August 28, 2014 by Darlene

Long Runs and Half Marathon Procrastination

I usually train for 12 weeks for my half marathons. That is, I add long runs each weekend that increase one mile until I reach 12 miles and then taper to 8.

My last half marathon was July 13, 2014.

And I have no half marathons on my schedule!!

Shocking!

Actually I considered after the last one, which was very rough, to maybe just do short races.

The problem is that without a half marathon to train for, I make excuses about doing any long runs on the weekend.

(And nothing gives you the feeling that you get when you cross the finish line of a half marathon except maybe crossing the finish line of a marathon but I’m not doing that.)

So in order to be motivated to run more than 4 miles, I need a half marathon on my schedule, I guess.

Since it is almost September, it looks like a fall half marathon is out.

And it is too cold in the NE so I would need to travel.

Travel is another issue. I don’t have a lot of money to spend. I may have worn out many of my friend invites.

Santa Clarita Half Marathon with Ellen

Susan & Robin the day before my Half Marathon in Sarasota, FL.

It is also a lot more fun to do a big race with friends.

with Felice, Elisa, Amanda, Janis & Bridget at the Adirondack Half Marathon

Love Run with Adrienne, Lisa, Andrea & Heidi (missing from photo)

As it stands now, my fall race may be the Perfect 10 Miler in NJ.

Then if I am going to drag myself outdoors in the winter, I will need a winter and/or spring half marathon.

And I want it to be scenic and fun!!

Possibly in Florida on January 17…

and visit some friends in the area. (but flights are expensive as well as renting a car.)

or on March 15…

(I can take the bus but hotels are expensive in NYC)

or on May 9 (my birthday)…

(I can drive but it’s exam time where I work.)

So as you can see, I am procrastinating.

Any advice?

Happy Running! How do you choose your half marathons?

August 27, 2014 by Darlene

I am a Perfect 10. Are you?

October 26, 2014

I was so impressed by CGI’s organization of the Love Run in Philly last March that I signed up for this race.

I am also going to take advantage of the fact that it is in NJ and visit one of my college friends.

here we are last Novemeber

It is an ALL WOMENS race which is cool but it also has a lot of extra perks:

HOODIE (Super lightweight, dries so fast and fits (true to size) perfect, in an orchid color)

VANITY (TAGS) BIBS

FREE FINISH PHOTO

PRE RACE PAMPERING PARTY (interactive group fitness classes, hair braiding, body glimmer tattoo’s, retail village with the best in racing gear, the hottest racing couture and of course all at the best prices.)

TRADITIONAL PERKS

Custom Finisher Medal for all distances and the Daughter Dash
Free Training Plans
Finish line party featuring our new Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar

THE COURSE:

Enjoy your 10 mile run through beautiful Mercer County Park. This flat (and fast) course winds you along the waterside, through the shaded woods to thousands of cheering spectators waiting at the boathouse.

From rock bands to acapella groups you’ll enjoy every minute (okay maybe not every minute) of the course. Oh did we mention the “Bow Tie” Guys, handsome, bow tied men who lead you out and cheer you home.

Doesn’t that sound like fun!

So why don’t you join me?

Happy Running! Are you running the perfect 10 Miler?

August 22, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: 5 Things I Love About_____

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 a Five Things I Love About ________ so I chose to write about Five Things I Love About Running:

(Yes, this a repeat and I am very sorry but this is the first week of classes where I work and I have been soooo busy. If you read last Friday’s post, you can stop reading now.)

1. Running makes me feel healthy.

I do not eat healthy most of the time. I do not follow any special diets. I don’t make smoothies or eat kale. I eat meat, I eat carbs and I love my sweets especially ice cream. Running is one of the few healthy things that I do.

running + ice cream = 🙂

2. Running helps me stay active.

I have a sedentary job. I sit at a computer most of the day. Some days, I don’t even leave my desk. I don’t belong to a gym. I don’t own any exercise equipment. Running gets me moving early in the morning or after work.

running in the park after work

3. Running gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Even after a poor race, I know that I have done more than those who have stayed home. When I say that I ran 13.1 miles, people who are not runners are “in awe.” Every time I cross that finish line, I feel proud!

finishing a 5K

after my first half marathon

4. Running keeps me feeling young.

At 61, I may not be the fastest and PRs are getting harder to come by, but I still finish faster than a lot runners that are younger than me.

see those younger ones behind me LOL

this recent picture is featured on the race website – springrunoff.com

5. I am part of a community.

Runners are awesome people. Even when I go to a race where I don’t know anyone, I always end of chatting with someone. I have met so many people because of running, many of whom I now consider my “friends.” And then there are the bloggers…you are my “virtual friends.”

before the Adirdondack Half Marathon

pre-Love Run Half dinner

at a recent 5K

at one of several races with fellow blogger AJH

recent race with Judy, Facebook friend

Happy Running! What do you love about running?

August 21, 2014 by Darlene

Being an “Inspiration”

In 2002, 2004 & 2006 I went to Kursk, Russia and stayed with a wonderful girl named Anna.

April 2006

We have kept in touch. She visited in 2002, 2003, twice in 2012 and once in 2013.

May 2012

September 2012

March 2013

In September 2012 when she came to visit, I was running a race and she wanted to come watch.

drinking out of my Starbuck’s Moscow mug before the race

She was very excited about the race, took lots of pictures and even a video of me running.

This is the email that I just got from her:

You’ll be surprised to learn I took up running as well. I think it happened largely due to my watching you run that early early morning in the park.

In the summer I used to run in the park, but not it’s getting chillier. I bought a fitness club pass and yesterday was my first day of running indoors.

Now isn’t that cool??

Happy Running! Have you ever inspired someone to start running?

August 18, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – 2 walks at work, 4 3 mile run

AM walk

PM walk

Tuesday – ~~walk at work~~, rest, ~~tennis~~ (rain, rain)
Wednesday – ~~walk at work,~~ (rain) 3 mile run, ~~yoga~~

intervals in the rain (light rain) after work

Thursday – 2 walks at work, 4 3 mile run

AM walk – almost feels like fall

PM walk to the park

Friday- DAY OFF, party at the marina
Saturday –5K race + 3 1 more mile, boating

Jailhouse Rock 5K – 2nd in AG award

picnic on Log Bay Island (Lake George)

Sunday – 3 miles, day at my mentee & family

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis, mall walk with my BFF
Wednesday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Thursday – 2 walks at work, hair appt
Friday- walk at work, 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – tennis party on Schroon River
Sunday 6 mile run???, more partying on the river

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

August 16, 2014 by Darlene

Jailhouse Rock 5K race report

The race started at 8:30 at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa (about 40 minutes away.)

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve done this one 3 times before (in 2009, 2010, & 2012).

I’m the one in the pink compression socks

I know that you walk up a hill to start and you finish running down this hill.

the hill is VERY steep

It was chilly for an August race. It felt more like fall than summer. But nice weather for running. I wore my new Swirlgear tank (though it was too big) and hoped that the sun would warm me up.

I got there early enough to find parking and use the rest room (in the museum). I bumped into 2 runners from my age group – one very fast and one slower than me. We chatted and then it was time to head up the hill.

I turned on my Garmin and I realized it was almost dead. It must not have been on the charger correctly. Oh well, I was hoping that it just might last 3 miles.

The first mile was a gradual uphill but nothing steep. I tried to hold back but I am not good at that. There were no clocks on the course but someone called out 9:20 somewhere after mile 1.

I was hoping to run the whole thing but around halfway at the water stop, I was pooped already so I stopped and walked for a while.

Around 1.7 miles, my Garmin stopped. So I guess I had to run blindly.

Mile 2 seemed to be flat and then at the same point, I think someone called out 16:xx.

Without a watch, I was lost. I can’t believe how I depend on it. I like to know how far till the end of the race and what my pace is.

I knew there was that downhill at the but I found myself walking AGAIN, right before it.

Finally I got to the steep hill, I wish I was confident enough to go all out but I was afraid of falling flat on my face so I held back.

Then I saw the clock. It was 27:xx but it was too late to get a PR…those darn walks!!

I crossed at 28:25.

I was happy. It was faster than my previous two 5ks.

done!

While I was waiting for the times to be posted, I ran into another runner that I met at 2 other races. She is 59. She finished several minutes ahead of me but was 6th in her age group. I came in 2nd in my group. (I guess that will change next year when she is in my age group.)

jhr

race swag – hat for my ag prize, tech tee shirt, Xmas ornament, a package of cards

After the race, on the way back to my car, I passed the Iron Spring.

it is on the Xmas onrament

Then I noticed a trail so I took it.

It was only 1 mile out and back but very peaceful.

On one side there was brook flowing.

Although it was not warm and it was getting cloudy, I decided to drive back up to the lake.

I wanted to run some more but it was late and everyone was heading out to one of the islands.

Log Bay island on Lake George

We hung out all afternoon – eating, listening to music and watching the boats go by.

the marina gang

As for my 5K, I am satisfied with my efforts but as always, feel that I can do better.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:03
mile 1- 1.7 – 9:26
mile 1.7-3.1 – ???

Race Goals:

Run the whole thing (haven’t been very successful at this lately.) – NOPE – walked twice
Under 10 min mile splits – YES!
Finish under 30 minutes – YES!
Win an age group award – YES – 2nd
Finish happy & uninjured – YES!

My next 5k is Sept 7. After that, I need to prep for my 10 miler in October.

Happy Running! Any racing plans this weekend?

August 14, 2014 by Darlene

Three Day Weekend Coming

well not really finally…I’ve had quite a few this summer but it’s never enough

Our marina is having a party on Friday for all its boating customers…free food and drink. Of course, I have to go.

Then I am heading back home because….

I have another race on Saturday! No surprise there.

This time, it’s a 5K.

It starts at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa (about 40 minutes away.)

I’ve done this one 3 times before (in 2009, 2010, & 2012).

just found this pic online from 2012 (I’m wearing the pink compression socks)

I know that you walk up a hill to start and you finish running down this hill.

the hill is VERY steep

JHR Stats:
2009 – 31:04
2010 – 29:49
2011 – injured
2012 – 30:58 (recovering)
2013 – injured

I won 1st in my AG in 2009 and 3rd in my AG in 2010 – SOCKS both times!

Last year, I entered a new age group so anything can happen.

Race Goals:

Run the whole thing (haven’t been very successful at this lately.)
Under 10 min mile splits
Finish under 30 minutes
Win an age group award
Finish happy & uninjured.

If the weather cooperates (and warms back up), I hope to spend the rest of the weekend boating and hopefully my second Bolton Landing run on Sunday.

Happy Running! Any racing plans this weekend?

August 11, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – breakfast at the track, rest

Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, ~~tennis~~ (rained out)

before work

AM walk

Wednesday -2 walks at work, rest, ~~3 mile run~~, ~~yoga~~

AM walk

PM walk

Thursday – walk at work, 4 3 mile run before work

naked run – no phone and no watch

PM walk

Friday- 2 walks at work, rest, mah jongg

AM walk

PM walk

Saturday –10K race, boating

Sunday – ~~rest~~, 4 mile run, boating

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, 4 mile run

Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, 3 mile run, yoga
Friday- rest, party at marina
Saturday –5K race + 3 more miles
Sunday – boating

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

August 10, 2014 by Darlene

Camp Chingachgook Challenge race recap

ccc14

I was looking forward to another Lake George race because I love the scenery. This race is even more scenic than the Adirondack Distance Run and just as hilly.

I ran this race 2 years ago as my first 10k ever. I finished at 1:09:07 but I was still recovering from ankle surgery.

Since then I have run 3 more 10ks – each one faster than the previous one. My PR was the Spring Run Off 10k this year with a time of 1:00:51.

I expected to improve upon my first Camp Chingachgook Challenge time but not PR due to the hills.

The course is out and back – which means hills both ways.

10473168_305908679574878_277771612731589142_n

along the lake most of the way

no flat sections!

The weather was perfect for running – warm but not too warm, sunny and low humidity.

I had my usual breakfast of hot cereal and left around 7 am. I got there with no problems around 8:15 am, found parking, used the (real) restrooms and wandered around for a while exploring the grounds.

before the race

I bumped into Judy whom I met on Facebook and then our boating friend, Ron. Ron was there because his daughter’s boyfriend, Josh, was running the half marathon (which ends at the same place as the 10k but starts an hour earlier) and J0sh’s father was running the 10k.

I lined up with Josh’s father and made the mistake of trying the keep up with him for the first 2 miles or so. (He is fast!)

As I mentioned, although you run along the lake for the whole way, it is HILLY, I mean very HILLY. I have run 2 races on the other side of the lake and this side, the hills are a lot steeper.

I started out too fast, of course, and I even tried to run up the hills. But since I don’t train for hills and hate them, I soon tired and realized that if I wanted to finish upright, I better walk them and so I did.

Walking during a race does not make me happy but at times, the hills were so steep that I had trouble walking up them. The only good thing was that many runners were walking and even those who did not, were running slow and I could pass them on the downhills.

With all the walking, my PR hopes were gone and then I wondered if this would be my slowest 10k ever.

I planned to pick up the pace the second half of the race but my right shin started to ache. I didn’t want to wind up injured so I just walked more often. Now I was only running on the downhills.

Finally the race ended and I was happy it was on a downhill plus my friend, Ron was there cheering me on. I mustered up enough strength to sprint and pass two runners. I crossed at 1:04:54.

Both Josh and his father had already finished and ran very well.

I got some food…there were hotdogs, chicken, potato salad, pasta salad, bagels, and watermelon – quite a spread.

food pavillon

Then I wandered around waiting for friends to finish.

beautiful facilities on the lake

I got to see Judy finish.

She was happy with her race.

me & Judy

Then I found a bunch of the SRMs who had done the half marathon.

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they were smart to cool off in the lake

Eventually it was time to leave this beautiful place. My friend Ron had his boat and was going back to the marina. My hubby was waiting for me there so I hopped in my car and drove back around the lake to the other side.

ccc14

I did come in 2nd in my age group but I didn’t stick around for the awards. (I think they were only giving out awards for 1st.)

Splits:

mile 1- 9:09
mile 2- 10:29
mile 3 – 9:47
mile 4 – 11:42
mile 5 – 11:14
mile 6 – 10:53
.22 – 9:11

As you can see, the second half of the race got ugly.

Goals:

Run more than walk – Not sure about his one.
Pace under 10 min/mile for most miles – Nope – Only miles 1 &3!!
Course PR (under 1:09) – YES!
Finish strong and uninjured – YES!
Enjoy the race – YES!

So was I disappointed? Of course. I am pretty hard on myself. I didn’t like how I handled (or didn’t handle) the hills. But then again, I don’t train on hills. At least I beat my time on this course from two years ago and I know I can do better.

race swag – nice tech shirt

I enjoyed the race. I never regret a race. And my legs felt fine after. I was even able to run the next morning.

Happy Running! Any advise for running hilly races?

August 8, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Race Memories

This week, the theme is Race Memories:

I have run 124 races so that’s a lot of race memories. (And blogging helps keep them alive.)

Here are my top five (in no particular order):

1. My first Half Marathon. I didn’t tell my friends that I was running a half marathon. I had only raced 5Ks up to that point and they wouldn’t have understood. The race also took place in Naples, Fla, my favorite vacation spot (where I go annually with my tennis friends.) It took place on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there waiting for me at the finish line. When I finished, I couldn’t believe that I had run 13.1 miles and I couldn’t wait to sign up for another.

January 2011

2. The SRM’s First 5K – Strong Running Mamas (SRM) started as a small group by The Happy Runner who wanted to encourage some friends to start running. We met once a month and ran as a group and it culminated with their first 5K. I was just as excited for them as they were.

The initial SRM group – June 5, 2010

These runners continued on to run 10ks, 15ks, half marathons and marathons. In fact, they are what motivated me to run my first half marathon. The group now has a Facebook page and has over 140 members.

more SRMs in October 2013

3. My First Race After My Ankle Surgery. I fell avoiding an ice patch in December 2011 while out running and broke my ankle in several places. I had a plate and 8 screws put in. It was a very long recovery. The doctor said that I probably would not be able to run. I didn’t for 5 months but I went to the Freihofer’s Run For Women intending to try to walk it. But when the gun went off I started running and didn’t stop until the I crossed the finish line.

I even made the first page of the local newspaper

4. My First 10 Mile and Most Scenic Race – My running buddy Mary moved away to La Quinta, CA and I really missed her so I signed up for a 10 mile race in Palm Springs and we ran it together.

January 11, 2014

The views on the course were awesome. I can’t wait to go back.

loved it here

5. My Wettest But Most Fun Half Marathon. This race was planned by a new runner friend, Heidi. She then invited her local friend Adrienne. Both Heidi and Adrienne brought their husbands (Heidi’s hubby even ran it.) It was Heidi & Adrienne’s FIRST half marathon. Heidi also invited 2 high school friends, Lisa & Andrea, who were experienced half marathoners.

Adrienne, Lisa, me & Andrea

the night before the race

We had so much fun at the expo, exploring the sites of Philly and at dinner.

the morning before the race -March 30, 2014

Unfortunately, there was a record rainfall during the whole 13.1 miles. I have never ever been so wet in my life. (Except for my 2nd half marathon in Lake George.)