July 4, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I stayed up at Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today. Started the day with a slow scenic 4 mile run.

waterlilies at the Sagamore – ❤

I had planned to do some hiking but it started to rain so I headed to the outlets. Believe it or not, I didn’t buy a thing.

Tuesday – Did some errands in the morning including an eye dr appt.

An impending storm cancelled tennis so I went for a walk and then to the gym.

Wednesday – Started the day with a run…solo. Decided on a road trip to Peebles Island and thoroughly enjoyed it.

For dinner I met my travel tennis friends at a new restaurant

Thursday – Morning tennis and then later ran with my new running friend. The run was followed by a mall walk with my BFF.

She suggested the ice cream – Not me!

Friday – Again I played tennis in the am (with a different group). In the evening, I played maj jongg (which I hadn’t done in weeks) while watching the Olympic Trails on TV.

Saturday – Planned on a long run and then a ride up to the lake but the hubby decided to stay home and I procrastinated until afternoon to run.

I ran my fastest mile ever (7:xx) to get to the bakery before it closed.

I begged and they opened the door & sold the only thing left – a strawberry muffin.

Sunday – This should have been a lake day because the weather was perfect but it wasn’t. Instead I took a SUP lesson in the am with Judy. It was actually fun. I am as clumsy as I thought. I fell twice but the good news is that I stayed up over an hour and want to try it again.

Sorry no pictures of us standing on the boards – maybe next time.

In the afternoon, I went for a butterfly walk at the Albany Pinebush Preserve. It was about 1 mile and we learned about the insects, birds and plants in this preserve. I hope to go back and run on some of the trails. (There are 11.) I did see a lot of butterflies and I was amazed at how small they were.

These butterflies are an endangered species so it is rare to see them

18.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday –3 mile run, boating, fireworks on the lake
Tuesday – 4 mile run, tennis PM
Wednesday – AM tennis, 4 mile ice cream run
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, dinner out with an old co-worker
Friday – AM tennis, 7 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday – 5k race, birthday party (mini golf)

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? How are you celebrating July 4th?

July 3, 2016 by Darlene

June Recap

So how did this month go (besides too fast)?

Weekday Runs:

Summer arrived. It was warm most days and we had very little rain. So I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week.

: on the rail trail

: at the Crosings

: at Peebles Island

Long Runs:

There were NONE. I ran races on the weekends. There were NO double-digits runs. The longest were a 7 mile run and a 5 mile post 5k run.

Total Mileage:

I ran 76 miles this month – the lowest amount in many many months. But I wasn’t training for anything and it’s summer so I guess that’s ok.

jun16

Races:

I ran FOUR races this month – three 5Ks and a 10 miler.

: 28:50

: 28:47

: 29:00

: 2016 – 1:42:21

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. I won age group awards in two of the 5ks. The Adirondack Distance Run was my 2nd fastest 10 mile race (out of 6).

Cross Training:

Now that I am unemployed, I have been able to play A LOT of tennis – 3-4 times a week. I have met new people and I have enjoyed it.

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

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I did to the gym at least twice. I know that I should go more but it’s a start.

I walk to the tennis courts when I play nearby and occasionally do go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked. I think that the tennis makes up for it, though.

Other News:

I finished my volunteering with STEM. The participants all ran their 5k race and it was an awesome experience. I can’t wait to do it again in the fall.

I went hiking twice…by myself and loved it.

I took a trip to NYC with Judy – We did a running tour of Central Park, went to the zoo and met a fellow blogger, Karen. What a full but exciting day!!

Boating season has begun. The weather has been great. I love it at the lake.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Hopefully I will find a job and life will be even better.

Looking Ahead:

I’m not sure when my next half marathon will be. So far, it’s not until October. But that could change. (ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon which I was scheduled to run in September got cancelled 😦 )

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

7-10-16 – Saratoga Springs Strong to Serve 5K
7-23-16 – Silks and Satins 5K
7-31-16 – Care for Kids 5k
8-06-16 – Race the Train (8.4 m)??
8-13-16 – Camp Chingachgook 10k or Half Marathon
8-20-16 – Jailhouse Rock 5K

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did your June turn out? Anything exciting planned for July?

July 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Summer Fitness Goals

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Summer Fitness Goals

Work Those Arms.

My arms need help. You don’t see the bat wings in photos but they’re there. I could go to the gym or do planks at home. (If only I could do A push-up…)

I hope to keep playing a lot of tennis. That can’t hurt.

2. Run with Others

And I don’t mean in races. That’s a given. It is easier to just go out and do it alone but I run better and faster and at a more consistent pace when I don’t run by myself.

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My new running buddy, Alyssa, who training for her first marathon in Dec.

Barbara who challenges me to run faster

Denise & Judy whose run/walk style helps me be more consistent.

3. Find Some Different Places to Run

I need to get out of my rail trail rut. It’s easy and it’s close but now I have the time to explore.

Central Park was a blast but it’s 3 hours away.

But there are lots of places within an hour that I need to explore.

Old Champlain Canal trail (Waterford)

Peebles Island

4. Try something new.

Hopefully parasailing or driving a jetski but most likely kayaking and SUPing.

stay turned so see how this turned out… I plan to try it on Sunday

5. Eat healthier.

Already kicked my Starbucks habit since I don’t work nearby anymore.

made my first smoothie – chocolate, banana, protein powder, almond milk – as good as Starbucks

chicken, apples, walnuts, cheese, lettuce, raspberry dressing – just like Panera’s?

I haven’t kicked my ice cream addiction yet.

Happy Running! What are some of your summer fitness goals?

June 27, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I stayed up at Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today. Started the day with a scenic 7 mile run.

Then went for two hikes. My first solo hikes and they were awesome.

Tuesday – Today I played tennis twice. I subbed in a new group near my house (walked to the courts) and then played with my usual Tuesday evening group.

Wednesday – In the morning, I played tennis in my 2nd country club robin-robin. It was cool, windy and even rained.

The weather cleared up later in the day and I went for a run on the rail trail with Alyssa, a new running friend.

a very speed non-stop run – she pushed me but she said I pushed her.

Thursday – Morning tennis with my Troy Tennis group and dinner out with a former co-worker.

I talked my friend into a 4 mile walk after dinner (She may no longer be my friend LOL)

Friday – An exciting day in NYC. Thanks Judy for letting me plan your crazy day. We took the train to the city, checked our bag in Macys, hopped the subway to Central Park, had a quick lunch and ran 4 miles through the park with a tour guide.

great way to learn about the history of the park and get in some exercise

After the tour, I had ice cream, then we walked some more in the park, went to the zoo, walked ALL the way back to Macys, changed our clothes and had dinner at a cute restaurant with French running blogger, Karen before heading back home on the train.

Saturday – Definitely a rest day filled with errands, laundry, housework, etc.

Sunday – Today I ran the Adirondack Distance Race – 10 miles from Lake George to Bolton Landing

it was hilly. it was hot. my feet hurt but i still enjoyed the race.

The rest of the day was spent on the lake!!

25 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run, hiking??
Tuesday – rest, tennis Am & PM, eye dr appt
Wednesday – 3 mile run, monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, 4 mile run with a friend, mall walk with BFF
Friday – AM tennis, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – boating

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

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

June 21, 2016 by Darlene

Firemen’s 5k Race Recap

Sunday, June 19 9 am

Yes, I did run a 5k the day before.

But if you know me, it’s not odd for me to run 2 races in 1 weekend.

This is a new race so I knew nothing about it. I only chose it because it was being held in Lake George.

wcbw

I LOVE Lake George and I had planned to join my hubby on our boat so the race was on the way.

I arrived early and found a place to park on a side street.

I hung out by the water for a while because NO ONE was there yet. Finally the volunteers arrived and were setting up raffle prizes…

The start/finish line was right along the lake.

It was getting pretty warm but at least there was a breeze from the water.

it was cool watching a float plane land

Soon it was time to start the race. And yes, there were runners…but not many!!!

I chatted with a few older women and we wondered where everyone was and would they hold a race with so few people.

Yes, they did.

We started on the road and then turned into the bike path.

I didn’t know that there was a bike path here and I definitely plan to return and run it.

It was very pretty. It looks shady but it didn’t feel as shady as it looks.

With a small race (of about 20 runners), you often run alone. And I did the all race. The course wasn’t marked and at mile 1, I stopped and wondered which way to go. I decided to go left and continue on the bike path. I was correct and soon I came upon the water stop.

The important thing to mention about this course was that it was an out and back but out was UPHILL…long gradual uphill for 1.6 miles. I walked at the water stop and then a few times more but for the most part I ran. I wasn’t running fast. My legs were tired from the previous day’s 5k race and it was HOT!!!

Soon it was time to turn around and then hooray, it was all DOWNHILL!

I arrived at the finish line and gave it all I had to finish at 29:00! Phew, not over 29 minutes for the 2nd day in a row.

I hung around chatting with the older ladies waiting for everyone to finish and for the awards.

I finished as SECOND WOMAN overall!

5kf

Okay so there were only 10 women!

Then I also won my age group.

f5kresults

So it was a 2 medal kind of a day!

The refreshments were bananas, apples and water. I wish I had brought money for the raffles because your chances to win were pretty good.

Would I run this race again?

Maybe. I liked the course and the location. But there are many other races with more perks.

After the race, I raced up to our marina. My hubby and friends had reserved 4 docks on one of the islands. We spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water and eating. So much fun!

Eventually, everyone had to leave because they had to go to work the next day.

Not moi!

I decided to stay and sleep on our boat and spend a Me day in Bolton Landing: a long run and 2 hikes. It was fabulous. (More about that in another post).

Because it’s Tuesday, I’m linking with:

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

Happy Running! Anyone else run 2 races in one weekend?

June 20, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – My first day being unemployed. It’s amazing that when you have so much time, you get so little done. I did manage to go for a windy walk and then run with two friends.

Tuesday – I decided to take advantage of my time off to play some tennis. I joined a tennis group at Prospect Park in Troy, met some new players and had a lot of fun. Then I went grocery shopping at Target. No running scheduled for today but I did register for some more races.

pic not from today but I wore a similar outfit

Wednesday – Another gorgeous day. I played tennis in a round-robin at a country club, got my hair cut and then went for a short run. (I was supposed to run with a new friend but she had to cancel.)

evening run at Colonie Town Park

Thursday – Played tennis in the same place as Tuesday.

But I met some new women who invited me out to lunch. Well, we wound up talking for 4 hours!! About everything from tennis to running to fitbits to mah jongg.

After lunch, I met a friend to run. It was HOT!! The company was good but the run was not. Do not run in the middle of a hot sunny day after eating a BLT and sweet potato fries.

ran with Barbara but bumped into to running friend Tom on the trail

In the evening, I went out to dinner (at a Peruvian place) with a former co-worker and then visited with a good friend (who happens to be Peruvian).

Friday – Day 4 in a row of tennis! I played today with a different group of women. It was near where I live so I could walk to the courts.

30 min. walk each way = STEPS

Saturday – Ran 5k race. It was such a fun race because I knew so many runners there.

I had thought of going up to our boat but instead stayed home to catch up cleaning, weeding or other stuff around the house.

Sunday – Ran my 2nd 5k race of the weekend. Definitely the smallest race I have ever run.

2nd woman overall and first in my age group

and then spent the rest of the day relaxing on one of the islands of Lake George with my hubby and 9 of our friends.

I decided to stay up at the lake on our boat so I could run up here in the morning.

what a view!

14 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 7 mile long run, hiking
Tuesday – rest, tennis Am & PM
Wednesday – tennis, 3 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, dinner with a former co-worker
Friday – trip to NYC: 4 mile running tour of Central Park, MOMA visit, dinner with a fellow running blogger
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Adirondack Distance 10 m run, boating

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

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

June 18, 2016 by Darlene

Father’s Day Valley Cats Home Run 5K Race Recap

Fathers_Day_Home_Run_5k_Logo_7t3eph6z_vwc3ysjk

I really wasn’t planning on running a race today. In fact, I thought that I would spend the day on the lake.

But somehow, I signed up for this race. I knew someone doing it and since I had been depressed all week (after being laid off from my job), I decided a race would make me feel better. And it did!!

I ran this race once before but that was 6 years ago.

with fellow blogger & runner, Amanda. She no longer blogs or runs and I no longer wear shorts. I still eat ice cream. Some things never change LOL

I remember the course having hills but that was about it. Below is the course map and elevation:

vchr5kmap

I was really relaxed about this race. It was very warm and so I had no real goals besides enjoying myself.

I got there early and relaxed.

cotton tee shirt – UGH!! but you got 4 free tix to a Valley Cats game.

I sat in the bleachers of this minor league baseball park and used the “real” rest rooms while waiting for every one to arrive.

the finishers are captured on the large stadium screen

The race is organized by the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, a local running organization.

I could not believe how many runners, I saw that I knew. It was like a running reunion. We chatted about past races and future races until it was time to head to the start line.

posing before the race

There was no chip timing so I started pretty close to the front. The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods.

Valley_Cats_5K-055

Valley_Cats_5K-056

I had played tennis four days in a row. Boy, were my legs feeling it. My first mile is usually my fastest but not today. I was dragging and soooo thirsty.

Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile. I tried to run up it and the legs just weren’t having it. So I walked about half of it.

I finally got into a groove during mile 3. Maybe because there was a down hill.

We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything. I really wanted to finish under 29 minutes.

Valley_Cats_5K-229

And I did – 28:47!

Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.

I wasn’t hungry right away but eventually I was able to eat a hot dog, banana and cookie while waiting for the awards.

And I did win one – 2nd in my age group.

Valley_Cats_5K-379

A pair of wool gloves – how appropriate!?

It was definitely an enjoyable race. It was the pick me up that I needed. I may have to add this one back on my races-to-do list.

Splits:
mile 1- 9:10
mile 2 – 9:41
mile 3 – 8:48
.15 – 7:43
28:47

I even beat my 2010 time of 29:40.

Because I’m crazy like that, I signed up for another 5k for tomorrow. It’s in Lake George so right after the race, I’ll be heading up to our marina to spend the rest of the day on the boat. Can’t wait!!

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my hubby and friends TODAY!!

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

June 13, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – After a rainy Sunday, today was beautiful. I took a walk to the park at work.

They are in the process of re-planting the tulip beds so not much to look at…yet.

This is my first Monday without a Freihofer Training run so I asked Judy if she would join me for a run in the Crossings. And she was nice enough to postpone her run until I was done with work.

Tuesday – Today was a rest day. Just a walk at lunch and my Tuesday after work tennis group was scheduled to resume after a month off. Now we play outdoors until fall.

Unfortunately we got rained out. So guess what I did? I went to the gym. Shocker I know.

first time in 7 months, I think.

Wednesday – Today was the last STEM training run until the big race on Sunday. I was excited to see who would show up (since I haven’t gone in weeks.) The weather was quite chilly and I was paired with the slower runners. So I didn’t get the workout that I wouldn’t have liked but it was rewarding to be motivating the STEM participants to run.

my run/walk group

Thursday – The cool windy weather continued. I debated running after work but decided to just rest and hit the gym AGAIN.

Friday – I went to a conference in the morning so had no time to even go for a walk. Then work stuff got in the way of the 5K that I had planned to run after work. My first non-injury DNS 😦

Saturday – Rain and wind interfered with my first day on the boat (Re-scheduled for next weekend!!) Did some gardening instead.

Sunday – I thought that I would run a 5K race today. But they decided that volunteers would not officially run the race just run along side a STEM participant. Boy, was it rewarding. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. These ladies were awesome.

Afterwards, I drove home to run 5 more miles. It was cloudy and windy but glad to be out there.

14 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – First day of unemployment, 3 miles with friends
Tuesday – rest, tennis?
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – 4 mile run, STEM celebration
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 9 miles

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

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

June 9, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: So many races, so little time

Friday, June 10 – 6:30 pm

Yup, an impromptu race sign-up.

A FB friend mentioned it but I said “no” because I had planned to race on Sunday with STEM.

Sunday, June 12 – 10 am

Then I was notified that they decided not to have the volunteers race but instead run with a participant but NOT cross the finish line.

To me, that’s not racing. And besides, the forecast is for rain.

So instead of my normal 3 mile run after work tomorrow, I am racing. WTH?

another look at my afternoon view...I did ice my ankle in the cold lake water

How I’ve missed this view!!!

On Saturday, we are planning our first boating excursion. My hubby has a tennis match first so I decided not to race (at least not so far) and perhaps run in the park while he is playing and then head up to the lake.

My tennis was cancelled on Tuesday and I went to the gym. And it wasn’t half bad. I rode the bike for about 10 minutes (I would have done more if I had something to read or watch) and then I did a few machines (3 arm and 2 leg). I may even go back today!!

thinking out loud

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

Happy Running! How do you manage your races? Anyone an addict like me? What are thinking about today? Please share.

June 6, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. I could have gone up to the lake with my hubby but I just needed a day off to catch up – unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, weeding, DVR, reading… TIME ALONE aaahhhh!!!

Tuesday – Back to the normal routine. Walk to the park at work, a short recovery run after work and then dinner out with a co-worker.

peony time

Wednesday – National Running Day! I had several opportunities to run today. I wanted to run with the STEM runners but since I missed my Freihofer Training group run last week, I decided to run with them one last time. I was very hot and I was very tired. Luckily our coach was not there so I could slack off on the 1 minute sprints.

Afterwards, I attended the GOTR thank you reception. I even won a raffle prize.

post-run Merlot and my prize (long-sleeve shirt)

Thursday – REST day and it was needed. I walked at lunch and then walked around the mall with my BFF after work.

Friday – Another REST day – yes, two in a row. What a slacker. I walked to get my race packet and after dinner, I played mah jongg.

Saturday – Ran the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k for the 9th time. It was hotter than expected but still fun running a race where you know so many runners.