November 18, 2017 by Darlene

RnR Las Vegas Half Marathon Race Recap

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever (since March) and now it’s come and gone.

I signed up for this race for several reasons:

FOMO. Many of the PCB blogger/runners said that they wanted to run it.
I love race-cations.
I had enough FF miles for a free flight and Marcia offered to share a room with me (since the other bloggers were bringing their hubbys.).
I’d heard great things about the course and the race and it was supposedly pretty flat.
Running down the Vegas strip at night? Why not?
The bling. Run 2 races in one weekend and get 3 medals!

Half Marathon Training:

If you read my blog, you know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on October 1 and since then I have completed some easy weekday runs and a few long runs on the weekend.

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I do like to get in a 12 miler before each half marathon.

: 9 miles for the day

: 11 miles for the day

: 10 with Alyssa

I skipped my long run entirely the weekend I went away with my friends. I added extra miles to two races and then shortened my 12 miler to 10. But I did taper with 10 instead of 8. (I am a coach’s nightmare LOL)

I wasn’t really worried since with 40k runners, I didn’t expect to run at a PR pace anyway.

Marathon #29.

I was thrilled to be out there running and healthy and to be in the company of so many other enthusiastic runners.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep on this trip.

Resting your legs is probably a good idea. Fueling for a long race is important.

After 28 half marathons, you would think I would know this.

And I do.

But when your race has no time goals, you may ignore the prerequisites for a pain-free race.

Anyway, the day before this race, I put 16.4 miles on my legs which included a 5k race.

I took a fabulous bus tour of Red Rock Canyon. The scenery was breathtaking and I did some some hikes at several of the stops.

In the evening, I slowly raced a 5k. (You can read about it here.)

Afterward the gang (bloggers and spouses) decided to walk to find a restaurant for dinner.

One thing I learned about Vegas is that nothing is as close as it seems. Even taking the monorail involves tons of walking.

Race Day:

Race day included a lot of meet-up planning. Most of which was unsuccessful.

Marcia and I went out for brunch at Mandalay Bay around 10 am. We planned on eating again before our race which was scheduled to start at 4:30 pm but that never happened.

looks better than it tasted – over cooked and cold

Eventually we headed back to our hotel from the Paris Hotel (where we had hung out with Kim & Tricia and their hubbys) to get ready and walk to the race start which was near New York New York hotel.

on the walkway heading to the start

We were very lucky as far as the weather was concerned. It was cloudy and high in the 60s. Though I was warm while running, my tank and skirt was a perfect race choice.

I won that tank in a giveaway 2 years ago.

Everything was very organized at the beginning of the race. We followed signs to gear check, our planned blogger meet up and waited until everyone arrived.

hanging out on a rock

Finally they did so we could snap the obligatory pre-race photo.

ready to rock n roll

The corrals were organized by colors and then by numbers. Everyone was in blue except for MaryBeth. We squeezed into our location and waited. Checking out all the crazy costumes kept us entertained. Elvises, super heroes, brides and grooms and more.

I took a Gu since it had been over 5 hours since I had anything to eat.

Little by little waves of 5 moved forward and started with a fire send off. This was very cool.

Marcia, Kim and I started together. I planned to start out slowly and stay with them as long as I could.

It was so crowded that it was impossible to run fast. We were just weaving in and out.

We started by running toward the airport past the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and by where the shooting occurred. There was no music during this stretch to honor the victims.

I stopped and walked at the first water stop around mile 1. My mouth was already parched due to the dry air. Marcia and Kim were smart to carry water (I never do.)

I caught back up to Marcia and Kim but then lost them when they stopped at the port a potties around mile 2.

I stopped again at the mile 3 water stop and walked for awhile. I thought that possibly Marcia and Kim would catch up but they never did.

At this point, I knew that the race was going to be a struggle. I felt light headed probably because I was hungry. My legs felt heavy and I just had no energy. This was worrisome since it was only the beginning of the race.

But the music started which was a nice distraction and we were entering the strip.

Around mile 5 I took another Gu (Smores – yum!!) and walked again. This was the pattern for most of the race. Run and then walk at the water stop which were every 2 miles it seemed.

Running was more of a struggle than I ever remember. But lights and sights of the Vegas Strip at night were mesmerizing.

It was hard not to smile even during a struggling pace.

We ran by the Mirage, Paris, the Bellagio fountains. Indescribable.

Eventually we left the lively part of the strip and headed toward Old Vegas. This part dragged until we arrived at Fremont Street.

Here the course looped around and finally we were running in the direction toward where we started. There was hope that I could do this thing.

Around mile 9, I took my final Gu (toasted marshmallow) which did not sit well. I won’t be buying this flavor again!!

The winner of the marathon passed me by and he had more zip in his step than I did. LOL

After mile 10, I gave up only walking at water stops. I just walked whenever I felt like it. I just wanted to cross the finish line. I had no idea what my time was and frankly I didn’t care.

I can look happy whenever I spot a photographer

Eventually I spotted the Mirage Hotel and then Paris and the Bellaggio Fountains. Of course, they weren’t as close as I thought but I did it. I finished it this strugglefest….with a smile!!

As soon as I crossed the finish line, I was handed a metal, water, chocolate milk. Other goodies such as bananas, bars, Pringles chips, pretzels were available including free beer.

I headed to get my Remix Medal and then to Gear Check (Both were easy to find.) to wait for the others to finish. One by one, they arrived. Everyone finished!! We were ALL happy (even though none of us had PRs except for Greg running his first half.)

oops Mary Beth left before the pic

Off we went (on foot, of course) in search of a place for dinner and celebration.

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

Organized packet pick-up.
The Expo
Easy to navigate to gear check, port-a-potties, the start, etc.
Fire send-off -at the Start
Amazing crowd support. People lined the entire course.
Flat course.
Awesome medal.
Remix Challenge
Perfect weather conditions
Water and Gatorade stops at least every 2 miles
The music – all genres from country to Elvis to Elton John to Kiss
Security – police in helicopters and armed police everywhere
The runners and their costumes
Lots of photos (I had 18)
The sights and sounds of the Vegas Strip (unforgettable)
No major injuries. (just the usual blister on my foot)
Sharing the race experience with friends

The Bad:

Lack of sleep (3 hour time difference)
Too much walking the day before
Not properly fueling the day of
Dry Heat
Training (no 12 miler?)
Flat course (I actually enjoy the variety of ups and downs)
Black tees for a night race (neon perhaps?)

The Ugly:

Nothing really.

The RNR Vegas Half Marathon was a great race. I am so glad that I had to chance to run it.

Whatever made the race more painful that it should have been was my own doing. Lesson learned. RESPECT THE DISTANCE!! 13.1 miles is no joke.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. I don’t usually repeat half marathons but if I did, I would run this one again. And especially if it were closer and cheaper.

Final Stats:

I never looked at the watch throughout the race since it was dark and I had zero goal other than finishing. So there’s no reason to post my paces. They were consistently in the 10s which is slow for me until the last three miles when they were 11s.

Yes, one of my slowest recent half marathons even slower than some hilly ones. Am I disappointed? Nope, not in my finish time. Only disappointed that I didn’t choose to painlessly stroll to that time. In this race, that was as fast as I was capable due to several preventable mistakes (whining over!!)

Next Up:

March 17, 2018

Image result for singer half marathon

I’m also linking up today for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. You should do so too.

Happy Running! Have you run the RnR Vegas Half Marathon? Ever run a race just for fun that turned out to be a struggle?

November 17, 2017 by Darlene

RnR Las Vegas 5K Race Report

I was pretty excited about this race. It was my first time running in Las Vegas and my first time running back to back races.

Yes, I was planning to run a half marathon the next day…. for the Bling, of course and the challenge of it.

I have never backed away from a challenge (Spoiler alert: all 13.1 miles were a challenge!!!)

Anyway, I arrived in Vegas the day before the race (and gained 3 hours!!). After checking into my hotel, I immediately headed (well after I figured out where the Monorail was) to the expo. No problems at all. Packet pick-up was a breeze (easier than getting into my hotel room.)

The expo was huge!!! I did a lot of sampling but only bought some Gu.

I got the new flavors..loved Smores, Coconut..not so much

Race day was a busy one. As they say “no rest for the weary.”

Since my roomie was not arriving until the afternoon, I planned to take a bus tour of Red Rock Canyon. Best decision ever. It was amazing. We made loads of stops and there was hiking available at many (nothing too strenuous).

When the tour was over, I met my roomie, Marcia at the hotel and then accompanied her to the expo. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for pizza as our pre-race meal.

We had perfect weather for this evening race (well, maybe a little too warm) and was able to wear my planned outfit.

The Tropicana was the perfect hotel choice because we were the first stop on the monorail and had no problems getting on right away.

we’re ready with our matching bling

We got off at the SLS Hotel stop which was near where the 5k Race started. (If you know Vegas, “near” is relative).

We wandered for a bit until we found the Gear Check area where I left a bag with a long sleeved shirt and jacket for after the race. This was also our agreed pre and post race meet-up spot.

only 4 of the group were doing the 5K – I am alone in the grey corral

As you can see from the course map, the race does not take place on the strip but one block over.

The start area was organized by colored corrals and then by numbered waves (according to your predicted finish time. If you look at the group photo, you’ll see that I was alone in the gray corral. The others were in wave 6, corral purple and I was in wave 9.

So we separated at the start but planned meet up again after the race.

waiting to start

The waves each started with a count down. I had to wait about 15 minutes, I think. Everyone was bubbling with excitement. There were lots of costumes and music. Since it was ONLY a 5k, I was very relaxed. Many of the runners were also running a race the next day or relatives of runners or just walkers. It was mixed bag which made it a challenge at times during the race.

My plan for the race was…no plan. I thought I would walk the whole thing but when I was the only one in the second corral, I decided to just run slowly so I didn’t have to make everyone wait a long time to go out to dinner after.

And that’s what I did. I enjoyed the music, laughed at the costumes, and weaved around the walkers to eventually cross the finish line.

I thought it would be around 35 minutes so I was pleasantly surprised that I finished under 30 minutes.

As soon as I got my medal, water and some snacks, I made a beeline to Gear Check to meet up with fellow 5kers Marcia, Tricia, her hubby, Greg, as well as, Kim and Mary Beth (who would be running with us the next day.)

With some husbands in tow, we all headed for a LONG stroll to find a restaurant for dinner.

my very cool medal

What I liked about the race:

Smooth packet pick-up
Well organized race location, gear check, start, signs, etc.
Crowd support
Enthusiastic participants
Running with friends is the best
The medal
Almost perfect weather
Goo Goo Dolls concert afterward (although we were too hungry to stay)
Free Beer (although I didn’t partake in that either)

What I didn’t enjoy:

Would have preferred to run along the strip. The course was not exciting.
Charcoal grey race tee (for a night race??) How about a brightly-colored shirt?
The only water stop was at mile 2. Why not at the turn around? Vegas is soooo dry. I was parched.

All in all, I loved the experience. I am glad that I decided to run the RnR Vegas 5k. This was my slowest 5k in years but who cares. I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

It’s also 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! Have you run this race? Have you ever run two races back to back?

November 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 11.6.17-11.12.17

Last week – Race Week

Monday – It rained most of the day and it was cold and windy. Plus I left my jacket home. So I was ready to bail on the run. But Alyssa talked me into going to UAlbany. As usual, I was glad that she did.

Tuesday – Is winter on the way? It sure felt like it. Glad it was a rest day. But I did get to play tennis for a change. (It was fun and I used muscles that I haven’t used in a while.)
Wednesday – Off to Liverpool again for work. And I managed to squeeze in a chilly run before darkness. My last run before the big weekend.

The sunshine made it more pleasant

Then I went back for a sunset walk.

So purdy

Thursday – Another rest day as I needed to drive directly home after work.
Friday – Early morning flight to Vegas (through Chicago). Arrived around noon, took a shuttle to the hotel and then headed to the race expo.

a HUGE expo but only indulged on Gu.

Later on I took the monorail to take in the evening sights.

Unfortunately with the 3 hour time difference, I was too pooped to party.

Saturday – I took an awesome bus tour where I got to see and explore Red Rock Canyon. The scenery was spectacular.

Then in the evening I ran the RnR Vegas 5k with some blogger friends followed by a long walk to dinner.

not run on the strip but still a fun time.

16.4 miles for the day before a half marathon. Probably not an ideal rest day but so worth it.

Sunday – In the morning, Marcia and I went out to brunch and then neglected to eat for the rest of the day. That and the previous day’s miles may have impacted my race performance but the race itself was awesome. Running on the strip in Vegas was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Oh what a night!!

Next Week –

Monday – rest, fly home
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – rest, drive to Buffalo
Thursday – rest, long drive home
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – rest, trip to NYC for college reunion lunch and Broadway show with tennis ladies

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.
And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess’s

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

November 10, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Planning a Stress-free Race-cation

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 for today is: Five Tips for Taking a Stress-free Race-cation

If you follow my blog, you know that right now, I am on a Race-cation – in Las Vegas!!!

You may also know that I love to travel and when I do, I make sure that a race is included. I am fortunate to able to fit one into my schedule at least twice a year.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

: Treasure Coast Half (Jupiter)- Mar 2017

So here are some tips to avoid the stress:

1. Plan early.

Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends’ place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, friend?)

It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.

trained for this race together and/or roomed together.

I actually booked my flight for this trip way back in March so I could use my FF miles. My blogging buddy Marcia booked a hotel near the start and graciously allowed me to share her room.

2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.

I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all in advance because as we know, the weather forecasts will change. And the forecast is not always accurate. So bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.

I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.

I doubt it will rain in Vegas but it can be cold and it can be hot. This one was tough to pack for…due to the variety of things that I may do. (I think I over-packed but still may not have the right clothes.)

3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee/tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.) I also pack energy bars in case I need a snack the day before.

Both the 5k and the Half Marathon in Vegas are not in the morning – they’re at 6 pm and 4 pm. This makes eating quite complicated but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.

Not knowing the breakfast situation in the hotel, I did bring cereal and coffee, just in case.

4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me twice.) And you will have time to get used to the weather or altitude by doing a test run.

From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!

I planned to arrive at noon on Friday (if everything goes as planned.) The 5k is Sat. eve and the Half Marathon is Sun. eve.

The time change may put a little damper on things but it is what it is. (I am a horrible sleeper, anyway.)

5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.

Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.

During my last race-cation in Florida, I went to a NY Mets spring training game, visited a bird sanctuary and met up of with different friends for various lunches and dinners.

For this trip, I scheduled a bus trip to Red Rock Canyon. I plan to meet up with many bloggers and how can you not have fun in Vegas???

and why should you??

Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations?

October 31, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: October Report Card

Fall has arrived. And we had some nice cool fall days but summer temps came and went as well. Such crazy weather!!!

Here’s how October 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.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in NYC, Buffalo and Liverpool for work. My weekday runs were usually around 4 miles.

: while working in Buffalo

: trail near home

: NYC

: NYC

: Liverpool, NY

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

: 6 miles with Judy

: with Alyssa

: 10 with Alyssa

Since the Turkey Trot running group runs on Tuesdays this year, I cannot run with them 😦 When my work schedule allowed, I did volunteer to help the STEM runners train for their first 5k.

Long Runs:

Long runs began in preparation for my next half marathon. I added extra miles to my 5k and 10k races. I skipped one long run and shortened my 12 miler to 10!!

: 9 miles for the day

: 11 miles for the day

: 10 with Alyssa

Total Mileage:

I have run 99.3 miles this month so far. An increase over previous months and I am still feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I skipped a local 5k because of my crazy work schedule but I did complete three races. I ran the Wineglass Half Marathon which it was a great weekend away and almost PR. I also ran the Apple Run 5K, another almost PR but an age group award and the Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k which was a fun one.

Cross Training:

I played tennis once (indoor season has started.) Again this month, I was out of town working every Tuesday 😦

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! And my free membership ended this month!!!! No excuses because I live near a free gym and my tennis club membership this year includes free access to the gym.

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot. But I did walk a lot in NYC to and from the train, subway and training facility (for 5 days!!)

Other News:

The hubby and I ended our weekend boating. We were fortunate to have two nice weekends at the beginning of the month.

: Oct 6

: Oct 15

Despite working A LOT, I also managed to attend some of my weekly mah jongg games.

I also spent a weekend away with some of the tennis ladies. We went hiking in Watkins Glen. We hiked ALL 3 trails at the gorge one day and did a flat trail to a waterfall another day.

: Gorge, Indian and East Rim Trails

This was my second girls weekend away of the month having spent the wineglass race weekend with running friends.

: at Glimmerglass Lake State park-

: this was pretty fun (making aglass at the Corning Glass Museum)

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:

One half marathon (#29) is planned – November 12 in Las Vegas. Woo Hoo! (plan to connect with lots of bloggers!!!!!!)

I also have 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:

11-11-17 – RnR Vegas 5k
11-12-17 – RnR Vegas Half Marathon
11-18-17 – Girls on the Run 5k???
11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 5k
11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
12-02-17 – Jingle Bell 5k (volunteer with STEM) or 12-03-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #1 (15k)??
12-09-17 – Albany Last Run 5K

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her NovemberRace 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 A-.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, but I happy to have squeezed in those runs while working out of town which wasn’t easy.

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

October 30, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 10.23.17-10.29.17

Last Week:

Monday – Off to NYC for work. Staying in Manhattan but working in Queens does complicate things at least on the running front. But today I was able to run. 3 days of rest does a body good because I felt like I could run forever.

Running to and along the Hudson River – pleasantly surprised about the number of runners and all the lights!! The hardest part was navigating the crowded sidewalks to get to the river path

Tuesday – It rained on and off all day. I worked so I didn’t care. Because of the weather, I hadn’t planned to run and went out to dinner with co-workers instead. But of course, the rain stopped and I wish I had run.

My first Korean BBQ

Wednesday – After work, I quickly changed my clothes and headed toward the East River. Perfect in every way.

Can’t believe how many runners were here – great place to run. wish I had more time or my hotel were closer

Thursday – Last day in NYC. Had to run, right? So after work I hopped the subway to Central Park. Ran around the park and ended with some retail therapy.

already setting for the marathon in 2 weeks – lots of runners everywhere and as usual got a little lost but made it out safe

Friday – Work and then the train home. Too pooped to run anyway.
Saturday – Had 12 on the schedule Didn’t want to run alone so met up with some of the Wineglass group early early. I wound up running a speedy 10 Miles with Alyssa and then joined everyone else for breakfast.

As they say running is better with a friend. Probably would have run 12 if I was alone but it would have been slower and not as enjoyable

I spent the rest of the day at Ellms Family Farm with Amanda and the kids.

Lots of fun including 1 1/2 hours in the corn maze

Sunday – just catching up on everything neglected all week including rest. Ended the day with dinner and drinks out with the hubby and two friends.

27 miles done.

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles with Alyssa and Jeri, Mall walk with bff
Tuesday – drive to Rochester, 4 miles
Wednesday – rest, after work drive to Liverpool
Thursday – 4 miles in Liverpool
Friday – 2 miles in Liverpool??, drive home
Saturday – 8-12 Mile Run
Sunday – rest, mah jongg anniversary dinner

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

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess's

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

October 27, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Runfessions October

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
and it’s also 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 for today is: Five October Runfessions

I runfess…

I skipped my long run last weekend in favor of a girls weekend away.

hiking in Central NYS – lots of steps and lots of laughs!!

I am thinking of skipping one tomorrow because I’m too damned tired.

It wouldn’t matter if I weren’t training for a half in TWO WEEKS.

Obviously it’s not a goal race.

Anyone else skip 11 and 12 mile runs?

2. I Runfess..

I recently stayed in a hotel in NYC where there was exercise equipment in my room. And when you turned on the TV, there was exercises videos.

EVEN Hotel

So I never turned on the TV again and spent minimal time in the room.

That how I avoided feeling guilty about not exercising.

What would you have done?

3. I runfess…

I recently asked a speedy running friend on how to get faster. He replied that the only way is to lift weights.

Ugh! I thought about it. For a second.

What do you think?

4. I runfess…

The best and maybe the only good about spending five days working in Queens, NY is the running routes available in Manhattan.

I was worried that it would be dark when I got out of work.

: along the Hudson R

: in Central Park

: along the East R

But it didn’t matter. There are lights and loads of runners.

I hit the trifecta. I ran 3 times. Along the East River, along the Hudson River and in Central Park.

Anyone else run in NYC at night?

5. I runfess…

I love reading blogs but I don’t have time to comment or read new blogs. Mea culpa.

I don’t bring a computer when I travel and don’t time when I don’t.

I hope this doesn’t affect those who read this blog.

Please forgive me and continue to comment here.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

October 23, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 10.16.17-10.22.17

Last Week:

Monday – Drove to Liverpool for work. In the rain. Thought I wouldn’t get to run but the rain stopped. Boy was it cold and windy. Wasn’t I just on our boat the previous day??

Tuesday – Our first hard frost. But I had to work and then drive to Buffalo. The weather was so nice after work that I had to squeeze in a quick run even though it meant arriving late at night.

20 degrees warmer than Monday and sunny

Wednesday – Another long work day in Buffalo but I was determined to run. And I did. Perfect weather and great scenery.

Actually it was 5 Miles including 83 steps for a view

Got in a few walks as well. Lots of interesting sites in the city. Gotta take advantage before the after work daylight ends.

Thursday – Another work day and then a long 5 hour drive home. Ran one time before getting in my car. This time around downtown Buffalo.

Friday – I thought I might get in a run after work. (Trying to front load my runs since I wouldn’t be running on the weekend and rain was predicted for everyday the following week.) But I had too much to do before my upcoming weekend away including meeting up with Julia who was visiting from Moscow.

First met Julia in 2002. And last saw her in 2009.

Saturday – Road trip with some tennis friends. Goal: hiking in Watkins Glen and girl time. We got lucky with perfect weather too.

No running but 6.5 miles of trails

Afterwards we ate dinner on the Seneca Lake. And then sat by the bonfire at our hotel on the lake.

Sunday – Another perfect day. We took a long hike to a waterfall and afterwards ate lunch at a winery. The trail to the waterfalls was ideal for running (sigh).

No long run today but 9 miles hiking

13 miles done.

This Week: NYC

Monday – off to NYC for work
Tuesday – after work run in NYC?
Wednesday – after work run in NYC?
Thursday – after work run in NYC?
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 12 mile run

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

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess's

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Ever skip a long run before a big race? Ever feel FOMO when with your non-running friends?

Please share.

October 16, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 10.9.17-10.15.17

Last Week:

Monday – Columbus Day meant a day off from work. The weather looked like a washout but I patiently waited and the rain stopped so I was able to get in a (humid) run.

Tuesday – Back to work and I was able to play tennis after work so I didn’t think I should run. But I had some extra time and there was rain in the forecast for the next day so I did.

At Colonie Town Park -ran in the opposite direction to last Saturday here

Wednesday – Today was my volunteer day with STEM. There were only a few runners and it was raining. Still glad I was able to meet and encourage them.

week 2, day 2 of Couch to 5k

Thursday – A long day at work but I was able to meet up with Alyssa for run which is always a good thing. She claims that I got her faster. Now I hope it’s the other way around.

Friday – A needed rest day and an evening with my mah jong friends.
Saturday – Today I ran another one of my favorite fall races, the Great Pumpkin 10k. I saw lots of familiar faces, some running the 5k and some the 10k. I love the course and festive atmosphere. If only, I could figure out how to run a 10k and not a fast 5k followed by a slow 5k. (You can read my review here.)

58:02 (6th in my AG)

After the race, I needed to add more miles since I had another half in 4 weeks. I decided to stay in the park and run some leisurely miles while avoiding the HS cross-country racers.

Ended the day with dinner out with the hubby and friends.

Sunday – Woke up with a nasty cold which might have explained my lack of energy during the 10k the day before. But it was our last boating day of the season and my stepson’s birthday. So we went out on the boat one last time. Relaxing in the sun actually was what the doctor ordered as was the birthday cake at my stepson’s party that we went to after.

24 miles done.

This Week: Slow week of running

Monday – off to Liverpool for work, 4 miles??
Tuesday – rest day, after work drive to Buffalo
Wednesday – 4 miles in Buffalo after work??
Thursday – rest day, long drive home from Buffalo
Friday – 4 miles after work, mah jongg
Saturday & Sunday – road trip with friends to hike and sightsee in Watkins Glen, NY

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

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess's

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

October 15, 2017 by Darlene

2017 Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K Race Recap

October 14, 2017 – 9:30 am Saratoga Springs. NY

I ran this race for the past three years and really enjoyed it (even 2014 in the rain.) Apparently I always wear the same shirt too.

: 2016 – 57:22

: 2015 – 59:19

: 2014 – 58:28

My 10K PR is 57:03 and as you can see, I was close last year but not in 2015. Who knew what would happen this year??

I was very tempted to switch to the 5k course which is flat. The 10k course continues from the 5k and there are several big hills.

I may have switched so I could try for a 5k PR but without any speed drills, it seemed unlikely that this would happen anyway.

The race takes place in Saratoga State Park which is a beautiful place to run especially in the fall.

The weather in the fall is very unpredictable. It could be warm and then it could be cold.

Not knowing what the weather will do makes it hard to dress. I’m not ready to dress for winter. (I am wearing that skirt as long as I can stand it.)

I planned to wear that same orange race shirt, a skirt and compression socks and then wear a jacket to leave behind and put on after the race.

When I got up it was almost 60 so I changed to a tee shirt but almost tempted to wear a tank one last time (and should have – it was humid!!!).

This is a very popular race. They usually get about 1500 runners. So I left for the race early in case I had to park where I needed to get a shuttle to the start. The race was to start at 9:30 and I got there at 8:15 am.

I didn’t park in the parking lot near the finish line since it is always so congested. Instead I parked in one where there were real restrooms and I had to walk to the start. I parked there last year.

As soon as I got out of my car, I realized how humid it was. I wished I had worn a tank.

long sleeved grey tech shirt

I picked up my race a packet, entered my raffle ticket in one of the raffles (this year they were not very tempting). I also voted for my favorite in the pumpkin decorating contest.

bumping in Dr Tom 2 weeks in a row

Then I chatted with the other runners. There were so many runners that I knew – from other races, from running groups and even the ladies from Wineglass.

Finally it was time for the race to start. Many of the runners were in costume. I thought about it but I was too lazy ( but if I did I would have looked like Christina above – Wonder Woman).

I lined up with Judith and my running group buddy Holly. We started not too far back because although it is chip-timed, they give out awards by gun time. (Not that I was going to win one. There were several runners in my age group at this race that I knew were faster!)

This race for me can be divided into two parts: The first 5K and the second 5k.

Miles 1-3

8:51, 9:17, 8:59

Both the 5k and 10k runners start together and run the same course. So it was very crowded at first. Since I was near the front, everyone was passing me by. I was trying to run fast but my legs just wouldn’t go. Those ladies in my age group, they quickly left me in the dust.

pic from the Gazette

Right at the beginning of mile 2, I passed a young male runner who had collapsed and someone was administering CPR on him. This really unnerved me. I slowed down (see my split time above.) (It turns how that they got his heart started and he was taken to the hospital and will be ok.)

The 5k had a few inclines but was basically flat. I didn’t even have to walk.

But it was humid so I stopped at the water stop and walked around mile 1.5.

I love running in this park. It is so pretty.

The 5k ended and my time was just under 28 minutes!!. Crazy! I didn’t feel like I was running that fast.

Of course, that exhausted me and we hadn’t hit the hills yet.

Miles 4-6.2

9:40, 10:07, 9:34, 10:00 (.2)

At this point, I was sweating and the rest of the course was filled with hills. I tried to run up them but was pretty unsuccessful. So I walked many times during the second half of the race … during every hill.

I also stopped and walked at both water stops.

Well, by the end, I had no energy… at all… and the biggest hill was 1/2 mile before the finish line…GRRR!!!

I really wasn’t paying attention to the time on my watch and I walked one last time on the last turn and was shocked to see that the clock said 57:xx!!

I booked it but it was too little, too late, I crossed at 58:09 (58:02 chip time).

Not a PR and not even a course PR. Not a bad finish time but I ran the race poorly. My 2nd half was over 2 minutes slower than the first. Yes, it was hillier but I was dragging and let it pull me down and walked more than I probably needed to.

I quickly headed to get food. Priorities! The line was long but moved quickly. There was fruit, bagels, lots of delicious homemade goodies (cookies, apple, pumpkin, zucchini breads, etc.) and hot chocolate. Everything was so good!

It was getting late so I retrieved my checked bag and looked for the race results.

I came in 6th. Looking forward to turning 65 in May.

Though I was almost 2 minutes faster than two years ago when I won an AG award, this year I did not.

I waited around for the awards ceremony because both Holly (in the 5k) and Judith in the 10K got awards.

I also finally found Judy and we chatted for awhile. Jen, Jeri & Chris (the other Wineglass ladies) went out to breakfast. Pretty tempting but remember I have a half marathon in a month.

So I walked back to my car, left over my stuff and headed out.

It was slow but very enjoyable. I took photos and re-traced most of the race route as well as ran on some of the trails. My biggest problem (other than my tired body) was that there was a huge high school cross-country meet going on and I kept getting in the way of the runners.