September 19, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Finally some nice running weather. I ran after work run and followed it with a short trip to the gym

like my matchng socks?

Tuesday – Just a rest day with a walk with BFF at the mall

Wednesday – ran with Natalie (our first time running together) before my first STEM running session as a volunteer this season. It was exciting to meet the new runners and new volunteers.

Thursday – met Alyssa for my last run before the half. We decided to run in Washington Park which I used to run in all the time when I worked nearby.

we ran by the new mobile Vietnam Wall

Unfortunately. I tripped during that run and went down pretty hard in my shoulder and both knees. Lots of blood (Oh and I was wearing white running shoes) and soreness. But I washed myself off and we continued 2 more miles. Then I bought some antiseptic and bandages and went to the movies with a friend.

good & very true to the book

Friday – Pretty sore and banged up. Luckily it was my rest day anyway. Played mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Lots of errands and doing stuff around the house. Did managed to meet a friend in Saratoga and pick up my racket packet.

Sunday – Ran my 21st Half Marathon – the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon. The predicted heavy rain held off, only had light rain on and off which helped with the humidity. This is a very popular local race so I saw so many runners that I knew. It wasn’t a PR and I wasn’t trying for one. But if I didn’t have a nose bleed from miles 10-12, I might have come closer.

2:11:56 – 3rd in my age group

24.7 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Turkey Trot Training group run (3 slow miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run with a friend + volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 4 mile run with a friend, dinner out with a friend
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – LSAT proctoring, LSD? or
Sunday – 5K race + more miles?? or boating

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

September 14, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Teach

Deb Runs

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s word is:

I’ve been a Teacher my whole adult life.

I’ve taught high school French. Then I taught K-12 teachers how to use technology in the class room. After that, I taught law school professors how to use various technology tools. Now in career #4, I am to learning so I can teach CPS caseworkers how to use a required a software-application in their job.

I have also been a Student.

Running has been my Teacher for the past few years.

What has running taught me??

Who would have imagined that a clumsy lady in her 60’s could run 13.1 miles!!

sshm5

I have run in monsoon rains, sweltering heat and with broken bones. I have learned to never quit!

first half after left ankle surgery & right foot stress fracture – pretty painful

Some of my proudest moments are my slowest races. Because I finished! I learned that in those difficult races, finishing=winning.

finished that cancelled VCM relay

4. Image result for age is only a number

When I run and I don’t notice the wrinkles, bags under my eyes and the sagging skin. I feel younger than ever. I credit running.

untitled

Since I started running, I have done things I would have never attempted before. I’ve taken race-cations alone. I started hiking and done most of my hikes solo. Running has made me a more confident person. I have learned that life is short and to take some risks.

race-cation in Brooklyn

It’s not about pace with you run with a friend. It’s about sharing your common interest – running. I have learned that running with friends even if they are faster or slower is always more enjoyable than running alone.

with Alyssa

Happy Running! What has running taught you?

September 13, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Post Race Rituals

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

This week’s topic is Post Race Rewards/Rituals:

Here are my top 3:

Food

Chocolate Milk is my favorite post race reward. Next comes Bagels, Danishes, Donuts or some kind of Carb. Finally, there can be Fruit such as Bananas. (Of course, pizza and ice cream would be great but you don’t see them too often.)

Now this is perfect!

Results and Awards

with Holly & Jackie from the training groups

Of course, I always check the race results. Then I’ll wait for awards if I think I or a friend is getting one. Lately it’s been ME!!

Run More

Usually my races (except for half marathons) are part of a long training run so I either stay and run some more miles there OR drive to another location.

: Sept 10

Happy Running! What do you usually do after a race?

September 12, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – It was a holiday and I signed up at the last minute for a 5K race. Not my best nor my worst. Scored 1st in my age group and met up with a lot of runners that I knew. But missed a day on the lake. Can’t have it all.

Tuesday – I took a trip to NYC because my friend Anna (from Russia) was going to be there (on her way back from a Maine wedding). Unfortunately the early trains were sold out so I took the bus and arrived around 1:30 pm. We walked to Pier 81 and had lunch on the North River Lobster Boat. Then we walked on the High Line and ended the day with drinks and crepes on the rooftop of the Standard Hotel. The weather was windy, cloudy and drizzly but still a wonderful day.

Since I saw her 3 years ago, she has taken up running. So proud!!

Wednesday -First day on the new job. Took a walk to Starbucks at lunch. (Yes I work near Starbucks again!!) Both Alyssa and Barbara had to cancel so I had to go it alone after work at UAlbany. It seemed that summer’s humidity had returned. Ugh!!

Thursday – Today was even hotter and more humid than yesterday. Another solo run on the rail trail.

Friday – a real rest day. I was supposed to meet a friend at the gym and I didn’t even do that. Mah jongg with my friends in the evening was fun.

Saturday – 5K race and then some miles afterward. The race was good. Actually one of my fastest this year and won 2nd in my age group. The run afterward was a struggle. I had to bribe myself with food.

won a bottle of champagne & a $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant

it wasn’t pretty but got it done and my reward was delish

Sunday – Spent a perfect day on the lake. It was sunny, not too warm with a breeze. None of our friends were around so we docked on an island, had champagne (the bottle that I won at my race the day before) with our lunch, I read a book and then went for a hike.

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run, gym, dinner out
Tuesday – rest, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 mile run with a friend+ volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 4 mile run with a friend
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday – Saratoga Palio 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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

September 10, 2016 by Darlene

Malta 5K Race Recap

This race is one of my favorites. Not because the director, Paul Loomis, reads my blog or that my stepson works at Global Foundaries, one of the sponsors of the race. But because of the easy parking, indoor restrooms, post race chocolate milk, generous age group awards, lots of familiar faces to run with and its flawless organization. For these reasons and more, I keep coming back.

This was my 5th time running this 5k. So you can say that I was familiar with this course.

The course itself is not very exciting…you are running around chip plants but the loops let you see the fast runners and all those runners that are behind you twice during the race. And though there are a few uphills and downhills, it’s basically flat so no complaints.

In 2012, I finished in 29:53 (recovering from a broken ankle). In 2013, I finished in 29:49 (recovering from a broken foot). In 2014, I was healthy and finished 3rd in my AG with a time of 28:47.

getting my award from Paul Loomis

Last year, also healthy, I finished in 28:56 and 4th in my age group. But like this year, I was training for a half marathon. Running slow long runs doesn’t help my 5k times.

So my hope for the race this year was to get my splits in the 9s and finish under 30 minutes and have enough in the tank to run 5-7 more miles after the race. (My half marathon is only ONE week away!!!)

Winning an age group award would be gravy!!

The forecast was for cooler weather and possibly rain. However, it was 70 when I left my house at 6:45 am and already pretty humid.

I got there early to get parking and did get a spot in the parking lot right near the finish line. This race seems to get bigger each year. There were over 800 total racers.

a nice long sleeved tech shirt

As I mentioned, it is very well-organized – signs for the race, indoor bathrooms and waiting area, etc.

I immediately bumped into some older ladies that I haven’t in a while. Then I saw Holly, a friend from previous races and the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s training group. I was surprised because she said was going to do the Dunkin Run. I was happy to see her … sort of. But she is in my age group and usually faster than me (except for the last 5k) and you know how competitive I am…

Then I ran into these older guys and we hung out until it was time to head to the start.

Richard (84) & Paul (67)

I was hoping that they would have net times this year but I they did not. So Holly, Gary and I started near the front but not too close to the speedsters.

The race started and Holly took off. I knew that I couldn’t keep up with her but I tried to keep her in my sight for as long as I could. A very similar pattern to last week.

I was able to follow Paul more closely. He was my unofficial pacer.

My first mile is always my fastest. I don’t try to go out fast but it always turns out that way. And every time, I can’t keep up so I slow down and walk. You think I would learn how to run a race with negative splits or not walk during a 5k.

Anyway, back to the race…There were 2 turn arounds so you got to see the faster and slower runners. It was amazing to see how fast the leaders were running – 3 runners finished with a pace under 5 minutes.

The first water stop was around mile 1.5 and I couldn’t wait to walk. I walked briefly. Around mile 2, I caught up to Holly and Paul but then you passed the same water stop around mile 2.5. At that water stop I walked even longer and Paul and Holly pulled ahead again.

But the walking gave my energy that I needed to finish strong. I was determined to break 29 minutes. I even at the last minute passed Holly (but not Paul). And I crossed at 27:30!!! (over a minute faster than my last 5k! Woo Hoo!)

Holly reminded me that last week, I beat her by 15 seconds and this week only 3!! However, I know soon, she will be back to beating me!!

We went inside to get some chocolate milk, fruit & bagels and chatted while waiting for the results.

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Holly is in the green top next to me

And we both won an awards. I got 2nd and Holly got 3rd!!

malta5k

Bonus – they started the awards with the oldies! That was great as I needed to leave and get my extra miles done!

This year, everyone got a small bottle of champagne and a gift card to a restaurant. Mine was to the Recovery Room and for $50. (I wonder how much first place got? Something to shoot for next year.)

Race Splits: (positive, as usual)
mile 1 – 8:46
mile 2 – 8:56
mile 3 – 9:01
.14 – 7:28

Garmin time: 27:27

found these signs all along the Zim Smith trail

The predicted rain never arrived and it was getting warmer with the sun even peeking out. I drove one exit south to the Zim Smith Bike Path and parked at Leah’s Cakery. (And yes, they were open!!)

I had planned to run 7 more miles. My legs were dead and they didn’t want to move but I was determined even if I walked a lot to get it done.

I went out 1.75 miles in one direction and returned to my car for water and then the same in the other direction. I was dragging. My pace was slow. I was sweating profusely and I walked frequently but I survived.

My reward was spinach mushroom quiche. And then coffee with peach cheese crumb pie. The best pie ever!!!

perfect, right?

Believe it or not, I stopped at the grocery store, library, bank, etc. on the way home. My legs will be mad at me tomorrow!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Anything exciting like a race perhaps?

September 6, 2016 by Darlene

Sefcu 5K Race Recap & TOTR

Hundreds of runners and walkers participated in the 27th annual ...

Last year’s pic from the Gazette

I had no intention of running this race. But FOMO got to me and it was only $15 so I signed up.

I had to run today anyway so now I would have company. After having run 12 miles on Saturday and having another 5k this Saturday, I had no plans to do anything but run.

Since I am usually on Lake George for the holiday (and I did spend the whole day there on Sunday), the only time I ran this race was in 2008, my first year running. My time was a not very impressive 33:03. So I thought that at least I could have a course PR for the day.

I am familiar with part of this course having trained for the Turkey Troy Trot on it and many of the HMRRC Winter Series races are also run here.

All I can say is that it is a boring course. You don’t run it for the scenery. It’s just office buildings and parking lots with a view of the highway.

photo from the Gazette 2015

I spent Sunday like this:

After a long day in the sun, dinner out and fireworks on the lake, I didn’t get home until 11:30 pm. And believe me, I was regretting my decision to run this race knowing all our friends would be out on the lake the next day.

But I dragged myself out of bed and drove to the race which was only 15 minutes away. I immediately ran into Holly, my friend Tom, a former student and so many more runners whom I knew.

I hung around talking to people that I hadn’t seen in a while.

another cotton shirt – ugh!

Many runners were doing their warm-up runs but I just walked around (my pre-race warm-up).

Soon it was time to begin (and I noticed the battery was low on my Garmin but it did last the 3.1 miles 🙂 ) and I lined up with Holly and Jackie (from the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s running groups).

Holly who is in my age group and faster than me, took off and vanished. I tried to start at a decent pace but my legs felt like lead from my 12 miles 2 days before.

The course, though boring, is fairly flat – just some uphills and downhills but nothing challenging.

Though it was perfect running in temps (in the 60’s), the sun was very strong and I was HOT. I willed myself not to walk until the first water stop a little past the 1 mile mark. It helped but I still felt like I was running a lot slower.

I walked again at the second water stop for an even longer time – but it was needed. I wanted to finish strong but I was dragging.

All of sudden, I saw Holly. She had slowed down and I was able to pass her in the last half mile.

Eventually, I approached the finish line with not much left but I gave it my best shot and a even passed a guy at the last minute.

28:34 officially. A minute slower than my last 5k which I thought was a disaster. Still a course PR and lots of runners to chat with while waiting for the awards.

sefcu5k

And I won 1st in my age group, Holly second and Jackie third (in a younger age group).

I guess it pays to be old – this my fourth age group 1st place win in a row.

I was having FOMO looking at the FB pictures of my friends and hubby picnicking on Lake George but I am happy with my race.

Splits:

mile 1: 8:50
mile 2: 9:06
mile 3: 9:39
.14: 7:59

28:30 (Garmin time)

Since it Tuesday and it a “free” topic day, I’m linking up with

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

Happy Running!

September 5, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. I started later than I should have. I drove to run on the Zim Smith Bike Path because I love to have a post run treat at Leah’s Cakery. Well, it is closed on Mondays. 😦 So it was hot, I was tired from the weekend and the run was pretty awful.

But I got it done and found a great place to eat afterwards only 3.5 miles away.

best apple pie!

YAY! Done!

I went to a STEM (training domestic violence survivors for a 5k) training/meeting in the evening at FleetFeet and I am excited that my volunteering starts Sept 12.

Tuesday – Decided to rest and skip my AM tennis. Got my nails done, played tennis in the evening and then went out to dinner (to celebrate the end of our summer Tuesday tennis).

Wednesday -The tennis round robin got cancelled so I went to the gym.

Ran with Alyssa in the evening. She had to get home so we had to rush. It meant that we were done before the rain (But boy was it humid!!)

Thursday – I played tennis in the am. Met Barbara for a run at UAlbany. Another friend was supposed to come along but we confused the times. It was a decent run since the temps have cooled down.

Afterwards I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Friday – I went to the gym in the am and then mah jongg in the evening. Enjoyed my last day of leisure!!

Saturday – My second long run this week and I really didn’t want to do it. So I took a new route … The unpaved part of the rail trail. It was a nice route and I can’t wait until they pave it.

Then my friend and I decided to go up to the Saratoga track for a few races (It closes this weekend) and then go to the casino.

showing my $40 winning ticket – won 4 out of 5 races so a very good day!! was not lucky at the casino

Sunday – I got up very early to head up to the lake. It’s the annual Christmas party and the bay gets crowded early. Lots of boats, food, entertainment and FUN!! The weather was absolutely perfect.

The day ended with dinner out and fireworks over the lake.

30 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 5K race
Tuesday – NYC!!
Wednesday – First day of my new job, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – Work, 3 mile run with a friend, hubby’s tennis party?
Friday – Work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 5-7 more miles
Sunday – boating

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

September 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: August Recap

Image result for august

Wow, the summer is flying by… Pumpkin lattes will be here before you know it…

So here’s how August went…

Weekday Runs:

Like July, August was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain. I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were mostly slow sweaty ones.

Because I was not working, I was able to run wherever. I was not forced to run near home or near work. So I tried to do my runs in many different places – Chestertown, Crossings, Corning Trail, Colonie Town Park, Nisky Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Rail Trail, UAlbany, etc.

I also ran with Alyssa 4 times. I met her on FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster . Win-Win.

I re-connected with Barbara and Judy and ran with them each once. It’s more fun running with friends.

: with Judy

Long Runs:

There were TWO!!!. I ran races or went boating on the weekends. So I managed to move these runs to Monday.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – finally some improvement.

aug

Races:

I ran three races this month – a 8.4 miler, a 10K and a 5K.

: Aug 20

: Aug 13

: 2016

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. I won age group awards in all three. That’s an achievement. The 8.4 and 10k races were very HILLY! The only one I felt could be better was the 5k. We are, though, our own toughest critics.

Cross Training:

I was STILL unemployed and I played tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I promise.

lheartspaceogo

I did workout at the gym at least three times. I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walked to the tennis courts when I played nearby and occasionally did go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked. I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) made up for it, though.

my favorite place to walk – rail trail

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and with some friends. Love it. Once to Pinnacle Point in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends. We listened to Broadway tunes in Bryant Park and then walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Costume Institute. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track with a friend. We had breakfast, watched and bet on the races and then stopped by the Casino (where I won $77).

I spent two wonderful weekends with my knitting and mah jongg friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis, knit or played mah jongg and ate.

Boating season continued and the weather was great. I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.”

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

And I HAVE A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!! I will be working starting Sept.7.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is September 18 and I am excited.

I do have a bunch of races coming up. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

9-5-16 – Sefcu 5K
9-10-16 – Malta 5k
9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon
9-25-16 – Arsenal City 5k ???
10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K
10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! How did your August turn out? Anything exciting planned for September?

August 30, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Fall Races

This week’s TOTR topic is Fall Race Schedule

Here’s what I have planned so far…

9-10-16 – Malta 5k

I’ve run this 5k several times. It’s pretty flat and I usually win an AG award.

malta5k

9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon

2008 Saratoga Palio Poster (Palio!) Tags: race poster memorial compassion run promotional legacy scholarship palio halfmarathon 5k fund mentalhealthcare melaniemerolaodonnell

This a first for me. I’ve heard good things about it so we’ll see. I am using it as a training run for my next half.

10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K

This is a fun local race with good swag.

10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon

facebook_event_236824593361349

Another new race. It follows the same course of the Steel Rail Half which had favorable reviews.

10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

I have run this race a few times. There will be many runners there that I know so it should be fun. Plus running around the park is beautiful this time of year.

11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K (in NYC)

My second time running through the NYC Marathon finish line. What can I say? You know I love NYC.

11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K

There aren’t many 15ks so I like to run them. This one is a very popular and lots of fun.

11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k

This is the 2nd year for this race. Most likely I won’t be running the race for myself but volunteering and helping one of the STEM runners finish her first 5k.

11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k

70th this year

I plan to participate in the training group for this race. It’s the most popular race in our area and a great way to start Thanksgiving Day.

11-24 -16 –Troy Turkey Trot 5k

This race happens right after the 10k. I’m dressed to run so why not do it too??

12-03-16 – Panama City Half Marathon (in FL)

the Half!

A race-cation!! Can’t wait!! In addition I get to meet my favorite fellow bloggers! This will just be a fun one!!

I’m linking up with

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

Happy Running! What fall races are you looking forward to?

August 29, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. Judy was nice enough to run the first 3 with me and then I was solo for the next 7. The weather was perfect and the run pretty decent.

Tuesday – played tennis in the am. and did a bunch of errands the rest of the day.

Wednesday – walked the mall and got some retail therapy. Ran with Alyssa in the evening at the Crossings. As always, a run with a friend is better than without.

Thursday – Played tennis in the am with the same new group as last week and then met Barbara for a run right after. We ran in the ugly humidity and then I finished solo at home. (Do you ever plan on 4 than feel guilty that you stopped at 3.5 and finish later?)

wearing my favorite Skirt Sports top ❤

Had a hair appt in the afternoon. Met a friend for dinner. (We had planned to go to the gym and for a walk but postponed it until the next morning.)

Friday – The tennis robin got cancelled so I went to the gym, for a walk and out to lunch with a friend. (We had planned this for the day before but only got the eating part done.)

I wasn’t running…just posing for a pic. I used the arm machine and then went for a 5 mile walk.

Afterwards I went grocery shopping, made a broccoli slaw salad, packed my stuff for the weekend and drove up to my friend’s house on Schroon River. We spent the evening knitting, chatting and watching a movie.

Saturday – I woke up to this view of the Schroon River.

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I had planned to run 11 miles this morning but decided to just do a short run since it was too hilly.

I didn’t play tennis but walked to and from the courts (2 miles). After lunch, we played mah jongg and chatted, etc. I drove back to the marina to have dinner with my hubby and boating friends. Then I spend the rest of the evening with my mah jongg friends ( though 3 did not spend the night.)

Sunday – Started the day with a few sets of tennis and then we went for a walk. Two more friends arrived and after lunch, we spent the rest of the day playing mah jongg.

Fun weekend spent with good friends. I did miss boating (cuz the weather was perfect) but hopefully I’ll get to do that next weekend.

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 11 mile run, STEM orientation
Tuesday – gym, rest, PM tennis, dinner out
Wednesday – tennis round robin, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – AM tennis, 3 mile run with a friend
Friday – gym, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – boating (Xmas party in the lake)

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?