April 3, 2016 by Darlene

Delmar Dash 5 Mile Race Recap

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It is nice to run a race that is only 10 minutes from your house.

This is my 5th time running this race and my 7th 5 miler.

: Delmar Dash ’13

: Delmar Dash ’11

My Delmar Dash times:

2015, 2014, 2013, 2011 – 45:26 (PR), 48:14, 47:39, 47:08

My Shamrock Shuffle times:
2016, 2015 – 46:28, 46:29

Now only if spring would arrive. We’ve had a few warm days but not today!! This was what they predicted:

Yeah, right? Cold temps, snow and wind!!!

I woke up to snow on the ground. It was 30 degrees but 18 with the windchill. Yikes!

It’s always hard at this time of year to decide what to wear. Too cold for spring clothes but I am tired of jackets and tights.

I opted for a jacket over a long sleeved shirt, a skirt attached to capris, compression socks, a hat & gloves and hoped that it would be enough.

I got there early and got a close spot in the parking lot. (I know, I am running 11 miles yet I want to park close.) I knew a few people doing this race so I went inside the school to look for them.

The race started on the street but ended in front of the school entrance – last year’s pic since you cannot see any snow

I bumped into a few people and we chatted. Then I picked up my shirt and bib.

It was a pretty purple long sleeved tech shirt – I was almost tempted to wear it.

Then I bumped into Judy and met some of her friends.

Finally met Jan who says that she has been stalking me online.

Soon Barbara arrived and we all hung out and chatted until the race started. It was too cold outside so we waited until the last minute.

My hope for the race was to have a decent finish time. That would be under 50 minutes. I had a PR last year and I doubted that I could or wanted to beat that. (I need to stay healthy for April 24!!)

I lined up with the faster runners including someone I work with (I just discovered that she is a runner but she is super speedy.)

Of course waiting for the race to begin, I was cold but I was fine as soon as I started running. My hands were cold for awhile but even they warmed up. (I even regretted that extra vest, I added at the last minute). And it was windy but only in gusts and much less than predicted. (Those winds came later.)

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I tried to start out fast but not too fast. Though I never know what this is. And I probably did since my legs seemed to have zero energy today.

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I tired with each mile but tried my best to keep it up.

There were timing signs at every mile so I knew that I was not running well.

Plus almost everyone I knew (including Barbara) who was behind me passed me by and continued to get farther and farther ahead of me.

By the water stop at mile 2.5 or so, I needed to walk.

It helped a little but I never really got a second wind. Luckily this course is fairly flat. And it should have been easier than the hilly 5 miler I ran 2 weeks ago but for some reason, it was not.

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I finally saw the finish line and crossed at 47:XX (Officially 47:14 – almost 2 minutes slower than last year!!)

I found Barbara and we both waited for Judy who had a good race (finishing at 55 minutes or so).

I went inside to get some food with Barbara. I had some soup, bread, birthday cake and hot chocolate. Judy went to change her clothes and get a massage.

I came in 4th in my age group. The woman who came in 3rd was the one I beat in both races the last two weeks. She is probably happy.

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Splits: (according to my Garmin)

2015 / 2016

mile 1- 8:51 / 8:59
mile 2- 8:58 / 9:18
mile 3- 9:08 / 9:23
mile 4- 9:31 / 9:48
mile 5- 9:11 / 9:31
mile .02 – 7:92 / 6:34

45:26 / 47:14

Well, all races can’t be good ones. It wasn’t terrible. I know that I could have run faster but I didn’t. At least, I felt fine after the race.

Since this course is flat and near where I live, it is still one of my favorite races and I will run it again next year.

Here are some pictures that I stole from FB 🙂 Thanks Dr. Tom!!

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Dr Tom said that he loved my outfit. I told him that if I couldn’t run “good” at least I could look good.

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This is Lara (a former tennis teammate). She had a PR!

Though after the race, it felt colder and windier, I needed to run 6 more miles…ugh!!

I was so happy that Judy and Barbara were going to keep my company. I ran alone after my race last weekend and it wasn’t much fun.

I left my car in the parking lot and we headed into town. Then we cut over to the rail trail.

The most interesting part of the run was watching 2 eagles soaring overhead.

I ran with Barbara for awhile but I was tiring and my feet were starting to hurt (I wore old shoes because I didn’t want to get my expensive ones dirty – yeah, stupid!)

Barbara has already turned around and is heading back

I finished the run walk/running with Judy.

It was slow but it was so much nicer to have someone to talk to. It made the run seem less painful. Eventually we completed 5 miles and arrived back at our cars. Unfortunately I still had to run one more mile. And the wind picked up. I was almost blown away several times.

Anyway – 11 miles done… 3 weeks until my next half marathon.

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

April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Since today is the first Saturday in April, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date. It seems like I was just writing about March. Time is flying by…

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that even though we’ve had a warm winter with no snow, I am more than ready for spring.

This is from last April. I want to wear my skirts again!

Instead, we may have snow on Sunday and gusty winds AND I have to run 11 miles!

we may have 3 inches on the ground

I am not looking forward to running in this. Be prepared because if the roads look slippery, I’m bailing. Not worth an injury.

I’ll probably be dressed like this but with gloves!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that these star offers for Starbucks are still killing me. I can’t stop myself. But at least I earned a free drink this week.

Plus they keep adding new flavors. The latest is Caramelized Honey Latte. Have you tried it yet?

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am happy that where I work is health conscious.

Last month, I participated in the Heart Healthy Challenge. You got 50 points for completing 2 surveys and each week, you got 40 pts if you exercised for 45 min 3 times and 1 pt for each 10 minutes extra.

Anyway, I came in 2nd. 1st place got a $50 gift card to Dicks & $50 worth of Field Goods. NO PRIZE for 2nd place but at least, it kept me moving.

This month, I am participating in Million Mile Month. You just log your miles & other activities to win prizes. My miles will automatically sync from my FitBit and I can add in other non-walking/running activities.

We had an Obstacle Course set up today as the kick-off event. It was fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that although, tennis gets in the way of my running and many times while I am playing, I wish I were running, now that I can’t play (tennis elbow), I really miss it.

Isn’t that the way?

I have been doing my exercises and even taped it but it seems the same. My brain knows that I should skip another week but my heart says…

I miss my friends, the competition and our dinners out after

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that you bloggers are enablers. You guys make me want to run a half marathon every weekend (You know who you are!!)

I am trying to control myself…

Dec 2015 – EAU West Palm – check
Feb 2016 – Sarasota Music – check
Mar 2016 – Celebrate Life – check
April 2016 Lake George – signed up
May 2016 – Vermont City Relay – signed up
Aug 2016 – Camp Chingachgook – possibly but it’s so hilly
Sept 2016 – ZOOMA Cape Cod – signed up
Nov 2016 – Myaaka (in FL) – tempting (to visit friends)
Dec 2015 – Panama City – definitely
Mar 2017 – Treasure Coast (in FL) – maybe (to visit friends)

Happy Running! Anything to spill?

March 31, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT & My March Recap

I can’t believe March is over already…

So here’s how things went:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.

Long Runs:

There was a half marathon. Then I immediately started preparing for my next half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

a week before the half

5 mile race + 4 = 9 miles (a week after the half)

5k race + 7.4 = 10.5 miles

Total Mileage:

86 miles this month!

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Less than last month but about average for me.

Races:

I ran THREE races this month – a 5k, a 5 miler and a half marathon.

2:22:40- very hilly race

46:28 (3rd in my AG)

27:55 – 1st in my AG

I was happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week until my tennis elbow flared up.

may have to take a break for awhile

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I said that last month!!)

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I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.

My Starbucks addiction continues!!

I went to the gym once. It was not so bad but now my elbow is my excuse.

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I met my GOTR running buddy. Her name is Jayme and she is in 5th grade. We will be corresponding through notes and then I run both the practice 5k and the real 5k with her. She is very cute and it should be fun.

I ran twice with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. My “advanced” group friends signed up again. There are also some new runners. I have enjoyed it so far.

I am still working on that scarf. It is very long. Someday I may finish it and start something new.

I’ve gotten back into reading. Finished this book:

enjoyed it …it’s about a grandmother telling her life story to her granddaughter.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

The place where I work is participating in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I plan to walk/run 100 miles.

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I am training for another half marathon in April. It’s another hilly but scenic one. I am looking forward to the lake views not necessarily the hills.

April 24

I have been busy signing up for spring races. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 5k
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day Against domestic violence 5k ??
5-14-16 – Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay

I signed up to be a STEM volunteer. I will be running with the group on Wednesdays after work.

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

Happy Running! How did your March turn out? Anything exciting planned for April? What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

March 28, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Winter was back! It was freezing and soo windy!!! I went for a short walk during work but after work, it got even colder and windier. I would have skipped my run but it’s was the first meeting of the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. We froze but ran about 3 miles. This is the 6th year of the group (and my 2nd time). They run on Mondays at 6:30 am, 1 pm and 6 pm. There were so many newbie runners and my same”advanced group” friends.

bumped in old friends and a SS ambassador

Afterwards, I had my STEM orientation (running group for survivors of domestic violence). This spring, there are 2 groups and they each run M, W, F, S. I am volunteering for 10 weeks on Wednesday evenings using the Couchto5K app.

one of my favorite pics from last spring’s 5k

Tuesday – Of course, it was warmer and sunnier than Monday (and it is predicted to rain the rest of the week) but it was my rest day. So I took 2 walks and played tennis after work (and our usual after tennis dinner outing).

first signs of spring – tulips by May?

Wednesday – A dreary day but I managed to squeeze out a run during lunch before the predicted rain (that never came.)

quite humid but I’m not complaining

After work I went to the mall to get my steps in (since I didn’t walk at work.)

Thursday – A busy work day but managed to get one walk in at work and a run after work. Boy, my legs were not feeling the run.

Friday – A rainy day (or most of the day) but at least today was another rest day so I didn’t care. I actually took a walk to the park in the rain. Mah jongg was at my house this week. (That means left over junk food.)
Saturday – Today I ran the Ice Breaker Challenge 5k race. The weather was forecast to be nice. It wasn’t…cold, cloudy, windy. I was frozen. But I still had a decent race and won my age group (60-99? WTH?)

27:55 (happy to break 28 minutes even with a walk break and the wind)

After the race, I stayed and was supposed to run 7 more miles with a new running friend. But her son got sick at the last minute so I was solo. By the end of my run, the sun came out and the rest of the day was beautiful. (It figures!!)

Sunday – Had a nice Easter dinner at my mother in law’s. The weather was so nice that I went for two walks – one in my mil’s neighborhood and one near home

walked in town & discovered a quilt shop & then walked on the rail trail

19.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days. (89,078 steps)

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest, ~~tennis,~~ GOTR meet your running buddy & orientation, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out
Thursday – rest, dinner out
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 5 mile race + 6 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?

March 27, 2016 by Darlene

Ice Breaker 5K Challenge Recap

The Ice Breaker Challenge is a one of a kind Capital District running/walking road race challenging runners and walkers against rowers from the Albany Rowing Center. Runners/walkers will travel along the Corning Preserve Bicycle Path while rowers from the Albany Rowing Center will race along side in shells on the Hudson River.

This was my second time running this race. I ran it in 2013 and I do my long runs here often so I am very familiar with the course.

There were many races to choose from this weekend, but I choose this one based on its location (close to home) and I could easily add more miles on after the race.

In some ways a 5K is harder than a half marathon. It’s only 3.1 miles and you have no reason not to run fast. That’s pressure. But I tried not to succumb it. Besides, I planned to run another 7 miles afterward to complete my 10 mile long run.

I was dragging my feet (a late night playing mah jongg with a lot of junk food consumed) but perked up when I arrived at the race. I tried not to overdress (but it is hard when you are cold at the start & afterwards). I wore capris attached to a skirt, a long sleeved tech shirt, and a baseball cap.

That’s because the weathermen had predicted a nice day – 50’s and sunny. So I thought. I should have checked before I left the house. Because it was overcast, very windy and in the 30’s (20’s with the windchill.)

So I was frozen. I found a windbreaker in my car and light gloves. Thank God. But my ears and legs were very cold.

from 3 years ago – it was too cold to take pictures

I grabbed my bib and sat in my car with the heat until it was time to line up.

rowers getting ready to race (again from 3 years ago when it wass unny)

I went back out about 15 minutes before the start & bumped into Ingrid, from my running group. We chatted and then the race started. She took off and left me in the dust. (She is super fast.)

I tried to focus on the scenery…the river…the rowers and not worry about my pace. I hardly glanced at my Garmin (just a few times & was pleasantly surprised.)

The first half of the race was running into the wind. At least today, my hat stayed on but it was tough going.

There was a water stop at the turn around. I wasn’t really thirsty but was tired so I stopped and walked.

don’t get fooled by the sunshine. I took this on my way back from my post race run.

At least on the way back, the wind wasn’t a problem. Although, it din’t appear to be at our back either.

Shockingly I crossed the finish line at 27:55.

No chips. You tore off the bottom of your bib. There were two lines, who knows how they kept things straight.

(I got a text with 27:55 and it was posted with that time. However, now it is listed as 28:03. My Garmin has the faster time so I’m sticking with that.)

Splits:

mile 1: 8:59
mile 2: 9:31
mile 3: 8:58
.14: 7:20

I had some food – There were cookies, bagels, fruit, etc.

two of my former students – so cool to see them here

Then I walked back to my car to put away my race belt, etc. They also gave away boxes of Freihofer cookies

I was hoping to have company for the rest of my miles. I got used to having a buddy along on my long runs. Both Judy and Barbara were unavailable. Thanks to FB, someone responded to my plea and agreed to run with me. All I knew about her was her name, Alyssa. We agreed to meet at 10:00 am.

Then I checked my phone and it turns out that her son was sick and she had cancelled.

I was disappointed but it gave me time to hang around and see if I won an age group award.

And I did!! First in the 60-99 category. Gee, that made me feel old. And they only gave out first place (no 2nd & 3rd – so lucky me!)

another pretty picture from 3 years ago

I didn’t feel like it but I had to continue running. I was freezing so I added another skirt under my jacket and off I went. I ran 1.5 miles toward downtown Albany and back.

Suddenly, the sun came out and I wasn’t so cold. I stopped back at my car and grabbed some Gu chomps and shed my jacket.

Then I ran 2 miles in the other direction and back. My legs were dragging. I tried to get distracted by my surroundings.

Yes, NOW it is sunny!

Brrrr! Fishing!?

this annoying goose actually chased me

a hawk in the tree

I misjudged my turn around so I wound up with 7.4 miles instead of 7.

I’m not sure how long I sat on this bench…it was a while LOL

10.5 miles done for the day and tomorrow I can enjoy a relaxing Easter. My mother-in-law is cooking!!

My daffodils have bloomed too. Spring is here???

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend? What did you on Easter Sunday?

March 26, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions March

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

I runfess…

I can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

I did once this month and found it a great way to start the day but only ONCE it was…

I runfess…

Speaking of doing things only once. I went to the gym ONCE. And it wasn’t bad. It barely took any time out of my busy schedule. But I haven’t repeated the gym experience.

I runfess…I am injured. Not a running injury.It’s tennis elbow. But I treated it the same as a running injury.

I got my racket restrung. I knew from the first swing that something was wrong. I ignored it. It was sore and I ignored it and I continued playing each week. Eventually, it was more than sore, it hurt. So I wore an arm band and played. Now it really hurts so I am taking some time off and having my racket strung correctly.

Tennis is costly and I hate taking time off. Yes, I know that if I took care of it right away, it would be better by now. I am stubborn that way. (At least it doesn’t hurt when I run 🙂 )

on the sidelines now…hoping to be cured by my May tennis vacation

I runfess…I started caring more about my lack of sleep than my steps.

The first thing I do in the morning is check my FitBit to see how bad my night’s sleep was.

I usually get 5 hours…sometimes 6. Never enough!!!

I runfess…

So I’ve decided that I need to do 10,000 steps a day again. This is easy when I run but on the days that I don’t run, I am lazy. So I turned to walking around the mall.

This is great for my legs but not my pocketbook.

I wind up adding bills to my credit card in addition to steps on my FitBit.

But I only buy items ON SALE and/or with COUPONS.

I got it at the Gap in grey striped for $3.50

I got it at Macy’s for like $9.

And there was more but I’ll spare you.I runfess…

I used to do all my long runs alone.

But I got spoiled. Most of them lately have been run with Judy or Barbara. I have enjoyed the company and it made the miles much less painful.

However, today both of them were busy…

I was going to have to run alone. So I asked on FB and found someone that I have never met to run with me. I have no idea if we run at the same pace. So we’ll see how it goes. I’m pretty adaptable unless she runs at an 8 minute pace or a 14 minute pace.

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

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Mar 13- the hillest EVER

April 9 – a quite hilly 10K

April 24 – rolling hills for all 13.1 miles

rolling hills – but I still have time to back out of this one…

So I should do some hill repeats or stop whining about the hills!!!Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

March 22, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: When To Wear Your Race Shirt

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

This week’s topic is Race shirt controversy: Wear TO the race or only AFTER the race?

AFTER!!!

They say it’s bad luck but it’s not that. First of all, most of the time I don’t get my race shirt until the day of the race. If it’s a destination race, even if I get it the day before, I have already planned my outfit. Plus I wouldn’t know whether it is comfortable to run in or not. Believe it or not, I still sometimes get cotton shirts. And many are unisex and even the small is too big.

After a big race, however, I usually can’t wait to wear my shirt.

after my Oct 2013 half while at the lake

hanging out in Sarasota after my Feb 2016 half

after my Sarasota half in March 2013

Many times, I wear them on runs after the race.

my Walkway half shirt

I also wear race shirts from a previous race at another race.

Bacon Hill Bonanza

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And those cotton shirts. I give them away and use the long sleeved ones as throw aways in races.

Nope. I’ve never worn my race shirt TO a race.

Happy Running! What about you?

March 21, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Rainy miserable day but at least it cleared up so I could take a short recovery run after work.

only thing bright about the day was my shoes

Followed my run with a soak in the hot tub. Aaahhh!

Tuesday – DOMS arrived to my quads today. Otherwise, just a work day with 2 walks followed by tennis in the evening (and despite my sore quads, I played better than ever.) Instead of dinner out, we had wine and popcorn at the club.

Wednesday – Another normal work day with an afternoon walk to the park. Quads felt better so I went for a run after work. It was quite warm so I didn’t mind when I got caught in the rain twice.

After my run, I stopped at the gym to use the machines. Yes, first time since August!!!!

Thursday – A busy work day but got in a walk in the afternoon for my 50 cent cone at Stewarts.

Mint Marcy – yum

Since this was my rest day, in the evening, I just went for a walk with a friend in the mall instead of a run.

Friday – Spring has temporarily left us. I didn’t feel well when I woke up so took a needed day off from work. By the afternoon, I was feeling better but it was insanely windy. Not being at work, I had no option of a treadmill so out I went and battled the wind for a few miles. Then played mah jongg all evening.

actually wine and mah jongg

Saturday – My rest day!! I proctored the MPREs at work in the morning and then the afternoon, there was the usual catch up stuff – errands, housework, cooking… and it was cold!!! In the evening, I talked my hubby into getting a sub for tennis so we could go out to dinner. Then I remembered that I was supposed to go out to dinner and a movie with 3 friends …Ooops! Senior brain!! Anyway, I ate eggplant parm, pasta & a cannoli to carb load for my race the next day.

Sunday – Ran the Shamrock Shuffle 5 Mile Race for the 2nd time. I was pleased with my time considering it was a week after my hilly half and my legs were still in recovery mode.

Afterwards, I ran on a new trail with Judy for 4 more miles. The trail was conveniently located next to a bakery…

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles), STEM Orientation
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday –4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 5k race + 7 miles
Sunday – rest, Easter dinner

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?

March 20, 2016 by Darlene

Shamrock Shuffle 5 Mile Race Recap

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This was my 6th 5 mile race. Here are my previous stats:

Delmar Dash:
2015, 2014, 2013, 2011 – 45:26 (PR), 48:14, 47:39, 47:08

Shamrock Shuffle:
2015 – 46:29

But as you know if you read my blog, I am not focusing on times this year. And besides, my quads have been sore due to that insanely hilly half marathon. I wasn’t expecting even to finish under 50 minutes. It was more important not to get hurt and have to miss any upcoming races.

Being the second time that I’ve run the race, I was more prepared on how the course went uphill for the first mile, some rolling hills before it went downhill. See below:

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

I was hoping that the weather would be a little more springlike and I could wear a green skirt. But it was not. It was COLD, much colder than last week. So I just wore capris under a skirt, compression socks and several layers.

The race was about an hour drive from my house. Although the parking lot was full, I found a spot on a nearby street. Everyone hung out in the gym waiting for the race to start.

another cotton shirt to give to my buddy

I chatted with some runners that I recognized Sue and then Lara. I also met some new faces.

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

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

I was undecided about what to wear, as usual. It was cold and breezy but sunny. In the end, I decided on a baseball cap, 2 long sleeved shirts and a fleece vest plus gloves. (I left the jacket inside for later.)

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

It was not chip timed so I lined up close to the front. Lara inside had told me that she really wanted to run an 8 min pace. So she left me in the dust at the beginning. I told myself to just “run your own race.”

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

over the highway bridge (pic front last year)

Although it was in the 20’s, the sun made it feel a lot warmer, I took off my gloves and unzipped my vest. I could have gone with one less layer.

Eventually I caught up with Lara. Those 8 minute miles were not happening for her. We ran together for awhile.

At first water stop around mile 1.75, I walked. Then I continued running until we got the downhill portion. However, the wind picked up and my hat blew off. I got it and put it back but not well (Wardrobe fail – new hat). It annoyed me and eventually I stopped and made it tighter.

Mile 3’s downhills gave me a boost but again at the second water stop around mile 4, I walked again and even longer than the first time. My legs were feeling last week’s hilly half.

But I just plugged along and refused to walk until I was done.

ss16a

ss16b

Finally, I saw the finish line and tried to sprint but I didn’t have much left.

I crossed at 46:28. (I didn’t know at the time that like last year, my chip did not record my time.)

other runners heading to the finish line (last year’s pic too)

I went inside to the school cafeteria to get something to eat with Lara and her mother and then Laurie. I had a nice BIG jelly donut. (I ate it too fast to take a pic.)

We then waited in the gym for the results to be posted. Last year, I got 3rd. I doubted that I would win again but you never know when you’re in the old ladies group.

Well, my name was not listed with the results and I would have gotten third again.

You got a medal and I have enough of those so I didn’t care. (In my mind, I won an AG award!!!)

But I did go back outside to talk to the timing people and sure enough the runner who crossed at 46:28 did not have a bib # attached to his/her time. They said they would fix it.

and they did

Splits:

2015 / 2016

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

s5m

I enjoyed the race (I enjoy them all) and was happy about how I did considering my sore quads and the course. It was not a PR but it was 1 second faster than last year. I was expecting to be a lot slower. I was glad that I didn’t push myself because I had planned more miles for the day…

Though I was tired and cold, I drove to the Zim Smith Trail to meet Judy.

Originally I had though of the Betar Byway since it was nearby. But it is hilly and I wasn’t sure that it was long enough. I had always wanted to run on the Zim Trail so it seemed like today would be a good time to try it. Judy was nice to start her long run later and do 4 of her 9 miles with me.

As you can see, the sun went in but the wind died down so it was a nice afternoon to run. Judy’s run/walk style was perfect for my tired legs.

I like the trail. It is 9 miles in total and I definitely plan to return and run more of it.

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

So yes, I’ll be back to the run on the trail and back to sample more of Leah’s baked goods.

homemade peach blueberry pie – yummy

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

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing? Ever have your bib not record your time?

March 17, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: DOMS, Weather, More Races, Group Runs, etc.

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Who knew?

When you run a hilly races and your quads aren’t used to downhill running, you can get DOMs.

After the hilly half on Sunday, I felt fine. I felt good the next day. So good that I went for a short easy run.

Then Tuesday morning, DOMS set in.

In case you’ve never had them, DOMS is “dull, aching pain, soreness, tenderness, stiffness of muscles and joints, swelling, loss of strength, and reduced range of motion. Typically, symptoms appear 24 – 48 hours after we run.”

I’m not to the point that I’m hobbling, but my quads ached going up and down stairs and my left one was sore.

I, of course, Googled the treatment and discovered that the Sunday hot shower and the Monday hot tub were not highly recommended. You should ice your sore muscles. I knew that but they weren’t sore at the time. And take NSAIDS to reduce inflammation before you hurt. I knew that too. Too late now.

Treatment?

Time cures all. Light running doesn’t help or hinder DOMS. So I plan to continue that…just with NO downhills.

I played tennis Tuesday night and actually played better than I have in a long time. I iced afterwards. On Wednesday, my quads felt so much better. Today, they don’t hurt at all. Phew!

Speaking of running…

I have races scheduled for almost every weekend.

What was I thinking?

I love to race and I need to run long. There you go.

This Sunday I have a 5 mile race.

ss5

Hopefully, my quads will be healed and I can run. Reading over my review from last year, the first 2 miles are uphill… Oh no!

at last year’s race

Afterward, I hope to find the Betar Byway and run 4 more miles. I ran a race there last summer and it was very pretty (though maybe a flatter location would be wiser.)

10295224_10202200045743430_818599984312150476_o

at the Betar Byway park along the Hudson

In the weeks to follow, I have a 5k, a 5 miler, a 10K and another Half Marathon (a hilly one.)

It’s nice that it is light enough to run after work. But what happened to those spring-like temps? It was 80 degrees last week.

me no likey

On Monday, I start my 10 week Freihofer Training Challenge group runs.

There are beginning, intermediate and advanced groups that meet on Mondays to run at 6:30 am, noon or 6 pm. For the second year, I joined the advanced 6 pm group. They also meet on Saturdays (which I don’t go to.)

frwtraining3

I’m looking forward to seeing my friends again and running regularly with a group. The speed drills, however, I am not looking forward to.

Happy Running! Have you ever had DOMS? Are you having spring-like weather? Do you run with a group? What are you thinking about this St. Patrick’s Day?