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TOLT: It’s Half Time, Vacation Time, etc.

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:

  • Half Time:

And I’m not talking about football. This weekend I am heading to NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon.

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I am, of course, weather stalking:

Glad the race isn’t Sat…

My preference would be weather like this past weekend – sunny and cool but as long as it doesn’t rain, I’ll be happy.

What to wear is pretty easy since I always wear a SkirtSports skirt and tank. I’m going purple for this race.

The logistics and weekend events are still up in the air and it’s Thursday.  I may be going and staying in a hotel room with two other women or maybe only one.  One is injured and can’t decide if she wants to walk or stay home.  We may be driving 1 1/2hrs and taking the train to the city or taking the train from Albany and taking the bus back.  I’m thinking the first option since it is cheaper.

We are staying in a hotel in Harlem on 124th St.  Tentative plans are drop off bags, bib pick up (57th), hotel check in, new Whitney museum (13th St) and dinner.  We are having dinner with another local runner.  There’s another STEM graduate who running the race.  I need to try to plan a meet-up with her as well as another blogger.

Race-cations are always exciting even if they are short.

  • Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge:

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This is the 7th year of this program and my third year participating. I signed up for the Advanced group again and we already had 6 weeks of training.  We have a great group of new and returning runners. I only go on Mondays but I actually like the speed drills this year.  They seem to be less painful than previous years (or maybe I’m just more relaxed and not trying to be the fastest.)

Patrick, who is young and cute, is still one of our coaches. He is constantly scolding me for not running as fast as he thinks I am able and mostly for racing every weekend.  However, I am able to ask him questions and he gives me useful advice (that I may or may not follow LOL).

  • Upcoming Florida Vacation:

With work and this weekend in NYC, I’m not ready.  We leave on a 6am flight next Wednesday.  I’m away this weekend, have my running group Monday evening and tennis Tuesday evening.  Yikes! When do I pack for 8 days away??

But looking forward to sunsets and fun times on the tennis courts and soaking up the sun on the beach.

If you know me, you know that although there are very few races this time of year in Florida, since we are there 2 weeks earlier than usual, I thought I’d take a look.

May 7 – 7:30 am

I found one – two loops around Old Naples.  We have tickets for a show the night before so I don’t know if I can talk someone with a car into getting up early to drive me.  We’ll see.

Happy Running! What’s new with you today? Tell me in the comments.

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Lake George 5k Race Recap

I signed up for this race on a whim. I mean, it’s the week before my half marathon and I should be tapering not racing.

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the day before the Lake George Half Marathon in 2011

I love Lake George. The half was my second half marathon ever (in the freezing rain!)

2nd

finishing the Lake George Half in 2011

They changed the sponsoring company of the race (from Dean Reinke to Stronger To Serve) so I decided to run the half marathon again last year with Barbara.

April 2016 – chilly in Lake George, NY

Anyway, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit with my Lake George friends after the race (or maybe even shop at the Outlets.)

with my friend Kathy last year

So this year, when I got a $10 off coupon in my e-mail, I said: “what the heck? why not run the 5k?” Plus you got the same medal, tee shirt and age group award as if you had run 13.1 miles (as Tom in the photo below reminded me.) I don’t know if that will be the same this year. The website indicates that it is a cotton tee for the 5kers and no medal. That is ok with me. (I have enough shirts and medals.)

I wasn’t sure if they changed the course from the 2013 course but I know it is hilly anywhere in Lake George. But it looks about the same on the website.

2013 course (Spoiler alert: not the 2017 course)

Again the dilemma of what to wear … some days it feels like spring, other days it feels like winter.

So left my house early (around 7:15 am) and it was chilly (37 degrees!!)!! I decided to wear something similar to last week (short sleeved shirt & DIY arm sleeves, skirt & compression socks) and hope for the best. I also wore a jacket that I planned to ditch but forgot my gloves at home.

When I arrived (around 8:15 am), I started by looking for parking in the hotel lot. (If it was full, I planned to check out the park or the village or my friends’ house.) I managed to find a spot and went to pick up my race packet and bib which was outside in back of the hotel.

Short sleeved tech shirt

 

yup, that’s the last part of the nasty gravel hill to the finish line

I was early so walked around for a while.  It was very sunny and there was no wind so the temps were warming up nicely.

I already took of my jacket and rolled down my sleeves

Then I went back to my car to put away my race shirt and I bumped into Judith who was running the half.

We hung out until it was time for her race to start.  I was able to watch the half marathoners start and finish their first mile before my race began.

there’s goes Judith on her way to a PR and 2nd place woman finisher

Most of the runners there were racing the half marathon so there was only a small crowd doing the 5K. Fifteen minutes after the half started, it was time for the 5k race.

The course that we ran was completely different from the one I had run a few years ago.  We actually ran the same course as the half but just turned around a lot sooner.

So we ran down Beach road for 1/2 mile and then circled a parking lot and returned and passe the start line.  This was my least favorite part because we had to run on the sidewalk (my ankle gets angry on sidewalks) but at least the view was nice.

The temperature was perfect for running.  It was probably in the high 40’s by the start.  I was comfortable in what I was wearing except for my hands which were cold. I didn’t feel like I was running fast but looking at my splits, it seems that I was for the first mile.  I’ve been trying to run by feel and not look at my watch during a race.

We continued along Beach Road past the tour boats and eventually turned right onto Canada Street (the main road of the town).

Canada Street was slightly uphill and we ran through town and then turned right onto 9N and ran uphill for another 1 1/2 miles until we had to turn around.  I was running slower due to the hill but didn’t feel the need to walk like I usually do.

behind those restaurants is the road in town

Finally we took a left onto Beach Road and then had turn right onto a narrow path and run uphill and then turn again onto to a gravel path. It was very hard to run uphill on loose stones. I slowed down to almost a walk but finally did sprint across the finish line.

I crossed at 27:53 and I was pleased with my effort.

I wasn’t tired, I didn’t push myself at all.  Maybe I could have PRed but I was planning to enjoy the race and then have enough energy to run more miles after. Mission accomplished.

As soon as you finished, they handed you your results and if you won an award, you got a glass. (But no medal as they gave last year for the 5k. Oh well.) No waiting around for awards.  No announcing of names and ages.

Yup, I won first in my age group.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:44
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 8:47
.15 – 9:24

I got some refreshments and then decided to run some miles on the nearby bike trail. I ran 2 miles (which was all uphill) and then turned around (That downhill was fun!).

The I went back to my car and drove about 30 minutes north to Bolton Landing (where we keep out boat and I do all my summer runs.)

Unfortunately, I was running out of time. I had made lunch plans.  So I ran in town and then over the bridge to the Sagamore Hotel and then back to my car. I only had time for 2 more miles.  My legs still felt strong but this would have to do for the day.

view from the bridge

So I changed my clothes (in my car) and rushed off to the restaurant.  Kathy & I  did a lot of catching up and had a scrumptious lunch with a view of the water.

I’m wearing my race shirt, of course

After lunch, we drove back into town and walked around for a while before we parted.

quiet day at our marina

I ended the day with some ice cream (why not?) and some retail therapy at the outlets (and I did not buy any running related items).

All in all, a perfect day

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

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?

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TOTR: April Report Card

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So spring finally did arrive. Although it did waver back and forth throughout most of the month.

Here’s how April turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Although we had quite a bit of rain. 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 ran at UAlbany (near work), at the Crossings, near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path.

The good news is that it stays light out longer so I don’t have to run in the dark and can run longer after work. Since the snow has melted, I also have more choices of places to run.

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

I continued to attend the Monday sessions of the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. Coach Patrick put us through those speed drills that I normally would never attempt on my own.

I also started my volunteering stint with the STEM runners this month. The clients run three time each week.  I attended two Wednesday sessions.  May will be our big month since the race is in early June.

Long Runs:

I will end the month with a half marathon and so I tried to squeeze in some miles on the weekends to prepare for it. There were no uninterrupted long runs so my training definitely was lacking.

Total Mileage:

I ran 102 miles this month. I am pleased since I increased my mileage from last month (thanks to running a half this month) and it’s my highest mileage in a long time.

April Miles

Races:

I had five races on my schedule this month – two 5ks, a 8k and a half marathon but I DNSed on one (a 5 miler)

I was sad that a backache forced me to DNS at the Delmar Dash (one of my favorite local races). However, I was generally happy with how the other races went. The Bacon Hill 5k was cold and windy which helped me run fast. The Code Blue race was quite hilly and my first 8k. I really enjoyed this race and did better than I expected. The Lake George 5k was also hilly but one of the most scenic places to run and I won my age group. The Shape Half was one of my toughest halfs to date but I finished so I was very pleased and the weekend in NYC was fun.

Did not expect any PRs and I didn’t get them.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but with work and other stuff, I only played once this month.

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week, though. I didn’t quite achieve that.

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall. Not everyday like I used. But more often since the weather has cooperated.

Other News:

I’ve gone out to dinner quite a few times with different friends (maybe too many times LOL). It seems to be how we make time to catch up when our lives are so busy. You have to eat, right?

I also got to hear the amazing Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speak.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is May 21 in Adams, Mass. It is flat and on the same course as my PR (Ramblefest in October).

My annual tennis vacation in Naples, Fla is coming up. Lots of girl-time scheduled.

And it’s my BIRTHDAY month!! (May 9)

I have quite a few races planned. My race season just kicked into high gear.

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

(tennis trip to Florida 5/3-5/10)

  • 5-6-17 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)?
  • 5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
  • 5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K?
  • 5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5m)
  • 5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon
  • 6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
  • 6-11-17 – Run for Hope (volunteer with STEM) or Betar Byway 5k & Moreau Mile??
  • 6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k* or Good Karma 5k*??
  • 6-25-17 – Adirondack Distance Run

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

Deb Runs

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 an A-. I think that I improved from last month – more miles, some drills, some gym time. Still room to grow.

What do you think?

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

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Running Update: 4.17.17-4.23.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Today was a hellish day. A good friend’s 23 year son took his own life and I went to a memorial service.  Then my MIL had a mini stroke and ended up in the hospital. Thank God, it was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run and I could clear my head with a run and friends. The plan tonight was warm-up, 6-8 400m sprints at 5k pace, 200m recovery, cool down.  The weather was perfect though a little too windy.  Patrick said I got the consistently award for running all 6 sprints at 1:53 (We quit after 6 repeats.)

notice that our coach is wearing Skirt Sports.

Afterwards I met my BFF at the mall for a walk and a chat.

  • Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I ran  some miles at UAlbany. Another perfect weather day.

  • Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work, followed by a stop at the gym after work.

It was also my day for volunteering with the STEM runners –  Couch to 5k and being week 2 and day 2, we only ran for 1 1/2 minutes and walked for 2 minutes. It was fun and so rewarding to work with these new runners even in the damp cold drizzling weather.

  • Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run on the Nisky Bike Path since Alyssa had the day off and lives nearby.  I joined her for the first 6 of her 13 mile run. Another run trying to beat the rain. And we did.

  • Friday – I had planned a quick run before mah jongg but it was raining so I went to the gym to use the machines instead. Of course, the rain had stopped by the time I was done but I lost my mojo.
  • Saturday – A scheduled rest day. I got a lot done around the house. Then I went to the movies with friends…

it was excellent!!

followed by dinner out.

  • Sunday – Today I ran the Lake George 5k.  I’ve run it before so the uphill was no surprise. The weather couldn’t have been nicer. The race felt effortless and I even won my age group.

Not a PR but a decent 27:53 finish

Afterward, I ran 4 more miles on a nearby bike path …

Uphill on the way out but a delightful downhill back

and then drove up to our marina and ran 2 more miles. I felt strong enough to run more but I had plans for lunch with a friend.

Mimosa and feta shrimp tomato omelet with corn bread & fresh fruit salad

 1 more week to go!! Taper time!

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles),
  • Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
  • Wednesday – gym, STEM group run (week 3 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
  • Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – drive/train to NYC, packet pick up, etc.
  • Sunday – Shape Women’s 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? How is your running weather?

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TOTR: Foolish Running Mistakes

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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Foolish Running Mistakes

I could write the book on these. So here’s just of few of my big goofs:

  • Running without my phone.

I’ve only done it on rare occasions but I couldn’t have died on that frigid day when I fell and broke my ankle. I’ll never do it again!! You never know what may happen when you are out on a run.

before the fall

  • A Long Run Without Fuel

I’m one of those runners who needs to eat before, during and after my runs if they are longer than 4 miles. I’ve had a few miserable ones where I left my Gu in my car and one that I can remember where it must of fallen out of my pockets.

  • Over-Dressed for a Run or Race

I would rather be cold than hot when I run.  If I am cold, I just run faster.  Being overdressed makes me grumpy and nauseous.

having my jacket tied around my waist makes me annoyed too…

  • Running Fast on a Trail

It’s pretty obvious that you have to run slower when there is loose dirt and rocks.  I discovered that the hard way this past weekend.

not happy but all bandaged up

  • Not Charging Your Watch Before a Race

Yup, I’ve run several races where I had no idea what mile I was on nor my pace.  The first inconvenience bothered me the most.  It influenced fueling as well as my finish time.

a naked half marathon. I felt like the runner next to me.

  • Poor Pre-Race Meal Choice

At home, I’m ok.  But when I am traveling especially if I am staying with someone who is cooking for me, it’s often difficult to eat the right thing. Of course, then you pay during the race.

That face may be been from my upset stomach, the first 3 miles (spicy rice & beans the night before)

  • Blisters or Chafing from Clothing or Shoes in a Race

We all know not to wear new items of clothing or new shoes in a race.  I am pretty good about it or maybe it’s that I have been lucky in that area.  But I have run without the proper moleskin protecting my feet.  The results were not pretty.

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! What running mistakes have you made?  Any of the same ones as I have?  Do you learn from your mistakes or do you repeat some them?

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Code Blue 8K Race Recap


I could have taken the weekend off and have done my 12 mile long run.  I also could have run an easy 4 mile race that I have done before.

But no. I like a challenge so I signed up for this race.  All I knew was what it said on the website:

This challenging course is intended for competitive participants. The course is front and back loaded with rolling hills as it winds through Saratoga’s east side, it evens out with just over 5K left as you approach the City’s beautiful Spring Run Trail and finishes back at High Rock Pavilion.

Here’s the Course map:

and the Elevation:

Yeah, right.  Perfect for a runner who hates hills.

I told myself that it wouldn’t kill me (and hopefully not injure me) and I would be better prepared for hilly Central Park in two weeks.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… And with quite a few women over 60 entered in this race, this one also wouldn’t tempt me to run for an award (and it was a medal of which I had enough…now if it were food, a different story.)

The plan was to take it slow. I’ve never run an 8k so an automatic PR, right?

How far is an 8K, anyway?

Well at least it was less windy than last weekend and this race was a little closer to my house (about 45 min.)

Again I tried to wear spring running clothes.  I was determined to pretend that it is warm enough. (It was near 80 this past week.)

Well, when I arrived, it was in the 30’s so very chilly. I wore a shirt under my long-sleeved shirt, had gloves and a jacket. But there was no wind and it was sunny. That would make a huge difference over last weekend.

I got there pretty early, found parking in the hotel parking lot and went inside the hotel to pick up my race packet. (Real bathrooms, yay!)

short-sleeved tech shirt but it is uni-sex so too big 😦

I went back to my car to stay warm. At the last minute, I decided to shed my jacket and walked to the starting line down the street in front of the Farmer’s Market location.

In honor of the race’s charity (Code Blue Saratoga offers emergency shelter to individuals who are street homeless or might otherwise remain unsheltered during nights of extreme cold and heavy snow), I did wear blue.

I also bumped into some familiar faces from previous races but not as many as usual because this race was far from where I live (and many of my friends were running the local Rabbit Ramble race.)

My friend Tom (4th from left) was running with this group

I did eventually find Judith and we started together as we did last weekend.

I was warned about the hills in this race plus I didn’t want a repeat of last weekend’s performance (no energy for my extra post-race miles.)

I made a conscious effort to run the first mile slow.  After that I didn’t have to try since there would be numerous water stops and several steep hills to slow me down.

photo from the Daily Gazette

As soon as we started, I lost Judith in the dust.  That was expected.  She is super speedy. We started with a slight uphill but nothing steep.  I’ve become lackadaisical about my running, I think.  I never double-knotted my shoes and even before we finished the first mile, one came untied and so I stopped and re-tied both of them.

Mile 2 arrived with our first big hill.  I managed to shuffle my way up it without walking.  The rest of the race continued with uphills and down hills.  There were many twists and turns which made it interesting.

Toward the end of mile 3, we ran on a paved bike trail and then one more hill before we ended up right where we started.

photo from the Daily Gazette

There were many water stops and I quickly stopped at a few but the amazing part was that I ran up all the hills (a first, I think for me).  And I had a lot of energy during the last mile.

So it turns out that an 8k is almost 5 miles.

I didn’t look at my Garmin at all during the race so I was surprised that it was almost 45:XX when I saw the finish line.

Official stats say, I crossed at 46:26 (but my Garmin says 46:01).   I was happy.  It was much faster than I expected especially since I was trying to run slow.

I quickly made a beeline for the food. There was the usual energy bars, bagels and fruit but also rice and beans and chocolate milk (I had 2 of each).

Judith and I hung out waiting for the awards. She won 2nd but I was 4th. I guess  you can’t always win (besides it was just a medal.)

I was too sweaty to wear my long-sleeved shirt

 

some speedy old ladies that I don’t recognize

This race is definitely on my to-do list.  I enjoyed the challenge of the hills (and they’re weren’t as bad as I feared).  I liked the variety of the course, as well.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:08 (much slower than last week’s 8:30)
mile 2 – 9:22
mile 3 – 9:29
mile 4 – 9:38 (positive splits 😦 )
mile 5 – 9:14  (better!)

46:01 (Garmin time)  My most recent 5 mile race time was 46:10 and my PR is 45:26 (on a flat course)

Of course, after a race, no one wants to go back out there and run 7 more miles.  But I was determined to get the miles in.  My run was so horrible last weekend that I did not have high hopes for this week’s.

After a long chat with Judith, she recommended that I run at Saratoga Spa State Park. So I headed there.

I parked by the Gideon Putnam hotel so it would be easy to find my car again.  It’s a big park and I don’t know it well.

My plan was to run 7 miles.  I stumbled upon a 5 mile trail and decided to run that first.  It was really nice and I tried to follow the red signs so I wouldn’t get lost.

Around two miles in, I took a detour because I saw an interesting spring and another trail.

Well, I got too cocky with the trail running and down I went…HARD.  Lots of folks around the spring offered their help.  I was bleeding badly and it covered my nice white socks.  But I fell right near the fountain from the spring.  I rinsed my knee and my socks.  A nice passer-by gave my tissues and another band-aids.  So I was good to continue my run.  Even if I couldn’t, I still had to get back to my car.

I went back the original trail and tried to continue but somehow, I never got to 5 miles.  Only 3.  But I decided to stop in the park office since I was still bleeding and the band-aids were not doing their job.  They gave me alcohol to sterilize my wounds and more band-aids.

and I’m ready to run

I wasn’t lethargic like last week but it was getting rather warm and my leg was still bleeding so I continued running on the park roads, the bike path and made a loop back for only another 3 miles.

So not the 7 miles that I planned but considering the circumstances, I was happy to have 11 (interrupted) miles on my legs. (I WILL NEVER DO A TRAIL RACE!!)

After a nice long shower, I got my nails done, went grocery shopping, had dinner and then went out for drink and dessert with a friend.

I think this is appropriate for the day 🙂

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? Any running or racing? Ever run an 8K?  Anyone combine their long runs with a short race? Have you ever fallen while running on a trail?

 

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Friday Five 2.0: Spring Running

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 Spring Running.

This is what spring running means to me:

1. Dry Places to Run

Yes to No Ice, No Snow, No Mud….

2. Pretty Scenery

Yes to Green Leaves and Colorful Flowers

3. No More Tights, Capris, Gloves and Jackets

Yes to Skirts, Tanks, and Baseball Caps…

4. Long Races Out of Town and Short Races in Town

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Freihofer's Run for Women 5K

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5. Running Groups

I am part of the Freihofer Training Challenge Group.  I run with them every Monday.

last year’s group photo at the race – there are several group that run in different locations and times.

I also volunteer with the STEM program on Wednesdays.

we follow the Couch to 5k program and train victims of Domestic Violence to complete a 5k.

Happy Running! What does spring running mean to  you? Please share.

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TOTR: Remembering 2013

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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Boston

No, I have never run the Boston marathon but every year at this time, I think back to that terrifying year – 2013.

This is what I posted on my blog then:

April 16, 2013

pray for bostonI already posted today but Boston is the only thing I have been thinking about since yesterday afternoon.

As a runner, it is always so exciting to follow the race and listen to the enthusiasm of those before the race and stories when they return.

This year was no different.

Yes, I knew runners that were running it (from blogs and from races).

Race for the Cure 09

me & Colleen at the Race for the Cure 2009

I work with Colleen and we started running at the same time. We ran several 5ks together and chatted about running whenever we saw each other. She is a natural runner. After I started running half marathons in 2011, she joined a running group and ran a 15k and then a marathon.

Colleen running her 1st marathon

Colleen running her 1st marathon

Last October, she ran her 2nd marathon and BQed. She was in Boston yesterday running the marathon.

I'm in the blue windbreaker.

SRM running Group with Melissa (2nd from right) – March 2010

I met Melissa when I was part of a beginning runners’ group in 2010. She had just had a baby and was returning to running. I have since seen her at many races. She has quickly gotten back her running form and has run everything from 5ks to marathons. Her goal is to BQ and I am sure she will. She was at the Boston Marathon with her family cheering on local runners.

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Melissa & her daughter at the marathon

Here is a FB comment from one of our group who ran the race: “…I did not finish. I saw the 1st explosion and then was directly across from the 2nd one. So I ran away from the craziness….”

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Sisters Laura & Michelle at the 2011 Boston Marathon

When I was teaching French, I taught Laura & Michelle. They were two of my best students. Michelle was and is a runner. I see her at local races. She ran Boston last year and was running it again this year.

Thankfully everyone I knew and runners that my friends knew are fine!!!

There are no words to explain the horror of this event! 27,000 runners were there. Probably 100,000 spectators. As a runner, I know how hard it is to qualify, what it means to compete in a race, what is means to finish a race. This was taken away from about 9,000 runners. Even the ones who did finish, this senseless tragedy has taken all the joy away and has left them with memories of fatalities and injury and fear!

Here are 2 stories that I recommend reading:

I am a runner. I am not a fast runner. I will probably never run a marathon. Hence, I will never qualify for Boston. But I am a runner.

I am wearing an "I Run" necklace

Today I am wearing blue and gold. I played tennis last night & will play tonight so I had not planned to run. But I will run 2.62 miles on the treadmill at lunch in honor of the victims in Boston.

2.62 on the TM

2.62 on the TM

I will wear my half marathon race shirt when I play tennis tonight.

I will also dedicate my 5k race on Sunday to Boston and wear the cap above.

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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

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Happy Running! Did you ever run the Boston Marathon? Did you know anyone who was there in 2013? Do you hope to BQ?

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Running Update: 4.3.17-4.9.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Tonight was the third Freihofer Challenge Group run. We ran 4 miles with 5 one minute strides in the mix. Holy Moley! My legs did not like that. But my back pain is gone. Go figure.

snow has washed away. and yes they make us stretch after.

  • Tuesday – A rainy day but a rest day. After work, I went to hear Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor speak.  What an amazing lady!!

She walked through the audience as she spoke and she shook my hand. Everyone got a free copy of her book too.

  • Wednesday – A nice running day so Alyssa and I met again at the Crossings for a run.

  • Thursday – Another rainy day. I bailed on my run but went to the gym instead.

Machines and the bike. No treadmill!

  • Friday – A scheduled rest day and a stressful day at work followed by an evening with the mah jongg ladies.
  • Saturday – Today I ran the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k. It was so so windy and cold or at least it felt that way. But I ran a decent race and won my age group.

27.32 and I walked during the last mile.

I was too cold to run more so I left and then changed my mind and stopped at the Zim Smith Trail. My legs were tired and it was one of my worst long runs. I walked. A lot.  And finally gave up after 7 pathetic miles.

The sun came out when I was almost done but it was still cold and windy

  • Sunday – Rest day #4 but a busy day. I even managed to get to the gym for the 2nd time this week.

 3 more weeks to go!!

20 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles), Mah jongg Seder
  • Tuesday – 4 miles
  • Wednesday – rest day, gym, STEM group run (week 1, day 2 of Couch to 5k)
  • Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
  • Friday – rest day, hair appt, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Code Blue 8K race + 7 more
  • Sunday – rest day, gym?, TAXES!!

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? How is your running weather?

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2017 Bacon Hill Bonanza Recap

April 8, 2017- Start: 10 am

Every year, I plan to sign up for the 10k and then I chicken out.

10 K

I know that the hills would be good training for runing a half marathon in Central Park but… the 5k is an out and back and mostly flat.

5k – not as flat as it looks

So I changed my mind and registered for the 5k and then planned to run 8 hilly miles after.

I ran this race for the past three years and loved it. They had great food – the usual food but also chili and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

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And there was chocolate milk, fresh from the dairy.

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Plus, I won a homemade apple pie as first in my age group for the past three years. 28:56, 28:01, 27:54. Yes, it seems that I am getting faster but not sure about this year??? Lately I don’t feel very fast.

The race started at 10 am which was good since it would be an hour drive from my house.

Again the weather was tricky. What to wear? I was brave the first two years and wore a skirt, a baseball cap and no gloves. It is April, right? Then last year, it was cold and I resorted to capris and a warmer hat.

This year I decided to go back to the skirt. Although it was chilly (30s) in the morning, I hoped that it would warm up by the time I raced (and after). But I did bring along gloves, capris and a jacket.  (Spoiler alert: it did NOT warm up.)

I got to the race early and found a parking spot in a (muddy) field next to the church. The race started at the church in the town of Bacon Hill, a small farming town with awesome scenery. (It reminded me of Vermont.)

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these pics are from other years…everything still looked the same)

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It was chillier than I thought. It was in the 30s and high 20s with the windchill. Brrrr!! And it was cloudy!!! I quickly put on my capris under my skirt, my jacket, gloves and I wished that I had a hat that covered my ears and a turtle neck. I was COLD!!!!!!!!!

long sleeve women shirt

I wasn’t sure that I would know anyone at this race since Holly who was in the Turkey Trot training group and now the FRW training group said that she had to work this year and couldn’t race. And many of the locals were running Dodge the Deer today.

So I stayed in car to keep warm until almost the last minute.

On my way to the start, I bumped into Elsa, an SRM and we chatted but she was running the 10k so I proceeded to the start line alone.  Then I saw blogger, Judith (a recent BQer) so I lined up with her.

At the last minute, I decided to shred my jacket. I kept on my gloves and shivered.

Soon it was time for the race to start. The pastor read a prayer, the church bells rang and we were off.

The 5k was an out and back. The 10k veered to the right and supposed had hills and breath taking views.

I decided to go out fast. I always have positive splits so why try not to. It isn’t as flat as the map shows. The hills are rolling throughout but not that bad. Even I could run up them.

I loved all the signs along the route.

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This one as my favorite:14002247934_c17e330207_z

The wind was a killer. I was freezing. There were volunteers on the course calling out times. I occasionally glanced down at my Garmin to make sure I was running in the low 9’s. My biggest mistake was running the first mile in the 8’s!!!

Eventually we turned around and headed back… The wind had calmed down and I was actually very comfortable.

I stopped for water and walked for a little bit. Not because I was thirsty but because I was was out of breath. I never seemed to get into my groove. I guess I need to do some speed drills, Patrick.

I thought I had gotten a second wind but then again, I was winded. I even walked close to the end so that I could at least sprint through the finish line.

I knew at this point, there would be no PR. That was fine because I wasn’t expecting one.

the finish line is right next to the cemetery

As I approached the finish line, I realized that I could still finish under 28 minutes and I did! I crossed at 27:30 (according to my Garmin)!! And I was pleased.

I grabbed my jacket, put up my hood and immediately made a bee line for the chocolate milk. Boy, was it good. I had at least 2 cups.

They had the same great food (chili, muffins, cookies, fruit) as last year but no vegetarian dish and no pizza. I had some cookies, chili and a corn muffin.

I hung around waiting for the 10kers to finish though I was sooooo cold .

Elsa smiling but not happy about all those hills

Finally they posted the results…Mine was listed as 27:32 and I was first my age group.

Last year, it was so cold that they let you just get your award and leave but this year, we had to wait and they announced them one by one.  Brrrr…

I waited with Sue (my roommate for the Shape Half in NYC) since she was winning one for the 10K.

And I won a pie again!!!

it’s homemade and delish!

 

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:34
mile 2 – 9:01
mile 3 – 9:01
.14 – 8:09
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27:30 (Garmin time)

All in all, I loved this race. I will definitely do it again…maybe even the 10K someday. I was happy with my time. I didn’t go all out but I did beat my time for this course from the last three years. Hooray for a course PR.

I put the pie in my car and contemplated my planned 8 additional miles.  The scenery is beautiful.

2016 pic

But I was just too cold. It was still in the 30s, windy and cloudy. So I left.  I had several offers for running partners on Sunday and the weather was predicted to be sunny and in the 60s.

As I drove south, the temps seemed to rise. It was now in the 40’s and it looked like the sun may come out so I stopped at the Zim Smith Trail to get my long run for the day over with.

Well, to make a long story short, it was one of my worst long runs ever.  After 2 miles, my legs wanted to be done. It was not warm. It was windy and the sun didn’t come out until I was almost done.  But I am stubborn and just ran a little, walked a little and didn’t quit until I had finished 7 miles.  The plan was for 8 but it wasn’t going to happen today. The good news: Nothing hurt – not my back, not my feet, nada.

Scenes from my post-race run:

When I was done, I was so annoyed that I only grabbed a chocolate milk at Leah’s Cakery.

Why did my long run suck?

I run better with company.  It keeps me going.  Also I was probably tired from the 3 miles at race pace beforehand. Do I regret running the 5k first?  Not at all.  I have the same plan for every weekend.  A race and miles after.  My next half marathon is not a goal race.  It’s is just for fun.

After a long soak in the hot tub, I was revived enough to go out to dinner and drinks with my hubby.

I am 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! Did you run or race this weekend? Do you have spring weather yet?

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