November 10, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Post Race Celebrations

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Post Race Celebrations

I really haven’t run any BIG BIG races so I haven’t participated in the infamous post race events.

But one of the important things that I consider when I review a race is its post-race food.

We pay enough to race. There should be a decent selection of post race refreshments.

Here’s what I like to see after a race:

Chocolate Milk

(Walkway Half)

Pizza

Soup in the winter

HMRRC Winter Series

Ice cream in the summer

(Schenectady ARC Challenge)

(Sean’s Run)

Carbs (bagels & home made baked goods)

Bacon Hill Bonanza)

(Helper’s Fund 5k/10k)

Fruit

chocolate fountain with pretzels and fruit for dipping

preferably with a chocolate fountain (Mother’s Day bRUNch)

My most recent post-race nourishment:

just perfect… there were also bagels, yogurt, fruit, etc. (Stockadeathon)

One of favorites is this barbecue:

(Camp Chingachgook Challenge)

However if the post-race food is lacking, I just go out with a friend…

After all, I have put back those calories that I burned!!

Happy Running! Are post-race refreshments important to you?

November 9, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 7th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We changed our meeting spot from hilly Prospect to the State Office Campus because it was getting too dark to run in the park. But only 3 people showed up for my group. Nowhere to hide, my coach made me run fast (so fast, I almost puked LOL). I cooled down with a walk around the mall with my BFF.

4 intervals of 4 min fast X 2 min jog- at the State Office Campus so no hills

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk and since I wasn’t schedule for my usual tennis after work, I did a nice easy 3 mile run. Had to take advantage of this nice weather (70 degrees in Nov?)

soo dark!

Wednesday – The weather has been so nice. I took a walk during work and after work, I ran 3 miles with my STEM client. We ran at UAlbany this week since there were no lights at our other location. It was so warm that I ran in a tee shirt!!

at UAlbany

Thursday – Had a busy work day but sneaked out at lunch for a 3 mile run. It was supposed to be a rest day but it was so warm that I had to do it. After work, I went to visit a friend that I haven’t seen in a while.

Friday – After 4 days in a row of running, I decided to take 2 days off. Besides, there was rain in the forecast. But between the raindrops, the sun came out and I took a Starbucks walk. I spent the evening playing maj jongg.

Saturday – I got up early to proctor the MPREs at work. Afterwards, I drove to pickup my race packet for the Stockade-athon. Frank Shorter was there and it was a thrill to meet him. The rest of the day was filled with errands and carb loading.

Sunday – I ran the Stockadeathon 15K race. It was my 2nd time running the new course. It was fun since I knew a lot of runners there. And I got a PR – so surprised!! That evening, we celebrated our 7th year of mah jongg with an anniversary dinner.

1:31:35 = 15K PR 🙂

mah jongg ladies minus 3

22.4 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group)
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – DAY OFF. 3 mile run with my STEM client
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – 10 – 11 mile run
Sunday – day in NYC (with the hubby to see Lord of the Dance on Broadway)

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 ?

November 8, 2015 by Darlene

Stockade-athon 15K Race Recap

This is my fourth time running this 15k race. In 2011, my first time, I finished in 1:36:08. I was injured in 2012 and then I ran it in 2013 and finished with a disappointing 142:22.

fake happy

With over 2000 runners in this race, they were forced to make some changes to the course last year.

It no longer starts and ends in Central Park. It also starts earlier – 8:30 am

This is a description of the new course:

It starts near Veterans Park in downtown Schenectady. The course travels west on State Street for 1K before entering the historic Stockade District and proceeding on a scenic bike path in Riverside Park along the Mohawk River. The course exits the Stockade District via Front Street after crossing Erie Blvd. The course then proceeds east on Nott Street past Union College before entering the historic GE Plot residential neighborhood via Lenox Ave, Douglas Rd and Rugby Rd. The course exits Rugby Road and proceeds north on Waverly Place near the 5K mark. The course turns east off Waverly and follows Grand Blvd to the city boundary with Niskayuna, then proceeds south on Dean Street to Central Parkway past 8k. After a 1K residential loop on Central Parkway, the course enters beautiful Central Park and follows a bike path around Iroquois Lake and Duck Pond before reaching its highest elevation near 12K. The final 3k is mostly downhill or flat as the course exits Central Park and proceeds west through historic Vale Cemetery and Vale Park before a final downhill section on Franklin Street to the finish at City Hall.

Well, I loved the new course and finished the race with a new PR – 1:33:23

This year, they decided to stay with the same course. YAY!

However, there has been a big difference in the my training – slower (long) runs due to a half marathon in October and an upcoming one in December.

So I didn’t expect to PR but just wanted a decent long run (and not get INJURED!!)

To save time, I picked up my race packet on Saturday at Fleet Feet in Albany.

I met Frank Shorter there and he was soooo nice!

a cotton shirt (ugh!) but I got my bib signed (as a good luck charm)

As usual, I didn’t sleep much the night before the race. I had decided what to wear but still wasn’t sure about how cold it would be. It was in the 30s when I got up and it was forecast to warm up to the high 40s. I hate this time of year. But at least there was a bag check and I could bring extra clothes for after.

Even though, I went last year, I still left extra early not knowing where exactly to park. I got there around 7:15 am and found a spot on the street a few blocks from the start of the race.

I walked to the YMCA to use the restroom and check my extra clothes. There I bumped into a few familiar faces. I also met someone new (Linda, a 70 yr old) and we spent a lot of time chatting.

I used the restroom right away and was glad that I did since the line got very very long later on. It was so nice to have some place to stay warm before the race. They even had water, coffee, donuts, fruit, etc. I didn’t eat anything since I ate breakfast before I left but did take a GU.

Soon, it was time for Linda & I to walk a few blocks and head to the starting line.

The course map:

stockade-athon

As with any big race, it was very slow going at first.

from Daily Gazette

As the map above shows, we headed west along the Mohawk River into the Stockade section of town.

photo by David Giacalone

After the bike path and the Stockade area, we ran past Union College and around various residential neighborhoods.

photo by David Giacalone

I knew a lot a runners in this race. They kept catching up to me, we’d chat and then they would go on ahead. That was ok with me. I was determined to run at my own pace and have a pain-free race.

I was trying to keep my pace under 10 but at this point I was starting to slow down. The hills were relentless. I remember last year being able to run up them. Not this year but I gave myself permission to walk if I needed to.

And I was HOT!! Yes, with the sun out, I was dying but there was nothing I could do. There were times, I felt nauseated due to being overdressed.

10479095_10204157647595890_3881613154386506276_o

Around mile 6, we entered Central Park with its rolling hills, lake, and pretty foliage.

photo by David Giacalone

I had at this point walked through both water stops and a few other times (including one long bout to take a GU).

I wasn’t concerned about my time but when I crossed the 10k mark at 1:00:xx, those PR thoughts came into my head. I tried to think about something else because I knew what was coming.

Between mile 7 and 8 is where the BIG hills were. I walked up the first one. Then I decided to run up the second because it was the last one. It was so steep that when I got to the top, my legs were jelly and I could hardly run.

At least the hills were over and I got a second wind. We proceeded to run through the cemetery and then through a park before heading DOWNHILL to the finish line at city hall.

Stockadeathon-1047

Stockadeathon-1049 unedited

Of course, the wind picked up and we were running INTO the run!!

stock7

Stockadeathon 15k

But when I saw the clock in the distance, I ran as fast as I could.

I finished at 1:31:35!!

Yes, a PR by almost 2 minutes …without even trying!

10 of 20 in my AG 1st 5k=29:44; 2nd 5k=31:02; 3rd 5K =30:56

I was happy with the results. There was no chance of an age group award. All the speedy old ladies run this race.

I really liked this course. It was so varied that it also took your mind off the hills. With the large number of runners, I felt like I was always running with others and it kept me going.

Yes, it was hilly. The first half had a lot more hills but they were manageable. The second half had fewer hills but they were steeper.

The best part of the race was that NOTHING HURT!! Not my feet, not my back…nada. I didn’t put it all out there and I just enjoyed myself.

This was a confidence booster for me. When I was done, I felt like I could still run more…

I waited around to see Judy finish.

As I was waiting, someone came over and said “I like your skirt.”

love the wind blown hair!

She was a SkirtSports ambassador too! She has since emailed me and maybe we will see each other again.

Then Judy & I walked to the YMCA. I changed into warmer clothes and then went to Proctors to get something to eat. There was vegetable soup, pizza, bagels, cider donuts, fruit, chocolate milk, yogurt, and lots more.

Then I wandered over to the indoors Farmers Market — 2 floors of local baked goods, fruits, vegetables. I just sampled the food and walked around.

I stayed around for the awards since Linda was probably getting one (there were 20 in my AG and only 1 in hers).

she was last but has such a great attitude (photo by David Giacalone)

I will definitely add this race to my must-do list. It was very well organized and I was thrilled with my time. The hills slowed me down but next year, I’ll be ready for them…maybe gun for a sub 1:30.

Splits: (2014 – 2015)

mile 1 – 8:49 – 8:57
mile 2 – 9:29 – 9:36
mile 3 – 10:03 – 10:02
mile 4 – 10:04 – 9:59
mile 5 – 9:49 – 9:33
mile 6 – 10:30 – 10:16
mile 7 – 10:35 – 10:04
mile 8 – 10:58 – 10:21
mile 9 – 10:02 – 9:38
.4 – 8:26 – 8:14

The difference was starting slower which gave me more energy for the 2nd half.

and Frank signing my bib LOL.

Race Goals:

A: Finish under 1:35 – YES!! And a PR!!
B: All miles between 9 and 11 minutes. YES!
C: Finish happy and healthy. YES YES!

The day ended with a Chinese dinner with my Mah Jongg group to celebrate 7 years of playing together.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend? If so, how did it go?

November 7, 2015 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date November

Today I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date for the second time.

I do LOVE coffee especially Starbucks but I was having trouble sleeping so I gave up caffeine and now I drink herbal tea for breakfast and decaf coffee if I have anything later in the day. (Not sure if I sleep any better but it was VERY tough giving up that coffee & I have a lot of teas to use up.)

Over decaf coffee…

I’d tell you that I am having a hard time remembering how to dress for fall weather. Summer is so easy…a tank and a skirt. Now that it’s getting chilly out, what do I wear???

It hasn’t helped that one day it is 30 degrees and the next day it is 70 degrees!!

70 degrees?!

I vow no matter how cold it is to keep wearing skirts …. (until Thanksgiving??)

30 degrees!

Over decaf coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m almost over pumpkin….

For the last month, I’ve been eating anything and everything pumpkin!

I’m ready for cranberry!!

and new Starbucks flavors…

this year they have chestnut praline!! yum!

Over decaf coffee…

I’d tell you that I may have a NYC obsession.

I went to NYC 3 times in October and I’m going again next Sunday.

To be fair, I’m going this time with my hubby and he never gets to go and of course, I don’t mind.

Broadway instead of running in Central Park. I have to compromise for the sake of the marriage LOL.

Over decaf coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m worried that I am not worried about my half marathon in one month…

eau palm beach

In fact for the next Ultimate Coffee Date, I will be in Florida.

I have my flight and I booked a very cheap hotel for the night before the race (Sat).

Hotel Biba – heard of it anyone?

I don’t know where I am staying Friday or Sunday nights (although I do have friends in the area.) I am usually so Type A about these things.

As for the race, it does look scenic. It’s not the same course as the one I ran in January (the course runs north rather than south) and according to the map, it is 13.4 miles.

I’m not aiming for a PR. I would like to have a pain-free race and hopefully a faster time than my last 4 half marathons. I’m also hoping for warm weather but not too warm (and NO RAIN!)

half marathon #16 and #7 for 2015

Happy Running! Hope you enjoyed your morning coffee or tea!

November 6, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Race Signs

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week’s theme is FAVORITE RACE SIGNS

Just check these out from the NYC Marathon:

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/the-20-best-signs-from-the-2015-nyc-marathon

Here are 5 that I like:

Happy Running! What is your favorite race sign?

November 5, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Speedwork, Fall & Another Race

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Can I really get faster?

I’ll be honest, the only time, I sprint is if I am running through the finish line …. until this past Monday.

Last year, I joined the Turkey Trot Training group and the Freihofer’s Training group. I ran with the group on Mondays. But I never really did the drills correctly. I ran with my friends and we chatted. Most of the time, I was in the midst of training for a long race so speed work was not a good idea the day after a long run or the day after a half marathon. And when there is a large group of people, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. I do, however, think that running up the hills made me stronger last fall and even faster.

This fall, we just switched locations and there are no hills. And on Monday, only 3 people showed up from my group. Oh no!!

Our coach, Patrick’s plan was for a warm up and then 4 minutes fast, 2 minute jog, repeated 4 times followed by a cool down (4 miles total)

There was no room to hide. But I tried.

The first 4 minutes, I ran kinda fast and was in the middle of the 3 runners. Patrick was running with the fastest runner.

The 2nd 4 minutes, I was slowing down and Patrick noticed. Oh shit!

He lectured me and told that I wasn’t even breathing hard and that I could do better. Of course, I complained that I was old & tired but he was hearing nothing of it. We compromised and I said I would sprint for the last minute of the 4 minutes. And I did. I ran so fast that I thought I would puke (and 1 minute can sometimes seem like forever.)

Well, Patrick was impressed but that meant that he expected me to do it again. And I did and I didn’t die.

He said that I was strong and could get faster if I put in the effort.

Probably true.

Would I do this if I were running alone? Probably not!

Will I run like this when the other runners show up next week? We’ll see.

Am I the only one who doesn’t do speed drills & just runs for fun??? (I guess that’s why coaches are important.)

Fall has been awesome.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE summer!! But they said that because we had such as dry summer, the fall foliage would be disappointing.

They were wrong.

I’m not complaining but it’s been warm enough to wear skirts to run!!

This is how I dressed today…

72 degrees on November 5th.

The thing I don’t like is that now it gets dark so early!!! I have to find new places to run (with lights.)

Guess what? I have a race this weekend. No surprise. It’s a 15k so it even fits right in with my half marathon training.

This is my fourth time running this 15k race. It is the 40th anniversary of one of the oldest 15ks in the country and Frank Shorter will be there running it. So I am pretty excited. (It’s not NYC but cool for upstate NYS.)

My first time running this race was in 2011. I was injured in 2012 and didn’t run it. I ran it in 2013 and was disappointed with my finish time.

my fake happy face

Last year, they changed the course. It started and ended in downtown Schenectady rather than in Central Park.

Well, I loved the new course and finished the race with a new PR!!

However, this year, I have been either training for my half marathon in October or the upcoming one in December. My long runs have been slooooow! I don’t even feel ready to run 9.3 hilly miles but I need to be since I’ll be running 13.1 in 3 weeks!!!!

So I do not expect a PR but I just want a decent long run (and not get INJURED!!)

Race Goals:

A: Finish under 1:35 (my PR is 133:23)
B: All miles between 9 and 11 minutes.
C: Finish happy and healthy.

Happy Running! What are thinking about today?

November 4, 2015 by Darlene

NYRR Dash to the Finish Line Race – Before, During & After

I witnessed the end of this race on a trip to NYC in 2013.

near the marathon finish line (2013)

That day, I knew that I wanted to run this race. It didn’t work out last year but this year, I signed up.

I reserved a room for the night before the race in an AirBnB apartment – not as nice as the one in Brooklyn but since it worked out well then, I wasn’t nervous about it this time.

I again took the $5 megabus to NYC on Friday. Unfortunately my host wasn’t as flexible as the last and I couldn’t check into my room until 6 pm.

So I checked my bag at Macys (it’a free) and then took the subway to Little Italy.

I had booked a Italian Food Tour from 12-2 pm.

It was so enjoyable. I got to see and visit some of the colorful and historical sites of this old Italian neighborhood (My hubby is Italian and he would have loved it.) such as, Parisi Bakery, Alleva Dairy, Lombardi’s Pizza, Ferrara Bakery, famous movie locations, the Curb Exchange, Petrosino Square, Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I also got to sample some great Italian food – fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, bread, pizza, cannoli (Carb loading, right?) There were only 5 people on the tour (a group of 6 cancelled at the last moment) so we had double the food (and had to eat it 🙂 ). The other 4 women & I bonded immediately and had a great time. They even convinced me to stay in Ferrara’s to have coffee with them after the tour.

Christmas decorations up already?

former police station – now expensive apts (Steffi Graf lived here)

Allevas – old cheese store in the US

Lombardi’s = best pizza ever!!!

I ate the cannoli too fast to take a pic

Next, I had buy some homemade gelato (you have to when in Little Italy) and took the subway back into the city to the Javitz Center where the NYC Marathon expo was being held.

Of course, it was huge and crowded. Most people who were there were running the Marathon. I picked up my race packet for the 5k and walked around checking out the booths. I was supposed to meet Pam from We Run Disney but I spent time fixing the age on my bib and we just missed each other. Well, though tempted, the only thing I bought was some Gu (cuz it was only $1)

After the expo, I walked back to Macy’s to pick up my bag. I had been walking straight since 10 am and now it was 5 pm so I stopped to have a light dinner and put my feet up. Then finally I left to check into my room.

the apt on 39th (bet 8th & 9th)

Marilyn & Michelle, my hosts, didn’t live in the apartment (which was different than the situation for the one in Brooklyn). She rented all 4 bedrooms – 2 being real rooms & the other 2 (like below) being makeshift. It was fine but I would have preferred the real bedroom (…next time).

practical but not ideal

After settling in, I had planned to check out TKTS and get a cheap ticket to a Broadway show but I was too pooped. So I stayed in and finished a book.

The next morning, I got up early and had my usual breakfast (oatmeal & tea) and took a cab to the race start. I didn’t want to mess with subways and crowds at this hour. The cab driver was nice and asked me what I wanted to pay rather using the meter. I didn’t know what to say (according to Uber it would cost $22.50) so I said $10 and he said ok. Then I realized I only had a $20 bill with me. He actually let me stop and get change. He took me to the UN (42nd & 1st) and when it wasn’t the start, he took me to 49th (The start was on 47th but close enough).

the start line in front of the UN

the large group from France ran from where I took my cab (almost 2 miles) to the start

I got there plenty early, actually too early (7:15 am). It was cold!! Probably in the 30s but scheduled to warm up to the 40s by the start.

I was really lucky. I spotted 3 ladies (from Toronto) in a doorway. It turned out be UN ambassador headquarters and there was doorman and a overhead heater. (The UN ambassador from the US was actually running the race). The 4 of us hung out there until it was time to line up in our corrals. The ladies were running the 5k and their husbands the marathon the next day.

The corrals were lettered A-Z depending your pace. I was in G (10 minute pace.) One of the Canadian ladies was in corral A because she put her time in kilometres not miles LOL.

So I took of my throw away shirt and tied my jacket around my waist (for later) and wandered about 7 blocks to my spot.

There were over 10,000 runners from 130 countries. The energy was so contagious. Some runners were there to have fun and dressed up in costume. Others were warming up for the marathon the next day and there were also runners like me who couldn’t run 26.2 miles so ran 3.1 instead.

Finally it was time to start but of course, it took a while for me to cross the start line. It was slow going at first but I just tried to enjoy the experience and pick up some speed at the same time. I knew I would slow down when I met the hills of Central Park.

This was the course:

Mile 1: We started at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on 47th Street between First and Second avenues and headed south. Then we turned right on 42nd Street and headed west. We passed Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, Bryant Park. Next we turned right onto Sixth Avenue.

can you spot me? (On the left – orange shirt)

Mile 2: We proceeded up Sixth Avenue toward Central Park. We passed Radio City, the Plaza hotel and lots of screaming spectators and then turned right on Central Park South/59th Street. Finally we turned left into Central Park at Grand Army Plaza.

Mile 3: We entered the park, then turned left onto West Drive. We ran those rolling hills and curved around the bottom of the park eventually finishing at the NYC Marathon finish line, on West Drive at 67th Street.

This was probably the most fun, I’ve ever had at a race. I never looked at my Garmin. I knew that my first mile was slow because you just couldn’t start running for a while. Even then, I had to weave through the crowds at many points. (The serious runners were obviously faster than me). Plus, my legs just felt like lead after standing in the cold for over an hour. I felt perfectly dressed, even a little warm at times. At the water stop (which I didn’t stop at), there was a wall of people just stopped but I just smiled and weaved around them. The hills in Central Park slowed me down but I didn’t walk and they weren’t as bad as I had feared. I was thrilled to see the finish line but I just couldn’t muster up a sprint (??).

was I walking across the finish line??

I couldn’t tell by the clock at the finish line but I checked my watch and I did finish in less than 29 minutes!! So I was happy!

Once you crossed the finish line, they handed you a bag of food and ushered you along.

I’ve never been at a race this big that was so organized. There were volunteers everywhere.

I texted Pam again hoping to meet up but she had already finished her shakedown run in the park so we planned to keep in touch for the rest of the day.

Spike Lee’s car for the next day

brand new pavilion – I didn’t make it on Friday and they were closed today.

After following the path out of the park, I had to wind my way back because I had brunch reservations at Tavern on the Green.

I was too early but they were nice enough to give me a table anyway.

they didn’t even mind that I was sweaty

The food was expensive and but tasty (and something you only do once.)

Next on the schedule was sightseeing, leaf peeping and running 5 miles in Central Park.

I planned to head North on the west side, run around Jackie O’s reservoir and then run back on the east side.

It amazed me how many people were running in Central Park. At times, it felt like a race.

Jackie O Reservoir

And that’s what I did (I didn’t connect with Pam – she was on the east side when I was on the West side & vice versa). I ran and took photos (lots) and although I may have walked more than ran, I covered my planned distance.

still a lot leaves on the trees down here

took a break and climbed to the top of Belvedere Castle

at the Water Consevancy

I stopped at the Plaza on my way back to my room (checkout was 3 pm) and found a food court on the lower level (tempted to have a treat but abstained.

this reminded me of my racecation in Philly

I also stopped at Bryant Park.

ice skating in Oct??

I walked through Times Square before arriving at my room – pooped again.

I still had time to kill before my bus. I stopped for dinner

NYC – matzoh ball soup – what else?

and made a 2nd trip to expo.

the expo was closing so 20% off – had to buy, right?

Yes, a full 2 days in the Big Apple!

I had great weather and everything went perfectly!

The highlight, of course, was the race even though it only took a half hour.

I finished 17th in my Age Group out of 110 runners – Not too bad considering the crowded conditions.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:41 (slow start)
mile 2 – 8:23
mile 3 – 9:15
.14 – 9:05 (slowest finish ever!!)

28:37 (Garmin time)
28:59 race time

I may have to do this one again!! Who wants to do it with me?

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend?

November 3, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Planning for a Racecation or Destination Race

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Planning for a Racecation or Destination Race

Well, I do do this several times a year so here are my tips:

Make a list of what you need to bring.

Then you can cross things off as you pack them. Don’t forget race fuel.

Start packing early

I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all because as we know, the weather forecasts will change.

Be prepared for last minute changes in weather.

Bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.

Bring your race morning breakfast.

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal and tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.)

Print important information for packet pickup & the race start.

I have everything on my iPhone but you never know…when it won’t work or the battery dies.

If you are flying, pack race essentials in your carry-on.

What if your luggage gets lost….

Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me last March and June.) Plus you can do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Happy Running! Any other tips for a destination race?

November 2, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 6th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. The hills still kill me and the slower runners didn’t come so I was struggling to keep up.

it was actual 3 fast miles

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk and then 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work and dinner out after.

Wednesday – My walk was rained out and my STEM client had a dentist appt. So I was forced onto the treadmill. I haven’t watched any TV since last winter so watching Nashville on my iPad was the only good thing about the run. After my run, I rushed off to my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies.

3 miles

steak, pasta & pumpkin cheese cake…oh my!

Thursday – Had a busy work day but walked during lunch. After work, I met a running friend, Barbara, for a short run on the rail trail. That was nice to have the company and though I was tired, I ran faster than I would have if I were running alone.

Friday – Today I had the day off from work so I could take the bus down to NYC. After checking my bag at Macy’s, I took the subway to Little Italy for my Italian Food Tour of NYC. After the 2 hour tour, I headed to the expo to pickup my race bib and soak up some NYC Marathon energy. Finally I checked into my room and called it a day.

Saturday – I got up early to get to the start of my 5K. I ran 3.1 miles from the UN and through the NYC Marathon finish line. It was so cool. Then I had brunch at Tavern on the Green. Since it was a beautiful sunny, cool day, I continued running 5 more miles in Central Park – Heaven! After checking out of my room, I had diner & then went back to the expo before catching my bus home.

28:59 – 17 out of 110 in my AG

5 more miles

Sunday – A well deserved rest day but really so much to do around the house.

17 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group), mall walk with my BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 2 mile run during work, 2 mile walk/run with STEM client
Thursday – rest
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – proctor MPREs, race packet pickup
Sunday -15K race, anniversary mah jongg dinner

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 ?

November 1, 2015 by Darlene

October Recap & Runfessions

OCTOBER GOALS:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

I continue to run 3-4 miles during the week trying to vary my running courses.

near work

on the new rail trail

Continue the long runs on the weekend. YES!

But not as long since I was tapering and then just beginning to train for next one.

10/3 – 9.2 miles

10/17 – 6.2 miles (10K race)

10/25 – 7 miles

109/31 – 5 miles post 5K race

Run a 5k race under 29 minutes. YES

It wasn’t a PR but it was faster than my last few 5ks.

28:01

I just ran this one for fun and it was.

28:59 (28:37 – Garmin time)

Run a 10K race under 60 minutes. YES!

59:19 – 3rd in AG

Finish a half marathon under 2:25:00 NOPE! But close.

2:25:47 – stupid lower back pain

Do some yoga. NO! 😦
Start doing planks again. Not really. 😦
Continue running with a group. YES!

every Monday (I skip the Saturday runs though)

Walk 70,000 steps each week. YES!

Oct 10 – new record high

My FitBit has motivated me to take the stairs at work and walk at lunch most days.

park is beautiful this time of year

Pick a spring half marathon. NO!

But I did register for another winter one (EAU Palm Beach on Dec 6).

I registered for NYC on March 20 but I don’t know if I’ll get in.

I will also try to get into Brooklyn on May 14 (registration doesn’t open until Jan) as well as VCM (if AJH wants to run the relay again.)

Run at least 85 miles. Nope! But close.

Start a knitting project. Nope not yet.

What else?

Went to NYC with my tennis friends.

We walked the High Line and saw the Carole King musical Beautiful.

Had a nice time touring Brooklyn before and after my race.

I walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and visited Prospect Park on Saturday.

After the race, I spent the afternoon on Coney Island.

Volunteered with the STEM program again.

I run with Kelly after work on Wednesdays. She is going to do great in her first 5K.

Spectated at a Duathlon.

I was my 4th time watching AJH compete in this race and I enjoyed it. If it were warmer, I would have enjoyed it even more 🙂

Walked over the Walkway Bridge with my college BFF.

After meeting at the Clark Institute in September, we decided to get together more often. Unfortunately, my other college friend fell and broke her ribs & collar bone biking and couldn’t come. I’m glad we chose to walk instead of bike. The day turned out great.

Saw my Mentee’s son.

We went to Ellms Family Farm which has become an annual fall tradition for us. (Unfortunately his mom had to work.)

Ran a race in NYC…finally!

Dash to the Finish 5k

It started at the UN and 3.1 miles later, I crossed the NYC Marathon finish line. What a great experience.

Took a Food Tour of Little Italy the day before the race.

And got to run around Central Park on a beautiful fall day after the race.

November Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue long runs on the weekend.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Run a 15K race under 1:35.
Start going to the gym once a week.
Do those planks!
Continue running with a group.
Walk 70,000 steps each week.
Run at least 80 miles.

This month I’m linking up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

I think I may have to make these yearly Runfessions rather monthly because they repeat.

I runfess..,.

I am still in weight la la land. I have no idea how much I weigh since my scale STILL has no battery.

I runfess…

I have not gone to the gym or signed up for a yoga class.

I want to but things get in the way (mostly running.)

I runfess…

I have only run once with my STEM client (victim of Domestic violence.) She has cancelled and I haven’t been able to reschedule . Each time, I am secretly happy because that means I can run on my own nearby.

I hope it works out for the next few Wednesdays because she is very sweet and a good runner.

I runfess…

On my training group runs, I walk up the hills and I do not run fast on the speed drills.

I am either too tired after work or did my long run the day before. I better get it together or my Turkey Trot 10k will suck.

I runfess…

I love taking pictures when I run. This means that I stop and walk … A LOT. I should leave my phone home but fall is so pretty.

I runfess…

My fitbit excitement is wearing off already (after one month.)

I am sitting more at work and now it doesn’t bother me when I don’t hit 10,000 steps.

I runfess…

I don’t drink anything caffeinated. I drink herbal tea in the morning. But I think I use sweets for energy.

Yup, cider donuts, pumpkin poptarts, etc … If I am tired, I eat.

I runfess..

I jump into things without thinking them through.

So I signed up for a half marathon on Dec 6 in Florida. It’s on a Sunday and I arrive on Friday. Though I have friends to stay with on Friday & on Sunday, it’s going to be inconvenient. The Race is in West Palm, one lives 1/2 hour north and one lives 1/2 hour south. Last time, I arrived the day before the race and stayed for a few days after. It worked out well but this time, I was afraid of transportation snafus.

Happy Running! How was your October? Anything interesting planned for November? Do you have something to Runfess?