May 31, 2014 by Darlene

Freihofer’s Run for Women race report

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This race is always so exciting for me. (I posted why here.)

It’s been exactly one year since my last injury (A Broken 5th metatarsal.)

from last year’s Freihofer race

So of course, I was a little nervous, as well.

This year as I did previous years, I walked over from work yesterday to pick up my bib and goodies (shirt, bread & cookies).

It was so quiet on the street the day before the race.

After I picked up my goodies, I struggled up that hill walking that I would be running up today.

When I got up, I was happy to see that the weather was perfect for running. Breezy and oool but not too cold or too warm (unlike the heat of last year.)

I dressed for warm weather (short sleeved shirt, skirt) but with a jacket that I would wear until the race started.

I had my usual running breakfast (oatmeal & tea) and drove to work where I would leave my car and jog/walk the 1.5 miles to the start.

at the plaza near the start

I wanted to get there early so I could meet friends.

the flag in the background is the start

I was early so I went down under the Plaza to use the real restrooms and bumped into my tennis friend Mary Pat.

Some of my former students organized a team (“We Ran It for Janet’) to support their friend who had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I was not officially running on the team (since I registered for the race too early) but wanted to stop by and say hello.

me without the team shirt

2012 was such an emotional race. Last year, I was relaxed about it. But this year, I wanted to do well but not get HURT!

Around 9:30 or so, I pushed myself into the crowd. You lined up by colors (according to your projected finish time.) I moved up to see the elite runners go by and head to the front. I bumped into another runner that I met at the Bacon Hill 5k race. We chatted for a while.

Then there was the national anthem (which always makes me teary eyed in a big race.) And we were off.

couretsy of the Troy Record

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Right off the bat, someone dropped something and bent down and I tripped over her and then the person behind me bumped into me. No one was hurt. Phew!

I tried to get moving. It was difficult but since it was a hill, going slow was ok. It was really congested until you got to the park. My pace was so slow.

I was cold from the breeze at the start but warmed up quickly and all I wanted was to run the whole race and finish strong.

Mile 1 was great. I felt strong . I was just trying to save it for the end. I passed the water stop (where I broke my foot last year) and continued on.

There is another uphill during the 2nd mile but I slowly willed myself up it.

Then came the 2nd water stop. I successfully passed that one too.

The 3rd mile gives you a break. It is pretty flat. I was fatigued but just pushed myself.

Finally came the downhill portion which leads to the finish line. It always makes me nervous so I can never let myself go full speed.

I heard the announcer say “if you hear me you can finish under 29 minutes”. So I tried to sprint.

I crossed at 29:04 but but my net time was 28:51.

Not my best (28:14) but far from my worst.

I was pleased.

And I did meet my goal. Under 30 minutes! And I didn’t stop at all!

Splits:

mile 1: 9:47 (uphill in the congestion)
mile 2: 9:17
mile 3: 8:58
.14 – 7:38

NEGATIVE SPLITS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!

out of over 4000 women

I waited at the finish for my friends.

Courtney

Mary Pat

We all got some refreshments – cookies, yogurt, fruit and

even got a free towel with my milk

Afterwards there was dinner/auction fundraiser for my former student. It wasn’t until 12:30 so I took advantage of my free time to run some more.

I jogged/walked to the plaza and then back to my car – that was at least 2 miles so I just ran 3 more miles.

I’ll call it 8 miles for the day.

The fundraiser was fun. I ate lots of pizza and wings. (After all, I did run today!) I didn’t win any raffle items but it was nice to see all my former students. They graduated 24 years ago so are adults with kids of their own.

Tomorrow I head back to the lake.

Running + boating = perfect weekend

Happy Running! Enjoy your weekend! Did you race or do anything else fun?

May 29, 2014 by Darlene

My next and favorite 5k

May 31, 2014

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 running long and not racing a 5K. (I may run a 10 mile race in 3 weeks )

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Yes, for the 7th time, I am running this race. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

May 31, 2104 9:45 am

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 that I could be 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!
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again…

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.

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite race?

May 26, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Updates

Two Weeks Ago:

Monday –~~4 miles~~, 2 walks at work, tennis

AM walk

PM walk

Tuesday – rest, 1 walk at work, tennis

AM walk

Wednesday – fly to Naples, FL., lunch, pool, dinner out
Thursday – 3 miles, (tennis rained out), shopping, pool, dinner out

around World Tennis Center

Friday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, dinner out

around World Tennis Center

Saturday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, dinner out, show

around WTC & along Airport-Pulling Rd

Sunday – rest, tennis, lunch, beach, shopping, dinner out (road trip to Longboat Key)

Last Week:

Monday – 2.5 miles, tennis, beach, dinner out

around WTC and along Airport-Pulling Rd

Tuesday – 2 miles, tennis, beach, dinner out

around WTC

Wednesday – rest, tennis, fly home

Vacation is over 😦 It was great! Lots of tennis, lots of eating and female bonding

even some slow but scenic runs

Thursday – 3.5 miles on the tm at work

Thank God for “Revenge”

Friday – 1 walk at work, rest, mah jongg

Saturday – 7.5 miles

on the Nisky bike path

Sunday – rest, gardening

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 4 miles, boating
Tuesday -rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, Paint & Sip
Thursday – 4 miles, mall walk with BFF
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 5 miles
Sunday – rest, boating

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

May 16, 2014 by Darlene

Foto Friday

I’m in Florida but these were taken back in Albany, NY.

check out that face! Ugh! and it’s the featured photo for the race website. (springrunoff.com)

pasta dinner before the race above

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at the tulip fest – May 10

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with my mentee’s sons (and the sun in their eyes)

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first horse ride

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Amanda with Matthew (almost 3) and Richard (7 1/2)

Happy Running! Have a great weekend!

May 14, 2014 by Darlene

“Biggest Loser” inspired

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Last year, I got sucked in by the Biggest Loser hype and signed up for the 15K in Killington, VT. on July 28, 2013.

Unfortunately, I broke my foot in June and wound up switching to the 5k and run/walking it. Still I had fun. (Race recap.)

even won 2nd in my AG

The worst part of the race was having to ride a chair lift as part of the race (and the slippery rocky terrain.) Otherwise, it was well organized, you got FREE race photos and there was a lot of excitement in the air.

This year, they have added a Six Flags race series. And there is a race scheduled at the Great Escape Amusement Park in Lake George, NY on September 14.

Each registered participant and finisher will receive the following:

The Biggest Loser Finisher’s Medal
Commemorative Technical T-Shirt
Drawstring Backpack
Chip-Timed Race for Runners and Those Tracking Personal Goals
Free Downloadable Race Photos
Award Divisions for Runners and Walkers
Special discount offer for general admission tickets to the theme park on race day
Celebrity appearances by former contestants from “The Biggest Loser”
Hydration Stations with Water/Sports Drinks Along the Course and Food at the Finish Line
Last but not Least, a Truly Inspirational and Unforgettable Experience

Sounds awesome. Right?

I have a hard time saying ‘no” to any race in Lake George (my summer weekend home). And I am impulsive.

So I signed up.

There is a 5k and a 10k. I chose the 10k (for now!) It will be hilly. All races in the Adirondacks are hilly.

Seemed perfect but now they changed the date of the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. For the first time, this 5K will be held this weekend instead of in October when it has always been before. I have run that race 6 times–always dedicating it to all my friends who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Dilemma!!

Happy Running! Anyone doing any of the Biggest Loser Races?

May 12, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 2-1 mile walks at work, 4 mile run, tennis

a windy one on the track

to the park and back

squeezed it in before tennis

Tuesday – 2 – 1 mile walks, rest, movie & dinner with bff to celebrate my b-day

am walk at work

PM walk : most of the tulips have not bloomed but here are some that have

what a nice movie (but didn’t like the end)

Wednesday – 2 –1 mile walks at work, 3 mile run, yoga

AM at work

PM walk in the park – more tulips today

2.7 before yoga… 1.2 after

first time in 5 mos

Thursday – 2 –1 mile walks at work, rest, hair appt

PM walk

haircut & highlights (the light makes them look lighter)

Friday – 1 mile walk at work, 3 mile run during lunch, birthday dinner out, mah jongg

AM walk to the park & back

squeezed a run on the track

Saturday – ~~pick up race packet~~, rest, day with mentee & sons

Tulip Fest in the park

Sunday – 5k race, dinner out to celebrate my b-day

1st in my age group!

dinner with a view of Lake George

Oh and I won another giveway – A Milestone Pod from Amanda @ MissZippy

This Week:

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 3 miles during work, tennis
Wednesday – fly to Naples, FL.
Thursday – 3 miles, tennis
Friday – tennis
Saturday – 3 miles, tennis
Sunday – tennis

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

May 11, 2014 by Darlene

Mom’s Day 5K Race Report

I always like to race on Mother’s Day. It usually falls around my birthday so I feel I am celebrating that as well.

This is the first year that I was not running in the HMRRC’s Mother’s Day race. I liked it when it was close by and then it moved to Schenectady.

2011 in Delmar

Mary Pat & I at last year’s race in Schenectady

This race has great swag – bag, rose, chocolate fountain, etc. I would have done it again if there wasn’t a closer race and beside, this is the year of running NEW races.

So today I ran a familiar course (same as last weekend’s) but a new race.

I convinced my friend, Mary Pat to run with me again this year. (She has been injured so wasn’t that enthusiastic.) Coincidentally, we both pulled into the parking lot at the same time so we walked over to get our bibs. And I was still debating on whether or not to do the 5k or the 10K.

look at our bib numbers

The weather was picture perfect. Blue skies and sunshine. A little warmer than I would have liked but I am not complaining. The sunshine was delightful. There was quite a breeze so that kept you cool.

I finally decided on the 5K. It looked like there were very few running the 10K so I didn’t feel like running alone and it was warm. Also I left my Gu home and I don’t like to run over 5 miles without fuel. So I stuck with my original registration.

I bumped into Valerie again (a runner in my age group who runs many of the same races). She said her goal is to someday “beat me.” Great! Now I feel pressure!.

This race was low key. No chips and timing devices. A line on the sidewalk where you started and finished.

The race also started about 15 minutes late while they were marking the course.

Getting ready & starting my watch

As usual, I started off fast and waited to peter out.

beautiful day on the river…lots of fisherman

It was warmer than I was used to. This was my first summer-like temp race. It was exactly the same course as last weekend.

I was very very thirsty and held out until the turn around to stop for water and walk for awhile. Ugh! I hate when I do that.

Then I continued slower than before. On the way back, we were running into the wind. But it felt good. I am not sure if it was the heat or that I was running too fast, but I found it hard to breathe. I stopped and walked at least two more times. And this is only a 5K!!

Finally the finish line was in sight. I sprinted and tried to finish under 28 minutes but could not muster up enough energy.

heading to the finish line

Final time was 28:14 (23 out of 134)

Splits: (Garmin time – 28:10)

mile 1 – 8:59
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 9:23
.14 – 8:05

Done!

Positive splits! No surprise there. Not a bad time considering the walking.

The food was just banana halfs and apples. I missed the HMRRC race’s chocolate fountain, pizza, soup and delicious pastries, etc.

We waited around for awhile but my friend Mary Pat had to leave. So I hung out with Valerie and some others waiting for the awards. There were some older women that finished ahead of me but it turned out that they were younger than me. Yay!

mom 5k

moms5k1

I won first in 60+. (I hate that age group. Feel ancient!)

I dropped off my swag in my car and continued to run some more.

Unfortunately it was getting late so I only had time for 2 more miles. Better than nothing. (My hubby was home waiting to leave.)

The course was nice but I think next year I will return the HMRRC Mother’s Day race in Central Park. (Good food & tech shirts are important.)

the marina where we keep our boat..many of our friends were out on their boats

I continued my Mother’s Day/Birthday celebration with dinner with my hubby at one of my bucket list restaurants. It’s in the town where we keep our boat in the summer so it’s on the lake (but pretty pricey.)

view from the restaurant – Chateau on the Lake

Our friends stopped by on their boat and snapped our pic:

The meal was great and so was the day!

Happy Running! Did you run or race today? If not, how did you celebrate?

May 10, 2014 by Darlene

#Run50

usa1

New York -5K, 10K, 15K, 4m, 5m, 131.
Florida – 13.1
California – 10m, 13.1
Vermont – 5K
Pennsylvania – 5K, 13.1

I wish I started running earlier. I used to have a job that allowed me to go to conferences all over the country. There was a 5k at each conference. They always closed out in hours. At the time, I thought people were nuts to get up at 7 am to run. But for the last conference that I went to (2006), I registered and walked the 5k (in 45 min.) I started to see how much fun everyone was having.

I visited 8 cities/states for those conferences (San Diego, Seattle, Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, San Antonio, Philly, New Orleans). Too bad, I wasn’t a runner then.

Now I am 61. I have run in 5 states so far.

Run in all 50 states?! Not likely. But I will do my best to run in some more different states.

I’d say my goal is 15 states.

Many bloggers are pursuing the goal of running in ALL 50 states: