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

13592347_10207200017179843_5463760716667114421_n

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.

13506994_10207104910162227_7730544422733316868_n

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.)

13438899_10207104913962322_281317470076538113_n

(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:

This week’s topic is How often do you race?

And my answer is AS OFTEN AS I CAN!!!

Last year I ran 40 races.

Happy Running! Do you have a bucket list race? Do you have an important race coming up? How often do you run?

June 27, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I stayed up at Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today. Started the day with a scenic 7 mile run.

Then went for two hikes. My first solo hikes and they were awesome.

Tuesday – Today I played tennis twice. I subbed in a new group near my house (walked to the courts) and then played with my usual Tuesday evening group.

Wednesday – In the morning, I played tennis in my 2nd country club robin-robin. It was cool, windy and even rained.

The weather cleared up later in the day and I went for a run on the rail trail with Alyssa, a new running friend.

a very speed non-stop run – she pushed me but she said I pushed her.

Thursday – Morning tennis with my Troy Tennis group and dinner out with a former co-worker.

I talked my friend into a 4 mile walk after dinner (She may no longer be my friend LOL)

Friday – An exciting day in NYC. Thanks Judy for letting me plan your crazy day. We took the train to the city, checked our bag in Macys, hopped the subway to Central Park, had a quick lunch and ran 4 miles through the park with a tour guide.

great way to learn about the history of the park and get in some exercise

After the tour, I had ice cream, then we walked some more in the park, went to the zoo, walked ALL the way back to Macys, changed our clothes and had dinner at a cute restaurant with French running blogger, Karen before heading back home on the train.

Saturday – Definitely a rest day filled with errands, laundry, housework, etc.

Sunday – Today I ran the Adirondack Distance Race – 10 miles from Lake George to Bolton Landing

it was hilly. it was hot. my feet hurt but i still enjoyed the race.

The rest of the day was spent on the lake!!

25 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run, hiking??
Tuesday – rest, tennis Am & PM, eye dr appt
Wednesday – 3 mile run, monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, 4 mile run with a friend, mall walk with BFF
Friday – AM tennis, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – boating

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

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

June 21, 2016 by Darlene

Firemen’s 5k Race Recap

Sunday, June 19 9 am

Yes, I did run a 5k the day before.

But if you know me, it’s not odd for me to run 2 races in 1 weekend.

This is a new race so I knew nothing about it. I only chose it because it was being held in Lake George.

wcbw

I LOVE Lake George and I had planned to join my hubby on our boat so the race was on the way.

I arrived early and found a place to park on a side street.

I hung out by the water for a while because NO ONE was there yet. Finally the volunteers arrived and were setting up raffle prizes…

The start/finish line was right along the lake.

It was getting pretty warm but at least there was a breeze from the water.

it was cool watching a float plane land

Soon it was time to start the race. And yes, there were runners…but not many!!!

I chatted with a few older women and we wondered where everyone was and would they hold a race with so few people.

Yes, they did.

We started on the road and then turned into the bike path.

I didn’t know that there was a bike path here and I definitely plan to return and run it.

It was very pretty. It looks shady but it didn’t feel as shady as it looks.

With a small race (of about 20 runners), you often run alone. And I did the all race. The course wasn’t marked and at mile 1, I stopped and wondered which way to go. I decided to go left and continue on the bike path. I was correct and soon I came upon the water stop.

The important thing to mention about this course was that it was an out and back but out was UPHILL…long gradual uphill for 1.6 miles. I walked at the water stop and then a few times more but for the most part I ran. I wasn’t running fast. My legs were tired from the previous day’s 5k race and it was HOT!!!

Soon it was time to turn around and then hooray, it was all DOWNHILL!

I arrived at the finish line and gave it all I had to finish at 29:00! Phew, not over 29 minutes for the 2nd day in a row.

I hung around chatting with the older ladies waiting for everyone to finish and for the awards.

I finished as SECOND WOMAN overall!

5kf

Okay so there were only 10 women!

Then I also won my age group.

f5kresults

So it was a 2 medal kind of a day!

The refreshments were bananas, apples and water. I wish I had brought money for the raffles because your chances to win were pretty good.

Would I run this race again?

Maybe. I liked the course and the location. But there are many other races with more perks.

After the race, I raced up to our marina. My hubby and friends had reserved 4 docks on one of the islands. We spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water and eating. So much fun!

Eventually, everyone had to leave because they had to go to work the next day.

Not moi!

I decided to stay and sleep on our boat and spend a Me day in Bolton Landing: a long run and 2 hikes. It was fabulous. (More about that in another post).

Because it’s Tuesday, I’m linking with:

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

Happy Running! Anyone else run 2 races in one weekend?

June 20, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – My first day being unemployed. It’s amazing that when you have so much time, you get so little done. I did manage to go for a windy walk and then run with two friends.

Tuesday – I decided to take advantage of my time off to play some tennis. I joined a tennis group at Prospect Park in Troy, met some new players and had a lot of fun. Then I went grocery shopping at Target. No running scheduled for today but I did register for some more races.

pic not from today but I wore a similar outfit

Wednesday – Another gorgeous day. I played tennis in a round-robin at a country club, got my hair cut and then went for a short run. (I was supposed to run with a new friend but she had to cancel.)

evening run at Colonie Town Park

Thursday – Played tennis in the same place as Tuesday.

But I met some new women who invited me out to lunch. Well, we wound up talking for 4 hours!! About everything from tennis to running to fitbits to mah jongg.

After lunch, I met a friend to run. It was HOT!! The company was good but the run was not. Do not run in the middle of a hot sunny day after eating a BLT and sweet potato fries.

ran with Barbara but bumped into to running friend Tom on the trail

In the evening, I went out to dinner (at a Peruvian place) with a former co-worker and then visited with a good friend (who happens to be Peruvian).

Friday – Day 4 in a row of tennis! I played today with a different group of women. It was near where I live so I could walk to the courts.

30 min. walk each way = STEPS

Saturday – Ran 5k race. It was such a fun race because I knew so many runners there.

I had thought of going up to our boat but instead stayed home to catch up cleaning, weeding or other stuff around the house.

Sunday – Ran my 2nd 5k race of the weekend. Definitely the smallest race I have ever run.

2nd woman overall and first in my age group

and then spent the rest of the day relaxing on one of the islands of Lake George with my hubby and 9 of our friends.

I decided to stay up at the lake on our boat so I could run up here in the morning.

what a view!

14 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 7 mile long run, hiking
Tuesday – rest, tennis Am & PM
Wednesday – tennis, 3 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, dinner with a former co-worker
Friday – trip to NYC: 4 mile running tour of Central Park, MOMA visit, dinner with a fellow running blogger
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Adirondack Distance 10 m run, boating

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

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

June 18, 2016 by Darlene

Father’s Day Valley Cats Home Run 5K Race Recap

Fathers_Day_Home_Run_5k_Logo_7t3eph6z_vwc3ysjk

I really wasn’t planning on running a race today. In fact, I thought that I would spend the day on the lake.

But somehow, I signed up for this race. I knew someone doing it and since I had been depressed all week (after being laid off from my job), I decided a race would make me feel better. And it did!!

I ran this race once before but that was 6 years ago.

with fellow blogger & runner, Amanda. She no longer blogs or runs and I no longer wear shorts. I still eat ice cream. Some things never change LOL

I remember the course having hills but that was about it. Below is the course map and elevation:

vchr5kmap

I was really relaxed about this race. It was very warm and so I had no real goals besides enjoying myself.

I got there early and relaxed.

cotton tee shirt – UGH!! but you got 4 free tix to a Valley Cats game.

I sat in the bleachers of this minor league baseball park and used the “real” rest rooms while waiting for every one to arrive.

the finishers are captured on the large stadium screen

The race is organized by the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, a local running organization.

I could not believe how many runners, I saw that I knew. It was like a running reunion. We chatted about past races and future races until it was time to head to the start line.

posing before the race

There was no chip timing so I started pretty close to the front. The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods.

Valley_Cats_5K-055

Valley_Cats_5K-056

I had played tennis four days in a row. Boy, were my legs feeling it. My first mile is usually my fastest but not today. I was dragging and soooo thirsty.

Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile. I tried to run up it and the legs just weren’t having it. So I walked about half of it.

I finally got into a groove during mile 3. Maybe because there was a down hill.

We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything. I really wanted to finish under 29 minutes.

Valley_Cats_5K-229

And I did – 28:47!

Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.

I wasn’t hungry right away but eventually I was able to eat a hot dog, banana and cookie while waiting for the awards.

And I did win one – 2nd in my age group.

Valley_Cats_5K-379

A pair of wool gloves – how appropriate!?

It was definitely an enjoyable race. It was the pick me up that I needed. I may have to add this one back on my races-to-do list.

Splits:
mile 1- 9:10
mile 2 – 9:41
mile 3 – 8:48
.15 – 7:43
28:47

I even beat my 2010 time of 29:40.

Because I’m crazy like that, I signed up for another 5k for tomorrow. It’s in Lake George so right after the race, I’ll be heading up to our marina to spend the rest of the day on the boat. Can’t wait!!

13413561_10209274608413314_7877184112175669413_n

my hubby and friends TODAY!!

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

June 13, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – After a rainy Sunday, today was beautiful. I took a walk to the park at work.

They are in the process of re-planting the tulip beds so not much to look at…yet.

This is my first Monday without a Freihofer Training run so I asked Judy if she would join me for a run in the Crossings. And she was nice enough to postpone her run until I was done with work.

Tuesday – Today was a rest day. Just a walk at lunch and my Tuesday after work tennis group was scheduled to resume after a month off. Now we play outdoors until fall.

Unfortunately we got rained out. So guess what I did? I went to the gym. Shocker I know.

first time in 7 months, I think.

Wednesday – Today was the last STEM training run until the big race on Sunday. I was excited to see who would show up (since I haven’t gone in weeks.) The weather was quite chilly and I was paired with the slower runners. So I didn’t get the workout that I wouldn’t have liked but it was rewarding to be motivating the STEM participants to run.

my run/walk group

Thursday – The cool windy weather continued. I debated running after work but decided to just rest and hit the gym AGAIN.

Friday – I went to a conference in the morning so had no time to even go for a walk. Then work stuff got in the way of the 5K that I had planned to run after work. My first non-injury DNS 😦

Saturday – Rain and wind interfered with my first day on the boat (Re-scheduled for next weekend!!) Did some gardening instead.

Sunday – I thought that I would run a 5K race today. But they decided that volunteers would not officially run the race just run along side a STEM participant. Boy, was it rewarding. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. These ladies were awesome.

Afterwards, I drove home to run 5 more miles. It was cloudy and windy but glad to be out there.

14 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – First day of unemployment, 3 miles with friends
Tuesday – rest, tennis?
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – 4 mile run, STEM celebration
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 9 miles

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

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

June 6, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. I could have gone up to the lake with my hubby but I just needed a day off to catch up – unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, weeding, DVR, reading… TIME ALONE aaahhhh!!!

Tuesday – Back to the normal routine. Walk to the park at work, a short recovery run after work and then dinner out with a co-worker.

peony time

Wednesday – National Running Day! I had several opportunities to run today. I wanted to run with the STEM runners but since I missed my Freihofer Training group run last week, I decided to run with them one last time. I was very hot and I was very tired. Luckily our coach was not there so I could slack off on the 1 minute sprints.

Afterwards, I attended the GOTR thank you reception. I even won a raffle prize.

post-run Merlot and my prize (long-sleeve shirt)

Thursday – REST day and it was needed. I walked at lunch and then walked around the mall with my BFF after work.

Friday – Another REST day – yes, two in a row. What a slacker. I walked to get my race packet and after dinner, I played mah jongg.

Saturday – Ran the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k for the 9th time. It was hotter than expected but still fun running a race where you know so many runners.

28:50 (recovered after a slow first 2 miles)

Afterward I ran 4 more miles (reluctantly) on the rail trail.

Sunday – This was supposed to be a boating day but the weather had different ideas so it was a day to catch up on stuff around the house.

12 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (recovery week!)

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – STEM run (3 miles)
Thursday – rest
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 5k race (with STEM) + 5 more miles

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

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

June 5, 2016 by Darlene

Freihofer’s Run For Women 5k Race Recap

June 4, 2016 9:30 am

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This is my 9th time!!!!!

My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running):

Due to construction, they changed the course last year.

They said that this course would be faster…less congested and have a less steep hill at the start and finish.

I did run the new course last year and I liked it.

11390014_10204734206056106_2523342973555152804_n

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or have a PR.

Anyway, I should be recovering not running a 5K. I just raced a half marathon last Sunday. As you know, my feet are not what I would like them to be (but it is what is…)

But how could I miss my 9th Freihofer’s Run for Women?

And my second Freihofer Training Challenge…

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up. Monday runs were always after a Sunday long run or race and I never attended the Saturday runs.

But I was excited to be part of it and support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who would hopefully PR.

As I have done every year, the day before I walked to Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really nice expo with vendors and health-related booths but no more. You didn’t even get your cookies and bread at packet pickup as in previous years.

the race shirt was not tech 😦

For convenience, I parked at work on race morning and walked to the start. I do this every year. However, with the new course, it was an even longer hike. Like 2 miles!

It was strange to walk down Madison Avenue and not see the race banners and not see the giant poster on the bridge.

pics from 2 years ago…

And the weather…it was not forecasted to be as warm as previous years but I was starting to feel the uncomfortable humidty already.

I cut through the Empire State Plaza to use real restrooms.

I got to the race location and immediately located the Challenge Group Tent and a lot of first time 5k runners. It was pretty early but I bumped into so many runners that I knew. Several runners from work and from the Turkey Trot Training group.

another Skirt Sports ambassador and Freihofer Training mentor

I also ran into a few local runners and bloggers – Judith and Judy.

Catching up with everyone made the time go by quicker. Soon it was time to line up and squeeze in my blue corral.

Although it was very crowded, there were fewer runners than when it was Madison Avenue. I’m not sure why. (new route, weather??)

Times Union photo – can you spot me?

Anyway, with the new start, it didn’t take as long to get moving and the first hill was longer but not as steep.

As soon as I started, I got the feeling that my legs were not as recovered as I had hoped. They were moving but so slowly.

When I got into the park and looked at my time, I was shocked at how slow it was. Usually mile 1 is my fastest.

I continued to trudge along and couldn’t wait to walk at the first water stop around mile 1.25.

And boy was it hot!!! And humid!! I know after Florida and last weekend, I should be used to this weather. But I always find it hard to breathe and run fast in the warm weather. And my legs were steamy!! (Damn, compression socks!)

This course had you run around more of the park and it also seemed to avoid the bigger hills of the park. I tried to run in the shade of the trees whenever I could.

You would think that I would have a faster time for the 2nd mile.

Nope. I was dying. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop. That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get some energy and I picked up the pace.

Finally we left the park and headed downhill to the finish. Not the steep downhill that we used to have but at least it was downhill.

I ran as fast as I could. I knew that I would not have a great finish time but I was determined not to finish over 30 minutes.

And I did not.

13394133_10153391926136618_8637957064290044566_n

I’m on the extreme right (Times Union photo)

I grabbed a bagel and some chocolate milk. It was definitely less congested than when it was by the fountains on the Plaza. No long lines for food.

I ran into lots of runners again that I knew.

the Mayor!

The first time runners were so excited. That put a smile on my face. I quickly put my disappointment in the back of mind and congratulated them on their achievement.

I walked back to the Training Challenge Tent to get some more food and chatted with Judy and her friend for awhile.

I may not have run the race that I wanted but I still enjoyed myself.

You get what you put in. I did not do all the speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I also just ran a half marathon and I am no spring chicken. Plus my time was faster than last year. So I was happy with that.