August 29, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: August Report Card

Summer has arrived. But actually it hasn’t been a hot one so far – just a few humid days and some rain!!

Here’s how August worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

: at UAlbany

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in Rochester and Liverpool for work. My weekday runs are usually 3-4 miles.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often and Judy once. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

: at Washington Park

: at the Crossings

I can’t wait until my Turkey Trot running group starts up again next month. Every Monday, I will have a group to run with (if work doesn’t get in the way 😦 )

Long Runs:

Long runs have begun in preparation for my next half marathon. As per my usual plan, they didn’t happen as per a plan or every weekend. C’est la vie!

: actually I did cover 9 miles that day

Total Mileage:

I have run 76 miles this month so far (My goal was 85 but it looks like I may only reach 81.) Some skipped runs and no half marathon this month can be blamed for the low mileage. Still healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran Race the Train, a hilly 8.4 miler for the 2nd time. It was hillier than I remembered but I had a course PR, met up with running friends and won an AG award. I also ran the France Run 8K in NYC. Running the Central Park hills was a challenge but Sue and I had a blast.

: 2017

: France Run 8k

Cross Training:

I played tennis outdoors twice. Again this month, I was out of town working every other Tuesday 😦

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais!

I did walk occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk.

I did go hiking once. It was great!! I wish I had time to have gone more often. Darn work! (Yes, that’s a recurring theme.) Does Hula Dancing count as cross-training??

Other News:

I went to NYC with a running friend for a race. While we were there, we walked miles and miles – over the Brooklyn Bridge, around Governor Island, on the High Line and more…. 23 miles in addition to the race!! So fun!!!

: Brooklyn Bridge and Governors Island

I went to the Saratoga Race Track as I do every year with a former co-worker. We had breakfast, stayed for the races and then stopped off at the Casino. I won a lot of races but in the end, probably came out even. My monthly tennis ladies get-together was a Hula lesson and dinner (pic above).

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends.

As you can tell, running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure….family, friends, food….

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Two half marathons planned- October 1 in Corning, NY. and November 12 in Las Vegas.

I also have quite a few shorter races planned. I have to squeeze them in before the winter.

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

9-9-17 or 9-10-17 – Malta 5K, Teal Blue Ribbon 5k or another 5k
9-17-17 – Palio 5k or another 5k
9-23-17 – Helper’s Fund 10k
10-01-17 – Wineglass Half Marathon
10-08-17 – Ramblefest 8k or 10-07-17 – Apple Run 5K / ZOOMA Virtual 10K
10-15-17 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K
10-29-17 – Goblin gallop 5k ?

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

No monthly goals.

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

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

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

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, fewer weekly miles, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, easy lackluster weekday runs. I know I can do better.

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

coachescorner

August 28, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 8.21.17-8.27.17

Last Week:

Monday – Yes, I was tired after my busy weekend but I still ran and then went for a walk in the mall with my bff.

my legs were not happy with this one…slowest ever!!

Tuesday. Had the day off from work to go to my friend’s funeral. Took advantage of my free time to run with Judy in the morning. She wanted to run 6 miles and I didn’t think I could handle that many after the previous day’s sucky run. So we planned to meet after her 2 mile warm-up and run 4 together. Unfortunately we mixed up the meeting location and only ran 1 1/2 miles together. But it was the best I’ve felt in a long time. You know, one of the rare runs that you feel you could run forever. I think it was that it was the morning and I was trying to run slower than normal. Who knows???

After the funeral and dinner at the family’s house, I played tennis. I was pretty rusty since I hadn’t played in a weeks but it was fun to see my “happy” friends and of course, we went out to dinner after.

Everyone got a rock to place somewhere in Carol’s memory. I think I will leave it at UAlbany while I’m running there. It’s where we met and studied.

Wednesday – After work, I dragged myself for a run at The Crossings (because I worked today nearby.)

yes, it ended at the ice cream stand.

Thursday – After a long work day, I took a rest day (on a cool perfect running weather day) and instead went out to dinner with my tennis friends. One of the ladies arranged for a Hula lesson beforehand. So much fun.

in a park along the Hudson River

Friday – Another rest day. Just because…… I did play mah jongg in the evening
Saturday – I did my long run today. I thought I’d have company but ended up solo with my podcasts as a companion. The weather was perfect as was my post race snack.

On the Zim Smith Trail

After errands, I watched my hubby play tennis. Unfortunately, our dinner get-together with some running friends got cancelled so I actually stayed home!!

Sunday – I watched my hubby play tennis again and then we went up to the lake to relax.

views from my walk in town

my view for the rest of the day

We ended the day with dinner at a restaurant on the lake (with a stop for ice cream on the way home 🙂 )

20 miles done.

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run in Rochester (there for work)
Tuesday – 3 mile run in Rochester
Wednesday – 2 mile run before leaving Rochester
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – long run
Sunday – rest, boating, Xmas party in Log Bay (on Lake George)

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

This week’s Guest Host is Teresa @ Finding Fabulous at Fifty.

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

August 23, 2017 by Darlene

France Run 8K Race Recap

If you read my blog, you may know that I LOVE anything French!!!!

Well, I was a French teacher for over 20 years, spent my junior year of college studying in Nice, France and have visited Paris many many times (but not since 2000 😦 )

Anyway, I also love NYC and running in Central Park.

So it was a no brainer to sign up for this race. I mentioned it to Sue who ran the Shape Half with me in NYC and she agreed to come along.

me & Sue the day before the Shape Half

Thank to numerous trips to NYC for work, I had enough points for a free train ticket and a hotel room for $99. Sweet!!

Of course, I knew that the race would be a hilly one (see map below) but at least I would only have to run 4.9 miles since the race was only an 8K.

yes, there are hills!!!!

We decided on an early train on Saturday so we would have a full day in the city.

As soon as we arrived, we headed to the hotel to drop off our bags and then to pick up our race packet. We walked, of course, and I didn’t wear flop flops this time.

I did wear sandals that are normally sooo comfortable and they were for a few miles until the blisters set in!!!

Packet pick up went smoothly and when we were done, we walked/limped back to the hotel. (a mere 30 blocks).

As we checked into the hotel, a couple who was leaving gave us two unlimited subway passes. Score!

I changed into my race sneakers (reluctantly) and we hopped a subway to City Hall Park where we ate lunch and then walked across the Brooklyn bridge. (If you never have, you should!!)

After our leisurely walk across the bridge, we walked around Brooklyn Heights and stumbled up the ferry to Governors Island. It wasn’t part of the plan (actually we didn’t have a plan LOL) but for a $1, why not?

It was a great decision and I definitely want to return and rent a bike and see more of the island than we had time for on foot. (The last boat to return to Manhattan was at 6pm.).

notice that we both had changed into running shoes

Rather than returning by boat to Brooklyn, we took the boat to Manhattan and walked back to our hotel.

can’t complain about this view…

We had already walked 13.1 miles (on the day before a race) so we opted to stay near the hotel and found an awesome Italian restaurant to carb load (Yes, I carb load for 5 miles!) I had beet salad and pasta – both were yummy!!

It was such a warm evening that we sat outside until it was bedtime.

Flat D is ready to go

We got up the next morning around 5:30 am. Breakfast at the hotel did not start until 7 am. Too late for us since we were planning on leaving the hotel at 6:30 am for our 8 am race. Our hotel was so sweet that they packed us a breakfast to go – bagel, cream cheese, yogurt and an orange.

Don’t worry. I didn’t eat it and had my usual oatmeal and coffee pre-race breakfast. We wisely decided to save our legs and grabbed a subway to the start. Plus, it was already 73 degrees at 6 am and HUMID!!!!!!!!!!!

we were quite early

We got there early, walked around the park and met so many friendly runners.

There were almost 5000 racers and the air was buzzing with excitement.

We used the porta-potties and eventually headed toward the corrals.

some runners did warm-up exercises – not moi!

They started at AA and we were I and K but we both decided to line up in I. We made a plan to meet after the race by the volunteer check-in (Sue does not carry her phone.)

The race began with La Marseillaise (loved this) and then our National Anthem. It took us 8 minutes to get to the start line and we immediately got separated. Sue used to be faster but now I run faster than she does.

My plan was … no plan. Finish strong. Not get injured. Walk on the hills. Have fun! (Spoiler alert – I did all of these.)

Mile 1: We started on East Drive near East 67th Street and ran north, running UP Cat Hill. It was steep and I walk/ran it. This was a good thing because having a hill in the first mile, made sure that I didn’t start out too fast and die. It was warm and I was sweating. But at least, the route was shaded by trees. I almost always made sure to run all the tangents. Although, this was a big hill, it didn’t seem as intimidating as when I ran it as part of the Shape Half. Even with walking, when I ran I was passing runners all the time. Maybe because I started in corral I and was running with slower runners. But it felt good.

Mile 2: Then we continued along East Drive and passed the Reservoir on our left. (one of my favorite places in the park to run.)

This mile wasn’t as hilly but it certainly wasn’t flat. Again, I was able to pass runners. I think I missed the first water stop, but I made sure because of the humidity to stop and walk at every water stop after mile 1. And there was one at every mile.

I wonder how long I was running with my skirt tucked into my belt???

Mile 3: We passed the 102nd Street Transverse on the left and ran down, then UP Harlem Hill. Holy cow! What a hill! I walk/ran this one too. Then we continued past Lasker Rink. This mile was similar to the first mile – walk/running the hill, walking at the water stop and running and passing runners when able.

Mile 4: More rolling hills as we headed south on West Drive. My legs were ready to be done! But there was a lot of crowd support throughout the course. And because the trails in the park are open for runners that aren’t part of the race, they were running on our right (there were cones separating us) and often yelled support. I was hungry at this point so ate the Gu that I had in my pocket.

Mile 4.97 (8K): We enjoyed too short a downhill, then a flat section. Finally we turned left onto the 72nd Street Transverse and finished just west of Bethesda Terrace. I gave it all I had (which wasn’t much at this point) as I crossed the finish line.I know they said it was only a 8k. But I ran ALL the tangents and my Garmin registered 5.05 miles!!!!

a sweaty mess (and my skirt still tucked into my belt!!)

I really didn’t care about my time. I knew that it was a lot slower than other 5 mile races that I had done. And there would be no age group awards anyway.

5m PR is 45:26 but I am very happy with this time!!

Race Splits:
Mile 1 – 9:14
Mile 2 – 9:04
Mile 3 – 9:35
Mile 4 – 9:38
Mile 5 – 9:18
.05 – 6:40

7th out of 62 isn’t too bad (would have been 3rd for age 65)

So I just grabbed water and a bagel and headed toward the Nuremburg Shell (entertainment, booths, etc.)

The lines were long but I did decide to wait on one to get some French cookies before I went off to find Sue.

After Sue and I met up, we were disappointed to find them calling out numbers for the raffle prizes. I mean, it was still early and many many runners were still on the course. You couldn’t put your ticket in until you finished so I guess if you are slow, you can’t win. They had also ran out of some of the other food samples.

No other complaints. It was a fun and well- organized race. Would I recommend this race? Oui. Oui.

Of course, we couldn’t wait to re-fuel so we left the park and started walking back to the hotel. We stumbled upon a French restaurant so we stopped. It was perfect!!!!

: cafe au lait

: lemon pancakes

After a shower and change of clothes, we were back on the streets of Manhattan. Sue had never been to the High Line so we decided to go there, walk the whole thing and then go to Chelsea Market. One of the highlights for me was on our walk back to the hotel (yes we were STILL walking), we found a milk bar (cereal milk is the best tasting soft ice cream ever)

Finally we grabbed our bags but still had time to kill before our bus back home. So we took the subway to Bryant Park and had a snack for dinner. Our last excursion for the day was a subway ride to the bus stop (leaving our subway passes off with 2 happy teenagers!)

15.3 miles for day!!!! Whoa! Tired legs!

We spent the bus ride home trying to figure out our next NYC race adventure – NYC Half in March or hopefully the Brooklyn Half in May????

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! What is your favorite city to race in?

August 21, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 8.14.17-8.20.17

Last Week:

Monday – Hey, a sunny day. You have to run even if you are exhausted. And that’s what I did but decided to run at UAlbany because it was close by.

all in pink 🙂

Tuesday. Had to drive to Liverpool for work. It started to rain when I headed out the door to run. I was patient and waited out the rain and was able to run along the lake before dinner.

After dinner, I went back to watch the sunset.

Wednesday – Nothing exciting happened today except for work and a long drive back afterwards. Before I left for home, I set out for a short 2 mile ice cream run.

if you’re ever in Liverpool, NY, you have to have ice cream at Vicky’s.

Thursday – I ran with Alyssa for our weekly run date. For a change, we chose the Crossings.

Guess where we ended our run?

Friday – A scheduled rest day. Rest was definitely needed!!

On a sad note. My cat, Billy has been missing a week. He is 12 and an outdoor cat. I fear, at our neighbor’s garage sale, he got into some stranger’s car. Although, he’s not one of our favorites and he is pretty aloof, I still miss him.

Billy is the gray one. Now we ONLY have 3 cats. LOL I’m still a “cat lady.”

Saturday – Another rest day without much rest. Sue and I took a very early morning train to NYC. We had an awesome day touring the city including walking over the Brooklyn bridge and taking a boat to Governors Island. We walked 13.1 miles the day before our race.

Sunday – Today I ran the France 8K Run in Central Park, NYC. Any race in Central Park is a challenge but I had a blast.

After the race, we walked the High Line and around Chelsea Market and Bryant Park before taking the bus home. 15.2 miles. Phew!

18.5 miles running done. (23.3 miles walking in one weekend!!)

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run, mall walk with bff
Tuesday – 3 mile run with Judy, funeral (instead of travel for work), tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run after work
Thursday – rest, dinner out with tennis buds
Friday – rest, mah Jong
Saturday – long run, watch the hubby in tennis championship matches, dinner with Wineglass ladies
Sunday – watch the hubby in tennis championship match, boating after

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

This week’s Guest Host is Madhuri @ Ponder ‘N’ Wonder .

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

August 15, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: YOLO

Don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

This month’s topics are free so I’ve chosen: YOLO for Runners

What does it mean?

According to the dictionary:

YOLO is an acronym for “you only live once“. Similar to Latin “carpe diem” (“seize the day”), it implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks, as if there would not be another chance for it.

For a runner, YOLO means:

Running on a new path. We (or at least I do) tend to run on routes where we are comfortable. So to get out of this rut, you have to be adventurous.

: following this unknown 2.4 mi route

: eventually led me to bridges and waterfalls

Run a race even if no one else you know is running it. Yes, it is more fun with friends but we shouldn’t not run a race just because “no friends are going.”

: a long drive and my BRF cancelled

: but worth it for a PR

Run a new distance. If it’s a longer distance, that’s pretty scary. (I mean I won’t run a full marathon.) But instead of 5ks and 10ks, try a different one. Besides, if it’s the first one, it’s automatically a PR.

: my first 8K

: Race the Train – 2016

Be spontaneous. Be open to new experiences rather than over thinking and obsessing. Usually, I just sign up and plan later. But lately, I’ve been mulling races over more. Can I afford the race? Can I take the time off from work? Do I want to go that far? Mind you, they are all valid reasons not to run a race.

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

: I am positive this race will be memorable as well

I have two more halfs this fall that I am having a tough time making decisions about. I may just postpone one until next year. And the other – TBD

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! Are you a planner? Or a YOLO kind of runner?

August 14, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 8.7.17-8.13.17

Last Week:

Monday – Sometimes you have to miss a run for some fun. Today was a tradition. The 32nd time having breakfast at the Saratoga Race Track with a former coworker. In recent years, we have added on staying for the races. RaIn was forecast but lucky for us, not a drop fell until we were on our way home.

Won some races and lost some. Came out a little ahead for the day and had a lot of fun.

Tuesday. Had to drive to Rochester for work. Took advantage of the nice weather to get a run in on the Canal.

Even got to meet a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador who worked at Schoen Place. and then ran 4.5 miles (and had gelato post run)

Wednesday – Nothing exciting happened today except for work and a long drive back afterwards. Before I left for home, I was told that there was a nearby trail. So I set out for a short 2 mile run.

not much of a trail or a view but some flat grass.

Thursday – I ran with Alyssa for our weekly run date. The Thursday night concerts had ended so we were able to run at the Corning bike path on the Hudson River.

It was hot and I was TIRED but she dragged me through it.

Friday – A scheduled rest day. Unfortunately I couldn’t enjoy it since I had to go to a wake.

I’ve known Carol since college. She died after a 5 yr battle with ovarian cancer.

Saturday – Today I proctored the MPREs as a favor for a friend and then went for a run before the predicted rain (which didn’t arrive until evening.) I’d liked to say that the run was uneventful but it was far from that. I’ll just list a few things go that went wrong: forgot my socks, started at noon, sunshine, humidity, hunger, new route, unsavory neighborhood, missed the entrance to the trail, tired, no watch, phone died.

The good news was that there were bridges, dogs and a downhill mile.

still haven’t found all 20.

Oops. I meant 9 miles

Sunday – A weekend would not be complete without a trip to the lake. Perfect weather. Perfect place for a rest day.

20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run
Tuesday – 4 mile run along the lake in Liverpool
Wednesday – rest, drive home from Liverpool
Thursday – 4 mile run with Alyssa
Friday – rest, mah Jong
Saturday – rest, train to NYC
Sunday – France 8k run in NYC

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

This week’s Guest Host is Michelle @Running With Attitude

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

August 12, 2017 by Darlene

Race the Train Recap

I love to race and this one sounded interesting last year so I signed up. It was lots of fun but the first 1 1/2 miles were very challenging (I apparently blocked out the hills during the rest of the race.)

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

rtt

I wasn’t sure if I was up to running it again but my friend Sue said she had signed up and also my VT friend AJH expressed an interest in running it. So you know me, it didn’t take much persuading for me to sign up as well.

The race is not nearby – about an hour 50 minutes and you have to be on time since you take the train to the race start.

I asked my friend whose house is not too far away (in Chestertown) if I could stay there and she agreed. It would be about an hour closer so I didn’t have to get up as early. But the forecast was for heavy rain and thunderstorms so I decided instead to stay home and get up early the next day.

I woke up at 4:30 to pouring rain. I seriously contemplated a DNS. But I didn’t. And I am glad that I ignored the weather forecast

It was easy to get to North Creek Railroad Station and didn’t take as long as anticipated. And the rain stopped!!! So I got there very early and parked in a parking lot next to the finish line.

It was already in the 70s and very humid when I arrived. But I was thrilled that it was not raining…

I picked my race packet (a cotton shirt, a bib, your train ticket and a raffle ticket) and walked around waiting for Sue and AJH.

I found both of them. Sue was working at registration so I hung around with AJH.

There were REAL restrooms in the gift shop and a lot of interesting things to read and look at.

some of these pics are form last year (hence the bright blue sky)

Finally everyone arrived and we lined up to get on the train.

I spotted Maureen whom I met at the Shape Half in NYC. It was cool to see her again and catch up. (She said that she had not run since but I knew that she would be speedy anyway… and she was.)

And then we sat and waited and waited. The train was supposed to leave at 8 am but it didn’t until about 8:20 and they even had a bus for the late arrival runners.

The ride was really scenic. It was an interesting experience taking the train to the start line of a race.

The train ride was along the Hudson River the whole way.

Finally we arrived at the next station – Riparius.

getting ready to beat that train LOL

We walked around and finally headed to the bridge where the race would begin.

Finally everyone got to the start. I started with AJH and Sue. The train whistle blew and off we went.

The train gave us a head start and then it took off with the friends and families of the runners.

photo from: The Sun

The goal was to beat the train. I knew that I would not and I also knew that since I don’t train on hills, it would be not be an easy race for me. Plus I was a little nervous about my ankle (which had been painful on the previous Monday and Tuesday)

The best case scenario would a course PR (faster than 1:28:54) and maybe win an age group award again. But my real goal was really just to finish pain-free and enjoy the run.

And that’s what I did.

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 someone 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 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.)

But my walk/run strategy on the hills seemed to work. Those running passed me on the uphill but then I passed them on the downhill. In the end, I was not as drained as they were. (Sweaty yes! It was SOOOO humid!)

The scenery was nice as you ran through the woods (and listening to the train whistle until it passed you) and toward the end, you could see the river. Eventually, you had to run through town in order to finish at the train station.

photo from: The Sun

The good news is that my ankle never hurt. I didn’t get blisters and I never felt tired. I didn’t push myself and as a result could enjoy the race. (Of course, part of me wished I had enough endurance to run up those hills but I know my legs would have been dead by the end if I did and I didn’t want to risk straining my ankle tendon.) In hindsight, I think I could have run more and walked less.. But who knew???

I had no time goals but I estimated that I would finish around 1:30:xx and I finished at 1:28:27. I was thrilled!!

everyone got a medal!

It was a course PR!!!!

I had some food (bagels, fruit, pastries) but the highlight was chocolate milk and then I waited around for the awards while trying to be creative with my medal.

Last year I won my age group but this year I was 3rd. (Sue was too!) I was happy!!! It always depends on who shows up whether or not I win…

The water bottle was the award

After the awards, they gave away raffle prizes but none of us won 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 – 10:51
mile 2 – 10:55
mile 3 – 9:06
mile 4 – 10:15
mile 5 – 10:33
mile 6 – 11:52
mile 7 – 11:13
mile 8 – 11:00
.4 – 8:03

Afterwards, I stopped to visit the friend whose house I was supposed to sleep at the previous night. She was there with a friend and they wanted to go hiking. I decided I might as well before the DOMS set in. So we drove back to North Creek and found a hike at Gore Mountain. We chose the shortest and easiest one – 2.1 miles to a reservoir.

We never found the reservoir but saw a lot of pretty mushrooms and waterfalls. It was so much fun!! And we stopped on the way home for ice cream!!

A pretty perfect day – racing, hiking, ice cream – all done with friends!!

Happy Running! Ever race a train?

August 5, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – August

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in August, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

iced coffee with chocolate milk ❤

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that if you wondered why I was the Guest Blogger last week on The Weekly Wrap and why I have been commenting on blogs and posting on mine more often, it was because instead of working at my usual job, I was working at the Bar Exam for 3 days. That meant that I sat for 10 hours and waited until a student had a technical problem. Lots of downtime …. to blog.

my view for 3 long days

Of course, that won’t happen again until next February.

Now it’s back to normal… squeezing blogging into my busy life. (I don’t know how those of you who work get it done.)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I worked at my old job site for the Bar Exam. It made me very nostalgic (I worked there for 10 years.)

Yes, I missed my friends and the work itself but what I really missed was running-related.

There was a (free) treadmill (not that I loved it but it was handy), a nearby track, close to the park and it was easy to squeeze in runs before, during and after work.

Over coffee…

I’d tell tell you that after my success at my last two 5ks, I contemplated not signing up for so many long races. I almost Pr’d with zero speed work. Maybe I should work on my speed before I get too old.

27:35 at age 64!! Can I go faster? My PR of 27:11 is 3 years old.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that today I have a HILLY 8.4 race. I am a little nervous since I do not train on hills and I remember it being a very challenging course. I didn’t know anyone at the race last year so I am looking forward this year to running with my friends Sue and AJH.

Stay tuned for the hopefully “happy” recap.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am the WORST running buddy ever. I signed up for the RUN4 program almost 4 years ago. I was paired with John Anthony and in the beginning, I posted all runs and dedicated them to him. I also sent him medals and running shirts.

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Then I got lazier and only posted and dedicated my races to him. I still mailed him race shirts (the cotton and unisex ones.)

Now, I am sad to say that I do think about him all the time when I run but I can’t remember the last time I posted to the FB site. And I have a pile of shirts waiting to be mailed.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I love running in NYC. (You probably know that.) This month I am running my 4th race there in 10 mos.

: Nov – Dash to the Finish 5k

: Shape Half 2017

: July – Brooklyn 5k

I am super psyched because I am running it with Sue, it’s in Central Park and it’s called the France 8k Run. (I’m trying to forget that I’ll have to run up Cat and Harlem hills.)

Um, what should I wear?

Yup. FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember I was French teacher for over 20 years and I love anything French (esp. food and art).

what do you think?

Glad I signed up early.

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Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I kinda had an injury. If you don’t write about it, it doesn’t exist, right?

Last Saturday afternoon, I think I tweaked my peroneal tendon …in my GOOD ankle. I’m not sure when…either carrying laundry down the stairs or while gardening. I just remember hearing something snap/pull. I ignored because it didn’t hurt. It didn’t bother me on Sunday (but I didn’t do anything.) and then on Monday when I went to run, it hurt. Did I stop running? Of course not. I tried to not bend my ankle and run in a way that it didn’t hurt and walk often.

Yes, I was bummed.

So on Tuesday, I didn’t run but I wore my hubby’s ankle support and played tennis. And it hurt so did I stop? No way but I only played one set and then sat out.

So now I was really bummed.

Not enough to take a running break. I wore the ankle support and ran on Wednesday. And guess what? It didn’t hurt AT ALL!!!!!

3.5 pain-free miles

I ran again with Alyssa on Thursday.

More miles with zero pain

I’m not convinced that it is perfectly fine.

my new work attire (with a dress)

We’ll see how the ankle reacts to 8.4 hilly miles.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here! Anyone ever race the France 8k? Ever ignore an injury and it gets better?

August 4, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: My Favorite Races

Since it’s Friday, 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 for today is: Five Favorite Races

You know that I love to race and I have run A LOT of RACES so it is hard for me to pick just FIVE.

Just to be interesting, I will pick 5 different distances.

Here they are:

1. Freihofer’s Run for Women (5k) – it is ALL women (more than 4000)– all ages, all sizes, veterans, newbies, elites, walkers. When I ran it the first year that I started running (2008), it made feel like a “real” runner. Finishing it after suffering a serious injury (2012) helped me believe that I could be a runner again. And then in 2013, completing it with a broken foot showed me how strong (or maybe stubborn) I was.

2012 – in newspaper

: FRW – 2017

I love the downhill finish of this race and I also enjoy running through Washington Park in Albany, NY where I often run after work.

The location is convenient since I can park in town and walk to the race to avoid the traffic and confusion. There is an expo the day before where you get free Freihofers cookies and a loaf of bread.

2. Troy Turkey Trot (10K) – This 10K takes place on Thanksgiving Day and it a good way to burn some calories before your big meal. It’s the most popular race in the area and so there are lots of runners and even more in the 5k that follows the 10k (10,000 total). This is also the race that got me involved in a running group. I have joined the training group each year and it convinced me that participating in a group is a great thing and have since joined a training group for the Freihofer’s race.

: 2016 – 10K

The course is fairly flat and is my current 10K PR. 🙂

3. Stockade-athon (15k) – This race is the oldest 15k in the country. It takes place in the fall so the foliage is pretty and you run around Central Park and through the oldest parts of the city of Schenectady, NY.

: 2015

It is a popular local race for me so you run into a lot of familiar faces. The end of the race features food such as pizza, hot soup and cozy indoor seating at Proctors Theatre.

4. Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler) – There aren’t many 10 mile races around and this is a great one. It has a point-to-point course that starts in the village of Lake George, NY and ends in Bolton Landing. It takes place in early summer so it is not too hot or humid yet.

: 2016

The course is rolling hills but you don’t mind since you are running along Lake George the whole way.

the end of the race

This is the route that I drive each weekend to go on our boat.

Since our marina is next door to the beach, I can have friends cheering for me at the finish line.

5. Naples News Half Marathon (13.1) – This race is special because it was my first half marathon. It was also held in one my favorite vacation spots. I go there every year with my tennis friends. The race was held on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there waiting at the finish line. Plus if you live in the NE, January in Florida is a great getaway.

The course is beautiful with many views of the Gulf.

At one point, a priest blessed runners with holy water.

I don’t plan to repeat any of my half marathon races but maybe someday I will run this one again.

Happy Running! What are your 5 favorite races? Have you run any of the above?

July 23, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 7.17.17-7.23.17

So excited to be this week’s host of the Weekly Wrap!!

As usual, last week was busy. Take a read below:

Last Week:

Monday – If you read my previous week’s update, you know that I spent the weekend with my tennis friends at a house on the Schroon River. Well, I convinced one of my friends to stay over Sunday night so we could go hiking the next day. The forecast was for thunderstorms but we got lucky and it didn’t rain until we were done.

While my friend was sleeping, I snuck out for coffee and an early morning run.

It was wonderful. Love the sights and sounds of the Adirondacks.

Then we decided to hike Pinnacle Point and Cat and Thomas Mountains in Bolton Landing. I had hiked them before but it was much more fun with company. It started to rain on our way down Thomas so we did not climb Cat Mountain as planned.

top = view from lunch bottom left = top of Pinnacle Pt, bottom right = top of Thomas Mt.

Afterwards, we drove into town (the rain had stopped) and had lunch overlooking Lake George before heading home. What a fun way to spend a day off from work.

Tuesday – I also took today off from work. Some of my friends and I decided to go to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx to see the Chihuly sculptures. It was fantastic.

the sculptures were amazing and mixed throughout the gardens

a busy day that ended with an Italian dinner and pastries in Little Italy of the Bronx

Wednesday – Back to work on a very hot, humid day. Alyssa and I sweated out 3.5 miles. To do something different, we decided to run through downtown Albany looking for the Nipper miniature dog statues.

we found 5 out of 20 and ended our run back on the bike path

Thursday – Another work day. It was warm and humid with a threat of rain but I stayed dry during my post-work run. From the rain not the sweat!!

Not easy in this heat. Lots of walking during this one.

Friday – A busy work day and a scheduled rest day. I did stop off at the gym on my way home to use the machines before I had to rush off to s farewell party for a coworker.

view from the bar

Saturday – Today I ran the Silks and Satins 5k (for the 6th time). It was warm and humid but still a fun time. I met up with a lot of runners that I knew and even came in 3rd in my age group.

27:37 (gun time) = course PR

Afterwards, I stopped off at the Zim Smith Trail and ran in the opposite direction from last weekend to get in some more miles before heading home.

It was cloudier than during the race but warmer. I struggled to get these miles in but rewarded myself nicely afterwards.

In the evening, one of the ladies who is running the Wineglass Half on Oct 1 organized a get-together for the runners participating. It was a fun evening.

Sunday – Mah jongg weekend at the Schroon River house got postponed. (I wasn’t disappointed because I went there last weekend.) My hubby talked me into coming up to the lake. (It didn’t take much arm twisting.)