August 27, 2019 by Darlene

Jailhouse Rock 5K Race Recap

August 17, 2019 – 8:15 am

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.

a big cookie – yum!

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:08
mile 2 – 9:14
mile 3 – 9:05
.14 -7:21
______________
28:30

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!

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Please share.

August 25, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down: 8.19.19-8.25.19 – Work Travel Woes

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 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? Any races on the horizon this fall? How are you dealing with the end of summer temps and humidity? Please share.

August 20, 2019 by Darlene

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #7 Race Recap

August 14, 2109 – 7:10 pm

If you follow my blog, you know that I often get sent to NYC for work.
Usually, I just try to squeeze in a run on the East River, Hudson River or in Central Park.

Well two years ago, I found a race!!!!

Apparently during the summer months on alternating Wednesdays at 7:10 pm, there is a cheap ($7.50 – if you sign up for the whole series, each race costs only $5) 5k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These races are organized by the Prospect Park Track Club. I ran one that July and had a great time.

I was excited that they were scheduled again last summer and the first two races coincided with the dates that I would be working in NYC. I ran both of them.

Unfortunately, this summer a few of my trainings got cancelled and I was only in NYC to run the last one of this 5K racing series.

Here are some of the perks of these races:

Bag check
Bathrooms (real ones!)
Water before, during and after the race
Chip Timing
Marker at each mile
5 year Age group awards ceremony after the race
Results immediately emailed to you
Free photos

So it seemed like a no brainer to run any of these races if I could.

Here is a cool video of the course:

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/840765?units=km

Again I had to work all day in Queens (getting up at 5:30 am and being on my feet until 4 pm). I would have to rush to take the subway, then the LIRR, walk to my hotel and change my clothes and then take a LONG subway ride to Brooklyn.

At least this year, I was pretty familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.)

The problem was the weather. Very humid and it looked like rain. I brought an umbrella just in case.

I actually for the first time exited the train station at the right exit. Right near the entrance to the park nearest the race start

But it was pouring!!!

So I entered the park and followed the signs and wondered why I was crazy enough to do this race.

I was pretty early and it wasn’t crowded at all yet. They moved moved bib pick up and bag check indoors.

As I mentioned in my previous recaps for this race, it was strange to be at a race and not know a single person.

I sat outside at a picnic table under an umbrella.

I just had a banana and some water and waited til it was time to head to the start line hoping that the rain would stop.

the race was dedicated to a runner whop recently died

Eventually runners started arriving. There were probably close to 500. And rain did stop. But it was warm still in the high 70s and incredibly humid. Felt like a sauna.

I was feeling exhausted. Sleeping in a hotel is not ideal and I had gone to bed too late the night before.

Still here I was running a 5k at 7:10 in the evening. Crazy lady, I know!

Night races are tough for me. My only goal was to run well and finish uninjured. There are not usually many older runners so I had a good chance as in previous years in winning my age group.

I noticed an older runner in a local race shirt. It was from a race that I had run several times. Yes, he was from my area and works in the city several days each week. We chatted for awhile and then headed toward the start line.

You pass the finish line on the way to the start.

We all lined up. No corrals or pace signs. Just everyone all together. It didn’t matter because believe it or not, this small local race was chip-timed.

Since I had just run a similar course in June, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1.

As I mentioned previously, there are usually runners of all ages who all look like “runners” and the finish times are incredibly fast. A little intimidating.

I started running the first mile. My legs felt like lead. And then I got to the hill, I tried to run up it and it was tempting to walk but I managed to drag myself through it slowly.

Mile 2 was better but I was so hot. So I stopped at the water stop and walked a bit.

Every who passed me by looked they had gone swimming. Even I was dripping wet from the humidity.

By the end of mile 3, I was crashing. I tried to finish strong but I just had to walk. And walk again.

I did not have enough energy to sprint and barely finished under 29 minutes. My slowest 5k in a few years.

But under the those miserable conditions, I was not disappointed in the least.

I was a little dizzy and went directly to get water and sit down.

Then that local runner that I met before the race finished and we walked back to bag check.

They posted the results. I did win my age group (as I was the only one in my age group.)

I really didn’t want to hang around to get a medal but I did since I think it’s rude when runners don’t.

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:31
mile 2 – 9:08
mile 3 – 9:11
.14 – 7:52

28:48

I never look at my previous race times until after the current race.

2017 – 27:52
2018 – 28:24, 28:02
2019 – 28:48

As you can see, no course PR this year.

Though it was very late by the time I got back to my hotel, I did enjoy my Brooklyn 5k!! And I felt better after the race than before.

I plan to run these races again next year if my work dates match the race dates.

There is now a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Ever fun a race while you are traveling for work? Do you try to improve your times on the same course?

August 13, 2019 by Darlene

Yes, You Will Get Slower…

Illustration: Christoph Hitz

It’s inevitable.

Those PRs will stop coming.

When?

That depends.

How long have you been running? They said you only improve during the first 10 years of running.
How old are you now?
How hard do you train? Do you even train?
Are you a natural athlete? Does running come easy to you?
Do you race often or just run for fun?
What kind of races do you run? Short ones or endurance races?
Have you had many chronic injuries?
Have you had a serious injury?
Do you participate in other fitness activities besides running?
How many miles do you run each week?
How many rest days do you take each week?

In other words, there’s really no way to predict when or how fast or even how much you will SLOW down.

But unfortunately, it will happen.

So how do you know it is happening?

You struggle to keep an even pace.
Your race finish times are slower.
You positive split your races.
You walk more often in a race.
It’s just feels harder.
It takes longer to warm up.
It’s takes longer to recover.
You need more rest days.
You shorten your runs.
You choose flat races or running routes.

Of course, even if you are noticing some of the things above, you should still RUN!

But what are some things that you can try when you do start SLOWING down.

TRY TO STOP SAYING YOU ARE SLOW or APOLOGIZING FOR BEING SLOW.

We all know that pace is relative. You may feel slow but you are not the slowest runner out there. In addition to making you think too much about your own pace, it may make others (who ARE slower) uncomfortable.

TRY A LONGER DISTANCE.

5ks naturally make you focus on speed. Pick an endurance event like a half marathon or marathon or even a 50k where you will be just glad to finish.

This hilly 15k had me just looking forward to the ice cream and the view after the finish line.

TRY A SHORTER DISTANCE.

If you run half marathons and a decent pace is getting harder to maintain in the latter miles, try training for a 5k or 10k. Maintaining a faster pace may be less intimidating in a shorter race.

after training for 4 half marathons in 4 months, this 5k was a welcome relief.

TRY INTERVALS.

Many runners find that adding timed walk breaks help them get faster finish times.

My friend Elizabeth in NYC belongs to a Galloway group and loves her intervals.

TRY RUNNING BY HEART RATE.

Monitoring your heart rate as you run can also in the long run help you get faster.

My friend Deirdre is getting faster with heart rate training.

TRY TRAIL RUNNING.

You will not run faster on trails. You will most likely focus on not falling and on your surroundings. (Trails tend to be more scenic than the road.) As a result, your slower pace will bother you less.

TRY ADDING OTHER TYPES OF FITNESS EVENTS.

What about adding biking or swimming or obstacles to your running? As with trails, your running pace will become less important.

not me but my friend AJH

TRY HAVING A GOAL THAT IS NOT RELATED TO YOUR FINISH TIME.

Forget about trying to finish under a certain time. Maybe your goal can be a course PR or consistent pace or negative splits or running up the hills or walking less often. Just make sure that you choose a realistic goal.

finishing a half marathon STRONG!

TRY MENTORING A BEGINNER RUNNER.

Besides, being very rewarding, you will not be able to worry about your own pace. You will be trying to help another runner finish their first race.

TRY TO FIND YOUR TRIBE.

If the runners that you normally run with are not slowing down and they make you feel slow when you run with them, then you need to seek out another group of runners. Check out the local running clubs or training groups. Try to find another runner or runners that you feel more comfortable running with.

always someone to share the miles with in this wonderful group of ladies – my Sole Sisters.

TRY TAKING A BREAK FROM RACING AND RUN JUST FOR FUN.

If racing is making you stress out about your slower pace, stop signing up for races. Run for fun and maybe after a while, you’ll miss it and want to race again. But remember, you are still runner even if you never race.

So you may be wondering where this topic fits into my running life….

I’m in that limbo stage. I am probably past my PR days but haven’t come to terms with it yet. In other words, PRs are harder to come by but I haven’t completely given up hope yet.

I’ve stopped having finish time goals. They are now to finish uninjured. Though, I’d love to run ONE 5k and finish under 27 minutes. (An old runner can dream).

I am very content that my finish times at my age often earn me age group awards and that I qualified for both the NYC Half and NYC Marathon.

I do all my runs for fun, without a watch and on mostly flat surfaces. I have started participating in trail runs and humbly enjoy running with the BOTPers.

I do plan to keep on running as long as I am able…even at a turtle’s pace.

Happy Running! Anyone else approaching or have approached that inevitable slow down period in their running? If so, any other recommendations? Please share.

August 6, 2019 by Darlene

Hudson River Ramble Race Recap

In 2016, I discovered an 8.4 mile race called Race the Train that sounded interesting. You took a train ride along the Hudson River and then raced the train back. I signed up. It was lots of fun even with the challenging hills. I even ran it again in 2017.

: 2016

: 2017

Here is the course map. You can see what I mean about the long early hill.

rtt

Well, the train has been discontinued. No Race the Train without a train so now the race is called the Hudson River Ramble. This year was its inaugural year.

Instead of a train, buses transported runners from Johnsburg School to Riverside Station. Otherwise it was basically the same course. 8 miles (instead of 8.4) beginning on Riparius Bridge and going along the wooded rolling hills of river road a seasonal use dirt road paralleling the Hudson River, turning left to the flats and finishing across from Johnsburg Central School parking lot (instead of the train depot).

Riparius bridge

I thought about staying the night before the race at a friend’s who lived nearby but I got out of work very late. Instead I took the hour and 35 minute drive north on race morning.

The forecast for where I lived was showers and thunderstorms and it rained my whole drive up. But where the race took place, it was supposed to be sunny and warm.

The rain stopped as I neared the school. It was in the high 50s (I hadn’t felt those temps in a while and I was almost chilly) but I knew once the sun got higher in the sky, it would warm up (and it really did!)

school parking lot

I arrived around 7:30 am and picked my race packet (a cotton shirt, a bib and a raffle ticket). There were REAL restrooms inside the school too. Always a plus.

cotton unisex shirt Boo!

I was early so I walked around and wound up chatting with a runner, Judy, from NC. We talked running, racing, injuries and she told all about her struggles with recovering from cancer.

matchy matchy I guess because I got many compliments about my outfit

Soon it was time to board the bus. Judy and I sat together. Obviously not as fun as riding the train and no scenic views of the Hudson River either.

It was still only 8:30 am when we arrived at the train station so I just walked around. I felt really sleepy. I was wondering how I was gong to run 8 hilly miles. I took a SIS energy gel hoping for some energy.

What were my plans for this race?

No goals. I would automatically get a PR (my first race at this distance) and it would be nice if I got an age group award. But my real goal was really just to finish pain-free and enjoy the run.

And that’s what I did.

We started on the bridge as the previous race did. Judy sprinted ahead and disappeared. I just stayed with the crowd (which was much smaller than the previous races.)

The first mile and 1/2 was a STEEP uphill. First on asphalt and then on dirt. I attempted to run but decided that I would be better off walking. Everyone that was running was struggling. So I ran a little but mostly walked. There was a runner ahead with a neon green shirt. I tried to keep her in my sight and did until the last few miles. Then there was a guy who passed me in a blue shirt. I stayed behind him the whole race. (Many others did pass me by.)

A young runner and I were running together for a bit and she asked me to run with her. I said “Sure” and we stayed together running a little but mostly walking. But I guess I am lousy running buddy because I lost her and I’m not sure how or when.

There was someone who called out times at every mile. I was hoping to get my pace to between 10 and 11 and keep it there even if I walked the hills. That didn’t really happen (as I found out after the race when I looked at my splits. I never look during a race.)

There were a water/Gatorade stop at every 1.5 mile or so. I stopped and walked at each one as it was sunny and getting warmer and warmer. It was probably very humid as well because the temps were only in the high 70s.

Anyway, that first long uphill eventually turned into a downhill but after that it was just rolling hills. They never ended. (How could I have forgotten them??) They weren’t steep or as long except for maybe 2 more steepish ones (The one between mile 5 and 6 was so steep. I could barely walk up it.) That meant there were only 2 more steep downhills.

But because you were running on dirt with rocks, you couldn’t take advantage of the downhills as much as you would have liked. (I always fear a face plant.) And it was very sandy in parts and hard to run fast (even if I wanted to).

My legs felt tired from the get go. Was it from my 3.5 mile trail run on Thursday night? Or 4.5 miles on Wed? (I rarely run more than 3 miles on a weekday run.) Or most likely that I didn’t get a lot of sleep this past week.

It was hilly but I have fared better on hills in the past. I walked way too much and let the hills get the best of me. (I know, do hill repeats. That’s ain’t gonna happen.)

However, the scenery was nice as you ran through the woods (I missed hearing the train whistle as it passed you by) and toward the end, you could see the river. Eventually, you had to run through town in order to return to the high school. The end of the previous race was flat as it ended at the train station. This race added a few more (unappreciated) hills as we finished across from the high school.

Though I had no time goals, I estimated that I would finish between 1:28 and 1:24. I finished at 1:26:52. (Of course, I hoped for faster.)

Instead of a medal, you got a key chain (with a light)

It was a course PR of course and an 8 mile race PR.

But I was disappointed as my pace was slower than on the Race the Train course and much slower than on other hilly courses.

I waited at the finish for my friend Sue to cross and the runner that I was supposed to run with. Both had a tough race.

I went back to the school to get some food.

There were bagels, fruit and lots of homemade baked goods but the highlight was chocolate milk and watermelon.

I ate, chatted and waited around for the awards.

Remember my new friend Judy (the cancer survivor with all those medical problems)? She finished second female (at age 60)!!!

There were 3 in my age group and we all won hats.

After the awards, they gave away raffle prizes but as in the past, I did not win any.

All in all, a very challenging yet fun race. I think I’ll do it again (since I’ll probably block out any memory of those hills LOL)

My HILLY Splits:

mile 1 – 11:28
mile 2 – 11:23
mile 3 – 9:39
mile 4 – 10:59
mile 5 – 10:51
mile 6 – 11:35
mile 7 – 10:59
mile 8 – 11:00

A BOTP finish (50 out 68) and many miles over 11. A rare occurrence. But it is what it is and on to the next race (and marathon training).

As I drove back to the marina where we keep our boat, I passed a sign for a hiking trail that I usually do each summer – Cat and Thomas Mountains. I have yet to hike this summer so on a whim (yes after 8 hilly miles), I stopped, grabbed my water, changed into my hiking shoes (they are always in my car, phew) and started walking up the mountain.

It was around noon and quite warm but at least it was pretty shady but way longer to the top of Thomas Mountain than I remember (like 2 miles or so STRAIGHT UP!!).

I did finally get to the top…

I admired the view, chatted with some folks and then decided not to continue on to Cat Mountain and walked down to my car.

It was actually a perfect recovery for my legs, I think.

The next day, we went back up to go boating, my legs felt great (even with all the hills).

near the marina – just spreading my wings while waiting for friends to show up to go boating on the lake.

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Do you struggle on hilly races or do you prepare for them? How do you recover from a hilly race? Please share.

July 16, 2019 by Darlene

Silks and Satins 5K Race Recap

July 13, 2019 8:00 am

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 37 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017 and 2018, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37, 27:28)

Would I again this year???

: 2016

: 2017

: 2018

Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:

The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)

Unfortunately, I didn’t sleep well and woke up with a stiff neck, headache and nausea. I really didn’t feel like racing but I had told my friend Laurie that I would meet her there so I felt like I had to go.

I felt better after my coffee but still not great. But off I went around 6:15-30.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. A few years ago, I almost got towed.)

The pick-up area was behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell. I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.

There were close to 500 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces. This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start but not quite as warm and humid as it has been earlier in the week. I just hung around and waited for Laurie. In the meantime, I bumped into another Skirt Sports ambassador and my neighbor.

Laurie eventually arrived and we headed to the start together.

We stood not too far back and waited.

And then we were off. Laurie took off fast. I did not.

It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead. Well I had run 6 miles on Wednesday and a hilly trail run on Thursday. Oops. My plan was to have negative splits anyway. Besides, I really felt lousy.

But my biggest problem was the SUN. There was very little if any shade on the course.

By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing. It was warm but I have run in higher temps. It was the sun. And it was sucking the life out of me. Plus, I felt like throwing up.

I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point. And I did but for probably too long. At this point, I knew that I was not having a great race. And it didn’t matter.

By mile 3, I was really fading. I walked one more time but only briefly.

I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. My Freihofer and Turkey Trot coach was at the finish line (his company timed the race) and he would be expecting me to finish strong.

I crossed at 28: XX.

I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.

I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race).

They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my age group (You know, it’s not speed but who shows up).

Laurie waited with me for the awards ceremony, I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award (even if you didn’t run well.)

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. You get a free ticket to the race track (I hope to use it later this summer). Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:46
mile 2 – 9:09
mile 3 – 9:19
.14 – 8:02

28:18

Positive splits. And almost a minute slower than last year.

After the race, I would normally have driven to Saratoga State Park and add some more miles for a long run. But as I mentioned, I had run my 6 mile long run on Wednesday so I drove to join my running friends at brunch (after their long run).

There is now a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Please share.

July 14, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.8.19-7.14.19: Just work, running and a 5k

I did not have to do any of my runs solo this week. Woo Hoo! And it was also WEEK 2 for NYCM Training. 16 more to go but who’s counting? LOL

Last Week –

Monday – I was excited today to have company on my after work run. The rail trail was the most convenient for the four of us who chose to come. In order to run with my slower friends, I ran fast and then circled back. I was able to get an extra mile in that way and not be running alone the whole time.

that stretching was just for the pic lol

Tuesday – Had a hair appointment so scheduled a rest day instead of a run.

Wednesday – A post work run at the Corning bike path. Since I had a 5k planned for Saturday, I decided to switch things around and run 6 miles today rather than my usual 3. I was very tempted to do some social running. There were several opportunities but with my work location and the traffic, I thought better of it. So glad my running friend Heidi joined me on this sweaty (90 degrees and HUMID) slogfest.

Thursday – Since I did not run with the running groups the day before, I decided to participate in a group (ARE) trail run today. Several of my running friends were planning to go as well. It rained most of the day and I hesitated plus I was a little nervous since I am not comfortable on trails.

I got there early and hiked around a bit. It was so pretty.

Eventually everyone arrived. I got introduced as a newbie to the trail run series this year. I also bumped into a old friend from tennis. Susie & I ran together for about half of the course and then I lost her but made a new friend, Melanie, whom I chatted with and ran the rest. Yes I ran. I planned to walk but it was so fun. I can’t wait to go next week.

Afterwards a bunch of friends went out to dinner nearby.

my friend Chris’ pic

Friday – My usual rest day before a race day. Also my usual Friday night mah jongg game.
Saturday – Race Day. Silks and Satins 5k – one of my favorite summer races. Unfortunately I was not feeling great but I had committed to go and so I went. I was glad that I did. However, the lack of shade and warm temps made me feel really nauseous the whole race. But I did my best (and didn’t puke 🙂 ) and even won my age group.

met up with a friend, made a new friend…looking forward to a re-do with my next 5k in August.

When the race was over, I was happy that I had already done my long run on Wednesday and could join my running friends for brunch.

Sunday – And of course, it was Boating Sunday on Lake George. And again the weather was perfect.

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 3

Monday – 4 miles at UAlbany or rail trail
Tuesday – rest day, work webinar
Wednesday – 2 miles in Washington Park, book talk
Thursday – 3 miles at Three Rivers (ARE trail run series)
Friday – rest day, chiro appt, mah jongg evening
Saturday – 8 miles at Corning bike path, running book club and pool/birthday party
Sunday – rest day, boating with the fam

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Did you run with friends this week or alone? Please share.

July 7, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.1.19-7.7.19: Holiday Week and No Work Travel

Two days of boating, only four days of work and no work travel. Great week! And it was also WEEK 1 for NYCM Training. 17 more weeks to go!

Last Week –

Monday – The rain over the weekend cooled down the humidity but not really the temps. I was glad to have had company on my after work run at UAlbany.

there was a lot of walking and talking but a mile is a mile is a mile

Tuesday – I thought about playing tennis but it was a nice day so I chose running instead. Since it was a last minute decision, I was solo. I chose Washington Park because I had not run there in a while.

another slow one but it is done

Wednesday – Yup, three days in a row of running but two rest days to follow. Today I was with my friend Heidi, whom I had not seen in a month. We ran on the rail trail near my home. And it was HOT!! (over 90 degrees!)

Thursday – Woo Hoo! Day off. Many of my friends were running a July 4th race but as I always do, I headed up to spend the day on the lake with the hubby. No place I’d rather be on a hot day (not even racing).

cooling off on the boat followed by fireworks at the marina

Friday – Unfortunately I was back at work. A quiet day since many people took the day off. Then there was mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. Still not running really long but longer than the week days. We chose the Zim Smith Trail (because we like to eat at Leah’s Cakery after.) It was very hot and very humid. Although there were 7 of us, we all ran solo since we had different distances to run and we run at different paces. Still a fun time as we chatted a long time at brunch.

always glad when I have lots of friends to run with (even if the weather is challenging)

Sunday – Rest Day! And Boating Sunday!! The weather had cooled down from yesterday’s rain but it was still a lovely sunny day on the lake.

even had company from a duck while reading on the back of the boat

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 2

Monday – 3 miles with Chris, Heidi & Deirdre at Rail Trail
Tuesday – rest day, hair appt
Wednesday – 3 miles at Corning bike trail or ice cream run or SOAR run at SCCC bike trail
Thursday – 3 miles at UAlbany or ARE trail run at Thatcher Park
Friday – rest day, mah jongg evening
Saturday – Silks and Satins 5k race + 4 miles after
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big or small races on the horizon? Please share.

July 2, 2019 by Darlene

Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k Race Recap

The race begins at SUNY Adirondack, works its way to the Warren County Bikepath and ends at Battle Field Park in Lake George. Rolling course with a long down hill finish.

This is the second year for this 15k race. It replaced one of my favorite races – Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler). That was the one that starts in Lake George Village and ends in a park on the lake next to the marina where we keep our boat.

: 2017

: 2016

: 2014

I was very disappointed that they cancelled this race. (After 40 years, they decided that it was dangerous to run on the road.)

My friend Sue and I have had many running adventures together:

: Paris 8K 2017

Since Sue was the organizer of this new race, I felt that I should at least run it the first year. It was hard especially the first 5k but I actually enjoyed it so I signed up again.

However, in preparation for this race, I only got in ONE long run (and it was flat).

The rest of my weekend runs were ALL 5ks. (At least these had some hills).

The biggest challenge would be those hills. I knew that it was hilly. And we all know that I do not train on hills or do hill repeats. (Hopefully, there would be some muscle memory from those Prospect Park hills from the mid-week 5k the week before.)

I found this elevation chart on IG:

glad I saw this AFTER the race

We have had some perfect racing weather and today was no different. In the 60s at the start, sunny and 70s at the end.

Anyway, I had no goals besides finishing unhurt. I haven’t run many 15ks. My surprise PR is from the Stockade-athon last November (1:30:15) and I ran this race last year at 1:33:54. But without those long runs and hill repeats, I planned to be cautious.

There were four water stops along the route: one at mile 2 (which served runners on the way in and out) and then along the bike path at approximately miles 4.2, 6.2 and 8. I would be stopping at each one and hoped that this would be enough.

Due to work, rain and other factors, I had not run much all week. Fresh legs is always good, right?

rained shortened run on Thursday

So what to wear? The usual.

tank and skirt with compression socks

The race started at 8 am which seemed fine (but since it is summer, I would even prefer earlier). I left my house around 6:15 am since I had over an hour drive. The race began at a college so there were real bathrooms and comfortable places to hang out before the race.

Last year, in lieu of a medal, each runner received a car magnet and a tech shirt. This year, just the gender-specific tech shirt.

None of my close running friends were running the race but I was surprised at how many runners I did know. I hung out with them until the race began.

Yes, that was the start line. No chip timing for this race.

I lined up with some friends but unfortunately not as close to the start as I should have.

So here’s how the race went: (The course photos are courtesy D. Yeaton)

Miles 1-3: 9:33, 9:46, 9:48

I knew what the course was like (though I did not find an elevation chart until after the race.) As I mentioned, I expected hills. I mean, it’s the Adirondacks so it is hilly everywhere.

One of the volunteers we passed said “Enjoy the roller coaster!” Yup, huge hills…up and down. Just past the water stop at mile 2.5, you turned around and repeated those crazy hills. I stopped at the first water stop to take a GU (since my breakfast was hours ago.)

I started slowly and tried to run up them. After two hills, I realized that that was a mistake, I just ran/walked up them. No sense killing my legs. I ran most of the race around the same women. Piggybacking with them. They ran slowly and passed me on the hills and I got closer to them on the downhill and sometimes even passed them.

Miles 4-6: 9:31, 9:45, 11:23

After the first 5K, we headed to the bike path. The steep hills disappeared but it was a steady incline. I kept hoping for a downhill but it never happened (until mile 7). At least, most of the path was shady.

I stopped and walked at each of the 4 water stops. I took a GU at the 3rd one.

The hills on miles 1-3, definitely tired me out. My plan changed from just walking at the water stops to walking up the hills to finally just walking whenever my legs were too tired to run. That seemed to be very often. Still I was keeping up with the same ladies. Perhaps I was running fast when I was actually running. The steepest hill was between miles 5 and 6 (see pace above)..ugh!

Miles 7-9.4 –10:25, 10:01, 9:23 (.4 – 8:29)

The rest of the race was on the bike path and the part of the path that went downhill right into Lake George Village (opposite the lake). Finally running downhill!! Though, it seemed too little, too late to make up for the slow mile 5-6.

I commiserated with a few ladies during the bike path stretch. Then I lost them as I got a second wind and tried to sprint to the finish.

The path to the finish line was on grass – soft but difficult to run fast on.

not me but one of the ladies (in red) that I ran with for a while

I crossed officially at 1:32:38 (1:32:36 Garmin Time) and I was happy. I expected worse from this course and it was actually FASTER than last year!!

Refreshments included watermelon, bananas, home made cake, ice cream provided by Ben & Jerry’s, water and Gatorade.

I headed right for the watermelon and then the ice cream.

There was no formal Awards Ceremony. Instead there was an Awards table next to the Finish Line where 5 year age graded award winners could pick up their mugs.

And I came in 2nd!! (The runner that beat me just turned 65 😦 )

Last year, we all headed to lake to soak our feet in the cold water. (I even brought a towel and flip flops this time.)

This year, the water was too high (from all the rain) and so not much of a beach. Just took a pic, instead.

I was cursing at those hills as I was running the race. Now that’s it’s over, I am thinking about a repeat next year.

Since this was a point-to-point course, you had to board the school bus to get back to your car. It seemed to be a really long ride but a fun one as I got to know even more runners. (My biggest mistake was not getting on one of the 2 buses that left at 10 am. I had to wait 45 minutes for the next bus.)

After I got back to my car, I headed back to the lake to spend the day with my friend who lives there. We went to a craft fair, had lunch and drinks, chatted and went to the outlets. I didn’t get home until 6:30 pm!!!

Back to the race:

They say “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And I was only a little sore the next day and back to running again on Monday. So all is good.

The Good:

Easy organized packet pick-up.
Lots of parking
Real Bathrooms at the start and near the finish
Scenic course – especially the bike path (with running water views and shade)
Gender specific tech shirt
Adequate water stops (4)
Capped at 300 runners so not crowded on the bike path
Mug as an age group award
Excellent post race food – bananas, watermelon, home-made cake, ice cream
Bag check and bags transported to the finish
Ended at the Lake
Photographer at the finish line

The Bad:

Not chip-timed
No port-a-potties along the course
The hilly looped portion of the course
Last year we got a car magnet. This year, nada. A finishers medal would have been nice.
A long wait for the second bus back to the start. 45 minutes!!!
Would love a bus from the finish to the start as well. (That way I could leave right after the race.)

There are always glitches with a newish race but there really weren’t any big ones.

Next Up:

I thought I might run a 5k on the next two weekends but instead, I think I am going to just run for fun with my friends. So my next scheduled race is a 5k on July 13.

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Any exciting plans for the summer? Do you enjoy running new races or do you prefer ones that you have already run before? Flat or hilly races? Does it matter?

June 30, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 6.24.19-6.30.19: Truckin’ off to Buffalo

Besides my NYC trips (which I love), I have not been traveling much for work. But this past week, I was in Buffalo and of course, I ran along the water.

Last Week –

Monday – I was expecting DOMS from Saturday’s HILLY race but there were none. It was warm but I had time for a quick SLOW loop around the campus before meeting my BFF for a walk around the mall.

met a fellow runner and we chatted for a long time so I only had time to grab a quick dinner – choose a smoothie (which is very odd for me).

Tuesday – After a long RAINY drive to Buffalo, hotel check in and set up, I was able to get in a run. I had not been here in quite a while. I was great getting re-acquainted with Canalside.

It was still early so I did a lot of walking around downtown, as well.

Wednesday – After work, I ran back to Canalside (following a different route than the day before) and got in some scenic miles.

I’m not one to spend the evening in my hotel room so I decided to take a wine tasting sailboat ride on the Buffalo River. Of course, that meant walking back to the hotel (1.2 mi) to change and then back to Canalside.

perfect way to spend the evening…the wines were great and met some interesting people too

I then had to walk back to my hotel. I did not run much in Buffalo but I did get at least 10 miles on my feet each day.

Thursday – A rest day due to the long drive home after work.

seen on my walk to work from the hotel

Friday – Decided to try running before work. Didn’t have time to drive anywhere but there is a trail behind my house…

hot humid hilly and buggy but got to try my new trail shoes

Saturday – Back with my Sole Sisters for a long run. Well, not really long but longer than my 3 mile weekday ones. It was great to be back with the group. Even better was the coffee and donuts after.

There was predicted to be showers and thunderstorms but the hubby & I decided to go up to the lake anyway. Good idea. It never rained and the weather was perfect.

we actually hung out at 3 different island docks.

We planned to dock at one of the lakeside restaurants for dinner but they were all full so instead we ordered pizza in town and ate at the marina on our boat.