August 10, 2016 by Darlene

Race The Train Recap

rtt

I love to race and this one sounded interesting. I’ve always wanted to do it but the timing never worked out.

This year, I decided to sign up since it would get me running 8.4 miles and that’s fits in with my scheduled Sept. 18 Half Marathon.

The race is not close – about an hour 50 minutes and you have to be on time since you take the train to the race start.

I left around 5:30 am just in case I got lost. But I didn’t. It was easy to get to North Creek Railroad Station and didn’t take as long as anticipated. So I got there very early and parked in a parking lot next to the finish line. (This turned out to be a mistake since I couldn’t leave at the end when I wanted to.)

It was already in the 70s when I arrived so this was going to be a hot one. I was just hoping that there would be shade.

The only thing I knew about the race was that it was rolling hills. The map below shows that the steepest climb at in the first 2 miles.

rtt

So I got my race packet (a cotton shirt, a bib, your train ticket and a raffle ticket) and walked around.

There were REAL restrooms in the gift shop and a lot of interesting things to read and look at.

the train the racers & their families would be taking

waiting to board (and wearing my new Skirt Sports top & skirt 🙂 )

Finally everyone arrived and we lined up to get on the train. I wound up talking to an older lady and we decided to sit to together.

we sat in the dining car – pretty comfy. Too bad we couldn’t enjoy any food or drink

And then we sat and waited and waited. The train was supposed to leave at 8 am but it didn’t until 8:15 and they even had a bus for the extra runners.

The ride was really scenic.

It was along the Hudson River the whole way.

Finally we arrived at the next station – Riparius.

Again, there were REAL bathrooms and water. I walked around and finally headed to the bridge where the race would begin.

Finally everyone got to the start. I started with another older lady and the one that I sat on the train with. We were chatting so much that I forgot to start my Garmin. Oops. (I considered leaving it off but finally after 1/2 mile, it found the satellite.)

The train gave us a head start and then it took off with the friends and families of the runners.

photo from: The Sun

The goal is to beat the train. I knew that I would not and I also knew that since I don’t train on hills, it would be a tough race for me. But since this is my first 8.4 miles race, it’s automatically a PR. All I had to do is finish and try to enjoy it.

And that’s what I did.

The first mile and 1/2 was a STEEP uphill. First on asphalt and then on dirt. I attempted to run but decided that I would be better off walking. Everyone that was running was struggling. Besides it was HOT! So I ran a little but mostly walked trying to stay in the shade when there was some.

There was someone called out times at every mile. I think I was at 13:xx for the first mile but by mile 3, I was able to get my pace between 10 and 11 and keep it there even if I walked the hills.

That uphill eventually turned into a downhill but after that it was just rolling hills. They never ended. They weren’t steep or as long except for maybe 2 more steepish ones. That meant there were only 2 more steep downhills.

But because you were running on dirt with rocks, you couldn’t take advantage of the downhills as much as you would have liked. (I always fear a face plant.)

The scenery was nice as you ran through the woods and toward the end, you could see the river. Eventually, you had to run through town in order to finish at the train station.

photo from: The Sun

The lady that I started with ran up all the hills so she was way ahead of me but by the last few miles, I could see her in the distance and in the end, I finished ahead of her.

The good news is that my back never hurt. I didn’t get blisters and I never felt tired. I didn’t push myself and as a result could enjoy the race. (Of course, part of me wished I had enough endurance to run up those hills but I know my legs would have been dead by the end if I did.)

I had no time goals but I estimated that I would finish around 1:30:xx and I finished at 1:28:54. I was happy!!

everyone got a medal

I had some food (bagels, fruit, pastries) but the highlight was chocolate milk and then I waited around for the awards while trying to be creative with my medal.

Also while I was waiting, a young runner (high school age) came up to me and told me that she loves my blog. I was surprised! She said that she runs cross-country and uses my blog to decide which races to run. How neat!!!

rtrag

And I won my age group!! I beat that older lady by 4 sec. She said that she rain the whole thing and if she knew I was in her age group, she would have raced me. (I was kinda annoyed. I wanted to add “and I would have beaten you!” but didn’t)

water bottle as my prize

After the awards, they gave away raffle prizes and I mean lots of prizes. That’s when I realized that I was parked in the wrong spot. I was stuck there until all the prizes were given out (and I didn’t even win one.)

All in all, a fun race. I think I’ll do it again…

My HILLY Splits:

mile .5-1.5: 13:16
mile 1.5-2.5: 9:13
mile 2.5-3.5: 10:41
mile 3.5-4.5: 10:02
mile 4.5-5.5: 10:44
mile 5.5-6.5: 11:43
mile 6.5-7.5: 10:27
mile 7.5- 8.4: 9:40

I decided after the race to do some hiking before the DOMS set in. I stopped off to finish my last two hikes of the Chester Challenge.

view fro the top of Kipp Mountain

at the end of Palmer Pond trail

I visited a friend who has a house nearby and then drove to our marina where a friend took me out for a ride on his boat.

A pretty perfect day – racing, hiking, boating!!

Happy Running!

August 9, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Mishaps

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

This week’s topic is Race Mishaps

The more races you run, the more likely there will be mishaps.

That means I’ve had quire a few.

If you read my blog regularly, you’ve probably heard all about these:

There was the time that I thought it would be 60 degrees and sunny (like the day before the race) and it turned out to be 30 degrees and sleeting. Yes, I nearly froze to death.

Lake George Half – 2011

There was the time that we had a power failure so my alarm clock didn’t go off and I got up late. I drove 90 mile like a crazy lady and the race started late due to a traffic jam.

I felt like the lady next to me looked – Walkway Half 2015

There was the time that I postponed going to a doctor about a sore foot because I was visiting my best friend from high school/college and running a race. It turned out that I had a stress fracture in my foot.

Runners World 5K 2012 (smiling through the pain)

Of course, there was the time that I broke my foot at the mile 1 water stop but finished the race anyway.

post Freihofer’s 5k 2013

And then there was the time when I waited 3 hours to run the 2nd half of a marathon relay and it got cancelled due to the heat when I was only at mile 4.

heading (unoffically) to the finish line of the VCM Relay 2016

There was the one mile race where I thought it started in the same place as the 5k. It didn’t. So I had to sprint a mile to start and got there after it started (and still got an age group award.)

Moreau Mile -2015

I could go on and on. There were many rainy races, hot races, cold races, windy races, races too short, races too long, race where my chip was not recorded (and I would have gotten an age group award), race that had me in the wrong age group (and I would have gotten an award), etc etc etc.

Happy Running! What was your worst race mishap?

August 8, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – The plan was to be on the boat Sunday night so I could run in the am and then do 2 more hikes. But the rain interfered. Instead I stayed home and had a pretty productive day. I squeezed in a sweaty run between the raindrops followed by a trip to the gym.

I also made a trip to Clothes Mentor (a consignment shop) and made some $$ from some unwanted clothes, shoes & bags. I actually cooked dinner for the hubby (chicken parm w/pasta) and then walked the mall with my BFF.

Tuesday – I went to a workshop on Gaming at a local middle school and then played tennis – no running today.

found this nice surprise on my windshield

finally a nice evening for tennis

Wednesday – Day 2 of the workshop. A lot of sitting, a lot of eating. (Made this with Voki.)Luckily in the evening, I ran with Alyssa. It was warm but not as hot as last week. Alyssa is patient with my need to walk. When I walk, she runs slow and I catch up. Unfortunately I had to quit before she finished her 7 miles due to back pain. (It’s always something.)

at the Corning bike path

Thursday -Another trip to NYC. My friend drove us so we didn’t need to deal with train schedules. We took the bus to Bryant Park where we watched the casts from Avenue Q, Holiday Inn, American in Paris & Beautiful perform. We had lunch in a restaurant overlooking the park and then walked (40 blocks) to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Fashion Institute. (This year’s theme was Manus x Machina).

We ended the day with dessert and tea at the Neue Gallerie before driving back home – a LONG but enjoyable day. I ❤ NYC!!

Friday – Played tennis in the AM. The weather was perfect. The rest of the day was pretty unproductive.

walked to and from the courts too

Saturday – Ran a 8.4 mile race called Race The Train and raced the train is which is what we did. I didn’t beat it but had a fun time running up and down all the hills. No lie. It was a tough one.

even won my age group

Afterwards I did my last two hikes of the Chester Challenge.

Kipp Mountain

Palmer Pond Trail

Spent the rest of the day at the marina – at the beach and on our friend’s boat.

Sunday – Since I had time to kill while waiting for my hubby to arrive at the marina, I decided to go for a hike. This was my favorite so far.

This we spent the rest of the day on the lake with friends.

floating in the bay by Long Island

17 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – breakfast and day at the race track
Tuesday – 3 mile run, PM tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – 3 mile run, pool/tennis party
Friday – AM tennis, rest, marina party or tennis party
Saturday – 10K race + 3 miles, knitting weekend at the Schroon River House
Sunday – knitting, boating

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? Any races?

August 6, 2016 by Darlene

The Ultimate Coffee Date – August

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

Where did July go? I felt like I just wrote July’s UCD post.

Anyway…

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that job hunting is more stressful than working itself. I’ll leave it at that since it is soooo depressing. (I have 2 interviews next week – fingers crossed!)

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that the more time you have, the less you get done.

My big plan for the summer was to clean out and get rid of.

So far, I have de-cluttered table, dresser, counter tops and now I have many boxes in the basement full of junk.

I also have boxes of books to donate.

I brought clothes to a consignment shop and I have many bags still to give away.

It’s a start but my drawers and closets are still FULL!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I caved and bought 2 new skirts (gym girl ultras) from Skirt Sports. Love the new patterns. (If you want to buy one of these skirts, use this code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.)

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I cannot resist a bargain. Do I need another pair of UGG boots??? No, but these retail for $160 and they were never worn. They cost $28 and I had a $20 credit at the consignment shop.

I also may have found another bargain on my favorite running shoes – $35 off & free shipping coupon.

zv11

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to stay active during my weekday time off (just in case it ends). I’ve been to a show in the park, playing tennis, hiking, going to New York City and on Monday I am going to the Saratoga Race Track for breakfast and a little betting!!

view from the top of Stewart Mountain

we listened to the cast of several shows and then WALKED 40 blocks to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Fashion Institute.

And yes, there has been some running in the mix.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m coming up on my anniversary of no pain while running (well it’s October 8 – back pain during RNR Brooklyn).

Wouldn’t you know it that during my run on Wednesday with Alyssa, my lower back started to ache. So much so that I shortened my run.

It maybe due a muscle pull while carrying stuff on Saturday or too much sitting at workshops on Tuesday & Wed or maybe I need new shoes. (That justifies the purchase mentioned above, right?)

I wore more supportive sandals on Thursday in NYC and they only gave me blisters. OY!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I love the Olympics! Can’t wait to watch all the events. Wasn’t the opening ceremony great?

Gymnastics are my favorite but I’ll be routing for Desi, Shaylane and Amy.

Desiree Linden, Shalene Flanagan and Amy Cragg celebrate after qualifing for the Women's Olympic Team in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I may have lost my mind signing up for today’s race.

rtt

I haven’t run more than 5 miles straight since June 26 and haven’t done any hills since then. And now there’s the back thing.

8.4 hilly miles.…What was I thinking?!

Happy Running! Anything to spill? Are you racing this weekend? What is your favorite Olympic event to watch? Are you a bargain hunter?

August 3, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Captivate

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

Today’s word is captivate or to attract and hold the interest and attention of.

So how’s does running captivate me?

Those places I have seen.

the trails in Palm Desert, CA

the shores of the Atlantic in Palm Beach FL

the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ

These captivating locales would not have been seen by me if I wasn’t a runner.

The bling.

3rd

Medals and prizes. These captivating objects also have come into my possession only due to running.

The people whom I have met.

running and chatting with Joan Benoit Samuelson

local and not so local bloggers

getting my bib signed by Frank Shorter

these amazing STEM volunteer runners

All captivating. Some famous. Some not. If I had not been a runner, I would not have made their acquaintance.

Accomplishments

finishing a heat cancelled half.

completing 13.1 miles after serious ankle surgery

Half in Naples, Florida

My first HALF!!

I have done things that I never thought possible. Running has given me a sense of purpose, a feeling of self-confidence

and has CAPTIVATED me.

Happy Running! How has running or something else captivated you?

August 2, 2016 by Darlene

July Recap

Wow, the summer is flying by… It’s August already.

So here’s how July went…

Weekday Runs:

Summer arrived. It was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain. I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were all slow sweaty ones.

Because I am not working, I am able to run wherever. I am not forced to run near home or near work. So I have tried to do my runs in many different places.

: at Peebles Island

I also ran with Alyssa 3 times. I met her on FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster.

13508972_1818003835089003_7257062188135281987_n

Long Runs:

There were NONE. I ran races on the weekends. There were NO double-digits runs. The longest were a 7 mile run (interrupted after 4), a 5 mile run and a 3 mile post 5k run.

Total Mileage:

july

I ran 76 miles this month – the same as last month. But I wasn’t training for anything and it was hot so I guess that’s ok.

Races:

I only ran two races this month – both 5ks (I DNSed on my 3rd 5k.)

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. I won age group awards in both. That’s an achievement.

Cross Training:

I am STILL unemployed and I am playing tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer. The thrill is wearing off.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I promise.

lheartspaceogo

I did workout at the gym at least three times. I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walk to the tennis courts when I play nearby and occasionally do go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked. I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) make up for it, though.

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and loved it. Once to Thomas Mountain in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends- We took a history/food tour of northern Little Italy and then a visit to the Tenement museum. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip the Mount (Edith Wharton’s home) in Lenox, Mass. The tour of the house was really interesting and the gardens were beautiful.

I spent a wonderful weekend with my tennis friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis and ate.

Boating season is continuing and the weather has been great (until this weekend). I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.”

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Hopefully I will find a job and life will be even better.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is September 18 so I must start doing some longer runs.

I do have a bunch of races coming up. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

8-06-16 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
8-13-16 – Camp Chingachgook 10k
8-20-16 – Jailhouse Rock 5K
9-10-16 – Malta 5k
9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon
10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K
10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did your July turn out? Anything exciting planned for August?

July 30, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions July – A Day Late

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

Remember last month, when I was playing tennis all the time. Well, the thrill is gone.

I started playing 4 times week, then 3, then 2… last week was one. This week NOT AT ALL!!

I am NOT running more … just other things have gotten in the way.

still love the game especially MY FRIENDS!!

I runfess…

It has been HOT HOT HOT…

Most of you are getting your runs in early in the morning.

Not me. I have been running at 5 pm in 90 degree heat. I have never sweat so much.

I runfess…

My National Ice Cream Day treat has turned in everyday is ice cream day.

I could justify it as a post run treat but I eat it even if I haven’t run.

I now hide the ice cream in freezer so my hubby doesn’t find it.

my new obsession!!

I runfess…

My last double digit run was June 26 and before that May 29. Yup. Too HOT, rather be boating not running.

I have the time just not the desire.

I runfess…

Not working across the street from Starbucks has saved me money but I think I spend it on races.

You see, if I pay for a race, I will RUN.

Tomorrow is a 5k.

Then the week after, I signed up for a new race. It’s one that I’ve always wanted to run. 8.4 miles on a trail racing a train. Sounds like fun.

rtt

More miles than I am ready for, in the heat, with hills, on a trail. Probably not fun!

Then I have two races that I signed up for a while ago. I have done both of them before.

a very hilly 10K

August 20,2016 – 5k that ends with a downhill

Happy Running! Anything to runfess?

July 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Kerfuffle

Today’s word is kerfuffle.

What a funny sounding word. So what does it mean?

A commotion or mess, especially one caused by conflicting views

So how does this relate to my running? Have I experienced any kerfuffles? You bet!!

The Weather Kerfuffle

The Lake George Half in 2011.

The day before, the weather was 60 degrees and sunny.

The day of the race, it was 30 degrees, snow on the ground, sleeting and hailing the whole race.

I was not at home and could not prepare for unexpected weather.

The Short Course Kerfuffle

Strawberry Fest 5k in 2014.

Strawberry fest 5K

I started to speed up during the 3rd mile and then… it was over!!!

Apparently, the police had blocked off part of the course so it was NOT 3.1 miles. It was more like 2.25 or so. I was on a PR pace too.

The Alarm Clock/ Packet Pickup Kerfuffle

Walkway Half Marathon in 2015.

It was held about 1 1/2 hrs from where I live but there was no day of race packet pick up. I contacted them and they said that I would have to get someone else to pick it up. I put out a frantic call on FB and got someone to do it.

Then we had a power outage the night before so my alarm clock did not go off. I scrambled and ran out of the house and arrived at the race to find that there was ONE entrance to college where it started. Lots of traffic so I was late meeting the runner with my bib (did find her on the porta potty line). To make matters worse, they delayed the start of the race due to the traffic and they were handing out bibs the day of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

at least I got chocolate milk and a cool medal.

The Broken Foot Kerfuffle

Freihofer’s Run for Women 2013.

After being out most of 2012 with ankle surgery and a foot stress fracture, I was excited to be healthy again. At the mile 1 water stop, I hesitated on the slippery ground and turned my weak ankle and felt something scary.

Of course, I did what every smart runner does. Stop so I don’t make it worse.

NOT!

I continued to run…my gait was way off and my foot hurt with every step but I ran on….. until I crossed the finish line (and I had a fast time!)

After I finished, I headed to the Medic tent to ice my foot. The doctor there suggested I get an xray.

So I limped 1.5 miles back to my car.

I was still in denial but my foot was starting to turn purple and I knew what that meant.

Xray results: clean break of the fifth metatarsal

No Signs on the Course Kerfuffle

Monster Scramble 10K

This was a small race and a 5k plus a 10k. Even fewer runners were running the 10K and both races started at the same time. Things started out well. Everyone was in costume and the volunteers were handing out candy. However, they must have forgotten that there were runners doing the 10k. The volunteers disappeared and we had no idea where to run. So we made our own course and eventually found our way back to the finish line.

done!

Poorly Organized Half Marathon Kerfuffle

RNR Brooklyn 2015

A Rock N Roll Race should be fun, right?

Not this one.

It started with a pathetic expo but then I can live with that. But they over sold the parking so many runners had to miss the race (luckily that was not me.)

The pre-race details include: poor signage, miles of walking to check bags, more miles of walking to enter corrals, inadequate number of security guards (lines to enter took forever so they eventually discontinued it), 1 port a potty per thousand runners (one in each corral), late start.

The race itself had no music except at the end. Yes, this was a RNR race. The post race refreshments were blah (No bagels. hey, we’re in NYC!!)

And then more miles of walking to get out of the park to get to the subway (no signage = lots of clueless tired wandering runners).

The Canceled Race Kerfuffle

Vermont City Marathon 2016

I ran the relay. But I ran the second leg so I didn’t start until around 11 am. Due to the heat and humidity, the race started at Red alert. (The highest before they had to cancel.)

waiting to begin

So by the time I had run 4 miles, the race was cancelled.

I didn’t have a problem with that but the race officials were encouraging runners to quit and get on buses by lying to them. We were being told that there were be no water, no medical support, no timing, no photos, no finish line and to quit would be the only way to get your medal.

I and many others kept running and found none of what they said to be true. Except that I had to walk a significant distance to the buses to get my medal.

But if you run as many races as I do, you are bound to experiences some kerfuffles.

Happy Running! How about you? Any racing snafus?

July 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Another trip to NYC with two friends on a steamy day. We went on a history/eating tour of Nolita (Northern Little Italy). It was a lot of fun and boy was the food good. Then we took a tour of the Tenement Museum which was very interesting.

Tuesday – I skipped my AM tennis in favor of a run. It wasn’t great but I needed to burn off of some calories. I did play tennis in the evening.

on the Corning Bike Path

Wednesday – Went for a walk and out to lunch with my BFF. Spent hours catching up and then I met Alyssa for a run. I haven’t run this well in a while. We are a good match because we push each other.

Thursday – I played tennis early in the am and then had a hair appointment. I went for a short run in between the two.

Friday – Lots of gardening today which tired me out. So no tennis, no walking, no running. But since I was hosting mah jongg I had to shop and clean.

Saturday – Very hot day and I ran a 5k. Even stopped on the way home to drag myself through 3 more miles.

met lots of friends and placed 3rd in my AG

it was slow…I didn’t want to do it…it was 90 degrees but it’s done

Sunday – Spent the whole day on the water. (Except for a long hike on land along the lake. Had to get my 10k steps.)

17 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run, hiking in the Adirondacks
Tuesday – work at the bar exam, rest, theatre in the park
Wednesday – country club tennis, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – rest, work at the bar exam
Friday – work at the bar exam, 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating or garage sale
Sunday – 5k race + 4 more miles, boating

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? Any races?

July 23, 2016 by Darlene

Silks & Satins 5K Race Recap

July 23, 2016

This used to be one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 20 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years, I ran this 5k again last year. And my time was 28:41. So things haven’t changed that much.

except that now I always run in skirts….

The course had changed for 2015. I assumed that it would be the same this year.

Here is the new course map:

15 turns in this course!!

The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. Last year, I almost got towed.)

obligatory pre-race pic

I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.

tech shirt but it is uni-sex

There were about 1000 runners at this race.So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces: Judith, fellow blogger & Skirt Sports Ambassador, Christine, law professor where I used to work, Michele, a former student of mine, Sue who I used to play tennis with among many others.

The weather was quite warm …near 80 at the start and HUMID. So not ideal running conditions. I wasn’t planning to PR anyway.

Soon we headed to the start. It wasn’t chip-timed but it was too crowded to get closer to the front and I didn’t really want to.

And so we were off.

It seems like everyone was passing me by…because they were. As usual, my first mile was too fast. My plan was to have negative splits and but it never happened.

It was HOT. It was HUMID. I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). Unlike my last 5k, I only walked at the one water stop at the halfway point. And as it turned out, my legs were tired and I probably should have walked at each mile.

I spotted a guy I knew who passed me at the water stop. I tried to keep up with him..in vain but finally crossed the finish line at 28:27.

It was actually a little faster than last year so that’s a plus but slower than two weeks ago when I ran a much hillier 5k.

I searched for my friends but Sue was the only one I could find.

Last year, the refreshments consisted of bagels & chocolate milk. This year, watermelon & bananas. I had several.

watermelon on a hot day – yum!

They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I came in third in my age group. I guess it depends on who shows up. (Last year, I was 6th.)

and I got a nice medal.

Besides all the turns, it was a pretty flat course. The race is well-organized. I will do this race again.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:45
mile 2 – 9:22
mile 3 – 9:27
.1 – 7:19

28:23 (Garmin time)

I was not going up to the lake until tomorrow. So I took advantage of this opportunity to get some more miles in. I drove to Saratoga Spa Park for a change of scenery. It is such as beautiful park but it was 90 degrees now and I was tired. I walked/ran/walked/ran/stopped to eat/walked/ran..DONE!