August 12, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 8.6.18-8.12.18: A Travel Week

Yup, 3 days in Liverpool for work and 2 days in NYC for fun.

Monday – The hot muggy weather continued. After I set up for my job in Liverpool, I decided to go for a run along Onondaga Lake. Well with the heat index at 99 and little shade, it was a sweat fest. But I got it done and returned to the hotel just seconds before the sky opened up.

Eventually the torrential rain stopped and I went back to the park for a sunset walk.

Tuesday – Another rainy day but not as hot as the day before. The rain had stopped by the time I finished work so I headed back to the park. It was still very humid and this run felt even harder than the day before.

Again instead of sitting in my hotel room, I took my another sunset walk. The sky was clearer and definitely a worthy of the view.

Wednesday – Another rainy day. Nothing new here. But the rain stopped so on my way home, I stopped at the same park for a quick run. Humidity prevailed and I struggled….

Thursday – Rainy morning led to a sunny day. Of course, I had too much to do to run. I declared it a “Rest Day.”

Friday – Another Rest Day because I had to get to NYC to meet up with my Russian friend Anna. Her train was late so I rushed to pick up our race packet then we spent the evening catching up and having fun in the city.

Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and more

Saturday – Race Day. Governor’s Island 5k. The logistics were pretty complicated. We had to get up early to take an Uber to where we would catch the ferry to get to Governor’s Island. To make matters worse, A huge thunderstorm hit as soon as we got to the island and the RACE WAS CANCELLED!!!

Initially we were bummed especially since the rain stopped but we decided to make the best of the day

Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Roosevelt Island

and evening.

dinner overlooking the World Trade Center and a visit to the NEW Oculus

Sunday – We got up early and went for a 5k run in Central Park, had lunch there and then I had to bid Anna farewell. Rushed for time, I ran back to the hotel and then walked back to Grand Central to take the train home.

ran right in the middle of a 15 mile race LOL

This Coming Week –

Monday – train BACK to NYC for work, 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – 3 miles, blogger meet up with Cari
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – 5k Race + more miles or Long Run
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? Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

July 24, 2018 by Darlene

Silks and Satins 5K Race Recap

July 21, 2018 – 8:00 am

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 31 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016 and 2017, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37)

WouldI again this year???

: 2016

: 2017

Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:

15 turns in this course!!

Due to construction, it was changed slightly this year: The finish line was changed to 80 yards west on George St. so the start was re-located to 80 yards south on East Ave.

The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. Three years ago, I almost got towed.)

unisex shirt than even a XS was too big 😦 We did get free tickets to the track which I plan to use later in the summer!!!

The new pick-up area was moved to behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell, not too far from the old location. I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.

There were close to 1000 runners at this race. So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces: Sue, my Shape & Brooklyn half roommate, Holly and Nancy from the Freihofer’s group and Judy, my current Sat. runny buddy., Patrick, the director for this race and coach for my running groups, to name a few.

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and HUMID but not quite as warm as it has been in past weeks.. I just hung around and chatted until it was time to head to the start. I continued to hang out and chat with Nancy, Holly and Judy and should have lined up closer to the start line since it wasn’t chip-timed. But I just wasn’t paying attention or cared at the time.

And so we were off.

pic from the Saratogian

Nancy is super fast and Holly is fast as well. Nancy took off and just disappeared, I tried to keep Holly in my sight during the first mile but then I lost her. I wasn’t sure if she was ahead or behind. I lost track of Judy, as well, who was behind me.

It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. But as usual, my first mile was too fast. My plan was to have negative splits and but that never happened.

By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing.

It was warm but I have run in higher temps. It was the HUMIDITY. And it was sucking the life out of me.

nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from the Saratogian

I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point but I was looking ahead at the tangent and totally missed it because it was on the other side.

And as it turned out, my legs were tired, I was thirsty and I probably should have walked a little to catch my breath. I wasn’t looking at my Garmin at all but I could tell that I was getting slower at each mile.

pic from the Daily Gazette

By mile 3, I was fading. I think I say this during every 5k race recap. I guess that means that I should either start out slower or do speed drills to build up my endurance.

Anyway, I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line.

I crossed at 27:XX (Gun time).

It was actually a few seconds faster than last year which was shocking.

Judy & I – sweaty but happy

Then I searched for my friends and found them on the food line.

Several years ago, the refreshments consisted of bagels & chocolate milk. This year like last year, there was only watermelon & bananas. I had several pieces of watermelon, a banana and a granola bar. And I felt much better.

pic from the Saratogian

They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my NEW age group. Unfortunately, Holly was 5th but Nancy and Judy came in 2nd in their age groups.

While waiting for the awards ceremony, I bumped into more runners that I knew (Michele, Judy) and they all got awards, as well.

I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award.

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:27
mile 2 – 8:46
mile 3 – 9:12
.14 – 7:44

27:28 (Garmin time)

positive splits again!!!

I’m a sucker for swag and anything Central Park:

I get a tech shirt and an awesome medal.

So this race will count but I will do the real thing in August when I am actually in Central Park.

Since this was Saturday and I usually do my long run on Saturdays, I had planned on adding 6 more miles after the race. But I was too hot and tired so instead I spent the day on our boat.

post race relaxing

Since it’s 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 joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How is your running going this summer? Any recent races?

July 22, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 7.16.18-7.22.18 – Here comes the rain again….

Sweating at home this week until the rain ended the week.

Monday – It was a scorcher and my goal was to find a shady route and get in some miles while sweating. And I did.

at the Crossings

Afterwards, my cool down was a walk around the mall with some retail therapy. I said “Yes’ to the dress – my MOTG dress for next March. A long ways away but the bridemaids, bride and MIL all have their dresses. It was just me left.

then found it online in a smaller size (so no alternations) and cheaper

Tuesday – A rainy day and a rest day. Hoped that the rain would end and the courts would be dry so I could play tennis. The rain did stop but the courts were too wet. I went home and decided not to waste the cooled down temps and went for a run. The humidity was as high as ever but I took a new route and bumped into a very old friend and some wildlife.

Wednesday – I had originally planned a run before meeting a friend at the neighborhood free gym (yes you heard that right – just a few minutes on the arm machines) but decided not to run 3 days in a row. Probably should have since we went out for dinner and I overindulged. I did convince her to also go for a walk before dinner.
Thursday – Another local run (actually calling it a run is a stretch – just wasn’t feeling it) and a mall walk to catch up with my BFF.

around the UAlbany campus

Friday – A scheduled rest day because my tennis friends and I signed up for a Garden Tour.

8 different historic homes and their gardens/art work

Afterwards we went out to dinner at a restaurant along the Mohawk R.. Always a fun time with these ladies.

Saturday – Silks and Satins 5k Race. Hated getting up so early but it is one of my favorite races and many running friends run it. It was not easy but again lots of fun. Had a slight course PR and won my age group

The original plan was to add 6 more miles after the race but looking ahead to the forecast, I decided to go on our boat instead (and yes, it was a hard decision but life is not all about running.) And no it never gets old on this “Queen” of American Lakes.

Sunday – Boating Sunday was canceled due to rain in the forecast. But then it stopped raining so I decided to try and squeeze in a long run. By myself. In the humidity. It didn’t go that well. It started to rain and then it stopped and was stifling. There was a lot of walking but I enjoyed the scenery and got to the end of the newly paved rail trail (even saw a train go by.)

This Coming Week – (if it doesn’t rain all week)

Monday – rest day, get ready to work at the bar exam
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, hair appt
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, drive to CT.
Saturday – 4 miles, tennis in CT
Sunday – rest day, tennis, drive home

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? Did you race this weekend? What’s new with you? Please share.

July 6, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – July and Friday Five

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am always training for some long race. This summer is no different. But I am thinking that I am a much better short distance runner.

I am more successful and there’s less stress in running 3 miles vs 13.

But then there’s the medal and the pride. Not sure I can give that up…

: 2:11:23

Ever think of sticking to the shorter races?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that all of a sudden it is summer. I’ve been waiting so long for these temps. They are great for boating

but for running…not so much.

And I refuse to run on the treadmill!!

planned on 4 and this was all I could muster…

Do you struggle to run when the temps are over 80? Do you ever give in and run on the mill?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell that I complained about never being home but I kinda miss my NYC traveling. Mainly because of the places to run there. There’s nothing like NYC for running.

: NYC – Central Park

: NYC – Hudson River Park

: in NYC – Eat River

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’d love to run on Governor’s Island, Roosevelt Island, over all the bridges, etc.

Ever run in NYC and understand what I mean?

4. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I still haven’t made my decision for a winter Florida race.

I thought I would go to Florida, as usual, to visit my friends and family and of course, run a half marathon. Maybe this one???

Image result for melbourne half marathon 2019

But some local runner friends are tempting me with this race. It’s been on my bucket list and it would be more fun to run it with people that I know…

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

unfortunately I think the expense (flights/hotel) is leading me to save this one for another year

Ever have a hard time choosing a race or is it just me?

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I enjoyed my summer mid-week races a lot. It allowed me to not have to choose between long runs/boating and racing on the weekend.

They sponsor 7 races (5k) on Weds in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Ice Cream Social 5k on Jun 12.

If only locally, we had some mid-week races.

I did find one and of course, I signed up!!

Would you like to run evening races in the summer during the week or would you prefer races on the weekend?

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 link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

July 3, 2018 by Darlene

Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k Recap

The race begins at SUNY Adirondack, works its way to the Warren County Bikepath and ends at Battle Field Park in Lake George. Rolling course with a long down hill finish.

This is the first year for this 15k race. It replaces one of my favorite races – Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler). That was the one that starts in Lake George Village and ends in a park on the lake next to the marina where we keep our boat.

: 2017

: 2016

: 2014

I was very disappointed that they cancelled this race. (After 40 years, they decided that it was dangerous to run on the road.)

My friend Sue and I have had many running adventures together:

: Paris 8K 2017

Since Sue was the organizer of this new race, I felt that I should at least run it the first year.

In preparation for this race, I actually got in some long weekend runs.

: 1 + 6 = 7 miles

The biggest challenge probably would be the hills. I knew that it would be hilly but I wasn’t sure how hilly. And we all know that I do not train on hills or do hill repeats. (Hopefully, there would be some muscle memory from those Prospect Park hills a few weeks ago.)

We have had some perfect racing weather but for this race, the forecast was for HOT. I mean, real hot!

and oppressively humid

Anyway, I had no goals besides finishing unhurt. I haven’t run many 15ks and my PR is from 2015 (1:31:25) but with the hot weather, I planned to be cautious.

There were four water stops along the route: one at mile 2 (which served runners on the way in and out) and then along the bike path at approximately miles 4.2, 6.2 and 8. I would be stopping at each one and hoped that this would be enough.

Due to work, rain and other factors, I had not run since Tuesday. Fresh legs is always good, right?

So what to wear? As little as possible. I even skipped my usual compression socks.

the shirt was in honor of the Distance Run that this race replaced,

My new running shoes went on their maiden voyage (because they matched lol)

The race started at 8 am which seemed fine until this heat wave arrived. I left around 6:15 am since I had over an hour drive. The race began at a college so there were real bathrooms and comfortable places to hang out before the race.

In lieu of a medal, each runner received a car magnet and a tech shirt (blue must be the color of the year).

None of my close running friends were running the race but I was surprised at how many runners I did know. I hung out with them until the race began.

Yes, that was the start line. No chip timing for this race.

I lined up with some friends but unfortunately not as close to the start as I should have.

So here’s how the race went: (The photos are courtesy D. Yeaton)

Miles 1-3: 9:30, 9:38, 9:56

I had no idea what the course was like. There was no elevation chart and that was probably a good thing. As I mentioned, I expected hills. I mean, it’s the Adirondacks so it is hilly everywhere.

One of the volunteers we passed said “Enjoy the roller coaster!” Yup, huge hills…up and down. Just past the water stop at mile 2, you turned around and repeated those crazy hills.

I started slowly and tried to run up them. After two hills, I realized that that was a mistake, I just walked up them. No sense killing my legs. I ran most of the race around the same women. Piggybacking with them. They ran slowly and passed me on the hills and I got closer to them on the downhill and sometimes even passed them.

Miles 4-6: 10:00, 9:59,11:29

After the first 5K, we headed to the bike path. The steep hills disappeared but it was a steady incline. I kept hoping for a downhill but it never happened (until mile 7). At least, most of the path was shady.

At the next water stop, I decided to take a GU. Well, see my time for that mile, this was a GU disaster. It was so warm that the gel had melted and when I opened the package, it dripped all over my hands, down my leg and onto my shoe. And it was chocolate!! You get the picture. I had to pour several cups of water on myself to wash it off and I, of course, wasted some time. Plus, I was now still a sticky mess.

The hills on miles 1-3, definitely tired me out. My plan changed from just walking at the water stops to walking up the hills to finally just walking whenever my legs were too tired to run. That seemed to be very often. Still I was keeping up with the same ladies. Perhaps I was running fast when I was actually running.

Miles 7-9.4 –10:29, 9:58, 9:42 (.4 – 8:15)

The rest of the race on the bike path and the part of the path that went downhill right into Lake George Village (opposite the lake). Finally running downhill!! Though, it seemed too little, too late to make up for the slow middle miles.

I did the best I could to sprint on my blistered feet (yes, of course, I got blisters.)

The path to the finish line was on grass – soft but difficult to run fast on.

This is the only finish line pic – guess I was running too fast for the photographer LOL

I crossed officially at 1:33:54 (1:33:15 Garmin Time) and I was happy. I expected worse from this course and the weather.

Refreshments included watermelon, bananas, home made cake, ice cream provided by Ben & Jerry’s, water and Gatorade.

I headed right for the watermelon and then the ice cream.

There was no formal Awards Ceremony. Instead there was an Awards table next to the Finish Line where 5 year age graded award winners could pick up their medals.

My friend Maureen won in my former age group and I came in (a distant ) second in mine.

We then all headed to lake to soak our feet in the cold water (I wished I had used the bag check and had my towel and flip flops). It was heavenly!!!

I was cursing at those hills as I was running the race. Now that’s it’s over, I am thinking about a repeat next year.

Since this was a point-to-point course, you had to board the school bus to get back to your car. It seemed to be a really long ride but a fun one as I got to know even more runners.

The Good:

Easy organized packet pick-up.
Lots of parking
Real Bathrooms at the start and near the finish
Nice Swag – tech shirt, bag, car magnet
Adequate water stops (5)
Excellent post race food – bananas, watermelon, cake, ice cream
Bag check and bags transported to the finish
Ended at the Lake
Photographer at the finish line

The Bad:

Not chip-timed
No port-a-potties along the course
The hilly looped portion of the course
Would have preferred a medal for everyone who finished and the car magnet for the AG winners.
Heat, humidity and blisters (and lack of hill training)

There are always glitches with a first annual race but there really weren’t any big ones.

Next Up:

I thought I might run a 5k on the next two weekends but instead, I think I am going to just run for fun with my friends. So my next scheduled race is a 5k on July 21.

Since it’s 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 joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! Any exciting plans for July 4th? Do you enjoy running new races or do you prefer ones that you have already run before?

July 1, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.25.18-7.1.18: Rain, Heat and a New Race

Back on the road for work and the new 15K that I have sorta been training for.

Monday – I ran after work today at UAlbany since I hadn’t run the perimeter and the pond loop in a while.

the weather was perfect

Tuesday – In Rochester for work and after the long drive and set up, I headed to the Erie Canal trail for a run. It was a little warm but nothing like the weather which will be coming this weekend.

I also met up with a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador which is always fun.

Wednesday – After work, although I had a long drive home, I planned to stop for my ice cream and a short run. Unfortunately it was pouring so I had to settle for just ice cream.

got a milkshake – so yummy

Thursday – A rest day because after work, I had plans to get together with my tennis friends. We try to do this once a month. It was another rainy day as well.

Friday – Another rest day (third rest day in a row) in preparation for my race the next day.
Saturday – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k. It was a new race on the hottest day of the summer so far. I didn’t know what to expect and the hills were the worst (or maybe it was the humidity). But I just walked a lot and survived. The ice cream at the end as well as the cold lake to soak your feet helped. And I placed 2nd in my AG.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. 100 degree day and so happy to be able to spend it on the lake.

all I needed was some shade, cool water and a good book

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles or rest due to the heat wave
Tuesday – 2-3 miles, tennis (maybe more rest due to the heat)
Wednesday – DAY OFF – rest day or 3 miles in the am, Boating
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 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? Please share.

June 24, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.18.18-6.24.18: Home Sweet Home

I did only local travel so I slept in my own bed ALL WEEK. And I didn’t run a race!!!

Monday – After set up for my training the next day, I went for a run at the Crossings. With the heat index over 100, it was more like a slog. It rained a little but after the rain, it was cooler but more humid Ugh!

Tuesday – After work, I played tennis. It’s been awhile but as usual so fun to catch up with my friends.

time to kill before tennis so this happened

Afterwards, I met my BFF at the mall to walk and chat.

Wednesday – After work, I hadn’t planned to run but I realized that I wouldn’t be able to run the next two days and rain was forecast for both Saturday and Sunday so I did go for a run.

on my local rail trail

Thursday – Rest day due to an after work hair appointment. Afterward, I went to a Women’s Wellness Retreat with two friends. The grounds were beautiful but otherwise the event was disappointing since it seemed to be a way to convince you to sign up for their classes (meditation, etc.) Speakers, some breathing ex, speakers, some seated yoga, more speakers.

the gardens were beautiful also

Friday – Another rest day. Hosted mah jongg at my home. Does cleaning count as a workout?
Saturday – I was hoping that the rain would hold off so I could squeeze in a long run. I met up with 4 friends and we all had different mileage plans so although we started out together, I ended up only running with Judy (not this Judy). It was a GREAT run (she pushes me to not walk and I push her to run faster) and then we all went out to brunch.

Sunday – ~~Boating Sunday~~. Boating rained out. But it was a very productive day. I went to the gym, went for a long walk on a new trail, got my nails done, went grocery shopping and did ;laundry.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3-4 miles
Tuesday – travel to Rochester for work, 3-4 miles
Wednesday – 2 miles, drive home
Thursday – rest day, monthly tennis friends night out
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k
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? Please share.

June 19, 2018 by Darlene

2018 Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k Race Recap

June 12, 2018 7:00 pm

Another trip to NYC for work and another 5k in Brooklyn. This was my third one in the past month. Usually I run the cheap ones organized but the Prospect Park Track Club (Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series).

But this week, NYCRuns offered a 5k on the same course but you got ice cream after the race. Well, you know how I feel about ice cream.

This race was the first annual Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5K after successful Ice Cream Social races held on Roosevelt Island. The course map seemed to indicate that it was a similar course to the Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5ks.

Again I had to work all day in Queens (getting up at 5:30 am and being on my feet until 4 pm). I would have to rush to take the subway, then the LIRR, walk to my hotel and change my clothes and then take a LONG subway ride to Brooklyn.

I was familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.) So I got off at the same subway stop in Brooklyn as usual (which was not the closest one but one that I knew) and made my way through the park looking for signs indicating a race.

I heard loud music and found the gathering area and bib pick up. It was a different location than my previous Brooklyn 5ks. There were port-a-potties instead of real restrooms (but actually real ones were not too far away, if needed.)

I got my bib and race shirt and hung out at one of the many picnic tables.

It was little chilly – around 70 with a breeze so I kept my jacket on until the last minute and then checked it at bag check.

As in my other Brooklyn races, I did not know a single person. So I ate a banana and some cookies and chatted with my hubby on my phone.

Soon it was time for everyone to walk down to the start. No corrals or pace signs. Just everyone all together. It didn’t matter since this race was also chip-timed. There were serious runners as in the PPTC-sponsored 5k but there seemed to be many more “regular” runners. About 500 in total.

Since I had just run the course the week before and two weeks before that, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1. In fact, I ran that hill during the Brooklyn Half Marathon. My fourth time running this HILL in a month!

Though I was beat from a long day’s work on my feet, I felt fine, was not hungry and the weather was perfect. I decided that I would try to RUN up the whole hill. In fact, if possible RUN the whole race. I know it is only a 5k, but I walk during my races. I find that I need to and often finish faster if I do.

So how did that work???

Mile 1 was hard. My legs felt like lead. (Probably should have warmed up before the race.) But I did not walk. I dragged myself up that stupid hill.

Mile 2 was better and I decided to skip the water stop. I really wanted to walk but I did not.

Again I was crashing during mile 3. I willed myself not to walk until the mile 3 marker. Then I decided to just finish…no walking!

I tried to sprint and finish under 28 minutes. I DID and was actually winded and grabbed some water. Pretty rare since I never put it all out there unless I am trying for a PR.

I walked back to bag check to get my jacket and get my ICE CREAM!!

The line wasn’t too long and it was divided into two lines: vanilla and chocolate. The vanilla line was much shorter and I gladly went on that line.

The ice cream cup was small and many complained about the size and that it didn’t have sprinkles. Still it was satisfying.

They didn’t post the results. I did get an email with my time but I wasn’t sure if I won an award.

Looks like I won!

Well, no awards ceremony. I asked and someone said that you would get an email and then they would mail you your award.

ics5kag

So runners just got their ice cream and left. I did the same.

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:20
mile 2 – 8:30
mile 3 – 8:45
.14 – 7:46

27:30

Not a 5k PR but a course PR. Faster than last week and even faster than last July (27:52). Maybe someday, I will conquer that hill. (Probably have to train on hills and do some hill repeats…)

I was happy with how the race turned out. I love these mid-week races. It’s a great way to pass the evening and it leaves my weekends free for long runs and boating. I wish I had this option locally.

Regarding this particular race, it’s hard not to compare it to the PPTC sponsored races. Same course. Both chip timed with one water stop. But $39 vs $7.50 ($5 if you run the series). No real bathrooms or awards ceremony. Runners seemed to be much more excited, friendly and enthusiastic during the cheaper races.

So was it worth it for the shirt and the ice cream?????

Nope. I don’t think that I will repeat this one next summer unless my schedule doesn’t allow me to run the Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k races.

That is unless my engraved award is awesome. LOL

Since it’s 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 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 race for the food?

June 12, 2018 by Darlene

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #2 Recap

Image result for al goldstein summer speed series

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series #1 – June 6, 2018 – 7:10 pm

If you follow my blog, you know that I often get sent to NYC for work.

Usually, I just try to squeeze in a run on the East River, Hudson River or in Central Park.

Well last year, I found a race!!!!

Apparently during the summer months on alternating Wednesdays at 7:10 pm, there is a cheap ($7.50 – if young up for the whole series,each race costs only $5) 5k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These races are organized by the Prospect Park Track Club. I ran one last July and had a great time.

I was excited that they were scheduled again this summer and the first two races coincided with my the dates that I would be working in NYC. I ran the 5k two weeks ago and signed up again for one tonight.

Here are some of the perks of these races:

Bag check
Bathrooms (real ones!)
Water before, during and after the race
Chip Timing
Marker at each mile
5 year Age group awards ceremony after the race
Results immediately emailed to you
Free photos

So it seemed like a no brainer to run some of these races if I could. Unfortunately I won’t be in NYC for the next 5 races.

And coincidentally, it was Global Running Day. I had to run, right?

At least this time, I was familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.)

On the subway, there was young girl in running clothes. When I got off at the Prospect Park stop, she did not. Hmmmm

So I entered the park and followed the signs as I did last time.

I was pretty early and it wasn’t crowded at all.

I saw the runner from the train. Apparently the next subway stop would have been closer to the race start. I hope to remember that for next year.

As I mentioned in my last recap, it was strange to be at a race and not know a single person.

I just had a banana and some water, checked my bag and waited til it was time to head to the start line.

Eventually runners started arriving. There were probably close to 650. It was around 60 degrees, breezy and even a little chilly. But actually perfect running weather.

I had a headache all day and was feeling exhausted. Sleeping in a hotel is not ideal and I had stayed out late the night before.

Still here I was running a 5k at 7:10 in the evening.

Soon it was time for everyone to walk down to the start.

Then we all lined up. No corrals or pace signs. Just everyone all together. It didn’t matter because believe it or not, this small local race was chip-timed.

Below is the course map. Since I had just run the course two weeks ago, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1.

As I mentioned previously, there are usually runners of all ages who all look like “runners” and the finish times are incredibly fast. A little intimidating.

Happily it was not as warm as last time. And I was not worried about an injured foot. But I just ran a 5k this past weekend and this is a tough course and I didn’t want an injury. Still I would try to do my best and maybe even get a course PR.

oh so serious

I started running the first mile and I just felt like crap. I had to walk at .4 mile in and then again at .6. It didn’t help that it was an uphill that seemed to never end.

Mile 2 was better and I even skipped the water stop.

But I was crashing during mile 3.

I willed myself not to walk until the mile 3 marker. Then I did and gave up on the idea of a course PR.

I did not have enough energy to sprint and finish under 28 minutes.

I was a little dizzy and was thrilled when they handed out ice pops.

I walked back to bag check to get my jacket as it was dark and I was chilled.

They didn’t post the results this week. I did get an email with my time but I wasn’t sure if I won an award.

I finished #438…I told you they were speedy runners!

As I was waiting, I bumped into the guy that walked me to the subway last time. Again we both won and were in awe of how fast the finish times were.

Though it was very late by the time I got back to my hotel, I did enjoy my third Brooklyn 5k!! And I felt better after the race than before.

I plan to run these races again next year if my work dates match the race dates.

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:31
mile 2 – 8:43
mile 3 – 8:49
.14 – 8:31

28:02

So slower than my last 5k and not a course PR but faster than the last one on this course. That’s something.

I signed up for another 5k on June 12 (Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k). It is not run by the Prospect Park Track Club (PPTC) as this one was but it may be exactly the same course. So I will have another shot at a course PR.

Since it’s 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

Happy Running! Did you on Global Running Day? Do you try to improve your times on the same course?

June 10, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.4.18-6.10.18 – Back you know where and another 5k

Returned to my favorite city. Too bad it was not for a vacation.

Monday – Back in NYC for work with a travel snafu for the next 3 mos. I arrive at Grand Central Sta. now and then have to get to Penn Sta. where my hotel is and vice versa on the way home on Friday. PITA. It was raining when I left home. But not in NYC. It was perfect running weather. After set up in Queens and checking into my hotel, I decided to run along the Hudson River and end up in Greenwich Village to have dinner. Then I walked all the way back to my hotel. No problem getting in steps when in NYC. My legs covered over 11 miles for the day.

3.5 miles with walking and photo stops

Tuesday – Tempted to run everyday when in NYC but decided that I best take a day off since I had a 5k scheduled for the next night. So I got some inexpensive tix to a Broadway show.

Wednesday – Global Running Day. As I did two weeks ago, I signed up for a cheap 5k in Brooklyn (Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #2). I wasn’t feeling great and so the run was tough. But I felt better when it was over. (Isn’t that always the case?)

not a course PR but faster than 2 weeks ago and won my age group

Thursday – Last day to run in the city this week so of course, I did. I took the subway to Central Park and ran my usual path and a new one (the bridal path) and then walked home.

my legs weren’t feeling it but the scenery was worth the 3 mile struggle

Friday – Rest day because I had to rush to catch my train to get home.
Saturday – Finally reunited with my running friends for a Saturday run ( we now call ourselves “sole sisters” instead of “wineglass ladies.”) and brunch after.