July 17, 2018 by Darlene

Running on Vacation

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life

Today’s topic is: Running on Vacation

Image result for ecard vacation running

And my answer is OF COURSE!!

Some folks may go on vacation for a break in their training cycle or just to run a race. Some may only run during vacation because they are training for a big race and it’s on their plan.

I ALWAYS make sure I run when I am on vacation. It’s kinda a priority for me. I would have fun if I didn’t run but running makes it an even better vacation for me.

In this post I’ll talk about my last vacation – my annual TENNIS vacation in Naples Florida.

The schedule was that every morning we play doubles for 1.5 hours and then have a tennis lesson for 1.5 hours or vice versa.

Did I run?

Yes! I made it a priority to do so.

In order to run, I might skip part of the doubles play and run. After my run, I would change my clothes and join them to play. After playing we would have our lesson.

After the first 2 days, I realized that it was faster to run in my tennis clothes and have someone bring my racket & shoes to the court. I would do that sometimes or just play tennis in my running clothes.

Did I run often?

Yes! 6 times.

Friday before tennis- 3.5 miles
Saturday before tennis – 3 miles
Sunday – 5k race
Monday before tennis – 3 miles
Tuesday before tennis – 3 miles
Wednesday before tennis – 6.5K (My birthday run)

I did not run on the day we arrived or the day we left.

in Naples, FL

Were they good runs?

Nope. None were.

It was very humid on the first few runs and of course, much warmer than I was used to. Then it got even warmer. It was tough to breathe and run. My running got to be walking/running and slower and slower.

I also found for the first time that I was missing tennis. Everyone else was playing tennis. I wanted to be with them And I wanted to be warmed up before our lesson.

In past years, I just ran fewer miles. This year I either started out running earlier or if it wasn’t a lesson, I arrived at tennis later (and rotated into the doubles).

Did I enjoy my runs?

Yes. Immensely.

I loved the scenery – the trees, flowers,etc. I loved the sunshine and even the heat.

During each run I took a different route. I ran around the neighborhoods of World Tennis Center (WTC). I ran around the pool area and tennis courts. I ran outside the WTC along the main road in one direction and then another day in the other direction.

What will I do differently next year?

I could get up earlier. But it’s hard when you go out to dinner late and you are hanging out with friends after that.

I could run every other day. But you never know in Florida when it will rain. You have to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

I could just play tennis but I would have been upset with myself for NOT running.

I could run after tennis but I know I would have been too tired and would be making others wait for me to go to the beach.

So next year, I will probably do nothing different from this year.

Views from my Naples runs:

one of the bridges along the main road

path at WTC to the tennis courts

another bridge on the main road

in WTC

our villa in WTC

one more bridge along the main road

the main road in the other direction

more views of WTC

thought the SLOW sign was meaningful

Suggestions for running on vacation:

Be prepared. Bring clothes for all weather conditions.
Schedule your runs. If you leave it to chance, it won’t happen.
Be flexible. Sometimes other persons’ needs or desires will come before your running.
Find a scenic route. Pretty views make all the difference.
Lower your expectations. Distance & speed goals will probably not happen.
Register for a race in the area, if possible. Then you will definitely run.
Have fun.

vacation 5k

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Do you always run on vacation? Would you run on vacation even if it weren’t part of your training plan?

July 16, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 7.9.18-7.15.18: On the Road Again

Yup, I was shuffling off to Buffalo…

Monday – Today I had a long drive for work but after set up, I went for the obligatory run before dinner. Canalside in Buffalo is beautiful in the summertime.

Tuesday – Even though I was exhausted from work, I knew that mentally I need to go for a run. I walked back to the hotel, then ran to Canalside for dinner and then walked back.

Wednesday – Rest day since I had a long drive home.
Thursday – Back home and since I had the morning off from work, I took advantage and went for a run on the waterline behind my house. I wish I had more time… The weather was perfect again.

Friday – Rest day and a big night for mah jongg.
Saturday – Run Day Saturday with my “Sole Sisters.” We actually met close to my home and ran on the Delmar Rail Trail. (and all 9 miles are now paved.) But many were busy with other things so there was only 3 of us and we had different mileage goals. I ended up running 2 with Judy and then 6 solo miles.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. An eventful day on the lake – a surprise meet-up with my mentee and her sons and lots of fun and sun. Hated to see the day end.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3–4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner out with a former co-worker
Thursday – 4 miles, mall walk with BFF
Friday – rest day, dinner out and garden tour with the tennis ladies
Saturday – Silk and Satins 5K + more miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

July 13, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Running as Therapy

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic today is: How to Run As Therapy

Related image

I may have mentioned a few weeks ago that I almost risked a serious injury because I felt that if I stopped running, I’d go crazy.

So here are my tips on how to use running as “therapy.”

1. Do Speed Drills

Running 400m repeats at a particular pace will certainly take your mind off your problems. You’ll either be breathing too hard to care or checking your watch to see what your pace is.

2. Listen to Music

Do we have the time to sit at home and just listen to music? If you do play music, it is probably in the background while you are dong something else or often while you are driving. So download your favorite tunes and sing along as you run. I bet the lyrics and the beat will temporarily make you forget your stressors.

3. Subscribe to Podcasts.

There are so many great ones out there. I now prefer to listen to them when I drive or run instead of music. You may be entertained or even learn something new. Run This World is one of my current favorites.

Image result for podcasts while running

4. Meet up with a Friend

You can use this time to either seek out the advice of a running buddy or maybe just chat about something totally unrelated to what is causing you anxiety.

ready to start & happy it's skirt weather

5. Soak in your Surroundings.

Pick a new place or your favorite place where you can zone out on the flowers, trees, lake, river, etc. Use nature to calm yourself.

Image result for running as Therapy

Happy Running! Do you use running as your therapy? Anything else to add?

July 6, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – July and Friday Five

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am always training for some long race. This summer is no different. But I am thinking that I am a much better short distance runner.

I am more successful and there’s less stress in running 3 miles vs 13.

But then there’s the medal and the pride. Not sure I can give that up…

: 2:11:23

Ever think of sticking to the shorter races?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that all of a sudden it is summer. I’ve been waiting so long for these temps. They are great for boating

but for running…not so much.

And I refuse to run on the treadmill!!

planned on 4 and this was all I could muster…

Do you struggle to run when the temps are over 80? Do you ever give in and run on the mill?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell that I complained about never being home but I kinda miss my NYC traveling. Mainly because of the places to run there. There’s nothing like NYC for running.

: NYC – Central Park

: NYC – Hudson River Park

: in NYC – Eat River

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’d love to run on Governor’s Island, Roosevelt Island, over all the bridges, etc.

Ever run in NYC and understand what I mean?

4. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I still haven’t made my decision for a winter Florida race.

I thought I would go to Florida, as usual, to visit my friends and family and of course, run a half marathon. Maybe this one???

Image result for melbourne half marathon 2019

But some local runner friends are tempting me with this race. It’s been on my bucket list and it would be more fun to run it with people that I know…

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

unfortunately I think the expense (flights/hotel) is leading me to save this one for another year

Ever have a hard time choosing a race or is it just me?

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I enjoyed my summer mid-week races a lot. It allowed me to not have to choose between long runs/boating and racing on the weekend.

They sponsor 7 races (5k) on Weds in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Ice Cream Social 5k on Jun 12.

If only locally, we had some mid-week races.

I did find one and of course, I signed up!!

Would you like to run evening races in the summer during the week or would you prefer races on the weekend?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

July 3, 2018 by Darlene

Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k 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 first year for this 15k race. It replaces 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.

In preparation for this race, I actually got in some long weekend runs.

: 1 + 6 = 7 miles

The biggest challenge probably would be the hills. I knew that it would be hilly but I wasn’t sure how 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 a few weeks ago.)

We have had some perfect racing weather but for this race, the forecast was for HOT. I mean, real hot!

and oppressively humid

Anyway, I had no goals besides finishing unhurt. I haven’t run many 15ks and my PR is from 2015 (1:31:25) but with the hot weather, 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 since Tuesday. Fresh legs is always good, right?

So what to wear? As little as possible. I even skipped my usual compression socks.

the shirt was in honor of the Distance Run that this race replaced,

My new running shoes went on their maiden voyage (because they matched lol)

The race started at 8 am which seemed fine until this heat wave arrived. I left 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.

In lieu of a medal, each runner received a car magnet and a tech shirt (blue must be the color of the year).

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 photos are courtesy D. Yeaton)

Miles 1-3: 9:30, 9:38, 9:56

I had no idea what the course was like. There was no elevation chart and that was probably a good thing. 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, you turned around and repeated those crazy hills.

I started slowly and tried to run up them. After two hills, I realized that that was a mistake, I just 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: 10:00, 9:59,11:29

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.

At the next water stop, I decided to take a GU. Well, see my time for that mile, this was a GU disaster. It was so warm that the gel had melted and when I opened the package, it dripped all over my hands, down my leg and onto my shoe. And it was chocolate!! You get the picture. I had to pour several cups of water on myself to wash it off and I, of course, wasted some time. Plus, I was now still a sticky mess.

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.

Miles 7-9.4 –10:29, 9:58, 9:42 (.4 – 8:15)

The rest of the race 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 middle miles.

I did the best I could to sprint on my blistered feet (yes, of course, I got blisters.)

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

This is the only finish line pic – guess I was running too fast for the photographer LOL

I crossed officially at 1:33:54 (1:33:15 Garmin Time) and I was happy. I expected worse from this course and the weather.

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 medals.

My friend Maureen won in my former age group and I came in (a distant ) second in mine.

We then all headed to lake to soak our feet in the cold water (I wished I had used the bag check and had my towel and flip flops). It was heavenly!!!

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.

The Good:

Easy organized packet pick-up.
Lots of parking
Real Bathrooms at the start and near the finish
Nice Swag – tech shirt, bag, car magnet
Adequate water stops (5)
Excellent post race food – bananas, watermelon, 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
Would have preferred a medal for everyone who finished and the car magnet for the AG winners.
Heat, humidity and blisters (and lack of hill training)

There are always glitches with a first annual 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 21.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! Any exciting plans for July 4th? Do you enjoy running new races or do you prefer ones that you have already run before?

June 29, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions for June

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 got my running shoes soaked during a 5k race so I took out the insoles to let them dry.

I took the same running shoes to NYC (for a week of working there) and put 11 miles on them in one day (only 3 was running) before I realized that I never put the insoles back into my shoes.

Yes, the shoes felt weird. I attributed it to different socks.

Since I had a 5k scheduled for that week, I had to go buy insoles for the shoes.

Good news – I like these insoles better than the ones that came with the shoes.

racing with my new insoles

Do you buy special insoles for your running shoes?

2. I runfess…

I ran a Brooklyn 5k where I definitely felt like a less than “serious” runner.

There were about 100 runners who finished with a pace under 7 min,

I ran well yet I finished near the BOTP. 438 out 657?

I guess I got spoiled with races where anyone regardless of pace signs up to run a 5k.

Do you ever run well and finish near the BOTP?

3. I runfess…

I might have been injured but I didn’t talk much about it in hopes that it would disappear.

After my Florida trip where I played tennis everyday, the arch of my right foot was very sore. It hurt after I ran. It hurt during the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

I googled it to death and iced after I ran. No, I didn’t stop running. I thought it could be PF but to get rid of that injury, it seemed that I would have to rest my foot.

I had a 5k scheduled in Brooklyn and I hesitated to run it. I thought about the fact that I could make it worse and be out of running for even longer.

But running is my therapy. With my family, friend and job stresses, I needed to run or I’d go insane.

So I decided it was worth the risk of aggravating a maybe injury.

I ran the race. My foot was no worse and I’ve continued running and it feels less painful after each run.

not a great race but fast enough to win my age group

I guess I made the right decision. Phew!!

Do you ever ignore an injury and it went away?

4. I runfess…

I paid $39 to run a 5k just because there was ice cream afterward.

The ice cream was small and definitely not worth it. I could have run in the park for free and bought a huge ice cream sundae.

Ever sign up for a race because of the food post race?

5. I runfess…

I’ve been looking for a new pair of running shoes but didn’t want to pay full price – $149 (because truthfully I probably don’t really need them).

I found a pair for like $100. They might have been cheaper because of the color??

Women's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes - Color: Racer Blue/Blue Tint/Royal Pulse (Regular Width) - Size: 6.5

I was excited. They match many of my race shirts and skirts.

It’s the little things that makes a runner happy…

Ever buy or not buy running shoes just because of the color?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

June 26, 2018 by Darlene

June Report Card

Image result for hello july goodbye june

June was a great month for many reasons… beautiful running weather, boating, runs with friends and races.

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill.

: Rochester – Bushnell Basin

: NYC – Hudson River Park

: NYC – Central Park

: Delmar Rail Trail

: neighborhood

: the Crossings

I ran many times while on working in NYC. I also ran while working in Rochester. I even ran local a few times. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

Long Runs:

Boating and work have sometimes made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. I added some miles to one 5K, I ran 3 long runs with friends and will end the month with a 15K race. I must say that this month was better than most for long runs. (Too bad I’m not training for a half.)

: 5K + 3 = 6 miles

: 1 + 6 = 7 miles

Total Mileage:

I only ran 62.5 miles so far this month (I will run more by the end of the month.) I think I am way behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. The important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran my favorite 5k, Freihofer Run for Women and had a course PR. I ran 2 races in Brooklyn while scheduled in NYC for work. In the PPTC Summer Speed Series #2 5k, I beat last month’s time and won my age group. At the Ice Cream Social 5k, I had a course PR (same course as the PPTC races) and won my age group. I plan to run the Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k on Saturday.

: 6-2-18 – FRW 5k

: 6-6-18 – Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #2

: 6-12-18 – Ice Cream Social 5K

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis outdoors once this month.

I even worked out twice at the gym. (I just use the arm machines.)

I did walk at lunch once or twice. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant.

We have taken our boat out on the lake every weekend but one!!! Woo Hoo!!

The Freihofer Training Challenge ended but I hope to run into my friends at races or on Saturdays. They have a group run at Peeples Island State Park on Saturdays so I may squeeze in some runs there, as well.

my FTC peeps minus Barbara

I feel very lucky to have a wonderful group of friends to run and brunch with on Saturdays!

Sat group minus Judy and Heidi (and Barbara who is injured)

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #32 is not until September 23.

But I do have some shorter races planned .

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

7-08-18 – Saratoga Springs 5k?
7-21-18 – Silks & Satins 5k
8-04-18 – 1st Monster Mountain 10k?
~~8-11-18 – Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10k or Half Marathon?~~ NYC trip to see my Russian friend
8-11-18 – Governor’s Island 5k or 10K?
8-18-18 – Jailhouse Rock 5k?
8-22-18 – Hump Day 5k

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her June Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an A

Despite the work travel, I did my best to get in my weekday runs in. I also did better with weekend long runs (since my races were often during the week.) I did play tennis once and went to the gym twice. I ran 3 shorter races and had course PRs in two of them. I also won an age group award in TWO of the races. I intend to finish an inaugural (hilly) 15K race.

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How did your June turn out? Anything exciting planned for July? What grade would you give your running month?

June 19, 2018 by Darlene

2018 Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k Race Recap

June 12, 2018 7:00 pm

Another trip to NYC for work and another 5k in Brooklyn. This was my third one in the past month. Usually I run the cheap ones organized but the Prospect Park Track Club (Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series).

But this week, NYCRuns offered a 5k on the same course but you got ice cream after the race. Well, you know how I feel about ice cream.

This race was the first annual Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5K after successful Ice Cream Social races held on Roosevelt Island. The course map seemed to indicate that it was a similar course to the Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5ks.

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.

I was familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.) So I got off at the same subway stop in Brooklyn as usual (which was not the closest one but one that I knew) and made my way through the park looking for signs indicating a race.

I heard loud music and found the gathering area and bib pick up. It was a different location than my previous Brooklyn 5ks. There were port-a-potties instead of real restrooms (but actually real ones were not too far away, if needed.)

I got my bib and race shirt and hung out at one of the many picnic tables.

It was little chilly – around 70 with a breeze so I kept my jacket on until the last minute and then checked it at bag check.

As in my other Brooklyn races, I did not know a single person. So I ate a banana and some cookies and chatted with my hubby on my phone.

Soon it was time for everyone to walk down to the start. No corrals or pace signs. Just everyone all together. It didn’t matter since this race was also chip-timed. There were serious runners as in the PPTC-sponsored 5k but there seemed to be many more “regular” runners. About 500 in total.

Since I had just run the course the week before and two weeks before that, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1. In fact, I ran that hill during the Brooklyn Half Marathon. My fourth time running this HILL in a month!

Though I was beat from a long day’s work on my feet, I felt fine, was not hungry and the weather was perfect. I decided that I would try to RUN up the whole hill. In fact, if possible RUN the whole race. I know it is only a 5k, but I walk during my races. I find that I need to and often finish faster if I do.

So how did that work???

Mile 1 was hard. My legs felt like lead. (Probably should have warmed up before the race.) But I did not walk. I dragged myself up that stupid hill.

Mile 2 was better and I decided to skip the water stop. I really wanted to walk but I did not.

Again I was crashing during mile 3. I willed myself not to walk until the mile 3 marker. Then I decided to just finish…no walking!

I tried to sprint and finish under 28 minutes. I DID and was actually winded and grabbed some water. Pretty rare since I never put it all out there unless I am trying for a PR.

I walked back to bag check to get my jacket and get my ICE CREAM!!

The line wasn’t too long and it was divided into two lines: vanilla and chocolate. The vanilla line was much shorter and I gladly went on that line.

The ice cream cup was small and many complained about the size and that it didn’t have sprinkles. Still it was satisfying.

They didn’t post the results. I did get an email with my time but I wasn’t sure if I won an award.

Looks like I won!

Well, no awards ceremony. I asked and someone said that you would get an email and then they would mail you your award.

ics5kag

So runners just got their ice cream and left. I did the same.

Race Splits
mile 1- 9:20
mile 2 – 8:30
mile 3 – 8:45
.14 – 7:46

27:30

Not a 5k PR but a course PR. Faster than last week and even faster than last July (27:52). Maybe someday, I will conquer that hill. (Probably have to train on hills and do some hill repeats…)

I was happy with how the race turned out. I love these mid-week races. It’s a great way to pass the evening and it leaves my weekends free for long runs and boating. I wish I had this option locally.

Regarding this particular race, it’s hard not to compare it to the PPTC sponsored races. Same course. Both chip timed with one water stop. But $39 vs $7.50 ($5 if you run the series). No real bathrooms or awards ceremony. Runners seemed to be much more excited, friendly and enthusiastic during the cheaper races.

So was it worth it for the shirt and the ice cream?????

Nope. I don’t think that I will repeat this one next summer unless my schedule doesn’t allow me to run the Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k races.

That is unless my engraved award is awesome. LOL

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! Ever run a race for the food?

June 18, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.11.18-6.17.18 – Running for Ice Cream

In NYC again but only for 3 days….

Monday – Back to traveling to NYC for work. Instead of a run since I had 5k the next day, I went for a walk. I wanted to find all the Grown Up Flowers and I stumbled upon many other interesting sights too.

I also saw another Broadway show which is now on my favorites list.

loved this show!!!!!!!

Tuesday – Another Brooklyn 5k. This was not one of the cheap ones sponsored by the PPTC. It was the inaugural Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k. You know that I couldn’t pass up a race that included ice cream. So I did the race, got my soft ice cream and even ran a course PR.

No age group awards. They will be announced by email and mailed (and I did win – yay!)

Wednesday – Rest day because I had to rush to catch my train to get home. (It was rainy anyway.)
Thursday – Back home. I had dinner with a former co-worker but did squeeze in a short run in the morning after a dentist appt.

my favorite local route – the rail trail – great on the way out but windy and uphill on the way back – still can’t complain about a sunny day

Before dinner, I actually (don’t faint) spent a few minutes in the gym and then we went for a walk (on the same route as my morning run.)

Friday – Truly a rest day. Just work. I even skipped mah jongg.
Saturday – Got up early to meet some friends to run. Many runners were racing today (yes, I was tempted) so we combined two groups and met in a new locale. Although the route was completely flat, the run felt harder than last week. But I think it was not carrying any food or water with more humid temps could have factored in. Of course, we went out to brunch afterwards.

at Peebles State Park with lots of bridges

Sunday – Boating Sunday. This could become a habit and a nice one. Since my hubby had gone up the night before, I had some unrushed time in the morning to go for a run.

we were asked to run today for Megan, a SS ambassador who was shot and her son killed. #skirtsportsrunformegan

It finally felt like a real summer day. 80 degrees!! (If only the water would warm up…)

so relaxed that I read a whole book and we stopped for dinner after (view in the top pic)

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles at the Crossings (if I don’t die from the heat)
Tuesday – rest day, tennis, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 miles at UAlbany
Thursday – rest day, hair appt, wellness night event
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 9 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

June 15, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Summer Bucket List

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic today is: Summer Bucket List

I love the warm weather and I always have a list of things that I want to do. Not sure if they will happen but I hope many of them do.

1. Go Hiking

There a lots of nearby places to hike. I hope I can find the time.

2. Play Tennis

Again I travel so much for work that I rarely get a chance to play regularly. I hope to play on an occasional Tuesday with my friends.

3. Eat in an Outdoor Restaurant

I eat out often but it is rare that the weather is warm enough to eat outdoors.

4. Go to the Race Track

This has been a tradition with a former co-worker. We have breakfast at the Saratoga Flat Track and watch the horses warming up and then we stay for the races. If we win, we treat ourselves to dinner out as well.