March 28, 2018 by Darlene

Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon Race Recap

March 17, 2018

It seems like I’ve been planning this race-cation forever (since November) and now it’s come and gone.

I signed up for my 30th Half Marathon in Florida for several reasons:

I love race-cations.
I had enough FF miles for a free flight.
I have many many friends who winter in Florida (as well as my sister-in-law who moved to Florida) who have offered me places to stay.
I am sick of this cold weather and need some sunshine in my life!!!!!!!!
I love the beach, ocean views, climbing to the top of lighthouses, visiting bird sanctuaries, morning sunsets, etc.
The races are usually flat and have awesome views.

So I signed for the Singer Island Half Marathon because of the reviews and the amazing views. If you read my blog, you know that the race was cancelled.

I had to choose another Florida half marathon on the east coast and Brew 2 Brew, an inaugural (un-scenic) race was my only option.

I was not excited about this race for many reasons. The first being that all my experiences with inaugural half marathon races have not been good and I have run quite a few. Secondly, the website had very little information about the race. I had to email the director several times to find out if there was a medal, when & where packet pickup was and what the course was like.

Eventually, I got this email (and everyone I showed it to laughed):

Should I carry this or will they mark the course? My brother-in-law said to call him when I get lost. LOL

Also because of the lack of advertising, there were not many runners signed up for the race.

But you know me, I’m game for a challenge and I love racing enough to pay $80 or more to do this “race.”

Spoiler Alert: This race turned out so differently that I thought it would. I did something I’ve never done before. And I enjoyed it more than any other half I have done.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on November 13 in Las Vegas and since then I have completed easy weekday runs and long runs on most weekends.

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

I skipped my long run entirely the weekend that I was snowed in in Buffalo. I added extra miles to my weekend group runs. NONE of my long runs was completed without a break in between the miles. I am sure that this is NOT the my best way for prepare to run 13 miles. I am a coach’s nightmare. LOL.

: 3.5 + 9

However, I wasn’t really worried. I didn’t expect to run the half marathon at a PR pace anyway.

Training in the snowy, windy frigid NE and racing in the warm humid SE does not equal a fast finish time. The goal for this half marathon was survival and enjoyment!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep on my last race-cation — rest the legs the day before and fuel adequately before the race.

The day I arrived in Florida, I relaxed at the pool (need that vitamin D), walked around a bird sanctuary and started my carb loading with pizza out with my Delray Beach host. The next day, I went for an easy run, did more relaxing at the pool, walking on the beach (continuing my vitamin D intake) and had dinner out with an old friend.

On the day before the race, I took a leisurely walk, went out for brunch with my college roommate, and took my host to do some errands before I left Delray Beach. Then I drove about 1 3/4 hours north to Vero Beach while munching on leftover pizza. As soon as I arrived, I spotted Abbotts Custard, my favorite dessert place in Rochester, NY. I had to have some, right?

My second stop was to pick my race packet at a local running store (where I also snagged Birthday Cake GU)

yes, that is a COTTON shirt!!

and then on to locate the race start/finish. It was easy to find the Walking Tree Brewery and it had a large parking lot. Now I could relax about the race logistics.

The last stop was my sister in law and her husband’s who lived about 1/2 hour north in Sebastian. I was planning on spending the night there.

We all went out to an Italian restaurant so I could carb load and then we relaxed at home for the rest of the evening (and I got my racing stuff ready for the next day.)

didn’t need those arm sleeves

The weather forecasted looked perfect:

I hoped to be done before it got very warm and it wasn’t very humid

Race Day:

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me (to the disappointment of my sister-in-law who got up to make me something to eat.)

Look how fresh my 70 year old sister-in-law looks at 5 am!!

It was chilly so I added a throw away shirt over my traditional half marathon outfit and took off for the race start.

I arrived about an hour early (too early!) and hung out with other runners inside the brewery. I was surprised at how many runners were wearing the cotton green race shirt.

this was taken after but you get the picture about the shirts

And compared to all of my 29 previous half marathons, this one was very small. Most likely, the smallest with only a little over 100 runners.

So it was dark and quiet – no music, no fanfare, little excitement.

Finally it was time to head to the start line. I reluctantly took over my long sleeved shirt (and that was the right decision.)

I stood close to the front figuring that there would be no chip timing. They did mention that there would be signs at all the (29) turns and arrows spray painted on the ground (Phew!)

No national anthem or gun start. Just a guy staying “Go.”

Yes, I finally located a course map

I’ll do my best to recap the race but I don’t remember much – there was nothing interesting to look at (scenery-wise) and no spectators to speak of.

I didn’t feel excited as I normally do before a half marathon. I just wanted to get done and continue my Florida vacation.

This is very odd because usually the RACE is the highlight of my race-cation.

My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every other water stop.

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

see any bridges or ocean views? Noooo! Waaah!

Miles 1-3:

9:31, 9:50, 10:01

We started running from the brewery into some neighborhoods. You can see on the map that there were lots of turns and yes, they were visibility marked. The roads weren’t closed to traffic but at this hour, it was pretty quiet. I, of course, made sure to run the tangents. I ran the first mile with a few different women. During the second mile, a runner came up to me and asked me what pace I was running. I replied that it was close 10. We started chatting. She was from VA and visiting her parents. She was also running her FIRST HALF MARATHON (and was a newby runner). She didn’t have a watch and her longest run ever was 9 miles. She told her husband and son that she thought she would be finishing with about a 12 min/mi pace. She asked if she could with me. I had never run a half marathon or even a whole race with someone else but I replied “Sure. The company would be fun.” I also told her that I wasn’t sure what my finish time would be but it would be faster than 12 min/mile. I warned her that I walk at every water stop and usually run the first half faster than the second half when I often walk more if I run out of gas. She said that she would try to keep up as long as she could and was very grateful. So we chatted and chatted as I had planned, I stopped for water close to the mile two marker. The sun had come up and it was already starting to get warm. I unconsciously made the decision to forget about time and just enjoy the company of Ann, my new running friend.

most of the runners were dressed in green for this St Patrick’s Day race

Miles 4-6:

10:22, 10:17, 10:09

The course eventually looped back toward the start and around the airport parking lot. My next walk break was to eat a Gu. I was hungry since it had been hours since my breakfast. I walked longer since I have yet to figure out how to drink, open the Gu and eat it while running. Ann also had been wondering if this course had any porta-potties. I told her that I didn’t think so. The only one (yes, only ONE!) was near the start. So she decided to stop when we passed it. I didn’t stop but just continued running slowly in hopes that she would catch up. I kinda liked having someone to talk to during the race.

Miles 7-9:

10:35, 11:16, 11:18

And yes, Ann did catch up. She said she didn’t think she could finish the race alone. I had developed a big blister on my left foot (where I always get one due to a bunion). It was painful so I didn’t have a hard time slowing down to run with Ann. We continued to run easy and converse. At this point in the race, we were running WITH traffic on a main road. Since we were running next to each other, this was a little dangerous but luckily, the cars moved over adequately. It did still make me uncomfortable. This part of the race seemed to go on forever. Ann and I were both getting warm and dragging. And it was very boring. Absolutely nothing to look at. We stopped for water and I ate my second Gu around mile 8. The highlight was seeing Ann’s son who was volunteering at the water stop.

Miles 10-12

11:23, 11:20, 11:11

Finally we got to the turn around. I never really looked at my watch but as you can see we were crawling. Once we were running in the opposite direction on this road, we knew that the end of the race was near. And with the out and back, we were able to see the fast runners and now the slower runners. During these miles, I started to get stomach cramps. I was hoping that I wouldn’t need a porta-potty because there were none. Fortunately, the feeling went away by mile 13 (whew!) but it did make it hard to run at a faster pace.

Mile 13- 13.14:

10:15, 7:35

Ann and I both decided that despite the heat and our weary legs, we would pick up the pace and run faster for the last mile. And we did, even sprinting through the finish line (where she narrowly beat me.)

Garmin time= 2:18:28
Gun time = 2:20:00
Chip time = 2:19:56

Ann hugged me with tears in her eyes and then was greeted by her husband. I was so happy for her. Happier than if I had PR’d.

coincidentally our numbers are 448 and 449 – we registered at different times and our last names are not that close…odd?

My sister-in-law and her friend were waiting for me after I crossed the finish line. That was nice. I rarely have a family member cheering for me at the end of a race.

so hot and sweaty and yes, the medal is smaller than my Garmin

I got my medal, grabbed some food (though I wasn’t hungry) and went inside the brewery to get my free beer.

We waited around until they posted the results and yes, I did win an age group award – a distant 3rd.

a plastic beer mug filled with a few candies

I said good-bye to my new running friend (after we exchanged phone numbers) and headed back to my sister-in-law’s home to shower and then head out for a celebratory lunch.

there was food too and ice cream after 🙂

Additional Race Reflections:

So I didn’t plan to have such a slow finish time. My legs were rested. I was properly fueled. The weather was perfect and the course was flat. But for the first time, I selflessly forgot about MY race and ran the race (for 12 miles) with some else and helped this new runner finish her FIRST half marathon. Not only was it rewarding but I enjoyed the race. I wasn’t winded and I wasn’t obsessed with my pace and trying to figure out my finish time. I was able to run again the next three days in a row.

Two days later, I did get in my bridge run and ocean views

The Good:

Easy packet pick-up.
Real bathrooms and comfortable location to wait at the start/finish.
Flat course.
Free beer
Perfect weather conditions
Water and Gatorade stops at least every 2 miles
Gu available at a water stop midway
Well marked course
Participants in costumes
No major injuries.
Running 12 miles with a runner and chatting the whole race.
My sister in law and her friend cheering me on at the finish line.

The Bad:

29 turns on the course (mostly at the beginning)
Boring course – zero scenic views
Poor advertising (not enough info on the website)
Running with traffic for most of the race
No porta potties on the course (except the start which was also mile 5)
Cotton race shirt
Small medal
No race photos
Flat course (I actually enjoy the variety of ups and downs)
Training (broken up long runs)
Stomach Cramps (miles 10-12), Blister from mile 5+

The Ugly:

Nothing really.

Would I recommend this race?

No. Not for the price. And all the “Bads” listed above.

Final Stats:

It was not my slowest half marathon. But I have run hillier races and races in windy conditions where my finish time was faster. Still I am glad that I ran this race rather than not running one at all. I made the right decision.

Next Up:

May 19, 2018

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

This was one will be the totally the opposite – big crowds, lots of excitement, hills, beach finish… Looking forward to it….

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

Happy Running! Have you ever run an inaugural or low budget race? Have you ever given up on your time goals to help someone finish a race?

March 20, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: Spring Racing Plans

A great topic because I love SPRING and I love RACING.

I race often and hopefully my training miles will be filled with views like below:

in Washington Park

So here are some of the races I am planning to run:

3-25-18 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m) – I’ve done this race several times and it’s a nice local race (with some hills). I also like the 5 mile distance.

3-31-18 – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K – This race is on the bike path that I often run on so it is familiar territory and that makes it easy to add on miles before or after.

4-14-18 – Code Blue 8K and/or 4-15-18 – Delmar Dash (5m)

I ran Code Blue last year for the first time and enjoyed it but it is the same weekend as Delmar Dash, the race closest to my house. What should I do??

4-21-18 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k and/or 4-22-18 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run 5k

I usually run Bacon Hill because of the refreshments and that you win a pie as an AG award.

But I know the organizer of Sasha’s Super Hero Run so I may run this one instead and even run both.

this would be a fun one to dress up as Wonder Woman

4-28-18 – Spring Run Off 5k /10k and/or 4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k

Decisions. Decisions. I hate that these races are on the same weekend. We have very few 10ks so I like to run them but the Cherry Blossom raises money for ALS. Not sure if I will run one or both.

5-05-18 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)

I ran this race while on a tennis vacation in Florida last year. I’d love to do it again.

5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

This 5k is important because it is organized by the mother of a STEM runner who died. I knew her from my first volunteering with STEM.

5-17-18- Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)

This is not really a competitive race but a way to connect with your co-workers. There are about 10,000 who participate in my area. It was 98 degrees last year so I hope for a cooler day this May.

5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon

This half marathon has always been on my bucket list and my friend Sue has agreed to run it with me. With the huge crowd that it attracts, my goal for this half is to finish injury-free on the boardwalk of Coney Island.

Image result for brooklyn half finish

6-02-18 – Freihofer’s Run for Women

As I have mentioned so many times, this race is the only race that I have run every year since I started running (even with injuries.) This will be my 11th FRW.

6-09-18 – OK 5k or Betar Byway 5k and/or 6-10-18 – Run for Help (volunteer with STEM)

Several years ago, I ran the OK 5k because it was flat and a popular local race. Then I switched to the Betar Byway 5k because it was more scenic. Even if I run one of those, I may still volunteer in the Run for Help.

6-16-18 – Whipple City 5K

I ran this 5k for the first time last year because of peer pressure. I was not too impressed so this is only a maybe.

All these races may not happen or they may or I may even decide on different ones.

But I do know is that this spring, there will be a #holottaracing going on.

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! Which spring races are you looking forward to? Please share.

March 12, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 3.5.18-3.11.18: Back in the Big Apple

New York, New York. It’s my kind of town…

Lots of lights and places to run…

Last week –

Monday – Again I was scheduled to work in Queens. So after I set up and got back to Manhattan, I went for a short run. I decided to run on the High Line because I actually had enough daylight before it closed.

A short run because I had tickets for a pro tennis tournament in Madison Square Garden.

8 players played 10 pt tie breakers and the winner took all in the end. Pretty fun.

Tuesday – Today after work, I wanted to get one more run in before the storm so I ran along the Hudson River until it got dark and then through the city.

I ran in the opposite direction (uptown)

Wednesday – My new Skirt Sports ambassador buddy, Elizabeth, recommended that I attend this event with her.

the author is a runner herself.

But the event got cancelled due the snowstorm. I was totally bummed. So I made the best of the evening and took on a Broadway show.

I bought last row tix but because of the weather, there were a lot of no-shows so I was able to move down to the 3rd row. I even got a beach ball souvenir.

Thursday – Finally Elizabeth and I were supposed to run together. But the weather again messed up our plans. Her Tuesday running class got rescheduled for today. So we planned to meet up the next I am here. and I took the subway to Central Park and ran solo.

More daylight and more runners in the park (many guys in shorts!?) I was more adventuresome and ran some different paths.

Afterward, I stumbled upon the Underground Market – amazing eateries near the Columbus Circle subway station.

Friday – No time to run since I had to take the time home after work. I needed a rest anyway.
Saturday – Last long run before the big one. Because the paths at the Crossings were plowed last week, I encouraged the Wineglass ladies to join me for a run there. Jeri & Heidi ran/walked together and Christian & Sherry ran together. Barbara was a good sport and ran 8 miles with me. Then we all met up for brunch.

cold and WINDY! I am so ready to leave this climate.

Sunday – Rest and time to pack for my upcoming vacation!!!

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 2 miles before tennis
Wednesday – rest day, fly to West Palm Beach, FL, drive to Delray Beach
Thursday – 3 miles in Delray and visiting 3 different friends
Friday – rest day, drive to Vero Beach, packet pick up and meet up with some more friends
Saturday – Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon, drive to Sebastian (to visit my sister-in-law) and then Hobe Sound
Sunday – rest day in Hobe Sound visiting friends

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 you dealing with winter? Did you run or are you training for any races? Please share.

March 9, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Race-cation Tips

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.

The Topic for today is: Oldie But Goodie (Re-Purpose an old Friday Five Post)

So here’s an old one for you:

lh5k

Plan early.

Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends’ place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, friend?)

It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.

trained for this race together and/or roomed together.

2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.

I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all in advance because as we know, the weather forecasts will change. And the forecast is not always accurate. So bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.

I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.

3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee/tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.) I also pack energy bars in case I need a snack the day before.

4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me twice.) And you will have time to get used to the weather or altitude by doing a test run.

From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!

5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.

Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.

and why should you??

Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations? Please Share.

March 2, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Girls Weekend 2018

Today I am 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.

I have traveled to California (2011, 2013, 2014) and Vermont (2015, 2016) to run races with one friend. I have also spent a weekend in Philly (2014), Panama City Beach (2016), Corning, NY (2017) and Las Vegas (2108) with several other women to run a half marathon. Each of these weekends was So.Much.Fun!!!

So what will it be for 2018?

September 23-24, 2018

It’s early but we’re getting the party started…

raceaddict
My topic for today is Five Reasons to Take a Girls Weekend Race-cation.

1. Training Support

Heidi, Adrienne & I training together for 2014 race weekend in Philly

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

preparing for the Wineglass Half in 2017

2. Cost Savings

Lisa & Andrea – my roommates whom I had never met before the weekend in Philly

It is definitely cheaper to share a room with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

Holly graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person for the Panama Beach Half in 2016

Marcia was my roomie in LV.

3. Visiting New Places

even in the rain, we visited all the sites of Philly

I love to travel and explore new cities. I had never been to Panama City Beach or Corning, NY before my weekend there for a race. I am especially looking forward to Montreal to experience their French culture (and since I haven’t been there in many many years.).

awesome sunsets in Panama City Beach

sightseeing on the way to Corning

4. Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

I have raced most of my 29 half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the ones in Philly (in spite of the rain), Panama Beach, Corning and Vegas. And none of these were PRs!!!

All 10 of us at the Wineglass expo

I am sure the same will be true for our Montreal girls weekend (we have 6 definites so far).

5. Forging New Friendships

Andrea & I at VCM relay

The Philly group has kept in touch on Facebook. I have bumped into Andrea at several races. We had planned another race-cation with Lisa but ZOOMA Cape Cod got cancelled. We still hope that another will happen in the future.

I also keep in touch virtually with my Panama City Beach buddies. Some of us repeated this racing experience in Vegas. I hope to run another one with them in the future.

Many of us going to Montreal also ran the Wineglass race in Corning last year. But we always encourage newbies to join the group.

Don’t eating and racing go together?

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation? Do you have one planned for this year?

February 21, 2018 by Darlene

HMRRC Winter Series #5 Race Recap

2015: I’m the one with the pink hat & gloves

Yes, I ran another FREE race sponsored by Hudson Mohawk Runners Club .

As you can see above, this weekend, they offered distances of 4.5M and 10M. They also offered (starting an hour earlier) a 20M and Marathon option. (No thank you!!)

I had originally planned on the 10 miler (as I did in 2015 and 2016). It could have been a training run since my half is in FOUR weeks!! But I just didn’t have it in me. It’s not like me to wimp out on a race but I did.

Saturday, instead I ran 10 miles with friends.

It worked out fine and it was great catching up. I enjoyed not running solo (although this time I ran most of my miles alone.) The best part was that there was no pressure to race the miles and run faster than I should. And it was less windy than today’s weather.

Most runners would have then skipped the race. But I decided to just run the shorter distance – 4.5 miles.

Run NOT race for free with other runners and also get free food. Perfect, right?

I woke up to a few inches of fresh snow on the ground. That made me a little nervous. However, the roads are usually clear where this race is run.

The weather was warmer than the day before but it was very very windy and so it felt colder.

Barbara and I drove together. There was a high school track meet going on. So I had to drive to a farther parking lot. (Why does someone who can run 13 miles, balk at walking any distance to the start of a race?)

After a chilly walk, we arrived in time to register. (I didn’t register beforehand as I usually do because I was not sure that I would run the race.) I got to see Patrick, my running coach from the Turkey Trot. He was the race coordinator this week. I also chatted with a few other runners that I knew. However, the marathoners and 20 milers had already started and the crowd seemed to be a lot smaller than in previous races.

I decided to take off my fleece vest under my jacket and hoped that the sunshine would keep me warm. We stayed indoors until the very last minute and then made our way outside.

new fresh snow on the track

I had actually run this same race in 2013 and 2014 but they called it a 4 mile race. It turned out each year that it was more like 4.32 miles. So last year, it was re-named a 4.5 mile race but I’m not sure if they changed the course at all.

: 2013

: 2014

: 2017

In 2013, my finish time was 45:15, in 2014, 44:24 and last year, I finished at 42:58. However, it didn’t matter because I wasn’t racing, right?

The 4.5 milers and the 10 milers started together (though the 10 mile racers obviously ran the course twice and more).

We started out in the middle of pack and it was slow going for a while. The road was pretty clear but you had to look out for potholes until we left the campus.

I was ahead of Barbara for a short while but then she passed me by and I never came close to catching up to her.

It was interesting when all of a sudden while I was running my pace, the 10 milers sped by me. Then, there were times that the 20 milers or marathoners were speeding by me.

But I trudged along and kept moving forward. I was surprised that my legs felt pretty good and I was running at a faster pace than I expected I would be. Still, I didn’t want to push it and get injured.

I was cold at the beginning but warmed up when facing the sun (and took off my gloves)but of course, it was chilly when running into the wind. I felt that I dressed appropriately unlike the guy below:

in the 20s with strong gusty winds

As I was running, I was reminded about how uninteresting this course was and how many times, I have tun it. Besides being all concrete and parking lots, it seems that you are constantly going uphill but never enjoy as many downhills. (But I’m not complaining. It’s a FREE race!)

Believe it or not, I didn’t walk until the last hill. The wind was insane throughout most of the race but during that last mile, the gusts were so strong that I felt like I was moving backwards. The wind was tiring me out. But actually, it was easier to push through the wind running slowly than walking.

Finally we approached the campus, and they said 4.5 milers go left and 10 milers go straight. I was so happy that I had chose the shorter race. I couldn’t imagine fighting that wind for 5.5 more miles.

When I saw the finish line clock, I was shocked that it read 42:xx!! So I forced myself to sprint so I could cross under 43 minutes. (My finish time was 42:55)

A much slower time that I am capable of. But I was very happy that I felt fine and nothing hurt. I was able to keep my relaxed pace the whole time and I didn’t try to race. Believe it or not, it was my fastest time on this course.

I went inside to get warm and to grab some refreshments – some hot vegetable soup, bread, fruit and then hot chocolate and cookies.

I also met a local Skirt Sports ambassador. We had been friends on IG and didn’t realize that we lived near each other.

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I WON!! Barbara won an award as well.

again the speedy women in my age group ran the longer distances

So I did what I set out to do – run some extra training miles.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9.59
mile 2 – 9:54
mile 3 – 9:22
mile 4 – 10:16
.5- 8:41

I was glad that I ran the race. My pace was not as fast as if I were really racing it (my miles were in the 8s that last time on this course) but definitely a lot faster (and more enjoyable) than running alone.

And my next race will be the BIG ONE!!

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? Are advice for racing and fitting in long training runs?

February 19, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.12.18-2.24.18 – New York, New York….

Another travel work week but at least, I didn’t have to drive and it wasn’t as cold and snowy as Buffalo. And the best part, there are lighted paths to run.

Yes, “New York, New York. It’s a wonderful town…”

Last week –

Monday – Off to NYC for work and set up in Queens. As soon as I was done and back in Manhattan, I headed to the East River to do some running.

5.5 miles – 4 of which were to and from the river on the crowded streets of the city

Tuesday – As soon as I got back to Manhattan after work in Queens, I changed my clothes and took off to run. This time it was along the Hudson River. I got a late start and missed the sunset but still a decent run away from home.

4 miles (2 miles to and from the river). Chillier than Monday so I added gloves, vest & beanie but not complaining – warmer than last week.

Wednesday – Of course, I could not be in NYC and not run in Central Park. To save time (and my legs), I took the subway to Columbus Circle and ran around the park. I was really dragging but got in my steps by walking back to my hotel.

so tired but got 2.5 miles in (barely)

sights along my walk (the top pic is Rockefeller Center)

Thursday – Unfortunately, I had to stay in the hotel to do a webinar and could not get out to run or walk. Instead, I met with a Skirt Sports ambassador. We chatted and had drinks. Hopefully the next time I come to NYC, we can meet in Central Park to run together.

after almost 2 hours, we felt like we had know each other for years…or maybe it was the 2 glasses of wine

Friday – Another scheduled rest day since I had to take the train home after work. Totally exhausted because I get up every morning at 5:30 am and stay up late watching the Olympics. Plus even if I don’t run, I walk 5 miles (train, subway, work, lunch) each day.
Saturday – Finally reunited with my running friends for an early morning run. I really didn’t feel like getting up to run but as usual, I was glad that I did. I ran 2 miles at home and then drove with Barbara to meet the others. I ran with Barbara for about 3 miles but decided to let her go ahead because she was running faster than I wanted to. So I ran the remaining 5ish by myself. Afterwards, we all met for breakfast.

lots of sunshine, clear path in one direction on the Nisky Bike Path

Sunday – The last Winter Series race was scheduled for today. Even though, I ran yesterday, I couldn’t turn down a free race. I woke up to snow which did make me nervous but Barbara and I decided to go anyway. I didn’t plan to race and the wind was insane. The good news – I met a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador and won my age group. Yup, another good day for this runner.

4.5 miles and a course PR

This Coming Week –

Monday – Day OFF from work, 3 miles
Tuesday – 2 TM miles before tennis
Wednesday – 4 miles, mall walk with BFF
Thursday – rest day, dinner with an old friend
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 11 miles
Sunday – rest day, dinner out with tennis ladies

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 you dealing with winter? Please share.

February 14, 2018 by Darlene

Making Lemonade

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~~March 17, 2018~~ CANCELLED

Remember how I signed up for this race months ago, planned a vacation visiting friends who live nearby…

Then this happened:

The Suck:

Losing my registration fee for the race (no refund, just can register for another of their races…great if I lived in Fla.)
Update: I complained on FB and now they say they will refund my money 🙂
Not running over a bridge twice with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Two different friends who are staying in Singer Island would be cheering me on.
Was planning on attending a Mets spring training game afterwards.
Am staying for 2 nights after in Delray Beach – not too far away
I could have gone to Fla. at a different time and run a different race (and be able to run the NYC Half this weekend)
Brew-2-Brew (see my lemonade below) is an inaugural race (and you know my past experience with those…RnR Brooklyn comes to mind among others.)
No reviews or course info, etc about said race.
More $$ needed to spend on registering for this new race.
I don’t drink beer!!!

Image result for when life throws you lemons quote

This my LEMONADE:

in Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach’s first ever Brew-2-Brew 13.1 mile, half marathon.
Beginning and ending at the local owned Walking Tree Brewery.

I could have skipped the race thing entirely or I could have cancelled my trip but instead I MAY sign up for this race. (I haven’t registered yet since the numbers for this race are low. )

The Good:

I was able to book another hotel with my points.
I’ve never been to Vero Beach.
My sister-in-law lives in nearby Sebastien.
I will be running a half marathon!
My training will not go to waste.
My vacation will be a race-cation after all.

Was this the right decision?… To Be Determined.

I am joining hosts Running on Happy, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup!

Happy Running! Has this every happened to you? What would you do if you were me?

February 13, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: What I Love Most About Running

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 appropriately is What I Love Most About Running.

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I could go on and on but I will limit it… (they are not in order of importance… they are actually listed in reverse order.)

Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

: Sarasota, FL

: Palm Springs, CA

: Burlington, VT

Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

: Winter Series 10k

: 2016

: France Run 8K

Running Friends

They are the best….

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4/30 – 10k

Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

Blogging

If I didn’t run, I probably wouldn’t blog and I would have missed out on meeting some fabulous ladies.

: 2017

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else. You can.

How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, confident, empowered, young(er)…

RD-IloveRun-500x500

Happy Running! What do you LOVE the most about running.

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.

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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.