June 18, 2015 by Darlene

Racing with Doubts

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

I subscribe to Runner’s World magazine and finally sat to read it last week before my half marathon. I flipped right to “No Pity: It Takes a Lot of Courage to Run a Sucky Race,” by Lauren Fleshman. (I guess I thought that my upcoming half may be sucky…)

The title drew me in and I love Lauren Fleshman. I began to read Lauren’s article and proceeded to get teary-eyed.

She described pushing through doubt, facing failure head on in the wake of big goals, and embracing how important it is to try anyway during the Olympic Trials in 2012. The article led me to think about on my own personal courage.

I haven’t been feeling the “running” lately. I have skipped weekday runs. The ones I have done have been filled with walking and a pace of over 12 minutes. My longs runs since April have been non-existent other than the VCM relay. (That one was unplanned and so my goal was just to have fun.)

I doubted my ability to run another half marathon well. Yes, I could finish it. But I was embarrassed to just finish again. I am not injured and I have finished a half marathon this year in 2:09. So why attempt one when I knew the results in advance. I did not train well enough to do well. Should I still try?

On the fear of failing in a very public way and feeling sorry for herself well in advance of any failure, Lauren wrote:

“I would think, This is the very thing that holds people back from trying things. From having experiences. This fear that failing makes you a failure. In our core, we want to believe that trying matters, regardless of the outcome. That having the courage to see things through to their mysterious ends is worthwhile. That fighting well with what you have is enough.”

I realized after reading this article, that my race was more than just a finish time. It was an experience. Running 13.1 miles. Meeting new people. Seeing new places. Challenging myself.

If I didn’t try, I would miss all this.

So I ran the Walkway Half Marathon and gave it my best shot. And I didn’t have a PR. My time was even slower than my last half marathon (that I just ran for fun.) But that was okay and expected.

Trying is enough. Seeing things through to that mysterious end is worth it. Fighting with what I have is enough.

“…the reason we set big goals is not to achieve them, but to set ourselves on a road trip toward them, and that trip is where all the good loving is.”

Happy Running! Do you agree? Did you get a chance to read the article?

June 15, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- rest, tennis
Tuesday – ~~3 mile run~~ (rain), movie instead

very funny

Wednesday – 4 mile run

Thursday – rest, walk at work

Friday – rest, walk at work
Saturday – HALF MARATHON, movie

I was slow but still got 3rd in my AG

Sunday – rest, boating

This Week:

Monday- rest, walk at work
Tuesday – rest, walk at work, pack
Wednesday – fly to Denver for a conference, 4 mile running tour
Thursday & Friday – rest, conference (would love to squeeze in a run)
Saturday – fly home
Sunday – 10 mile race, boating

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

June 14, 2015 by Darlene

Walkway Half Marathon Race Recap

Have you ever have a nightmare that these things went wrong before a big race?

The power went out so your alarm didn’t go off
You got stuck in traffic getting to the race start
Your Garmin wasn’t fully charged and said low battery when you turned it on
The humidity was 90%

And yes, all these happened to me for this race. More on that later.

The course for this inaugural race was described as:

an out-and-back course begins at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, located on the eastern banks of the Hudson River. The route continues southwest on the flat, tree-lined William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, which winds through the Dutchess County towns of Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls. The stunning views from the elevated Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park offer runners a wonderful mid-race pick-me-up as they head across the river and onto the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in the Ulster County town of Lloyd. A return trip across the Walkway, and a final downhill sprint brings participants back to Marist and the scenic waterfront.

Believe it not, the race sold out with 2500 runners registered. Not bad for the first year of a race.

I was prepared for it to be hilly and the steepest ones seem to be on the 2nd half (when I always die.):

I don’t see any flat sections..gulp!

Of course, this is what they advertised & I wanted to believe:

Each of the three race courses is primarily flat (with a few gently rolling stretches and bridge crossings). Most of the marathon and half marathon is run on paved rail trails. All three races are fast; many participants can expect new PRs!

At the time when I registered, I thought I would be running better, longer and stronger. After my last two slow half marathon finish times and my achy feet, I knew not to expect much from this race.

Plus I had to leave at 4:30 am to get to the race start. Then meet someone I barely knew at 6:30 to get my race packet.

So now to race morning. Luckily I set all my clothes out the night before.

We had a thunderstorm during the night so I should have known better but I didn’t set my phone alarm in addition to my clock like I usually do when I have an early flight.

I woke up and it was light outside. Uh oh! The clock was flashing and I had no idea what time it was. I ran to get my watch and found out that it was 4:55!!!!

I scrambled and threw on my shirt & skirt and grabbed everything else. I made oatmeal and tea and took it with me to have while I was driving.

Believe it or not, I was in the car by 5:10.

Although my GPS wanted to take me on the back roads, I decided to take the Thruway because I could make up time.

I ate my oatmeal while I was driving (which wasn’t easy) and drank my tea (which scolded my mouth Oy!)

I was scheduled to arrive at 6:30 so not too bad, all things considered.

Then when I got to the entrance of Marist College, the traffic was backed up. That was the only entrance and it was not moving. It took my at least 20 minutes to get in. Yes, now I was really late but I texted my friend with bib that I would find her on the porta-potty line.

The parking was no problem but I had to walk toward the river which was quite far.

I guess this was my race warm up.

I sprinted to the race start to find out that they were having day of race packet pick up (since so many runners did not pick theirs up the day before) and that because of the traffic, they were delaying the start of the race.

I found my friend who had my bib and shirt and went to bag check. Well, they couldn’t have put it farther away from the race start. They said that they were afraid of a bomb disturbing the race. Really?

looks like rain

Although it wasn’t raining, it looked like it would at any moment. So so humid!! I was sweating already and I don’t sweat.

ready to begin

It was finally time to line up and wait until they decided to start the race. The announcer played music and an obnoxious train whistle each time he wanted to get your attention.

I turned on my Garmin and it said “Low battery.” Great!! I charged it but obviously it didn’t charge. I wondered how long it would last.

photo by Nin Lei

This was the course. wwhmmap

Right after you start, there is a hill and then there is another hill and another.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

Photo By: Martin Weiner

After you leave the campus and you pass through the tunnel under the rail tracks, there is a fairly significant, steep uphill climb for about .25 mile.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

Photo By: Martin Weiner

Finally you are on the rail trail which is rolling hills but not too bad of an incline. You were on the bike path until around mile 6. You got to see the lead runners. And you turned around and went back. It was now nice to see how many runners were still behind me.

photo by Nin Lei

The bike path was nice because it was shady and the rain never happened. Instead, the sun came out and it was warm.

photo by Nin Lei

There was great crowd support. I was surprised at how many people were along the course. They were very enthusiastic.

My favorite sign was “Don’t trust a fart after this point.”

Eventually we hit the famous Walkway Over the Hudson. It was beautiful. However, it had no shade and it was very windy (which actually felt great.)

Photo By: Martin Weiner

I didn’t realize how long it was – at least 2 miles and we had to run it in both directions. The biggest problem was that it was concrete – painful on the feet and even my back started to ache at this point in the race. On the way back, I bumped into someone from Albany. She had fallen at the turn around and was taking it slow. I ran with her which may have slowed me down but I didn’t care since it was nice to chat with someone.

the runner to my right looks like I felt

Finally we were heading back toward campus.

Now came those same hills. This time they were torture. I thought the race would never end.

I finally saw the finish line. I was relieved that I finished under 2 1/2 hours but a little sad that I was even slower than my last half.

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on their FB page – I must be a photo magnet

My official time was 2:25:53.

More thoughts on the race:

There were also a lot of water stops. They started at mile 1.5 and were at least every 1.5 miles or more. There were signs announcing them in advance. At each stop, there was Nuun and Gatorade in addition to just water. I made sure in this heat and humidity to walk through every one! I also ate 3 GUs and walked quite a ways while I ate them.

I also walked up every single hill – so several times during the first and last 2 miles. I just don’t have the strength or stamina to run up them.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

My Garmin did die at little after the halfway point. So I had no idea of my time or place for the second half of the race. And it made me more relaxed. I know it made me slower because I didn’t care if I walked since I had no time to beat.

Surprisedly, my feet were OK until about mile 8 or 9 and I felt blisters forming around mile 10.

After I got my medal and my chocolate milk, I limped all the way to bag pick up. I changed into flipflops and inspected my feet. A slight blister on my right foot but a huge one on the bottom of my left. (I did put moleskin on my feet but not where the blister was.)

So I went to the medical tent to get a band aid. They seem to be bored and several people put antiseptic on my feet, bandaged them and gave me tylenol & gatorade.

Then I walked back to check out the results. Believe it or not, I was 3rd in my age group. Now I had to stick around for the awards ceremony. And I am glad that I did.

pretty cool replica of the bridge

Now I had to trudge back to where I parked the car. It seemed like an even farther walk this time, of course.

Even with all the things that went wrong with this race, I am glad that I experienced it. My half marathon times are getting slower with one but that’s ok. I can run 13.1 miles and that’s all that matters.

Splits:

mile 1: 11:16
mile 2: 10:28
mile 3: 10:17
mile 4: 9:59
mile 5: 10:43
mile 6: 11:29
.62: 9:57
First Half: 1:08:25
Second Half: 1:17:28

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?

June 12, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Summer Activities

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary 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, the theme is Favorite Summer Activities.

Here are my 5:

1. Racing on the Weekends

I know I could just run for free but I only get that “Runner’s High” from races. I am lucky to have many choices. I can choose by location, course, distance, bling, etc. I pretty much race every weekend.

2. Playing Tennis Outdoors

This I can do for free. I usually play every Tuesday. If I didn’t go boating, I could also play on Saturdays and Sundays. I’ve given up playing in USTA and WTT league matches so that I can run more.

3. Boating on Lake George

This is one thing that the hubby & I do together. We both love it on the lake…whether it be docking on the islands, tying up with other boats in a bay or just hanging out at the marina.

4.Weekend getaways with friends

Schroon River

NYC

We go on day trips to museums and plays. We also go up to my friend’s who has a house on Schroon River. We love to swim, hike, play tennis, shop, eat out, play games, etc.

5.Barbecues

Nothing beats a hamburger or hot dog on a grill. Usually I do this on the lake or at a friend’s house.

Happy Running! What are your favorite things to do in the summer?

June 11, 2015 by Darlene

Half Marathon #14

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

June 13, 2015 7:30 am

Every time, I run a half marathon, I like to look back at my previous races. I can’t believe that this will be my 14th. And 9th after my ankle surgery. (So Dr. Ortho, I can run again!!)

1. My first and BEST was the Naples Half Marathon in January of 2011. My goal was just to finish and I did in 2:28:27 (gun time, no chip timing).

2. I immediately registered for the 1st annual Lake George Half Marathon in April of that year. Unfortunately, I had to run in sleet & freezing rain for 13.1 miles & without my Garmin. My time was 2:22:39 (gun time, no chip timing) and a PR until this year.

3. Out with strained Achilles for 6 weeks during the summer of 2011 delayed my training for the Adirondack Half Marathon (so I walked the 2nd half of the race.) I finished in 2:44:59. It was still fun because I was running it with lots of friends.

I see the finish line!

4. Again impulsively, I decided to sign up for the inaugural Fall Foliage Half Marathon as a training run. This was my hilliest half but I finished in 2:32:50.

my 4th Half Marathon 10-23-11

5. My goal race of that year was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon that I was running with a friend in California. This time it only poured for half the race and I finished with a disappointing 2:30:12.

After 5 half marathons in 2011, there were NONE in 2012. (The year of the broken ankle & foot stress fracture.)

6. My next Half Marathon, the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla came in 2013 16 months after serious ankle surgery and 5 months after a foot stress fracture. I was just glad to be running again. The course was beautiful, my friends were waiting at the end and I was happy with my 2:33:59 time.

7. The Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon in the fall of 2013 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would have liked, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” So I did in 2:24:14. I enjoyed it since it was my first half where I slept in my own bed the night before.

Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon

8. For the Love Run Half Marathon in the Spring of 2014, I was injury-free for the whole training but I trained during an awfully cold, snowy winter. Despite running in monsoon rains, I managed to PR at 2:22:35. I made new running friends and we had fun during our weekend in “wet” Philly.

loverun

9. Last summer, after running a 10 mile race, I impulsively registered for the Saratoga Springs Half Marathon. This taught me to never run one in the summer. It was very humid & I felt sick so I struggled to a 2:26:00 finish.

sshm4b

10. Impromptu and free. I registered for the Hangover Half Marathon this past New Year’s Day and ran it as a training run on a cold, windy, lonely, boring course. And it was my fastest at 2:18:33. Go figure?

hangover-059

11. Training in frigid temps and running in Florida in January I thought would give me problems but the stars were aligned and I had the BEST.HALF.EVER in West Palm Beach. Beautiful weather, awesome scenery, a big PR and age group win. I sprinted to a 2:09:40 finish!!!

race_697_photo_14838692

12. I had awesome aspirations for the Asbury Park Half Marathon this past April. But foot pain ended that and I had a disappointing 2:20:18 finish time.

13. The Vermont City Marathon Relay on Memorial Day weekend was an unplanned race. Although, my finish time of 2:25:24 was slow, I thoroughly enjoyed the race.

14. This race on Saturday should be scenic and a good time. I have not trained much since April so I will not be disappointed with a slow time.

Fingers crossed for NO rain and NO pain! (The forecast is for showers & thunderstorms…)

Here are my Goals:

A. Finish Faster than my previous half (under 2:25:24 )

B. Finish under 2 1/2 hours

C. Beat my slowest time (under 2:44:59)

D. Finish happy & uninjured 🙂

And what will I wear?

A combination of the last two outfits – hat, SkirtSports skirt, shoes from Asbury Park and SkirtSports shirt, socks from VCM

Happy Running! Anyone else running this race?

June 10, 2015 by Darlene

Betar Byway 5K and Moreau Mile Race Report

I ran this race last year and remembered it being fun (even though there were hills) so I signed up again.

The 5K is a out and back and has one hill just before the 1 mile mark, with the rest being flat and the down hill at about 2.25 and a slight increase at the finish. Course is both paved (along Hudson River) and packed dirt path in wooded area, for approx 1.25 mile.

bb elevation

It is about an hour north of my house (and on the way to my boat.)

And most importantly, I love scenic. Here are some views of the course:

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finish line view

The weather was cool and cloudy. It was about 50 degrees when I left the house. It was predicted to warm up to the 70’s later. Actually perfect running weather for a change.

I left early and arrived in plenty of time. I parked nearby and got my race packet.

ready to race in purple

Then I used the restroom – yes, there were real ones.

Believe it or not, I didn’t know anyone at this race.

So I just patiently waited until it was time for everyone to walk down to the water for the start.

Of course, while waiting for the gun to go off, I wound up talking to some older runners… about future races and running shoes.

I planned to start near the front since there were no timing chips or start line but I was chatting and forgot.

I must say that this was one of the prettiest course I have ever run. It was along the water most of the time or on a paved trail through a park.

I tried to focus on the scenery since I knew that this one would be tough due to hilly course.

The first mile had a small hill which I ran up and then came the monster hill. I walked up the whole thing and had trouble doing that it was so steep. I think I did the right thing since it was early in the race.

It wasn’t warm but I walked through the first water stop anyway but very quickly.

Lately I am having trouble running fast. I am trying but my breathing is labored and my legs just won’t go. ( guess that’s why runners do speed drills!)

Eventually the course looped around and you headed back to the start. I passed through the second water stop and then finally came the big hill. This time you were running down. These hills always scare me so I hold back especially with my falling history.

Then I think I walked once more before the final hill which led to the finish line.

can I catch her?

nope. she’s too fast

I tried unsuccessfully to pass a 10 year old.

but I will beat 30 minutes!

yes, I will!

But at least I finished under 30 minutes! 29:25

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:38
mile 2 – 9:44
mile 3 – 9:06
.14 – 8:43

At least, I was 24 seconds faster than last year but slower than last week’s 5k.

After the 5K, there was a one mile race. Not for kids but for everyone. It looked like fun last year so I signed up for this one too (I am crazy like that.)

Of course after the hilly 3.1 miles, my legs were too tired to run even ONE mile but I wanted to give it my best shot.

However, I never ran it before and I didn’t know where they would start the race. I was chatting with an older runner about injuries (what else?) and I noticed that they were not starting the second race and it was almost time.

So I asked and they said, the it started a mile into the course and finished in the same spot as the 5k. Well, that made sense.

Would I have enough time to get to the start? Probably not but I started running.

I ran and ran but unfortunately I wasn’t there yet when I heard the gun go off to start the race. So I moved over and let the runners go by and then continued to the start and started running.

I was last, of course, and tired since I just race a 5k plus an additional mile getting to the start.

But I did pass a few people.

relaxed…

now serious!

Garmin time was 9:46.

Then they gave out the awards and I won third place in my age group in both races.

betar byway 5k

moreau mile

Even a faster time wouldn’t have gotten me ahead the speedier ladies.

I will definitely do this race again. I loved the course and the scenery. Next time, maybe I’ll try to run up that hill and now I know where the Moreau Mile race starts.

One of the reasons for choosing this race was that it was on the way to our marina so I could join my hubby who was patiently waiting.

my hubby on our boat

This was my view from a lounge chair for most of the rest of the day.

in my happy place

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with lots of post race snacks

Several boating friends joined us.

and an insect friend

Very relaxing.

We ended the day with a nice dinner at a new restaurant in town.

Racing+Boating=Perfect 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! What did you do this weekend? Did you run or race?

June 8, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- 4 mile run on the TM (rain!)

Tuesday – rest, tennis, dinner out

last nite of indoor tennis for he season

Wednesday – 4 mile run

Thursday – rest, walk at lunch

Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg

Saturday – rest, day trip to NYC

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to the Metropolitan Museum of Art & the Neue Galerie

Sunday – 5k race & 1 mi race + 1 more mile, boating

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3rd place AG awards in both races

11390132_10153891900069428_4905516916876408313_n

my happy place = on the lake

This Week:

Monday- rest, conference, proctor LSATs, tennis
Tuesday – 3 mile run, movie
Wednesday – 4 mile run
Thursday – rest, walk at lunch
Friday – rest, walk at lunch
Saturday – HALF MARATHON
Sunday – rest, boating (weather permitting)

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

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

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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!!)