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Bill Hogan Winter Series #2 (3.75 m) Race Recap

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January 1, 2020 Noon

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

hangover-059

and it was a very cold one

Then in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, I wasn’t that crazy and I only ran the 3.5 Miler.

It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again. They call it a 3.5 miler but I realize each year after the race that it is actually 3.75 miles.

Starting at noon meant that I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve.

I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that there are a lot of local runners who do these races and I wanted to get a close parking space.

Today it was forecast to be in the high 30s but I was worried about the wind on this course. It is always windy!

I wore the usual winter layers. The good thing was that there is an indoor place to hang out before and after the race.

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc.

hanging with SS (Sole Sister) Jeri

So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into runners that I know from races but only one of the Sole Sisters. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.

SS Judy chose to volunteer rather than run this year

Eventually we did have to leave the nice warm building and climb down the stairs and head to the start.

I just squeezed in near the front in order to keep warm and be shielded from the wind.

My biggest worry, of course, has been my foot. It hasn’t been pain-free since November 10.  There were 3 weeks off from running completely and then a few slow run/walks.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid to make my foot pain worse.

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired (at mile 3).

pic from a previous year…no snow this year but no blue skies either

This was the first year that I can remember that there was NO ice or snow.

I won’t lie. I was a little cold especially with the wind but at times, I was warm and unzipped my vest. I even eventually took off my gloves. I was happy with my clothing choice.

There were 208 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 197 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.

I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too much since I rarely do that during my weekday runs. And I did for the first three miles despite the fact that my foot hurt with every step.  Unfortunately with my 6 miler the previous Saturday, my foot pain eventually went away.  It did not today. I tried to ignore and just finish so the pain would end.

There were no mile markers on the course but I could hear my Garmin beep. I couldn’t pay attention to my pace or time because my Garmin was under my long sleeves. (Probably a good thing.)

another pic from a previous year

As I mentioned, I was running until mile 3.  This was the most boring part of the course as well as uphill.  To make matters worse, the wind cam out of nowhere here. I struggled and the wind seem to suck the life out of my legs.  Runners were passing me by, even a runner pushing a child in a stroller.  I finally gave it and walked.  But it was just as hard to walk into the wind and so I started running again. At this point, I just wanted to finish. and be pain-free.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read 35 minutes. I knew that it would not be close to a course PR but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.

So I sprinted and crossed at 35:06.

I was content!!

Soon after, a few friends finished. We chatted. One in particular shared her identical foot issues and gave me the name her PT that enabled her to run pain-free. Score!

Eventually Jeri finished too. But I was too busy chatting and didn’t get her pic.

These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:13
mile 2: 9:12
mile 3: 9:28
.75 – 9:40

Good old positive splits. Nothing has changed for 2020. LOL

Again this year, the course was long!! I was not surprised that I was slower than last year (34:15) and far behind my course PR from 2018 (34:04). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I never felt really tired or that I was pushing hard. I think if it weren’t for my sore foot, I could have run the whole thing and had an even better finish time.

Definitely not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile and chatted with other runners. Another runner also told me about her similar foot pain (bone bruises & tendinitis = 6 weeks of biking instead of running).  It seems that everyone has a story and a remedy…so we’ll what happens with my foot.

At these winter races, they give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Two years ago, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. Not so this year. I was 4th I think. Jeri and I did not hang around and went out for coffee instead.

So a race and a perfect way to start off 2020! (Now only if my foot pain would go away soooon!)

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? If not, when is your first race of 2020?

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Weekly Run Down for 12.30.19-1.5.20: Welcome 2020!

As so the decade has ended…

And I was home for the second week in a row. My running was slow, painful but continuing (which was a good thing, I think.)

Last Week –

  • Monday – My 8 year anniversary… serious ankle surgery due to a broken fibula and tibia…

Five months of recovery and I was back to running.

May 31, 2012 with my running tribe at that time – my first outdoor run was a 5k race LOL

To celebrate, I had to run, right?  Too bad it was raining and sleeting. No choice but to head to the gym for a few miles on the dreadmill.

I seem to be a frequent visitor here

  • Tuesday – New Year’s Eve. I normally would have run but I had planned to race the next day and I was going out with the hubby. But first I rode the bike at the gym.

  • Wednesday – Day Off and I started it with a local race. Winter Series #2. There were several options but I chose the 3.5 miler (or actually 3.75).  I knew a lot of runners here so it was great to catch up. Only one of my “Sole Sisters” ran it this year.

my foot hurt (more than during the 6 miler on Sat.) still glad I did it. Crazy, huh?

  • Thursday – Just in case the doctor told me to stop running, I ran after work again…back to UAlbany with a friend.

for some strange reason, my foot felt a lot better during today’s run

Then I went out to dinner with a former co-worker. The holiday over-eating continues.

  • Friday – Foot Doctor appt. I told him that it felt a little better but that it still hurt. He wanted to give me a cortisone shot.  I wanted a MRI so I could know exactly what was wrong.  So I went for an MRI. Now I’m waiting for the results. After work and before mah jongg, I went back to the gym to ride the bike.

maybe these Altras will cure my foot woes

  • Saturday – Long run scheduled with the Sole Sisters. With a possible half marathon in a few weeks, I had decided to try and increase my distance. Unfortunately there was rain…lots of rain so I got my nails done instead… and did a lot of cleaning around the house.
  • Sunday – Rescheduled long run. It was cold and windy but at least dry. Many (but not all) of the Sole Sisters went able to come to run, walk and or have brunch.

foot pain = a lot, a little, none, repeat = frustrating

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – rest day, train to NYC, dinner with friends
  • Tuesday –  run (High Line)
  • Wednesday – rest day, Broadway show
  • Thursday – run (Central Park)
  • Friday – rest day, train home
  • Saturday – long run with Sole Sisters (10 miles)
  • Sunday – Winter Series #3 (3 miler)

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you spend your new Year’s Eve? Have you raced yet in 2020? Any experiences with cortisone shots? Please share.

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Looking Back and Having Coffee

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: Looking Back on 2019

I’m not really into goals but last January, I posted about my plans for 2019.

Here’s what I wrote:

1. Run 1000 miles.

It’s just a number.  But that number means two things to me.  I have been running consistently all year and that I have not been injured.

2. Take some yoga classes.

I’m not good at yoga. I have zero flexibility. But it is relaxing and my life is not. So I think it will help me both mentally and physically.

3. Do some strength or cross training.

I hope to play more tennis starting in June but I do have access to a local free gym. I’d like to get there on some of my rest days.

4. Train seriously for One Race.

Not sure which one but I have already registered for five half marathons so maybe the local one. Or maybe a 5k.

5. And finally…. Finish a 26.2 mile race.

Yes, you heard that right. I haven’t registered yet (next week) but it seems crazy not to take advantage of qualifying for this year’s NYC Marathon.

So how did I do??

1 . Run 1000 miles.

Nope.  947. If not for my calf injury in February and sore foot in December, I may have reached that number.  As I said, “It’s only a number.”  I am NOT disappointed in my 2019 mileage.

2. Take some yoga classes.

Not until November.  I blame it on work travel which was often insane and marathon training.

So better late than never. I have taken a few classes in the last two months of the year. Maybe that will be a sign of the future.

3. Do some strength or cross training.

No on this one, as well.  I decided to not join a tennis club and play weekly. As a result, I played during my May tennis vacation in May and not again since then.

As far as the gym, just an occasional trip to use the arm machines or the treadmill or recently the bike. Nothing to write home about for same reason as not going to yoga classes.

4. Train seriously for One Race.

A big No on this one too. Due to work travel, I didn’t participate in the Freihofer or Troy Turkey Trot training groups.

No drills. I just showed up for a race now and then and did my best.

5. And finally…. Finish a 26.2 mile race.

Yes, Yes, Yes.

My success story of the year. I ran my first full marathon.

The funny thing about posting these plans/goals is that I don’t remember writing them. So I didn’t think about them all year.

I’m not disappointed at all in how my year turned out (even though 4 out 5 of my plans didn’t materialize.)

2019 was still a good year in my book. (I am trying not to focus on the month of December and how the year ended.)

It’s also that time of the month…

ultimate coffee date

…to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Happy Running!  Any goals or plans for 2019? If so, did you meet them? Please share.

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2019 Assessment

Since today is Tuesday, I’m  linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.

My Topic this week is: My Assessment of 2019

I’m a teacher at heart. (once a teacher, always a teacher.)

And you can’t grow in the future unless you assess the past. 

Yes, it was a good year meaning lots of bling, miles and races.  You’ve seen my pictures but do they really tell the story?

Here’s my story:

I ran 947 miles.

I didn’t have a goal of 1000 miles but it was a number than I wanted to meet and I have only done it twice.

2018 – 894.5 miles
2017 – 1041.5 miles
2016 – 1046 miles
2015 – 969 miles
2014 – 911 miles

not this year

I had a calf injury for 5 weeks in Feb-March.  I do think, though, that my marathon training long runs made up for the injury. Of course, minimal miles in December definitely ended any chance of reaching 1000.

My job and travel interferes greatly with getting in the weekday miles.  However, I’m not a runner who needs those high mileage weeks and I also think the lower mileage has helped keep me injury-free for the most part (until December that is.)

I ran 31 races. 6 Half Marathons, 3 15ks, 2 10ks and the rest were shorter distances. Eleven were new races. Five of the new ones were half marathons and of course, there was NYC, my first MARATHON!

Again fewer than previous years. I have run 40 or close to it in the past.

But it was a conscious choice, not because I was injured. Only the last two December races did I DNS.

I’m a social runner and racing to me is a way to run and meet up with other runners. But with the ability to run with runner friends on the weekends, I didn’t feel the need to sign up for as many races.

my weekend BRFs

The ones I did run, I enjoyed and I usually try to run different races each year. But this year, they tended to be halfs. I guess there were not many NEW local races that appealed to me.

I continued to win my age group in most of the races that I entered.

This happens when you are in an old lady’s age group. But still, it makes me happy.

I am most proud of winning in longer races such as Sacandaga Half and Surf Town Half and in NYC races (Brooklyn Speed Series 5k, Building Brooklyn 5k, and Grete Gallop 10K, Hot Chocolate 15k.)

Although I did not have a PR year (like last year), I completed my first FULL Marathon.

I know I am slowing down.  I’m not sure how much or how often.  It just feels harder every time I go out there.

Last year, I had many course PRs at races that I have run multiple times. Not this year.

But I think I am enjoying running more and PRs just don’t seem as important as they used to.

ran most of this race while chatting with Renee

It also helped that I focused on my marathon and I couldn’t be prouder of that achievement.

My Finish times were for the most part consistent (at least for the shorter distances).

Considering my lack of training, (I run but don’t follow a plan per se nor do I do any speed drills), I did ok.

I didn’t break any speed records. But I finished most of my 5ks under 29 minutes. That elusive sub 27 5K still stands (and may stand forever.)

one of my better showings

My half marathon finish times were meh:

Publix – 2:20:29
NYC – 2:16:01
H2H – 2:11:15
Sacandaga – 2:13:03
Surf town – 2:16:08
Hannaford – 2:22:05 (post 7 miles)
NYC Marathon – 2:26.56 (first 13.1)

Not close to my PR (2:06:52) but the important finish time (under 2:12:00) was met in the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon. It qualified me for NYC Half 2020 and NYC Marathon 2020.

I conquered my fear of trail running.

I ran this summer for the first time in many of the ARE Summer Trail Running Series. They are held weekly at different local trails.

Huyck Preserve

I enjoyed them immensely. I met new runners. I discovered new places to run. And I never fell.

Thacher Park

Someday, I may even sign up for a trail race.  But I’m not there yet.

Stay turned for Friday when I’ll post what I had planned for 2019 and next Friday’s post when I’ll look ahead to 2020.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running!  Do you assess your year of running? If so, how did you do?

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Keeping Sane When You Cannot Run

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). and you should too.

This is a topic that no runner wants to write about.

It’s so popular to say “Running is my Therapy.” But what if it is really true.

What can you do if you cannot run?

Find a new hobby.

It could be knitting, doing a puzzle or an adult coloring book.

It has to be something that you find enjoyable and that keeps you occupied during the time you would be running.

Stay Active.

Walk if you can. Ride a bike. Do yoga. Swim. Work out.

Find a physical activity to temporarily replace running.

Spend time with family and friends.

You have more time now that you do not have to run or have scheduled races.

Contact those people you haven’t spend time with lately and plan get togethers.

Stay positive.

No sense focusing on those DNSed races and missed runs.

Plan for the future. But new shoes or a new outfit. Pick a new race or running goal.

Happy Running! Any other tips? Share it here!
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This Year in Photos

Since today is Tuesday, I’m  linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.

One of my most favorite things to do is look back at my photos.

They remind me why I love running and racing.

Here are the highlights month by month:

JANUARY

a bunch of free local races and runs with friends 

Winter Series race

cold run with friends

FEBRUARY

some cold weather runs, a warm race-cation and two races including my first half marathon of the year

Polar Cap Race with AJH

a very wet Publix Half Marathon

MARCH

My stepson’s wedding, a new kitten, my second and bucket list half marathon and a wet local race

THE wedding

Champ

NYC Half Marathon

Shamrock Shuffle race (in the rain)

APRIL

Spring racing has begun with three races including a fun group race-cation

Delmar Dash with Karen

Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon

Hot Chocolate 15k with some Sole Sisters

MAY

my birthday month, an annual tennis vacation in Florida and of course races, like FOUR of them

15th year in a row in Naples, FL

Tropicool 5k with an old friend

Summer Smith Memorial 5k with Dr. Tom

Workforce Challenge with co-workers

Great Sacandaga Half Marathon

JUNE

the racing season escalates with five races, some volunteering, work travel, as boating on the lake begins

my 12th Freihofer’s Run for Women

Betar Byway 5k and Moreau Mile races

Building Brooklyn 5k

Lake George life

Sole Sisters man the water stop

running in Buffalo after work

Race to the Lakes 15k (and ice cream)

JULY

warmer temps mean less racing (just one race) but some trail runs and more boating

Silks and Satins 5k with a skirt sister

trailing running!

more boating

AUGUST

More trail runs and again just one race

more trails!!

Hudson Ramble 8 mile race

SEPTEMBER

A visit to a college roommate, a half marathon and lots of long runs in addition to work travel 

first kayaking experience thanks to my college roommate

Surf Town Half Marathon and blogger meet-up

running along the Erie Canal (Rochester work)

more miles in NYC and friend connections

marathon training…

OCTOBER

marathon training is heating up with a half marathon as part of the dreaded 20-miler and there was a bucket list 10k in NYC as well as a fun trail race.

Grete’s Great Gallop 10k (and a new friend)

post 7 mile Hannaford Half Marathon

Lawson Lake 5k for “fun”

NOVEMBER

The big day arrived – my first full marathon followed by a recovery 15k and two Thanksgiving races

I did it!!!!!

the Stocadeathon

Turkey Trotting

DECEMBER

and so it ends… with a DNS 😦


I realized that after picking those pictures above that they had nothing to do with age group awards or finish times.

In fact, many of them were not stellar running/racing efforts yet they were memorable for many other reasons.

I ran a lot of races in 2019 and each was special in a different way.  Some were new experiences and some were races that I’ve run over and over again. Many were with friends but many were solo attempts. None were PRs and I’m sure a few were PWs.

But I think I had a smile on my face during each and every one.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running!  What is memorable for you in your running?  Does it show up in your photos?

 

 

 

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Weekly Run Down for 12.9.19-12.15.19: NO RUNNING for This Runner

In town this week but NO RUNNING per doctors orders so… not a happy runner.

Last Week –

  • Monday – I finally was not travelling so I could get to a podiatrist to have my sore foot checked out.  He found nothing in the xrays and nothing when he pressed on it. So his diagnosis was that it is sore from a bunion, high arches or tight shoes… Treatment suggested was 2 weeks of anti-inflammatory drugs and no running. Next dr. appt is Jan 3 and if it still hurts then, he will schedule an MRI. Sounds welcoming in the snowy cold NE but not if you have a Half Marathon scheduled for Jan 19 and running keeps you sane.  If you see me, stay away. I will be grumpy!!

new footwear…I was hoping to wear them running. Instead I wore them on the exercise bike for ONE hour!!

  • Tuesday – Day 12 on the no running front…at least I had a hair appointment on my schedule to take up time.
  • Wednesday – Long stressful work day with no running to be had so I dragged my running shoes to the gym and did an hour on the bike. At least I’m catching up on my podcasts.

and doing some online shopping…for myself

  • Thursday – Same as Wednesday. My scheduled BFF birthday movie/dinner got re-scheduled so I was free to do more indoor cycling. So fun. Not.

someone at my training SnapChat this. lol

  • Friday –  Work meeting and party. Lots of eating with no running or walking. Good thing I don’t own a scale. Mah jongg in the evening to take my mind off my foot.

yes my cat loves to watch youtube birdwatching videos

  • Saturday –  Rain postponed the weekly long Sole Sisters run. Who am I kidding? No run anyway but I did go to a Yoga for Runners class. Luckily it focused on upper spine and shoulders.

next month is De-tox and February – Feet (YAY!)

  • Sunday – Long run rescheduled. I did not run but I met them for brunch and then spent time with another Sole Sister who cannot run. We knit, chatted and planned our return to running.

my morning view

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How do you spend your time when you cannot run? Please share.

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Four (or Five) Somethings for November-December

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

It’s time even though it’s Friday. LOL

1. Something Loved.

Marathon Weekend.

Not just the race but

  • the day preceding: the expo, the Meb talk and carb-loaded dinner and dessert
  • the day of: hanging with Cari beforehand, crossing that finish line, post race dinner and bar chat
  • the day after: Normatec boots, climbing the Vessel and brunch with friends

and PERFECT weather all three days

I am a lucky lady.

2. Something Said.

I attended a talk by Meb the day before the NYC Marathon…so I’m kinda obsessed with things that he has said:

“Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best.”

Words to live by, for sure.

“But I also realize that winning doesn’t always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself.”

In other words, celebrate finish lines not finish times. And if you do your best, you are a winner.

“Nobody said it’s going to be easy. You have to dig into yourself. Think about your family. Think about the journey itself. THINK IN THE MOMENT.”

Definitely true!!! About a marathon or any challenge in life.

3. Something Learned.

I know it’s corny but I learned that:

Image result for i can do hard things"

I ran 26.2 miles at age 66. With plates and screws in one ankle. With many shortened or missed weekday runs.

I was not sure that I could run a marathon especially one as hard as NYC.

Now I know that I can.

4. Something Read.

I recently finished reading this book. It’s about the power of words and thoughts. If you were told the day of your death, would you live differently? What if you knew you had only 5 years…what about 50 more? Would such knowledge predetermine the knowledge of a date becoming the truth of the date? This is a story that indirectly asks these questions. Four siblings visit a fortune teller who gives them each a date. The trouble is, they are just children and this knowledge (whether true or not) directs all their future choices. Interesting story of the power of influence and belief.

5. Something Seen.

Hamilton on Broadway

and Les Miserables, the Concert movie.

Image result for les miserables concert movie tickets"

I absolutely loved Hamilton and Les Miz is my all time favorite show and sound track.

On cloud nine.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR or Five somethings? Share at least ONE.

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Albany Last Run 5K DNS Race Recap

The Albany Last Run is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1500). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill. I have run it every year since 2010 and it is one of my favorite races.

This is the course map:

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard.  This was how I finished the race that year.

snowy, icy and very slippery!!

I was hoping for better weather this year.  Could it be any worse??

Before the race

They used to give out windbreakers for this race and I have them in many colors

I wanted to pick up my bib & shirt beforehand to save time but I was working in NYC.

If you’ve been reading my blog, you may remember that I had foot pain during my last work stint in NYC.  I rested a little.  The pain seemed to fade so I ran two races on Thanksgiving Day and NOT AGAIN SINCE!!!

I would have gone to the doctor but I had to work all last week in NYC.  I did do zero running but I admit there was a lot of walking involved.

The foot pain continued.

So I made the difficult decision to DNS one of my favorite races of the season.

In addition to this race being fun, my running friends gather afterwards for a pot luck dinner.

Yes, it was depressing to get dressed up and not run but the logistics to meet up after would have been too hard if I did not go to the race.

So I decided to go to the race.

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. I wanted to watch the race but if I were not running, I would be freezing.

I wore much of the same layers as I did last year.

I carpooled with Barbara. Normally we leave my car where I use to take yoga classes.  (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. But with a sore foot, that would have been a dumb idea.  It turned out that using the parking garage was super easy to get in and out.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends, etc. (I wanted to have worn a sign that said I HAVE A SORE FOOT!!)

I purposely did not wear running shoes so I would not be tempted to run the race. I also gave my bib (217) to my friend’s granddaughter.

I kept the long sleeved tech shirt (though it was uni-sex and too big)

I chatted with other runners until it was time to head out. It was fun to see all costumes and how everyone creatively got into the holiday spirit. There were over 1500 runners and most everyone was dressed up.

Finally we all left our warm home to go watch the pre-race fireworks. Everyone headed to the start so I watched the fireworks alone.

The fireworks were awesome and I enjoyed them more than usual since I was not anxious to start the race.

About 20 minutes later, the race finally did start.  I wore a long down coat but forgot my gloves so I went inside.

By the time, I got back out there, the speedy runners were finishing. I stood around waiting for all my friends to finish.

the first two to cross

This may have been the best weather we’ve ever had for this race but if you were not running, it was COLD!!! my feet and hands were frozen.

Eventually everyone was done…some ran, some ran slowly and some walked. One of the gang even won her age group.

Every year there are raffle prizes. They randomly pick bib numbers.  Guess what??? I won.  And my friend’s granddaughter was nice enough to give me one of the the prizes – $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant (OK — no $$ loss on this race then LOL)

After the race, we all took off and headed to the post-race pot luck dinner. It was a fun time.

I didn’t run the race. SH##t happens but I am grateful to my running friends for times like this.

The Last Run is a standard on my racing list each year. Hopefully, I will be able to run it in future years!!!

Injury Update:

Good News. Nothing wrong with my foot.
Bad News. Nothing wrong with my foot.

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Diagnosis: Sore foot. It may be sore caused by pressure from the bunion or high arches or tight shoes, etc.

Treatment: Anti-Inflammatory med 2x per day for 2 weeks. No walking or Running for 3 weeks or so. He said even if he found a neuroma or stress fracture, the treatment would be the same – no walking or running for several weeks.

I have to go back Jan 3 and if it still hurts, he’ll schedule an MRI.

Just love doctors!!

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running?  How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race this year? Have you ever DNSed race but went to cheer your friends on?

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Weekly Run Down for 12.2.19-12.8.19: It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas…

Yes, it’s that time of year…tree lighting and decorations in NYC (and I was there ALL week for work) and a local holiday 5k race.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Our first snowstorm of the year and it was a big one (over 2 ft). Even my office was closed. Unfortunately I was scheduled to take the train to NYC. I got there but only after a long 2.5 hour delay. After a quick trip to Queens, I would normally rush back to Manhattan to run. But with a sore foot and the snow/sleet, I just hopped the subway to Lincoln Center to meet my friends Cari and Elizabeth. We had tix to a VIP reception at PJ Clarke’s. Free drinks, free food and great company. Afterward I took the subway back to the hotel. No unlike me. I love to walk in the city 😦

  • Tuesday –  A long work day with a lot of walking and standing. Ventured out to Hudson Yards for some entertainment but foot pain sent me back to the hotel to self medicate with pizza and wine.

I tried out the hotel Peleton – pretty cool

  • Wednesday – Another long work day with a lot of walking and standing but instead of going right back to the hotel, I stopped off to check out some of favorite holiday decorations, have dinner and then limp back to my hotel.

Lotte Palace hotel & 6th ave & 49th

The city was crazy crowded so I enjoyed my wine and dessert in the hotel while watching the Rockefeller tree lighting on TV.

  • Thursday – Same old same old. Work…foot pain. NO RUNNING. My last night in Manhattan so of course, I had to check out Saks and Rockefeller Center.

  • Friday – Just a normal city work day followed by the train home in the evening.
  • Saturday – For the first time ever I did not run the Last Run 5k. I did not even walk it. I went dressed up and cheered for my friends. Bummed but felt it was the smart move.

all dressed up and nowhere to run..

Afterward we all gathered for a post race party.

  • Sunday – Another DNS. I did not even go to our first local race of the season. At least this one was free.

FOMO

In the afternoon I went with a friend to see the Les Miserables concert movie.

″Les Miserables: The Staged Concert″ - Press Night - Curtain Call & Backstage

It was awesome especially the finale

And in the evening out to a Chinese dinner to celebrate our mah jongg group’s 11th anniversary.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer. But NYC is my favorite place to run it and I did not.

Christmas in NYC is magical and I only limped my way to a few key sights. I normally would have done a lot more.

The good news is that while I was away my new kitty ran away. But he came back!!!

Foot doctor appointment on Monday morning. Fingers crossed for an end to this pain.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.