running

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Polar Cap 4 Mi. Race Report

A new race and a new distance for me.  I love Lake George (in the summer!) But it is hilly.  And it’s cold and snowy!!

What the heck, it’s a PR.

So I got up early on a Saturday morning to run a race! 

My husband remarked, “You’re gonna drive over an hour for a race!?” I replied that I know someone who drove 3 hours for a race.

It was a beautiful morning.  The predicted snowstorm was postponed until  the afternoon.  It was about 15 degrees, sunny, very little wind. I was very tired because I went to bed too late. (Friday is Mah Jongg night.)

I was almost there when fellow blogger, AJH, texted me that she was there!  I didn’t know she was going to run it but I know she has run this race several times before.  I was thrilled to have the company.  (My friend Mary has a hip stress fracture 😦 )

I thought it was going to be cold so I dressed in 3 top layers, hat, gloves, tights shorts, wool socks.

AJH & me before the race

I was wrong.  It was sunny.  I was overdressed.  I immediately took off my gloves & unzipped my jacket.

pic taken by AJH

The course was very scenic.  There were views of the snow covered mountains as well as the lake. 

It was not an easy course.  At first there were some small hills.  I was running well.  Under 10 min/mi.  That was until the last killer unending hill.   I walked and then I walked again and then I walked.  I hate that! Until my half marathon, I never walked during a race.

 

heading for the finish

happy to be almost done

All of a sudden, I became competitive and regained my strength and sprinted through the finish line.  The walking killed my time but I at least made up some at the end and crossed at 40:09. (Official results say: 40:11)

AJH took this of me finishing

(I didn’t take any pics during the race but I snapped a few after.)

AJH at the finish line

It was my first 4 mile race so I have a PR.  I love racing so I am happy!  I will do better at the next one.

my split times

I was so sweaty that I quickly got chilled so we went inside to change clothes and wait for the awards.  (There were under 200 people in this race so the chance for an award was pretty good.)

The refreshments consisted of chicken soup and lots of baked goods but I really wasn’t hungry.

Guess what?  AJH & I both won Age Group awards (We are in the same group.)  Although AJH finished way ahead of me, she won 2nd and I won 3rd. Cool!

We won soup bowls with spoons

 AJH left & I stayed in Lake George for a while.  I hope that we get a chance to race together again.  I think we will because she’s the one I was referring to when I said I “I know someone she drives 3 hours for a race.”

I headed into town because there was a lot going on.  It’s the first weekend of the 50th Lake George Winter Carnival.

 But first, I had my running reward:

vanilla latte & apple scone

Then I met my friends (who are chairpersons of the Carnival) and watched some of the events – skydiving, dogsled races,  etc.

I stopped off at the outlets on my way home but my wallet was saved by the snowstorm.  It started to snow hard and I left.  As I drove south, the snow turned to sleet, then to freezing rain and then to just rain. (At least the salt got washed off my car.)

So now it’s back to training. I don’t have a race planned until March & I think it’s another 4 miler 🙂

Happy Running!

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Chinese New Year and Yoga

Yesterday the Chinese New Year began and 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. Happy New Year!

Rabbits run, right?  Rabbits are fast.

This should be a great year for us runners!

My Yoga for Runners class last night was interesting.  Everyone there was young and as flexible as pretzels. Then there was me.    I am very very very tight!  So I think this will help me. It can’t hurt. I plan to go again next week.

Below are some videos I found:

Happy Running!
 

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Punxsutawney Phil, Are You Nuts?

Punxsutawney Phil gives his annual Groundhog Day weather forecast today for the  125th time.

Considering the huge winter storm on the East Coast, I doubt he will see his shadow. I guess spring temperatures are just around the corner!! Ha! Ha!

Well, I’m snowed in!

Where I work closed yesterday at 2pm and won’t open till tomorrow.

I went to the gym yesterday before work – I couldn’t run in the snowstorm (well, I could if I were crazy). I ran 3 miles on the treadmill (watched a new show – Fairly Legal).

There was a sign on the door that the gym would be closed today.  With 2 more feet of snow coming, I knew I would not be able to run outside today.

So last night, I went back to the gym and ran 3 miles (watching another episode of Fairly Legal).

I went to the gym TWICE IN ONE DAY!!

Happy Running!

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February is Almost Here! Will the Snow Ever End?

January Recap:

My goal was to run 50 miles and a Half Marathon. I ran 72 miles and a Half Marathon!!!!! WooHoo!
 

February Goals:

 

  • 60 miles (combo of outside & treadmill)
  • 4 mi race
  • Follow Half Marathon training schedule

 

Please warm up and stop snowing!! I can’t run in this!!!!!!!!!

 Happy Runnng!

 

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Weekend’s Over & Half Marathon #2 Training Begins

 

The weekend started with Friday evening at the Lake George Winter Carnival Gala at the The Georgian in Lake George.  We had a great time, eating, drinking and dancing to the music of Bobby Dick & the Sundowners (our favorite band).

Saturday am I watched my favorite tennis player, Kim Clisters, win the Australian Open. Then went out for a 6 mile run in the neighborhood.  The sidewalks were in better condition than in Albany but there aren’t many of them so I had to run in the road.  Not too treacherous around where I live.

I did it in a little over an hour.  My pace is still slow but getting better. 

Then 2 friends that I used to work with suggested Yoga, dinner & then a movie.  Sounded like fun.  I haven’t done yoga in ages and wanted to get back into it.

The yoga session was De-Stress Yoga and it was really slow & relaxing. It was Sat night so there were only 4 people in the class.  I am really stiff & have no flexibility at all.  So I think yoga will be  good for me.

Guess what I signed up for next Thursday there-

I am psyched!

The movie we saw was “Blue Valentine.”  Although the acting was great, it was pretty depressing. Not sure I’d recommend it unless you enjoy watching a marriage gone bad.

Sunday was very low key – laundry, grocery shopping.  I did my taxes (got depressed about how much $$$ we owe the govt), watched figure skating on TV while making chicken soup.

 Next up 12 weeks away is the Lake George Half Marathon on April 23, 2011.

I haven’t signed up yet.  But I think I will. I know it won’t be as warm or as scenic as Naples, Florida. I know that it is HILLY!! I’m not proud & I can walk up the hills and now that I know I can run 13.1, I want to do another and another and another.

Crazy, huh?

I think I like not being pressured about time.  I like all the excitement.  I like the finisher medal.

Goals for the week:

Last week update:

 My goal was 15 miles & I ran 16.5 miles

This week’s schedule:

Mon – tennis
Wed – dentist, fleetfeet workshop (good form running)
Thurs – yoga
Fri – mah jongg
Sat – winter carnival in LG
Sun – time with mentee

This week’s running:

Tues – 3 miles before or after work
Wed– 4 miles before work
Thurs – 3  miles before or after work
Sat – 4 mi Race
Sun:  4 mi

Weekly Running Goal = 18 miles 
February  Monthly Running Goal = 60 miles,  4mi race,  half marathon training

Yearly Running Goal = 1011 miles

Happy Running!

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Tagged Again

The Happy Runner has tagged me for the Stylish Blogger Award! Thanks so much!!

You should check out her blog. She is training for a Half Marathon (after just having a baby in Oct.)! On her blog, she is tracking her training and offering helpful tips for others who are also doing so.

 There are 4 duties to perform to accept this award:

1. Make a post + Link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 5 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won!

About ME:  (Since this is my 2nd tagging, I’ll add 7 more tidbits to the original 7):

  1. I am an avid Mets fan (even when they are losing). I listen to their games whenever I can.
  2. I have been mentoring a teenage unwed mom for the past 2 1/2 years.  Her 4 year old son Richard is a joy!  I love Amanda like a daughter.  (She is pregnant again and due Aug 20.)
  3. I have NEVER eaten peanut butter. (That means I’ve never had a P & J sandwich. I don’t even eat Reese’s.)
  4. I love to play tennis although I don’t play it as much since I started running almost 3  yrs ago. I used to play everyday now it’s only a once or twice a week. I may even enjoy running more!? But some of my best friends are ones that I met through playing tennis. (And I met my hubby playing tennis.)
  5. I spent my junior year of college in Nice, France and taught French for many many years (until I discovered the world of technology – now I’m a geek). I still love anything French and would move to Paris in a heart beat.
  6. I am addicted to Mah Jongg.  I have played it for over  2 years on Friday evenings.  It’s a game my mother used to play & no one wants to be like their mother but it’s a lot of fun and it keeps your mind young (I hope).
  7.  I have seen Les Miserables (the show) at least 12 times and would see it again if it came to town. I have also read the book & seen the movies but it’s the music that I love!
  8. I am a certified “cat lady.”  I have 5 cats: Jerry, Slater, Spooky, Billy, Honey. Honey is the only female. Jerry is my fav but my hubby adores Slater.
  9. I am obsessed with photos.  I take my camera almost everywhere I go.  I post them all in Kodak Photo Gallery and a selected number on Facebook.
  10. I love desserts.  I would skip dinner and just have dessert.  Once I even went to the Mariott’s (in NYC) all you can eat dessert buffet instead of having dinner. Apple pie and creme brulee are among my favorites.
  11. I hardly ever watch TV…I am never am home.  I detest reality shows, too.  I do Tivo Grey’s Anatomy and  Brothers & Sisters (but struggle to find the time to watch.) However, my hubby would do nothing else but watch TV if he could. 
  12. I hate the cold…why do I live in the NE, you may wonder.  Sunshine and heat make me happy – (I’ve been known to go lie on a tanning bed). No vitamin D shortage here!
  13. I love having everything in my house clean and in the right place BUT I hate to clean (& I have a messy hubby & 5 cats).  What’s a girl to do?  I have a cleaning lady!  When my stepsons were living at home, she came 2x a month but now I feel guilty &  I have her come once a month. (The crazy thing is that I clean up for the cleaning lady because I don’t want her to think we’re messy.)
  14. I love to read before going to bed.  In fact, I have to to relax.  I read People magazine weekly, Runner’s Word monthly and am always in the middle of a good novel.  Just finished Little Bee (highly recommend it).

If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged.

Happy Running!

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Heat Wave


Monday, the thermometer read -14.  That’s not with the wind chill!!

I draw the line under 10 degrees!  So Tuesday morning I went to the gym and ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill.  I watched a new show on my iPod Touch called “Off the Map” – jungle version of Grey’s Anatomy.

Today, the weather was almost balmy – 32 degrees!  So I brought (winter) running clothes to work.

I had signed up for a workshop at FleetFeet on “Common Overuse Injuries to Runners: Plantar Fasciitis & Achilles Tendonitis” but although, I have foot issues (not these per se), I decided to run instead.

For once, the snowstorm hit south of us and there was no wind.  At onr point, I was too warm to wear my hat & gloves! One thing I forgot is that in Albany, they don’t shovel the sidewalks and when you run in the road, the cars practically run you down.

Anyway, I ran a treacherous 4 miles and after went to have my nails done and they give you a free hot pad for your back and a free back massage!!

Before heading home,  I stopped at Olympia Sports & bought 2 pairs of Adidas running shorts & 2 matching tops (that I don’t need) because they were on sale.

black w/green & pink trim and black w/white & lt blue trim

pink w/white trim and white w/ lt. blue trim

A very productive evening!

Happy Running!

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Tentative Winter-Spring Racing Schedule


It’s not written in stone but I need a plan OR I won’t get out of bed to run:

Jan 16 – Naples Half Marathon – Naples, Fla.

Feb 5 – Polar Cap 4 mi Run – Lake George, NY

Mar 12 – Runnin of the Green 4 mi Run – Green Island, NY
Mar 26 – Firefighters Run 4 Life 5K – Schenectady, NY

Apr 10 – Delmar Dash 5 mi – Delmar, NY
Apr 23 – Lake George Half Marathon

May 1 – Literacy 5k – Troy, NY
May 8 – Mother’s Day 3.5 mi Race – Delmar, NY
May 22 – SPAC 5k Rock & Run – Saratoga, NY

Jun 4 – Freihofer’s Run for Women (5K) – Albany, NY
Jun 11 – OK 5K – Kinderhook, NY
Jun 25 – Valley Cats Home Run 5K – Troy, NY

You can see I’ve added some new races.

Once it gets warm and the days get longer…I think it will be warm by July,   I may change my long runs to during the week.  That way, if I want to do another Half Marathon, it’s won’t interfere with 5k Sat races or weekend boating plans.

There are 3 HM possibilities:

  1. Aug 6 – Camp Chingachgook Challenge Half – Lake George, NY
  2. Sept 18 – Melanie Palio Half – Saratoga, NY
  3. Oct 9 – Marine Corps Half – Colonie, NY

    4. 

Happy Running!

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What’s Next??

After 12 weeks of training and anticipation, it’s OVER!!

 I signed up for a Half Marathon, I trained for it, I ran it and met all my Goals.

What’s Next?

No, not a Marathon!!!!!!!!!

But I’m the kind of runner that needs goals. 

I have always planned my weekly runs based on an upcoming race. When you run only 5ks (I ran 21 in 3 yrs!!), it’s not too difficult.  I ran 2-3 times during the week (3 miles at a time) and ran a 5k on the weekend (almost every weekend from May-Oct).

I really enjoyed the 5ks and tried to improve each time.  I met a lot of great people. But at age 57, how much faster can I get?? (I’ve improved my PR from 37 something to 27 something)

It’s all changed!!

I ran a Half Marathon.

On the weekends, I had added a long run of 6-12 miles to my 2-3 weekly 3 mile runs.

This is my dilemma…the 5k races don’t really fit into another Half Marathon training. I can add on the extra miles from time to time but it’s not the same as a real Long Run.

What do I do???

What I am sure of is:

  • I want to run another Half Marathon or 2. (with more confidence than the first &  a little faster)
  • I want to continue to run a lot of 5ks in the summer months (fits in with our boating)
  • I want to add some other distances – 4 mi, 5 mi, 10k, 15k, 10 mi

But’s Monday and it’s time for this week’s goals:

Last week update:

 I ran only 6 miles (but I was resting after my Half Marathon)

This week’s schedule:

Mon – tennis
Tues – tennis
Wed – FleetFeet workshop
Thurs – mall w/bff
Fri – gala in LG
Sat – tennis dinner
Sun – cards w/friends

This week’s running:

Tues– 3 miles before work
Wed – 4 miles after work
Thurs – 3  miles after work
Sun:  5 miles

Weekly Running Goal = 15 miles
January Monthly Running Goal = 50 miles, a half marathon

Yearly Running Goal = 1011 miles

Happy Running!

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Naples Half Marathon Post-Race Report

The next day I had to pinch myself because I was not sore.  Did I really run a Half Marathon? I found my medal and smiled!!!

my bling

We decided that we would go for a long walk while the weather was good.  (They had predicted showers for the afternoon).

First we headed down 9th St No (or Rte 41) to the Porsche/Bentley/Mazerati car dealer.  My hubby LOVES cars!!

Then we turned down a street that went toward the Gulf and walked through the neighborhoods.

It started to cloud up so I decided that it would be a good idea to take a trolley tour so my hubby could see ALL parts of Naples and learn about the history of the town (and stay dry in case it started to rain.)

We bought lunch in Tin City while we were waiting.  I even found a bar that sold my favorite drink, a CHELADA!!! (it’s Bud light & clamato juice – sounds gross but I love it!)

We had a really nice time and when we got back to the hotel, it started to rain. So we sat on the balcony and chatted with our neighbors (from Ohio.)

Tonite I made reservations to go out to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary. (It actually was yesterday but I was afraid I would be dead after the race!!)

We went to my favorite spot on the Gulf, the Turtle Club, at Vanderbuilt beach).  It was still raining and overcast when we got there so it wasn’t crowded and they gave us a table looking out onto the beach.

Then suddenly, it cleared up and the sunset was awesome!!!

After the sun had set, we enjoyed our dinner.

a turtletini - yum!

anniversary key lime pie

After dinner, we walked around Fifth Avenue and even, had ice cream.

When I got up the next day, I though about running but opted to be cautious and REST!!

We decided to go to the Naples Dock, walk around the Bayfront area and eat in Tin City and then take a boat ride on the Naples Princess.

Bayfront area

After the boat ride, we headed to the beach to soak up the sun on our last day.

On the way to the airport, we drove through some more sections of the city for one last look.

Pelican Bay

 

Fifth Ave

When we got to the airport, I found out that our flight from Charlotte to Albany was cancelled due to an ice storm.  We ended up getting a beautiful suite at the Hilton (distressed rate of $89) for the night and then had a huge breakfast at the hotel.

We arrived home that night to  snow and frigid temps!!!! 

But all is good.  I AM A HALF MARATHONER!!!

Happy Running!