April 27, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: It’s Half Time, Vacation Time, etc.

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Half Time:

And I’m not talking about football. This weekend I am heading to NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon.

I am, of course, weather stalking:

Glad the race isn’t Sat…

My preference would be weather like this past weekend – sunny and cool but as long as it doesn’t rain, I’ll be happy.

What to wear is pretty easy since I always wear a SkirtSports skirt and tank. I’m going purple for this race.

The logistics and weekend events are still up in the air and it’s Thursday. I may be going and staying in a hotel room with two other women or maybe only one. One is injured and can’t decide if she wants to walk or stay home. We may be driving 1 1/2hrs and taking the train to the city or taking the train from Albany and taking the bus back. I’m thinking the first option since it is cheaper.

We are staying in a hotel in Harlem on 124th St. Tentative plans are drop off bags, bib pick up (57th), hotel check in, new Whitney museum (13th St) and dinner. We are having dinner with another local runner. There’s another STEM graduate who running the race. I need to try to plan a meet-up with her as well as another blogger.

Race-cations are always exciting even if they are short.

Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge:

This is the 7th year of this program and my third year participating. I signed up for the Advanced group again and we already had 6 weeks of training. We have a great group of new and returning runners. I only go on Mondays but I actually like the speed drills this year. They seem to be less painful than previous years (or maybe I’m just more relaxed and not trying to be the fastest.)

Patrick, who is young and cute, is still one of our coaches. He is constantly scolding me for not running as fast as he thinks I am able and mostly for racing every weekend. However, I am able to ask him questions and he gives me useful advice (that I may or may not follow LOL).

Upcoming Florida Vacation:

With work and this weekend in NYC, I’m not ready. We leave on a 6am flight next Wednesday. I’m away this weekend, have my running group Monday evening and tennis Tuesday evening. Yikes! When do I pack for 8 days away??

But looking forward to sunsets and fun times on the tennis courts and soaking up the sun on the beach.

If you know me, you know that although there are very few races this time of year in Florida, since we are there 2 weeks earlier than usual, I thought I’d take a look.

May 7 – 7:30 am

I found one – two loops around Old Naples. We have tickets for a show the night before so I don’t know if I can talk someone with a car into getting up early to drive me. We’ll see.

Happy Running! What’s new with you today? Tell me in the comments.

April 26, 2017 by Darlene

Lake George 5k Race Recap

I signed up for this race on a whim. I mean, it’s the week before my half marathon and I should be tapering not racing.

the day before the Lake George Half Marathon in 2011

I love Lake George. The half was my second half marathon ever (in the freezing rain!)

finishing the Lake George Half in 2011

They changed the sponsoring company of the race (from Dean Reinke to Stronger To Serve) so I decided to run the half marathon again last year with Barbara.

April 2016 – chilly in Lake George, NY

Anyway, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit with my Lake George friends after the race (or maybe even shop at the Outlets.)

with my friend Kathy last year

So this year, when I got a $10 off coupon in my e-mail, I said: “what the heck? why not run the 5k?” Plus you got the same medal, tee shirt and age group award as if you had run 13.1 miles (as Tom in the photo below reminded me.) I don’t know if that will be the same this year. The website indicates that it is a cotton tee for the 5kers and no medal. That is ok with me. (I have enough shirts and medals.)

I wasn’t sure if they changed the course from the 2013 course but I know it is hilly anywhere in Lake George. But it looks about the same on the website.

2013 course (Spoiler alert: not the 2017 course)

Again the dilemma of what to wear … some days it feels like spring, other days it feels like winter.

So left my house early (around 7:15 am) and it was chilly (37 degrees!!)!! I decided to wear something similar to last week (short sleeved shirt & DIY arm sleeves, skirt & compression socks) and hope for the best. I also wore a jacket that I planned to ditch but forgot my gloves at home.

When I arrived (around 8:15 am), I started by looking for parking in the hotel lot. (If it was full, I planned to check out the park or the village or my friends’ house.) I managed to find a spot and went to pick up my race packet and bib which was outside in back of the hotel.

Short sleeved tech shirt

yup, that’s the last part of the nasty gravel hill to the finish line

I was early so walked around for a while. It was very sunny and there was no wind so the temps were warming up nicely.

I already took of my jacket and rolled down my sleeves

Then I went back to my car to put away my race shirt and I bumped into Judith who was running the half.

We hung out until it was time for her race to start. I was able to watch the half marathoners start and finish their first mile before my race began.

there’s goes Judith on her way to a PR and 2nd place woman finisher

Most of the runners there were racing the half marathon so there was only a small crowd doing the 5K. Fifteen minutes after the half started, it was time for the 5k race.

The course that we ran was completely different from the one I had run a few years ago. We actually ran the same course as the half but just turned around a lot sooner.

So we ran down Beach road for 1/2 mile and then circled a parking lot and returned and passe the start line. This was my least favorite part because we had to run on the sidewalk (my ankle gets angry on sidewalks) but at least the view was nice.

The temperature was perfect for running. It was probably in the high 40’s by the start. I was comfortable in what I was wearing except for my hands which were cold. I didn’t feel like I was running fast but looking at my splits, it seems that I was for the first mile. I’ve been trying to run by feel and not look at my watch during a race.

We continued along Beach Road past the tour boats and eventually turned right onto Canada Street (the main road of the town).

Canada Street was slightly uphill and we ran through town and then turned right onto 9N and ran uphill for another 1 1/2 miles until we had to turn around. I was running slower due to the hill but didn’t feel the need to walk like I usually do.

behind those restaurants is the road in town

Finally we took a left onto Beach Road and then had turn right onto a narrow path and run uphill and then turn again onto to a gravel path. It was very hard to run uphill on loose stones. I slowed down to almost a walk but finally did sprint across the finish line.

I crossed at 27:53 and I was pleased with my effort.

I wasn’t tired, I didn’t push myself at all. Maybe I could have PRed but I was planning to enjoy the race and then have enough energy to run more miles after. Mission accomplished.

As soon as you finished, they handed you your results and if you won an award, you got a glass. (But no medal as they gave last year for the 5k. Oh well.) No waiting around for awards. No announcing of names and ages.

Yup, I won first in my age group.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:44
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 8:47
.15 – 9:24

I got some refreshments and then decided to run some miles on the nearby bike trail. I ran 2 miles (which was all uphill) and then turned around (That downhill was fun!).

The I went back to my car and drove about 30 minutes north to Bolton Landing (where we keep out boat and I do all my summer runs.)

Unfortunately, I was running out of time. I had made lunch plans. So I ran in town and then over the bridge to the Sagamore Hotel and then back to my car. I only had time for 2 more miles. My legs still felt strong but this would have to do for the day.

view from the bridge

So I changed my clothes (in my car) and rushed off to the restaurant. Kathy & I did a lot of catching up and had a scrumptious lunch with a view of the water.

I’m wearing my race shirt, of course

: shrimp, feta, tomato omelet, corn bread, fresh fruit salad

After lunch, we drove back into town and walked around for a while before we parted.

quiet day at our marina

I ended the day with some ice cream (why not?) and some retail therapy at the outlets (and I did not buy any running related items).

All in all, a perfect day

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

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?

April 25, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: April Report Card

So spring finally did arrive. Although it did waver back and forth throughout most of the month.

Here’s how April turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Although we had quite a bit of rain. 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 ran at UAlbany (near work), at the Crossings, near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path.

The good news is that it stays light out longer so I don’t have to run in the dark and can run longer after work. Since the snow has melted, I also have more choices of places to run.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me once a week. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

I continued to attend the Monday sessions of the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. Coach Patrick put us through those speed drills that I normally would never attempt on my own.

: week 5

I also started my volunteering stint with the STEM runners this month. The clients run three time each week. I attended two Wednesday sessions. May will be our big month since the race is in early June.

: week 1, day 2

Long Runs:

I will end the month with a half marathon and so I tried to squeeze in some miles on the weekends to prepare for it. There were no uninterrupted long runs so my training definitely was lacking.

: 5 mi + 5 mi = 10 mi

: 5k + 7 mi = 10 mi

: 8k + 6 mi = 11 mi

: 5k + 6 mi = 9 mi

Total Mileage:

I ran 102 miles this month. I am pleased since I increased my mileage from last month (thanks to running a half this month) and it’s my highest mileage in a long time.

April Miles

Races:

I had five races on my schedule this month – two 5ks, a 8k and a half marathon but I DNSed on one (a 5 miler)

I was sad that a backache forced me to DNS at the Delmar Dash (one of my favorite local races). However, I was generally happy with how the other races went. The Bacon Hill 5k was cold and windy which helped me run fast. The Code Blue race was quite hilly and my first 8k. I really enjoyed this race and did better than I expected. The Lake George 5k was also hilly but one of the most scenic places to run and I won my age group. The Shape Half was one of my toughest halfs to date but I finished so I was very pleased and the weekend in NYC was fun.

Did not expect any PRs and I didn’t get them.

: 27:32 – course PR & 1st AG

: 27:53 – 1st in AG

: 2:20:49

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but with work and other stuff, I only played once this month.

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week, though. I didn’t quite achieve that.

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall. Not everyday like I used. But more often since the weather has cooperated.

Other News:

I’ve gone out to dinner quite a few times with different friends (maybe too many times LOL). It seems to be how we make time to catch up when our lives are so busy. You have to eat, right?

I also got to hear the amazing Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speak.

: dinner with the hubby

: seder with my mah jongg buddies

: dessert with an old friend

: movie & dinner with tennis friends

: lunch with boating friend

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is May 21 in Adams, Mass. It is flat and on the same course as my PR (Ramblefest in October).

My annual tennis vacation in Naples, Fla is coming up. Lots of girl-time scheduled.

And it’s my BIRTHDAY month!! (May 9)

I have quite a few races planned. My race season just kicked into high gear.

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

(tennis trip to Florida 5/3-5/10)

5-6-17 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)?
5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K?
5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5m)
5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon
6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-11-17 – Run for Hope (volunteer with STEM) or Betar Byway 5k & Moreau Mile??
6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k* or Good Karma 5k*??
6-25-17 – Adirondack Distance Run

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her April Race 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 an A-. I think that I improved from last month – more miles, some drills, some gym time. Still room to grow.

What do you think?

Happy Running! How did your April turn out? Anything exciting planned for May? What grade would you give your running month?

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!