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2017 CDPHP® Workforce Team Challenge Race Recap

Thursday, May 18 6:25 pm

The CDPHP® Workforce Team Challenge is a 3.5-mile road race open to teams of employees from corporations, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, not-for-profit corporations, and financial institutions. Participating companies, organizations, and agencies use the event as a platform to provide health and fitness opportunities in the workplace while promoting goodwill and camaraderie among their employees.

It takes place at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on a similar course to the old Freihofer course. It sells out early with a cap of 10,000 runners.

2011 – 33:41

At my former job, I ran this race once (in 2011), the only year I convinced them to have a team.  It was fun so I signed up to be part of a team at my new job.

That was before I knew I would be training Buffalo and have driven 5 hours home the night before.

And who knew that summer would arrive and it would be 98 degrees and HUMID.

Anyway as I remember it from 6 years ago, the course starts with a steep uphill and then flattens out.  You run through the park which has rolling hills ands then it ends with a steep downhill.

It is actually more of a run than a race.  With 10,000 participants and many walkers, I felt no pressure to do anything but finish.

When my co-worker went to get my shirt and bib, it wasn’t with the others. Eventually they tracked it down and I made plans to pick it up before the race.

Another issue is fueling. When and what do you eat for a race that starts at 6:25 pm?

So when I finished work at 4pm, I stopped at Starbucks for a chocolate banana smoothie. I hoped that would be enough.

To avoid the crowds, I parked my car (where I used take yoga) and walked about 1.5 miles to the start.

when I left work – it actually got up to 98 by start time

I was already sweating by the time I arrived at our designated photo meet-up.


We teamed up with the UAlbany team for a total of 60 runners. My workplace only had 13.

2 of my co-workers (in purple)

I wore my purple team shirt for a pre-race photo…

25 out of 60

then gave it to another co-worker who was not running.  I raced in a purple tank instead.

With 10,000 runners and no corral system, the runners seemed to line up for miles.  I just pushed my way into the middle and then gradually moved up.

And waited in the crowd (and sweated).

Sawyer Fredericks (winner of The Voice and a local) sang the National Anthem.

photo from the Gazette

Eventually, the race started.

This guy juggles during all his races

Of course, it took awhile before we even moved.

Workforce_Challenge-0217

last year’s start

The biggest problem with this race was that unless you were in the front and very fast, it was impossible to gain any speed.  There were walkers in the front who didn’t realize they shouldn’t be.  Then there were those who ran and then just stopped to walk.  The middle of the packers, like me, just weaved in and out, bumped into people saying “excuse me” though the entire race.

But then again except for a chosen group, it was not a “race.”  It was just a way to get out of the office and get some exercise with their co-workers.  Some businesses had 200-500 employees participating.

I think it’s a great thing. So I tried not to get annoyed or take it seriously. It helped that my Garmin refused to turn on.  And I was dying and nauseous from the heat.

Back to the race…

We started up a long uphill climb which flattened until we entered the park.

The course continued through the park with rolling hills – one or two being rather steep (I don’t remember much since I was delirious from the heat.)

There was a water stop that you passed twice.  I ran up until the first stop and then I walked.  I walked again at the 2nd water stop but by mile 3, I was fading fast.  I walked several more times.

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photo from last year

Eventually, you headed toward that downhill finish.  I got some energy back when I saw my co-worker cheering everyone on. She videoed me as I ran by.

When I saw the clock in the distance, I ran as fast as I could so that I could at least finish under 34 minutes.

geez. do I hold my breath run I run?

I was very impressed by the race organization.  After you picked up water, you proceeded to a tent to get your time.

not an impressive time (way slower than my last race) but considering the heat and all the walking, I was content.

Then you continued on to get your race shirt, followed by another stop to a get bag with food.

I bumped into many running friends and we chatted as we walked around the Empire State Plaza.

Eventually, I made my way back to my co-workers and we made plans to meet at a bar downtown for beer and wings.

I, however, had to make the long walk back to my car…and the sky was darkening. You could see lightning and hear thunder in the distance.

Runners/walkers were still heading toward the finish line.  Everyone looked happy and to be having a great time.

It made me smile but I quickened my step to get to my car before the storm arrived.

And I did.

The highlight of the evening was meeting new co-workers and chatting about running over beer and wings.  We even discussed meeting weekly for a fun run.

So no race splits to report. No PR.  But I am glad to have participated in this race and I plan to run it again next year.

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! Ever participate in a team race? Does the heat and humidity bother you?

 

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Friday Five 2.0: Speed Drills

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.

Today’s topic is Misc. so I am choosing Five Drills to Get You Faster

I’m not a fan of workouts or any drills but when I participate in the Freihofer or Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge, on Monday nights, coach Patrick has us do drills.  Why?  To run a faster 5k or 10k.

I always protest and he knows that, plus sometimes they come the day after my legs have been tired out from a long run or half marathon.

However, begrudgingly I do them.

The result: the first year (2014-5), I PRed at every distance.

So here’s some of the speed drills that we do:

1. One minute strides (5 of them)

These are my favorites.  After a warm up, you run as fast as you can for one minute.  Then recover.  As Patrick says, “You can do anything for one minute.”

2. 400 m @ 5k pace followed by 200m recovery (4-6 of them)

It’s hard to not to run these fast but you realize that you can’t halfway through the first set and then you slow down to a 5k pace (which is still fast.)

3. Hill Repeats. Incline for at least 200m. 

there is a long hill in this park…but I didn’t get a picture on it.

4. 800 m @ 5k pace followed by 400 m recovery. (4-6 of them)

These are my least favorite.  800 m running fast seems like forever.


5.  Race a 5k.

This one is not recommended but it’s the one I enjoy the most. Even if it is a fun run, I always try to run well and for me, it’s the best speed drill.


Happy Running! Do you do speed work? What drills do you do?

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TOLT: Half Marathons. What else?

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

My Last Half Marathon.

If you read my race post, you know that it was a difficult race for me.  Some things were out of my control but as I prepare for my next one, I am also thinking about things I can control.

Things you cannot control:

  • Weather – temperature, wind, humidity, etc.
  • Course – hills, loops, etc.
  • Injuries – unforeseen
  • Porta Potty stops

Things you can control:

  • Clothing – do not wear new items
  • Training – doing the work (drills, long runs, etc.)
  • Food – before and during
  • Pacing (don’t go out too fast)

Things you could control but can’t:

  • Clothing – when you have to wear a new item (for many reasons)
  • Training – when work, family, illness, vacation interrupts your training
  • Food – when you cannot eat what you want to eat (for whatever reason)
  • Pacing – when you run with a slower friend or with an injury or lack of training

The important point to remember and I have to remind myself of this often is that even if things go wrong and you don’t have the race that you want for a variety of reasons (things that you can or cannot control), you still can enjoy the experience and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.

My Next Half Marathon.

I’d love to say that I learned from all my recent pre-race snafus. But not quite.  I think I have the outfit and pre-race meal under control.  We’ll see about the weather.  And the course is pretty flat.

Image result for steel rail half

mostly on the bike path

But my training is even worse.  I missed my 12 mile run while on vacation in Florida. I ran a rushed 5k and spent the rest of the day like this: driving to Cape Haze, lunch on the river, driving to Fort Myers, visiting the Ford & Edison Winter Estates, dinner & drinks during sunset at the Ritz back in Naples.

And I don’t regret it.

The next weekend, I ran a special 5K and skipped the extra miles due to the rain. Then spent the afternoon with my mentee and her sons.

So what could have maybe been a half marathon PR most likely will not be. (Remember this same course was my half PR back in October.)

2:08:59 – PR!!!!!

Again.  Finishing=Winning.  That is my goal.

I am not that runner who puts in the work.  I am that runner who has a non-running life that often takes precedence. C’est la vie!

love my friends

 

and the hubs too

Happy Running! What’s going in your life?  Please share.  Are you serious about your half marathon times?

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TOTR: Mental Tips and Tricks

Since today is 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

Today’s Topic is: Mental Tips and Tricks

I don’t pretend to have all the answers but here is some advice to make yourself a “happier” runner:

  • Don’t compare yourself to another runner.

Pace is such an individual thing.  To some runners, I may appear fast and yet to others, I am a turtle. That’s one of the great things of running.  You are competing with yourself.

not fast in this field by any means but faster than many who were running their first half.

  • Find something good in every race/run.

Let’s face it, some runs/races just suck. But either you got it done or the scenery was awesome or whatever. Focus on the good and try to forget about the bad.

they cancelled the race, police threatened to arrest me, I thought I might collapse from the heat, I had to fight for a medal… but the course was great and the crowd support even better.

  • Surround yourself with other runners. They get you.

It’s great to have non-running friends but they won’t sympathize with your positive split times, sore feet, hilly course experiences, stomach issues, DNSes, etc.

  • Every race will not be a PR.

Even if you run on the same course, you may finish 20 minutes slower. Just sayin’.

  • A bad run is better than no run.

Tough one to remember when we wanted or expected it to be a good one. More often than not, it isn’t.

  • Take rest days.

We feel lazy when we don’t run. We are tempted to run everyday. But our body needs time off. We often don’t realize it until it’s too late.

  • Stay active when you can’t run.

You will feel better about your fitness if you do something else besides running to keep moving…biking, walking, yoga, swimming, tennis, crossfit, dancing, etc.

  • You don’t have to look like a runner to be a runner.

Runners some in all sizes.  All you have to do is run to be a runner.

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

Happy Running! Do you have any other Mental Tips and Tricks to share?

 

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Running Update: 5.8.17-5.14.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Another day in paradise.  3 mile run followed by a tennis lesson then doubles play.  Then off to the beach.  Ended the day with dinner out ❤

Lino is our cute instructor

  • Tuesday – It was my birthday but the day was not too much different than the previous day.  I did all my favorite things: running, tennis, reading & Scrabble on the beach, dinner, drinks, dessert with a sunset view.  Awesomeness!

oops – 6.4K not miles (not enough time)

at Vanderbilt Beach

dinner at the Turtle Club

  • Wednesday – Last day of vacation.  I packed, had a tennis lesson but instead of playing tennis, I went to a Wildlife Sanctuary.  We had a nice 2.5 mile walk but because of the drought, we only saw an alligator and no birds (no water in the lakes).  We had our last Florida meal out and headed for the airport.

Corkscrew Nature Sanctuary

  • Thursday – Back to reality – cooler temps and WORK! Ugh! The highlight on my day was getting to run with Alyssa and we chose to run in the park to view the tulips.  (Rain is predicted for the Tulip Fest this weekend.)

  • Friday – Rest day but did squeeze in a trip to the gym before mah jongg.

empty on a Friday after work??

  • Saturday – Rain was predicted so I wasn’t looking forward to this 5k race. But it is an important cause (memorial to a former STEM runner) so I was planning on going no matter what. And it poured!!!

27:26 – 1st in my AG

I had hoped to run 7 more miles after the race but I was too wet so I bailed on my long run. Instead I went to the movies (Boss Baby) and dinner (milkshakes and burgers at Johnny Rockets) with my mentee and her sons.

my favorite super heroes

  • Sunday – The forecast was for rain so I didn’t sign up for a race. But it never rained. So instead I celebrated Mother’s Day with a run on the unpaved rail trail followed by a big dinner at my MIL’s.

23 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Challenge (3-4 miles)
  • Tuesday – rest, work travel (to Buffalo)
  • Wednesday – rest, out of town work and travel home
  • Thursday – Corporate Challenge race (3.5 miles)
  • Friday – rest, hair appt, mah Jong
  • Saturday – rest
  • Sunday – Steel Rail Half Marathon

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?

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Summer Smith Memorial 5K Race Recap

ssm5k

May 13, 2017 – 9:30 am

This is the second year for this 5K race and is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.gofundme.com/Summer5k4addiction

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I had just returned from 8 days in Florida where I did a lot of eating, drinking and sitting on the beach.  I did some running but not enough. Plus the forecast for today was cool and rainy.

But I just had to do this race. I knew that there would be many other runners and volunteers from the STEM program. I wanted to support this cause and I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.

13248563_10153573244986074_671826626102940317_o

2016

I did run this race last year. I remember it as NOT being flat. But I did win my AG and finished with a respectable 28:29 time.

Photos from last year (on a sunny day):

It wasn’t as cool as it had been while I was away on vacation but the rain started even earlier than predicted.  I was still exhausted from my Florida vacation and my weekend trip to NYC and I really did not feel like running in the rain.  But as soon as I arrived, my mood lifted.

 I arrived early, grabbed a needed cup of coffee and immediately bumped into those purple shirted runners. All the ones that were in Summer’s STEM group were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.

Another local runner that I know also led a team of runners. Her son had died recently of a drug overdose.

This race was one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag. There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies. And there were great raffle prizes – all running-related.


Before the race, there was a dedication ceremony followed by a balloon release. We all cried during Summer’s mom’s emotional tribute to her daughter.


The ceremony was followed by music and a Zumba session.  I opted out. It was raining even harder and I went inside to stay dry and warm.

I stayed inside out of the rain until it was time to proceed out to the road to start the race.

Here’s the course description:

Start/Finish of this out-and-back 5 km course is on West Dr on the south side of Guilderland High School. The course proceeds out West Dr to turn L onto School Rd, continues across the intersection with Depot Rd onto Meadowdale Rd, then bears L at Frederick Rd to Mile 1 on Meadowdale Rd and continues to the Turnaround point. The inbound route retraces the outbound route of the course to Mile 2 on Meadowdale Rd and Mile 3 on West Dr just after the turn off School Rd, and continues to the Finish.

I lined up with one of the STEM volunteers who said she ran at my pace. (Not true, she’s way faster.)  Patrick, my FRW training coach works for the timing company and announced to the crowd: “There’s Darlene and she’s going to PR today!”  Nice. I wasn’t planning to race it and now I sorta felt like I should. Grrrr.

So I just did the best I could.  Not PR fast but I wanted to finish with a respectable time.  With the chilly temps and no warm up, my legs felt like lead at the beginning.  It was also a slight uphill for the first mile.  I wore my windbreaker over my STEM tee shirt because it was raining. But my jacket isn’t breathable and I was pretty warm. The course levels out a bit and then when we turn left, there is a steeper hill (but not bad at all).  There was a lot of support along the course even in the rain.  Friends of the families who lost loved ones to drugs were holding signs in their memory.  I was glad that I was running to support this charity.

We turned around at the halfway point and continued on this country road back to the high school.  I just tried to maintain a consistent pace.  I didn’t have t he energy to push myself to a PR but I knew I had to face Patrick on Monday so I saved some so I could sprint through the finish line, at least.

I crossed around 27:26.  I was happy.  And of course, the first thing Patrick said was: “Did you PR?”  I responded: “No.  You jinxed me!”

I wanted to wait to watch some of the other runners finish but I was soaked and went inside to take off my jacket and get some food.

There was chocolate milk and donuts.  I was a happy camper.


I hung around because I was pretty sure that I got an age group award.  And I did – FIRST!!

They decided to move the awards ceremony to the gym.  Wise decision. Patrick handed me my award and added “She should have PR’d but she said that I jinxed her!”  Geez.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:40
mile 2 – 8:54
mile 3 – 8:50
.14 – 8:05

My second 5k in a row with all laps under 9 mm.  It wasn’t a PR but it was a course PR.  I finished over one minute faster than last year.

Could I have Pr’d?  Perhaps if I were in the right frame of mind and pushed myself to run faster. (Should I feel like puking when I cross the line?? Um, I don’t.)

I must say that I have enjoyed my last two 5ks.

And especially this race. I was happy to support this charity. Plus the race was so well-organized. The only negative was the rain!

I am so humbled by these STEM women and others who have overcome adversity. And I am glad to be a part of their lives.

Now on to my next challenge.  13.1 miles!!!

With a half marathon next Sunday, I had planned to go run 7 more miles and then go to the Tulip Fest in the park. But the weather wouldn’t cooperate. It poured all day so instead I went to the movies and out to dinner with the girl I mentor and her sons.  (Today is our 9 year anniversary.)

Today is also Mother’s Day and I was tempted to race.  In fact, this is the FIRST Mother’s Day (except 2012) that I didn’t run a race.

I think I may just run some miles before heading my MIL’s.

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race? How did you celebrate Mother’s Day!!

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2017 Tropicool 5K Race Recap

May 7, 2017 – 7:30 am

As you may remember, this race took place during my annual non-running tennis vacation in Naples, Florida. I take lessons and play tennis every morning and then spend the afternoon on the beach.  Each evening I go out for drinks, dinner and dessert with my nine friends. Eight days of pure relaxation and enjoyment…


I love it.  It’s my only vacation that doesn’t include a race.  You have to admit that racing during a vacation does add an element of stress.

This year was a little different in that we changed the dates. We were in Naples two weeks earlier and that meant that the temps were only in the 80s (not the 90s) and that the racing season was not over.

I happened on a 5k race that took place on Sunday which was conveniently a day that my friends and I had planned a tourist day. (No tennis was scheduled.)

Here are the description of the race and the course map:

Enjoy a wonderful 5K race that showcases the beautiful streets of Olde Naples. This course is two loops starting on Broad Street.

So I signed up for the race and even convinced one of my tennis friends to do it with me.

MaryPat, my partner in crime

I still wasn’t sure that we were going to run the race.  For one thing – how would we get there?  Neither one of us had a car nor were we listed as drivers on the rental car.

However, I guess, this race was meant to be because it all worked out.  One of my friends had to leave to catch an early morning flight on Sunday.  One of our rental car drivers, Catalina, agreed to drop us off at the race start on the way to the airport.  Then another friend, Pat, who currently lives in Florida and had her own car, offered to pick us up after the race.

So the day before the race, Pat picked up our shirts and bibs while we were playing tennis. As usual, we spent the rest of the day at the beach. Afterwards, we went out to an awesome dinner which included a few glasses of wine.  (Oops I don’t usually drink the night before a race but I’m on vacay…) Then we went to a show.  Obviously, it turned out to be a later night than normal.

Sunday morning, I groggily ate my usual race breakfast at 5:30 am. The only problem was that my running buddy, MaryPat, decided not to run the race with me. (Her hip had been bothering her.) So I was solo.

Bad Ass Coffee – pretty appropriate

Catalina dropped me off in town around 6:15 am. It was still kinda dark and no one was around yet. I was also a little chilly but I had on my DIY arm sleeves and the race shirt which I planned to hide while running the race.  Luckily I found an open coffee shop, bought a cup of coffee and hung out until I saw some other racers walk by.

Around 7 am, I walked three blocks to the start and hung out there. This was not a big race.  There were about 400 runners – all ages and very friendly.

Right as I was heading to the start, I looked up and recognized Rebecca, someone that I used to play tennis with back home several years ago. She had moved to Naples.  (We had run the Naples Half as our first halfs in 2011 without even knowing it at the time.) Small world!!

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm.  But it was not as warm as it could have been.  As you can see from the map, the course winds around town and through the neighborhoods twice. And it was flat!!

I had no plan for the race – finish and get back to my tennis friends so we could leave on our day trip.  I started out behind some older ladies but they left me in the dust early on.

the older ladies are the ones in the sports bras

My legs felt like lead but my biggest problem was that I had cotton mouth.  I was soooo thirsty.  My throat and lips were parched. Was it the heat? Or maybe the wine??? I couldn’t wait to get to the water stop… It seemed like forever but I think it was halfway.

The course was small so there were spectators cheering all along it.  Although we looped, I didn’t find it boring because I didn’t even notice.

I never looked at my Garmin.  And I walked at the one water stop.  Besides that, I just enjoyed running around Olde Naples and especially along Gordon Drive where you could see the Gulf at the end of each cross street.  I was shocked when I crossed at 27:xx.

There was a computer nearby that told you your actual time.  Mine was recorded as 27:31.  I was very happy. For a second, I thought – why didn’t you check your watch and run faster to possibly get a PR? (it’s currently 27:11 from 2014.) But just for a second. A PR was NOT a goal for this race. ( I just ran a half marathon the weekend before.)

I waited for Rebecca and we hung out for a little while and chatted.

almost 2nd!!

I did win 3rd in my age group and I could have had my first podium finish, but Pat was picking me up so I couldn’t wait.  Rebecca did convince the race director (whom she knew) to give me my award (a nice tumbler).

posing for my “fake” podium finish

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:50
mile 2 – 8:58
mile 3 – 8:56
.14 – 7:59

The first time all laps are under 9 mm 🙂

I am so happy that I ran this race.  I loved the course and it was very well-organized. (Maybe I’ll return next year.)

I am especially glad all the logistics worked out.  I got home in plenty of time and my friends and I enjoyed a lovely day.

lunch on the river in Placida, visit to the Edison & Ford winter estates in Ft Myers, dinner & drinks with a sunset view at the Ritz in Naples

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

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

and with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!

Five Reasons to Run the Tropicool 5K?

  1. Small yet well-organized local race
  2. Flat course
  3. Scenic Route
  4. Practical AG awards
  5. Great way to get in an early morning run or speed workout

Happy Running! Ever run an unplanned race while on vacation?

 

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Running Update: 5.1.17-5.7.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Since I had run a half marathon the day before, I decided to skip our FRW Challenge Group training today. I ran an easy 3 miles and went home to pack.

No foot pain or DOMS. Amazing

  • Tuesday – It was raining off and on so instead of a run and tennis, I went to the gym. Then I packed and prepared for my 3:00 am wake up.
  • Wednesday – 6 am flight to Florida. We landed in Ft Myers and picked up a rental car to drive to Naples.  This is our 12th tennis trip here so we  have a routine and it felt like coming home – unpacking, grocery shopping, relaxing by the pool, dinner out, chatting, sleep?…
  • Thursday – My first Florida run – holy humidity! My goal is to run 3.5 miles most days before my tennis lesson and doubles play.  Then we pack a lunch and spend the rest of the day on the beach, soaking up vitamin D, reading, playing Scrabble or strolling along the water – heavenly!

  • Friday – Rain interfered with our morning tennis plans so we went shopping and out to lunch. I did manage get in a run before dinner  Rather than dinner out, we stayed in and had our annual book club night while celebrating cinco de mayo.

  • Saturday – No running today, just a walk, tennis, the beach and dinner out before going to a show. Another day in paradise.

  • Sunday – Today I ran a 5K race. It warm and humid but still a fun time.  Found out that those older Floridians are fast! After the race, I rushed home to get ready for our day trip to Cape Haze and Fort Myers.

27:31 and 3rd in my AG

We had lunch and then visited the Ford and Edison winter estates. We ended the day with dinner and drinks at the Ritz watching sunset.

13 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – 3 mile run, tennis, beach, dinner out
  • Tuesday – 4 mile run, tennis, beach, dinner out
  • Wednesday – rest, tennis, pool, fly home
  • Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
  • Friday – rest, gym?, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 5K race (+ 7 more miles)
  • Sunday –  rest, gym?, Mother’s Day

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?

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Shape Women’s Half Marathon Race Recap

Image result for shape women's half marathon

I had always wanted to run a half marathon in NYC.  Every year, I enter the lottery for the NYC Half but so far, I have not gotten in.  So my running friend, Alyssa suggested that we instead run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon. I don’t like loops and this race has two plus I didn’t want to limit my running to just Central Park. But I gave in and signed up.

We had planned to share a hotel room and spend the weekend together. Then several months ago, Alyssa found out that she couldn’t go that weekend.  Luckily, I found two other runners (Sue and Ginny)who nicely agreed to letting me crash in their hotel room.

Half Marathon Training

If you read my blog, you know that my training included ZERO long runs but lot’s of races.

Yes, I got miles on the legs but for the first time, I didn’t get my 12 miler done and the longest continuous run was 6 miles.

I was still excited to run the race but I was not expecting to have a fast time and was hoping that it wouldn’t be too painful.

I had only heard good things about the race so I tried to be optimistic about running two loops of the park and about the ginormous hills.

The Shape Half Marathon is billed as “one of the largest women’s-only half-marathons in the country.” Amy Robach, News Anchor of ABC News’ “Good Morning America” was scheduled to host and participate in this year’s race. She was supposed to split the 13.1-mile course with Sara Haines, Co-Host of “The View” and ABC Correspondent. (I usually watch the Today show on NBC.  NBC’s Natalie Morales hosted last year and ran the whole thing.)

According to the website, the race started on West Drive at 63rd Street, and then looped counterclockwise twice around the Park and ended around 72nd.

This was the course:

And this is the elevation map:

yikes!!

Hills or no hills, I planned to enjoy the views and scenery in Central Park and drag myself to the finish line.  Walking up Cat and Harlem Hills would probably happen.  I was ok with it.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations

Sue, Ginny and I debated about how to get to NYC, –  bus, drive/MetroNorth or Amtrak.

Since it was cheaper, Sue wanted to drive 1 1/2 hours and then take MetroNorth right to our hotel.  At the last minute, Ginny decided not to come since she was injured and could not run the race.  So it was just Sue and I.  She picked me up at 7 am and we drove to Beacon (was supposed to be Poughkeepsie but we missed the exit).  From there, we took the MetroNorth train to 125th St., Harlem where Sue had booked a hotel room.

hanging with my Starbucks & Fredrick Douglas in Harlem wearing my Crocs

We finally arrived around 11 am in NYC and had to walk almost a mile to our hotel.  We left off our bags there since our room wasn’t ready and decided to walk to packet pick-up. It was such a beautiful day so I thought why not? (I stupidly changed from my sandals to my Crocs flip flops because they are usually so comfortable.)

Remember our hotel was located on 124th St and packet pick up was on 57th street. That was about 5 miles and about half way, my heels were screaming.  Who wears flip flops to walk around Manhattan?  This idiot!

just love some the buildings on Central Park West

When we arrived at Columbus Circle (59th St), I begged to go to a running store to buy some shoes.  Best decision ever.  They gave out free delicious cookies and mimosas plus everything was 15%.  But even better was that the new version of my running shoes (Nike Zoom Vomero 12s) fit just like the 10s that I love.  My feet were happy.  (Sort of.  The damage to my heels was already done unfortunately).

Next stop was lunch at Whole Foods.  I would have carb loaded but Sue had a salad so I felt guilty and had one too.

Finally we arrived at the expo which wasn’t really an expo.  We just got our shirts and bibs and snapped a picture.

with my new running shoes…

You’d think that we had done enough walking but no, we decided to walk back to the hotel but through park rather than on Central Park West.

notice the sign!

At least, I was wearing better shoes for walking and the weather was gorgeous.  We were hoping that it would not be 80 degrees the next day for our race.

Finally we arrived back at the hotel to check in and only had a little time to relax since we had planned to meet Sue’s running friend Maureen and Maureen’s two daughters for dinner.

And no we didn’t walk to the restaurant.  We took the subway to Columbus Circle.  Well, it turned out that the restaurant was on Columbus Ave.  We quickly called an Uber and still arrived in plenty of time.

The restaurant was Italian (Osteria Cotta) and recommended by Maureen’s daughter who lives in Manhattan.  And it didn’t disappoint.  The food was amazing as well as the wine.  (I normally don’t drink the night before a race but I just got into the spirit.)  It was such a fun evening.  Of course, we talked about the race since all 5 of us women were running it.

After dinner we went out for an amazing dessert – cereal milk at Momofuku Milk Bar.

this was HALF of a small dish

No more walking for me.  We took the subway back to the hotel.  Over 11 miles walked for the day!  The day before our half marathon!!!

So we laid out our clothes and tried to get some shut eye.

everything had already gone wrong so why not wear a new top and new shoes??

I hardly ever get much sleep the night before a big race.  And that night, it was no different except that in the middle of night, I started to get a painful sore throat and was feeling feverish.  Yes, I was getting sick.  Ugh!

Race Day

So 5:30 am came early on Sunday morning. I felt like crap but it was race day.  And inspite of my sore throat and heels that were painful to walk on, I was excited to run. I brought my breakfast from home (oatmeal) so I was content.

We grabbed a Uber to the race start (64th St.) and got there around 7 am.  The race was not scheduled to begin until 8 am so we had plenty of time to hang out. It was quite chilly – about 30 degrees colder than Saturday.  I shivered but knew that I would warm up once I started running.

my DIY sleeves at least kept me a little warm

Soon it was time to head to the start to line up. I was supposed to start in Corral I and Sue in Corral L but Maureen and her daughters asked us to meet them in Corral H so we waited for them there.  They apparently arrived at the last minute and we never connected before the race.

aren’t they are cute family?

The race is a blur as usual but here’s how I remember it:

Miles 1-3:

9:51, 9:48, 9:42

Like any race, the first mile/mile-and-a-half, was a big congested. My heels were hurting but I was still able to run at a decent pace. It didn’t take me long to get warm and roll down my sleeves.  The hills were rolling but they didn’t seem too bad. The weather was perfect.  When the sun came out, I was glad that there seemed to be water stops at every mile.  I stopped and walked at each one as per my plan.  During this stretch, I caught up to Maureen and her daughters.  We ran together for a while.  They said that they were taking it easy but I knew that their slow pace would in no time be too fast for me. So at the second water stop, I waved good-bye and said that I’d meet them at after party by the band shell.

So the first few miles were wonderful. All the trees had blossomed and it was just a picture-perfect day. I started looking around at all the women around me and felt so inspired. This is an all women’s race which makes it special. There were tutus and bright colors and women cheering on other women. It was just so upbeat and empowering!

Miles 4-6:

10:30, 11:33, 10:15

As usual, after the first few miles, I started slowing down. The first big challenge, Harlem Hill was no joke – about a half mile of steepness. All the volunteers along the hill were great, though, cheering us on and telling us we were almost at the top (I appreciated their lies LOL). It was nice to know that once I reached the top of the hill, the hardest part of the course was over. Until, of course, I had to conquer it again on the second lap.

During this stretch, a runner trying to clip the tangent, tripped another runner in front of me.  She went down hard and almost took me down.  But I stayed upright. I helped her up. She was scraped up but ok to continue running. I took advantage of this long break to have my first GU.  (Chocolate which is not what I  wanted.  What happened to salted caramel?? And my faux pas keep coming… it made me feel sick.)

I finally removed (with lots of difficulty) my sleeves and continued to pick up my skirt which was always falling down.  At least, I was half done.  One more loop to go…

Miles 7-9:

10:25, 10:52, 10:46

At this point in the race, my legs told me that I should have trained better.  They were tired.  But my heels stopped hurting and the balls of my feet ached especially the the left one that always seems to bother me. (It’s bunion related.) I think I was putting more pressure there to avoid the heel pain.

So I was now obviously starting the second loop of the course. Let me tell you, I noticed a lot of smaller hills that I did NOT notice the first time around. There were the same big hills as the first loop and I did the same – run, walk, run walk. The downhills were great but there always seemed to be another hill…the hills would not stop!!

Also I wore my new Garmin that I hadn’t worn since my last half marathon.  And the same thing happened.  It restarted at around mile 6 so it was no use.  I knew roughly where I was since there were clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k markers and I knew I was running at a slow pace – at what pace, I had no idea.  Good thing, this wasn’t a PR attempt. (Yes, I know that I should have tested it out before the race..)

Miles 10-12

11:40, 11:44, 11:04

Slow, slow, and even slower. I probably would  have run faster if I actually knew my pace.

I took one more Gu (chocolate peanut butter)…yuck!  Now I had a stomach ache for the rest of the race.  (More like a side stitch.)  But at least I never got my usual late mile back ache (Thanks Nike!)

After the second time up Harlem Hill, I told myself that it was almost over and then it was only 3 miles to the finish.  But it was the longest 3 miles ever and I walked more than I usually do in a half marathon. And not just the water stops.  Mile 11 felt 5 miles long (obviously, it was only 1 mile long). I just kept waiting for the 12-mile marker and it just wouldn’t come. I kept my spirits up by high-fiving every little kid that reached out on the sidelines. Thanks for the energy, kiddos!  The crowd support for the race was great.

Mile 13- 13.2:

11:01, ??

Finally, I was turning the corner to the last mile leg of the race and then the finish line was in sight.  I saw the clock in the distance and sprinted as fast as I could. I crossed around 2:23:xx which turned out to be 2:20:49 chip time. Not the time I am capable of but considering everything working against me, it was a solid effort and I was pleased.

I got my medal and my heat sheet. I didn’t really need a heat sheet because it was so nice out but took it as a souvenir and headed to find friends and food.

Post Race:

At the food area, there wasn’t much that interested me. I took a bagel and headed toward the band shell to wait for Sue and find Maureen and her daughters.

There were some food samples and a band playing.  I had some grapefruit juice and hung out as they announced the awards.  Deena Kastor won again with a 1:16:xx time.  Amazing!!

I kept texting Sue so we could meet up and to back to the hotel.  Well, it turned out that she didn’t bring her phone.  Duh?

But I did connect with one of the former STEM participants who had run the race. So happy to see her!!

Eventually, I left and took the subway solo back to the hotel.

After a long, hot shower, Sue and I went out for a delicious brunch before we took that long walk to the train station and headed back home..

yummy!!!

Additional race reflections:

The Good:

  • Organized packet pick-up.
  • Lots of porta potties at the start and throughout the course
  • Beautiful course through scenic Central Park
  • Lots of water stops (almost every mile) and all had Gatorade.
  • The runners and their contagious excitement.
  • Great crowd support along the course.
  • No major injuries (just the feet!)
  • Perfect weather.
  • Love my new running shoes.

The Bad:

  • Two Loops – just not a fan
  • The Hills.
  • No expo.
  • My skirt kept falling down.
  • My training was lacking.

The Ugly:

  • Cat and Harlem Hills and having to run up them TWICE

Would I recommend this race?

Yes, definitely.

Overall, I really loved this race. The course was beautiful yet challenging. The day was beautiful. The energy of the volunteers and all the women running was spectacular.

Final Stats:

out of 6,983 finishers

Next Up:

May 21 – Steel Rail Half Marathon in Adams, MA

So no break in my training,  This one will be flat and on the same course as the Ramblefest Half Marathon that I ran in October. I am looking forward to it.  A nice (but not too warm) day would be welcomed.

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

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite Half Marathon? Have you ever run the More/Shape Half?


 

 

 

 

 

 

by

Running Update: 4.24.17-4.30.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Our good weather continued for one more day. It was even warmer than Sunday. Tonight was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run and the plan called for 10 min. warm-up, 4-6 800m sprints at 5k pace, 400m recovery after each, cool down. The day after a 5k race plus 6 additional miles?  Could I do it?  Patrick allowed me to back off and do them at 10k pace.  I actually felt stronger after each one. My first and last were my fastest at 4:10. (He let us stop after 4 repeats. 🙂 )

4 tough miles

  • Tuesday – A nasty rainy day. My run got replaced by (indoor) tennis. It was fun since I hadn’t played in weeks and of course, we went out to dinner afterwards.
  • Wednesday – Another dreary day but the rain stopped by afternoon and it warmed right up. I managed to squeeze in a quick sweaty run before meeting my tennis friends for our monthly dinner out. (Unfortunately I had to skip my STEM volunteering.)

The first tulips I’ve seen

  • Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run on the Corning Bike Path since we hadn’t been there in ages. As usual it was a good one.

  • Friday – I decided to stop at the gym then stay home and pack for my weekend in NYC. (I even skipped mah jongg 😦 )
  • Saturday – I headed to NYC with fellow runner Sue. I only knew her a little but we got along great. (Runners always seem to.) After leaving our bags at our hotel, we headed to the expo to get our race packets, had lunch and then went back to our hotel to check into our room. Yes, we walked over 11 miles the day before our race on a very warm day. We carbloaded at a nice Italian restaurant with another local runner and her daughters. Eventually we returned to the hotel to try to get some sleep before rising early the next day.

  • Sunday – Today I ran the Women’s Shape Half Marathon in Central Park, NYC. It was tough. Maybe my toughest half. Those hills are no joke but I finished and had a fun day.

poor training, sore throat, aching feet, stomach cramp – nevertheless, she persisted!!

24. 6 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles)
  • Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
  • Wednesday – rest, fly to Florida
  • Thursday – Sunday – running, tennis, hanging out at the beach, dinner out and lots of fun.

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?

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