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.

2016 pic

So I drove to the Zim Smith Trail. It is lined with trees, flat, gravel coated and there’s the incentive of a post run treat at Leah’s Cakery.

Scenes from my run:

It was tough. My legs were tired and stiff so this was a walk/run at best.

10 miles done! Hooray!

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

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend? Do you have spring weather yet?

April 22, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.16.18-4.22.18 – Recovery

Recovery in the sense of recovering from the sudden loss of my favorite cat (Still feel like crying All.The.Time).

Last week –

Monday – I drove to Rochester today for work . It was a miserable, cold, windy rainy day (The weather here will not let up !!) My only resort was the hotel treadmill and it was not fun. (I wish that I were as tough as the runners in Boston! Yay Desi!!)

Tuesday – Yes, woke up to snow! Worked all day hoping for a light at the end if the tunnel and not have to run in the treadmill again. It was snowing lightly but not sticking so I headed to the trail along the Erie Canal.

3 miles – not bad on the way out but the wind killed me on the way back. When will spring be here?

Wednesday – Another rainy dreary day. I had to drive home after work but I thought I might stop and squeeze in a quick run followed by Abbott’s Custard like I did last fall:

Well, the bridge to run over to get to the trail along the canal was under construction. I drove around a bit but then parked and tried to find access to the trail but I was on the wrong side. I couldn’t even find Abbott’s Custard. It was COLD so I gave up. I ran maybe a mile and then headed home.

Thursday – The same lousy weather continued and maybe this affected my running mojo but I decided to skip my run and instead I went out to dinner with my tennis friends. We try to get together monthly with whomever is available.

Friday – Still did not feel like running and rested for third day in a row. I did play mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Race Day. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K. I wasn’t sure how it would go since I had a lackluster running week. But racing always helps me get back on track. I woke up, however, with a headache and upset stomach. Thought about a DNS (for about a second LOL) and then drove an hour to the race. My FRW coach was there and asked me if I was going for a PR. I laughed and said “No but it’s all about the pie.” If you win your age group, you get a pie and I have a pie streak going. It was chilly and pretty windy but believe it or not, I RAN A PR! Good thing because if I didn’t, I would not have gotten my pie.

fueled by sunshine and post race chocolate milk

Afterward the race, I still had 7 more miles on my schedule. But I left and drove to the Zim Smith Trail where I thought that I would be more sheltered from the wind.

This was not easy and involved quite a bit of walking but the scenery is pretty and I parked at Leah’s Cakery (enough said)

Sunday – My friends were racing but after 10 miles the previous day, even I decided that it wouldn’t be smart. Instead I went to the gym, then for a walk before I did join the racers for lunch.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles FTC, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – drive to Liverpool, 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, bridemaid dress shopping trip
Sunday – Cherry Blossom 5k + 8 miles

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 18, 2018 by Darlene

Delmar Dash Five Mile Race Recap and a Tearful PR

It is nice to run a race that is only 10 minutes from your house.

This is my 6th time running this race. Last year, my back was bothering me so I didn’t run it and in 2012, I had a broken ankle. Otherwise, I try to run it every year. If you notice by my clothes, the weather has gotten colder every year.

: Delmar Dash ’16

: Delmar Dash ’15

: Delmar Dash ’14

: Delmar Dash ’13

: Delmar Dash ’11

It is a flat course so my times have been fairly decent:

2016 – 47:14
2015 – 45:26 (PR)
2014 – 48:14
2013 – 47:39
2011 – 47:08

Now only if spring would arrive. We’ve had a few warmish days but not today!! This was what they predicted:

Cold temps, rain, sleet and wind!!!

But most importantly was that my cat died suddenly the day before. I had gotten very little sleep since he had taken ill Thursday night and really did not feel like running!!!

Staying home and being sad and depressed seemed like a worse option than running a race.

So I told my hubby that I was runing the race and I would run it for Slater, my cat who just died.

It’s always hard at this time of year to decide what to wear. Too cold for spring clothes but I am tired of jackets and tights. I opted for a windbeaker over a long sleeved shirt, a skirt attached to capris, compression socks, a cap & gloves and hoped that it would be enough.

The forecasted rain and sleet had not arrived by the time I had to leave for the race. Maybe I would get lucky and it would hold off until the afternoon.

I got there early and got a spot in the parking lot. I knew a few people doing this race so I went inside the school to look for them.

The race started on the street but ended in front of the school entrance

I forgot to pick up my bib and shirt the day before so I picked them up and then looked for my firends.

I bumped into Judy and Chris and we chatted for a bit.

I also chatted with several other runners that I knew. Because of the Boston Marathon and the weather forecast, there weren’t as many runners as usual.

It was too cold outside so we waited until the last minute.

My hope for the race was to have a decent finish time. That would be under 50 minutes. I had a PR three years ago and I doubted that I could beat that especially without doing any speed work Besides, I wanted to stay healthy for my next half marathon on May 19!!

I lined up with some faster runners including Carolyn who is in my age group and another younger runner whom I followed at my last 5 miler, the Shamrock Shuffle.

Of course waiting for the race to begin, I was cold but I was fine as soon as I started running. My hands were cold for awhile but even they warmed up.

I tried to start out fast but not too fast. Though I never know what this is. And I probably did since my legs seemed to have zero energy today. I was so SAD! I felt like crying but I told myself to run the race for Slater! And that kept me going.

I tired with each mile but tried my best to keep it up. The younger faster runner had on a yellow jacket again this race and it was my beacon. I tried to keep her in my sight although I know I would never catch up to her.

she is the one in yellow

There was someone calling out times at every mile so I knew that I was not running well.

By the water stop at mile 2.5 or so, I was tempted to walk but again as I did in my previous two races, I decided to push it and NOT walk at all.

12961363_10153489245066074_4763558700202869412_o

Dr Tom’s pic from 2016

I was really draggin during mile 4 but by mile 5, I looked at my Garmin and realized that just maybe I could PR. I thought “Wouldn’t it be cool to PR for my cat?”

My eyes were teary and my nose was running (I didn’t know until after the race, that my nose was bleeding over my white gloves!!)

I finally saw the finish line and crossed at 45:XX (Officially 45:09). Defintely faster than last year and maybe a PR, I thought!

I waited until Judy and Chris finished and then went inside to get some food. I had some soup, bread, birthday cake and hot chocolate. Judy and Chris got massages.

I came in 3rd in my age group. I was surprised since I never place in this race. And the prize was a champagne glass!

Splits: (according to my Garmin)

mile 1- 8:44
mile 2- 8:56
mile 3- 8:56
mile 4- 9:18
mile 5- 8:57
mile .04 – 6:50

45:09

Yes, a PR! By 17 seconds!! I’ll take it. As one ages, these PRs are hard to come by.

Since this course is flat and near where I live, it is still one of my favorite races and I will run it again next year. I am so happy to have gotten a PR and I’m sure that Slater had given me the energy to do so.

Though after the race, it felt colder and windier, I needed to run 4 more miles…ugh!!

I drove my car and parked near the rail trail. Unfortunately, it was getting late and I needed to get home so 3 miles was all I could get done!

That makes 8 miles for the day…

5 weeks until my next half marathon.

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

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing?

April 15, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.9.18-4.15.18 – Here, There and Everywhere…

Work in NYC and then work in Buffalo and then back home. Another busy travel week and a sad week. We said good-bye to one of our cats.

Last week –

Monday – I was in NYC again for work but no time to run since I had to catch the train to get home.
Tuesday – Today included a LONG drive to Buffalo but at least I was able to squeeze in a short run after I arrived.

4 cold but sunny miles

Wednesday – Another rest day due to having to drive home after work. Besides it was raining.
Thursday – A day off from work but a busy one. In between errands and a hair appt, I did manage to get in a run. In the rain. At least it was 50 degrees.

3.5 wet miles at The Crossings where yes, there is a pine tree decorated for Christmas all year round.

Friday – I was planning on a rest day but it was sunny and 60 degrees.

surprise – an outdoor fitness center LOL

Saturday –Finally a Rest Day. More catch up stuff and a knitting afternoon with friends. But unfortunately, one of cats died suddenly this morning. He was fine and then he wasn’t. We took him to the vet the day before and they could find nothing wrong. We (especially the hubby) will miss him!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday – Race Day – Delmar Dash, a local 5 miler. I really wasn’t in the mood to race and the forecast was for freezing rain but happily although it was chilly, there was no rain. I dedicated the race to my cat and ran it with tears in my eyes. I managed to muster up enough emotional strength for a PR and a 3rd place AG group award (my first for this race).

17 sec PR but still a PR… (Recap coming soon!)

I had planned on running 4 miles after the race. I added warmer clothes but had to cut it short at 3 miles. I had errands, taxes and many things to do.

This Coming Week –

Monday – drive to Rochester, 3 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – 3 miles, dinner out with tennis friends
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k + 7 miles
Sunday – rest 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 10, 2018 by Darlene

Ice Breaker Challenge 5K Race Recap

The Ice Breaker Challenge is a one of a kind Capital District running/walking road race challenging runners and walkers against rowers from the Albany Rowing Center. Runners/walkers will travel along the Corning Preserve Bicycle Path while rowers from the Albany Rowing Center will race along side in shells on the Hudson River.

This was my third time running this race. I ran it in 2013 and then again in 2016. I often do my long runs on this bike path so I am very familiar with the course.

: 2013

: 2016

This year, I mentioned it to some of the Wineglass ladies and Barbara, Heidi and Sherry decided to sign up and join me for the race. Alyssa say she would join us after to run more miles and Jeri and Chris (who were part of the Freihofer Training Challenge) planned to join us for brunch.

Barbara and I carpooled and arrived plenty early to pick up our bibs and race shirt.

We were lucky with the weather too. Sunny, cold but not too cold and just a little breeze.

from 5 years ago

So we sat in Barbara’s car (with Heidi and Sherry) until it was time to line up.

rowers getting ready to race (again from 5 years ago)

Eventually we had to head to the start. This week, I tried not to overdress and left my jacket behind. I had on 2 shirts and capris. I was cold at first but in the end, my outfit was perfect.

It was a little confusing because the start was not in the same place as the finish and there was no start line.

Soon everyone figured things out and I tried unlike last week to stand in the front but runners at the last minute just shoved in in front of me.

What was my plan for the race?…the usual..no real plan. I was tired from working in Liverpool and NYC all week, I had gotten home late the night before. So I was just playing it by ear and would see what my legs had to give. At least this was a flat course.

The first half of the race was running into the wind. But it wasn’t as bad as it would get later in the day. I recognized one runner and again she was fast. I couldn’t keep up and she got farther and farther ahead of me. (She wasn’t in my age group anyway LOL)

With the changing of my clothing layers, my Garmin was now too loose. It was very annoying!!! I tried to fix it but it was hard to do while running. (I eventually did during the 2nd mile.)

There was someone calling out times at each mile but either the markings were inaccurate or the times weren’t right. At mile 1, someone said 8:32 – NOT SO!!

There was a water stop near the turn around. I wasn’t really thirsty but I was tired but like my last race, I decided to push myself and keep on going.

I tried to focus on the scenery and look at the rowers but they were so close to the opposite shore that I couldn’t really see them.

At least on the way back, the wind wasn’t a problem. Although, it didn’t appear to be at our back either. Being an out and back course, after the turn around, I was able to see Barbara, Sherry and Heidi. They were all running well. (For Sherry and Heidi, this was their first race of the year!!)

At mile 2, someone held up a tablet and it said 19:XX – also not accurate.

I did glance at my Garmin several times and it appeared that my splits were under 9 minutes. (PR?? Nah… Course PR? I forgot to look at my 2016 time before the race)

heading home…

I crossed the finish line at 27:XX.

done!

I got a text with 27:52 and it was posted with that finish time (Later they changed it to 27:48)

Splits:

mile 1: 8:45
mile 2: 9:00
mile 3: 8:50
.16: 7:21

Garmin time: 27:46

Not a PR but I was very happy because it was indeed a 7 sec. course PR (2016 – 27:55).

I waited at the finish line for the others to finish.

Then I had some food – There were cookies, bagels, fruit, etc.

Having another half marathon to train for, I was pleased that Barbara agreed to run more miles with me. (Alyssa did, as well.)

We ran in the other direction since the race was still happening.

And then we turned around.

I knew that I had won FIRST in my age group and arrived just as they were calling my name.

We continued onto the race route and ran for awhile and turned around.

We had to stop to meet everyone for brunch but at least I was able to add almost 4 miles to my 5k. 7 miles for the day. Long Run accomplished.

Brunch was fun, as usual. Racing (and eating) with friends is the best way to start a weekend.

I ended the day with a Passover seder. (#holottaeating)

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

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

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

Happy Running! Did you run or race Easter/Passover weekend? Are you training for anything?

April 8, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.2.18-4.8.18: A New York State of Mind

Yes, Work took me back to NYC (Tues-Fri and then Sun)… so it’s pretty much routine these days – Trains, Work, Run, Sleep (with coffee, food and wine mixed in LOL)

Last week –

Monday – I was actually working in my office today and was able to attend my FIRST Freihofer Training Challenge run. It was so much fun to see my old friends. The run was tough but needed. (Thanks Patrick for making me run fast…at least for a minute.)

Tuesday – Off to NYC again by train. I was tired from the previous day’s hard workout but with the upcoming forecast, I wanted to get out there and run. It was raining when I arrived but there promised to be a break in the rain so I headed to the High Line since it was the closest of my running routes to my hotel. Well, the run was miserable. I was cold and wet. But nothing that a nice dinner and a glass of wine couldn’t fix.

Wednesday – Another rainy day but the sun did come out after work so I hopped the subway to Central Park. It was super windy and my legs very tired but the park never disappoints.

Thursday – Finally a day without rain but it was time for rest (and besides it was windy and freezing). Instead I met fellow Skirt Sports ambassador for a dinner.

Elizabeth is injured but we chatted about races and planned to run together the next time I am in town.

I said “rest day” but I actually put almost 8 miles on my feet walking.

Friday – Another rest day since I had to get the train to head home and there was no time to run.
Saturday –No race planned for day so I participated in the FTC group run followed by extra miles and brunch with three of the Wine Glass ladies.

I ran 5 miles with the BOTPers of the Advanced group and then 3 miles solo. Yes, it had snowed and was cold and windy. But I was very glad to have the company for part of my long run.

Sunday – Believe it or not, I had to take the train back to NYC for work. And the temps keep getting colder. When is spring coming??? I hoped to run once I arrived. I hadn’t been to the East River is awhile because it takes a long time to run there so I hopped the bus this time to get there and back. The sun was nice but running into the wind was brutal. Still loved the views and it was worth freezing my ears off.

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day in NYC, train home
Tuesday – drive to Buffalo, 3 miles?
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – DAY OFF, 4 miles?, hair appt
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – Delmar Dash (5 mile race) + 4 more miles

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 4, 2018 by Darlene

Shamrock Shuffle Race Recap

I signed up for this race weeks ago because it’s a nice local race and my running friend Laurie and I always do it together. I wasn’t thinking about the fact that I had run a half marathon the weekend before and that I would working in NYC for three days before, as well.

If you’ve read my recap for the Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon, you know that my legs were not tired from the race. And although I am glad that instead of racing it, I ran with a newbie runner for the whole race, I secretly wondered if my legs still had any speed in them.

I decided that this race would be a good opportunity to test them out.

This was my fourth time running this five mile race.

: 2017

: 2016

: 2015

Now that I’ve run the race three times, I would be at least prepared on how the course went uphill for the first mile, some rolling hills before it went downhill and then flattened out See below:

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Last year, I had a course PR. Of course, I forget to look before the race to see what that time actually was. I also knew that it was not a 5 mile PR. That was done at the Delmar Dash and I also did not remember my time for that race either.

I was hoping that the weather would be a little more spring-like and I could wear a green skirt. But it was not. It was cold. I actually woke up to a new new light layer of snow (Winter… enough already!!) So I just wore capris with compression sleeves, several layers on top, a beanie and gloves.

The race was about an hour drive from my house. But it had a late start of 11 am so I was able to sleep in. When I arrived, the parking lot was already full, but I found a spot on a nearby street and went into the gym to get my bib and race shirt.

another COTTON shirt for my buddy

I chatted with some runners that I recognized including Sue who I’m running the Brooklyn Half with. I also met some new faces.

Then I found Laurie who I had planned to meet at the race.

We talked for a while being entertained by bag pipes. She introduced me to her friend Marilyn.

With such a late start (11 am), I was already hungry for lunch by the time the race began but I forgot to bring a GU. Oh well.

Soon it was time to head to the start. We waited until the last minute so we didn’t have to stand outside long in the cold.

By the time the race had started, the sun had come out. Looking at how everyone else was dressed, I wished that I had removed one of my three shirts.

There were over 300 runners for this race (about 200 more than my most recent half marathon LOL). Since I knew that the race was not chip timed, I should have lined up closer to the front. But I was chatting with Laurie and her friend Marilyn and then all of a sudden, the race started.

As I mentioned, the beginning of the race went uphill. I took it slow. But I refused to walk and tried to keep an even pace. At first, I tried to keep up with Laurie’s friend Marilyn but she was too fast and I eventually lost her.

over the highway bridge (2015’s pic)

Although it was around 30 degrees, with the sun and when the wind was at our backs, I was sweating. I took off my gloves and unzipped my shirt.

After going over the bridge, about 1 1/2 in, we turned into the neighborhoods to some rolling hills. I could still see Marilyn way ahead. But there was no way I could catch up to her.

2015’s pic

There was a water stop around mile 1.75, I usually stop but not today. I was going to push it and try and run the WHOLE race.

Finally mile 3 arrived and that was the downhill portion of the course. I knew here that I could pick up the pace.

The second water stop was around mile 4. I was so tempted to walk a bit. I did not but probably should have since I knew that my pace was now slowing. (Walking always gives the boost I need to finish strong.)

But I just plugged along and refused to walk until I was done.

Then all of a sudden, I saw Marilyn ahead. She had obviously slowed down. In fact, I eventually passed her during the last mile. (She was not mad I guess since she sent me a friend request on FB after the race.)

Finally, I saw the finish line and gave it everything I had.

I crossed at 45:42. I was happily surprised. I was not expecting anything under 46 minutes.

I waited around for Sue to cross.

Here comes Sue

I wasn’t sure where Laurie was and if I had missed her. I was sweaty and getting very chilled so I went inside.

The refreshments in the cafeteria were not much to speak of. I had a brownie, a cookie and a banana. Soon Laurie came in. She had not been running regularly and really struggled to finish the race.

We then waited in the gym for the results to be posted. In previous years, I have won an award. – always 3rd. I wasn’t sure if I would win again but you never know when you’re in the old ladies group. But I did!! First, this year!!!

Instead of a medal this year , you got a pint glass in addition to usual loaf of Irish soda bread.

the bread was yummy and glass is also a welcome prize

Splits:

mile 1- 9:05
mile 2- 9:07
mile 3- 8:48 (downhill – yay!)
mile 4- 9:02
mile 5- 9:21 (tired legs)

45:25 according to my Garmin.

So my current Five Mile PR is 45:26 from 2015. So too bad that I didn’t stand close to the start line and too bad that this race wasn’t chip-timed.

Nevertheless, I am happy with how I ran the race. I didn’t walk (which is rare for me.) I do not do ANY speed work. (I know…maybe I could be even faster…)

My finish time last year was 46:10. Yup, a course PR (by 28 sec.)!! Woo! Hoo!

This old lady’s legs are not dead yet!!

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

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing?

April 3, 2018 by Darlene

March Report Card

Image result for welcome april goodbye march

Spring did not arrive in March. There was a lot of snow but I was lucky to escape for a few days to sunny Florida.

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

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I HATE the tradmill. As I mentioned March was a snowy month. Four nor’easters in 3 weeks!!!!

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home. Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights but the good news is that it is staying light longer since we moved the clocks ahead one hour. I did run while working in NYC and in 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).

: UAlbany

: NYC

: Liverpool

Long Runs:

Work and the weather has made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. But since I ran a half marathon in the middle, I did get a few in before I left. Then I took a break but continued with some extra miles after a race at the end of the month.

: 3.5 + 9

: 8

: 3.1 + 3.9 = 7 (with NO snow)

Total Mileage:

I ran 92 miles this month. An increase in miles basically because March is a long month and I ran a 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 the Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon during my vacation in Florida. When I returned, I ran two local races, Shamrock Shuffle, a 5 miler and the Ice Break Challenge, a 5k. Both were fun and I met up with several friends at each. I also had course PRs and won my age group in both races. A nice perk!

: March 2018

Cross Training:

I only played tennis once indoors. It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing. I wish I could play more but …WORK WORK WORK!!!

I did NOT work out at the gym at all.

I did not attend a yoga class. 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. I did go for an after dinner walk in Liverpool.

Other News:

The highlight of my month was my trip to Florida. I especially enjoyed the warm temps and sunshine. I was able to visit with five different friends and as well as my sister-in-law.

: March 2018

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. I ended the month with a Passover Seder with my Mah jongg friends.

The Freihofer Training Challenge began. I have yet to be able to go since I’ve been working out of town on Mondays and racing on Saturdays. I guess I shouldn’t have signed up this year. (Miss my coach and my running buds.)

FTC – March 2016

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.

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

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:

4-14-18 – Code Blue 8K and/or 4-15-18 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-21-18 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k and/or 4-22-18 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run 5k
4-28-18 – Spring Run Off 5k /10k and/or 4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k
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

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her March 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, vacation and crazy winter 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 2 shorter races and without any speed drills, I had course PRs and won my age group in both. 🙂

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner.

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

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

What grade would you give your running month?