July 27, 2014 by Darlene

Turning Point 5k race report

tp5k

Another new race for me. Besides being new for me, it was moved to a new location. (So no reviews to read up on.)

It took place in Hudson Crossing Park, centered around Champlain Canal Lock 5 Island, just north of Schuylerville, on New York State’s Historic Scenic Byway, Route 4.

I passed by the park after the Bacon Hill 5K (which influenced to me to choose this race.)

photo from the triathlon there in June

I was a little nervous about the trail portion. I had never run a trail race and my last trail run resulted in a fall.

There also weren’t many runners running this race…Would I be last?

The good news was the perfect weather…sunny and not too warm and no rain (just a little humid.)

The race was about an hour from my house. I got there plenty early. I picked up my race packet (another cotton tee shirt to give away) and used the rest room (a real one!)

I walked around a bit..what a pretty location.

part of the one of the trails

The race was called the “turning point” because the battle of Saratoga (nearby) was won by the Americans and was the turning point of the American Revolution. (In case you were wondering.)

me & Elisa before the race

Soon I ran into a running friend, Elisa and then a few others that I knew.

the beginning and end of the race

Soon it was time to begin. They explained the course which sounded very complicated–Down the road and sharp right onto the trails…to the end, turn around and run the same trail back…run another trail and go over a bridge and turn around and then return on that trail but turn off half way to head to the finish.

It turned out that there were volunteers on the course directing runners and it was very easy to follow.

starting

on the grass

part of the trail – runners going both ways

running past the water stop

the bridge

another part of the trail

The course was not easy for me.

I am very clumsy so my plan was to take it easy and make sure I didn’t trip and fall.

That wasn’t a problem because it is hard to run fast on dirt and rocky turf (at least for me). It was mostly flat with a few hills. The tricky part were the downhills. I slowed right down on those.

So I didn’t fall but my competitive self was disturbed by my time. I was tired quickly. I walked through the first water stop, then walked several times during the next 2 miles. (only one being up a hill.)

Was it the humidity or the trail or what? How did I do a half marathon 2 weeks ago if I can’t run a 5k without stopping.

Anyway, my friends were waiting at the finish line and I managed to look good sprinting across it at 30:47.

I can’t remember the last time I finished a 5K over 30 minutes!!! (I think it was after I had surgery on my ankle and hadn’t run for 5 months.) I have run faster with a broken foot and a stress fracture.

we all won medals.–2 firsts, a second and I won third

Even so, I won in my age group…the perks of a small race and being old.

The refreshments were bananas and granola bars.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:40
mile 2 – 9:59
mile 3 – 10:09
.14- 8:15

Race Goals:

Run the whole thing. NO. Walked 3-4 times.
Not fall and get hurt. YES.
Not finish last. YES.
Finish under 30 minutes. NO but close.

Still I had fun. Racing is always fun for me.

But with the cotton tee shirt, the food and the distance to drive, this is the first of my NEW races that I may not repeat. The course was very pretty. I would like to come back and run on it for fun.

Happy Running! Do you like trail races?

July 24, 2014 by Darlene

More races?

Races are what motivates me.

It’s no secret that my training runs suck….I walk and walk and walk some more… so my pace is SLOOOOOOOW!

But in a race, for some strange reason, I run faster and if it’s 5 miles or less, I don’t usually have to stop and walk.

So I run a lot of races. They boost my confidence.

Mayor’s Race & Wellness Festival 10 miler (Palm Springs, CA)
HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 15K
Polar Cap 4 mi
HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 7K
Lighthouse 5k (St. Augustine, FL)
Runnin of the Green 4 mi
LoveRun Half Marathon (Philadelphia, PA)
Delmar Dash 5m
Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
Rabbit Ramble 4m
Cherry Blossom 5k
Spring Run Off 10K
Mom’s Day 5K
Freihofer’s Run for Women
Betar Byway 5K
Strawberry Fest 5K
Adirondack Distance 10m
Saratoga Half Marathon

Yes, 18 races so far… (10 in March-May)!

Here’s how the rest of the summer is shaping up:

7-26-14 – Turning Point 5K – a new one and a trail race
8-03-14 – Care for Kids 5K – a new one near where I stayed last weekend
8-09-14 – Camp Chingachgook 10k – a hilly 10k along Lake George which I ran in 2012 as my 1st 10K
8-16-14 – Jailhouse Rock 5k – a small local 5K that I have run in 2009, 2010, 2012
9-06-14 – MBPK 5k – another local 5k that I have run in 2012 and 2013
9-14-14 – Biggest Loser 10k – a new 10k at the Great Escape park near Lake George

I never PR in the summer. I am usually injured or recovering from an injury. This summer, I am healthy!! So you never know…

I haven’t run with any speed in the last 6 weeks due to training for the 10 miler and half marathon.

But this Saturday, I have a RACE! A 5k!

tp5k

A new race at a new location (It used to held in Saratoga State park.) Now it takes place in Hudson Crossing Park, centered around Champlain Canal Lock 5 Island, just north of Schuylerville, on New York State’s Historic Scenic Byway, Route 4.

I passed by this park after the Bacon Hill 5K in April (which influenced to me to choose this race.)

this was the Hudson R in the spring near the park

I am a little nervous about the trail portion. I have never run a trail race and my last trail run resulted in a fall.

photo from the triathlon there in June

So I am moving outside my comfort zone.

Race Goals:

Run the whole thing.
Not fall and get hurt.
Not finish last.
Finish under 30 minutes or close to 30 minutes.
Have fun!

Happy Running! Have you ever run a trail race?

July 9, 2014 by Darlene

Another day off and a new trail

Monday, I had the day off from work. (Originally it was planned so I could do my long run.)

Anxious to test out my foot, I decided that an easy run was the order for the day.

I was going to stay nearby but then again, I had the day off. Why not drive somewhere new?

I had heard about Five Rivers and that it was a great place to hike.

I got a late start and it was humid but otherwise, it was a great day to run or run/walk as in my case.

I wish I had downloaded the trail maps here to be better prepared but I just winged it. There are supposed 10 miles of trails so I just started with one and continued until I got to 4 miles or it started to rain.

I started with the Woodlot trail which was pretty short.

Then I did the Wild Turkey trail but did not see any wild turkey…just lots of butterflies and birds.

At times, I got off course and I am not sure I actually did the whole trail.

Next was the North Loop trail.

I ran when it was safe to do so like on dirt and grass, I walked when it was too dangerous and a big chance of tripping and falling.

The Old Field trail was next.

This one was an easy loop to follow.

The last one I did was Vlomankill trail.

I enjoyed this one – a lot variety – bridges, stairs, water …

It looked like it may rain so I quit at this point – 4.5 miles covered.

rain clouds?? nope. only felt a few drops and then the sun came out

Now that I look at the map, there are a few more trails that I missed.

I am definitely going back.

As for my foot. It didn’t really hurt. It felt a little sore.

When I got home, it did hurt a little but then that went away and I was pain free for the rest of the day. I played tennis on Tuesday and was okay.

Fingers still crossed!

Happy Running! Do you mix up the surfaces that you on?

June 30, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 3 4 recovery miles

on bridges & trails

I love my new NB 870s. These 770s were on clearance at DSW for $45 – had to buy them! Love them too!

Tuesday -2 walks at work, rest, tennis

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – 3 mile run ~~at lunch~~ before work,walk at work, ~~concert~~ (rained out), yoga

first run in my new shoes. It was a HUMID one!

AM walk

PM walk to the park & then the rains came

Thursday – 3 mile run before work, 2 walks at work, movie

beat the rain – boy was it humid

AM walk

PM walk – picture tells all

not as good as the show but still enjoyable

Friday – 2 walks at work, ~~4 miles~~, rest, mah jongg

AM walk

PM walk

Saturday – 11 miles

what a God awful run

Sunday – boating

perfect day!

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday -rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles , yoga
Thursday –4 miles
Friday – DAY OFF – rest, boating
Saturday- 4 miles, boating
Sunday -rest, boating

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

June 25, 2014 by Darlene

A day off to explore a new running route

I took Monday off in case I was too sore after Sunday’s 10 mile race.

I was not. I felt great.

I decided to use the time to run somewhere new.

I never can. Either no time before work, too much traffic after work, boating or a long run to do on the weekend.

So today was the day and the weather was similar to the weekend’s – PERFECT!

I drove to Peebles Island. I heard there was a park there with trails.

When I got there, I got sidetracked.

In addition to lighthouses, I love bridges.

So I kept running over them.

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Then I finally arrived back at the park to run the trails. There were two loops – an inner and an outer. I wasn’t sure which one to do and I was kinda nervous to be running by myself.

I decided to do the outer one but I think I may have made a wrong turn. Anyway it was beautiful & I saw some baby deer.

Luckily I bumped into a couple and asked them. They told me to do the outer loop because you get to see the falls.

Score. Love waterfalls even more than bridges.

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I continued to run (and stop for photos). It was was beautiful – water views all along the trail and hills to climb for better views. Also tables for picnicking.

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An almost perfect day. I was getting too cocky about trail running and down I went.

Nothing broken – just bruises and a bloody arm.

Luckily I was near the end. 3.8 miles done – (I would have done 4 miles if it weren’t for the fall.)

So I won’t be signing up for a trail race anytime soon.

Happy Running! Do you run on new routes often? Do you do trail races?

April 23, 2014 by Darlene

Where Do You Run?

I get bored easily. So I like to run different routes:

on the track

I run on the track if I am injured because the track is easy on the feet. Also it is close to where I work so I run there when I have to squeeze in a quick run during lunch. It is also good for speed workouts.

in town (Delmar)

in the city (Albany)

I work in the city. So when I run after work, that’s where I usually do it if I don’t feel like driving. The downside is the traffic and having to stop at lights and in the winter, the icy sidewalks. In the town where I live, it is the same. I do my long runs or early runs there because it is convenient not to have to drive somewhere.

Washington Park

The Crossings

I love to run in the park. I can run to Washington Park or it’s a short drive. I love the flowers in the spring and summer and the leaves in the fall. There are hills so that is either good or bad. I like the Crossings also but I don’t go there often because I have to drive, and there is a lot of traffic getting there.

on the Delmar rail trail

Elm Ave park fitness trail

I am not much of a trail runner. But there is a rail trail not far from where I live. It is 4 miles out and back (and they plan to extend it.) Again, it is easier on the feet. There is no traffic so an easy out and back route. I also enjoy the foliage of the different seasons on the trail. I run on it frequently. Occasionally I have run on the fitness trail but I find the exercise stops distracting.

on the treadmill

I hate the treadmill. But I run on it when it is raining or too icy to run outside.

Nisky Bike Path

Corning bike path

Colonie park bike path

For any run longer than 5 miles, I love to run on the bike paths. They are flat and there are no cars. There are usually bikers, runners, and people around. The scenery along the river is beautiful. Unfortunate in a winter like this past one, they were not cleared of snow.

Florida!

Nope, not lucky enough to live near the ocean but if I did, I would be running there most of the time.

Bolton Landing

But as soon as summer comes, you will see more pictures like this when I am running.

Happy Running! Where do you run?

November 5, 2013 by Darlene

Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – lunch out, 3 miles after work
Tuesday – 1 mile walk at work, tennis after
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, dinner and movie out with friends
Thursday – 1 mile walk at work, ~~lunch out, 3-4 miles after work~~, nails, REST
Friday – ~~REST~~, 4 miles after work on the rail trail

70 degrees!!!

Saturday – day in NYC with college friends – walk in Central Park, lunch in Chelsea market, walk on the Highline

at the NYC Marathon finish line

with 2 college friends on the High Line

Sunday – 8 (tough) miles on the Nisky bike trail

cold (38 degrees) and windy

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, tennis
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, yoga after work
Thursday – hair appt after work
Friday – 3 miles before work, mah jongg after
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 15K race

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

November 4, 2013 by Darlene

Morning or Evening?

I am talking about running.

Do you prefer to run in the morning or the evening?

What factors influence the time of your run?

Schedule – I work, I play tennis, I play mah jongg, I go boating in the summer. I also have friend and family obligations. So I have to fit running in whenever I can. So sometimes it means I HAVE to run before work because that’s the only time I have. My after work times tend to be busier.

before work morning run

Distance – I work. I have to be at work at a particular time. So when I run in the morning, I don’t have time to run more than 3 miles (if I were faster or got up earlier, I could.) So if I want or need to run more than that, I choose after work.

after work run in the park

Daylight – I don’t particularly like to run in the dark. Before we turn the clocks back, it is dark in the morning. After we turn the clocks back, it is dark after work. So if it is dark, I don’t run in my neighborhood (there are no street lights.) If it is dark, I run after work on lit streets.

trying to run after work on the bike trail

Weather – I’m not a fan of the cold but I will run in it. I prefer the heat but extreme heat or humidity is a no-no. In the summer, I may run before work to avoid the heat and in the winter after work, when it is warmer. I WILL NOT RUN IN RAIN OR SNOW OR SLEET. So before I set my alarm, I check the weather so I can decide when to run.

after work run

Location – My neighborhood is boring. So if I am to do a longer run, I drive to a more interesting location (like a bike path, park, rail trail, etc.) after work.

after work on the rail trail

Running Surface – I don’t own a treadmill but there is one where I work. So I run after work if I want to use a treadmill. The same goes for a track. There is one where I work. For a trail, I would have to drive so that’s after work, as well. Running on the road I do either before (in my neighborhood) or after.

after work run on the track

Running Partners – I usually run solo. That way, I can choose where and when. But if you do run with others, you will have to agree on the time.

evening group run

Now on weekends and days off, it is perfect. I can run whenever I want. Running will be awesome where (if I ever) retire.

Yesterday I ran 8 miles and didn’t do it until noon. Today I have the day off and I may run or I may not…

8 cold windy mikes on the bike path

But on weekdays, truthfully, running before work is the BEST WAY to start the day. It gives you so much more energy. You feel like you’ve done something good for yourself. Now that it is lighter in the am, I hope to do more of those before work runs!!

Happy Running! When do you run? How do you decide?

October 31, 2013 by Darlene

October Recap

Still running and still healthy! YAY!

october-month-halloween

OCTOBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!! YES

in the neighborhood before work

rail trail runs

park runs

Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!! YES, 3-4 days each week.
Start daily planks! NOT EXACTLY. I did a few.
Attend a yoga class! YES, I went to 2…it’s a start!
Complete a half marathon. YES!!! Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon.

Run at least 2 other races. YES!! Race for the Cure 5K and Monster Scramble 10K.

Race for Cure 5K

Monster Scramble 10K

Continue running longer on the weekend. YES!!
Nisky Bike Path for long runs
Run at least 50 miles this month. YES!! 70!

back to healthy running

Unfortunately boating season on Lake George ended. But we had quite a few good fall weekends.

It was also a theatre month. I went to NYC to see Matilda on Broadway and saw Les Miserables TWICE locally.

October was also a month for eating out in restaurants. I usually do not eat out much. But this month I ate out quite an inordinate number of times and in new restaurants:

Helsinki in Hudson, NY

Barrettas in Warrensburg, NY
Smiths in Cohoes, NY
Glass House Tavern in NYC
The View in Lake George
Milanos in Latham (3x)
Recovery Room in Albany
Hidden Cafe in Delmar
Caseys in Rensselaer, NY (this one was not new)
Burger King (not new obviously)

I am playing tennis on a regular basis since I am in 2 half contracts. So, it is no longer a goal. This month I played 6 times!! I find it more a social thing. I like the ladies I play with but it is doubles so not that much of a workout. However, I am sometimes annoyed that I have to schedule my running around it. So far, I haven’t done both in one day.

Now that boating and half marathon training is done, I was able to get together with my mentee, Amanda and her sons. We went on our annual excursion to Ellms Family Farm.