No work travel this week. Just the normal busy stuff.
Now that I have free time during the week to actually to do my training miles, it’s taper time for my NYCM training. It figures….
Last Week –
Monday – Even though it was the day after my 20 miler, I signed up for a race, Lawson Lake Trail Run. I had the day off and it was only a 5k trail race. I planned to just walk it. After experiencing lots of discomfort the previous day, I was surprised to wake up feeling as if I had NOT run the day before. Still I walked most of it and It was a fun time. The weather was awesome, the course scenic and some of my friends came as well.
probably less than 3 since Jan and I made a wrong turn
After the race, my hubby and I decided to make one last quick trip to the lake. We even made our last trip to Martha’s for ice cream (sorry no pic)
Tuesday – With rain in the forecast for the next two days, my running friend and I headed to run the UAlbany loop after work. We ran in the opposite direction from last week and discussed alternate places to run. Afterward I met my BFF to chat and walk around the mall.
Wednesday – There was a scheduled SOAR run today after work on the rail trail. But it was raining so I bailed.
Thursday – Long work day and it rained all day and night but it was not raining when I left work so I ran on the Corning Bike path. I had the company again of a friend. Definitely made the difference.
Afterward I rushed off to have dinner with some tennis friends.
delicious dinner…miss these ladies since I don’t play tennis anymore
Friday – Rest day…Chiro appt and then time to relax and play mah jongg.
Saturday – Only a 12 mile run for this week. Start of my TAPER! We chose the local rail trail and the weather was PERFECT!! (cool and sunny). I ran the first 5 miles solo, then the last 7 with Barbara and Judy and joined the others (Sherry, Chris, Jeri) afterward for brunch.
so lucky to always have friends to do my LONG runs with (and brunch with)
No rest for the weary. As soon I was done with post run brunch, I drove with a college friend to meet another college friend for a mini reunion on the Walkway Bridge Over the Hudson.
friends since 1973….. ❤ ❤ ❤
Sunday – Rest Day and no boating… just nothing. Aaaah.
(Actually laundry, cleaning and errands…pretty tiring …on 2nd thought…rather go running lol)
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 17
Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – LONG RUN – 8 – Maybe a 5k race (+ 5)
Sunday – rest day, volunteer at ARE Trail Race
I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.
Work Travel Again. But it’s the last trip (for a little while, I hope)
A Half Marathon happened at the end of the week as part of my 20 miler.
Almost taper time for my NYCM training.
Last Week –
Monday – Work trip to Sullivan County. It was supposed to be raining in the am so I didn’t plan to run before leaving. Of course it was not. But it rained the rest of the day. And hard. I had no choice but to run on the hotel treadmill. I was alone and there was TV but still hated it.
Tuesday – After a long work day, I went back to my hotel to change in search of some place nearby to run safely. I discovered a rail trail not too far away and headed there. The foliage colors were awesome and though I was tired, this run energized me.
Mountain Dale Rails to Trails
After 4.5 miles, I headed off the trail to get to 5 miles. My reward:
Wednesday – It again was supposed to rain but I changed into running clothes just in case. I had hoped to run on a rail trail that I had passed on my way Monday. It looked like it was going to rain soon so instead I found a trail near work. It turned out to be too muddy and full of roots to run on. Instead I walked. Almost got lost several times but I made it all around the lake before the rain.
Hanofee Park
Thursday – Back home and able to run after work with a friend. For convenience purposes, we hit the UAlbany loop.
we verged off the loop to run around Indian Pond
Then I went to the movies with friends (I skipped the restaurant dinner in favor of a run…it was a HARD decision.).
Renee Zellweger was fabulous but such a sad story.
Friday – Time to rest, unpack and play mah jongg. But first a quick run on the local rail trail (nice weather and there aren’t too many of those in the future.)
loved the wall art and the many painted rocks along the course
Saturday – My friends were running a race today. FOMO since it is one race I done every year.Instead I started the day with a trip to the expo to pick up my bib for Sunday’s half.
Then the hubby and I drove up to Lake George for our LAST boating day of the season. The weather was again PERFECT and I spent a relaxing day with our friends.
Sunday – Yes, today was the day of the 20 miler. My only one during marathon training. I drove to the start of the Hannaford Half Marathon and in the dark ran 7 miles. (I started out on the trail but it was too dark so I ran on the road and then returned to the trail ponce the sun came up.)
Then I ran 13.2 more miles as part of the race. Being a local race, it was nice to see so many familiar faces. (Even met up with Cari from NYC who was visiting her brother.) The first 6 miles went very well. Maybe too well. The last 7 were very painful…everything hurt. But I was lucky to have a from run the last mile or so with me and to have my running friends cheer me through the finish line, So it was harder than I thought but the 20 miler is done. Bring on the taper!
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 16
Monday – DAY OFF – TRAIL 5K RACE (walking it as recovery)
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
So many people ask me when am I going to retire? They frequency say that they can’t believe I can keep up with this crazy work schedule.
Yes, traveling 8 out of the last 9 weeks.
Sleeping in hotels, eating in restaurants and often driving all over the state.
All while training for my first marathon.
But with the Bad comes the Good.
So Why Is My Glass Half Full?
1. Airline miles, hotel points, train and car rewards.
And you know what all of them will be used for.
Race-cations. Woo Hoo!
I definitely would not be doing a lot of these races without these work perks.
2. Meet ups with friends.
I have been able to meet up with fellow ambassadors in Rochester and NYC.
with Kim
with Elizabeth
with Cari
I have able to catch up with high school friends on LI.
None of these occurrences would have taken place without work travel
3. Running in interesting places
In addition to amazing Central Park in NYC, I have discovered the Erie Canal trail and Lake Ontario trails in Rochester.
And Onondaga Lake State Park in Syracuse.
And recently the Vestal Rail Trail in Binghamton and Blydenburgh Park on LI.
Sometimes your running can get stale if you run on the same local routes.
Not me.
4. No Cooking and Cleaning
I admit it. I am secretly enjoying this.
Unfortunately this too shall pass.
Back to domestic bliss. Lol.
5. Meeting new people.
Yes, like the guy on the hotel elevator who has run the NYC marathon many times
And the cafe owner on the Vestal Rail Trail who has run many marathons but hopes to someday get into NYC.
And the desk clerk at my favorite NYC hotel who has started running because I inspired him.
And the guy on the subway to Brooklyn who travels and looks for races everywhere he goes. Like moi.
It’s amazing how a race shirt is always a conversation starter.
met a local runner at a Brooklyn race because of his shirt.
Happy Running! How could YOU not dwell on the bad stuff and focus on the good? Please share.
If you read my blog, you may know that I LOVE races in NYC especially ones in Central Park. (Even though, they are HILLY!)
France Run 8K
Dash to the Finish
Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off
The Grete’s Great Gallop 10K race takes place just FOUR weeks before the New York City Marathon and covers 6.2 miles of the roads of Central Park, passes the Marathon finish line and ends near where it started.
Click here to read about Grete’s amazing career but to sum it up, she ran her first marathon (NYC) in 1978, won it and then won it again 8 more times. She’s an icon for women’s running in NYC.
I was scheduled to meet my tennis friends for lunch on Saturday, October 5 (the same day as this race) and then go to a Broadway show afterwards (an annual thing).
So it was a no brainer to sign up for this race. Plus, another Skirt Sport Ambassador, Elizabeth, was planning to run this race, as well. (Unfortunately, she was unable to run it.)
Luckily I signed up early because the race sold out pretty quickly.
Thank to numerous trips to NYC for work, I had enough points for a free hotel room.
I knew that the race would be a hilly one (see map below) but I did run a 5 miler there last year and a 8K there in August of 2017 so I thought that the course would be similar in difficulty.
Unfortunately, I had had a pretty off running week. I was driving in traffic all week and training on my feet all day. I only ran 3 miles on Monday and 3 slow TM miles on Thursday. So with Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday as rest days, I should have been pretty well rested for the Saturday race.
So I took the bus to NYC on Friday. After I checked into my hotel, I headed off to pick up my race packet. Normally I might have taken the subway to rest my legs but this was just a fun race so I walked and met my friend Cari (sorry no pic).
cute top – amazingly so many runners did wear this shirt on race day
Cari and I walked back toward my hotel and then I went out for pizza and ice cream (carb loaded like it was a marathon LOL). I still was not tired so I walked around Hudson Yards.
over 7 miles walking
When I got back to the hotel, I tried to plan out my race outfit for the next day. This is always difficult for me at this time of year. Capris or skirt? Short sleeves or long sleeves?
decided on a skirt, compression calf sleeves, short sleeve top with DIY arm warmers
After a restless night, I got up the next morning around 5:30 am and had my usual oatmeal and coffee pre-race breakfast.
It was in the 40s with a possibility of sun. I added gloves and a throw away shirt to my outfit . What I forgot again was a heat blanket. DARN!! I decided against bag check (to save time after the race) and hoped that I wouldn’t regret it.
I normally would again try to save my legs and grab a subway to Central Park. Not this time. Marathon training! I left at 6:30 am and walked the 3 miles to the start. And it was windy and COLD!!! Brrrr!!!
I wasn’t sure exactly where the start was but saw some runners and knew they were all headed to the same place so I followed them.
I got there very early. There were many runners just running. Probably warming up for the race or doing their long run before the upcoming marathon.
There would be almost 8000 runners in today’s race and the air was buzzing with excitement (or for NYCM).
It was still pretty early and I just walked around trying to stay WARM!!
Finally I headed toward the race start.
I sat on a bench and wound up befriending two other (older) ladies. We chatted and chatted until it was time to get in our corrals.
We lost one lady in the corral behind us so the just Lori and I waited and shivered together (I decided to ditch my long sleeve shirt and lost an earring in the process) until it was time for our corral to get to the start line. It was probably only 10 or 12 minutes but felt like forever. Brrrrr!
So what was my plan for this 10k race?
I had done a 14 mile training run last weekend and 18 the weekend before. I spent most of this week working and stressing. Definitely not feeling my best today…the cold windy temps certainly did not help.
No plan. Finish strong. Not get injured. Walk up the hills. Have fun! (Spoiler alert – I ran the whole thing except for water stops and enjoyed it immensely.)
Course Info
The course is slightly more than one counter-clockwise lap of Central Park’s six-mile loop.
Mile 1: 9:38
We started on East Drive near 69th Street (the east side of the CP loop) and headed north. It was a bottle neck at first which helped to slow me down. Cat Hill greeted us fairly soon. Cat Hill is about a quarter mile and not as steep as the north end’s Harlem Hill, but it’s a decent hill. I usually walk it but strangely I felt like running. I made it up the whole thing without walking. The rest of mile 1 was relatively flat, and I felt strong, like I could probably keep up this pace for another 5 miles. Maybe. Anyway, what that pace was, I had no idea since I did not look at my watch and the clocks at each mile were 11 minutes or so ahead of my actual time (no idea.) Toward the end of each mile, there was a water/Gatorade stop. I ignored most of them as it was pretty chilly and I was not sweating.
Mile 2: 8:57
We continued along East Drive and passed the Reservoir on the left. This mile supposed included the easiest section of the loop: the ultra-flat stretch that runs along the east side around 90th Street. I guess that explains my fastish pace.
Mile 3: 9:25
This mile was at the northern end of the loop. We first passed the 102nd Street Transverse on our left and descended down a steepish hill (YAY!) followed by a flat stretch. The second half of the mile was going up Harlem Hill, the steepest hill on the course. I am proud to say that I RAN up the whole thing (slowly, but not walking). At this point, I was getting pretty hungry as my 5:30 breakfast was long forgotten (I had planned to take a GU before the race but I was chatting….). I willed myself to wait until the next water stop. We continued past Lasker Rink. I tried to focus on the sites of the park and not my feet or my hunger.
Mile 4: 10:10
This mile and the next went down the west side of the loop and started by heading south on West Drive. There were a few rolling hills here. Compared to Cat and Harlem, these hills were no big deal. My legs were tiring but I was able to run up them. It helped that I walked for quite a while, eating a Gu and drinking water. Although there were almost 8000 runners in this race, I’m happy to say that there wasn’t really any crowding on the course, at least not around me. I passed some runners and some passed me. But there was always enough space to run and take the tangents as much as possible. The sun warmed the air. I rolled down the arm warmers, took off my gloves and even the wind died down. I smiled often as the it was PERFECT running weather.
Mile 5: 8:58
This mile continued down the west side (south on West Drive), passing the 72nd Street Transverse, and completing the lower loop of the park before the course turned back onto East Drive. Of course, there weremore rolling hills, up and down, up and down. I pushed a little harder here, as I knew I only had two more miles to go. I tried to make up time on the downhills and I am pretty slow running uphill. It is kinda a blur now. I think I stopped for water but only to grab a sip, not much walking. I just wanted to be done.
I took these pics during my walk out of the park after the race
Mile 6: 9:18
We continued north on East Drive on the south loop of the park. It seemed to be a relatively flat stretch. We passed the start line at 69th Street and then turned left at the 72nd Street Transverse and headed toward the finish line. Of course, it felt like a slight uphill (though maybe it wasn’t.)
Mile +.3: 8:54
I was hoping to be able to pick up speed but my legs felt like lead. I did the best I could. As you can see, that the course was long. I saw the clock each mile and as I crossed the finish line. I had no idea of my actual time until I looked at my watch. And I didn’t really care. I was thrilled to have run a decent race. And NO PAIN! Woo Hoo!!
I grabbed water and a bagel and immediately headed out of the park. Again I followed the crowds as to not get lost.
Again although I was pressed for time, I decided to walk the 3 miles back to my hotel. I was glad that I did not throw away my arm warmers and gloves. It was chilly in the city.
It was in my hotel room that I logged into NYRR and discovered the good news.
I won an age group award!!! Big surprise!!
So not a PR. My 10K PR is 57:03 (from November 2014) but I am thrilled at how the race turned out. I didn’t push my pace at any time and yet I ran well and most importantly, it was FUN!! I didn’t do my 14 mile training run but in addition to the race, I walked 8 miles. That will have to do!!!!!
After a quick shower, I had enough time to walk to the restaurant (Valerie) where I was meeting my tennis friends for lunch. I rewarded myself (again as if I ran a marathon).
Nutella filled French toast with bacon on the side
After lunch, we headed to Broadway to see Hadestown.
the show was GREAT!
And then we walked back toward my hotel and Penn Sta where we stopped for a light dinner.
So it was fun-filled day. I highly recommend the Grete’s Great Gallop 10K race. It was well-organized as all NYRR races are. I will do it again if I have the chance.
Happy Running! What is your favorite city to race in? What is your favorite NYC race? Do ever run 10K races? What is your favorite distance? Would you skip a long run for a fun race?
Travel and more travel. First to Long Island for work and then at the end of the week to NYC for a 10k and a Broadway show
NYCM training may have taken a back seat this week. 33 on the schedule. Less than 13 miles completed!!!!!!!!
Last Week –
Monday – After a very long drive to Ronkonkoma and set up, I checked into my hotel and looked for a place to run. Someone at the hotel recommended Blydenburgh Park. And it was lovely. Lots of trails intended for horse back riding I believe.
so many swans on the lake and deer in the woods
Tuesday – Long work day and no time to run. I had to drive to Uniondale and check into another hotel and then drive to Bellmore to have dinner with two high school friends. Lots of driving but always fun to reconnect with old friends and laugh about the old days.
yes they are twins!
Wednesday – Another forced rest day since I had to go to work extra early and fight the traffic for a long drive home (5.5 hours!). I thought about an early morning but it was dark and I hate the mill. Besides I was pooped. Interesting weather. Left LI at 92 degree and arrived home at 52 degrees.
Thursday – Finally a run. And I was supposed to meet some friends to run locally after work. RAIN!!!!!!!! Don’t be shocked but I actually ran on the treadmill at the gym. Desperate measures. I.Hated.Every.Second.
Friday – Another Rest day. Bus to NYC. After I checked into my hotel, I headed out to pick up my bib for my race the next day and meet up with Cari. Instead of resting my legs, I walked to NYRR, then Cari and I walked toward my hotel. I got some pizza and ice cream and then walked around Hudson Yards.
Saturday – Normally a Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters. But instead, today was my annual trip to NYC with my tennis friends for lunch and a Broadway show. So of course, I squeezed in a race, the Grete Gallop 10k first. (My first missed long run 😦 ). Normally I would have taken the subway to and from the race to rest my legs. But today, I wanted to add miles to my legs (and the race was just for fun). It was a struggle and hopefully those Central Park hills helped to prepare me for Nov. 3. I loved the race (and did run UP all those hills). The weather was perfect and even with 8000 runners and hills, I placed 3rd in my age group. 🙂
made two new friends waiting to start (one is pictured)
Then afterwards I walked back to my hotel, changed and walked to meet my tennis friends for lunch (Valerie’s on 45th) and then to Broadway to see Hadestown. Great show!!
that’s nutella filled French toast with a side of bacon
After the show, we walked back. I stopped at my hotel and then met the girls for a quick dinner before heading home.
Definitely a long BUT fun-filled day. 14 miles on the legs!!!!! 6 miles run + 8 miles walking).
Sunday – Boating Sunday on Lake George? Nope. I wanted to go but the hubby thought it was too cold and windy. Wimp LOL.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 15
Monday – drive to Sullivan county, run?? (not sure where…)
Tuesday – run??
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – run, movie (Judy)
Friday – rest day,
Saturday – rest day, bib pick up, boating
Sunday – 7 miles + Hannaford Half Marathon (20 miler)
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Ever skip a long run for fun instead? Please share.
Last week it was Rochester. This week, Binghamton.
And trying to train for NYCM.
Last Week –
Monday – Summer returned with a vengeance. Almost 90 degrees and oppressive humidity. I’ve run in worse conditions but I guess I got spoiled with last week’s weather. This UAlbany loop run felt tough. Luckily I had a friend to push me through.
as soon as we finished, the skies opened up.
Tuesday – Off to Binghamton with all my computers. I had never worked here before so I did my research and discovered a short rail trail in Vestal not far from my hotel. It was nice to find a place to run but it was between two highways so all you could hear was traffic.
There was a cafe where I parked and I had dinner there and then went for a walk on the trail in the other direction.
Wednesday – I went back to the same trail after work. Didn’t run on trail but ran through town but ate dinner at the same cafe. The owner is runner and we talked about races, of course.
Thursday – Last day in Binghamton and I ran the trail again but in the direction that I walked the first night.
Friday – Rest day. Long drive home.
Saturday – Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters. I had 14 on my plan and was fortunate to have various runners to accompany me on many of miles.
Afterward was group brunch, followed by errands, unpacking and dinner out finally with the hubby.
and apple pie for dessert
Sunday – Boating Sunday on Lake George. The hubby thought that it would be chilly but it was not. We docked in a bay, had lunch and hung out enjoying the sunshine.
On the way home we stopped at my MIL’s to celebrate her 94th birthday.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 14
Monday – drive to Suffolk county, run
Tuesday – rest day, drive to Nassau county, dinner with HS friends
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, bus to NYC
Saturday – Grete’s Gallop 10k, Broadway show and lunch with tennis friends
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
1. I runfess…
I don’t comment on most blogs.
I read many running blogs. But I either don’t have time to comment and they won’t let me comment using my iphone.
I feel guilty since I enjoy when runners comment on my posts.
Anyone else read blogs but don’t comment?
2. I runfess…
I post for myself.
My readership is pretty small. But I’m okay with it.
I often don’t even link up my posts.
If you read my post from last Friday about why I blog, you know that I plan to continue blogging even if no one reads my blog.
Anyone else not worry about who reads their blog?
3.I runfess…
My life if not perfect.
Some people have commented that I am so lucky, I get to travel, have so many friends, do so many interesting things, etc.
Um…. there is plenty of not so great things going on with my family, friends, work, etc.
I just prefer not to share those things.
For the most part, I blog about my running and on FB and IG, I like sharing the good stuff.
(I not NOT judging those who share all kinds of things – good and bad. I do enjoy getting to know you better.)
Anyone else prefer to keep the bad stuff in their life private?
4. I runfess…
I’m planning my Marathon outfit.
It’s the one thing I can control. My training runs, the weather, my ache and pains… NOPE).
So I am definitely wearing a Skirt Sports skirt (with pockets), NYCM compression calf sleeves, race belt, baseball cap.
But the shirt. I want it to represent where I’m from. So it will probably be from a local race (H2H, MHM or Freohofers.)
Anyone else obsess over their race outfit ?
5.I runfess…
I miss racing.
When I wasn’t training for a full marathon, I would race almost every weekend. Around here, in the fall, there are so many races to choose from.
I’m trying to be good about getting my long runs in. But it’s so hard not to click that “register” button.
Just a few of the races I’m skipping:
Anyone else like to race all the time?
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.
