November 26, 2017 by Darlene

Troy Turkey Trot 10K and 5K Race Recap

Image result for troy turkey trot 2017

This was my 4th time running this 10K race and my first time NOT being part of the Turkey Trot Challenge training group (They changed their meeting day from Mondays to Tuesdays.)

I really enjoyed this race my first time I ran it in 2014 (in spite of the snowstorm) so now I look forward to this race every year.

happy because it was and still is my 10K PR (check out all the snow!)

Then in 2015, I decided to run both races – the 10K and then the 5k. Why not? I was already dressed and ready to run.

The weather was a lot better and I had a blast even though my finish times were not the greatest.

: 2015 – 10K

: 2015 – 5k

So last year again I ran BOTH Races. I did better in both, as well.

: 2016 – 5K

: 2016 – 10K

The course was the same again this year.

I picked up my bib on Wednesday after work so I didn’t have to rush on race morning.

But I did want to arrive early to get parking. I parked in the bowling alley parking as I did in previous years and walked a few blocks to the Atrium where I could wait indoors for the race to begin.

I checked my jacket and 5K bib since I wouldn’t need them until after the race.

pic from last year

This year it was very cold – in the 20s when I arrived and only predicted to be in the 30s. I was hoping the sun would come out but I was undecided on how many layers to wear. I get hot when I run and I HATE to be overdressed.

So at the last minute, I decided to shed my light jacket and just wear a long sleeved shirt with my race shirt over it. I also added my DIY arm warmers, a warmer hat and gloves.

This was taken before I realized that I was wearing the 5k bib (they weren’t marked but everyone else’s was yellow LOL)

I chatted with members of the training group and some other friends until it was time to brave the cold.

Participants gather in the Atrium for the 2016 Troy Turkey Trot in Troy, NY, on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

inside the Atrium – photo from the TU

The 10K started at 8 am followed by the kid’s one mile race and a one mile walk and then at 10 am the most popular event, the 5K.

Laurie and I squeezed into the crowd at the 9 minute pace group although we knew that we would be left in the dust.

My plan for the race was to not to start out too fast and to run at an even pace and to save some for the last mile.

For some reason, this race seemed a lot more crowded than last year. For my pace, it never thinned out. I was running in a crowd the whole race. At the beginning, I would barely move.

11986342_1192296570787072_4790322504906372402_n

a pic from a previous year

The course is pretty flat. You run over the Green Island bridge twice near the beginning and then run through Troy before you turn around and run back.

Though I had not done any speed work since May (Freihofer training group runs) and I “trained” for three half marathon this fall, my legs felt pretty strong…not PR strong but better than during my last half marathon.

The sun did come out and I felt perfectly dressed. I rolled down my arm warmers and even took off my gloves during the last few miles.

There was a some crowd support. (Much more for the 5k.) There were even guys handing out bottles of beer and a bakery was handing out donuts.

There were quite a few water stops. I skipped the first and third one but I was dying for a drink by the second one and walked for a bit to catch my breath (It seems so much harder to breathe when it is cold out.)

Timing clocks were placed at every mile. I didn’t have to look at my watch to know that I was too slow to PR. I wasn’t sure if I would even finish under one hour.

: 2017 – 10K

Finally I could see the finish in the distance. I wanted to at least sprint through the finish line. Holly was on the side line cheering me on but I had a hard mustering up any real speed.

: Troy Turkey Trot 10K

I tried to cross under 58 minutes but did not but my chip time was 57:42.

Not a PR but really a decent time and faster than last year so I was happy.

I got my medal, drank some chocolate protein milk, had a bagel and then checked the results.

10K Splits:

mile 1 – 9:14
mile 2 – 9:10
mile 3 – 9:18
mile 4 – 9:24 (water stop)
mile 5 – 9:14
mile 6 – 9:14
.25 – 8:22

57:42

I was surprised about my splits. They were more even than I’ve ever had before. My last mile was as fast as my first. 🙂

There were some speedy older ladies in this race. The winner of my age group ran it 48 minutes. A 72 year old lady ran it in 55 minutes.

chip time = 57:42

This year, like the previous two years, I signed up to run a second race, the 5k about an hour later.

So I walked back to the Atrium. Boy, was it crowded… More than five thousand runners squeezed into a small building.

I just wanted to find my friends and rest my weary legs.

I had already picked up my bib but I needed to get it from my checked bag and ditched my arm warmers.

I did find my tennis friend and we hung out until it was time to line up.

I know it’s bad luck to wear the race shirt but this was a fun race so I didn’t care.

This was the third time that I had run the 5k race. It was just an out and back course and you didn’t run over the bridge at all.

Finally it was time to get into the starting area. You were supposed to line up by color but we just squeezed in anywhere we fit.

pic from a previous year

Of course, my legs were tired from having already run 6.2 miles (at race pace) so all I wanted to do was finish. My stomach was also queasy from the milk and the bagel. I was hoping to come in under 30 minutes but I wasn’t sure that was possible.

The 5k is the fun race. Many runners are dressed in costume. Many families were running together. There were walkers, etc. Everyone was there to have a good time.

Costumed runners make their way in the 2016 Troy Turkey Trot on Nov. 24, 2016. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

photo from the TU

It was so crowded that I had no problem slowing down in the beginning. Like the previous race, it was crowded the whole race.

And my legs were not cooperating. They wanted to run slow. And so I did. And it seemed to be colder. The wind had picked up and the sun went in and out.

Before I knew it, the race was over. (After a 10k, 5k seems so short.)

I crossed around 31 minutes which was 30:10 chip time. (Faster than the past two years so a course PR!)

I got my medal (the same as for the 10K), some more chocolate milk and then went back to the Atrium to get my bag and meet my tennis friend. We had planned to go out for coffee after the race.

No chance of an award in this race either.

5K Splits:

mile 1 – 9:39
mile 2 – 9:50
mile 3 – 9:35
.14 – 8:28

30:10

Gee…look at that..my last mile was the fastest. That never happens.

But they were way slower than my 10k splits!!! (Just like a 15k race would have been. LOL)

chip time = 30:10

The Good:

The weather – the sun made the cold temps bearable. It was actually perfect running weather.
Race organization – considering the number of runners, it was very well organized.
Race location – place to stay warm indoors with indoor bathroom and bag check
Chocolate Milk at the finish
Medals for both the 10k and the 5k
15K PR – each of my race times were disappointing but if you add them together, it was 1:27:52 which is a PR.
My spits were pretty even.
I got my long run for the week done and I don’t have to do it on the weekend.
Running 9.3 miles lets me eat more Thanksgiving food
Knowing lots of runners. Racing is fun with friends.
NO PAIN…no blisters…lower back and feet felt great. Thumbs up to my Nikes! (and compression socks.)

The Bad:

my 10K time – Besides the crowd, it’s a flat enough course to PR on. It is my 10k PR (from 2014).
post race refreshments – I would have liked pizza or soup or cookies but at least they had bagels this year
same medal for both the 5k and the 10k (if you run both, you have 2 of the same medals)
unisex tee shirts (in my case, 2 shirts that don’t fit)
my 5k time – my slowest of the year.

Overall, I enjoyed the races. I am glad that I ran them. I think I will do both next year too. I was 7th in my age group for both races and next year, I will be in the next age group. (I would have won an award this year if I were 65.)

After the race(s), we went out for coffee and we debriefed about our races.

don’t you love the Starbucks cup?

Then later that evening, I ate back all the calories that I had burned off.

Today I am linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! Did you run off that turkey?

November 18, 2017 by Darlene

RnR Las Vegas Half Marathon Race Recap

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

I signed up for this race for several reasons:

FOMO. Many of the PCB blogger/runners said that they wanted to run it.
I love race-cations.
I had enough FF miles for a free flight and Marcia offered to share a room with me (since the other bloggers were bringing their hubbys.).
I’d heard great things about the course and the race and it was supposedly pretty flat.
Running down the Vegas strip at night? Why not?
The bling. Run 2 races in one weekend and get 3 medals!

Half Marathon Training:

If you read my blog, you know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on October 1 and since then I have completed some easy weekday runs and a few long runs on the weekend.

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

: 9 miles for the day

: 11 miles for the day

: 10 with Alyssa

I skipped my long run entirely the weekend I went away with my friends. I added extra miles to two races and then shortened my 12 miler to 10. But I did taper with 10 instead of 8. (I am a coach’s nightmare LOL)

I wasn’t really worried since with 40k runners, I didn’t expect to run at a PR pace anyway.

Marathon #29.

I was thrilled to be out there running and healthy and to be in the company of so many other enthusiastic runners.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep on this trip.

Resting your legs is probably a good idea. Fueling for a long race is important.

After 28 half marathons, you would think I would know this.

And I do.

But when your race has no time goals, you may ignore the prerequisites for a pain-free race.

Anyway, the day before this race, I put 16.4 miles on my legs which included a 5k race.

I took a fabulous bus tour of Red Rock Canyon. The scenery was breathtaking and I did some some hikes at several of the stops.

In the evening, I slowly raced a 5k. (You can read about it here.)

Afterward the gang (bloggers and spouses) decided to walk to find a restaurant for dinner.

One thing I learned about Vegas is that nothing is as close as it seems. Even taking the monorail involves tons of walking.

Race Day:

Race day included a lot of meet-up planning. Most of which was unsuccessful.

Marcia and I went out for brunch at Mandalay Bay around 10 am. We planned on eating again before our race which was scheduled to start at 4:30 pm but that never happened.

looks better than it tasted – over cooked and cold

Eventually we headed back to our hotel from the Paris Hotel (where we had hung out with Kim & Tricia and their hubbys) to get ready and walk to the race start which was near New York New York hotel.

on the walkway heading to the start

We were very lucky as far as the weather was concerned. It was cloudy and high in the 60s. Though I was warm while running, my tank and skirt was a perfect race choice.

I won that tank in a giveaway 2 years ago.

Everything was very organized at the beginning of the race. We followed signs to gear check, our planned blogger meet up and waited until everyone arrived.

hanging out on a rock

Finally they did so we could snap the obligatory pre-race photo.

ready to rock n roll

The corrals were organized by colors and then by numbers. Everyone was in blue except for MaryBeth. We squeezed into our location and waited. Checking out all the crazy costumes kept us entertained. Elvises, super heroes, brides and grooms and more.

I took a Gu since it had been over 5 hours since I had anything to eat.

Little by little waves of 5 moved forward and started with a fire send off. This was very cool.

Marcia, Kim and I started together. I planned to start out slowly and stay with them as long as I could.

It was so crowded that it was impossible to run fast. We were just weaving in and out.

We started by running toward the airport past the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and by where the shooting occurred. There was no music during this stretch to honor the victims.

I stopped and walked at the first water stop around mile 1. My mouth was already parched due to the dry air. Marcia and Kim were smart to carry water (I never do.)

I caught back up to Marcia and Kim but then lost them when they stopped at the port a potties around mile 2.

I stopped again at the mile 3 water stop and walked for awhile. I thought that possibly Marcia and Kim would catch up but they never did.

At this point, I knew that the race was going to be a struggle. I felt light headed probably because I was hungry. My legs felt heavy and I just had no energy. This was worrisome since it was only the beginning of the race.

But the music started which was a nice distraction and we were entering the strip.

Around mile 5 I took another Gu (Smores – yum!!) and walked again. This was the pattern for most of the race. Run and then walk at the water stop which were every 2 miles it seemed.

Running was more of a struggle than I ever remember. But lights and sights of the Vegas Strip at night were mesmerizing.

It was hard not to smile even during a struggling pace.

We ran by the Mirage, Paris, the Bellagio fountains. Indescribable.

Eventually we left the lively part of the strip and headed toward Old Vegas. This part dragged until we arrived at Fremont Street.

Here the course looped around and finally we were running in the direction toward where we started. There was hope that I could do this thing.

Around mile 9, I took my final Gu (toasted marshmallow) which did not sit well. I won’t be buying this flavor again!!

The winner of the marathon passed me by and he had more zip in his step than I did. LOL

After mile 10, I gave up only walking at water stops. I just walked whenever I felt like it. I just wanted to cross the finish line. I had no idea what my time was and frankly I didn’t care.

I can look happy whenever I spot a photographer

Eventually I spotted the Mirage Hotel and then Paris and the Bellaggio Fountains. Of course, they weren’t as close as I thought but I did it. I finished it this strugglefest….with a smile!!

As soon as I crossed the finish line, I was handed a metal, water, chocolate milk. Other goodies such as bananas, bars, Pringles chips, pretzels were available including free beer.

I headed to get my Remix Medal and then to Gear Check (Both were easy to find.) to wait for the others to finish. One by one, they arrived. Everyone finished!! We were ALL happy (even though none of us had PRs except for Greg running his first half.)

oops Mary Beth left before the pic

Off we went (on foot, of course) in search of a place for dinner and celebration.

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

Organized packet pick-up.
The Expo
Easy to navigate to gear check, port-a-potties, the start, etc.
Fire send-off -at the Start
Amazing crowd support. People lined the entire course.
Flat course.
Awesome medal.
Remix Challenge
Perfect weather conditions
Water and Gatorade stops at least every 2 miles
The music – all genres from country to Elvis to Elton John to Kiss
Security – police in helicopters and armed police everywhere
The runners and their costumes
Lots of photos (I had 18)
The sights and sounds of the Vegas Strip (unforgettable)
No major injuries. (just the usual blister on my foot)
Sharing the race experience with friends

The Bad:

Lack of sleep (3 hour time difference)
Too much walking the day before
Not properly fueling the day of
Dry Heat
Training (no 12 miler?)
Flat course (I actually enjoy the variety of ups and downs)
Black tees for a night race (neon perhaps?)

The Ugly:

Nothing really.

The RNR Vegas Half Marathon was a great race. I am so glad that I had to chance to run it.

Whatever made the race more painful that it should have been was my own doing. Lesson learned. RESPECT THE DISTANCE!! 13.1 miles is no joke.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. I don’t usually repeat half marathons but if I did, I would run this one again. And especially if it were closer and cheaper.

Final Stats:

I never looked at the watch throughout the race since it was dark and I had zero goal other than finishing. So there’s no reason to post my paces. They were consistently in the 10s which is slow for me until the last three miles when they were 11s.

Yes, one of my slowest recent half marathons even slower than some hilly ones. Am I disappointed? Nope, not in my finish time. Only disappointed that I didn’t choose to painlessly stroll to that time. In this race, that was as fast as I was capable due to several preventable mistakes (whining over!!)

Next Up:

March 17, 2018

Image result for singer half marathon

I’m also linking up today for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. You should do so too.

Happy Running! Have you run the RnR Vegas Half Marathon? Ever run a race just for fun that turned out to be a struggle?

November 17, 2017 by Darlene

RnR Las Vegas 5K Race Report

I was pretty excited about this race. It was my first time running in Las Vegas and my first time running back to back races.

Yes, I was planning to run a half marathon the next day…. for the Bling, of course and the challenge of it.

I have never backed away from a challenge (Spoiler alert: all 13.1 miles were a challenge!!!)

Anyway, I arrived in Vegas the day before the race (and gained 3 hours!!). After checking into my hotel, I immediately headed (well after I figured out where the Monorail was) to the expo. No problems at all. Packet pick-up was a breeze (easier than getting into my hotel room.)

The expo was huge!!! I did a lot of sampling but only bought some Gu.

I got the new flavors..loved Smores, Coconut..not so much

Race day was a busy one. As they say “no rest for the weary.”

Since my roomie was not arriving until the afternoon, I planned to take a bus tour of Red Rock Canyon. Best decision ever. It was amazing. We made loads of stops and there was hiking available at many (nothing too strenuous).

When the tour was over, I met my roomie, Marcia at the hotel and then accompanied her to the expo. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for pizza as our pre-race meal.

We had perfect weather for this evening race (well, maybe a little too warm) and was able to wear my planned outfit.

The Tropicana was the perfect hotel choice because we were the first stop on the monorail and had no problems getting on right away.

we’re ready with our matching bling

We got off at the SLS Hotel stop which was near where the 5k Race started. (If you know Vegas, “near” is relative).

We wandered for a bit until we found the Gear Check area where I left a bag with a long sleeved shirt and jacket for after the race. This was also our agreed pre and post race meet-up spot.

only 4 of the group were doing the 5K – I am alone in the grey corral

As you can see from the course map, the race does not take place on the strip but one block over.

The start area was organized by colored corrals and then by numbered waves (according to your predicted finish time. If you look at the group photo, you’ll see that I was alone in the gray corral. The others were in wave 6, corral purple and I was in wave 9.

So we separated at the start but planned meet up again after the race.

waiting to start

The waves each started with a count down. I had to wait about 15 minutes, I think. Everyone was bubbling with excitement. There were lots of costumes and music. Since it was ONLY a 5k, I was very relaxed. Many of the runners were also running a race the next day or relatives of runners or just walkers. It was mixed bag which made it a challenge at times during the race.

My plan for the race was…no plan. I thought I would walk the whole thing but when I was the only one in the second corral, I decided to just run slowly so I didn’t have to make everyone wait a long time to go out to dinner after.

And that’s what I did. I enjoyed the music, laughed at the costumes, and weaved around the walkers to eventually cross the finish line.

I thought it would be around 35 minutes so I was pleasantly surprised that I finished under 30 minutes.

As soon as I got my medal, water and some snacks, I made a beeline to Gear Check to meet up with fellow 5kers Marcia, Tricia, her hubby, Greg, as well as, Kim and Mary Beth (who would be running with us the next day.)

With some husbands in tow, we all headed for a LONG stroll to find a restaurant for dinner.

my very cool medal

What I liked about the race:

Smooth packet pick-up
Well organized race location, gear check, start, signs, etc.
Crowd support
Enthusiastic participants
Running with friends is the best
The medal
Almost perfect weather
Goo Goo Dolls concert afterward (although we were too hungry to stay)
Free Beer (although I didn’t partake in that either)

What I didn’t enjoy:

Would have preferred to run along the strip. The course was not exciting.
Charcoal grey race tee (for a night race??) How about a brightly-colored shirt?
The only water stop was at mile 2. Why not at the turn around? Vegas is soooo dry. I was parched.

All in all, I loved the experience. I am glad that I decided to run the RnR Vegas 5k. This was my slowest 5k in years but who cares. I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

It’s also 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! Have you run this race? Have you ever run two races back to back?

November 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 11.6.17-11.12.17

Last week – Race Week

Monday – It rained most of the day and it was cold and windy. Plus I left my jacket home. So I was ready to bail on the run. But Alyssa talked me into going to UAlbany. As usual, I was glad that she did.

Tuesday – Is winter on the way? It sure felt like it. Glad it was a rest day. But I did get to play tennis for a change. (It was fun and I used muscles that I haven’t used in a while.)
Wednesday – Off to Liverpool again for work. And I managed to squeeze in a chilly run before darkness. My last run before the big weekend.

The sunshine made it more pleasant

Then I went back for a sunset walk.

So purdy

Thursday – Another rest day as I needed to drive directly home after work.
Friday – Early morning flight to Vegas (through Chicago). Arrived around noon, took a shuttle to the hotel and then headed to the race expo.

a HUGE expo but only indulged on Gu.

Later on I took the monorail to take in the evening sights.

Unfortunately with the 3 hour time difference, I was too pooped to party.

Saturday – I took an awesome bus tour where I got to see and explore Red Rock Canyon. The scenery was spectacular.

Then in the evening I ran the RnR Vegas 5k with some blogger friends followed by a long walk to dinner.

not run on the strip but still a fun time.

16.4 miles for the day before a half marathon. Probably not an ideal rest day but so worth it.

Sunday – In the morning, Marcia and I went out to brunch and then neglected to eat for the rest of the day. That and the previous day’s miles may have impacted my race performance but the race itself was awesome. Running on the strip in Vegas was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Oh what a night!!

Next Week –

Monday – rest, fly home
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – rest, drive to Buffalo
Thursday – rest, long drive home
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – rest, trip to NYC for college reunion lunch and Broadway show with tennis ladies

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.
And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess’s

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

November 10, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Planning a Stress-free Race-cation

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.

My topic for today is: Five Tips for Taking a Stress-free Race-cation

If you follow my blog, you know that right now, I am on a Race-cation – in Las Vegas!!!

You may also know that I love to travel and when I do, I make sure that a race is included. I am fortunate to able to fit one into my schedule at least twice a year.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

: Treasure Coast Half (Jupiter)- Mar 2017

So here are some tips to avoid the stress:

1. 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.

I actually booked my flight for this trip way back in March so I could use my FF miles. My blogging buddy Marcia booked a hotel near the start and graciously allowed me to share her room.

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.

I doubt it will rain in Vegas but it can be cold and it can be hot. This one was tough to pack for…due to the variety of things that I may do. (I think I over-packed but still may not have the right clothes.)

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.

Both the 5k and the Half Marathon in Vegas are not in the morning – they’re at 6 pm and 4 pm. This makes eating quite complicated but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.

Not knowing the breakfast situation in the hotel, I did bring cereal and coffee, just in case.

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!

I planned to arrive at noon on Friday (if everything goes as planned.) The 5k is Sat. eve and the Half Marathon is Sun. eve.

The time change may put a little damper on things but it is what it is. (I am a horrible sleeper, anyway.)

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.

During my last race-cation in Florida, I went to a NY Mets spring training game, visited a bird sanctuary and met up of with different friends for various lunches and dinners.

For this trip, I scheduled a bus trip to Red Rock Canyon. I plan to meet up with many bloggers and how can you not have fun in Vegas???

and why should you??

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

October 31, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: October Report Card

Fall has arrived. And we had some nice cool fall days but summer temps came and went as well. Such crazy weather!!!

Here’s how October worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in NYC, Buffalo and Liverpool for work. My weekday runs were usually around 4 miles.

: while working in Buffalo

: trail near home

: NYC

: NYC

: Liverpool, NY

I ran alone most of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me a few times and Judy once. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

: 6 miles with Judy

: with Alyssa

: 10 with Alyssa

Since the Turkey Trot running group runs on Tuesdays this year, I cannot run with them 😦 When my work schedule allowed, I did volunteer to help the STEM runners train for their first 5k.

Long Runs:

Long runs began in preparation for my next half marathon. I added extra miles to my 5k and 10k races. I skipped one long run and shortened my 12 miler to 10!!

: 9 miles for the day

: 11 miles for the day

: 10 with Alyssa

Total Mileage:

I have run 99.3 miles this month so far. An increase over previous months and I am still feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I skipped a local 5k because of my crazy work schedule but I did complete three races. I ran the Wineglass Half Marathon which it was a great weekend away and almost PR. I also ran the Apple Run 5K, another almost PR but an age group award and the Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k which was a fun one.

Cross Training:

I played tennis once (indoor season has started.) Again this month, I was out of town working every Tuesday 😦

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! And my free membership ended this month!!!! No excuses because I live near a free gym and my tennis club membership this year includes free access to the gym.

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot. But I did walk a lot in NYC to and from the train, subway and training facility (for 5 days!!)

Other News:

The hubby and I ended our weekend boating. We were fortunate to have two nice weekends at the beginning of the month.

: Oct 6

: Oct 15

Despite working A LOT, I also managed to attend some of my weekly mah jongg games.

I also spent a weekend away with some of the tennis ladies. We went hiking in Watkins Glen. We hiked ALL 3 trails at the gorge one day and did a flat trail to a waterfall another day.

: Gorge, Indian and East Rim Trails

This was my second girls weekend away of the month having spent the wineglass race weekend with running friends.

: at Glimmerglass Lake State park-

: this was pretty fun (making aglass at the Corning Glass Museum)

As you can tell, running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure….family, friends, food….

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

One half marathon (#29) is planned – November 12 in Las Vegas. Woo Hoo! (plan to connect with lots of bloggers!!!!!!)

I also have a few shorter races planned. I have to squeeze them in before the winter.

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

11-11-17 – RnR Vegas 5k
11-12-17 – RnR Vegas Half Marathon
11-18-17 – Girls on the Run 5k???
11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 5k
11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
12-02-17 – Jingle Bell 5k (volunteer with STEM) or 12-03-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #1 (15k)??
12-09-17 – Albany Last Run 5K

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her NovemberRace Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

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

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a A-.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, but I happy to have squeezed in those runs while working out of town which wasn’t easy.

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

October 16, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 10.9.17-10.15.17

Last Week:

Monday – Columbus Day meant a day off from work. The weather looked like a washout but I patiently waited and the rain stopped so I was able to get in a (humid) run.

Tuesday – Back to work and I was able to play tennis after work so I didn’t think I should run. But I had some extra time and there was rain in the forecast for the next day so I did.

At Colonie Town Park -ran in the opposite direction to last Saturday here

Wednesday – Today was my volunteer day with STEM. There were only a few runners and it was raining. Still glad I was able to meet and encourage them.

week 2, day 2 of Couch to 5k

Thursday – A long day at work but I was able to meet up with Alyssa for run which is always a good thing. She claims that I got her faster. Now I hope it’s the other way around.

Friday – A needed rest day and an evening with my mah jong friends.
Saturday – Today I ran another one of my favorite fall races, the Great Pumpkin 10k. I saw lots of familiar faces, some running the 5k and some the 10k. I love the course and festive atmosphere. If only, I could figure out how to run a 10k and not a fast 5k followed by a slow 5k. (You can read my review here.)

58:02 (6th in my AG)

After the race, I needed to add more miles since I had another half in 4 weeks. I decided to stay in the park and run some leisurely miles while avoiding the HS cross-country racers.

Ended the day with dinner out with the hubby and friends.

Sunday – Woke up with a nasty cold which might have explained my lack of energy during the 10k the day before. But it was our last boating day of the season and my stepson’s birthday. So we went out on the boat one last time. Relaxing in the sun actually was what the doctor ordered as was the birthday cake at my stepson’s party that we went to after.

24 miles done.

This Week: Slow week of running

Monday – off to Liverpool for work, 4 miles??
Tuesday – rest day, after work drive to Buffalo
Wednesday – 4 miles in Buffalo after work??
Thursday – rest day, long drive home from Buffalo
Friday – 4 miles after work, mah jongg
Saturday & Sunday – road trip with friends to hike and sightsee in Watkins Glen, NY

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

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess's

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

October 15, 2017 by Darlene

2017 Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K Race Recap

October 14, 2017 – 9:30 am Saratoga Springs. NY

I ran this race for the past three years and really enjoyed it (even 2014 in the rain.) Apparently I always wear the same shirt too.

: 2016 – 57:22

: 2015 – 59:19

: 2014 – 58:28

My 10K PR is 57:03 and as you can see, I was close last year but not in 2015. Who knew what would happen this year??

I was very tempted to switch to the 5k course which is flat. The 10k course continues from the 5k and there are several big hills.

I may have switched so I could try for a 5k PR but without any speed drills, it seemed unlikely that this would happen anyway.

The race takes place in Saratoga State Park which is a beautiful place to run especially in the fall.

The weather in the fall is very unpredictable. It could be warm and then it could be cold.

Not knowing what the weather will do makes it hard to dress. I’m not ready to dress for winter. (I am wearing that skirt as long as I can stand it.)

I planned to wear that same orange race shirt, a skirt and compression socks and then wear a jacket to leave behind and put on after the race.

When I got up it was almost 60 so I changed to a tee shirt but almost tempted to wear a tank one last time (and should have – it was humid!!!).

This is a very popular race. They usually get about 1500 runners. So I left for the race early in case I had to park where I needed to get a shuttle to the start. The race was to start at 9:30 and I got there at 8:15 am.

I didn’t park in the parking lot near the finish line since it is always so congested. Instead I parked in one where there were real restrooms and I had to walk to the start. I parked there last year.

As soon as I got out of my car, I realized how humid it was. I wished I had worn a tank.

long sleeved grey tech shirt

I picked up my race a packet, entered my raffle ticket in one of the raffles (this year they were not very tempting). I also voted for my favorite in the pumpkin decorating contest.

bumping in Dr Tom 2 weeks in a row

Then I chatted with the other runners. There were so many runners that I knew – from other races, from running groups and even the ladies from Wineglass.

Finally it was time for the race to start. Many of the runners were in costume. I thought about it but I was too lazy ( but if I did I would have looked like Christina above – Wonder Woman).

I lined up with Judith and my running group buddy Holly. We started not too far back because although it is chip-timed, they give out awards by gun time. (Not that I was going to win one. There were several runners in my age group at this race that I knew were faster!)

This race for me can be divided into two parts: The first 5K and the second 5k.

Miles 1-3

8:51, 9:17, 8:59

Both the 5k and 10k runners start together and run the same course. So it was very crowded at first. Since I was near the front, everyone was passing me by. I was trying to run fast but my legs just wouldn’t go. Those ladies in my age group, they quickly left me in the dust.

pic from the Gazette

Right at the beginning of mile 2, I passed a young male runner who had collapsed and someone was administering CPR on him. This really unnerved me. I slowed down (see my split time above.) (It turns how that they got his heart started and he was taken to the hospital and will be ok.)

The 5k had a few inclines but was basically flat. I didn’t even have to walk.

But it was humid so I stopped at the water stop and walked around mile 1.5.

I love running in this park. It is so pretty.

The 5k ended and my time was just under 28 minutes!!. Crazy! I didn’t feel like I was running that fast.

Of course, that exhausted me and we hadn’t hit the hills yet.

Miles 4-6.2

9:40, 10:07, 9:34, 10:00 (.2)

At this point, I was sweating and the rest of the course was filled with hills. I tried to run up them but was pretty unsuccessful. So I walked many times during the second half of the race … during every hill.

I also stopped and walked at both water stops.

Well, by the end, I had no energy… at all… and the biggest hill was 1/2 mile before the finish line…GRRR!!!

I really wasn’t paying attention to the time on my watch and I walked one last time on the last turn and was shocked to see that the clock said 57:xx!!

I booked it but it was too little, too late, I crossed at 58:09 (58:02 chip time).

Not a PR and not even a course PR. Not a bad finish time but I ran the race poorly. My 2nd half was over 2 minutes slower than the first. Yes, it was hillier but I was dragging and let it pull me down and walked more than I probably needed to.

I quickly headed to get food. Priorities! The line was long but moved quickly. There was fruit, bagels, lots of delicious homemade goodies (cookies, apple, pumpkin, zucchini breads, etc.) and hot chocolate. Everything was so good!

It was getting late so I retrieved my checked bag and looked for the race results.

I came in 6th. Looking forward to turning 65 in May.

Though I was almost 2 minutes faster than two years ago when I won an AG award, this year I did not.

I waited around for the awards ceremony because both Holly (in the 5k) and Judith in the 10K got awards.

I also finally found Judy and we chatted for awhile. Jen, Jeri & Chris (the other Wineglass ladies) went out to breakfast. Pretty tempting but remember I have a half marathon in a month.

So I walked back to my car, left over my stuff and headed out.

It was slow but very enjoyable. I took photos and re-traced most of the race route as well as ran on some of the trails. My biggest problem (other than my tired body) was that there was a huge high school cross-country meet going on and I kept getting in the way of the runners.

In the end, I covered 4.8 more miles for an even 11 on the day. I deserved a root beer float and dinner out, right?

Race PS:

I woke up Sunday with a full blown cold. Headache, sore throat, stuffy nose.

That might explain my lack of energy the day before.

Happy Running! Did you race this past weekend?

October 10, 2017 by Darlene

Apple Run 5K Race Recap

I ran this race in 2014 because 2 ladies whom I met at a previous race raved about it. Now it’s become one of my favorite fall races.

: Apple Run 2014

: Apple Run 2015

: Apple Run 2016

It didn’t hurt that in 2014, I finished this race in 27:47 and won 1st in my age group, in 2015, I finished in 28:01 and won 2nd and then again in 2016, I won 2nd with a time of 27:48. You get a plaque as your award.

That being said, on a weekend where there was good number of local races (including the Susan Komen Race for the Cure 5k, Blessed Sacrament 5k, Falling Leaves 5k), I chose to drive 45 minutes to run this race.

According to the website, it is a looped, flat course. Even though I ran it three times already, I didn’t remember much about the course. I run so many races, they all blend together sometimes.

Apparently we quickly switched from summer to fall in a few days and then back to summer. But at least the predicted rain did not come. When I left the house, it was pretty chilly and damp.

I debated on what to wear and decided on capris and a tank. But brought my DIY arm warmers for the race start.

I arrived about 45 minutes before the start of the 9 am race which starts and ends at the middle school in Burnt Hills.

In the school gym, I picked up my bib and lots of race swag.

I saw Tom, the crazy guy that I see at most of my races. We posed for pics as usual.

Then I spotted Sue who had recommended this race. (Her Connecticut friend Ilsa couldn’t come.)

Ilsa, Sue & I

Soon it was time to head outside.

Ideally, I would have liked to try for a course PR. But with less than a week since running a half marathon and very little running this week, I figured that it wouldn’t happen.

Sue and I started together and she’s my competition (but she hasn’t been racing much.)

We lined up near the front because there were so many kids running this race (The whole girls hockey team and cross country team, I think).

Runners head up Lake Hill Road for the 22nd Annual ...

photo from the Gazette (2015)

My start was quite slow since all those kids were in the way. It was impossible not to weave around them.

I love the course although it does feel like you’re running on a slight uphill the whole time. There are only 2 short downhills and they’re during the last mile.

The race course is a loop first through country roads and then around a residential neighborhood and then back along a different country road.

There was someone calling out times at mile 1 which for me was about 8:45. At the halfway point, there was a water stop but I chose not to stop.

That’s when I decided to see what would happen if I ran the whole race without stopping to walk. I can’t remember the last time I did that…it’s been years.

Though the temp was in the 50s, it was very humid. I was sweating.

Finally, I came to home stretch. When I saw the clock, I was surprised that I was again close to a PR. I ran as fast as I could and crossed at 27:29.

My friend, Tom, who was pushing a stroller finished in 21 minutes, was cheering me on.

I was happy. Not a PR but a course PR.

I waited for Susan to finish. She had only run one race since this race last year so she did great.

The most fun of the race was watching these three “old”guys finish. They race every weekend and compete with each other.

We congratulated them and went inside to check results and get food.

Inside there were pizza, bagels, fruit, etc. I had 2 pieces of pizza and a bagel and waited with my friends for the awards.

First they gave out a ton of raffle prizes of which I won none. But as for awards, I won first and Sue third.

As always, I enjoyed this race and plan to run this one again next year.

My splits:

mile 1 – 8:48
mile 2 – 8:48
mile 3 – 8:52
mile .14 – 7:31
27:29 (My PR is 27:11 from 2014 but this is my 3rd fastest 5k)

All my splits were under 9 minutes! That’s a first for me. And they were pretty even. Too bad, I couldn’t negative split…

I asked my friend Tom about how to get a PR. He replied: Lift weights!!

Hmmm. Maybe?? Nay, I think not.

My running, however, was not over for the day. 9 miles was on the schedule in preparation for next half marathon. So I drove to the Colonie Town Park. I wanted to run some place different and I hadn’t run there in awhile.

I changed my shirt because I was so sweaty.

And fortunately Judy agreed to wait and do her run with me.

My legs were definitely tired. This always happens when I run a race for my first few miles of a long run.

: 6 miles with Judy

It was a nice run. Lots of running and walking and chatting. It rained off and on but a light rain so big deal. My pace was probably very slow but I was fine with it. All I cared about was that I was DONE!! And there would be ice cream after!

Thanks Judy for the company!!!

After a long afternoon filled with errands, I convinced my hubby that I needed to carb reload. So we went out to dinner.

wine, steak, baked potato, cannoli = perfect meal

Today is Tuesday so don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

The topic for today is: If I didn’t run….

I can’t imagine not running. I wish that I had started running earlier in life.

Not running would only happened if my health wouldn’t allow it. In that case, I guess I would return to playing tennis daily, join a gym, take yoga classes, go hiking. None of which would be as fulfilling as running.

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

Happy Running! How did you spend your long weekend? What would you do if you didn’t run?

October 9, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 10.2.17-10.8.17

Last Week: Recovery & Work = #HoLottaRest

Monday – First day volunteering with the STEM runners. It’s a Couch to 5k so we were only running for a minute. So after work I went to get my nails done (long over due!!) and then back to run with the STEM ladies. I guess I meant to rest because none of the runners could come.

Tuesday – Long drive to Buffalo for work. I was worried that I would not get in a run before dark. But I rushed and got it done.

Warm temps returned

Wednesday -Long day of work and a long drive home from Buffalo. I thought I might squeeze in a run before I left but it was raining 😦

Thursday – Had a hair appointment after work so the only time I could run was before work. Well after standing for 8 hours and driving for 5, I felt like I had been hit by a mac truck when I got up so I skipped my run?? No I went to work late and drove to a nearby trail. Just what the doctor ordered. I felt so much better after the run (even if it was very humid out.)

Nearby park where I haven’t run in years

Friday – Another needed rest day and an evening with my mah Jong friends.
Saturday – Today I ran one of my favorite fall races, the Apple Run 5k. Another almost PR and a fun time.

27:29 and first in my age group

After the race, I needed to add more miles since next week’s weather looked rainy and I had another half in 5 weeks. So I drove to Colonie Town Park to meet Judy and run 6 more miles.

Colonie Town Park is near Judy’s favorite ice cream spot.

Sunday – Back up to the lake. Could be our last boating day of the season?? Glad that the weather cooperated. A rainy morning but record temps in the afternoon.