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.
After one week of not traveling for work, for the next four weeks I will be back on the road. Sigh.
And still trying to train for NYCM.
Last Week –
Monday – Long drive to Rochester but after my set-up, I had time to go for a run. I haven’t been here in a while but I used to come here often so at least I knew places to run. My favorite is along Lake Ontario. It was beautiful with perfect weather.
Tuesday – After a tough day at work, a run was just what I needed. I decided to head to the Erie Canal path. Again perfect running weather and a Skirt Sports ambassador meet up at Schoen Place.
Wednesday – Running three days in a row is not what I normally do but this was a short one and back along Lake Ontario.
added to my sea glass collection
Then a stop for ice cream.
Who knew Abbott’s was here? Had to run another mile to justify that custard.
Thursday – Last night in Rochester and another run along the Erie Canal but in the opposite direction from Tuesday. Wish this weather would last forever.
Friday – Rest day. Long drive home. Pooped.
Saturday – Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters. Since I’m skipping a long run on Oct 5, I decided to run 18 and postpone my cutback run until next weekend. I ran 4 miles solo, then 5 more with Judy, and finally 4.5 with Barbara. I finish the last 4.5 miles alone. I’m not gonna lie. IT WAS HARD!!!!
After brunch, I had a much needed hair appt. Then errands and out to celebrate a friend’s b-day (while the hubby was on our boat.)
Sunday – No boating today. I was at a Mah Jongg weekend away. Some of us, including me, just went for the day. Fun to play and relax. Hopefully, next Sunday, I’ll be back on the boat.
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 seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. My college roommate (travel partner, maid of honor) retired and she and her hubby re-built their house on the water in RI.
front
back
Last year, she invited me to visit and mentioned that there was a half marathon not far away. But I had already signed up for the Montreal Rock n Roll Half Marathon.
So this year, I did run the Surf Town Half Marathon as my 38th Half Marathon for these reasons:
An opportunity to visit an old friend.
I never have run in RI.
I needed a long run as part of my NYC Marathon training.
I found out that bloggers Kim and Michelle were running it.
It was advertised as a “relatively flat course.”
It was a scenic course with ocean views.
Half Marathon Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon in May. Then in July, I started a 18 week training plan to be ready for the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3.
As with my half marathon training, I did not really care about my week day runs. They were usually 3-4 miles. However, I did try to do longer runs on the weekend.
So I actually was not training for this half but preparing for Nov 3. Technically I was scheduled for a 15 mile run but just adapted the long runs to make this work.
post 5k
The goal for this half marathon was finishing!! Not to race it and not to get injured!!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep during a previous race-cation — rest the legs and fuel adequately the day before the race.
So I drove to my friend’s house in RI (3 1/2 hours). We had lunch on the deck and then went for a walk to the beach (and not a long one).
and then we drove to the race start so I could pick up my bib.
not grey but pea green :
We spent a relaxing evening watching tennis, eating pizza and watching the sunset.
I got together my usual race outfit and went to bed around 11 pm.
skirt sports tank and skirt, legendwear leg sleeves, goodr glasses, mizuno shoes, reebok hat – endorsing all the brands lol
Race Day:
I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 5:15 am. My friend also got up and she decided to drive me to the start.
The race started in and finished near Misquamicut State Beach, a half-mile-long beachfront area that’s one of the state’s more popular summertime beach resorts, just a few miles south of the town of Westerly.
Since there was only one road to the parking and one entrance to the parking lot, with over 1000 runners, my friend was afraid that I would get caught in traffic.
I was very appreciative (but it turned out not to be necessary.)
We left at 6 am and encountered no traffic.
When I got there, there were already runners there but not yet Michelle and Kim.
It was a little chilly so I put on my DIY arm sleeves and hung out at the beach watching the sun come up.
While waiting, I used the port-a-potties and checked a bag (a jacket and Oofos flip flops for after the race.)
Soon Kim arrived. Then Michelle (who ran a mile before the race.) It was very exciting to meet them in the flesh.
We chatted a bit. All three of us were using this race as a training run for as part of our full marathon plan. They were both training for Chicago.
We got separated at the start (but had planned to meet after the race anyway.) I wound up chatting with a few runners who were also training for Chicago. And while I was running, I met a couple training for NYC as well.
Once the sun came up, the temps warmed up. (Those arm sleeves came off quickly.)
I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)
My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every other water stop. I planned to walk whenever necessary (hills) and NOT RACE it.
note the distance is not 13.1
Anyway, here’s how the race went:
I did not find this until after the race. I went into it thinking it would be fairly flat.
Miles 1-4:
9:41, 9:37, 9:51, 9:44
We started the race on Atlantic Avenue, right outside the entrance to Misquamicut State Beach, and headed first northeast along Atlantic in the direction of Weekapaug.
This was the flattest part of the course. But the sun was in our faces and pretty strong. I was getting worried about the temps getting too warm.
Just after passing the mile 2 marker, we turned right off Atlantic and onto Wawaloam Drive, which will bring them along a stretch that looks out onto the rocky beaches of Weekapaug.
I loved all the water views during this race.
There was a water stop and I made sure to stop for a drink and walked a bit.
This stretch along the beachfront lasted for about a mile as Wawaloam becomes Spray Rock Road, and then we followed the turn left onto Taylor Lane and then again onto Chapman Road to complete the loop through Weekapaug.
This supposedly flat course now seemed to have rolling hills. A few other runners joked about this, as well.
I was trying not to look at my watch at all but unfortunately, there were clocks at almost every mile.
And as you can tell, I was running TOO FAST!!
Miles 5-8:
10:30, 10:14, 10:26, 10:58
The course re-joined Atlantic Avenue right after we passed the mile 4 marker, and then headed back in the direction of Misquamicut Beach.
At the 2nd water stop, I had my first GU and walked longer than the last.
Fortunately, it was getting cloudy and it stayed this way for most of the race.
We next headed southwest along the route that we started the race on but going in the opposite direction, heading down past the cottages and beach homes that line either side of Atlantic Avenue on their way through Misquamicut and past the Atlantic Beach Amusement Park, toward Maschaug and Little Maschaug ponds.
Several times during the race, I passed or got passed by some of the runners whom I chatted with at the start. They yelled “Go NYC” and I yelled back “Go Chicago.”
Before reaching the ponds, however, the course turned right on Lawton Avenue and headed north, taking us up to Shore Road, where we turned left and headed west again for about a mile along Shore Road before turning onto Watch Hill Road.
More rolling hills but it ain’t called Watch Hill for nothing (BTW: Taylor Swift has a house here.)
I kept up my plan to walk at the water stops and ate a 2nd Gu at mile 8.
The houses or should I say mansions were amazing to look at out. I tried to focus on them as I was struggled with my feet (as usual).
Miles 9-13.25:
10:08, 10:23, 11:03, 10:52, 10:24, (.25 – 9:32)
The next stretch of the race unfolded for nearly two miles along Watch Hill Road in the direction of the village by the same name, which lies at the end of the island, just off Little Narragansett Bay.
More water views which made me happy. More hills. Not happy.
Mile 10 had the biggest hill of the course. So steep that it was hard to even walk up it.
I continued my slow down during the 2nd half of the race. I stopped at each water, had my last Gu and walked several more times. Partially because I had run the first half too fast and also because I kept reminding myself that this was a training run and it would be stupid to get injured at this point.
We looped through the neighborhoods and waterfront areas here, passing by Watch Hill Cove at the easternmost point of the course, on the way to turns on Westerly Road, Ninigret Avenue and Ocean View Highway.
COURTESY STEVE LAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Once we were on Ocean View, we followed it for about the next mile and a half to the last couple of turns in the race, which were Bayberry Road and Maplewood Avenue, eventually leading in to the finish line on Atlantic Avenue. (where we started the race but coming into it from the opposite direction.
I did my best to pick up some speed at the end and sprint through the finish line (and smile).
I crossed at 2:16:XX.
(My Garmin said 13:25 miles!!)
I was not surprised at my time. I had been ahead of the 2:15 pacers most of the race and then lost them during the last few miles.
After getting my medal and some water. I headed to the beach for the obligatory post-race medal pic.
Then to bag check to put on my Oofos and to get some food.
My stomach was not feeling great post race and the food options were a banana, chocolate milk and clam chowder.
I ate the banana with some chocolate milk. But clam chowder?? Everyone I talked to agreed – UGH!!!! No way!!! I took a spoonful and I thought I would puke.
So instead, I went to check my time and found out that I came in 2nd in my age group. I know I’ve won many awards but they are always special. I was happy!!!
a cool award – preferable to another medal
Then Kim texted me to say that they had finished and were heading my way.
We hung out and chatted until my friend arrived to take me back to her house.
Additional Race Reflections:
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up.
Lots of parking.
Sufficient number of port-a-potties (never saw a line).
Sufficient number of water/Gatorade stops) – 1 had Gu but I missed it.
Bag Check. Easy pick up at the end.
Well marked course.
Free Massages
Free stretching by PTs.
Clocks at each mile.
Pacers.
Very cool medal.
Very cool age group awards.
Chocolate milk at the finish.
Great weather.
Beautiful course.
Nice swag if you wanted to buy (shirts, jackets, magnets, Goodrs).
The Bad:
Expensive Photos.
Color of the race shirt (pukey green).
Post race refreshments – no chowder please! how about a bagel?
The course was a little long.
Hill at mile 10.
The Ugly:
Nothing 🙂
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. It was well-organized and the course was scenic.
Final Stats:
I have yet to figure out how to negative split a long race.
My finish time was slower than than my previous three half marathons. (2:13:03, 2:11:15 and 2:16:01). But not a bad time and it was a training run, right? Definitely not complaining. No injuries. No post race discomfort.
Next Up:
A local race. Another training run (and post 7 miles to make it my 20 miler!!!)
After four weeks of working in NYC and two weekends away, it was nice to be home and sleep in my own bed.
NYCM Training continued of course.
Last Week –
Monday – I spend today in RI with my college roommate. I started out the day with a recovery run along the beach.
Then we went kayaking for about 2 hours. Yikes. I have never used those muscles before. So sore.
loved kayaking!!
We finished the day with a boat ride to a beach to relax.
This weekend away was just what the doctor ordered.
Tuesday – Back home and back at work. Took a rest day, went to the chiro and then a walk around the mall with my BFF.
Wednesday – Fleet Feet sponsored a run night so I agreed to go with a friend. I got there early so ran 1.5 miles and then sampled some Untapped fuel and ran 3 miles with my friend and a new running friend. Nice change of scenery. Heat and humidity returned but it was only for a day.
at the Crossings where I have not run in a while
Thursday – Rained all day. But when I got out of work, it was not raining. Headed to the Corning Bike trail where was nearby to squeeze in a run …
leaves are stating to change already…
Then off to an early release viewing of this movie:
loved the clothes, scenery, the characters…everything about this show and of course the movie!!!!!!!!!!
Friday – Rest day. Finally got to play mah jongg with the girls.
Saturday – Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters. My plan called for 16 miles. I ran 8 solo though I did run with Jan for a bit. Then Barbara arrived to run the next 8 but for the last mile I told her to run ahead as I was pooped. I thought it might rain but actually the weather was perfect.
on the local rail trail
After we all headed to a birthday party. Good food and good times. Running friends are the best.
Sunday – Still nice weather for boating on Lake George. Lucky us. We relaxed and BBQed
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.
I haven’t assessed my month of running since November. But since I am halfway through training for my FIRST marathon, I thought I take a look back.
Here’s how the month went:
Weekday Runs:
Despite the hot temps, humidity, intermittent thunderstorms and many trips to work in NYC, I was able to run 3 times each week. For the most part, they were only 3 miles but occasionally they were longer.
on the local rail trail
in my neighborhood
on the Corning Bike Path
Our local running club organizes trail runs on Thursdays and I did participate when I was in town. Though there was more walking sometimes than running, it was a lot of fun.
Huyck Preserve
Thacher Park
I was lucky to meet up with fellow blogger Cari during my trips to NYC. As in trail running, there may be been a lot of chatting and picture taking instead of speed. But totally enjoy our time together.
along the Hudson R starting at 72nd
Long Runs:
I am roughly using the Hal Higdon Novice Marathon training plan and did my long runs on Saturdays. I am fortunate to have a great bunch of running friends to accompany me on most the miles. I also am able so far to vary my routes – Corning Bike Path, Zim Smith Path, Delmar Rail Trail and Nisky Bike Path to name a few.
post 5k
Total Mileage:
100 miles this month. Woot! Woot! I haven’t had this many miles since…. I can’t remember!
I am still behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.
Races:
I love to race and had planned to race more than I did. I DNSed on a One Mile Race and was away for a 5k.
I still did run 3 races – a 8 miler and two 5ks.
All three were on hot and humid days so no PRs or even course PRs. Grateful to be running and winning age group awards nevertheless.
Cross Training:
What is that?
No tennis at all this summer. Sad about that.
I may have hit the gym once or twice. (or maybe not)
I did walk a lot!! During those NYC trips.
I did go hiking once too.
Other News:
Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend, family and hubby time.
Boating on Lake George almost every Sunday! The weather Gods were nice to me this summer.
A weekend away with my tennis friends, a few dinners out with friends and a day at the race track with a former co-worker. I feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life,
I also read quite a few books (train travel and Sundays on the boat afforded me the extra time). My favorite was:
Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.
(Fingers crossed that it stays that way until Nov. 4.)
Looking Ahead:
Half Marathon #38 (Surftown) – September 8.
Grete Gallop 10k – October 5.
Half Marathon #39 (Hannaford) – October 13.
NYC Marathon – November 3.
Trying NOT to click Register on a few other races that I normally run. Choosing to do a Long Run rather than a race is tough for me.
All in all, it was a good month.
Adding in some strength training, tennis, yoga and more hiking would make it even better. (But I think I need to retire to do it all. Darn work!!)
In NYC last week and Schroon River over the weekend. Now back in NYC this week and next… followed by a weekend in RI…
Where is my home?? I’m exhausted …
But I’m halfway in my NYCM Training. 9 more weeks to go!!!!
Last Week –
Monday – Back in NYC for work. Got done early so I ran along the East River (in the direction that I don’t normally run) and then back to my hotel.
Cari stopped by my hotel and she suggested that we run along the Hudson to Wagner Park to see the sunset and the Statute of Liberty. Never a bad run with a friend and these views. Great running weather too!
Tuesday – After work, I went back to the East River and ran farther than the day before since I had never run along this section of the river before. Always nice to take different routes. Again perfect weather.
Wednesday – A rest day after a long work day and then a train ride home after work.
Thursday – Back home in time for the last ARE trail run of the season. A new trail for me and a run with friends. Dinner with friends after as well. Can’t beat it.
at Indian Ladder Farms (known for apple picking and cider donuts)
Friday – Day off from work to spend the day at the Saratoga Race Track – an annual tradition with my former teaching buddy. We’ve gone 34 out of 35 years (she had a baby one July). We start off with breakfast and watch the horses warm up and then stay for the races. Didn’t win much but had a great time.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. 12 on my schedule. The group picked the Nisky Bike Path. I ran 2 solo miles. Then 4.5 with Sherry and new running friend Deb and the final 5.5 miles with Deb. Afterward, we joined the others for brunch at a new place.
yes that tasted as good as it looks.
Sunday – Boating Sunday, of course. The weather was much better than predicted (no rain, just a little cool) and rain was predicted for Monday so I got in a few miles before we left to go boating.
wish I had more time and energy – have not run here at all this summer
Every year, Lake George has a celebration called Christmas on Log Bay – lots of boaters & music to raise money for charity.
Then in the evening, there’s a boat parade (boats decorated for Xmas) and fireworks.
viewed from our boat at the marina
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 10
Monday – DAY OFF, rest day
Tuesday – train to NYC,rest day? run? Movie?
Wednesday – run in NYC
Thursday – run in NYC
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – rest day, long drive to college roommate’s house in RI
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 was raced obsessed again this month. Three races but TWO races in ONE week!
August 14, a 5k in Brooklyn
August 17, a local 5k
(I came to my senses and DNSed a one mile race on Aug 19. Good thing, I was in NYC working on Aug 21 so I couldn’t run another 5k.)
Anyone else ever run more than one race in a week?
2. I runfess…
I am still confused on the shoe/foot issue.
One day the pain is gone. One day for no reason, it is back.
I’ve gone back to wearing my neutral Nikes for short distances. Sometimes they are fine. Sometimes not.
wore them for my 5k here
Then I added my insoles to my new Mizunos for long runs and they felt better…sorta.
10 mile run
Anyone wear different shoes for different distances?
3.I runfess…
Last month I bought a new Garmin, a 230 but I have yet to try it. Still doing my weekly runs naked and my races with my Garmin 205.
Anyone else hesitate to make technology changes or when you buy a new watch, do you use it right away?
4.I runfess…
Every year, my tennis friends and I go to NYC to see a Broadway show.
I do the organizing so I picked this show:
won a Tony for best musical
and got group tix for October 5.
Yup, this 10k race is why I chose Oct. 5.
Do plan races when you visit another city? Anyone else running Grete’s Great Gallop?
5.I runfess…
I used to play tennis almost everyday and on numerous teams. Then running came into the picture and tennis no longer seemed to fit.
2010 was the last year that I seriously competed o a tennis team
I thought I didn’t miss it but I watched tennis at the Aurora Games and last weekend, I hung out with my tennis friends. And now the US Open is on TV.
Yup, I do miss it.
Has running replaced any other activity in your life? Do you think that you will ever stop running?
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.
I’ve done this race 5 times before. And I’ve always enjoyed it.
2012
2014
2016
My previous times were: 2009 – 31:04, 2010 – 29:49, 2012 – 30:58, 2014 – 28:25, 2016 – 28:33.
In 2010, I was recovering from an achilles injury and in 2012 from a broken ankle. And obviously healthy in 2014 and 2016.
If I ran it again this year, I would be trying for at least a course PR but with racing, you just never know how things will turn out.
I remembered that in this race, you walk up a hill to start the race and you finished running down this hill. Couldn’t be any better than that. Right?
For some reason, I haven’t run this race the past two years. This year, I signed up because it fit into my schedule
Well, sorta. I should have been running a 12 mile LSD run per my marathon training plan. And I had been in NYC working all week (ran a 5k on Wednesday night) and got back late the night before. Not ideal. But welcome to my life!
The race started at 8:15 at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa which is about 45 minutes away from my house. I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 am and left around 6:45 am.
across the street from the museum
This nice local race usually has about 200-300 runners. There’s no parking lot but it is easy to find parking on the street. There are bathrooms in the museum which is always a plus.
I got there early enough to find a close spot and use the rest room (in the museum). The temps were warm and insanely humid. (Almost as humid as Wednesday night but with sun).
instead of a shirt, you got a buff – very happy since I have enough shirts
I bumped into a few runners that I knew and chatted until it was time to walk all the way up the hill to the start.
There I found my friend Laurie, whom I knew was running this race.
We started together but I lost her quickly.
The first mile was a gradual uphill but nothing too steep. I was going to try to hold back but my legs felt like lead so I didn’t need to worry about that. Boy, was it humid!!!!
I was hoping to run the whole thing but around halfway at the water stop, I was out of breath so I stopped and walked for a while. The humidity was killing me.
Mile 2 seemed to be flat but every time I tried to speed up, I felt out of breath so I walked again and again. I knew I had to give up on hopes of a PR and just finish the race.
I walked several times during the last mile.
I knew there was that downhill to the finish… but it seemed forever in coming.
Finally I got to the steep downhill, 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 28:xx and I ran as fast as I could.
I crossed at 28:30. (There was no timing mat at the beginning).
Although I was dripping wet, I did not feel as bad as I did Wednesday night. Most likely because I walked several times the last mile.
I grabbed some water and a banana and chatted with some friends while waiting for Laurie.
sweaty but glad to be done
I checked the screen to see if I won an award. My name was not listed so I talked to the person doing the timing and he manually entered my time.
that is a one speedy 60 year old…glad I’m usually in the next age group
They gave awards for 10 year age groups and I won 2nd.
No PR (over a minute faster in June on a harder course.) No course PR. (just a little slower.)
Coincidentally, I recently posted about slowing down. Well, maybe I am. My last two 5ks have not been stellar performances but I’m not giving up on speed. I’ll attribute it for now to the weather and weariness.
I decided after the race to go to the Zim Smith Bike Path to run 9 more miles.
UGH!! I did not want to…
It was 10 am by the time I started, sunny, still humid and I was BEAT!!!!
The run SUCKED!!! I ran, walked, dragged my feet but got it done.
The only thing that got me through it was some podcasts during and Leah’s Cakery’s chocolate milk at the end!
So work has been hectic. Even more hectic than normal (down TWO trainers and a two new trainings to learn in the mix). Not ideal conditions to train for a fall race. But it is what it is. And WEEK 8 of NYCM Training has come and gone.
Last Week –
Monday – I was supposed to go to NYC today but luckily it got changed. I had also signed up (when I was scheduled to work at home this week) for the Saratoga Track Mile. I had always wanted to run a ONE mile race. Well, it’ll have to wait until next year. The logistics of driving 45 minutes in traffic for a short race and coming home late to pack just didn’t seem right so instead, I got up early and ran before work. The temps were better than previous runs but the rain did not get rid of the humidity…at all.
Tuesday – As I already said, I was almost in NYC but I had bought tickets either my tennis friends to go to the Aurora Games, a tennis exhibition. A very late night but enjoyable.
Wednesday – So today I did take the train to NYC. I got up early to run but it started to pour so I went back to bed hoping that the weather would be better in NYC. Well it was hot (over 90) and humid. And I missed the rain which was not necessarily a good thing. 11.5 miles on the feet.
running along the East River (no shade 😦 )
Thursday – A long work day but my miles been slacking so Cari agreed to meet me in Central Park and we slogged through a run (instead of attending the Brigid Runs a Marathon preview). And I got drenched on my walk home.
the company, the ducks and turtles made this run bearable.
Friday – Rest day to returning home late after work by train.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday followed by a weekend away with my tennis friends.
14 miles were on my adapted schedule and my friend Stan agreed to meet me at 6 am to run 6 miles and then Karen & Sherry ran the remaining 8 with me too. Jan, Barbara and Judy joined us for brunch after.
perfect running weather made my longest run ever not too bad at all… `10 more weeks to go!!
Every summer we spend a weekend together at one friend’s house on the Schroon River. We play tennis, eat, swim, and just have fun. The Saturday group was large and so nice to gather everyone in one place.
swimming this year was replaced by a long walk
Sunday – Still at the River House. Only a few of us stayed overnight. I had hoped for early morning tennis but instead went for a long run/walk before the others got up.
so beautiful here!!
Afterward, we decided to take a drive to Lake Placid to visit the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge Center. We saw eagles, cougars, bears, wolves, etc and walked the trails. A great experience.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 9
Monday – train to NYC, run in NYC
Tuesday – run in NYC
Wednesday – rest day, train home
Thursday – last ARE trail run
Friday – rest day, day at the Race Track
Saturday – Long Run
Sunday – rest day, boating – Christmas party on Log Bay
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? How are you dealing with the end of summer temps and humidity? Please share.
