February 7, 2018 by Darlene

Polar Cap Race Report

Feb. 3, 2018 – 10 am – Lake George, NY

You all know how much I love Lake George (at least in the summertime). Well, this race gets me up to the lake in the winter. Ex-blogger AJH (now runner friend) and I have run this race together many times.

Here we are winning AG awards in 2011

I was injured in 2012 and couldn’t run but AJH did snag another award.

AJH got 2nd place...we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

AG awards again in 2013

I ran with her in 2014 but only she got an award.

AJH’s award in 2014

Then in 2015, we both got awards and for the first time, I beat her.

another hat for AJH but my first.

I was away in 2016 but we ran it together last year. AJH did not get an award (but she is such a great sport) and I won my AG and surprisingly got a PR!!!

AJH was running it, of course, again this year and I was looking forward to seeing her. We hadn’t seen each other since August at the Race the Train race.

The thing with this race, you never know where it’s going to start and what the course will be (besides hilly.) Last year, they changed the course for the third time.

during the snowy 2014 race

during the cold 2015 race

getting my PR last year

I have not been doing any speed work at all or running on any hills. (Um …do I ever? lol) My runs on the weekend have been longish. So as usual I went into this race with no expectations other than to have a good time.

But it was so COLD!!! In the single digits. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

So I bundled up in my usual running layers (2 shirts, jacket, skirt, tights, gaiter, beanie, mittens with hand warmers) and drove the hour ride up to Lake George.

not today but the same outfit

Well, obviously my age is rearing its ugly head. In other words, I’m having more senior moments. Because I went to bed very late (mah jongg hostessing), I was tired the next morning and rushed out the door without my Apple Watch and my Garmin. Ugh! I could have gone back to get it but I didn’t want to be late for the race.

As I drove north, I watched the car thermometer drop from 8 to 2 degrees.

I arrived around 8ish and got a great parking spot but was surprised that no one had yet arrived.

Why?

Because the race started at 10 am. Duh! I was 2 hours early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (And yes, I could have returned home to get my watch!!!)

Packet pick-up was again at the parish hall of the church in Lake George. This newer location was warm and had restrooms which is always a plus.

my friend Sue and speedy Kim, now in my AG

Eventually runners did arrive and I chatted with some whom I knew until AJH arrived. (She is hard core – drove over 2 hours from VT. and is injured so had to walk the whole race.)

We waited until the last minute to go out into the cold. We had to walk quite a ways as the race started in town by the lake. (Since the race repeated its course, I will re-post some of my pics from last year.)

There was no real starting line and the race was not chip timed. Even though I ran the race last year, I didn’t really remember what the course was like so here is a map that I found online.

I am directionally challenged anyway so it wouldn’t have meant much to me even if I looked at the map before the race.

waiting to begin (pic from D. Olden)

Luckily we didn’t have to wait long in the cold before the race started. There seemed to be only a little over 100 runners which is much fewer than usual (probably because of the cold temps.) I knew that this race would be interesting without a watch. Not because I was going for a PR but because I sometimes glance down at my watch to see if I am running too fast at the beginning or have slowed down too much at the end. Nothing I could do about it now so I just decided to try not to freeze to death and enjoy the pretty scenery.

A lot of the course was a blur, as usual, but here’s what I remember.

16402575_10208876574492728_239505515196304670_o

pic from FB – cute markers at each mile

The first mile started with a slight uphill and then it flattened out. I was cold (at least my face and lips were from the wind) and my legs felt very stiff since I hadn’t warmed up. I was ok with that because I wanted to start out slow. I also found my stomach growling since the race started at 10 am and I had eaten 3 1/2 hours ago.

Mile two started where the race used to start and than meant a steepish hill. I told myself to be smart since I had a half marathon in 6 weeks and I never run on hills. However this time, I pushed myself to run slowly and not walk. It was practically a crawl and I did it. At this point, I was actually thawing out. In fact, I felt warm.

The longest and biggest was at mile 3 and although it was only 1/2 mile, it seemed to go on forever. This time I walked/ran it. Afterward we were rewarded with a nice downhill. I am always hesitant to go all out on the downhills so many runners passed me by but that was better than getting DOMS. Believe it or not, I was so warm that I unzipped my jacket and took off my mittens.

Finally for mile 4, we ran along the lake and back into town. At this point, I wanted to be done and picked up the pace. Luckily the hills were finally over. I didn’t care about a PR but I secretly want to win an AG award. But I had no idea where the other runners in my AG were in at this time in the course.

I saw that the clock ahead read 38:xx. I sprinted as fast as I could and crossed at 38:48.

Initially I was disappointed. My time was slower than last year and even slower than 3 years ago. It’s tough when you run without a watch because you have no idea what your pace is. Could I have finished faster if I had known? Definitely!! I’m pretty competitive. I would have pushed myself more. But it’s not the end of the world. There will be other races.

AJH was walking so I decided to wait for her. But it was too cold to stand still so I headed back onto the course and ran it in reverse until I met up with her.

A soon as she finished, we walked back to the church together.

There was chicken noodle soup, bread, chocolate milk, fruit and baked goods – I am a sucker for home-made stuff and ate quite a few cookies and brownies. I also had the soup.

We waited around for the age group awards. surprisingly, I did win one – second.

won a headband/gaiter/cap thingie

After AJH left, I was debating on changing my clothes and leaving or running more.

With 8 miles on my “training” schedule for the day, I decided to stick around and try to find somewhere to run. I had already run about 2 miles while waiting for AJH so I ran around the lake a bit and then to the Winter Carnival in town to get 2 more miles in.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

they had a chili cook-off. I just donated my money because the line was too long and I was freezing!

I visited with friends who were volunteering and took some pics.

Eventually it seemed to be getting colder so I headed back to my car (that I had left at the church).

freezing my butt off (literally)

As usual, I loved doing the race (even if it was cold). Small local races are the best and running one with friends is just icing on the cake.

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

Happy Running! Have you raced yet this year?

February 5, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.29.18-2.4.18: Let the training begin

When I first started running half marathons, I used to start “training” 12 weeks before the race. My next one is my 30th half marathon and it is in 6 weeks (I think – check out my Ultimate Coffee Date post for an update on my situation) so I guess I need to start increasing my long run distance. (That is what I now call “training.”)

Last week –

Monday – Another day in the high 30s with no snow or rain. I decided to check out my favorite path to see if the ice had melted and I was very excited that it had. I even had enough time before it got dark to squeeze in a run.

love the extra hour of daylight

Tuesday – Since I was not travelling, I was able to play in my tennis group. As in previous weeks, I took advantage of the fact that there is a treadmill there and ~~ran~~ struggled through a few miles on it.

only 2 miles but I did sweat…why do they keep these rooms so hot?

Wednesday – We can’t get a break with the weather … cold and windy again but I did get in a run before meeting my BFF for a walk around the mall.

campus + pond loop

Thursday – Finally a deserved rest day. Instead did some errands after work and then went out to dinner with a friend.
Friday – Rest day #2 and mah jongg at my house.
Saturday – Today my third race of 2018 (and my first serious one), the Polar Cap Run, a 4-miler. And a cold one it was. Though it was not a fast one for me, I still managed to snag 2nd in my age group. (Recap will be coming soon…)

Afterward I ran 4 more miles (2 while waiting for AJH to finish and 2 around town).

Sunday – Another rest day and my first visit to Hot Yoga. I have been meaning to start back at yoga and with these cold temps, hot yoga seemed perfect.

Afterward, we went out to lunch to celebrate my stepson’s engagement!!

an April wedding is planned 🙂

I’m not a big football fan but wasn’t that a great game?

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – drive to Buffalo, rest day
Wednesday – 3-4 miles?
Thursday – 3-4 miles?
Friday – rest day, drive home
Saturday – 9 mile run
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? How are dealing with winter? Please share.

January 31, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #4 Race Recap

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members and this weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 15K and 30K.

Since I have a half marathon in 7 weeks, I probably should have chosen to run the 15K but I ran 7 miles the day before so I decided to run the 3 Miler as a recovery run instead.

during the 15k in 2015

and again

in 2017

These Winter Series races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. Barbara decided at the last minute to run the race with me so we drove together. I always leave early to get parking since these races are often crowded and there may be other events going on at UAlbany at the same time. Well, I guess I didn’t leave early enough since the lot was already full when we arrived. So I dropped Barbara off to register and I parked in another lot and walked over.

The weather was perfect for racing. It was in the 40s and less windy than the day before. I wore something similiar to what I wore the day before but wound up taking off my jacket, vest and gloves.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And since the weather was so nice (and warmer than the last race), the numbers were significantly higher.

2015 meet up with Judy & Barbara (I ran the 15k that year too.)

And I immediately bumped into many different running friends. We chatted. Some were running the 3 miler and others the 15k. I even spotted Patrick, my coach from the Turkey Trot & Freihofer running groups.

Anyway we hung indoors until the last minute and then made our way outside.

the start (pic from Winter Series #1)

All three distances started at the same location this week. As usual, I started not too far away from the front (since it is not chip timed) and let the speedy runners pass me by.

Right away, the 3 milers split from the 15kers and 30kers but the speedy longer distance runners eventually will pass you by midway.

not that it matters ’cause I just follow the other runners but the 3 miler is basically a loop

For most of the race, I felt perfectly dressed (for a change). I unzipped my shirt and pushed up my sleeves (many runners were even in shorts!) when the wind was at my back but then it got chilly when you were running into the wind.

This time, I was familiar with the course since I just ran it in December. I remembered the hill at the beginning and then some rolling hills in the middle, ending with a slight hill. Nothing too challenging.

I am usually pretty bored by this course because it is just a road and office buildings. But I ran and chatted with different friends throughout the race. First Nancy, then Anne, then Mona, etc. Each one after a short period ran ahead and left me behind.

running with Nancy.

It didn’t bother me at all. I tried to run at my own relaxed pace. Of course, I’m not sure what exactly that is (since I don’t look at my Garmin until I’m done).

I was very happy that my legs didn’t feel tired at all and I couldn’t even tell that I had run the day before.

Eventually as we neared the finish line, I took off and tried to cross under 27 minutes.

Nope, I did not – 27:02 (slower than the last time which was at 26:49).

After Barbara finished, we went inside had some refreshments. There was pumpkin apple chili, bread, fruit, cookies and hot cocoa. Free race..free good food. Win-win.

The awards were for 10 year age groups and just top 2.

Although my finish time was slower than the last time, obviously the speedy runners in my age group ran the 15k so I won my age group (as did Nancy.)

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a recovery run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR and not even a course PR. But I am pretty thrilled to have a pace of under 9 mm for each mile. Maybe a 5k PR is in my future….

Race splits:

mile 1 – 8:50
mile 2 – 8:57
mile 3 – 8:54
.06

Finish Time – 27:02

Next Saturday, I signed up for a 4 mile race in Lake George. Fingers crossed for no ice or snow.

AJH (from VT) & I at this race in 2015. We try to do this one together every year.

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

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

January 30, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Hometown Race

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

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

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Hometown Race

Image result for freihofer run 2017

This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 11th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

FRW – 2017

Here are some of the reasons why I love this race and why I run it every year:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years. In 2017, Sara Hall also ran it and WON.

It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
I always meet someone I know and someone new. I have even met the mayor and last year, a blogger friend from VT.

with the mayor

Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
2011 was my first FRW PR year. There was a drought and then I course PR’d last year.

Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!

In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
In 2015 & 2016 & 2017, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.

You run around Washington Park.

There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Everyone finishes with a smile.
They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread (and chocolate milk)

Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)

I’m the 2nd one on the bottom left

This 5k race is held on the first Saturday in June. So if you live near Albany, NY, come run it with me and 3,000 other awesome women runners!

Image result for freihofer run for women

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite hometown race?

January 16, 2018 by Darlene

Bill Hogan 3.5 Mile Race Recap

originally scheduled for January 1, 2018 but rescheduled to January 14, 2018

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

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

and it was a very cold one

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

Hangover_Half-156-XL_edited
It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again.

This year, I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve out because due to the cold temps, this race was re-scheduled to Sunday, January 14 instead of on New Year’s Day.

So this past Sunday, I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that more runners would run on this date than on New Year’s. Instead of at noon though, the race was to begin at 10 am.

The weather was cold!! Not as cold as on January 1st but cold. And windy! The saving grace was that at least it was sunny.

I was tempted to stay in bed when I checked the weather app.

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc. The cold weather did not hold back the “die hard” runners. There were even some guys who were wearing shorts!!

So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into Sue (my roommate from the Shape half), then Carolyn (my age group competition), Elisa, a SRM and Alyssa’s friend, Karen. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.

everyone hesitating to go out the door into the freezing cold (Note the guy in shorts)

Eventually we did and had to climb down a bunch of icy, snow covered stairs. The freezing windy temp wasn’t bothering me. It was the worry that the course would be icy and I would fall. (I have a history of falling LoL)

Karen heading to the start. I accidentally again caught another guy in shorts. 5 degrees!!!

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid if it were icy.

the re-scheduled version began at 10 am.

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

There was a little ice and snow at the beginning and the end when you ran on the UAlbany campus. But once you entered the State Office campus, you ran on the road and it was completely clear.

I won’t lie. It was cold. I wore what I had been wearing during those short sub-zero runs – two shirts under my jacket, gloves and hand warmers under my mittens, fleeced lined tights and wool socks. The only thing that was cold were my toes and I was warm enough to unzip coat (only one shirt was necessary not 2) at times.

There were about 120 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 100 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.

I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too since I rarely do that during my weekday training runs.

My neck gaiter kept annoying me because it made my sunglasses fog up. So I took off the glasses and then the wind bothered my contacts so I put the glasses back on and pulled down the gaiter. I can’t wait for warm weather so not to have to deal with these first world running problems.

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

runners are heading back into UAlbany from the State Office campsu

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read almost 35:XX minutes. I knew that it would be one of my slowest times but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.

I wanted to sprint but I saw some ice and snow and didn’t want a repeat of my last race.

These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time. I wrote down 35:45 (since I thought that was about the time I crossed.)

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:38
mile 2: 9:21
mile 3: 9:37
.75 – 9:42

Again this year, the course was long!! Not a surprise that I was slower than last year and the year before (a course PW). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I usually walk during this race (which makes me have a faster finish time) but I ran the whole thing. I never felt tired. (Still not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles in this weather.)

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

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

I waited around for awhile to chat and for some other runners to finish.

They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Last year, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. The runner who won 2nd just turned 60 (darn!)

Since I was dressed to run and not tired, I decided to do my usual campus loop.

I usually run it in the dark. It is much nicer during a sunny day. And the temps had warmed to the teens.

My legs weren’t as fresh as during the race plus the path was often snow-covered so I either walked or I ran in the road.

Finally I finished up a little over 3 miles to make it 7 miles for the day!

So a race and a run – what a perfect way to start off my 2018 racing season!

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

Happy Running! Have you raced yet this year? If not, when is your first race of 2018?

December 15, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – 2017: The Year of Running with Friends

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.

So today, I am going to start looking back on this past year.

I had several years that I could name The Year of Injuries and Recovery (2011, 2012, 2013). And a few that I could name The Year of the PR (2014, 2015). And then 2016 was The Year of the Half Marathon (I ran 6).

But this year, there were NO injuries. Hooray for that. There were a few PRs and 6 halfs but what made this year special were those runs/races shared with friends – both new and old.

Image result for running with friends

1. I ran the Polar Cap Run, Freihiofer Run for Women and the Race the Train with my former blogger friend, AJH, now running friend from VT. She loves to travel and race as much as I do. I am so jealous that she has retired. Hopefully that means more opportunities to run with me.

: 2017

: FRW – 2017

: Race the Train – 2018

2. Strange circumstances put Sue and I together for the Shape Half Marathon. We had so much fun that we returned to NYC to run the France Run together. Hopefully we will run the Brooklyn Half or another race together in 2018.

: Shape Half 2017

3. Thanks to Judy, I got to participate a girls race-cation for the Wine Glass Half Marathon. This group of runners and I have continued our bonding at other races and weekly runs.

4. Some of last year’s PCB ladies decided to go to Vegas to run the Rock n Roll races. Others returned to PCB. Hopefully we can get the wHOle gang together next year.

: RnR Las Vegas 5k & Half

5. And lastly, all the friends that I have met through running groups (Freihofer and Turkey Trot challenge, STEM, GOTR), races, social networking, etc. that have supported, motivated and inspired me. You guys rock! And thanks!

: FRW – 2016

Looking forward to more of the same for 2018.

Happy Running! How about you… How would you describe your running in 2017?

December 12, 2017 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5K Race Recap

The Albany Last Run was actually my last run of 2017.

This is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1900). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill.

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard. Last year, it was cold and windy.

two years ago

I was hoping for better weather this year. But we ended up with SNOW before the race and during!!! Not ideal conditions for RUNNING!

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

I normally pick up my bib & shirt beforehand to save time on race night but this year, I was working in NYC the day before so my hubby was nice enough to pick it up.

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

I brought several layers but ended up only wearing two shirts.

photo with the Wineglass ladies

I decided to leave my car at my old place of employment (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. I wore an extra coat and boots (that I would ditch before the race) and I was still cold and wet. At least we got to wait inside.

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

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

Still over 1400 runners braved these conditions.

I lost the Wineglass ladies but found Nancy (from the Freihofer and Troy Turkey trot training groups). We waited outside together. It was still snowing and the predicted dusting was more like several inches of snow.

from the TU last year

Then all of a sudden the fireworks began.

The fireworks were great but we were COLD, getting covered with SNOW and anxious for the race to begin.

About 10 minutes later, it finally did. Nancy is very fast, faster than me. Normally she would have taken off and I would have struggled to keep up. But tonight, no one was moving fast. It was SO SLIPPERY. Runners were barely moving.

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first and usually the crowd thinned out but it never did. Nancy and I stayed together and concentrated on the ground and staying upright.

Mile 1: 12:52

At one point, I asked Nancy what our pace was and she replied 14:xx. And we weren’t walking just not moving fast and weaving around those walking.

courtesy of the Times Union (last year)

Once in the park, the road was still snow-covered and slippery. We hit our second hill and this was the first sign that the city had attempted to salt the road. I would have normally been tempted to walk up the steep hill but we didn’t need to and actually picked up the pace.

Mile 2: 11:03

Yes, that was our fastest pace so far.

from the TU (last year)

So we just resigned ourselves to run slowly, wave to Santa and enjoy the lights.

And I did!! I love this race!!!

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

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes and NOT FALL!! So far so good except hitting several puddles and soaking my shoes.

Finally around mile 3, my hands and feet had warmed up and we decided to run… not fast but just trying to reach the finish line. We joked about trying to sub 40.

obviously this was last year

Eventually we left the park and ran downhill to the finish.

Nancy is in pink to my right

Believe it or not, this was the SNOWIEST part of the course. It was so slippery but we ran anyway.

We crossed the finish line together and then….

DOWN I WENT!!

Yup, I fell crossing the finish line!

I landed on my hand and knee and luckily I hit where there were several layers (Thank you fur knee socks) and only bruised and cut up my knee (I’ve done much worse.)

I cleaned my wound with fresh snow (LOL) and limped indoors to dry off and get warm.

Officially I finished at 35:08 (gun time).

So one of my worst 5k times but such a fun race. Sometimes, you just have to “race fun” if you can’t “race fast.”

So my year of racing has come to an end. 35 races!! Fewer than the 42 that I ran last year but NO INJURIES always means a successful running year!!

Looking forward to an even better 2018.

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

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

Happy Running? How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race? Ever fall during a race?

December 11, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 12.4.17-12.10.17 & Giveaway Winner

Last week –

Monday – I was nearby for work so decided to run at The Crossings. I felt great but had to cut it short because it got too dark (and I didn’t have my knuckle lights with me.)

Tuesday – A long work day and a rest day after running 3 days in a row. Besides it was raining!!!
Wednesday – I took the train to Manhattan for work. After I went to and from Queens, I took the subway to Central Park to run in the evening. It was great to run with lights and others runners around.

about 2 miles through the park and 3 other stop & run miles around the city

I continued my run through the streets of NY looking at all the holiday lights. (Pictured below are Rockefeller Center, Saks & Fox News)

you can’t beat the sights and sounds of NYC at Christmastime

Thursday – I worked all day in Queens but still squeezed in a run along the Hudson in the evening.

again I combined a run (2 miles) and a stop & run tour of the city (1 mile)

Then I ran back to the hotel via Bryant Park.

Friday – Again I worked all day in Queens and then took the train home…no time to run today.
Saturday – No morning run with the Wineglass ladies. Instead I had a hair appointment and in the evening we all ran the Albany Last Run, a 5k race through the lights in the park. As usual, it was a fun time even though it snowed before and during the race and we could barely run without slipping. (In fact I did fall crossing the finish line LOL)

Afterwards, we went back to Judy’s for food, drink and a lively book discussion. The book was A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio.

Sunday – Just a day to catch up on everything I’ve ignored.

Next Week –

Monday – 6 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – train to NYC, 3 mile run?
Thursday – work in Queens, 3 mile run?
Friday – rest, work in Queens, train home
Saturday – 6-8 mile run, BFF’s birthday dinner
Sunday – rest day, tennis Holiday Party

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

Knuckle Lights Color Handheld LED Weatherproof Running Safety Light Set

And the winner is…………………

WENDY from Taking the Long Way home.

Congrats Wendy!

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow yet?? Please share.

December 5, 2017 by Darlene

HMRRC Winter Series #1 (3M) Race Recap

Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the winter for its members. There are FIVE races and I try to run in most of them.

The course is pretty boring but free is free.

Winter Series #1 in 2011

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

The food is catered by Bountiful Bread so there is always delicious breads, soups, etc.

FRIENDS + FOOD + FREE = Perfect RACING Conditions

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

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

Normally I would have run the 15k and used it as a long run but I ran 6 miles with my friends the day before so I opted for the 3 miler instead. (Plus the speedy ladies usually run the longer distances so I thought I might snag an age group award of a loaf of bread.)

I waited until the morning of to register just in case the weather was bad. But it was great so off I went.

The temps were in the high 20s so I wore tights, two shirts with a vest.

I wore the same outfit as the day before minus the jacket.

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

It turned out to be not as crowded as usual.

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

We stayed indoors until the last second and then made our way outside. I also decided at the last minute to remove my vest and leave it behind.

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

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

I just told myself that this was simply a training run and just do it. And if my legs were nt tired from the 6 miles the day before, I could use the race a speed drill.

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

I ran the whole thing. Not so impressive – it was ONLY 3 miles!!

And I did dress perfectly. I didn’t need my vest. I was warm & even took off my gloves toward the end.

The amazing thing was that I felt better as the race went. No aches and pains. Even NEGATIVE splits! Woo Hoo!

Mile 1 – 9:08 – a steep hill near the start…at least it was short.

Mile 2 – 8:51 – just some slightly rolling hills

Mile 3 – 8:38 – a longish hill right before the end

.03 – 7:49

Finally it was over and I sprinted across the finish line at 26:49.

The only time I ran this race or a 3 miler was in December 2011. My time was 29:21 or I guess this was at least a course PR.

Secretly, my goal was to finish sub 27 minutes. I did so I was happy!

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

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 4th in my age group. Two of the speedy old ladies did run the shorter distance…Darn! (The winner finished under 23 min. At age 60!) But at least my 2 friends won for 50-59.

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

After the race, I had to rush home to go shopping and then out to celebrate my mentee’s 28th birthday.

Canvas, Corks and Forks – our annual thing!

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 lifefor

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How you are enduring the weather? Cold yet? Did you run this weekend?

December 2, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – December

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in December, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…
I’d tell you that after the girls weekend Wineglass Half Marathon, our group has been continuing to plan weekend runs together. Best thing ever. I hate running alone so now I don’t have to. Everyone may run at a different pace or for a different distance but we manage to pair up. Afterward we go out to breakfast together.

still missing 2 in the group but such a nice bunch of ladies

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my BRF may not be able to join me on weekday runs anymore. Her husband is ill and needs her home. I am bummed. I guess I’ll have to suck it up and run alone.

will miss you Alyssa 😦

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am trying to plan my 2018 races … at least the half marathons.

Singer Island Half on March 17, 2018 – anyone want to join me?

So far I only registered for the one above. I booked my flights, contacted my friends so I have places to stay and booked my hotel for the night before the race.

Now all I have to do is train…through the winter months… oh boy!

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I may be ODing on NYC. I was there for 3 days this past week for work. I will be there again for work next week and the week after. Then my friends want to go on one weekend to see the Downton Abbey exhibit.

Nah won’t get tired of this sight…

Over Coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of New York City, I ran along the Hudson River this past week.

And yes, this trail goes to where that terrorist mowed down innocent bikers.

Scary!!

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I’m a little nervous about training for my March race.

Now that I travel for work, my running routes (except NYC) do not have lights.

I am not a hotel treadmill kind of gal.

I have knuckle lights so we’ll see. (Did you enter my giveaway?)

But at least I am going to Liverpool at the end of the month …where there will be lots of lights where I normally run.

Image result for lights in Onondaga lake state park

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I AM GOING TO FRANCE!!! October 6-16, 2018. With a friend who has friends to visit there (in Sanguinet) and me…to run a race in Paris, of course. (I’m over the moon!!) We got a great price on plane tix…now I have lots of time to work out the details. Race registration doesn’t open until Feb 14.