Work Travel Again. But it’s the last trip (for a little while, I hope)
A Half Marathon happened at the end of the week as part of my 20 miler.
Almost taper time for my NYCM training.
Last Week –
Monday – Work trip to Sullivan County. It was supposed to be raining in the am so I didn’t plan to run before leaving. Of course it was not. But it rained the rest of the day. And hard. I had no choice but to run on the hotel treadmill. I was alone and there was TV but still hated it.
Tuesday – After a long work day, I went back to my hotel to change in search of some place nearby to run safely. I discovered a rail trail not too far away and headed there. The foliage colors were awesome and though I was tired, this run energized me.
Mountain Dale Rails to Trails
After 4.5 miles, I headed off the trail to get to 5 miles. My reward:
Wednesday – It again was supposed to rain but I changed into running clothes just in case. I had hoped to run on a rail trail that I had passed on my way Monday. It looked like it was going to rain soon so instead I found a trail near work. It turned out to be too muddy and full of roots to run on. Instead I walked. Almost got lost several times but I made it all around the lake before the rain.
Hanofee Park
Thursday – Back home and able to run after work with a friend. For convenience purposes, we hit the UAlbany loop.
we verged off the loop to run around Indian Pond
Then I went to the movies with friends (I skipped the restaurant dinner in favor of a run…it was a HARD decision.).
Renee Zellweger was fabulous but such a sad story.
Friday – Time to rest, unpack and play mah jongg. But first a quick run on the local rail trail (nice weather and there aren’t too many of those in the future.)
loved the wall art and the many painted rocks along the course
Saturday – My friends were running a race today. FOMO since it is one race I’ve done every year. Instead I started the day with a trip to the expo to pick up my bib for Sunday’s half.
Then the hubby and I drove up to Lake George for our LAST boating day of the season. The weather was again PERFECT and I spent a relaxing day with our friends.
Sunday – Yes, today was the day of the 20 miler. My only one during marathon training. I drove to the start of the Hannaford Half Marathon and in the dark ran 7 miles. (I started out on the trail but it was too dark so I ran on the road and then returned to the trail once the sun came up.)
Then I ran 13.2 more miles as part of the race. Being a local race, it was nice to see so many familiar faces. (Even met up with Cari from NYC who was visiting her brother.) The first 6 miles went very well. Maybe too well. The last 7 were very painful…everything hurt. But I was lucky to have a friend run the last mile or so with me and to have my running friends cheer me through the finish line, So it was harder than I thought but the 20 miler is done. Bring on the taper!
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 16
Monday – DAY OFF – TRAIL 5K RACE (walking it as recovery)
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? Any big races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.
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.
So many people ask me when am I going to retire? They frequency say that they can’t believe I can keep up with this crazy work schedule.
Yes, traveling 8 out of the last 9 weeks.
Sleeping in hotels, eating in restaurants and often driving all over the state.
All while training for my first marathon.
But with the Bad comes the Good.
So Why Is My Glass Half Full?
1. Airline miles, hotel points, train and car rewards.
And you know what all of them will be used for.
Race-cations. Woo Hoo!
I definitely would not be doing a lot of these races without these work perks.
Poland Springs 10k
RnR Montreal Half
2. Meet ups with friends.
I have been able to meet up with fellow ambassadors in Rochester and NYC.
with Kim
with Elizabeth
with Cari
I have able to catch up with high school friends on LI.
None of these occurrences would have taken place without work travel
3. Running in interesting places
In addition to amazing Central Park in NYC, I have discovered the Erie Canal trail and Lake Ontario trails in Rochester.
And Onondaga Lake State Park in Syracuse.
And recently the Vestal Rail Trail in Binghamton and Blydenburgh Park on LI.
Sometimes your running can get stale if you run on the same local routes.
Not me.
4. No Cooking and Cleaning
I admit it. I am secretly enjoying this.
Unfortunately this too shall pass.
Back to domestic bliss. Lol.
5. Meeting new people.
Yes, like the guy on the hotel elevator who has run the NYC marathon many times
And the cafe owner on the Vestal Rail Trail who has run many marathons but hopes to someday get into NYC.
And the desk clerk at my favorite NYC hotel who has started running because I inspired him.
And the guy on the subway to Brooklyn who travels and looks for races everywhere he goes. Like moi.
It’s amazing how a race shirt is always a conversation starter.
met a local runner at a Brooklyn race because of his shirt.
Happy Running! How could YOU not dwell on the bad stuff and focus on the good? Please share.
If you read my blog, you may know that I LOVE races in NYC especially ones in Central Park. (Even though, they are HILLY!)
France Run 8K
Dash to the Finish
Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off
The Grete’s Great Gallop 10K race takes place just FOUR weeks before the New York City Marathon and covers 6.2 miles of the roads of Central Park, passes the Marathon finish line and ends near where it started.
Click here to read about Grete’s amazing career but to sum it up, she ran her first marathon (NYC) in 1978, won it and then won it again 8 more times. She’s an icon for women’s running in NYC.
I was scheduled to meet my tennis friends for lunch on Saturday, October 5 (the same day as this race) and then go to a Broadway show afterwards (an annual thing).
So it was a no brainer to sign up for this race. Plus, another Skirt Sport Ambassador, Elizabeth, was planning to run this race, as well. (Unfortunately, she was unable to run it.)
Luckily I signed up early because the race sold out pretty quickly.
Thank to numerous trips to NYC for work, I had enough points for a free hotel room.
I knew that the race would be a hilly one (see map below) but I did run a 5 miler there last year and a 8K there in August of 2017 so I thought that the course would be similar in difficulty.
Unfortunately, I had had a pretty off running week. I was driving in traffic all week and training on my feet all day. I only ran 3 miles on Monday and 3 slow TM miles on Thursday. So with Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday as rest days, I should have been pretty well rested for the Saturday race.
So I took the bus to NYC on Friday. After I checked into my hotel, I headed off to pick up my race packet. Normally I might have taken the subway to rest my legs but this was just a fun race so I walked and met my friend Cari (sorry no pic).
cute top – amazingly so many runners did wear this shirt on race day
Cari and I walked back toward my hotel and then I went out for pizza and ice cream (carb loaded like it was a marathon LOL). I still was not tired so I walked around Hudson Yards.
over 7 miles walking
When I got back to the hotel, I tried to plan out my race outfit for the next day. This is always difficult for me at this time of year. Capris or skirt? Short sleeves or long sleeves?
decided on a skirt, compression calf sleeves, short sleeve top with DIY arm warmers
After a restless night, I got up the next morning around 5:30 am and had my usual oatmeal and coffee pre-race breakfast.
It was in the 40s with a possibility of sun. I added gloves and a throw away shirt to my outfit . What I forgot again was a heat blanket. DARN!! I decided against bag check (to save time after the race) and hoped that I wouldn’t regret it.
I normally would again try to save my legs and grab a subway to Central Park. Not this time. Marathon training! I left at 6:30 am and walked the 3 miles to the start. And it was windy and COLD!!! Brrrr!!!
I wasn’t sure exactly where the start was but saw some runners and knew they were all headed to the same place so I followed them.
I got there very early. There were many runners just running. Probably warming up for the race or doing their long run before the upcoming marathon.
There would be almost 8000 runners in today’s race and the air was buzzing with excitement (or for NYCM).
It was still pretty early and I just walked around trying to stay WARM!!
Finally I headed toward the race start.
I sat on a bench and wound up befriending two other (older) ladies. We chatted and chatted until it was time to get in our corrals.
We lost one lady in the corral behind us so the just Lori and I waited and shivered together (I decided to ditch my long sleeve shirt and lost an earring in the process) until it was time for our corral to get to the start line. It was probably only 10 or 12 minutes but felt like forever. Brrrrr!
So what was my plan for this 10k race?
I had done a 14 mile training run last weekend and 18 the weekend before. I spent most of this week working and stressing. Definitely not feeling my best today…the cold windy temps certainly did not help.
No plan. Finish strong. Not get injured. Walk up the hills. Have fun! (Spoiler alert – I ran the whole thing except for water stops and enjoyed it immensely.)
Course Info
The course is slightly more than one counter-clockwise lap of Central Park’s six-mile loop.
Mile 1: 9:38
We started on East Drive near 69th Street (the east side of the CP loop) and headed north. It was a bottle neck at first which helped to slow me down. Cat Hill greeted us fairly soon. Cat Hill is about a quarter mile and not as steep as the north end’s Harlem Hill, but it’s a decent hill. I usually walk it but strangely I felt like running. I made it up the whole thing without walking. The rest of mile 1 was relatively flat, and I felt strong, like I could probably keep up this pace for another 5 miles. Maybe. Anyway, what that pace was, I had no idea since I did not look at my watch and the clocks at each mile were 11 minutes or so ahead of my actual time (no idea.) Toward the end of each mile, there was a water/Gatorade stop. I ignored most of them as it was pretty chilly and I was not sweating.
Mile 2: 8:57
We continued along East Drive and passed the Reservoir on the left. This mile supposed included the easiest section of the loop: the ultra-flat stretch that runs along the east side around 90th Street. I guess that explains my fastish pace.
Mile 3: 9:25
This mile was at the northern end of the loop. We first passed the 102nd Street Transverse on our left and descended down a steepish hill (YAY!) followed by a flat stretch. The second half of the mile was going up Harlem Hill, the steepest hill on the course. I am proud to say that I RAN up the whole thing (slowly, but not walking). At this point, I was getting pretty hungry as my 5:30 breakfast was long forgotten (I had planned to take a GU before the race but I was chatting….). I willed myself to wait until the next water stop. We continued past Lasker Rink. I tried to focus on the sites of the park and not my feet or my hunger.
Mile 4: 10:10
This mile and the next went down the west side of the loop and started by heading south on West Drive. There were a few rolling hills here. Compared to Cat and Harlem, these hills were no big deal. My legs were tiring but I was able to run up them. It helped that I walked for quite a while, eating a Gu and drinking water. Although there were almost 8000 runners in this race, I’m happy to say that there wasn’t really any crowding on the course, at least not around me. I passed some runners and some passed me. But there was always enough space to run and take the tangents as much as possible. The sun warmed the air. I rolled down the arm warmers, took off my gloves and even the wind died down. I smiled often as the it was PERFECT running weather.
Mile 5: 8:58
This mile continued down the west side (south on West Drive), passing the 72nd Street Transverse, and completing the lower loop of the park before the course turned back onto East Drive. Of course, there weremore rolling hills, up and down, up and down. I pushed a little harder here, as I knew I only had two more miles to go. I tried to make up time on the downhills and I am pretty slow running uphill. It is kinda a blur now. I think I stopped for water but only to grab a sip, not much walking. I just wanted to be done.
I took these pics during my walk out of the park after the race
Mile 6: 9:18
We continued north on East Drive on the south loop of the park. It seemed to be a relatively flat stretch. We passed the start line at 69th Street and then turned left at the 72nd Street Transverse and headed toward the finish line. Of course, it felt like a slight uphill (though maybe it wasn’t.)
Mile +.3: 8:54
I was hoping to be able to pick up speed but my legs felt like lead. I did the best I could. As you can see, that the course was long. I saw the clock each mile and as I crossed the finish line. I had no idea of my actual time until I looked at my watch. And I didn’t really care. I was thrilled to have run a decent race. And NO PAIN! Woo Hoo!!
I grabbed water and a bagel and immediately headed out of the park. Again I followed the crowds as to not get lost.
Again although I was pressed for time, I decided to walk the 3 miles back to my hotel. I was glad that I did not throw away my arm warmers and gloves. It was chilly in the city.
It was in my hotel room that I logged into NYRR and discovered the good news.
I won an age group award!!! Big surprise!!
So not a PR. My 10K PR is 57:03 (from November 2014) but I am thrilled at how the race turned out. I didn’t push my pace at any time and yet I ran well and most importantly, it was FUN!! I didn’t do my 14 mile training run but in addition to the race, I walked 8 miles. That will have to do!!!!!
After a quick shower, I had enough time to walk to the restaurant (Valerie) where I was meeting my tennis friends for lunch. I rewarded myself (again as if I ran a marathon).
Nutella filled French toast with bacon on the side
After lunch, we headed to Broadway to see Hadestown.
the show was GREAT!
And then we walked back toward my hotel and Penn Sta where we stopped for a light dinner.
So it was fun-filled day. I highly recommend the Grete’s Great Gallop 10K race. It was well-organized as all NYRR races are. I will do it again if I have the chance.
Happy Running! What is your favorite city to race in? What is your favorite NYC race? Do ever run 10K races? What is your favorite distance? Would you skip a long run for a fun race?
Travel and more travel. First to Long Island for work and then at the end of the week to NYC for a 10k and a Broadway show
NYCM training may have taken a back seat this week. 33 on the schedule. Less than 13 miles completed!!!!!!!!
Last Week –
Monday – After a very long drive to Ronkonkoma and set up, I checked into my hotel and looked for a place to run. Someone at the hotel recommended Blydenburgh Park. And it was lovely. Lots of trails intended for horse back riding I believe.
so many swans on the lake and deer in the woods
Tuesday – Long work day and no time to run. I had to drive to Uniondale and check into another hotel and then drive to Bellmore to have dinner with two high school friends. Lots of driving but always fun to reconnect with old friends and laugh about the old days.
yes they are twins!
Wednesday – Another forced rest day since I had to go to work extra early and fight the traffic for a long drive home (5.5 hours!). I thought about an early morning but it was dark and I hate the mill. Besides I was pooped. Interesting weather. Left LI at 92 degree and arrived home at 52 degrees.
Thursday – Finally a run. And I was supposed to meet some friends to run locally after work. RAIN!!!!!!!! Don’t be shocked but I actually ran on the treadmill at the gym. Desperate measures. I.Hated.Every.Second.
Friday – Another Rest day. Bus to NYC. After I checked into my hotel, I headed out to pick up my bib for my race the next day and meet up with Cari. Instead of resting my legs, I walked to NYRR, then Cari and I walked toward my hotel. I got some pizza and ice cream and then walked around Hudson Yards.
Saturday – Normally a Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters. But instead, today was my annual trip to NYC with my tennis friends for lunch and a Broadway show. So of course, I squeezed in a race, the Grete Gallop 10k first. (My first missed long run 😦 ). Normally I would have taken the subway to and from the race to rest my legs. But today, I wanted to add miles to my legs (and the race was just for fun). It was a struggle and hopefully those Central Park hills helped to prepare me for Nov. 3. I loved the race (and did run UP all those hills). The weather was perfect and even with 8000 runners and hills, I placed 3rd in my age group. 🙂
made two new friends waiting to start (one is pictured)
Then afterwards I walked back to my hotel, changed and walked to meet my tennis friends for lunch (Valerie’s on 45th) and then to Broadway to see Hadestown. Great show!!
that’s nutella filled French toast with a side of bacon
After the show, we walked back. I stopped at my hotel and then met the girls for a quick dinner before heading home.
Definitely a long BUT fun-filled day. 14 miles on the legs!!!!! (6 miles run + 8 miles walking).
Sunday – Boating Sunday on Lake George? Nope. I wanted to go but the hubby thought it was too cold and windy. Wimp LOL.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 15
Monday – drive to Sullivan county, run?? (not sure where…)
Tuesday – run??
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – run, movie (Judy)
Friday – rest day,
Saturday – rest day, bib pick up, boating
Sunday – 7 miles + Hannaford Half Marathon (20 miler)
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? Any big races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Ever skip a long run for fun instead? Please share.
some people try to run in all 50 states. I just collect Starbucks mugs lol
to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that it’s only October and I’ve already registered for TWO half marathons in 2020.
April 15, 2020
Feb 16, 2020
Have you already registered for any 2020 races?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I only have ONE more week of insane traveling with my job. After that it should be the normal occasional travel to NYC. (Should but who knows?)
Too bad, the 8 weeks of travel was during peak Marathon Training. UGH!
Anyone else have work get in the way of training for a big race?
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m following the minimal (get to the finish line) Marathon Training Plan. That means ONE 16, ONE 18 and ONE 20 miler (and NO long mid-week runs).
Long runs are tough!!
Kinda nervous. Hope the adrenaline and the crowds will get me through 26.2 miles.
All you first time marathoners, How many long runs did you do? How did it work out?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of that dreaded 20 miler, I was going to run 7 miles from the finish of a half marathon and then take the bus to start. But the bus leaves at 6:15 am and the area is kinda shady plus it’s DARK.
Oct. 13, 2019
New plan.
Park at the start and run 7 miles there. (Safer area). The race starts at 8:00 am. Then take the bus back to the start after the race.
Anyone else run a half marathon and use it as only a training run?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m thinking of running the NYC Half Marathon again.
You can sign up for the lottery on Oct. 17 but I think that I may get in by my H2H half marathon finish time (2:11:15).
AGE MARATHON TIME HALF MARATHON TIME
one of the advantages of being OLD
It’s not guaranteed (like last year) since it was not a NYRR race but my time was fast enough.
Fingers crossed.
(And yes, that again would qualify me to run NYCM. And no, I WILL NOT RUN ANOTHER MARATHON!!!!!!!)
Anyone else entering the lottery for the NYC Half?
It’s also 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.
Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
Last week it was Rochester. This week, Binghamton.
And trying to train for NYCM.
Last Week –
Monday – Summer returned with a vengeance. Almost 90 degrees and oppressive humidity. I’ve run in worse conditions but I guess I got spoiled with last week’s weather. This UAlbany loop run felt tough. Luckily I had a friend to push me through.
as soon as we finished, the skies opened up.
Tuesday – Off to Binghamton with all my computers. I had never worked here before so I did my research and discovered a short rail trail in Vestal not far from my hotel. It was nice to find a place to run but it was between two highways so all you could hear was traffic.
There was a cafe where I parked and I had dinner there and then went for a walk on the trail in the other direction.
Wednesday – I went back to the same trail after work. Didn’t run on trail but ran through town but ate dinner at the same cafe. The owner is runner and we talked about races, of course.
Thursday – Last day in Binghamton and I ran the trail again but in the direction that I walked the first night.
Friday – Rest day. Long drive home.
Saturday – Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters. I had 14 on my plan and was fortunate to have various runners to accompany me on many of miles.
Afterward was group brunch, followed by errands, unpacking and dinner out finally with the hubby.
and apple pie for dessert
Sunday – Boating Sunday on Lake George. The hubby thought that it would be chilly but it was not. We docked in a bay, had lunch and hung out enjoying the sunshine.
On the way home we stopped at my MIL’s to celebrate her 94th birthday.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 14
Monday – drive to Suffolk county, run
Tuesday – rest day, drive to Nassau county, dinner with HS friends
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, bus to NYC
Saturday – Grete’s Gallop 10k, Broadway show and lunch with tennis friends
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? Any races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
1. I runfess…
I don’t comment on most blogs.
I read many running blogs. But I either don’t have time to comment and they won’t let me comment using my iphone.
I feel guilty since I enjoy when runners comment on my posts.
Anyone else read blogs but don’t comment?
2. I runfess…
I post for myself.
My readership is pretty small. But I’m okay with it.
I often don’t even link up my posts.
If you read my post from last Friday about why I blog, you know that I plan to continue blogging even if no one reads my blog.
Anyone else not worry about who reads their blog?
3.I runfess…
My life if not perfect.
Some people have commented that I am so lucky, I get to travel, have so many friends, do so many interesting things, etc.
Um…. there is plenty of not so great things going on with my family, friends, work, etc.
I just prefer not to share those things.
For the most part, I blog about my running and on FB and IG, I like sharing the good stuff.
(I not NOT judging those who share all kinds of things – good and bad. I do enjoy getting to know you better.)
Anyone else prefer to keep the bad stuff in their life private?
4. I runfess…
I’m planning my Marathon outfit.
It’s the one thing I can control. My training runs, the weather, my ache and pains… NOPE).
So I am definitely wearing a Skirt Sports skirt (with pockets), NYCM compression calf sleeves, race belt, baseball cap.
But the shirt. I want it to represent where I’m from. So it will probably be from a local race (H2H, MHM or Freohofers.)
Anyone else obsess over their race outfit ?
5.I runfess…
I miss racing.
When I wasn’t training for a full marathon, I would race almost every weekend. Around here, in the fall, there are so many races to choose from.
I’m trying to be good about getting my long runs in. But it’s so hard not to click that “register” button.
Just a few of the races I’m skipping:
Anyone else like to race all the time?
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! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.
After one week of not traveling for work, for the next four weeks I will be back on the road. Sigh.
And still trying to train for NYCM.
Last Week –
Monday – Long drive to Rochester but after my set-up, I had time to go for a run. I haven’t been here in a while but I used to come here often so at least I knew places to run. My favorite is along Lake Ontario. It was beautiful with perfect weather.
Tuesday – After a tough day at work, a run was just what I needed. I decided to head to the Erie Canal path. Again perfect running weather and a Skirt Sports ambassador meet up at Schoen Place.
Wednesday – Running three days in a row is not what I normally do but this was a short one and back along Lake Ontario.
added to my sea glass collection
Then a stop for ice cream.
Who knew Abbott’s was here? Had to run another mile to justify that custard.
Thursday – Last night in Rochester and another run along the Erie Canal but in the opposite direction from Tuesday. Wish this weather would last forever.
Friday – Rest day. Long drive home. Pooped.
Saturday – Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters. Since I’m skipping a long run on Oct 5, I decided to run 18 and postpone my cutback run until next weekend. I ran 4 miles solo, then 5 more with Judy, and finally 4.5 with Barbara. I finish the last 4.5 miles alone. I’m not gonna lie. IT WAS HARD!!!!
After brunch, I had a much needed hair appt. Then errands and out to celebrate a friend’s b-day (while the hubby was on our boat.)
Sunday – No boating today. I was at a Mah Jongg weekend away. Some of us, including me, just went for the day. Fun to play and relax. Hopefully, next Sunday, I’ll be back on the boat.
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? Any races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.
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.
No bloggers are not literally dying but their blogs are.
Ten years ago, many of the local runners had blogs and that’s how I met them and that’s how we became friends. Yes, Amanda, Suzy, Melissa, Tammy, Janis, Bridget, Judith, etc no long blog. Luckily most of them are on IG or FB and I run into them at local races.
I also was fortunate to meet face to face with other bloggers that no longer blog.
Yes, I miss your blogs Tricia, Holly, Karen and MaryBeth. And Karen from France.
and AJH.
So Why Do I Continue to Blog?
1. To Stay Connected
I have quite a few local running friends but I enjoy reading about the escapades of my non-local running friends. And planning meet-ups.
I got to connect with current bloggers, Kim and Marcia
and Kim and Michelle.
I learn about races and products. I get inspired by every blog I read.
2. To Be Accountable
I update each week of running and I plan my next week.
Would I run if I didn’t do this. Yes, of course. But posting it on my blog does help motivate me to get out there.
Yes, I did this!! My longest run ever!
3. To Share Interests (and Photos)
I enjoy writing but I mostly enjoy taking photos of my travels, runs, and races.
My blog is a venue to just post what I do and hopefully others will enjoy viewing or reading.
4. To Inspire Others
I hope that especially anyone who has hesitated to start running (at an advanced age) will read my blog and RUN! Or anyone who has hesitated to run a half marathon will do it? Or anyone who works full-time and has felt stressed about training… etc etc.
I’m 66 and running has made me feel healthier, stronger, happier and more confident than ever.
5. To Expand My Network
Yes, I am always looking for new blogs to follow, to learn about new races, new products, to meet new runners. If you blog and I don’t follow you, let me know!
If you are running the NYC Marathon, let’s meet up!!!
Happy Running! Do you blog? How long have you been blogging? Do you ever think about stopping? How long do you think you will keep it up? Please share.
It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. My college roommate (travel partner, maid of honor) retired and she and her hubby re-built their house on the water in RI.
front
back
Last year, she invited me to visit and mentioned that there was a half marathon not far away. But I had already signed up for the Montreal Rock n Roll Half Marathon.
So this year, I did run the Surf Town Half Marathon as my 38th Half Marathon for these reasons:
An opportunity to visit an old friend.
I never have run in RI.
I needed a long run as part of my NYC Marathon training.
I found out that bloggers Kim and Michelle were running it.
It was advertised as a “relatively flat course.”
It was a scenic course with ocean views.
Half Marathon Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon in May. Then in July, I started a 18 week training plan to be ready for the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3.
As with my half marathon training, I did not really care about my week day runs. They were usually 3-4 miles. However, I did try to do longer runs on the weekend.
So I actually was not training for this half but preparing for Nov 3. Technically I was scheduled for a 15 mile run but just adapted the long runs to make this work.
post 5k
The goal for this half marathon was finishing!! Not to race it and not to get injured!!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep during a previous race-cation — rest the legs and fuel adequately the day before the race.
So I drove to my friend’s house in RI (3 1/2 hours). We had lunch on the deck and then went for a walk to the beach (and not a long one).
and then we drove to the race start so I could pick up my bib.
not grey but pea green :
We spent a relaxing evening watching tennis, eating pizza and watching the sunset.
I got together my usual race outfit and went to bed around 11 pm.
skirt sports tank and skirt, legendwear leg sleeves, goodr glasses, mizuno shoes, reebok hat – endorsing all the brands lol
Race Day:
I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 5:15 am. My friend also got up and she decided to drive me to the start.
The race started in and finished near Misquamicut State Beach, a half-mile-long beachfront area that’s one of the state’s more popular summertime beach resorts, just a few miles south of the town of Westerly.
Since there was only one road to the parking and one entrance to the parking lot, with over 1000 runners, my friend was afraid that I would get caught in traffic.
I was very appreciative (but it turned out not to be necessary.)
We left at 6 am and encountered no traffic.
When I got there, there were already runners there but not yet Michelle and Kim.
It was a little chilly so I put on my DIY arm sleeves and hung out at the beach watching the sun come up.
While waiting, I used the port-a-potties and checked a bag (a jacket and Oofos flip flops for after the race.)
Soon Kim arrived. Then Michelle (who ran a mile before the race.) It was very exciting to meet them in the flesh.
We chatted a bit. All three of us were using this race as a training run for as part of our full marathon plan. They were both training for Chicago.
We got separated at the start (but had planned to meet after the race anyway.) I wound up chatting with a few runners who were also training for Chicago. And while I was running, I met a couple training for NYC as well.
Once the sun came up, the temps warmed up. (Those arm sleeves came off quickly.)
I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)
My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every other water stop. I planned to walk whenever necessary (hills) and NOT RACE it.
note the distance is not 13.1
Anyway, here’s how the race went:
I did not find this until after the race. I went into it thinking it would be fairly flat.
Miles 1-4:
9:41, 9:37, 9:51, 9:44
We started the race on Atlantic Avenue, right outside the entrance to Misquamicut State Beach, and headed first northeast along Atlantic in the direction of Weekapaug.
This was the flattest part of the course. But the sun was in our faces and pretty strong. I was getting worried about the temps getting too warm.
Just after passing the mile 2 marker, we turned right off Atlantic and onto Wawaloam Drive, which will bring them along a stretch that looks out onto the rocky beaches of Weekapaug.
I loved all the water views during this race.
There was a water stop and I made sure to stop for a drink and walked a bit.
This stretch along the beachfront lasted for about a mile as Wawaloam becomes Spray Rock Road, and then we followed the turn left onto Taylor Lane and then again onto Chapman Road to complete the loop through Weekapaug.
This supposedly flat course now seemed to have rolling hills. A few other runners joked about this, as well.
I was trying not to look at my watch at all but unfortunately, there were clocks at almost every mile.
And as you can tell, I was running TOO FAST!!
Miles 5-8:
10:30, 10:14, 10:26, 10:58
The course re-joined Atlantic Avenue right after we passed the mile 4 marker, and then headed back in the direction of Misquamicut Beach.
At the 2nd water stop, I had my first GU and walked longer than the last.
Fortunately, it was getting cloudy and it stayed this way for most of the race.
We next headed southwest along the route that we started the race on but going in the opposite direction, heading down past the cottages and beach homes that line either side of Atlantic Avenue on their way through Misquamicut and past the Atlantic Beach Amusement Park, toward Maschaug and Little Maschaug ponds.
Several times during the race, I passed or got passed by some of the runners whom I chatted with at the start. They yelled “Go NYC” and I yelled back “Go Chicago.”
Before reaching the ponds, however, the course turned right on Lawton Avenue and headed north, taking us up to Shore Road, where we turned left and headed west again for about a mile along Shore Road before turning onto Watch Hill Road.
More rolling hills but it ain’t called Watch Hill for nothing (BTW: Taylor Swift has a house here.)
I kept up my plan to walk at the water stops and ate a 2nd Gu at mile 8.
The houses or should I say mansions were amazing to look at out. I tried to focus on them as I was struggled with my feet (as usual).
Miles 9-13.25:
10:08, 10:23, 11:03, 10:52, 10:24, (.25 – 9:32)
The next stretch of the race unfolded for nearly two miles along Watch Hill Road in the direction of the village by the same name, which lies at the end of the island, just off Little Narragansett Bay.
More water views which made me happy. More hills. Not happy.
Mile 10 had the biggest hill of the course. So steep that it was hard to even walk up it.
I continued my slow down during the 2nd half of the race. I stopped at each water, had my last Gu and walked several more times. Partially because I had run the first half too fast and also because I kept reminding myself that this was a training run and it would be stupid to get injured at this point.
We looped through the neighborhoods and waterfront areas here, passing by Watch Hill Cove at the easternmost point of the course, on the way to turns on Westerly Road, Ninigret Avenue and Ocean View Highway.
COURTESY STEVE LAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Once we were on Ocean View, we followed it for about the next mile and a half to the last couple of turns in the race, which were Bayberry Road and Maplewood Avenue, eventually leading in to the finish line on Atlantic Avenue. (where we started the race but coming into it from the opposite direction.
I did my best to pick up some speed at the end and sprint through the finish line (and smile).
I crossed at 2:16:XX.
(My Garmin said 13:25 miles!!)
I was not surprised at my time. I had been ahead of the 2:15 pacers most of the race and then lost them during the last few miles.
After getting my medal and some water. I headed to the beach for the obligatory post-race medal pic.
Then to bag check to put on my Oofos and to get some food.
My stomach was not feeling great post race and the food options were a banana, chocolate milk and clam chowder.
I ate the banana with some chocolate milk. But clam chowder?? Everyone I talked to agreed – UGH!!!! No way!!! I took a spoonful and I thought I would puke.
So instead, I went to check my time and found out that I came in 2nd in my age group. I know I’ve won many awards but they are always special. I was happy!!!
a cool award – preferable to another medal
Then Kim texted me to say that they had finished and were heading my way.
We hung out and chatted until my friend arrived to take me back to her house.
Additional Race Reflections:
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up.
Lots of parking.
Sufficient number of port-a-potties (never saw a line).
Sufficient number of water/Gatorade stops) – 1 had Gu but I missed it.
Bag Check. Easy pick up at the end.
Well marked course.
Free Massages
Free stretching by PTs.
Clocks at each mile.
Pacers.
Very cool medal.
Very cool age group awards.
Chocolate milk at the finish.
Great weather.
Beautiful course.
Nice swag if you wanted to buy (shirts, jackets, magnets, Goodrs).
The Bad:
Expensive Photos.
Color of the race shirt (pukey green).
Post race refreshments – no chowder please! how about a bagel?
The course was a little long.
Hill at mile 10.
The Ugly:
Nothing 🙂
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. It was well-organized and the course was scenic.
Final Stats:
I have yet to figure out how to negative split a long race.
My finish time was slower than than my previous three half marathons. (2:13:03, 2:11:15 and 2:16:01). But not a bad time and it was a training run, right? Definitely not complaining. No injuries. No post race discomfort.
Next Up:
A local race. Another training run (and post 7 miles to make it my 20 miler!!!)
My First 5K and More... 