July 31, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Race Day Surprises

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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!

This week, the theme is Race Day Surprises

Unfortunately I can only think of bad ones…

1. Power goes out and your alarm clock doesn’t go off

that happened for the Walkway Half

2. You put the wrong address in your GPS and go to the wrong location

at the Betar Byway 5k last year – I put in Glens Falls not South Glens Falls

3. Unexpected pain

my left foot mysteriously hurt for the whole 13.1 miles of the Asbury Half

4. Gastric Distress

severe cramps the last 3 miles of the VCM Relay

5. Bad Weather

sunny and 60s the day before

30s, sleet and freezing rain the day of

Happy Running! What surprises have you encountered on race day?

July 27, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- OFF FROM WORK, rest, trip to NYC (8 miles of walking)

lobster restaurant cruise, walk on the High Line & in Chelsea Market

Tuesday – 3 mile run after work, ~~tennis~~ (work webinar), rest
Wednesday – 5 4 mile run after work, dinner out

definitely not feeling it – lots of walking

Thursday – ~~rest~~, 2 mile run at work, dinner out with tennis BFFs

bad food & bad service but great company

Friday – rest, walk at work, gym, ~~mah jongg~~

Saturday – 5k race+ 4 miles, graduation party

28:33 or so – 7th in my AG (a fast crowd)

a new place for me – very scenic

Sunday – rest, boating

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This Week: (Week #2 of HM training)

Monday- OFF FROM WORK, proctor NYS Bar Exam, 4 mile run after
Tuesday – OFF FROM WORK, proctor NYS Bar Exam, 4 mile run after
Wednesday – rest, walk at work, gym
Thursday – 4 mile run after work, mall walk with BFF
Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday –5k race + 5 mile run, boating

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

July 26, 2015 by Darlene

Sometimes you need a change of scenery

After my race yesterday, I really didn’t feel like running anymore.

But I knew I should since I wasn’t going boating and the graduation party that I was going to wasn’t until 3 pm.

So I decided to go to a new running location – Saratoga Spa State Park.

I have raced there but never have run there and never paid attention to where I was running during the races.

I drove to the park (which was the next exit south from the race) and just parked in the first lot that I found.

I wan’t sure where to go so I just started running. I wanted to find a path that would give me 4 more miles.

Saratoga spring water, what else?

a view of the springs from a dirt path

at the end of the trail

bridge over the highway

I found some interesting sights but only covered a mile and never found the path that I was looking for. Then I bumped into 2 runners who were looking for the same thing. We went in the opposite direction and found it.

Most of the path was shady and I got to see some beautiful gardens. And it made a perfect 3 mile loop back to my car.

I can’t say that it was a good run since my legs were tired from the 5K. I did walk a lot but I got the miles in and that was the plan.

I’m glad that I decided to run in a new place. I hope to run here again.

Happy Running! Do you run in the same locations or do you look for new routes?

July 25, 2015 by Darlene

Silks & Satins 5K Race Recap

This was once one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running and I was skinnier

But I haven’t run it since 2010.

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

I met Mary at many races back then including this one in 2010.

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 14 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34 so things haven’t changed that much.

According to the web site, the course had changed for 2015.

Here is the new course:

I hoped that it was still flat.

They also give out cool medals now as AG awards:

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Yup. I wanted one!

The race started at 8 am (an hour earlier than my last one). That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (That is earlier than when I work. The things we runners do!)

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not there was already traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot.

I saw a lot of familiar faces. There was over 1000 runners at this race. The weather was nice…in the 60s at the start but pretty humid.

pre-race pose with my new skirt

Judith, a blogger and fellow SkirtSports ambassador recognized me by my skirt. We hung out and started the race together.

She reminded me that this new course would have 15 turns and not to expect a PR. And she was right. Plus, it was not chip timed from the start.

photo by Stan Hudy

This cost me some time since it was very congested from the start with lots of kids in front of me. All of a sudden, Holly, from my Turkey Trot & Freihofer group caught up to me. We talked for a few seconds and then she sped ahead.

I tried to keep up with her but I just don’t have her speed and she kept getting farther and farther ahead.

So I just did my thing. I felt fine…no aches or pains…just not able to push myself to run fast.

I only walked at the the water stop which was around the halfway point…not because I had to but because I was very thirsty.

I continued to trudge along…until I saw the finish line. I sped up because I was determined not to finish over 29 minutes.

According to my Garmin, I crossed at 28:33 but 28:41 gun time. I was happy with that.

Done!

Besides all the turns, it was a pretty flat course. I would do this race again.

photo by Stan Hudy

I immediately found Holly after I finished. We chatted until the results went up. She finished 6 out 24 and I finished 7th. There was some pretty speedy ladies in our age group.

No AG award this time (even if I PRed)

Splits:

mile 1- 8:59
mile 2 – 9:26
mile 3 – 9:25
.1 – 7:37

Since I wasn’t getting an award, I had a bagel and some chocolate milk and left. I got to my car just as they were towing others in the same lot. Oops, I guess I didn’t park in the right lot. And If I had gotten an award, my car would have been towed. (I guess things happen for a reason.)

since I was in Saratoga, I should post a picture of some horses

I was not going up to the lake because we had to go to a graduation party later. So I took advantage of this opportunity to get some more miles in. I drove to Saratoga Spa Park for a change of scenery. I’ll post pics tomorrow.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I’m also linking this one up with Jessica at The Silvah Lining–she hosts a Race Recap linkup every Tuesday. Please head over and linkup a race recap you’ve written, new or old. And check out some of the other posts!

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

July 24, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Summer Beverages

This week, the theme is Favorite Summer Beverages

1. Starbucks Frappuccinos

I do often have them decaf, without whipped cream and with soy milk. And not more than once a week. That’s about as healthy as I get.

2. Water

Yes, this is what I drink most of the time. Just plain H2O.

3. Root Beer Floats

Especially with vanilla soft serve ice cream. This is my favorite post run drink in the summer.

4. Lemon-ade-ritas

We drink these on the boat every weekend. They also come in lime, mango, strawberry, raspberry and apple but lemon is my favorite.

5. Herbal Tea

I love coffee but I gave up caffeine 2 years ago so this is my morning & sometimes before bed drink of choice. I prefer mint but also like different interesting fruit blends.

Happy running! What is your favorite summer drink?

July 23, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Racing and Training

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

I’ve been thinking about racing and training.

How do you do both? Should you?

It’s no secret that I love to race! I have a hard time not signing up for a race every weekend.

There are a few problems with this besides that it’s expensive.

It’s hard to train for a long race such as a half marathon.

There would be no problem if I just ran shorter races but I like to run half marathons too.

What I have done in the past is add more miles after my races.

I guess it works. But I am not sure if it is the best way to train.

It’s like running a speed workout and taking a break, eating and then running some slow miles. Not quite the same as you would do when you run a actual half marathon.

So I am going to run lots of races before my next half (on Oct 10): 7-25, 8-1, 8-7, 8-17, 9-5, 9-12, 9-19, 9-26, 10-03 because I like to race.

This decision means that I have to be satisfied with a good or mediocre half marathon performance but maybe not a great one. I think if I want to run my best half, I will have to cut back on racing. Right now, I don’t want to do that.

I’m also thinking about my next race.

It’s summer. Summer is a time to kick back and relax. Enjoy the sunshine and time with family and friends.

So I have been doing that…a lot!

That means that I have had to skip weekday runs or shorten weekend distances.

My next race is Saturday – another 5k.

I was hoping to get back some speed. My last 5k was under 29 minutes. I’d love to do that again. I’d love to win a age group award too. We’ll see.

I’m debating about the race after that – either a difficult hilly longer but fun one or another 5k in a scenic area?

The train leaves at 8 am. It takes you to the start and you run back on the wooded hilly trail to the station. Sounds like fun but it is a longer distance than I have been running.

Not as interesting but certainly easier. There will be lots of pretty views.

Happy Running! Do you run many races while you are training for a long race? Do vacations and the heat tempt you to skip runs?

July 20, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- rest, ~~walk at work,~~ gym

my usual 15 min max

Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, tennis after work (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)

1.5 hours of doubles

Wednesday – rest, ~~walk at work~~, dinner out, movie

a fun film for women

Thursday – 4 mile run ~~after work~~ before work, 3 mile run after work, errands

Friday – 3 mile run before work rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest, boating

Sunday – 5 mile run, boating

This Week: (Week #1 of HM training)

Monday- OFF FROM WORK, trip to NYC (lots of walking)
Tuesday – 3 mile run after work, ~~tennis~~ (work webinar)
Wednesday – 5 mile run after work
Thursday – rest, walk at work, dinner out
Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + miles, graduation party
Sunday – rest, boating

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

July 18, 2015 by Darlene

Running Survey

I thought that it would be fun to start the weekend off with a survey all about running! We know how running bloggers love to talk about running!

Feel free to answer some of the questions in the comments or if you are a blogger yourself, answer these on your blog! Let me know if you do!

Would you rather run along a beach path or a mountain trail?

A beach path but unfortunately I don’t live near a beach but if I did, I would. I’m not much for trail running but I do love mountain views.

while on vacation in FL.

while on vacation in CA.

If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race’s aid states, what would it be?
This is hard since I’ve never had Gatorade but I guess it would be grape or cherry?

If I have you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it?

Most likely running shoes. Not that I need any new ones.

my latest

Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run?
Most of the time, it’s how much time I have so that’s how far I can run and how I feel is how fast I run. If I am training for a half marathon, I increase my long runs by one mile each week for 12 weeks.

Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill?
Definitely start uphill and end downhill. I would much rather get it over with than have to think about the uphill throughout the whole downhill run.

during a recent uphill start

When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do?
If I am healthy, then it’s definitely tennis. I am not, then it’s biking.

weekly doubles

after my ankle surgery in 2012, biking was the first thing I could do

What is your preference: out and back, point to point, or loop runs?
I love loop runs because you have different scenery. But if I don’t know the area or I’m on a trail, then it’s out and back.

loop at Peeples State Park

out and back on the bike path

If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a…
A good pair of running shoes. Running can be SO painful with the wrong shoes, so I highly recommend any new runner to go to a running shoe store and get properly fitted for the right pair of shoes.

in my favorite Mizuno Wave Rider 18s

Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?
I’ve seen a lot of deer, foxes, possums and rabbits. That’s it.

deer at the top

Ever gotten lost while out on a run?
Yes, a few times. When I run in new neighborhoods or parks.

got lost here around the Schroon River area

If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days… what would that meal be?
A pizza with ice cream for dessert.

Capris or shorts… what do you run in most often?
Neither. Skirts!!

At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go?

I warm up quickly. Probably at the 1/2 mile point. But it depends on how long the run is.

early in the VCM relay

What do you do with your key when you run?
It depends what I am wearing. Usually I put it in the pocket of my skirt. In a long race, and my pockets are full of gels, I put it in my Spibelt.

If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one?
I guess I would have to say my first half marathon. It was my first half marathon and I was so happy with the accomplishment of completing it.

Jan 2011

What type of run is your least favorite type of run?
I suppose it would be hard runs like intervals, tempos, hill repeats, etc. I suck at them so I probably should do more of them.

What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on?
I sign up for races so I also know that if I don’t run several times a week, I will be very disappointed in my performance.

squeezing in a run on the weekend before boating.

When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start?
That depends on where I am. On a weekend, if I run before work, I leave from my front door and often after work, I leave right from work. But I get bored so I do drive after work and on weekend to different places to run.

at home

driving to the Crossings after work

When running in daylight: are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?
A must. Always wear them even if it is cloudy.

When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?
My running goals and that usually involves a certain distance or time for a race.

Happy Running! Answer one, answer a few, answer any of the questions above in the answers below!
I can’t wait to read your responses!

July 17, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Race Swag

This week, the theme is Favorite Race Swag

I personally like things that are useful. Here are my 5 favorites:

1. I still use this lunch bag that I won as an Age Group award

2. I love socks.

3. Glasses are cool. It came with a green tooth brush.

4. Wind breakers are practical. I have them in green, blue, yellow and orange. (Unfortunately they stopped giving them out.)

5. And gloves are handy.

Happy Running! What is your favorite race swag?

July 12, 2015 by Darlene

TEAM Sarcoma 5K Race and Weekend Recap

I wasn’t planning on racing this weekend.

But my runs have been so sluggish lately that I thought I needed a pick me up and I signed up on a whim.

The weather was predicted to be good (but maybe a little too warm). I had never run this race but have done several in this park. And more importantly, it took place in Saratoga which is halfway to the marina.

I almost signed up for one on Sunday but it was at the same time as a half marathon (so would be more crowded).

It was really tough to set any goals. I had not run a 5K in about 6 weeks but if I wanted to push myself, this would be this:

Finish under 29 minutes.
Run all splits under 10 minutes.

But with the heat and my unpredictable feet, it was this:

Finish under 30 minutes.
Total pace under 10 minutes.

I got up and had my usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea and headed north for my 45 minute ride. The start was at the Warming Hut in Saratoga State Park. It is a big park and always confusing on where to enter.

There was a sign luckily and I found a parking spot in a lot not far from the start. I got there about 8:15 and the race was to start at 9 am. Just the right amount of time to get my race packet, hit the restrooms and look for familiar or unfamiliar faces to chat with.

waiting…

I immediately bumped into Jackie who I knew from the Troy Turkey Trot and Freihofers training groups. We hung out and lined up together.

the start area

It was a small race – about 400 runners, many of which were walking for the cause.

I’ve run over a 100 races and I still get nervous before each one. Will I suck? Will I get injured? Once the race starts, I relax and enjoy it.

The start line was confusing. It was just a mass of runners on the grass. So the race started and we were running on the grass. The grass was very wet so it was slow going. I tried to keep up with Jackie but she is faster. So I just tried to keep her in my sight up ahead.

Next we were running through a gravel trail. You know how clumsy I am especially with wet feet so I was very careful here.

Finally we were on concrete and the crowd finally thinned out.

I haven’t run fast in quite a while and my legs felt like lead. But I just trudged along and decided that I wouldn’t stop until the first water stop.

I made it. It was a little past the 1 mile point. It was quite warm and in the 70s already. So I drank the water and walked and then tried to make up time.

I still was dragging but willed myself not to walk until mile 2. Luckily, running through the park was mostly shady and I was enjoying the course.

The last mile went on forever and I really wanted to walk again but I didn’t and managed to sprint across the finish line. I was happy to finish under 29 minutes.

In fact, it was 28:38 (and really a little less since it wasn’t chip timed.)

The race was exactly what I needed.

I never pushed myself and I know I could have run faster.

It was very warm and humid and my time was not a PR but it was still faster than my last few 5ks! Happy. Happy.

Jackie and I hung around for awhile. We were hoping that they would give out awards. But they did not…only for the top teams who raised money.

Yup. I would have won my AG

Oh well. We don’t race for bling, do we?

My Positive Splits:

mile 1 – 9:06
mile 2 – 9:23
mile 3 – 9:34
.14 – 8:03

So my next 5k is in two weeks – it will be hillier and there will be more runners. Hopefully, I will be more confident.

After the race, I headed up to the marina and spent the rest of the day on our boat tied up to our friends’ boats.

We spent the whole day relaxing in the sun and then went out to dinner.

The next morning, I got up early and went for a hilly 5 mile run. It was perfect. I felt great.

Then I returned to the marina, everyone wanted to take our boats out fro breakfast. I had already eaten but a 5 mile run deserves a 2nd breakfast, right?

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Then we spent the rest of the day on an island where we hung out in the shad and grilled an early dinner.

After we left the island, we rode around the lake for a while and then headed back to put our boat away until next weekend. I ended my weekend with a homemade soft ice cream sandwich (I ate it too fast for a photo.)

I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I am also linking up with Jessica from The Silvah Lining for the Race Recap Link Up.