April 24, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 4.17.17-4.23.17

Last Week:

Monday – Today was a hellish day. A good friend’s 23 year son took his own life and I went to a memorial service. Then my MIL had a mini stroke and ended up in the hospital. Thank God, it was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run and I could clear my head with a run and friends. The plan tonight was warm-up, 6-8 400m sprints at 5k pace, 200m recovery, cool down. The weather was perfect though a little too windy. Patrick said I got the consistently award for running all 6 sprints at 1:53 (We quit after 6 repeats.)

notice that our coach is wearing Skirt Sports.

Afterwards I met my BFF at the mall for a walk and a chat.

Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I ran some miles at UAlbany. Another perfect weather day.

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work, followed by a stop at the gym after work.

It was also my day for volunteering with the STEM runners – Couch to 5k and being week 2 and day 2, we only ran for 1 1/2 minutes and walked for 2 minutes. It was fun and so rewarding to work with these new runners even in the damp cold drizzling weather.

Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run on the Nisky Bike Path since Alyssa had the day off and lives nearby. I joined her for the first 6 of her 13 mile run. Another run trying to beat the rain. And we did.

Friday – I had planned a quick run before mah jongg but it was raining so I went to the gym to use the machines instead. Of course, the rain had stopped by the time I was done but I lost my mojo.
Saturday – A scheduled rest day. I got a lot done around the house. Then I went to the movies with friends…

it was excellent!!

followed by dinner out.

Sunday – Today I ran the Lake George 5k. I’ve run it before so the uphill was no surprise. The weather couldn’t have been nicer. The race felt effortless and I even won my age group.

Not a PR but a decent 27:53 finish

Afterward, I ran 4 more miles on a nearby bike path …

Uphill on the way out but a delightful downhill back

and then drove up to our marina and ran 2 more miles. I felt strong enough to run more but I had plans for lunch with a friend.

Mimosa and feta shrimp tomato omelet with corn bread & fresh fruit salad

1 more week to go!! Taper time!

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles),
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – gym, STEM group run (week 3 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – drive/train to NYC, packet pick up, etc.
Sunday – Shape Women’s Half Marathon

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

April 17, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 4.10.17-4.16.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was week 4 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run. The plan tonight was 10 minute warm-up, then run 4-6 400m @ 5k pace w/200 m rest, then cool-down. It was tough especially since the temps hit 80 degrees today. Though I was one of the slowest of the group, I did 5 repeats each in 1:53 (That’s fast for me).

3 sweaty miles with some needed speed work

Afterwards, I rushed off (without stretching and sweaty) to our mah jongg seder to celebrate the first night of Passover.

Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I planned to stop at the Crossings (since I was nearby) to run. But had to go back to work so I ran at Ualbany instead. Another very warm day but I’m not complaining.

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work. It was also my first day volunteering with the STEM runners. They are doing the Couch to 5k and being week 1 and day 2, we only ran for 1 minute and walked for 1.5 minutes. It was fun and great to meet the new group. I hope they stick with it.

week 1, day 2

Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run in Washington Park since neither of us had been there in ages. Even though Alyssa didn’t feel great, it was still a decent effort. Better than running alone.

cloudy and chilly…spring is fickle here

Friday – Another scheduled rest day due to an after work hair appointment. (I’ve got my priorities.)

Saturday – Today I ran the Code Blue 8k. It was a new race for me and I knew that it would be hilly (and it was.) But it was sunny and that made all the difference and I loved the course.

4th in my AG but happy with 46:26 (GT) 46:01 (garmin)

After chatting with my friend Judith for awhile, I decided to continue my run at Saratoga Spa State Park. It had warmed to the 60s and it made for a perfect running day except for a fall about 2 miles in on a trail. With the help of some strangers (tissues & band-aids) and the spring water, I was able to continue my run but settled for 6 more miles rather than the planned 7.

I even washed my blood soaked socks in the spring LOL

This helped forget about my wounds.

Sunday – Rest day again but a busy day around the house.

Then we went to my mother-in-law’s for Easter dinner with the family.

Gym was closed so went for a walk instead. Can’t beat the views.

2 more weeks to go!!

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – STEM group run (week 2 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, gym
Sunday – Lake George 5K + 5-7 more miles

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

April 16, 2017 by Darlene

Code Blue 8K Race Recap

I could have taken the weekend off and have done my 12 mile long run. I also could have run an easy 4 mile race that I have done before.

But no. I like a challenge so I signed up for this race. All I knew was what it said on the website:

This challenging course is intended for competitive participants. The course is front and back loaded with rolling hills as it winds through Saratoga’s east side, it evens out with just over 5K left as you approach the City’s beautiful Spring Run Trail and finishes back at High Rock Pavilion.

Here’s the Course map:

and the Elevation:

Yeah, right. Perfect for a runner who hates hills.

I told myself that it wouldn’t kill me (and hopefully not injure me) and I would be better prepared for hilly Central Park in two weeks.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… And with quite a few women over 60 entered in this race, this one also wouldn’t tempt me to run for an award (and it was a medal of which I had enough…now if it were food, a different story.)

The plan was to take it slow. I’ve never run an 8k so an automatic PR, right?

How far is an 8K, anyway?

Well at least it was less windy than last weekend and this race was a little closer to my house (about 45 min.)

Again I tried to wear spring running clothes. I was determined to pretend that it is warm enough. (It was near 80 this past week.)

Well, when I arrived, it was in the 30’s so very chilly. I wore a shirt under my long-sleeved shirt, had gloves and a jacket. But there was no wind and it was sunny. That would make a huge difference over last weekend.

I got there pretty early, found parking in the hotel parking lot and went inside the hotel to pick up my race packet. (Real bathrooms, yay!)

short-sleeved tech shirt but it is uni-sex so too big 😦

I went back to my car to stay warm. At the last minute, I decided to shed my jacket and walked to the starting line down the street in front of the Farmer’s Market location.

In honor of the race’s charity (Code Blue Saratoga offers emergency shelter to individuals who are street homeless or might otherwise remain unsheltered during nights of extreme cold and heavy snow), I did wear blue.

I also bumped into some familiar faces from previous races but not as many as usual because this race was far from where I live (and many of my friends were running the local Rabbit Ramble race.)

My friend Tom (4th from left) was running with this group

I did eventually find Judith and we started together as we did last weekend.

I was warned about the hills in this race plus I didn’t want a repeat of last weekend’s performance (no energy for my extra post-race miles.)

I made a conscious effort to run the first mile slow. After that I didn’t have to try since there would be numerous water stops and several steep hills to slow me down.

photo from the Daily Gazette

As soon as we started, I lost Judith in the dust. That was expected. She is super speedy. We started with a slight uphill but nothing steep. I’ve become lackadaisical about my running, I think. I never double-knotted my shoes and even before we finished the first mile, one came untied and so I stopped and re-tied both of them.

Mile 2 arrived with our first big hill. I managed to shuffle my way up it without walking. The rest of the race continued with uphills and down hills. There were many twists and turns which made it interesting.

Toward the end of mile 3, we ran on a paved bike trail and then one more hill before we ended up right where we started.

photo from the Daily Gazette

There were many water stops and I quickly stopped at a few but the amazing part was that I ran up all the hills (a first, I think for me). And I had a lot of energy during the last mile.

So it turns out that an 8k is almost 5 miles.

I didn’t look at my Garmin at all during the race so I was surprised that it was almost 45:XX when I saw the finish line.

Official stats say, I crossed at 46:26 (but my Garmin says 46:01). I was happy. It was much faster than I expected especially since I was trying to run slow.

I quickly made a beeline for the food. There was the usual energy bars, bagels and fruit but also rice and beans and chocolate milk (I had 2 of each).

Judith and I hung out waiting for the awards. She won 2nd but I was 4th. I guess you can’t always win (besides it was just a medal.)

I was too sweaty to wear my long-sleeved shirt

some speedy old ladies that I don’t recognize

This race is definitely on my to-do list. I enjoyed the challenge of the hills (and they’re weren’t as bad as I feared). I liked the variety of the course, as well.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:08 (much slower than last week’s 8:30)
mile 2 – 9:22
mile 3 – 9:29
mile 4 – 9:38 (positive splits 😦 )
mile 5 – 9:14 (better!)

46:01 (Garmin time) My most recent 5 mile race time was 46:10 and my PR is 45:26 (on a flat course)

Of course, after a race, no one wants to go back out there and run 7 more miles. But I was determined to get the miles in. My run was so horrible last weekend that I did not have high hopes for this week’s.

After a long chat with Judith, she recommended that I run at Saratoga Spa State Park. So I headed there.

I parked by the Gideon Putnam hotel so it would be easy to find my car again. It’s a big park and I don’t know it well.

My plan was to run 7 miles. I stumbled upon a 5 mile trail and decided to run that first. It was really nice and I tried to follow the red signs so I wouldn’t get lost.

Around two miles in, I took a detour because I saw an interesting spring and another trail.

Well, I got too cocky with the trail running and down I went…HARD. Lots of folks around the spring offered their help. I was bleeding badly and it covered my nice white socks. But I fell right near the fountain from the spring. I rinsed my knee and my socks. A nice passer-by gave my tissues and another band-aids. So I was good to continue my run. Even if I couldn’t, I still had to get back to my car.

I went back the original trail and tried to continue but somehow, I never got to 5 miles. Only 3. But I decided to stop in the park office since I was still bleeding and the band-aids were not doing their job. They gave me alcohol to sterilize my wounds and more band-aids.

and I’m ready to run

I wasn’t lethargic like last week but it was getting rather warm and my leg was still bleeding so I continued running on the park roads, the bike path and made a loop back for only another 3 miles.

So not the 7 miles that I planned but considering the circumstances, I was happy to have 11 (interrupted) miles on my legs. (I WILL NEVER DO A TRAIL RACE!!)

After a nice long shower, I got my nails done, went grocery shopping, had dinner and then went out for drink and dessert with a friend.

I think this is appropriate for the day 🙂

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing? Ever run an 8K? Anyone combine their long runs with a short race? Have you ever fallen while running on a trail?

April 9, 2017 by Darlene

2017 Bacon Hill Bonanza Recap

April 8, 2017- Start: 10 am

Every year, I plan to sign up for the 10k and then I chicken out.

10 K

I know that the hills would be good training for runing a half marathon in Central Park but… the 5k is an out and back and mostly flat.

5k – not as flat as it looks

So I changed my mind and registered for the 5k and then planned to run 8 hilly miles after.

I ran this race for the past three years and loved it. They had great food – the usual food but also chili and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

And there was chocolate milk, fresh from the dairy.

Plus, I won a homemade apple pie as first in my age group for the past three years. 28:56, 28:01, 27:54. Yes, it seems that I am getting faster but not sure about this year??? Lately I don’t feel very fast.

The race started at 10 am which was good since it would be an hour drive from my house.

Again the weather was tricky. What to wear? I was brave the first two years and wore a skirt, a baseball cap and no gloves. It is April, right? Then last year, it was cold and I resorted to capris and a warmer hat.

This year I decided to go back to the skirt. Although it was chilly (30s) in the morning, I hoped that it would warm up by the time I raced (and after). But I did bring along gloves, capris and a jacket. (Spoiler alert: it did NOT warm up.)

I got to the race early and found a parking spot in a (muddy) field next to the church. The race started at the church in the town of Bacon Hill, a small farming town with awesome scenery. (It reminded me of Vermont.)

these pics are from other years…everything still looked the same)

It was chillier than I thought. It was in the 30s and high 20s with the windchill. Brrrr!! And it was cloudy!!! I quickly put on my capris under my skirt, my jacket, gloves and I wished that I had a hat that covered my ears and a turtle neck. I was COLD!!!!!!!!!

long sleeve women shirt

I wasn’t sure that I would know anyone at this race since Holly who was in the Turkey Trot training group and now the FRW training group said that she had to work this year and couldn’t race. And many of the locals were running Dodge the Deer today.

So I stayed in car to keep warm until almost the last minute.

On my way to the start, I bumped into Elsa, an SRM and we chatted but she was running the 10k so I proceeded to the start line alone. Then I saw blogger, Judith (a recent BQer) so I lined up with her.

At the last minute, I decided to shred my jacket. I kept on my gloves and shivered.

Soon it was time for the race to start. The pastor read a prayer, the church bells rang and we were off.

The 5k was an out and back. The 10k veered to the right and supposed had hills and breath taking views.

I decided to go out fast. I always have positive splits so why try not to. It isn’t as flat as the map shows. The hills are rolling throughout but not that bad. Even I could run up them.

I loved all the signs along the route.

13978706176_630de8b7c5_z

This one as my favorite: 14002247934_c17e330207_z

The wind was a killer. I was freezing. There were volunteers on the course calling out times. I occasionally glanced down at my Garmin to make sure I was running in the low 9’s. My biggest mistake was running the first mile in the 8’s!!!

Eventually we turned around and headed back… The wind had calmed down and I was actually very comfortable.

I stopped for water and walked for a little bit. Not because I was thirsty but because I was was out of breath. I never seemed to get into my groove. I guess I need to do some speed drills, Patrick.

I thought I had gotten a second wind but then again, I was winded. I even walked close to the end so that I could at least sprint through the finish line.

I knew at this point, there would be no PR. That was fine because I wasn’t expecting one.

the finish line is right next to the cemetery

As I approached the finish line, I realized that I could still finish under 28 minutes and I did! I crossed at 27:30 (according to my Garmin)!! And I was pleased.

I grabbed my jacket, put up my hood and immediately made a bee line for the chocolate milk. Boy, was it good. I had at least 2 cups.

They had the same great food (chili, muffins, cookies, fruit) as last year but no vegetarian dish and no pizza. I had some cookies, chili and a corn muffin.

I hung around waiting for the 10kers to finish though I was sooooo cold .

Elsa smiling but not happy about all those hills

Finally they posted the results…Mine was listed as 27:32 and I was first my age group.

Last year, it was so cold that they let you just get your award and leave but this year, we had to wait and they announced them one by one. Brrrr…

I waited with Sue (my roommate for the Shape Half in NYC) since she was winning one for the 10K.

And I won a pie again!!!

it’s homemade and delish!

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:34
mile 2 – 9:01
mile 3 – 9:01
.14 – 8:09
_________________

27:30 (Garmin time)

All in all, I loved this race. I will definitely do it again…maybe even the 10K someday. I was happy with my time. I didn’t go all out but I did beat my time for this course from the last three years. Hooray for a course PR.

I put the pie in my car and contemplated my planned 8 additional miles. The scenery is beautiful.

2016 pic

But I was just too cold. It was still in the 30s, windy and cloudy. So I left. I had several offers for running partners on Sunday and the weather was predicted to be sunny and in the 60s.

As I drove south, the temps seemed to rise. It was now in the 40’s and it looked like the sun may come out so I stopped at the Zim Smith Trail to get my long run for the day over with.

Well, to make a long story short, it was one of my worst long runs ever. After 2 miles, my legs wanted to be done. It was not warm. It was windy and the sun didn’t come out until I was almost done. But I am stubborn and just ran a little, walked a little and didn’t quit until I had finished 7 miles. The plan was for 8 but it wasn’t going to happen today. The good news: Nothing hurt – not my back, not my feet, nada.

Scenes from my post-race run:

When I was done, I was so annoyed that I only grabbed a chocolate milk at Leah’s Cakery.

Why did my long run suck?

I run better with company. It keeps me going. Also I was probably tired from the 3 miles at race pace beforehand. Do I regret running the 5k first? Not at all. I have the same plan for every weekend. A race and miles after. My next half marathon is not a goal race. It’s is just for fun.

After a long soak in the hot tub, I was revived enough to go out to dinner and drinks with my hubby.

I am sharing in the support love by 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 or race this weekend? Do you have spring weather yet?

April 3, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.27.17-4.2.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was the second Freihofer Challenge Group run. It rained all day but luckily it stopped by the time of our workout.

Nice 5 mile run with friends.

Tuesday – Another rainy day but it was a rest day. I did play tennis after work and of course, went out to dinner afterwards.
Wednesday – I took the day off and caught up on things at home that I have been neglecting and as soon I saw a bit of sunshine, I took off to squeeze in a short run and then hit the “free” gym. I needed it since that evening I had my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies (and we went Italian!!)

it was only in the 40s but was tired of waiting to wear a skirt.

Thursday – Again this week, I met Alyssa for a run at the Crossings. She had already run 10 miles by the time I got there so we were only able to run 4 together and then I ran 2 solo. Not one of my better runs but got it done before the predicted storm.

did you notice how Alyssa’s shirt matches my socks?

After the run, I met my BFF who has been on vacation for a few walking laps around the mall to catch up.

Friday – Again a rest day (and a snowy/rainy one, yes, I said snow!!) since I was hosting mah jongg and I needed to shop and clean.
Saturday – I had planned to go to the gym twice a week but this was my first time this week at this gym. I worked out on the machines and it was pretty painless.

I wanted a spring cup 😦

Then I did some retail therapy and picked up my bib for Sunday’s race.

And of course I had to carb load.

Sunday – I planned to race the Delmar Dash today. It’s one of my favorite local races because it’s near my house and I know so many of the runners. But my lower back had been achy for 2 days so I made the tough decision to DNS. I ran the course slowly after the race had started, visited with friends, ate cake and then ran 5 more miles. I was solo so it was not much fun. But the weather was perfect. My back is still sore but not worse, I hope.

sometimes you have to listen to your body….

4 more weeks to go!!

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, gym?, Judge Sotomayor event
Wednesday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, gym?, mah jongg
Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k + 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, gym?

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

April 2, 2017 by Darlene

Delmar Dash 5 Mile Un-Race Recap

If you look at the title, you’ll see that it says UN-RACE. That’s because I ran the course but I did not run the race.

This is one of my favorites courses because I am familiar with the streets, it is flat and it is only 10 minutes from my house.

This would have been my 6th time running this race.

: Delmar Dash ’16

: Delmar Dash ’15

: Delmar Dash ’14

: Delmar Dash ’13

: Delmar Dash ’11

But I didn’t. Saturday morning when I got up, my back was really painful. I thought that it was odd since the only thing I did on Friday was sit, sit at work, sit at mah jongg. (Too much sitting??)

I went to gym and only did the arm machines, went shopping, etc. My back continued to ache.

I still planned to run the race. I picked up my race packet and even went out to dinner.

long sleeved women’s tech shirt 🙂

I got up Sunday morning and my back was even more sore. It hurt to stand and walk.

So I got dressed, had my pre-race breakfast and contemplated what to do.

I knew that I should not run the race and potentially make it worse (and maybe interrupt my half marathon training.)

I could have just run it and not race it.

But I know myself (hey, I raced on a broken foot, stress fracture, etc.). I knew if I started the race, I would run it as fast as I could…trying to PR and win an age group award.

So I made the tough decision – NOT to run the race!!

I’m even in the FB cover photo. 😦

It was hard. You know how I love to race. This was a flat course. And to make matters worse, for the first time in weeks, it was a perfect racing day. 40’s and sunny!!

With weather that awesome, I could not sit home so I drove to the race start but arrived about 1/2 hour after it started. That way, I would not be tempted to run it. I parked on the street and started to run the course.

The race started on the street but ended in front of the school entrance – previous year’s pic

I ran it slowly. Chatted with all the volunteers and tried to stay on the course. Since I was last, they had started removing the signs. I didn’t wear my bib but I wasn’t even last. One very very old guy finished after me.

That’s me. I think I stopped to watch the kids racing

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to run with Barbara but I did see her as she was leaving. I am so happy that she is healthy again.

I did stop inside to chat with all my friends who had just finished. I even had cake and hot chocolate. (I mean I did pay for the race.)

Of course, I checked the results. Darn, those usual speedy ladies didn’t run and for the first time, I may have won an award in this race. (I finished a hillier 5 mile race last week at 46:09.) But then again, you never know.

Anyway, I still needed to run 5 more miles…ugh!!

Last year, Judy and Barbara kept me company. But this year, I was solo.

I left my car where it was and headed into town. Then I cut over to the rail trail.

My run was slow but I listened to some podcasts and eventually completed 5 miles.

Yes, my back continued to ache but the pain was bearable and felt better the more I ran. (Soaking in the hot tub later helped too!)

10 miles done… 4 weeks until my next half marathon.

Let’s hope I don’t have any more setbacks.

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing? Ever DNS in a race? Back pain anyone?

April 1, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I signed up for my free 6 month gym membership. My goal of using the machines twice a week hasn’t happened yet but I did go last Saturday and I plan to go today. It’s a start.

6 mos free gym – but their selection of classes is lacking and my membership does not include the pool, hot tub & sauna 😦

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the gym mentioned above offered a free fitness analysis (E3) so I signed up for it. They test for strengths and weaknesses, etc. Well, I have weak hip flexors. No surprise. But I have a strong core. They were surprised that I could plank for one minute. LOL.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that that part of the E3 analysis was a body analysis. Green is normal so I guess I should be happy there.

But here’s the bad part, I got WEIGHED! My scale has not had a battery for a very long time so I can’t weigh myself. I like it this way. Ignorance is bliss.

But now I know. And I don’t like it!!! I’ve never weighed this much!

The guy who weighed me said that I don’t look like I weigh that much. It must be muscle. He was being nice.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I was a little upset about my weight gain.

Don’t worry. It didn’t last long. That same day, I had popcorn at the movies and went out for pizza.

I went out the next night (for shrimp & hard cider). Tuesday after tennis, I went out and had salad & pizza and then on Wednesday, I went out and ate pasta and birthday cake.

Life’s too short. A girl’s gotta have fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I have a race scheduled for EVERY weekend. I know I am supposed to be training for a half marathon on April 30. But I can’t help myself.

It’s not a good way to get in those long training runs.

Tomorrow and next weekend, I am running two of my favorite races – Delmar Dash (5 miles) and Bacon Hill Bonanza (5k) instead of 10 and 11 mile long runs. So I just have to add more miles after the race (and eating and standing around). Not ideal, coach!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I almost left April 15 open for a long run and to do my taxes but I found a new race – an 8k.

its a challenging hilly race and automatic PR 🙂

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

March 27, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.20.17-3.26.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was my first Freihofer Challenge Group run. It was fun to see everyone from last year’s advanced group. We hugged and chatted and then just ran 30 minutes easy.

Tuesday – I don’t usually run three days in a row, but an arctic chill was forecast so I ran a quick one near work before tennis 🎾

Wednesday – Spring but felt like winter…9 windchill!!!

Yeah, I took a rest day and went out to dinner with a former co-worker.

Thursday – I met Alyssa for a run at the Crossings. As usual it was good one.

Friday – I had planned on a short run but it was damp and rainy so I went to the gym and activated my free 6 month membership.
Saturday – I went to the gym for an evaluation, had an orientation and actually used the machines. I have no elaborate plans for working out but I am going to try to use the machine 2x a week. We’ll see.

In the afternoon, I went to the movies with friends (instead of the Hot Yoga fundraiser for STEM.)

it’s a thriller but I liked it.

Afterward, we got pizza (another fundraiser for STEM.)

carb loading for my friends running a half marathon LOL

Sunday – I ran the Shamrock Shuffle race today. The rain held off until after the race:) and it was a fun 5 miler. I even won 3rd in my age group.

a medal & Irish soda bread was the prize 🙂

After the race, though I didn’t feel like it, I ran 4 more miles so I could get in 9 for the day. And in the rain.

I celebrated my successful running day with some wine out with a friend. (No need for a reason for wine actually.)

5 more weeks to go!!

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner with the tennis ladies
Thursday – 6 miles (with Alyssa?)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day, gym?
Sunday – Delmar Dash race + 5 more miles

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

March 26, 2017 by Darlene

Shamrock Shuffle Race Recap

This was my third time running this race.

Previous finish times – 2016: 46:28, 2015: 46:29

: 2016

: 2015

So it looks like I have been pretty consistent. Not sure what this year would bring. Most likely not a PR (Delmar Dash: 45:26 in 2015). But if I finish under 50 minutes, I’d consider it a good race.

Now that I’ve run the race twice, I would be at least prepared on how the course went uphill for the first mile, some rolling hills before it went downhill. See below:

ss15

I am always a bit nervous about those hills and trying to run fast. Plus I wanted to have enough energy to run 4 more miles afterward as I am training for another half marathon in 5 weeks.

I was hoping that the weather would be a little more spring-like and I could wear a green skirt. But it was not. It was COLD but as cold as two weeks ago at the Runnin’ of the Green race. So I just wore tights under a skirt and several layers.

The race was about an hour drive from my house. But it had a late start of 11 am so I was able to sleep in. When I arrived, the parking lot was already full, but I found a spot on a nearby street. Everyone hung out in the gym waiting for the race to start.

another cotton tee for my running buddy

I chatted with some runners that I recognized. I also met some new faces.

Then I bumped into Laurie from my Turkey Trot training group a few years ago. We talked for a while being entertained by bag pipes.

With such a late start (11 am), I was already hungry for lunch by the time the race began so I took a GU.

I was undecided about what to wear, as usual. It was cold and damp and looked like it would start to rain at any moment. In the end, I decided on a hat, 2 long sleeved shirts and gloves. (I left the jacket inside for later.)

Soon, we headed for the start. We waited until the last minute so we didn’t have to stand outside long in the cold.

It was not chip timed so I lined up close to the front.

As I mentioned, the beginning of the race went uphill. I took it slow.

I always look happy when I see the photographer. The lady behind me is one year away from my age group and is super fast.

over the highway bridge (2015’s pic)

Although it was around 30, it was humid and there was no wind, so I took off my gloves and unzipped my shirt. I could have gone with one less layer.

2015’s pic

At first water stop around mile 1.75, I walked a bit. Then I continued running until we got the downhill portion.

Mile 3’s downhills gave me a boost but again at the second water stop around mile 4, I walked again for a little bit.

After that, I just plugged along and refused to walk until I was done.

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

Of course, I tried to beat that young runner (18 year old) to the finish line. And I did!! (barely)

I crossed at 46:10.

I waited around for Sue and Laurie to cross and then went inside to the cafeteria.

The refreshments were not much to speak. I had a brownie and a banana and chatted with Laurie.

We then waited in the gym for the results to be posted. The previous two years, I got 3rd. I doubted that I would win again but you never know when you’re in the old ladies group. But I did!!

In addition to a medal, you got a loaf of Irish soda bread.

I’m still 63 until May.

Splits:

2015 / 2016 / 2017

mile 1- 8:55 / 9:10 / 9:13
mile 2- 9:31 / 9:30 / 9:16
mile 3- 8:58 / 8:52 / 9:01
mile 4- 9:35 / 9:24 /9:17
mile 5- 9:19 / 9:27 / 9:18

chip time- 46:09, garmin time – 46:08

I enjoyed the race (I enjoy them all) and was happy about how I did considering I do NOT do any speed work. It was not a PR but it was actually a course PR, 20 seconds faster than last year. I was expecting to be a lot slower. I was glad that I didn’t push myself because I had planned more miles for the day…

Though I was tired and cold, I drove to the Zim Smith Trail. As soon as I got there, it started to rain. I so wanted to leave but it wasn’t raining hard so I just slowly dragged myself along for 4 more miles.

: the trail is mostly clear

: just a few icy spots

: it was chillier than during the race

One of the perks of the trail is that you can park next to a bakery.

So yes, I’ll be back to the run on the trail and back to sample more of Leah’s baked goods. Today, I was cold so just had soup.

So I got my 9 mile training run done. It just had a 1 1/2 hour break in the middle.

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

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

March 21, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Local Race

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

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

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Local Race

Image result for freihofer run 2017

This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 10th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

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

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. (Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years.)
It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
I always meet someone I know and someone new. Last year, I even met the mayor.
Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
2011 was my FRW PR year. Maybe I’ll PR again?
Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!
In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
In 2015 & 2016, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.
You run around Washington Park.
There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Everyone finishes with a smile.
They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread
Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)