October 16, 2016 by Darlene

Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K Race Recap

October 15, 2015 – 9:30 am Saratoga Springs. NY

Running a 10K a week after a half marathon? Crazy?

I did a easy run on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday and rested Friday in hopes that my legs would not be cranky

I ran this race the last two years and really enjoyed it (even 2014 in the rain.)

: 2015 – 59:19

: 2014 – 58:28

My 10K PR is 57:03 and as you can see, I’ve gotten slower each year. But I was still on a PR “High” so I had no expectations for a fast time.

I was very tempted to switch to the 5k course which is flat. The 10k course continues from the 5k and there are several big hills.

I may have switched so I could try for a 5k PR but after running 13.1 miles less than a week ago, it seemed unlikely that this would happen.

The race takes place in Saratoga State Park which is a beautiful place to run especially in the fall.

The weather in the Fall is very unpredictable. It could be warm and then it could be cold.

Not knowing what the weather will do makes it hard to dress. I’m not ready to dress for winter. (I am wearing that skirt as long as I can stand it.)

I planned to wear that same orange race shirt, a skirt and compression socks and then wear sweat pants, a jacket and gloves to leave behind and put on after the race.

When I got up it was 30 degrees and frost on the ground!!!!!!!!!!! But I stuck to my guns and wore that outfit.

This is a very popular race. They usually get about 1500 runners. So I left for the race early in case I had to park where I needed to get a shuttle to the start. The race was to start at 9:30 and I got there at 8:30 am. I got a parking spot right next to the finish line and was thrilled. (Why does someone who runs 13 miles look for the closest parking space???)

As soon as I got out of my car, I realized how cold it was. I decided to add a pair of capris under my skirt and another shirt under my jacket.

purple long sleeved tech shirt

I picked up my race a packet, entered my raffle ticket in one of the raffles and used the restroom. (Yes, there were real ones.) I also voted for my favorite in the pumpkin decorating contest. It was tough to choose.

: my favorite

Then I hung out at the fire pit and chatted with the other runners. I didn’t find any of my friends but I did get to talk to and shiver with many of the runners that I see at local races – most of them are very speedy too.

Finally it was time for the race to start. It was cold but I decided to leave my jacket and pants at the bag check. I put my DIY arm warmers on under my shirt and kept on my gloves. Many of the runners were in costume. I thought about it but it was too cold.

I may not look cold but I was.

I started not too far back because I was with those fast ladies. (and two of them were in my age group.)

This race for me can be divided into two parts: The first 5K and the second 5k.

Miles 1-3

9:58, 9:07, 9:02

Both the 5k and 10k runners start together and run the same course. So it was very crowded at first. Since I was near the front, everyone was passing me by. I was trying to run fast but my legs just wouldn’t go. Those ladies that I mentioned, they quickly left me in the dust.

The 5k had a few inclines but was basically flat. I didn’t even have to walk.

I love running in this park. It is so pretty.

And the sun was shining brightly so I quickly warmed up. I was happy that I had taken off my jacket and extra shirt.

The 5k ended and my time was 27:xx. Crazy! I didn’t feel like I was running fast. It could have been a 5k PR!!

Of course, that exhausted me and we hadn’t hit the hills yet.

Miles 4-6.2

9:38, 9:52, 9:24, 8:31

At this point, I was too warm for those DIY arm sleeves. But did you ever try to get arm sleeves off under a long sleeved shirt? Yeah, pretty difficult. But eventually I had to stop and I got them rolled down.

The rest of the course was filled with hills. I tried to run up them but was pretty unsuccessful. So I walked many times during the second half of the race …during every hill.

I didn’t stop at any of the water stops. I wasn’t thirsty. But by mile 5, I was ravenous. I usually take a GU every 4 miles of a race. But without any water, I decided to see if I could get by on no fuel.

Well, by the end I had no energy..at all… and the biggest hill was 1/2 mile before the finish line…GRRR!!!

I really wasn’t paying attention to the time on my watch and I walked one last time on the last turn and was shocked to see that the clock said 57:xx!!

I booked it but it was too little, too late, I crossed at 57:28 (57:22 chip time).

My first thought was “Could I have PRed if I didn’t walk up all the hills?!”

Nevertheless, I was content that I ran the first half very well on tired legs and nothing was hurting!!! Besides it was course PR!

I quickly headed to get food. Priorities! The line was long but moved quickly. There was fruit, bagels, lots of delicious homemade goodies (cookies, apple, pumpkin, zucchini breads, etc.) and hot chocolate. Everything was so good!

It was getting late so I retrieved my checked bag and looked for the race results.

Though I was almost 2 minutes faster than last year when I won an AG award, this year I did not. (And they gave out insulated coffee travel mugs. Darn!)

I should have waited around for the awards ceremony but I didn’t because I wanted to get up to the lake. Today was going to be my last day there until next May 😦

Many of our friends had put their boats away for the season but one of our friends from NJ just got a new (bigger) boat and they were anxious to use it.

The weather was absolutely perfect. And we spent a glorious day on one of the islands: wine, steaks, sunshine, good friends. What more could you ask for?

: campfire to stay warm but it really wasn”t necessary so we used it to bake potatoes & sweet potatoes

: Robert, the master chef – kieblasa, steak

: Frank Sinatra was playing and they were drinking scotch and smoking cigars (not our friends)

: sun setting on the lake so we had to leave

: back at the marina to see the moon rise

My hubby and our friends stayed overnight but I had to go home because I promised my friend AJH from VT that I would watch her race in a local duathlon.

This was my 5th time as a spectator and I always enjoy it. The weather, however, wasn’t as nice as the day before. It was warmer but windy and cloudy so it felt colder.

While Andrea ran the first 2 mile leg, I had hot cider and a freshly made cider donut. During her 17 mile bike leg, I ran the 2 mile course. By the second 2 mile leg, the sun finally came out. Andrea took off after the race (to hit Target and the outlets. They don’t have Target in VT!!!) I stopped at Target too, then got my nails done and finally arrived at home to get all those things done that I don’t have time to do during the work week.

So a busy weekend has come to end. Another race done and another one coming next weekend (a 5k this time.)

Happy Running! Did you race this past weekend? Is it getting colder where you live? What fall activities do you enjoy?

October 21, 2015 by Darlene

Spectating at a Duathlon

This was my fourth year watching AJH competing in this Duathlon.

2012

The first year, it was raining and I had a stress fracture in my foot. It was not so much fun.

2013 – she’s even wearing shorts

But the second year, it was much more enjoyable. It took place near Krause’s restaurant on the Mohawk Towpath Byway and I was able to get in a run during the bike portion of the race.

However, last year, they changed the location of the race.

It started at Riverview Orchards. It is a very scenic area and a nice place to run.

2014

However, it was so COLD, windy and nasty that I decided to forego the run and just watch.

This year, it was COLD again! But at least the sun peaked out for awhile here and there (before it started to snow.)

photobombed by a dog

The runners started with a 2 mile run and then back to the transition area.

As I mentioned…it was COLD. I took advantage of the race being at the orchard and stayed inside the store while Andrea was racing.

I had some hot cider and watched them make cider donuts.

Of course, I ate one!

I decided to brave the cold and get in a run during the 17 mile bike portion of the race. (I broke my rule and dressed in winter running gear – hat, coat, capris, compression socks and even gloves.)

I began at the race start and ran the 2 mile portion of the race…though very slow and with many stops. (It was supposed to be my rest day after the 10k race the day before.)

view heading to the turn around)

It was very pretty.

this was someone’s house! with their own apple orchard!

When I was done, I waited for Andrea to be finished with the bike portion.

The bike route was very hilly and the riders had to finish uphill. I was so impressed with how AJH did.

The race ended with the same running route as it started. So after that hilly ride, they had to run 2 miles again!!

But Andrea finished strong.

When she was done, we waited inside (where it was warm) for the results to be tallied.

She won 1st in her age group! Yay, Andrea!

It was a fun experience. Everyone looked like they enjoyed the race. It’s especially nice to cheer on a friend.

maybe the next time we will be running the VCM relay together in May. (I am running a half marathon in Feb, the day of our usual race meet up).

Happy Running! Do you spectate at races?

October 19, 2014 by Darlene

Day at a duathlon and then a farm

Today was a REST day! No running!
duathlon

This was my third year watching AJH competing in this Duathlon.

2012

The first year, it was raining and I had a stress fracture in my foot. It was not so much fun.

2013

But last year, it was much more enjoyable. It took place near Krause’s restaurant on the Mohawk Towpath Byway and I was able to get in a run during the bike portion of the race.

This is where I ran a few weeks ago. I love this area.

However, this year, they changed the location of the race.

It started at Riverview Orchards. I had never been there so I was excited to explore a new running route (even though I ran a 10K yesterday.)

However, it was so COLD, windy and nasty that I decided to forego the run and just watch.

waiting to begin

The runners started with a 2 mile run on a fast, flat section out Riverview and Droms Road and then back to the transition area.

here she comes finishing the first 2 mile run

Then the bikers left the transition area and traveled 1 1/2 miles southeast on Riverview Road. They rode two 7 mile loops of rolling terrain including Sugar Hill Road, a mile on Grooms, south on Vischer Ferry Road and west on Riverview Road and returned to the transition area with 17 miles completed (set within the historic context of the Erie Canal and against the backdrop of colorful fall foliage.)

heading out on the bike

As I mentioned…it was COLD. I took advantage of the race being at the orchard and stayed inside the store while Andrea was racing.

I had some hot cider and watched them make cider donuts.

finishing the bike portion of the race

The bike route was very hilly and the riders had to finish uphill riding INTO the wind. I was so impressed with how AJH did as well as the others.

The race ended with the same running route as it started. So after that hilly ride, they had to run again!!

almost done with run #2

done!

As soon as Andrea was done, the sun came out briefly and then it started to rain. I was glad that Andrea did well enough to stay dry.

She won 1st in her age group and the grand prize in the raffle.

As soon as the awards were over, I took off so I could pick up Amanda and the kids for our annual outing to Ellms Family Farm.

ellms

The day included all the usual fun stuff: Jumping Pillow, MooMooChooChoo, Chicken Show, Spider Web, animal feed area, hay ride, kiddie mazes, zip lines, pedal carts, barnyard mazes, Bean Bag Toss and more!

60 ft slide – their favorite

Of course, we had cider donuts and picked pumpkins.

Unfortunately, it was COLD and windy…at least I was very cold. We had fun but not as much as we would have had if the weather had been nicer.

It was along day and I had to rush home to make chili for our annual chili cook-off at work.

guess what kind?

Happy Running! How did you spend your Sunday? Resting or Running?

October 16, 2014 by Darlene

Busy Weekend Ahead

last ride

Now that boating is over, you would think I would have some free time…

Nope!

Saturday, I am running this 10K race.

It takes place in Saratoga National Park and it is a race that I’ve wanted to do since I started running but something has always gotten in the way.

photo from last year

They have a NEW flatter 5k course which is very tempting but since I have a 10 mile run in ONE WEEK, I think the longer distance would be wiser.

10K history:

2012 – Camp Chingachgook – 1:09:07 (covering from ankle surgery)
2013 – Hmrrc Winter Series #3 – 1:08:18
2013 – Helper’s Fund – 1:06:10
2013 – Monster Scramble – 1:03:18 (it was short!)
2014 – Spring Run Off -1:00:51 PR
2014 – Camp Chingachgook – 1:04:54

As you can see, I don’t run many 10ks.

I usually train for half marathons by running long on the weekend. With 5Ks, I just wing it. But for 10ks, you want to run fast but not burn out. So who knows how this will go. I will try to go out slow and save some for the second half.

comfort zone

I have been getting better at the 5K distance but I still struggle with anything over that. I know I can win my age group with the 5K… most likely not with the 10K.

A 10K will be out of my comfort zone. Sometimes a good thing.

Goals:

Run most it.
Pace under 10 min/mile for most miles.
Beat my last 10K time (1:04:54). A PR would be a real stretch. A age group award would be a bigger stretch (the speedy older women do this one).
Finish strong and uninjured.
Enjoy the race.

After the race, I hope to run a few more miles before getting home.

would love to see this…

Maybe I will try to squeeze in some time with the hubby (dinner & a movie?)

On Sunday, I plan to watch AJH compete in a duathlon.

last year during the running portion

I did it for the past two years and really enjoyed it.

2 years ago (in the rain) during the biking part

This year it will take place at a new location. I have never been there so it should be fun.

After the duathlon, I am taking Amanda (my mentee) and her sons on our annual visit to Ellms Family Farm.

Ellms actually posted this pic on their fb pag this week – https://www.facebook.com/ellmsfamilyfarm/photos/pb.88544375487.-2207520000.1413489756./10152476286645488/?type=3&theater

It is always a good time for all.

Happy Running! Anything exciting planned for the weekend?

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 ?

October 20, 2013 by Darlene

My 2nd Time Spectating at a Duathlon

Last year, it was raining and I had a stress fracture in my foot. So this year, it was much more enjoyable.

It was a little chilly (in the 50’s) but not too bad when the sun was out. Perfect weather for racing.

I only had a 1/2 hour drive and AJH and her friend who drove 2 1/2 hours were already there when I arrived.

This is the first and last leg of the race:

Athletes will begin with a 2.2 mile run on a fast, flat section of Canal Rd., then turn left on Whites Lane to climb the run course’s one big hill. At the top of the hill, runners turn left to continue on a flat and downhill course back to the transition area. The same course will be repeated after the bike.

getting directions at the start

This year, I could move around and get better pictures. so I walked out to the road to see AJH start and end the run.

there she goes

now she’s back

After the first run, came the bike portion:

Bikers turn left out of Krause’s driveway onto Canal Road to warm up their legs on the flats before a right turn onto Clamsteam Road, a steep incline. At the top of the hill, they turn left on Riverview Road, crossing over the interstate and putting down a few flat, fast miles on Riverview Road. They then continue on a scenic loop of rolling hills, river views, and beautiful countryside for a total of 16 miles.

off she rides

Since this part of the race would take at least an hour, I used this opportunity to run a bit.

I got in about 2 3/4 miles. While taking the picture above, I chatted with a 3:15 marathoner who was pointing out an eagle.

she’s heading back for the final leg

The last part of the race was the same as the first.

and she’s off again

Now I returned to the finish line to wait.

she’s done and beat her time from last year!

We hung around for awards. They were grilling cheeseburgers, hot dogs and sausage. I had a burger & a sausage. (I didn’t race but I did run!!) I chatted with a lady were lives near me and was racing her first duathlon.

Finally, they announced the winners. I thought AJH would win 3rd in her Age Group. But she won FIRST!! Woo Hoo!!

All in all, it was a nice time. I enjoyed watching the runners & bikers….all abilities and ages were represented.

Not tempted to do one. I’ll stick to running!

Happy Running! Ever spectate a race?

October 14, 2012 by Darlene

Spectating At a Duathlon

I encouraged AJH to do this because I could go watch. I didn’t know at the time that I would be injured. I just planned on racing on Sat and spectating on Sunday.

According to the website, this is the course:

Athletes will begin with a 2.2 mile run on a fast, flat section of Canal Rd., then turn left on Whites Lane to climb the run course’s one big hill. At the top of the hill, runners turn left to continue on a flat and downhill course back to the transition area. The same course will be repeated after the bike. Bikers turn left out of Krause’s driveway onto Canal Road to warm up their legs on the flats before a right turn onto Clamsteam Road, a steep incline. At the top of the hill, they turn left on Riverview Road, crossing over the interstate and putting down a few flat, fast miles on Riverview Road. They then continue on a scenic loop of rolling hills, river views, and beautiful countryside for a total of 16 miles

I have run that course and am familiar with the area. I wasn’t sure that my achy foot would handle what I had originally planned but I decided to give it a shot.

The forecast was for cold and rainy. And it was rainy. It varied from a drizzle to a downpour. For once, I didn’t have runner’s envy. I hate running in the rain.

I found AJH immediately after I arrived. She was with a friend (they drove 3 hours for this race!) and she was deciding what to wear.

with AJH before the race

There were about 90 racers. I’m sure there would have been more if the weather cooperated. Believe it or not, some people actually signed up today.

In addition to AJH, I bumped into a friend’s son who was racing, the one who did the Ironman Lake Placid with a broken collar bone.

Ironman Jeff

I waited until the race started before I left the starting/finish area.

AJH is waiting for the race to start

Then I slowly walked (limped) out to the road.

off they go

Yes, my foot hurt when I walked on it. (A dr visit is on tap for this week.) But I wanted to watch the racers on the course. Unfortunately, when I zoom in on my camera, it turns off. So my pictures are not close up.

AJH is finishing her lst 2.2 mile run

I was appropriately dressed with a raincoat, gloves & umbrella. I felt sorry for the WET racers.

AJH did great. She was 73rd after the first leg. Unfortunately, it was raining the hardest during the bike leg.

finishing her 16 mile ride in the rain

But she seemed to gain ground. There were even more bikers coming in after her than runners.

Finally the last stretch was a run and I walked toward the finish area to see her come in.

Here she is heading to the finish line

She finished around 1:50:00. Pretty impressive!

Too bad the weather was so awful. The course is very scenic. And if AJH does it next year, I hope to be able to get some running in in addition to spectating.

After the race, it was still raining so we went our separate ways. I am sure she headed to Target and I stopped at the grocery store to buy the ingredients for chili (chili cook-off at work tomorrow).

Happy Running! Anyone have a race this weekend?

October 7, 2012 by Darlene

Injury Update, Race Spectating and Quilting

Last week, Dr Google said Extensor Tendonitis, this week, it says Metatarsal Stress Fracture.

I need to get off the computer or I will go nuts.

Anyway, it felt worse this morning but the more I stay off of it, the better it feels. At least I still have my boot & crutches, if I need them.

I got a sub for my Monday tennis and my Tuesday tennis. I do not plan to run all this week. I will not race next weekend.

If it still hurts next week, I will go to the doctor. So that’s the plan. IT SUCKS!!!

This morning, I went to watch the runners finish the Mohawk Hudson Half marathon. I stood about a 1/2 mile before the finish line. I saw quite a few people I know. I was too busy screaming at them to take photos. I did see the winner of the full marathon.

he finished in 2 1/2 hours !!!

It was perfect running weather and this is a great course. I so wanted to be running. My hubby thinks I should quit as do my non-running friends. I WILL NOT!!!

Then I headed up north again. I stopped off at our marina. My hubby was there putting our boat away for winter (so sad… but now my weekends are free for long runs… 😦 )

After that stop, I continued to Chestertown. Several weeks ago, after a race, I signed up for a quilting class. (Did I have ESP that I would soon have lots of free time…)

Anyway, it took my mind off things for a few hours.

this is the lst of 12 applique blocks (I hope mine looks like this…)

Afterwards, I got myself a pity treat.

pumpkin ice cream – yum!

The plan had been to do a long run on the new loop that I discovered last weekend. Instead I drove it.

Schroon River

and stopped for a few pics. I won’t be back till next year.

Happy Running! Send some quick healing vibes my way!!

April 30, 2012 by Darlene

Spectating at Sean’s Run

I was on this year’s race brochure so of course, I would have run this race.

me on the front of the mailing

I decided that the race was late enough (1 pm) to be able to drive to Chatham and watch my friend Mary run this race.

Mary & I enjoying a post-race ice cream cone last year

Friday’s RW quote also came to mind:

Running is not, as it so often seems, only about what you did in your last race or about how many miles you ran last week. It is, in a much more important way, about community, about appreciating all the miles run by other runners, too.–Richard O’Brien

The last 17 weeks have been all about me. I have been feeling sorry for myself cuz I can’t run. I have been jealous of everyone running, training and racing. Everday I wake up and curse Dec 29 and wish I never went for that run.

So yesterday was a perfect running day (just a little too windy) but cool & sunny. I got to the race early enough to wish Mary luck before the race.

She's ready!

Then I was able to do what I have never been able to do. I watched the runners start.

They're off!

I got to see all the runners go by.

I even watched the winner (at an amazing time) cross the finish line.

Chuck Terry wins for the 3rd time!

Mary, who is tapering for her marathon next weekend, did great.

Here she comes!

Of course, we had to have our free ice cream cone together again.

the spectator & the runner

I think it’s supposed to be a reward for racing but it still tasted good.

So my first spectating experience wasn’t half bad. It’s fun if you know someone racing. Of course, I prefer to be in the race….and I will be next year!

Afterwards we went out for coffee and talked about my comeback –whenever that may be. Hopefully we will race together in the near future.

Happy Running! Have you ever spectated at a race when you’ve been injured?