June 4, 2015 by Darlene

May Update

May Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

Get some strength training or yoga done. Nope! Maybe someday…
Go for a walk everyday at work. Not everyday but many days.

Continue running with a training group. Yes on most Mondays but not all.

even ran with the mayor

Do long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon on May 24. Just one.

10K followed by 4 miles

Complete a 15K race. NO!! Ran a 10K and a 5k instead (due to a sore foot)

Spring Run Off 10k instead of 15k

Mastodon Challenge 5k instead of 15k

Win an age group award ~~for a 15k~~. Won for Spring Run Off 10K and for Mother’s Day 5K

1st for the Spring Run Off 10k

3rd for Mother’s Day 5k

Run a 5K with my GOTR running buddy. YES!

Run while on my tennis vacation in Florida. YES! 4 times (13 miles)

Complete Half Marathon #13. YES!!

Vermont City Marathon Relay

Complete a 5K race. YES. Four of them!

Mastodon Challenge 5K

Mother’s Day 5K bRUNch

Run my 5k and 10k races under 10 min. mile pace. YES! (Note: the 10k was the fastest.)

Spring Run Off 10k – 9:22 pace

Albany Law Day 5k – 9:25 pace

Mastodon Challenge 5k – 9:25 pace

Mother’s Day 5K – 9:45 pace

Freihofer Run for Women – 9:28 pace

Run at least 85 miles. Nope. Not even close!

What else?

We went boating for the first time this season.

I celebrated my birthday.

dinner with my former co-worker, Michele

cake with the mah jongg ladies

1508071_10153802254859428_8318378114823220880_n

dinner with my hubby

I went the annual tulip fest with Amanda & her sons.

I spent 8 wonderful days with friends in Naples, Fla.

June Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Get some strength training or yoga done.
Go for a walk several times a week at work.
Run a 5K.
Complete Half Marathon #14.
Complete a 10 mile race.
Lose at least 5 lbs.
Run at least 80 miles.

Happy Running! How was your May? Anything special planned for June?

June 1, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- rest, ~~boating on Lake George~~ errands, dinner out with hubby
Tuesday – walk at work, 3 mile run

Wednesday – walk at work, rest, bday dinner & movie with bff

great film

Thursday – 3 2 mile run on the track at work, hair appt

Friday – walk at work, rest~~, mah jongg~~ expo

Saturday – 5k race + 7 2 more miles (& 5 miles walked)

Sunday – rest, ~~boating?~~ (RAIN), nails, errands

This Week:

Monday- 4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis, dinner out
Wednesday – 4 mile run
Thursday – rest
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, day trip to NYC
Sunday – 5k race. 1 mi race + more miles?, boating?

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

May 30, 2015 by Darlene

Freihofer’s Run for Women Race Recap

9:30 am

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This is my 8th time!!!!!

My first FRW in 2008:

Due to construction, they changed the course.

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

I did run parts of the new course a few weeks ago.

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen…

Anyway, I should be recovering not running a 5K. I just race 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 8th Freihofer’s Run for Women?

And my FIRST Freihofer Training Challenge…

5 pm group at our first meeting. There are 3 other groups

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up. Monday runs were always after a Sunday long run and I never attended the Saturday runs. I even missed the last 2 Mondays.

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.

For convenience, I parked at work and walked to the start. I do this every year. However, this year with the new course, it was an even longer hike. Like 2 1/2 miles!

I bumped into a runner from the Challenge group and we chatted the most of the way. We cut through the Empire State Plaza to use real restrooms.

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 last year…

And the weather…it was HOT!! in the high 70’s, sunny and VERY humid. Plus the race doesn’t start until 9:30 am – too late a start with this type of weather.

We 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.

Catching up with everyone made the time go by quicker.

In fact I was talking while the Challenge group took their group photo. To my defense, it was supposed to be taken at 9:00 am and they took it at 8:55.

I even met Judith, fellow blogger and Skirt Sports Ambassador. We both had yellow bibs so we walked to the start together.

Although it was very crowded, there were about 1000 less runners than last year. I’m not sure why. (new route, weather??)

Instead of the usual singing of the national anthem, the bells from City Hall played the song. Usually I am moved to tears, but not this time. In fact, the whole event, seemed to lack the usual enthusiasm and excitement.

I think changing the route from Madison Ave to Washington lost a lot of crowd support. The street is wider and there is no bridge overlook, etc.

pic from Troy Record

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

pic from Troy Record

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. Yes, it was HOT and HUMID but we had a breeze at our backs.

I am smiling because I see my friend Allison with her camera

I continued to trudge along and couldn’t wait to walk at the first water stop around mile 1.5.

This course had you run around more of the park and it also seemed to avoid the bigger hills of the park.

You would think that I would have a faster time.

Nope. I was dying. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop. That was around mile 2.5.

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 was determined not to finish over 30 minutes.

And I did not.

I grabbed a bagel and some chocolate milk. It was definitely less congested this year. No long lines for food.

I ran into lots of runners again that I knew. Beside Holly, everyone seem to have a disappointing finish time.

with Laurie from the Turkey Trot training group.

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 around a bit until they posted the results and then I saw some folks that I work with.

Christine, a law prof and Alicia, the Dean

The Dean went to law school with the mayor.

me & the mayor

As I left, I walked by the elites who finished the race in 15-16 minutes.

the top 5

the top American finshers

I may not have run the race that I wanted but I still enjoyed myself. And my FEET DID NOT HURT! (until the walk home)

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

Splits:

mile 1- 9:26
mile 2- 9:38
mile 3 – 9:17
14 – 7:25

Chip time – 29:22 (that was slower than the hilly Mastodon 5k where I fell 😦 )

Afterwards, I walked back to my car (uphill for 2 1/2 miles). My feet started to hurt..a lot!

I had planned to run 7 more miles.

Instead I drove to the park and shuffled my way to 2 painful miles. (Remember I have another half marathon in 2 weeks!!)

very peaceful …all the runners are gone

Guess what? I have another 5k next Sunday!!

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I am also linking up with Jessica from The Silvah Lining for the Race Recap Link Up.

Happy Running! Do you race this weekend? If so, how did it go?

May 28, 2015 by Darlene

My Favorite Race Changes its Course

This Thursday is for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

I am thinking today, of course, about my upcoming 5K race…

This is the only race that I’ve run every year!

Due to construction, they are changing the course.

So it is even more exciting?

They say that this course will be faster…less congestion and less steep hill at the start.

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen…

Will I be on the first page of the sports section again?

Schenectady Gazette 2010

that’s me 2nd from left (2010) – Timesunon

me again in the purple (2012) – Timesunon

I should be recovering not running a 5K. I just race a half marathon last Sunday.

But how could I miss my 8th Freihofer’s Run for Women?

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

Yes, for the 8th time, I am running this race. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The Freihofer Run for Women is my favorite race:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it.
It feels so good to be a part of its excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
You always meet someone you know.
Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me proud.
2011 was my FRW PR year.
Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!
In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again…

This is the first time I trained with a running group.

5 pm group. There are 3 other groups

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up. Monday runs were always after a Sunday long run and I never attended the Saturday runs. But it will be fun to share the excitement of all the runners who will be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who will hopefully PR.

In such a crowded race, it is impossible to have time goal. But finishing under 30 minutes (AND NOT GETTING INJURED) would make me happy. A race PR (under 28:14) would make me super happy!

I would love at least to reverse the “run a 5k and get slower with each one” trend.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 27:56
Albany Law Day 5K – 29:16
Mother’s Day 5K – 30:16

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite race?

May 27, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run (a day late) – Compression Gear- Love it or Leave it?

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Compression Gear – Love it or leave it?

When I first started running, I didn’t know what compression gear was.

I bought my first pair of compression socks for my first half marathon because I heard that they would help.

I don’t know if they helped but I finished and feel good after. So who knows?

After that, I wore that same pair on long runs and for half marathons.

In 2012 after coming back from ankle surgery, I bought more pairs of compression socks and started to wear them for most of my races.

Now, I am addicted and wear them almost all of the time.

: 3rd

: FRW

: Asbury Park Half Marathon

So as you can see I wear them A LOT and I have quite a few pairs – I buy whatever is on sale.

Recently, I have worn compression sleeves to see if I can prevent those nasty blisters. (Didn’t make a difference.)

So why should you wear them?

Protection: They protect your legs from small scratches, abrasions and nasty things like poison ivy on a trail.
Swelling: Compression technology has been proven to limit swelling.
Dirt: Collects on your socks and not on your legs.
Warmth: Allows you to wear skirts on those iffy days when you’d reluctantly wear tights.
Coolness: No, they don’t keep you cool, but they look good when you color coordinate them with your outfit.

Happy Running? How do you feel about compression gear? What and when do you wear it

May 26, 2015 by Darlene

Vermont City Marathon Relay Race Report

May 24, 2015

As I have mentioned before, lucky AJH got us accepted in the VCM relay. I was surprised and excited. I have heard so many good things about this race.

We named our team: Age Groups Rock (Bib #6084) after AJH’s blog.

Since this half marathon was unplanned and I have another one in 3 weeks, I planned to run this race for fun – Just enjoy the experience and the scenery without the pressure of a getting a certain finish time.

I also developed a sore foot during my last half so my training had been not been spectacular. In fact I haven’t run more than 3 miles at a time in weeks.

Plus spending 8 days with 9 of your closest friends and playing tennis, shopping, going to the beach, restaurants, etc. is exhausting.

AJH was nice enough to let me stay with her the night before so I didn’t have to do the long drive in the morning and could go to the expo.

It was about a 3 hours drive from my house. So I arrived in Vermont on Saturday around 11 am. What a beautiful drive. AJH really lives in the country and the scenery was gorgeous. After I arrived, we immediately headed to the expo.

I had never done a race this big and the energy was contagious.

I took advantage of ALL the free samples and only bought a VCM tee shirt and hat.

The highlight however was a chance meeting of Deena Kastor and getting her autograph.

After the expo, I got a brief tour of Burlington which included Church street.

Then we went out to lunch at a restaurant called “The Skinny Pancake.”. We needed to start carb loading for the next day.

Then we walked around the waterfront where the Marathon would finish the next day.

Soon it was time to head home and get our stuff ready for race morning and have our pasta dinner at home.

We got up early the next morning (around 5 am). I was still pooped from my Florida vacation and I never sleep well before a race or in a strange bed so I was nervous.

Would I have enough energy to run? And my feet? Would they hurt less than my last half!! Would I not keep AJH waiting too many hours?

I had my usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea and we were on the road by 5:45.

I had asked AJH if I could do the first half since I would be too nervous to wait around… She’s done the first leg before and was nice enough to agree.

We got there early and got a great parking spot and walked to the start. It was quite cool – in the 50’s with a breeze but the weather was predicted to be sunny and 80 degrees.

I did keep my jacket on until the last minute and then handed it to AJH with a bag to bring to my finish/her start.

Believe it or not, in a crowd of thousands, I bumped into Andrea, my roommate from the Love Run Half last year.

She was running the full. I also got to see her finish.

Soon it was time to line up. I started with the 10 min pace group and chatted with a lovely lady who was running the relay with her daughter.

It was very crowded and it took me almost 3 minutes to pass the start line and even longer to start actually running.

from Burlington Free Press

I was feeling great at the start. Unfortunately that didn’t last. But I thoroughly tried to enjoy my experience at this race in spite of anything negative I was feeling physically.

I saw AJH and her friend Heather twice at the beginning and Heather once later. The crowd support was amazing. The best I have ever seen at a race!

I didn’t see any the photographers but there were some near the start for the first leg and near the finish for the 2nd. I never really looked at them but it seems that I was happy the time I passed them. That will change as you will see.

I loved running through the streets and neighborhoods of Burlington. The enthusiastic crowded really helped to make this a great race.

running up Pearl St – from Burlington Free Press

running down Main street – from Burlington Free Press

running down Church St – from Burlington Free Press

Eventually we would leave the crowds and run on the Beltline – 2 miles out and 2 miles back. This was my least favorite part. It seemed like a endless uphill. It wasn’t steep but it was long and there weren’t many supporters.

– from Burlington Free Press

The good part was that the predicted warm sun left us. It was cloudy, breezy and a little chilly.

The bad part was that my left foot (the one I thought would hurt) felt fine but right one which is always uncomfortable was painful the whole race. And at this point I was feeling my lack of training. The missed long runs was causing me to slow down and walk. But I was ok with walking the hills and the water stops. I had no time goal for this race and I wanted to enjoy it. On this part of the course, you got to see the fast runners and then after the turn you got to see the runners behind you.

Finally we left the Beltline and returned near the start. The crowded were back but I was tired!!!

not happy

No more smiles!! I wanted to done. And now it was raining on and off. Sunny and 0% of rain???

So I walked more and more. There were lots of water stops and in addition to ones organized by the race, there were many in between by supporters.

Pine St – mile 10-11 – from Burlington Free Press

The worst part of the race for me came at little after mile 10. I got really bad stomach cramps. (Never had that happen during a race.) I did make to the finish without a disaster but it was not fun. I could barely run for the last 3 miles.

Finally you can see the finish line but you have to run around the neighborhood with an annoying uphill before you get there.

I was happy to cross and my time wasn’t as bad as I had feared. I handed my wristband to AJH and she gave me our bag of clothes.

happy to be heading to the exchange area

Then I got my medal.

At this point, the sunshine and warmth that they had predicted arrived. I was worried about AJH having to run in these temps. But she was fine.

Oakledge Park -runners leaving the exchange area – from Burlington Free Press

After using the porta-pottie, I grabbed some food but really was not feeling hungry – there was fruit, chocolate milk and bagels.

My feet were toast but I had to walk a long way (a half mile that seemed longer) to catch the shuttle to the finish. After the shuttle dropped you off, you had to still walk more. Oy!

I passed the drummers which was cool.

When I approached Waterfront Park, I was overwhelmed.

Wow, was it crowded! I instantly felt better. The enthusiasm from the finishers and their supporters was contagious.

I wandered around searching for the food tent. Everything was so organized. In addition the usual, they had a bag of Moe’s and pizza. There was also a beer tent.

I walked and walked in order to find a spot at the rail to watch the runners approach the finish line.

I think I was here for about an hour and really enjoyed it.

Of course, you got to see the 5 person relay racers who looked still energetic and some of the marathon finishers who looked like death.

I got to cheer on AJH

and Andrea who was finishing the marathon.

I then met AJH at the food tent. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much left.

26.2 miles complete and medals to show for it.

So we stopped on the way back to the car.

perfect post race treat

AJH told me about her leg of the race. I almost regretted my choice to start first. I would love to run along the bikepath and I think finishing along the water would be nice.

So if I do this race again (and I want to), I would like to try the second leg of the relay:

At the half-way point of the course, enter Oakledge Park and run alongside Lake Champlain for 2 miles. Mile 15 brings the Assault on Battery; 6 blocks climbing Battery Street. You’ll see musicians and throngs of spectators to inspire you up the hill. The next 6.5 miles take you out North Avenue on gently rolling terrain through many shaded neighborhoods. A steep downhill at mile 21.5 brings you to the Burlington Bikepath, which provides beautiful lake views and flat to slightly downhill terrain over the last 4.5 miles. Your finish and all post-race festivities occur in Waterfront Park where you’ll be greeted by thousands of cheering spectators.

All in all, I am satisfied with my time. I didn’t train well. I had foot and stomach issues and I didn’t let them ruin the race.

Splits:

mile 1 – 10:02
mile 2 – 9:46
mile 3 – 9:59
mile 4 – 9:49
mile 5 – 10:17
mile 6 – 10:50
mile 7 – 11:09
mile 8 – 11:48
mile 9 – 12:35
mile 10 – 11:11
mile 11 – 12:44
mile 12 – 13:21
mile 13 – 13:03
.14 – 9:42

Chip time – 2:25:24

Hey, we came in 2nd in our AG.

As you can see, my race went downhill after mile 6 and got ugly after mile 10.

Well, there will be more races…like in 3 weeks. Gulp! I also have one scheduled for Oct. 10.

This was my 13th half marathon – 6 have been faster and 6 have been slower.

If my feet continue to fail me, I may just have to settle for running shorter races. And that’s not so bad. It’s still running!!!

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I am also linking up with Wendy for Taking the Long Way Home, Jessica from The Silvah Lining and Meredith from FitNiceRunner for the Race Recap Link Up.

Happy Running! Anyone run the VCM or another race this past weekend?

May 25, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 4 mile run, tennis doubles, tennis lesson, beach time, dinner party, book club

Tuesday – tennis lesson, tennis doubles, lunch in Sarasota, walking around Selby gardens, dinner out

Wednesday – 3 mile run, tennis doubles, tennis lesson, pool time, dinner, fly back to NY

Thursday – ~~4 mile run~~ walk at work
Friday -REST, mah jongg 3 mile run (pooped from my vacay)
Saturday – drive to VT, expo
met Deena Kastor
Sunday – 13.1 miles (VCM Relay)!!

didn’t run well the 2nd half but had a blast

This Week:

Monday- rest, ~~boating on Lake George~~
Tuesday – 3 mile run
Wednesday – walk at work, rest, bday dinner & movie with bff
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – walk at work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + more miles
Sunday – rest, boating?

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

May 21, 2015 by Darlene

Marathon Relay (Half Marathon #13)

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

May 24, 2015

As I have mentioned, lucky AJH got us accepted in the VCM relay. I was surprised and excited but not exactly training for this one.

I asked AJH if I could do the first half. (I would be too nervous to wait around…)

She’s done the first half before:

hope she doesn’t mind borrowing her photo from 2011

So this will be my route:

Since this race was unplanned and I have another half marathon in 3 weeks, I plan to run it for fun – Try to enjoy the experience and scenery without the pressure of a PR.

And I developed a sore foot during my last half so my training has been not been spectacular.

I have been doing my short week day runs but the weekends…

April 18 – 13.1 painful miles
April 26 – 5k plus 6 more painful miles = 11
May 2 – 10k plus 4 more painful miles = 10.2
May 9-10 – two 5ks in 2 days = 6.2 (should have been 12)
May 16-17 – 3 miles in Florida (should have been 8)

Since I skipped my long run last weekend when I was on vacation in Florida, this will be my last long run, as well.

Speaking of last week, spending 8 days with 9 of your closest friends is exhausting – tennis, shopping, beach, restaurants, etc. but it also was fun.

AJH has been nice enough to let me stay with her the night before so I don’t have to do the long drive in the morning and can go to the expo.

Will I have enough energy to run? And my feet? Will they hurt LESS than my last half!! I hope so and not keep AJH waiting too many hours.

My post ankle injury half marathons have been between 2:35 and 2:09 but none has been really hilly. And then’s there the foot… and the lack of long runs. We’ll see.

So I guess my goal is to finish around 2:30… but if I have to walk a lot, it may be closer to 2:45.

I am hoping that this half will be less painful and more enjoyable than my last one. (Foot, be good, please!!)

Happy Running! Anyone running or have run the VCM?

May 14, 2015 by Darlene

#REALWomenMove

Go to http://www.skirtsports.com/ambassadors/ to read about the awesome ambassador captains

Part of my responsibility of being a Skirts Sports Ambassador Captain is posting every month on a different topic.

Last month, the topic was: (You can click on the links to read my posts.)

“261” and honoring the anniversary of Kathrine Switzer; the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon and

Women conquering barriers

This month, the topic is what REALwomenmove means to me:

REALwomenmove women are Real bodies.

When I was almost 55, I decided to join a running club and run my first 5K. I had never done anything athletic until I was in my 40s when I learned to play tennis. Many people may have thought that I was too old and most of the runners in the group were indeed younger. But I quickly got addicted to racing and here I am, 62, and wearing running skirts (even if it shows the cellulite on my thighs.)

REALwomenmove women are Real inspiration.

Through reading running blogs, I have met some inspiring women. Women who in their 60s are competing in triathlons and women who smile while going through their cancer treatments….

A REALwomenmove woman is proud of who she is.

Sometimes when I race, I win an award because I am the only one in my age group. That’s ok. I am still proud of my accomplishment.

A REALwomenmove woman is confident.

When I first started running, I only ran 5ks. I did that for several years. Then when I had a serious health scare, I decided that life was short and I needed a challenge. I decided to run a half marathon and I was confident that I could do it (despite my hubby’s fears.)

A REALwomenmove woman do not judge other women.

Though my running years, I have run with many diverse groups of women – beginning runners, older runners, runners with young kids, slow runners, fast runners… No matter what, we are women and we are runners. We support each other!!