September 27, 2014 by Darlene

Two crossed off the Bucket List

Back in March, I created a Racing Bucket List of 13 items. I had done 7 out of 13 at the time. Since then…

#13 – Run a popular race – I ran the Love Run half marathon which had almost 10,000 runners.

and I just signed up for this Half Marathon in Florida!!!

Jan 17, 2015

#8 – Running along the ocean…

Yes, I finally decided on a race to keep myself motivated to run through the cold weather.

I chose this race because you run along the ocean and because I have 5 friends who spend the winter in this area.

weat palm

#10 – Running in Central Park, NYC...

Ok, it was not a race but I do plan to do that someday…I would love to do the NYC Half (but it is a lottery) or the NYC Mini 10K.

Yesterday, I had the day off. My NYC travel friends & I had planned to take the MegaBus to NYC. However, one friend was busy and the other was away on vacation.

Since the weather was predicted to be beautiful, I had decided to go it alone.

Of course, my plan was to RUN IN CENTRAL PARK!!!

Then at the last minute, one of my friends, Eileen, was able to go. I hate to say this but I was disappointed.

I told her that I wanted to run in the park and she said that it was ok with her.

Then I said that I wanted to run for an hour and then meet her. She said “I didn’t know you were going to run for a whole hour!”

Actually I wanted to run for more than an hour. The weather was absolutely perfect…sunny and warm but not too hot and no humidity. But it was obvious that I would need to compromise.

So we took a subway to the 86th street entrance of Central Park which was near the Jackie Onassis Reservoir. There is a running track that goes around the reservoir.

I told Eileen to walk around the track once and I would run around twice and then we would spend the rest of the day walking and visiting the sites in the park together.

The run was awesome. I loved every minute of it.

I took my time the first lap and veered off the track several times.

The 2nd time around, I ran without stopping because I felt guilty making Eileen wait.

I definitely plan to come back here (alone or with another runner) to run sometime in the future.

(More about this wonderful day in the park in a later post.)

Happy Running! What places are on your running bucket list? Have you ever run in Central Park?

September 26, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Five favorite fall activities

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 My Five Favorite Fall Activities

I love fall especially living in the Northeast.

So here they are my five:

1. Running

I love running when the temps are cool and the leaves have turned colors. These are some of my favorite places to run…

the rail trail

in Washington Park

along the Schroon River

on the bike trails

along Lake George

2. Eating & drinking anything pumpkin

Yup, I love pumpkin everything…

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No, I didn’t buy them but I was tempted

3. Racing

Racing in the cooler temps is the best! Even better is a race in a scenic locale…here are just a few that I have signed up for…

Apple Run 5K

Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k

Stockade-athon 15K

4. Going to farm activities

There are several around here but Ellms Family farm is my favorite. I always take my mentee and her sons. We go on rides, do corn mazes, pick pumpkins, pet the animals, eat cider donuts…so much fun!

5. Hiking

I don’t hike a lot but I do enjoy it and plan to do more this year. These are some places that I go…

Thatcher Park

Five Rivers

Prospect Mountain

Peebles State Park

I haven’t done this hike in Lake George in a few years…hope to do it again.

view from Buck Mountain

Happy Running! What are your favorite fall activities?

September 24, 2014 by Darlene

My First Group Run

I haven’t participated in a training group since 2008 when I started training for my first 5k with the No Boundaries program.

I’ve talked to Hollys at several races and she recommended this group.

maybe that’s what we were talking about here?

Then at my last race when I bumped into Gina, an old colleague, she encouraged me to join too.

Here is the schedule:

Monday, September 22 – Monday November 24

Mondays: 5:30 p.m. at Prospect Park, Troy (Note: From November 10th on, Monday night workouts will be at RPI in Troy. Meeting time is 5:30p.
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. at Knickerbocker Park, Troy

Prospect Park is about a half hour from my work. I was worried about getting caught in rush hour traffic. But I got there plenty early.

It was quite chilly and breezy. I was freezing waiting for the training to start. (I even switched to capris from a skirt and added a jacket.)

I talked with Hollys and her friends while we waited.

Everyone started together. There were 3 groups: 5k beginners, 5k intermediate and 10K.

After some dynamic stretches, we took off in our separate groups. Gina got there just in time and I wound up running with her and her friends the whole time.

We chatted so it made the running go by quickly.

We ran 2 loops of the park which happens to be very hilly. I didn’t wear a watch so I have no idea about my pace or distance but I would guess that it was close to 3 miles. I even warmed up and took off my jacket and tied it around my waist.

I ran most of run. I just walked a little up one of the hills but then I passed them on the downhill.

I thoroughly enjoyed the run.

Unfortunately, I have races almost all the Saturdays so I can only do the Monday runs.

Looking forward to my next group run!

Happy Running! Have you trained for a race as part of a group?

September 20, 2014 by Darlene

My Only Un-Interrupted Long Run

Un-interrupted because all my others and upcoming runs have been part of races.

Actually the run wasn’t that long but it felt like a marathon.

I hadn’t run at all since Tuesday so my legs should have been fresh. They weren’t. They ached and felt like lead right from the beginning. Even my back & shoulders were sore.

My hubby went up North to our boat. It was cloudy and breezy so I decided to stay home and go up tomorrow.

I don’t think I’ve been on the Nisky bike path since training for my half marathon in Match so I drove there.

The weather was perfect for running 60s with a breeze. They were many bikers and a few runners.

I decided to head west toward Lock 7 and then turn around and head east. I had planned for 8-9 miles.

still not looking like fall

I dragged myself along trying not to stop and walk too much.

this pumpkin patch…made me watch something pumpkiny

I got to Lock 7 my usual turn around (about 2 1/4 miles) and watched the boats go through the lock.

As I was heading back, I noticed a trail through the woods so I followed it.

Lo and behold, the bike path continues…

Who knew?

There were places to sit…

Many hiking trails to take…

and this would make bikers happy:

patch kit, pump, band aids and other stuff..

This part of the path will be really pretty when the leaves change and when the leaves fall so you can see the river better.

And I mentioned my legs were shot…I decided to run/walk as far as I could and then turn around and go back.

Here there was a hill that lead to another bike path, I think. I walked up it to get a better view.

Then I ran down it to continue on the path I was already on.

Eventually my path did end and I turned around and continued back.

I made one detour instead of going up to the Lock again.

sept 20

In the end, I dragged myself to 8.5 miles. (My pace was 3 min. slower than my 5K race pace and 2 minutes slower than my 10 mile race pace!!!)

It is days like this that make me wonder how I ever ran a 10k or a 15K and even 9 half marathons!!!

And I have no weather excuses…I wasn’t hungry. I had a gu before and another after 4 miles.

I felt a lot better after I had a pumpkin pie ice cream cone at Stewarts.

Then I went to Target to fulfill my pumpkin cravings.

The positives:

I found a new running route.

I don’t have to worry about another un-interrupted long run. I have 5k races Sept 28, Oct 4, Oct 11 and a 10k on Oct 18. Then my big 10 mile race is Oct 26!!

Happy Running! What type of food do you like for the fall?

September 19, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: My five favorite races

This week, the theme is My Five Favorite _____________________

Of course, I filled in the blank with races….

You know that I love to race and I have run A LOT of RACES so it is hard for me to pick just FIVE.

Just to be interesting, I will pick 5 different distances.

Here they are:

1. Freihofer’s Run for Women (5k) – it is ALL women (more than 4000)– all ages, all sizes, veterans, newbies, elites, walkers. When I ran it the first year that I started running (2008), it made feel like a “real” runner. Finishing it after suffering a serious injury (2012) helped me believe that I could be a runner again. And then in 2013, completing it with a broken foot showed me how strong (or maybe stubborn) I was.

2012 – in newspaper

2010 – in the newspaper

2014 – Troy Record

I love the downhill finish of this race and I also enjoy running through Washington Park in Albany, NY where I run often after work.

It is convenient since I can park at work and walk to the race to avoid the traffic and confusion. There is an expo the day before where you get free Freihofers cookies and a loaf of bread.

2. Spring Runoff (10K) – This 10K takes place in the spring and it a good way to kick start your racing season. It is run along the Hudson River and on the bike path that I go to often for my long runs.

The evening before, there is a free pasta dinner where I met two awesome ladies.

The course is fairly flat and is my currrent 10K PR.

3. Stockade-athon (15k) – This race is the oldest 15k in the country. It takes place in the fall so the foliage is pretty and you run around Central Park and through the oldest parts of the city of Schenectady, NY.

It is a popular local race for me so you run into a lot of familiar faces. The end of the race features food such as pizza, hot soup and cozy fireplaces.

4. Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler) – There aren’t many 10 mile races around and this is a great one. It has a point-to-point course that starts in the village of Lake George, NY and ends in Bolton Landing. It takes place in early summer so it is not too hot or humid yet.

The course is rolling hills but you don’t mind since you are running along Lake George the whole way.

the end of the race

This is the route that I drive each weekend to go on our boat.

Since our marina is next door to the beach, I can have friends cheering for me at the finish line.

5. Naples News Half Marathon (13.1) – This race is special because it was my first half marathon. It was also held in one my favorite vacation spots. I go there every year with my tennis friends. The race was held on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there waiting at the finish line. Plus if you live in the NE, January in Florida is a great getaway.

The course is beautiful with many views of the Gulf.

At one point, a priest blessed runners with holy water.

I don’t plan to repeat any of my half marathon races but maybe someday I will run this one again.

Happy Running! What are your 5 favorite races? Have you run any of the above?

September 18, 2014 by Darlene

TTT: Exercising, Running Groups & the Weekend

1. Exercising

Community Care Physicians is a leader in the field of healthcare. With a strong focus on wellness and prevention, we are the first multispecialty medical group in the Capital Region of NY to open fitness centers that are available for little to no cost. Whether you are improving your lifestyle, restoring your quality of life due to a medical condition, or continuing a personal rehabilitation program, our gyms allow you access to the latest fitness equipment and personal training options conveniently offered by Community Care Physicians, PC.

Community Care Physicians has gym locations in Delmar and Latham. These gyms are unstaffed facilities that require you to enroll and get a key tag prior to entering. With your key tag, you will be able to access both gym locations during gym hours, Monday through Friday 5 am to 11 pm and Saturday and Sunday 7 am to 7 pm.

YAY!! FREE with my health insurance. I live in Delmar and it is 5 mins from my house on the way to and from work. Double YAY!

You see, I don’t belong to a gym. It’s matter of money and convenience and time and motivation to go. I had a treadmill in my basement but it is broken. Where I work, there is a treadmill back stage where it is dark, dreary and cluttered with junk. Yes, I use it when it is virtually impossible to run outside – thunderstorms, snowstorms, icy conditions, etc.

I know that strength training is beneficial to runners. I plan to go ONCE a week and ONCE on the weekend. I even signed my hubby up. I’ll keep you posted.

class

Speaking of exercising, they are offering an exercise class at work on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Sounds perfect, right? I wouldn’t have to leave the building.

I play tennis on Tuesdays so I went on Thursday. There were about 10 people there (out of the 25 who signed up), a few young students but mostly older women.

Well, it was total torture!!!

The young buff trainer proceeded to lead us on training intervals that involved running, hopping, jumping jacks, burpees, push ups, etc. Definitely not explaining the moves, not helping you do them at your own level…he just kept you moving like a drill sergeant.

Yea, I did sweat but I was at a loss to follow along on many of the moves and unable to do some at the level he was asking. I honestly didn’t get much out of it and vowed to never return.

Then I thought that I was too hasty and was going to reconsider until the gym opportunity arose.

2. Running Groups

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Last Sunday when I bumped into an old friend, she mentioned this program. She trained for the Freihofer 5k this way and is enrolled in it for the Troy Turkey 10k. (Incidentally, she has run 5 races, is training for a half and considering a full…I must be a slow learner!!)

The training runs are on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

I can do the Mondays with no problem but I have races on most weekends and can only do 3 Saturdays.

I still think it’s worth it so that I can have some people to run with once a week and also for the drills that will come along with the training.

There’s an info session tonight so we’ll see but I am leaning toward doing it.

3. The weekend

I am not going to race this weekend! You know I want to…and there are quite a few races out there that I could run…

especially this one:

I was very close to signing up for this one as my fall half marathon. I know this is shallow but the deciding factor was no medal but then they changed and are giving one for the first time.

Instead of racing, I plan to do a long run on one of the bike trails on Saturday.

And spend Sunday on Lake George probably BBQing on one of the islands and maybe hiking.

Happy Running! Do you belong to a gym? Are you part of a running group? What are your plans for the weekend?

September 10, 2014 by Darlene

One last weekend on the river

For the third time this summer, I went up to Chestertown to my friend’s house on the Schroon River.

The first two times, I went up to spend time with my tennis friends. So I played tennis.

and I got to run on some beautiful scenic routes.

This time, it was our Mah Jongg weekend. It is usually later in September when the foliage is at peak but the owner of the house will be away then.

There was some overlap of groups. On Saturday, some of the mah jongg ladies played tennis. I had a race so I went up later in the day.

I am making a kid’s hat

We played some mah jongg, watched the US Open on TV, knitted and then we went out to dinner.

There was an awesome sunset which meant that the next day’s weather would be great.

it looked much better than the photo – “Red skies at night, sailor’s delight…”

Two ladies left and the rest of us played some more mah jongg and watched a chick flick on TV before hitting the hay.

Sunday morning before the rest of the group (4 more ladies) arrived, I decided to go for a run. It was cool (fall-like) but sunny. How could I resist?!

love wearing this shirt when I run along the Schroon

I enjoyed the route that I ran last time that I repeated it in the opposite direction.

Although you are running along the road, you hardly ever see a car.

I felt like I could run forever, but I knew that I had to get back, in case everyone else was finished playing tennis.

Although I had breakfast before I left for my run, I had had some leftover bacon and eggs. Since no one was back, I decided to run to the tennis courts and watch my friends play.

The weather was absolutely perfect. Too bad it wasn’t like this for the 5k race the day before.

Anyway, I completed 7.5 leisurely miles. I was very happy.

When we got back, the rest of the group had arrived, so we ate big lunch on the deck.

Then we went to a walk. The usual 40 minute loop.

Finally it was time to play mah jongg again.

Since the weather was so beautiful, one group would take a break to sit outside.

reading break

Eventually it was time to call it a day. But a fun time was had by all.

Normally I would be back here in 2 weeks to run the Helper’s Fund 10K but I am busy that day. Hopefully I can squeeze in another visit to the Adirondacks.

On the way home, I stopped off at our marina. My hubby had spent the day on Lake George and we had decided to meet for dinner. After all the eating that took place during the weekend, I only ordered soup & a salad. (I didn’t even have ice cream.)

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Are you enjoying cooler temps?

September 6, 2014 by Darlene

Malta 5K race recap

I have been running 3-4 times a week for 3-4 miles on each run. But I haven’t done a race in a few weeks so I was looking forward to this 5K.

It was my third time running this one so I was familiar with the course.

The course is very boring…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.

In 2013, I finished in 29:49 (recovering from a broken foot). In 2012, I finished in 29:53 (recovering from a broken ankle). So since I was healthy, I was hoping to finish faster but still not confident based on my slow training runs.

This year, I didn’t get lost and arrived plenty early. The publicity for the race worked, there were a lot more runners this year – about 900, I think.

at the start

I am not going to be a Debbie Downer and complain about everything.

So here’s the good:

I finished at 28:47, a course PR and won 3rd in my age group – $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant.

Now here’s the rest of the story:

Whatever I ate yesterday kept me up most of the night. Then I spent most of the morning in the bathroom.

It was 75 degrees and 95% humidity at 7 am when I left for the race. I was feeling pretty nauseous and the weather didn’t help.

Last year, there was chip timing so I didn’t start close to the front.

It was very crowded at beginning and hard to get moving.

Once I started running, I actually felt better.

But boy was it humid. I was sweating and I don’t usually sweat. I was almost hoping that it would start to rain. That never happened. The sun even came out at times.

As usual, I went out faster than I should have. I think I hope to PR and am delusional about my speed.

I was dying at the halfway point and luckily there was water. I walked for a while knowing that my first mile was fast.

I walked twice more during the 2nd mile…one time was at that same water stop.

I don’t look as bad as I felt

By mile 3, I was really struggling. I think it was the humidity that was making it hard for me to breathe. So I walked once more.

I was not disappointed in my walking. I knew that I had to or I would be sick.

I normally can sprint across the finish line but this time, I just ran.

I am dripping of sweat.

There was a lot to eat but the best part was 2 kinds of chocolate milk.

I bumped into several runners that I knew and hung around with them until they had the awards.

malta5k agaward I was surprised that I won. (And they didn’t have net times this year.)

malta5k

Splits:

mile 1- 8:51
mile 2 – 9:22
mile 3 – 9:43
.1 – 7:30

So positive splits but that’s the way it is with me! I’m ok with it.

I was possibly going to continue north to the lake or to the river but I was so sweaty and tired that I drove back home to take a shower, eat and watch the semi-finals of the US Open.

Race Goals:

run each mile under 10 min. YES!
run the whole thing – NO!! walked 4 X
set a course PR – YES!
win a age group award – YES, 3rd.
have fun & stay healthy – YES!

No races scheduled until a 5K on Sept 28…but that could change.

Happy Running! Any running/racing plans for the weekend?

September 5, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: race day rituals

This week, the theme is Race Day Rituals.

Here are the 5 things that I do before every race:

1. Check the weather forecast over and over.

I look at weather.com, accuweather.com and many more to try to figure out what to wear. Of course, although I can’t change the weather, I keep checking for a better forecast.

sept6a septw

2. Plan my outfit the night before.

I need to make sure I don’t forget anything. I always include my Garmin, my RoadID and my race belt.

3. Eat a Pre-Race meal.

I always eat hot oatmeal or cream of wheat. I used to drink coffee. Now I drink tea. When I’m not at home, I bring my breakfast with me.

4. Bring fuel and water to the race.

Even at short races, I eat a GU before I start. I also bring water to water before the race since sometimes it is not available. For longer races, I bring one GU for each 4 miles.