July 7, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work

early morning run

AM walk

Tuesday –4 mile run before work, walk at work, tennis

so glad I did it in the am…a sweaty one!

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – ~~3 mile run before work,~~ ~~after work~~ (RAIN – should have done it before work), walk at work, yoga

AM walk

Thursday – ~~rest~~, 4 mile run before work, walk at work

Friday – DAY OFF – 3 miles, on the river, hanging with friends, mah jongg

in Williamstown, MA

Saturday- 12 miles, dinner with former college roommates

on the Nisky Bike Path & the Crossings

restaurant on the Hudson

Sunday -rest, boating

my friends first ride on the lake

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF – 4 mile run
Tuesday -walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, yoga
Thursday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, dinner out for a friend’s bday
Friday -walk at work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday- rest
Sunday –Saratoga Half Marathon!!!

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

July 5, 2014 by Darlene

The Longest Long Run Ever

I had planned to do my long run on Monday and I took the day off from work to do it.

However, the weather on Monday was predicted to be hot and humid and it would only be 6 days before the half marathon.

So I decided not to go boating and to run 12 miles.

The weather was perfect… breezy and not too warm (but sunny).

I got up early but still got a late start.

But finally headed to the Nisky bike path where I like to do my long runs.

I intended to run 6 miles out and then 6 miles back. I even carried water and put 2 Gus in my belt.

hint?? – this is the race I am training for.

I was feeling very sluggish. My legs were already dragging during the first mile. I knew this was going to be a long day. (At the time I didn’t know how long!)

view of the Mohawk

Then around 2.5 miles, I looked down at my belt. My Gus were gone!!

I have carried them like this during my last 2 half marathons and never lost one. I guess I didn’t put them in all the way.

So what was I to do?

Run 12 miles with no fuel?
Run back to my car, go home and do my long run instead on Monday like originally planned?
Run back to my car, go buy more Gu and finish the 12 miles today.

I decided on the last option since FleetFeet was only 15 minutes away.

As I ran back to my car, I was hoping to find my Gus on the road so I could just continue my run here.

No such luck. Someone must have found them and taken them. Boo!

So I bought more Gu in FleetFeet and was offered their new flavor Salted Watermelon for free. (I didn’t particularly like it but it was one less Gu to replace.)

After chatting with my friend’s daughter-in-law who works there, I headed to the Crossings to continue my long run – 7 more miles to go!

My luck, there was a Farmer’s Market and book sale going on and it was packed.

Luckily I found a spot on the lawn to park and I started running again.

It was warmer than before and my mojo was almost gone but I persisted. It was a beautiful day.

As it got warmer, I tried to find shady paths.

I love this park. I don’t know why I don’t run here more.

After about 4 miles, I got thirsty so I went back to my car to get a drink. (I hate carrying water so I didn’t.) This was a mistake because I looked at the time and realized that I was running so slow and the farmer’s market would close before I was done running. So I decided to take another running break and check out the market.

There were lots of fruit, plants and healthy food. I bought a gluten-free cookie and then went to the book sale where I bought 6 books for $3. (It was worth the run break.)

Enough of that, I needed to drag myself through 3 more miles.

So I went back to my car and found it alone on the grass. Kids were playing football nearby so I though best to more it to the parking lot since many people had left.

I finished running (or run-walking) on the other side of the park.

Even got to listen to music by the guy below:

Ugh! Done! The longest run ever.

Since this run took so long, I had to rush home because I was meeting my old college roommates for a late lunch/early dinner.

we ate in a restaurant along the Hudson

At least I could justify eating all the food!

I surely hope I get some adrenaline from the other runners or next week’s half marathon will not be pretty.

Tomorrow, I am going boating and will try to forgot about this training run.

Happy Running! Do you ever break up your long runs?

July 2, 2014 by Darlene

June Recap

JUNE GOALS:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week. YES!

in the park

in town

found a new route

even ran before work 2x

Continue planks. When I remember.
Go to Yoga at least 2x. YES! Twice.
Walk at least once a day at work. YES! Most days.

Play tennis outdoors once a week. YES, 3 times (once was rained out.)
Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk. Also when I remember.
Add a long run each week to prepare for 10 mile race. Not really. I added some extra miles to two 5K races.
Run any 5k races under 10 minutes per mile! YES!

Betar Byway 5k – 29:49

10448831_905771336116000_4681778787169106259_n (1)

2.25 m Strawberry Fest 5k – 20:19

Run a 10 mile race and finish under 2 hours. YES and a PR!

1:44.:39

Run at least 75 miles this month. YES! Finally!

jun14

Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.YES!

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my race shirt is his favorite shirt

Boating on Lake George has begun. (Maybe that’s why my running has been slacking.)

I also went to NYC for the day. So much fun!

on the ferry to Staten Island

at the Chinese Scholar Garden

at the Alice Austen cottage

Sad news: Amanda, the girl I have mentored for over 6 years is moving to NJ. She is like a daughter to me. I will miss her and especially her 2 sons.

10286958_10152810125379428_1312739711227090147_o

2014

2010

JULY GOALS:

Repeated goals:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week.
Continue planks.
Go to Yoga at least 2x.
Walk at least once a day at work.
Play tennis outdoors once a week
Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk.
Run any 5k or 10K races under 10 minutes per mile!
Run at least 75 miles this month.
Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.

New goals:

Lose at least 5 lbs.
Add weekly long runs.
Complete my 9th half marathon.
Choose a fall or winter half marathon.
Start training for a fall half.

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

June 30, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 3 4 recovery miles

on bridges & trails

I love my new NB 870s. These 770s were on clearance at DSW for $45 – had to buy them! Love them too!

Tuesday -2 walks at work, rest, tennis

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – 3 mile run ~~at lunch~~ before work,walk at work, ~~concert~~ (rained out), yoga

first run in my new shoes. It was a HUMID one!

AM walk

PM walk to the park & then the rains came

Thursday – 3 mile run before work, 2 walks at work, movie

beat the rain – boy was it humid

AM walk

PM walk – picture tells all

not as good as the show but still enjoyable

Friday – 2 walks at work, ~~4 miles~~, rest, mah jongg

AM walk

PM walk

Saturday – 11 miles

what a God awful run

Sunday – boating

perfect day!

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday -rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles , yoga
Thursday –4 miles
Friday – DAY OFF – rest, boating
Saturday- 4 miles, boating
Sunday -rest, boating

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

June 29, 2014 by Darlene

We’re halfway.

report-card1 6 months down and 6 to go. How am I doing on my 2014 Goals?

1. Do not get injured. So far, so good.

happy legs and feet!

2. Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR. Yes!

in the freezing cold

in the spring

during my vacation

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week upper body & core strength exercises (planks & weights). Tennis YES, Yoga Rarely, Planks & Weights SO SO

my instructor returned from maternity leave on May 7.

when I can remember to use them

4. Finish all races (except 15ks & half marathons) at under 10 min. pace per mile. Almost all.

: 5k – 30:10

: 4 miler – 38:07

: 5 miler – 48:14

: 4 miler – 38:06

: 5k – 28:56

: 5K – 27:51

: 10k – 1:00:52

: 5K – 28:14

: 5K – 28:51

: 2014

: short 5k (2.25 m) – 20:19

5. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.Yes! 14 races so far.

: HMRRC 15K – January

: Polar Cap – February

: Runnin of the Green 2014

: 3rd

: Betar Byway – June

6. Run a race in another state or even a NEW state. Yes, Mayor’s Wellness 10 miler in CA, Lighthouse 5k in FL and the Love Run Half in PA. But they are not new states.

Lighthouse 5K in FL.

7. Run at least 10 NEW races. 11 already!- Mayor’s Wellness 10m, HMRRC Winter Series #3 15K, Lighthouse 5k, Love Run, Bacon Hill 5k, Rabbit Ramble 4m, Cherry Blossom 5k, Spring Run off 10k, Mom’s 5K, Betar Byway 5K, Strawberry Fest 5K, Adirondack Distance Run

first annual Love Run

Bacon Hill 5k

Spring Run Off 10K

Strawberry Fest 5K

8. Run in NYC. No, not yet.

This is as close as I have gotten

9. Get an Age Group award. Yes! 9 of them – 3rd at the Mayor’s Wellness, 1st at the Lighthouse 5K, 1st at Bacon Hill 5k, 2nd at Rabbit Ramble 4m, 2nd at Cherry Blossom 5k, 3rd at Spring Run Off 10K, 1st at Mom’s Day 5k, 1st at Betar Byway 5K, 1st at Strawberry Fest 5K

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

Cherry Blossom5k

Mom’s Day 5K

Spring Run Off 10K

Betar Byway 5K

10464192_905772132782587_8976828319425984868_n

Strawberry fest 5K

10. Run a 10 mile race. Yes! Mayor’s Wellness 10m and Adirondack Distance Run

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

11. Run at least one half marathon. Yes! The Love Run.

12. PR in a half marathon. Yes! at the Love Run.

4 sec PR

13. Run over 800 miles. 4 miles so far. I’m on my way.

14. Continue to blog almost everyday. Yes! So I am doing pretty good so far. Things to work on the next 6 months:

Go to yoga regularly
PR in a 5K
race in a new state
run in NYC
continue to race each month
continue to sign up for new races
STAY HEALTHY

Happy Running! Do you have yearly goals? If so, how are you doing so far this year?

June 29, 2014 by Darlene

Lacking the Long Run Motivation?

Ever since my March half marathon, I have been trying to get my speed back. As a result, I have been racing 5Ks and mostly running 3 miles with an occasional 4 miler thrown in.

I definitely feel more confident about my speed (although it isn’t or may never be totally back).

Moms Day 5K

Betar Byway 5K

So now, I need to run longer.

And I can’t find the motivation!!

Luckily I decided to run the Adirondack Distance Run last Sunday. That was 10 miles. I did it and I didn’t die.

adr3

I have a Half Marathon on July 13. That’s 2 weeks away!!!!

The problem is that I can’t find the time on the weekends!!

It is easy to squeeze in 3 miles and then do other things. Long runs take time!

the boating season is too short and too expensive not to take advantage of it every weekend that the weather is nice (it is the one thing my hubby & I do together …)

I guess that’s why I usually run 5ks in the summer and train for long races in the winter. (What was I thinking when I signed up for a summer half marathon??)

In the meantime, I am going to have to get creative about fitting in long runs this summer – take time off from work, run after work, get up super early on the weekend, etc. (and the weather better cooperate!!)

In fact, I have already taken Monday, July 7 off to do my 12 mile training run.

Here are some tips for getting your long runs done:

Run somewhere scenic – a park, a bike path, along water. Beautiful scenery is motivating. Vary your routes. Running on the same road gets boring. (I never do my long runs on a treadmill!!!)

at the Peebles Island State Park

Grab a running buddy or join a running group. Chatting makes the miles go faster. Having to meet someone gets you out the door.

These guys helped me last winter. Unfortunately, this summer I am solo.

Put some new music on your phone or iPod. Playlists gets stale. It’s nice to have some new summer tunes to motivate you on these warm humid days. Good music can help make the miles less painful.

I just added some Zac Brown & some Jimmy Buffet

Eat enough. A long run is hard enough but it is much harder when you have no fuel in the tank. I always eat a good breakfast and then carry gels to eat every 4 miles.

salted caramel is now my new favorite

Wear comfortable clothes especially good running shoes. Chafing makes a long run seem even longer. I also train with my most supportive shoes. Never wear worn out shoes. And remember to dress for 20 degrees warmer than it is. The more miles that you run, the warmer you will get.

I also wear compression socks on my long runs.

Rewards! Promise yourself something good to eat when you’re done. I usually head to Starbucks for a cold frappuccino or to get some ice cream.

Stewarts – YUM!

Sign up for a summer or fall half marathon or marathon. Knowing that a race is coming up will hopefully push me through these hot months to stay in running condition. Running a long race without the proper training is a recipe for an injury.

And do as I say not as I do –

Yesterday I stayed home from the lake to do a long run – I ran solo on a boring city route, with chafing, uncomfortable shoes, an upset stomach (new fuel). I left too late so it was very hot out. I got home and collapsed – too tired & sick to reward myself. Yes, that long run SUCKED!

at least there were sidewalks

My next one will be better. I promise!

Happy Running! Anyone else have the long run motivation blues?? Any other tips on getting it done?

June 26, 2014 by Darlene

My Next Half Marathon

shmlogo

I know that I said I wouldn’t do one until the fall. But I am having trouble deciding on a fall half and I just got caught up in racing excitement of my 10 mile race last Sunday.

crossing the finish line of the Adirondack Distance Run

So what’s 3 more miles in 3 weeks??

Race info:

Flat and fast course in beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Springs Strong To Serve Half Marathon Technical Shirts to all half marathon runners
Saratoga Springs Strong To Serve Half Marathon finisher medals to all half marathon finishers
Saratoga Springs Strong To Serve Half Marathon /Pint Glasses to overall and age group champions
6 water stops of half marathon course / 1 water stop on 5K course
At least 2 Port-a-potties on the half marathon course
Fresh fruit, pastries, and more at the finish line
Packet pickup 7/12/14 Noon – 5:00 PM at iRunLocal & on race morning at Race HQ
Top notch make-your-own goodie bags
20% of all entries fees support the Strong To Serve

The Course:

The Half Marathon course starts in with a lap around the Peerless Pool Parking Lot, turns right on East West Road, and then right onto Geyser Loop Road. The course then turns left to run a lap around the SPAC Parking Lot and returning to Geyser Loop Road. The course then turns left on East West Road, left on North South Road, and continues onto Roosevelt Drive. The course then turns onto the path on Avenue of the Pines, turning right on the path to head south beside Route 9. At Crescent Avenue the course moves out to the breakdown lane of Route 9 and continues south to East West Road. The course turns right on East West Road returning to the front entrance of the Peerless Pool Parking Lot. The course then continues for a 2nd full lap. After the 2nd lap the course turns right into the Peerless Pool Parking Lot finishing with a lap around the parking lot.

I have never run a race with a second full lap. This is a negative especially when you are a slow runner. Another will be if it is hot and humid. Again if you are slow, you will finish later when it is warmer out. And the third is that it is an inaugural race. I don’t think there will be a lot of runners and I could be running much of the race alone.

Nevertheless, I am excited to run my first summer half marathon. It will be purely for fun – no expectations. Especially since I have had no training plan and it is summer. Hopefully, it will be enjoyable and I can be on our boat on Lake George by noon.

The plan:

Instead of a 12 week plan, I have a 4 week plan.

I ran 10 hilly miles last Sunday.
I will attempt to get in 11 miles this Saturday (no promises)
I have Mon, July 7 off from work to run 12 miles (or not).
13.1 miles on Sun, July 13 or bust.

Goals:

Finish uninjured
Not finish last
Have fun
Finish under 2:30:00

Happy Running! Have you done a half in the summer? Have you run a half without training?

June 23, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

update Last Week:

Monday – walk at work, 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF

to the park for lunch

after work

Tuesday -2 walks at work, tennis

AM walk

Wednesday – lunch luau at work, walk, 3 4 mile run, ~~yoga~~

lots of eating

PM walk around campus

on a full stomach – ugh!

Thursday – rest, day in NYC (lots of walking)

Friday – walk at work, 4 mile run, mah jongg

Saturday – rest, spectate a 5K, nails, gardening

my friend’s first 5K

Sunday – 10m race, boating

perfect weather & a PR

Lake George with friends

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 3 recovery miles
Tuesday –rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles at lunch, concert
Thursday – rest, movie
Friday – 4 miles, mah jongg
Saturday, Sunday – 6 miles, boating

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

June 22, 2014 by Darlene

Adirondack Distance Run recap

Sunday, June 22, 2014 – 7:30 a.m.

A ten mile race consisting of rolling hills from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing.

adc

I was excited but nervous about this race.

I’ve wanted to run this race since I started running.

Finally this year I was able but…

I was not really prepared. I had been racing 5ks and working on my speed. Plus my running had been on mostly flat surfaces.

So yes, I decided to run this race but not as a race but just as a hilly long run/walk….take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

The race started at 7:30 am in the village of Lake George and ended in Bolton landing (next door to the marina where we keep our boat.)

I had a few options since there was a bus leaving Bolton Landing at 6-6:20 am. But I decided to stay home yesterday and drive up very early this morning. (I could have slept on our boat and then take the bus to the start but I wanted to get a good night’s sleep.)

The weather was perfect…cool (in the 50s to start) and sunny. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer day to race.

I wore the outfit below –

I got so many comments about how well everything matched

The drive takes about a hour or so so I left around 5:45 am.

I got there and found parking in a small lot and then walked to the fire station to pick up my bib. Then I walked back to my car to get rid of my jacket & race shirt. (It was chilly but I knew I would not need it racing.)

I used the rest room (there were real ones) and then it was time to line up. I was surprised at how many people were racing – about 500 and all the fast runners were there (from the local running clubs.)

I bumped into someone I knew and we ran together for a while and chatted.

As I mentioned, this course is hilly but it is also very scenic. I tried to focus on the scenery to take my mind off the hills.

I made a conscious effort to run conservatively. I felt great and I felt strong but I was worried about getting injured since I hadn’t trained for this. I have had a strained achilles and a stress fracture from overdoing and I don’t plan on repeating my past mistakes.

So I think I walked during every mile except for the first. I especially took it easy on the uphills.

I kept glancing at watch and even with all the walking, I was still running around a 10 minute pace for the first 5 miles.

The hills were steeper the first half but the second half seemed harder. The hills kept coming and coming. I knew by the last few miles that I would have a PR so I kinda lost my motivation to push on. I could have run harder but didn’t see the point.

I really loved running this race. It is the route that I drive every weekend during the summer to go boating. I kept thinking during the race about how I would run this one every summer and that it would be one of my favorites.

Anyway, I finally made it to where you turn to get to the finish line. I was surprised to see my hubby and some boating friends there cheering me on.

Of course, at that point I ran as fast as I could.

adr3
adr2

I crossed at 1:44:39. A new PR – over 5 minutes faster than my last and only 10 mile race.

phew! done!

Everyone got medals which is always a plus.

my proud hubby

I was so happy to have finished pain-free!! (love my new New Balance shoes!!)

trying to photo bomb

I grabbed some watermelon and a pastry and headed straight to the water to soak my feet in the cold lake water.

aawww

A great end to a great race.

For this race, they gave out awards to first place in EVERY age. I looked at the results and saw that there were 2 61-year old women ahead of me so I didn’t stick around.

I walked next door (how convenient) where my hubby and our friends were waiting to head out on the lake. I spent the rest of the day relaxing in the sun on the water

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:45
mile 2 – 10:19
mile 3 – 10:00
mile 4 – 10:00
mile 5 – 10:34
mile 6 – 10:36
mile 7 – 10:04
mile 8 – 11:19
mile 9 – 11:18
mile 10 – 10:26

Race Goals:

Have Fun.
Finish uninjured.
Not Finish Last.
Finish under 2 hours.

Yup. I met them all.

first sleeveless tech shirt

As I already mentioned, this race was on my bucket list and now it will be on my race to run every year list.

It was well-organized – lots of volunteers, plenty of water stops, someone calling out times at each mile, bikers warning you of oncoming cars, buses to the start before & after the race and you can’t beat the scenery.

Happy Running! Do you have a bucket list race?

June 19, 2014 by Darlene

My bucket list race

Nope it’s not a Half Marathon.

It’s a 10-miler. Rolling hills from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing. And it is THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!

Sunday, June 22, 201417 7:30 a.m.

I always wanted to do this race but:

June 2008, 2009, 2010 – 3.1 miles was the longest I was running back then
June 2011 – strained achilles
June 2012 – recovering from broken ankle surgery
June 2013 – broken foot (and I actually registered for the race 😦 )

Here are some views of the course (route 9N) from previous summer runs:

Race Info:

Packet pick up: Sunday 6:00-7:15 a.m. at Lake George Firehouse on Ottawa Street.
Pre-Race Transportation: Race Day-Buses leave Bolton Landing, Town Hall Office , Main Street starting at 6:00 a.m.
Last bus leaves at 6:40 a.m. (I could sleep on my boat and take this bus to the start)

Race Start: 7:30 am at Lake George Firehouse on Ottawa Street.

Post Race Transportation: Buses leave from Main Street beginning 9:00 a.m. through post award ceremony 10:45 a.m. (I could sleep at home or at my friends’ in LG and take this bus back to my car)
Awards: Awards ceremony 10:00 a.m. Overall top 3 male and female. Awards to fastest time for each individual age. (That’s different! Last year I was the only person with my age!!!!) Raffle prizes.

The Course:

yes, rolling hills – steeper the first half but not easy the 2nd half (I know)

When I am done with the race, I am next door to my boat. Perfect, right?

Bolton Landing Marina

So I should be excited?

Yes. However, I am not really prepared. I have been racing 5ks and working on my speed. My running has been on mostly flat surfaces.

This is a HILLY TEN mile race.

So what do I do now?

I am healthy so I am DOING IT!

I don’t want to get injured so I will take it slow and probably walk a lot of it. But I will enjoy the scenery and finish. Maybe I’ll be the only one in my Age Group. (They give award for EACH age!!)

Race Goals: