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!

Avenue of the Pines

Eew. check the possum on the right side of the road

Hall of Springs

so tempting…

So I survived the heat and can’t wait to spend Sunday on the lake.

my hubby today… me tomorrow

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

July 13, 2016 by Darlene

Saratoga Springs 5K Race Recap

July 10, 2016 8:00 AM

This was an impromptu sign up. Many of my races are. I have not been motivated to run lately so I figured a race would get my running mojo going.

I also had a birthday party to go in Saratoga so I figured that I could run more, hang out and then change my clothes for the party.

Anyway, I did run the inaugural Saratoga Springs Half Marathon two years. I hated the loop and didn’t even consider running that race again (even though my friend Alyssa was running it.)

2014 – my least favorite half – almost passed out after…

The course is the same as the beginning of the half:

The 5K course starts in with a lap around the Peerless Pool Parking Lot, turns right on East West Road, and then right onto Geyser Loop Road. The course then turns left to run a lap around the SPAC Parking Lot and returning to Geyser Loop Road. The course finishes by turning right onto East West Road and finishing with a lap of the Peerless Pool Parking Lot.

Most of the runners were racing the half marathon which started at 7:30 am. There was a very small 5k field. But I still needed to get there early in order to get parking even though the 5k didn’t start until 8 am.

Rain was predicted but when I got there, it wasn’t raining. It was very humid and it looked like the rain may hold off.

tech shirt – the same as the half marathoners

I bumped into my friend Tom and we took our same goofy picture.

We watched the half marathoners take off. (I did see Alyssa and hugged her for good luck.)

And then the rains came…in full force.

We all huddled under shelter and didn’t want to leave.

Eventually, we had to move to the start line.

Tom & I heading to the start

waiting to begin

And so we started in the pouring rain and ran around the grass (not fun and very shaky footing) and then through the finish line before we exited and ran around the Peerless Pool Parking Lot.

an we’re off

on the grass

in the rain

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This part of the course was not the least bit interesting but with all the twists and turns, I at least tried to run the tangents to save time.

Next we ran on the park’s roads which were pretty and encountered the first hill. I actually ran up most of it and didn’t walk until the first water stop around mile 1 1/4.

The we ran a lap around the SPAC Parking Lot which was again pretty boring.

Soon we were back on the scenic roads and I again walked at the second water stop around mile 2.

Mile 3 had the biggest hill. My legs were tired so I walked, then ran a little and finished the hill walking. I wasn’t paying attention to my Garmin and was pretty sure that I was going to have a pretty rotten finish time but really didn’t care.

It was still raining but not as hard.

The course finally finished with another lap of the Peerless Pool Parking Lot before running on the grass to cross the finish line.

heading onto the grass toward the finish line

thumbs up for the end to a rainy race

I looked at the clock. But all I saw was the half marathon time.

I got my medal (the same one the half marathoners get) and walked to see the results. They print them out and you know right away if you won your age group and you pick up your award there.

Believe or not, I won my age group. (Well, not shocking really since this was a small race and many locals were running the Boilermaker or this half.) And my finish time was decent. In fact, if I hadn’t walked 4 times, I may have PRed. (My current 5k PR is 27:11)

ss5k

It doesn’t look it but I was drenched from head to toe

Tom won, as well.

At this point, it was raining harder than ever. So I grabbed some food and my umbrella and headed back to my car.

There was no way that I was running anymore in the rain or waiting around. So I drove and by time I got home, it was sunny. I tried to get in some more miles but it was so humid that I quit after 3 sluggish miles.

I showered and changed my clothes and drove back to Saratoga to a miniature golf party – lots of food and lots of fun. I even won second lowest score.

So another race has come and gone. For some reason, I need to walk several times even during a 5k. I never used to. Am I running too fast? Am I just not fit enough? Or is my age catching up with me?

Whatever the reason, I still enjoy the 5K race challenge. Besides, I don’t do any speed workouts so I should be happy with my not so speedy race results.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:14
mile 2 – 9:22
mile 3 or so- 8:54 ( I ran the tangents & didn’t stop my watch right away)

Happy Running! Any races lately? Do you feel guilty if you walk during a race?

July 11, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I drove up to Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today. I managed to squeeze in a short run before everyone wanted to head out on the lake.

We spent the whole day on the lake – at a dock on an island and then in the bay before heading back to barbecue at the marina and watch the fireworks.

Tuesday – While everyone had to drive home to go to work, I again decided to take advantage of my free time and stayed up at the lake. My legs were tired but I dragged myself for 3 slow miles.

I managed to get a sub for tennis so stayed up on the lake and spent a relaxing day by myself- got in lots of walks, beach time and reading.

Wednesday – This morning I went for a hike up to the top of Thomas Mountain. I had planned to repeat the hike I took last week, but accidentally took the blue trail instead of the orange one – a lot more challenging and a different view.

I didn’t fall and so it was worth it for the new view but I took the orange trail down… didn’t want to push my luck

I had planned to meet Alyssa and Barbara for an ice cream run sponsored by Fleet Feet and Saucony so I headed home.

It was very very hot and my run very very slow but the ice cream was GOOD.

Thursday – I played tennis in the am with the Troy Tennis Group and went out for dinner with an old friend. No running today.

sorry I didn’t get a pic of the crepes with hazelnut sauce & bananas

Friday – Again I played tennis in the am on the courts near my house. Still incredibly hot. I planned on running after dinner and before my weekly mah jongg game but I waited too long and it started to pour. Another no running day.

Saturday – This morning I actually got my run in before the rain.

And I stopped off at the gym before heading to the grocery store.

Sunday – Started off the day with a 5k race (I ran the half there 2 years ago). It was just raining or pouring the whole race. Got a medal, tech shirt and a pint glass for 1st in my age group so all is good.

When I got home, the rain had stopped. I was tired but managed a few more miles.

Then headed back to Saratoga for mini golf birthday party.

18.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday -tennis AM, rest
Tuesday – tennis Am, tennis picnic, 4 mile run with a friend
Wednesday – rest, work webinar
Thursday – AM tennis, 3 mile run with a friend
Friday – AM tennis, 4 mile run
Saturday, Sunday – tennis weekend at Schroon River house – lots of tennis and maybe a run

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? How are you celebrating July 4th?

June 28, 2016 by Darlene

Adirondack Distance Run Recap

Sunday, June 26, 2016 – 7:30 a.m.

A ten mile race consisting of rolling hills from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing.

adc

I was looking forward to this race.

I’ve wanted to run this race ever since I started running.

Except for 2014, something has always come up: work conference, strained achilles, broken ankle, broken foot, flight cancelled & stuck in Baltimore.

2014 race

As usual, I was not really prepared. I had been racing 5ks (two last weekend) and working on my speed. Plus my running had been on mostly flat surfaces. My last long run was my half marathon on May 29.

So yes, I decided to run this race but not as a race but just as a hilly long run….take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

The race started at 7:30 am in the village of Lake George and ended in Bolton landing (next door to the marina where we keep our boat.)

the beach on the right is the end of the race

I had a few options. There was a bus leaving Bolton Landing the morning of the race at 6-6:20 am so I could have spent Saturday on the lake with my hubby & friends and sleep on the boat. But I decided instead to stay home and drive up very early Sunday morning. I wanted to get a good night’s sleep and get things done around the house.

So I got up around 4:30 am on Sunday and was on the road by 5:30 for my one hour drive to the race start.

It was already warm – in the 70’s and humid. I guess I need to get used to running in the summer heat.

I got there and found parking in the same small lot as two years ago and walked to the fire station to pick up my bib. Then I walked back to my car to get rid of the race tee shirt.

long sleeve cotton shirt – ugh! usually you get a sleeveless tech shirt

Back at the fire station, I used the rest room (there were real ones) and waited outside until it was time to line up. I was surprised at how many people were racing – over 300 and all the fast runners were there (from the local running clubs.)

I bumped into some runners whom I haven’t seen in a while and we ran together for a short while and chatted (They are much faster!)

As I mentioned, this course is hilly but it is also very scenic. I tried to focus on the scenery to take my mind off the hills.

I made a conscious effort to run conservatively. I felt great and I felt strong but I was worried about overdoing in the heat and hills.

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not me! I wish… (photo by Donald Yeaton)

So I think I walked a little during every mile except for the first. I especially took it easy on the uphills.

If you remember my complaint from the Lake George Half Marathon about running on the uneven pavement on the side of the road, it wasn’t as bad for this race. It was early and not much traffic until the end of the race and since it wasn’t an out and back race, you could run in the road and the cars were able to move over (as in the photo below.)

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(photo by Donald Yeaton)

I kept glancing at watch and even with all the walking, I was still running around a 10 minute pace for the first 5 miles.

Then the foot pain set in. No surprise here! I started getting a painful blister on the right foot (even with the moleskin) and my toe hurt on the left foot.

The hills were steeper the first half but the second half seemed harder. The hills kept coming and coming. But I think it was really that my feet hurt with every step.

I knew by the last few miles that I would not have a PR so I kinda lost my motivation to push on. I could have run harder but didn’t see the point. I walked more and more. The surprising part was that when I was running, I was passing guys. Super cool.

I really loved running this race. (Even with the foot pain and the heat.) It is the road that I drive every weekend during the summer to go boating. I know every inch of the route.

Anyway, I finally made it to where you turn to get to the finish line. I was surprised to see my hubby and a boating friend there cheering me on.

Of course, at that point I ran as fast as I could.

adr4

notice the clock says 1:42:06 and I was already past the line

The official results say that I crossed at 1:42:21. Not close to my 1:38:45 PR but 2 1/2 minutes faster than 2 years ago. I’ll take it!

gun time – no chip times

Everyone got medals which is always a plus.

I was so happy to have finished.

I bumped into some friends again.

That’s our boating friend photobombing.

We headed straight to the water to soak my feet in the cold lake water.

A great end to a great race.

Then I grabbed several pieces of watermelon and some pastry. The watermelon really hit the spot.

For this race, they gave out awards to first place in EVERY age. I looked at the results and saw that there were two 63-year old women faster than me so I didn’t stick around.

I walked next door (how convenient) where my hubby and our friends were waiting to head out on the lake. I spent the rest of the day relaxing in the sun on the water.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:38
mile 2 – 10:10
mile 3 – 10:08
mile 4 – 9:44
mile 5 – 10:42 (took a GU)
mile 6 – 10:23
mile 7 – 9:57
mile 8 – 10:22
mile 9 – 10:25
mile 10 – 10:16

Garmin time – 1:41:48

The race had only gun times. I had no miles over 11 minutes so that’s consistent in a long race for me. I’m pretty happy. Maybe next year, I’ll actually train for it and race it.

As I already mentioned, this race was on my bucket list and now it is on my race to run every year list.

It was well-organized – lots of volunteers, plenty of water stops, someone calling out times at each mile, bikers warning you of oncoming cars, buses to the start before & after the race and you can’t beat the scenery.

It’s also Tuesday so I’m linking up with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for: