked in a bank parking lot across the street. I had picked up my bib on Friday after work so I could relax in my warm car. The other Wineglass ladies running the race were parked nearby so I headed to their car. I wisely added my capris under my skirt, my jacket and my gloves. It was drizzling then raining and then drizzling. We all stayed in the car until the last minute.

only Chris came prepared for the rain

Unfortunately at this Cherry Blossom race each year, there are never any cherry blossoms. (Maybe next year!) There is also usually a Cherry Blossom Festival, as well. I didn’t see one this year.

2015 but similar to this year

You were supposed to line up by pace. I moved up with the 8 min milers and shivered until the race finally started.

pic from the Gazette (I’m in the front)

I usually have a pretty fast first 2 miles and then slow down but I was dragging even during the first mile. My legs were stiff. It was windy and I was cold!!

There are no clocks on the course so I had no idea what my pace was but I was pretty sure that it was slower than my PR pace of last weekend.

The course is nothing special. You just wind your way around the neighborhoods. I tried to run the tangents as much as possible. And make sure to avoid the puddles and not slip on the wet ground rounding the turns.

It rained lightly during the whole race. But I actually got warm and unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves.

There was a water stop at the halfway point. I ran through it since I was not thirsty and wanted to finish and get dry.

Eventually that dreaded third mile came and the uphill was a struggle as it is every year. This year, however, I did not walk. But I definitely felt like I was slowing down.

pic from the Gazette

pic from rainy 2016

Finally we headed toward the finish line. I had no energy left but did my best to sprint across the line.

I crossed at 27:XX. My PR streak has been broken.

I was slower than my last 5K but it was my fastest time on this course. I was content.

I had some refreshments (bagel, banana and chocolate milk) while waiting for the results and my friends to finish.

cold, wet but happy

They all headed to their warm car and I chatted with other running friends and waited for the results.

I was shocked to come in first. I have never won my age group in this race and the runner in third is way faster than me (However she is apparently coming back from an injury).

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:42
mile 2 – 8:57
mile 3 – 8:47
.14 – 7:51

27:17

So those splits don’t reflect how I felt while I was running. I didn’t feel like I was running my best. To me, that is good news. There may be a faster 5K time in me…

The wineglass ladies headed off to Dunkin Donuts. I thought about it but I had been planning to run 9 more miles after the race. I was cold and grumpy and did not want to run any more so I drove home.

Once I got home, the rain had stopped and it was in the 40s and less windy. With work and my upcoming vacation, I knew that I should try to run some more so out I went. The conditions were better than during my run but my heart was not in it. I walked a lot and quit after almost 8 miles.

Upcoming Vacation –

14th trip to Naples, Florida. Lots of tennis, sun and beach time. Maybe some runs (and don’t be surprised if I squeeze in a 5k race)

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I leave on May 3 and return on May 10 (9 days before my next half marathon). Can’t wait!!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any races or runs? Any races coming up? What are you looking forward to? Please share.

May 1, 2018 by Darlene

April Report Card

April started out just like March – Cold and windy. Then there was rain, snow… There was NO cherry blossoms for my race at the end of the month. We did squeeze in a few nice days here and there.

Anyhow, here’s how April worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill. As I mentioned April was a windy, rainy, chilly month.

: The Crossings

: Elm Ave Park

: UAlbany

I ran locally a few times after work. The good news is that I was able to run while working in NYC and while in Buffalo, Rochester and Liverpool. The best thing about my job is running in different places. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

: NYC

: Buffalo

: Rochester

: Liverpool

Long Runs:

Work and the weather has made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. This is peak racing seasons so I usually just add miles to my races.

: 5 FTC miles + 3 = 8

: Delmar Dash ’18

: 5k + 7 = 10

: 5k + 8 = 11

Total Mileage:

I ran 80 miles this month. An decrease in miles basically because April is a shorter month and I did not run half marathon this month. The important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran two local 5ks and a local five miler. All were fun and I met up with several friends at each. I also had a PR at the Delmar Dash 5 miler and came in a surprise 3rd in my age group. I also had a surprise PR at the Bacon Hill 5k and won my age group. I didn’t PR at Cherry Blossom 5K but it was a course PR and I surprisedly won my age group

: Delmar Dash – 5 Mile PR

: Bacon Hill – 5k PR

: 1

Cross Training:

Due my work schedule, I did not play tennis at all. I miss it and my friends.

I did work out at the gym once. Shocking. I know.

I did not attend a yoga class. Someday….

The month just got away from me and I was hardly home during the week. Then on the weekend, I was playing catch up.

I did not walk at lunch. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend time and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant.

The Freihofer Training Challenge began last month and goes for ten + weeks and I was able to go only twice. I guess I shouldn’t have signed up this year. (Miss my coach and my running friends.)

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #31 in May.

It’s a big one and it’s been on my bucket list for years.

May 19, 2018

I have some shorter races planned as well. My racing schedule picks up in the spring.

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

5-06-18 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)
5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-17-18- Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)
5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon
6-02-18 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-10-18 – Run for Help 5k
6-17-18 – Finest Memorial 5k
6-30-18 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her April 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 an A-

Despite the work travel and crazy weather, I did my best to get in my runs. Strength training just never happens so I’ve decided not to beat myself up about it. I ran 3 shorter races and had PRs in two of them. I also won an age group award in each. 🙂

Real spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner. I want to see flowers and leaves on the trees!

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! How did your April turn out? Anything exciting planned for May?

What grade would you give your running month?

April 29, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap Up for 4.23.18-4.29.18 – Another Week , Another Race

Last week –

Monday – No travel today so I was able to attend the Freihofer Training Challenge run (for the 2nd time although they are on week 6.) As usual, it’s a workout that you love to hate. We did do six 800m repeats at 5k pace. My splits ranged from 4:24 to 4:15 and got progressively faster so I was pleased (even though I lagged behind my friends LOL).

Afterwards, I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

Tuesday – Off to Liverpool for work. I was able to get a run done before dinner and the predicted rain. Who knew it would be 75 degrees. Thank God for clouds and lake breezes.

I went back for a walk after dinner but no sunset due to the clouds.

Wednesday – Another rest day due to having to drive home after work. It was another rainy April day anyway.
Thursday – Back home and hoping for no rain and an outdoor run. No rain but clouds and WIND!!!

Friday – Another cool rainy day. Hopefully April showers will bring May flowers. I wanted to run but my backup plans were to pick up my race bibs, go to the Spring Run Off pasta dinner and then play mah jongg.

: awesome pasta dinner that included salad, wine and dessert – wish I could run this race

Saturday – Rest Day. I had signed up for a race (Spring Run Off 10k) but family comes first. My stepson is getting married and my daughter-in-law to be asked me to help her bridemaids pick out dresses (Her mother had knee replacement surgery and could not come.)

: 2 of the 4 Bridesmaids -Say YES to the Dress

: the wedding colors are plum and grey

Sunday – Race Day. Cherry Blossom 5K. Of course Saturday was a beautiful morning for a race. Today, it was COLD, windy and RAINY. A miserable day to run, Many of my friends did run it so I am glad that I didn’t bail and I had course PR and won my age group.

I was cold and grumpy so I went home after the race. The rain stopped and it wasn’t as cold and windy so I sucked it up and went back out to finish my “long” run for the day.

There was a lot of walking but it is done and I can relax.

This Coming Week –

Monday – Train to NYC, 3 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, train home
Thursday – rest day, fly to FLORIDA!!!!
Friday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun
Saturday – rest day, tennis, beach, sun & fun, theatre
Sunday – Tropicool 5k, road trip

The Week After –

Monday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun
Wednesday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun – MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
Thursday – 3 miles, tennis, fly home
Friday – rest day,mah jongg
Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5K + 7 miles
Sunday – rest day, dinner out for Mother’s Day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

April 27, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Run. Not Race.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to use the new FIVE MINUTE format, link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Last Friday I wrote about why I race a lot. This week, I’ll look at the other side of the coin:

FIVE REASONS NOT TO RACE OFTEN

MONEY

2. INJURIES

3. SCHEDULING (TIME)

4. LONG RUNS

5. DRILLS AND WORKOUTS AND TESTING NEW THINGS

Happy Running! Do you run a lot of races? If not, why not? Please share.

April 25, 2018 by Darlene

2018 Bacon Hill Bonanza Recap

Every year, I plan to sign up for the 10k and then I chicken out.

10 K

I know that the hills would be good training but… the 5k is an out and back and mostly flat.

5k – not as flat as it looks

So I changed my mind again and registered for the 5k and then planned to run 7 hilly miles after.

I ran this race for the past four years and loved it. They had great food – the usual food but also chili and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

And there was chocolate milk, fresh from the dairy.

Plus, I won a homemade pie as first in my age group for the past four years. 28:56, 28:01, 27:54, 27:32. Yes, it seems that I am getting faster but not sure about this year??? Lately I don’t feel very fast.

The race started at 10 am which was good since it would be an hour drive from my house.

But I woke with a horrendous headache and an upset stomach. I thought about an DNS for about a second. Anyway it was only a 5k and I knew that running could make me feel better.

Again the weather was tricky. What to wear? I was brave the first two years and wore a skirt, a baseball cap and no gloves. It is April, right? Then the past two years, it was cold and I resorted to capris. This year, the race was scheduled at the end of April instead of the beginning. So you would think that it would be warm out already …NOT!!

This year I decided to continue with the capris. Although it was chilly (30s) in the morning, I hoped that it would warm up by the time I raced (and after). But I did bring along gloves and a jacket. (Spoiler alert: it did warm up but the wind made it feel cold.) The best part about today’s weather was the sunshine. It had been days since we had had any.

I got to the race early and found a parking spot in a (muddy) field next to the church. The race started at the church in the town of Bacon Hill, a small farming town with awesome scenery. (It reminded me of Vermont.)

these pics are from other years…everything still looked the same)

It was chillier than I thought. It was in the 30s but windy… Brrrr!! I quickly put on both of my jackets and got my shirt and bib. I also dropped off my free raffle ticket. (They had some really great prizes.)

I wasn’t sure that I would know anyone at this race since the runners that I usually run this race with were not coming (Holly who was in the Turkey Trot training group and now the FRW training group said that she had to work this year. Another runner friend, Sue, whom I am running Brooklyn with was in Florida and my friend Judith just ran the Boston Marathon.) So I just stopped by the timing truck to say hello to my FTC coach who as usual asked me if I was going to PR. I replied: “I doubt it but it’s all about the pie.” You get a pie if you win your age group. And I wanted to keep my pie streak going.

Then I ran back to my car to keep warm until almost time for the race to start.

At the last minute, I decided to shed my jacket and tossed it under a tree.

Although I prefer to start most races near the front, there were sign with paces. I was embarrassed to stand with the 7 minute runners so I moved back to the 9 minute mile sign. That’s when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was Maureen, a friend that I ran the Shape Half with last year. She is in my age group and a lot faster. Fortunately for me, she had decided to run the 10k. We chatted until the race began.

The pastor read a prayer, the church bells rang and we were off.

The 5k was an out and back. The 10k veered to the right and supposedly had killer hills but breath taking views.

I decided to go out fast. I always have positive splits so why try not to. It isn’t as flat as the map shows. The hills are rolling throughout but not that bad. Even I could run up them.

Unlike last weekend, I really slacked off on my weekly runs. In fact, I didn’t run Wed, Thurs, and Fri – yes three days in a row without running which is so unlike me. Part of it was weather-related but mostly I just didn’t feel like it.

I loved all the signs along the route. Many of them were riddles. I wish I could remember them but they were a nice distraction.

the cloudy sky pics are from last year

This one as my favorite:

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The wind was annoying. It was at times hard to keep moving forward. And my legs really protested my attempt for speed. I felt my short lay-off.

There were volunteers on the course calling out times. I was shocked at how fast my first mile was because I was really struggling.

Eventually we turned around and headed back… It would seem natural that now the wind would be at our backs. But no, it seemed to be blowing from the side.

There was a water stop but I wasn’t thirsty and just wanted to get to the finish and warm up. I realized quickly that I had gone out too fast. I could not keep up that pace but may be just maybe I could finish fast enough to win that pie!!

the finish line is right next to the cemetery

As I approached the finish line, I realized that I may even PR!! Holy Cow!

I crossed at 27:04 Gun Time. I beat my 2014 5k PR time by 7 seconds!! I was in shock.

I glanced at my Garmin which would have been chip time and it said 27:01. I ran to tell Patrick. He grinned that “I told you so grin.”

I grabbed my jacket, put up my hood and immediately made a bee line for the chocolate milk. Boy, was it good. I had 3 cups.

They had the same great food (chili, muffins, cookies, fruit) like last year but no vegetarian dish and no pizza. I had some cookies, chili and a corn muffin.

PR + chocolate milk makes a happy runner

I hung around the finish line though I was pretty cold (because of the wind). I did bump into another runner that I knew. She was waiting for her husband to finish the 10K so we waited together.

Here comes Maureen with a great finish time as well.

Finally they posted the results. Mine was listed as 27:04 and I was first in my age group. Maureen was first too. We were both glad that we had chosen different distances. That way we both won our age groups.

Two years ago, it was so cold that they let you just get your award and leave but this year, we had to wait and they announced them one by one. Brrrr…

I waited with Maureen and her friends. And I won a pie again!

Check out those race times. If I had not Pr’d, I would not have won this year. I always say that it’s not your time but who shows up. (Everyone in this group is new to this age group. I age up in a few years!!)

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:44
mile 2 – 8:56
mile 3 – 8:56
.11 – 8:30
_________________

27:01 (Garmin time)

fueled by sunshine!

All in all, I loved this race. I will definitely do it again…maybe even the 10K someday. I was thrilled with my time. A course PR. A 5k PR. What could be better? More importantly, I felt like I didn’t go all out and who knows maybe there is a sub 27 5k in my future???

I put the pie in my car and contemplated my planned 7 additional miles. The scenery is beautiful here but with the wind, I decided to drive to some place where I would be more sheltered from the wind and where it would be flatter.