August 5, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.29.19-8.4.19: Race Week Again

A new name for an old race. And it was also WEEK 5 for NYCM Training and I continued to get my runs done.

Last Week –

Monday – A quick run before work

we are already losing daylight hours – boo!

because I was going to the movies that evening. A friend got a free pass to:

I enjoyed it.

Tuesday – Instead of my regular job, this week, I worked tech support for the NYS Bar Exam. For nostalgia sake (I proctored where I used to work) I thought I might run a little in the area but it was too damn hot (and thunderstorms were lurking). I did meet my BFF to walk and talk in the mall. Got my steps in!!
Wednesday – Back at my regular job and this week, I set my alarm to run before work but changed my mind. Instead I did attend the ice cream run after work. It was at a convenient location and though I was tired, I can never resist ice cream.

scheduled for 5 miles… dragged myself through 2 at UAlbany and then 2.5 trail miles at 6 mile Waterworks. Thanks, Barbara for staying with me while I pulled up the rear.

Thursday – Back at the Bar Exam…exhausted but still excited to run the trails again. We returned to Thacher Park but ran on a different trail than a few weeks ago. Somehow once I started running, the weariness in my body disappeared and I ran with a new friend (Gail). We ran slow and enjoyed the views and then afterword went out to dinner with some of my Sole Sisters.

Friday – Rest day after day 3 at the Bar Exam so that I could get ready to run 8 insanely hilly miles the next day. and then recoup at my friend’s house on the Schroon River.
Saturday – Inaugural Hudson River Ramble (previously Race the Train). – an 8 mile race along the Hudson River (where a train used to run). I guess I had amnesia because I don’t remember the race being this hard…the hills were insane so I had no choice but to walk up every single one. Still I made some new friends, chatted with some old ones and even won my age group.

After the race, I stopped at a trail. Yes I hiked to top of a mountain… Sorry legs but I’ve wanting to hike all summer.

2 miles to the top

Sunday – Another Boating Sunday on Lake George. Again the weather was lovely and this week, we invited some friends along. Such a fun day sharing our love of the lake with others.

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 6

Monday – 3 miles (before work), nail appt.
Tuesday – rest day, dinner out with a friend
Wednesday – 5 miles (ice cream group run) on the rail trail or SOAR run at Thacher Park
Thursday – 3 miles (ARE trail run series or on the Corning bike path)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg evening
Saturday – 11 mile Long Run
Sunday – rest day, boating

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? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Please share.

August 2, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five and the Ultimate Coffee Date for August

It’s that time of the month…

still loving my France mugs

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I only ran ONE race in July.

But I’m making up for it in August.

I signed up for FOUR (almost 5) this month.

08-03-19 – Hudson River Ramble (8 m)
08-14-19 – Al Goldstein 5k (in Brooklyn)
08-17-19 – Jailhouse Rock 5k
08-19-19 – Saratoga Track Mile

I have run them all before (except the one mile race). The Hudson Ramble is slightly different – used to be Race the Train (same course) but there is no longer a train.

I have a hair appt. on August 21 and will miss the the Hump Day 5k. 😦

last year’s Hump Day 5k

Only two are on a weekend so it should not disrupt marathon training too much.

Do you run many races in the summer?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I made the hotel reservation right away but finally made my flight reservations for my February race in Bermuda. I know it’s still early but flights are expensive and it was nerve racking trying to decide which days to go to take advantage of the cheaper prices.

Cari and I finally settled on leaving late Wed and returning early Monday. Four days and 5 nights in paradise!!!

Feb 12-17, 2020 – 2 mile sunset race on Feb 15 and a half marathon on Feb 16.

Anyone else running this race? When will you be there? I’d love to meet up.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that (not running-related sorry) that my new kitty become more manageable. He goes outside all the time but he comes home when I call him.

I mean, I am marathon training, I don’t have time for his shenanigans. lol

In fact, he came home just for this photo.

Does you pet interfere with your running?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I love my OLD Garmin 205.

People laugh when they see it but it’s great to be able to see all 4 screens of data on ONE screen.

I’m on my third one. The battery life eventually wears out and I order a new one.

Being that I will be running a full marathon that may take me 6 hours, I was nervous that my trusty Garmin battery may not last as long as my race.

So I ordered a (used) new one.

Garmin 230

Anyone else have the 230? If so, do you like it?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that actually the one I ordered was white. I am cheap and didn’t want to pay more for the purple one. So I bought the white one and then bought a (cheap) purple band.

Does color matter to you? If so, what’s your favorite color?

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!

July 30, 2019 by Darlene

Spicing Up Your Running

Image result for variety is the spice of life

We cannot do anything about the hot weather but what can you do to add excitement to your running despite of the heat?

So here’s what I do (recommend):

Run in a NEW PLACE.

It is so easy to get in a rut. We open the door and go for a run. Or we run near where we work. It’s fast and simple. We are busy people.

Recently I ran at Thatcher Park. I had never been here. My running seemed effortless because I was just looking around at the scenery.

BUY something NEW to WEAR.

It doesn’t have to be Skirt Sports. Buy a new pair of shoes, a hat or even socks.

I know that we all probably have more running clothes than we can wear and this stuff ain’t cheap.

So I found this cheap pair of compression sleeves at Amazon for $9.95. They made me smile – that and my goofy friends.

Run a NEW DISTANCE

It doesn’t have to be challenging like a marathon. What about a one mile race? Or a 4 or 5 mile race if you’ve never run one.

I am actually running a 8 mile race

and a one mile race in August.

Both are NEW distances for me.

Try SOMETHING NEW.

That could mean do a Duathlon or a Triathlon or something you’ve never done before.

For me, it meant running with a group on a trail.

I didn’t fall. It was fun. I enjoyed it. Who knew?

Download NEW MUSIC or a NEW PODCAST.

It’s always exciting to change up what you listen to.

I recently started listening to the soundtrack to Hamilton. Soooo good.

Image result for hamilton soundtrack

I have a few new podcasts that I want to listen to as well.

Image result for runners who wine podcast

this one was recommended to me

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

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

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

Happy Running! Happy Running! What have you done NEW with your running this summer?

July 29, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.22.19-7.28.19: The Cool Down

Yes. It finally cooled down – at least the temps did and we got rain. And it was also WEEK 4 for NYCM Training so my training did not cool down.

Last Week –

Monday – Based on rain in the forecast and a tennis party after work, I decided that I would run before work. Easier said than done. Took 45 min to get it together but I got out there and it was delightful.

my cat waited in the driveway for me to get back from my run …so cute.

Rain cancelled the pool party but instead we just went out to dinner. As always, an enjoyable evening with great friends.

Tuesday – More rain and a scheduled rest day because of an after work webinar and running planned for the next two days. Believe or not, I actually stopped for a quick workout at the gym on my way home.
Wednesday – I decided to skip the SOAR group run (I wasn’t in the mood for speed drills) and enlisted my friend Heidi to accompany me at the Corning bike path. I ran 3 miles and then walked 3 miles with her.

Thursday – I guess I’m addicted to trail runs. It was my third week in a row attending the ARE group run. This week it was held at Lawson Lake and was the muddiest and most challenging one so far. Still lots of friends, fun and food.

ran some, walked a lot but enjoyed the company of my friends and the BBQ after!!

Friday – Rest day and mah jongg evening. But I did take a walk during lunch…a productive one…bought my FIRST pair of Oofos (30% off), and some cute tops on sale at the Loft.

Related image

Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. 10 miles on my schedule. As I did last weekend, I ran a few miles before I met everyone else and drove with Barbara to the Nisky Bike Path and ran more (followed by brunch, of course.)

Sunday – Boating Sunday on Lake George – Hooray and another sunny warm perfect day. The storms that they predicted never arrived.

this week on Log Bay Island

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 4

Monday – 3 miles before work, movie after work
Tuesday – rest day, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 (or 5) miles (ice cream group run) at Six Mile Waterworks
Thursday – 3 (or 5) miles (ARE trail run series) at Thatcher Park
Friday – rest day, mah jongg evening
Saturday – Hudson River Ramble race (8 m)
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Please share.

July 26, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five Runfessions for July

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 almost went to a race without registering first. I always run the Silks and Satins 5K so I guess I thought I did register. I am not a last minute person so I would have registered a while ago.

So a few days before the race, I went to the website to see which of my friends were running it and I did NOT see my name.

Oops. Senior brain!

I registered that day. Phew.

Anyone else ever show up to a race without registering first?

2. I runfess…

I did not travel at all in July.

So it was a challenge to keep running interesting. I get bored easily and don’t like to run in the same places.

So I don’t. See below:

Rail Trail … Washington Park … UAlbany

Zim Smith Trail … Corning Bike Path … Nisky Bike Path

Anyone else try to vary where you run or do you run in the same places?

3.I runfess…

I ordered a new pair of Mizunos. Why??

My right foot all of sudden started having that annoying bunion pain that I had years ago. It’s fine until after 5-6 miles which is what I’ll be doing every weekend until Nov 3!!

I’m pretty sure it is not from running but job-related – ugh those dress shoes and standing for hours in them. (They are comfortable until the end of the day… and then they’re not.)

happy in my Nikes

The benefit of a blog is that I could look up when my foot stopped hurting. It seems to be the fall of 2015 when I bought my Nike Vomero running shoes. I recently stopped wearing them because I wanted to run in a stability shoe instead after a calf injury.

The Mizunos were super comfortable for THREE half marathons and now this pain…

Hmmm? Do I go back? To my Nikes?

Can I be happy again in my Mizunos?

So recently I ran the first 3 miles of my long run in my Nikes and the last 5 miles in my new Mizunos (but I forgot to put in the expensive insoles).

The Nikes felt more comfortable.

Dear Mizunos,

I’m not giving up on you yet.

Anyone else have the running shoe dilemma?

4. I runfess…

31 Days of Skirt was pretty exhausting. I do take a lot of pictures and post to Instagram often but not everyday and not following certain clues.

: #patriotic

: #BRFs

: #street art/mural

Still it was fun to participate in this annual challenge but glad it’s ALMOST over LOL.

Did you participate in 31 days of skirt or any other similar challenge?

5.I runfess…

I was pretty proud that I had a training schedule for my first marathon. I actually planned to follow it.

But all I do is cross things out and re-write things.

That’s why, I rarely use a plan.

Anyone else have problem following a training plan?

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.

July 23, 2019 by Darlene

Running Playlist

I do have a music playlist but lately when I run alone, I listen to running podcasts.

Image result for podcasts ecard

So here’s my current favorites:

Run This World– this one is done by Nicole DeBoom who is the founder of Skirt Sports. Her podcasts last as long as the average 5k run (that’s what she says but many are much longer) and her guests are so varied and yet motivating. Each one ends with the guest’s “nugget of advice.”

Image result for run this world podcast

I recently listened to one with Kara Goucher on running a marathon as a normal (not elite) runner.

I’ll Have Another– I love listening to Lindsay’s guests – she interviews mostly women – some are well known but many are not. And they all have a story to tell (about running.)

I just listened to her interviewing Becky Wade who wrote a book called “Run the World” where she shares all about her experience; what she learned from 9 of the countries she spend the most time in and some delicious recipes from the trip. I loved her book.

Another Mother Runner – The Podcast – The host is Sarah Bowen-Shea but Dimity is often on it as well. I’ve met these two women in person and they are so entertaining. It’s no surprise that their podcasts are as well. In addition, to stories about their own running and families, they share their love of reading.

amr_logo1

One of my more recent listens was the Father’s Day episode with Meb. Such a humble guy considering his elite status as a runner.

Ali on the Run Show – I’ve always loved her blog and I’ve enjoyed all the guests that she has interviewed so far. The podcasts last over an hour so I’ve used them during my long runs. She also has added some shorter ones for weekday runs.

Image result for ali on the run show

I recently listened to an interview by Dave Willey, the former editor of Runner’s World magazine. After 14 years at this job, his life has changed drastically.

Diz Runs Radio – He has recorded almost 750 podcasts. And I can’t believe how fast he talks lol.

In addition to interviews with runners, he also hosts Q & A sessions.

I’ve only listed to a few of his podcasts (just so much time) but the ones I’ve heard were so inspiring and many of his guests were just ordinary runners like you and me.

So besides the ones that I listen to, here are some more that have been recommended for runners:

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

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

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

Happy Running! Do you listen to podcasts while you run? Do you have any others to recommend? Please share.

July 22, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.15.19-7.21.19 – Birthday Week

Not mine but one of the Sole Sisters turned 70!! And we celebrated, of course!!

And it was also WEEK 3 for NYCM Training.

Last Week –

Monday – For the first time in a while, none of my friends were free to run. So I headed to my local rail trail and ran alone (with my podcasts). My legs just were not feeling the run it but it got done.

returned some books to the mini library and saw the beginnings on a new mural

Tuesday – Had a webinar to attend after work so scheduled a rest day instead of a run.
Wednesday – Again, there was a tempting evening ice cream group run but also an author was giving a talk locally. She wrote:

Run Like a Girl 365 Days a Year: A Practical, Personal, Inspirational Guide for Women Athletes by [Samuels, Mina]

I had planned to squeeze in some miles before the talk but instead, with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, I got up early and ran before work. Holy Humidity!!

even with the temps & humidity, my run was so good – much more pep in the legs in the morning.

The talk was great and I knew a few of the runners there. And yes, it rained HARD on and off all day.

a cool lady who runs in NYC

Thursday – Since I enjoyed last week’s trail run so much, I decided to participate again today. Several of my running friends were also planning to go. It was very humid but I ran pretty hard since it was not that technical. Could I be addicted to trails?

Friday – My usual rest day before a race day. I paid a visit to my chiro for a monthly tune-up. Also my usual Friday night mah jongg game.

our number varies from 3-12 players but almost everyone came tonight so we took a pic.

Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters.

so so humid

Because I was running longer than the others, I ran 3 miles before we gathered at the ~~Corning bike path~~. Rail Trail. We are currently experiencing a heat wave (with high humidity as well as temps).

boy did this pool feel good on this hot hot day

After the run, we went to one of the runner’s house for a book discussion (Kathrine Switzer’s Marathon Woman), lunch, swimming (in her new pool) and a birthday party.

Sunday – And of course, it was Boating Sunday on Lake George. I have been so lucky that the rain has not interfered with boating on the weekends. It was another very humid and hot day. Even my stepson and his new wife came along for the first time. We gave them a tour of our favorite spots on the lake. Al in all, another fun day.

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 4

Monday – 3 miles before work, ~~tennis pool party after work,~~ dinner out with tennis ladies
Tuesday – 3 miles at Corning, rest day, work webinar
Wednesday – 3 miles (SOAR group run) at the ~~rail trai~~l Crossings
Thursday – 3 miles at Lawson Lake (ARE trail run series)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg evening
Saturday – 9 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Please share.

July 19, 2019 by Darlene

Four (or Five) Somethings for July

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (which is NOT today LOL), 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!

Something Loved.

I used to complain because I travelled for work. All.The.Time. Now I do it rarely. But last month I went to NYC and Buffalo. (No travelling at all for July.) What I LOVED was running in both places.

I didn’t have time to run in Manhattan but I did run a 5k in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

When I was in Buffalo, I ran both nights along Canalside.

In addition to running, I LOVED ice cream. No surprise there.

Maybe I should change the name of my blog to: I RUN FOR ICE CREAM.

Something Said.

Image result for quotes by Kathrine Switzer

This is even more true in the summer when it is so hot and humid and you know that your run will be miserable.

this run was one of my hardest runs due to the heat and humidity and I may have cut it short or bailed if I didn’t have company.

Something Learned.

I like trail runs.

I thought I would because they are more scenic and easier on your feet. But I was afraid that 1. I would fall and 2. I wouldn’t enjoy running slow in a group.

I went on a few trail runs this past month organized by a local running club.

I loved the varied scenery. I did not fall. I ran slowly and I didn’t mind being slower than others (even when one of my friends said aloud “I finally beat Darlene Cardillo!!!)

There will be NO trail races in my future, though. Too competitive for that…

Something Read.

Image result for marathon woman book

My Running Group decided that, in addition to running and eating, to meet to discuss a book we’ve all read. The above book is our third one. We only meet to do this once or twice a year.

Here’s a review so I won’t bore you with mine – https://thoughtsandpavement.com/2016/05/31/book-review-marathon-woman/

But I really enjoyed this book. Switzer is an amazing women who changed the course of running for women. She was strong-willed, intelligent, independent and so many good qualities that I admired. But her choice in husbands!! Holy cow. What gives?

I was intrigued and would love to read more above her life after the 1984 Olympics.

So I recommend reading this book (even if you don’t ever want to run a marathon) and let me know what you think.

I heard that they are also making it into a movie.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup!

and I’ll make this post into FIVE somethings..

Something Photographed.

In the summertime, we spend everyone weekend boating on Lake George. Here’s the view from our marina. Instead of going out to dinner, we ordered pizza and ate it on our boat here.

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

July 16, 2019 by Darlene

Silks and Satins 5K Race Recap

July 13, 2019 8:00 am

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 37 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017 and 2018, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37, 27:28)

Would I again this year???

: 2016

: 2017

: 2018

Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:

The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)

Unfortunately, I didn’t sleep well and woke up with a stiff neck, headache and nausea. I really didn’t feel like racing but I had told my friend Laurie that I would meet her there so I felt like I had to go.

I felt better after my coffee but still not great. But off I went around 6:15-30.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. A few years ago, I almost got towed.)

The pick-up area was behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell. I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.

There were close to 500 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces. This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start but not quite as warm and humid as it has been earlier in the week. I just hung around and waited for Laurie. In the meantime, I bumped into another Skirt Sports ambassador and my neighbor.

Laurie eventually arrived and we headed to the start together.

We stood not too far back and waited.

And then we were off. Laurie took off fast. I did not.

It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead. Well I had run 6 miles on Wednesday and a hilly trail run on Thursday. Oops. My plan was to have negative splits anyway. Besides, I really felt lousy.

But my biggest problem was the SUN. There was very little if any shade on the course.

By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing. It was warm but I have run in higher temps. It was the sun. And it was sucking the life out of me. Plus, I felt like throwing up.

I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point. And I did but for probably too long. At this point, I knew that I was not having a great race. And it didn’t matter.

By mile 3, I was really fading. I walked one more time but only briefly.

I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. My Freihofer and Turkey Trot coach was at the finish line (his company timed the race) and he would be expecting me to finish strong.

I crossed at 28: XX.

I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.

I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race).

They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my age group (You know, it’s not speed but who shows up).

Laurie waited with me for the awards ceremony, I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award (even if you didn’t run well.)

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. You get a free ticket to the race track (I hope to use it later this summer). Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:46
mile 2 – 9:09
mile 3 – 9:19
.14 – 8:02

28:18

Positive splits. And almost a minute slower than last year.

After the race, I would normally have driven to Saratoga State Park and add some more miles for a long run. But as I mentioned, I had run my 6 mile long run on Wednesday so I drove to join my running friends at brunch (after their long run).

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

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

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

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Please share.

July 14, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.8.19-7.14.19: Just work, running and a 5k

I did not have to do any of my runs solo this week. Woo Hoo! And it was also WEEK 2 for NYCM Training. 16 more to go but who’s counting? LOL

Last Week –

Monday – I was excited today to have company on my after work run. The rail trail was the most convenient for the four of us who chose to come. In order to run with my slower friends, I ran fast and then circled back. I was able to get an extra mile in that way and not be running alone the whole time.

that stretching was just for the pic lol

Tuesday – Had a hair appointment so scheduled a rest day instead of a run.

Wednesday – A post work run at the Corning bike path. Since I had a 5k planned for Saturday, I decided to switch things around and run 6 miles today rather than my usual 3. I was very tempted to do some social running. There were several opportunities but with my work location and the traffic, I thought better of it. So glad my running friend Heidi joined me on this sweaty (90 degrees and HUMID) slogfest.

Thursday – Since I did not run with the running groups the day before, I decided to participate in a group (ARE) trail run today. Several of my running friends were planning to go as well. It rained most of the day and I hesitated plus I was a little nervous since I am not comfortable on trails.

I got there early and hiked around a bit. It was so pretty.

Eventually everyone arrived. I got introduced as a newbie to the trail run series this year. I also bumped into a old friend from tennis. Susie & I ran together for about half of the course and then I lost her but made a new friend, Melanie, whom I chatted with and ran the rest. Yes I ran. I planned to walk but it was so fun. I can’t wait to go next week.

Afterwards a bunch of friends went out to dinner nearby.

my friend Chris’ pic

Friday – My usual rest day before a race day. Also my usual Friday night mah jongg game.
Saturday – Race Day. Silks and Satins 5k – one of my favorite summer races. Unfortunately I was not feeling great but I had committed to go and so I went. I was glad that I did. However, the lack of shade and warm temps made me feel really nauseous the whole race. But I did my best (and didn’t puke 🙂 ) and even won my age group.

met up with a friend, made a new friend…looking forward to a re-do with my next 5k in August.

When the race was over, I was happy that I had already done my long run on Wednesday and could join my running friends for brunch.

Sunday – And of course, it was Boating Sunday on Lake George. And again the weather was perfect.

This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 3

Monday – 4 miles at UAlbany or rail trail
Tuesday – rest day, work webinar
Wednesday – 2 miles in Washington Park, book talk
Thursday – 3 miles at Three Rivers (ARE trail run series)
Friday – rest day, chiro appt, mah jongg evening
Saturday – 8 miles at Corning bike path, running book club and pool/birthday party
Sunday – rest day, boating with the fam

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Did you run with friends this week or alone? Please share.