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 ran THREE races in ONE week.
I almost ran FOUR (I came to my senses and did a long run with friends instead).
Anyone else run more than one race in the same week?
2. I runfess…
I went to NYC for work and I DID NOT RUN in Central Park or along the East or Hudson Rivers.
I know. Can you believe it?
the rain even stopped and this route along the Hudson R. was very tempting…
I really wanted to run but instead I walked. I knew that I should rest the legs.
walking the High Line and climbing to the top of the Vessel = rest??
Anyone skip your favorite run locales and REST instead?
3.I runfess…
I’ve been ignoring a hip issue since it doesn’t hurt while I run.
The pain started the first day that I played tennis in Florida (May 3). It has bothered me repeatedly when I play tennis, sit or stand for a long time and sometimes after a run.
I have several friends who have undergone hip replacements? Kinda makes me wonder…
As soon as I made an appt to see my chiro, the pain stopped…of course.
She said it was my SI joint, did some painful stuff to it and now it feels great!!
Anyone ignore pain when it doesn’t occur during a race or a run?
4. I runfess…
A co-worker (a really fast runner) said that her hubby ran NYC without training and really enjoyed it.
Not what I wanted to hear…
My NYC marathon training starts Monday…
I already have social plans being scheduled that will conflict with my weekend 14,12 & 15 mile long runs (Tennis weekend Aug 24-25, Mah Jongg weekend Sept 21-22, Broadway Oct 5-6).
Do you ever dread having a training plan to follow?
5.I runfess…
My healthy eating (if you can call it healthy) goes right out the window in the summertime. Too many BBQs and outdoor restaurant dining
and
ICE CREAM!!
Good thing I don’t have a scale and can wear loose dresses to work.
Anyone else struggle with summer food temptations?
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.
Another trip to NYC for work and a 5k in Brooklyn. This was my first one this year. Usually I run the cheap ones organized but the Prospect Park Track Club (Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series).
But this week, NYCRuns offered a 5k on a similar course and you know how I feel about racing.
Ice Cream Social 5k
This race was the first annual Building Brooklyn 5K. I raced their first annual Ice Cream Social 5k here last June. The course map seemed to indicate that this race was on the SAME course.
Again I had to work all day in Queens (getting up at 5:30 am and being on my feet until 4 pm). I would have to rush to take the subway, then the LIRR, walk to my hotel and change my clothes and then take a LONG subway ride (standing) to Brooklyn.
I was familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.) So I got off at the same subway stop in Brooklyn as usual (which was not the closest one but one that I knew) and made my way through the park looking for signs indicating a race.
No signs but I bumped into a fellow runner from SC and we chatted about our work travel and racing obsession.
We asked volunteers and found the gathering area and bib pick up. It was a different location than the Al Goldstein 5ks. There were port-a-potties instead of real restrooms (but actually real ones were not too far away, if needed.)
I got my bib and race shirt and hung out at one of the many picnic tables.
NYC seems to like green. My 3rd one.
It was warm – in the 70s and humid. I checked a bag with a jacket (not sure why?) and the race shirt at bag check.
tables organized by the last # on your bib
It was still fairly early. As in my other Brooklyn races, I did not know a single person. So I ate a banana and some cookies and chatted with my hubby on my phone.
Then they had a yoga session. It was pretty fun.
Soon it was time for everyone to walk down to the start. There were corrals set up according to pace. I lined up in the 8-8:59 min group. But it didn’t really matter since this race was also chip-timed. There were serious runners as in the PPTC-sponsored 5ks but there seemed to be many more “regular” runners in this “team” race. About 500 in total.
This race was like a mini Workforce Challenge. The goal being having teams from Brooklyn and NYC businesses out there running or walking together. I just love this idea. I bet they will have even more participants next year. And all the proceeds go to charity.
Since I had run the course before, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1. In fact, I ran up that hill THREE times during the Hot Chocolate 15k in April.
I was beat from a long day’s work on my feet. Otherwise I felt fine, was not hungry and the weather was warm and humid but I’ve run in much worse conditions. So I decided that I would try to RUN up the whole hill. In fact, if possible RUN the whole race. I know it is only a 5k, but I often walk even during my shorter races. I find that often finish faster if I do than when I don’t walk at all.
So how did that work???
Mile 1 was hard. My legs felt like lead. (Probably should have warmed up before the race.) I tried to not walk. But that stupid hill won. I caved and walked/ran up it.
my new SC friend…he finished in 18:XX
Mile 2 was better and I wanted to skip the water stop. But I was really thirsty and decided I’d better stop. This walk was briefer than the first. I then tried to make the time lost during mile 1. And I did.
I tried to keep with that old guy…never could
As a result, I was crashing during mile 3. I willed myself not to walk until the mile 3 marker. Then I decided to just finish…
I tried to sprint and finish under 28 minutes. I did NOT!! But I was close and was actually winded when I finished. So I promptly grabbed some water. Pretty rare since I never put it all out there unless I am trying for a PR.
I walked back to bag check to get my jacket and race shirt (which I put on). On the way, I grabbed some refreshments (banana and Chex mix) and then headed immediately to get my free ice cream.
Delish! Perfect on a a warm night.
They don’t post the results. But I did get an email with my time and it indicated that I won my age group (see above). I was not surprised this time since I did not see many older racers.
not much competition…but a win is a win!
As in all NYCRUNS races, there is no awards ceremony. They just mail you your award in about six weeks.
This is what they normally look like — pretty sweet?
So runners just hung out eating food from the food trucks and listening to the DJ.
I left and followed runners to subway. A long ride back to Manhattan but still glad I chose to run this 5k.
I was exhausted when I arrived at the race but energized after. Which is what I love about racing.
If I am around during this race next year, I plan to run it again.
A very busy week but luckily we had the best weather of the week on the weekend and I was lucky enough to spend both days at the lake – one racing and one boating.
Last Week –
Monday – After a rainy Sunday, I was happy to see some sunshine. I was supposed to run with a friend at the Crossings but I had a re-scheduled chiro appt. Instead I ran earlier at UAlbany and I talked my friend into joining me. After my run, I talked to my chiro about my wonky hip (but of course, it has stopped bothering me?) She said it was my SI joint and she worked some painful magic on it.
a lot of walking and talking but we got it done
Tuesday – Rest day because I had a long overdue and re-scheduled dinner date with an old friend. Sometimes running cannot take precedent over life.
Wednesday – Rest Day #2 due my annual monthly tennis gathering.
seen on my pre-work walk
It was my turn to choose the locale and I picked a farm (I had to go, right?)
what an interesting place…the food was great and the company even better. They also sponsor goat yoga and trail runs.
Thursday – I needed to run after work today because of all that eating out and I did have a 15k in two days. I headed after work to the Corning Bike Path. There was a concert scheduled so I headed in the opposite direction.
it started to rain so I wimped out. Good thing because then it really poured.
Friday – Long work day and a rest day to carb load for my race the next day.
Saturday – Today I ran the 2nd annual Race to the Lakes 15K. You ran from Glen Lake to Lake George and then took the bus back. I ran it last year. I knew about all the crazy hills (though not prepared for them… AGAIN). And gee they were a lot harder than I remember (18 of them my friend said).) Still it was fun. I had a course PR and came in 2nd in my age group.
oh and there was ice cream (and watermelon) at the end
I took advantage of being at the lake to visit with a friend who lives there. We went to a craft fair, out to lunch and then hit the outlets.
lunch (and drinks) with a view
Sunday – A rest day and perfect weather for boating on the lake.
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 or small races on the horizon? Please share.
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.
My 12th Freihofer’s Run for Women. Yes, it was crowded. No, it’s wasn’t my fastest. But I just love the atmosphere of an all women’s race with women of all abilities and goals running in the same race.
Something Said.
This what I tell people when they say that they could never run a….
26.2… I’m coming for you!!
This is also what I believe will get me through my first marathon in November.
Something Learned.
My new kitten is the grandson that I don’t have yet. (Can’t wait to be a GRANDMA!!!!)
I worry about him and call my hubby to check in on him (and rightly so…one day, he let him out and he wound up atop a tree, then fell out of it and hid in the woods until I got home. Another day, he locked in the fridge, recently he almost locked him in the laundry closet for the weekend.. OY.)
I spoil him with special food and toys.
My hubby remarked the other day when I was carrying around like a baby “You really love this little guy!”
so far he goes out on the porch where we hang out while I’m having my morning coffee and evening wine LOL
Something Read.
I did a lot of relaxing during my May tennis vacation in Florida. This is one of the several books that I read.
I think I found this book while running one day (in one of the neighborhood Free Libraries). After I finished reading it, I read some reviews and many were pretty negative. But I kinda liked it.
It’s about Maddie and her complex life. She is raising young children who are coping with the divorce of their parents. She is also dealing with the challenges of caring for an aging, ailing mother. As the novel progresses, her life just gets more complicated. Secrets are revealed that provide greater insight into her parents’ marriage and her childhood. All throughout is the presence of the plastic blue shoe that Maddie finds in her father’s old car.
I recommend reading it and let me know what you think.
I ran this race in 2014 and 2015. I remembered it being fun (even though there were hills) so I signed up again this year since it fit right into my schedule.
2014
2015
The 5K is a out and back and has one (BIG) hill just before the 1 mile mark, with the rest being flat and the down hill at about 2.25 and a slight increase at the finish. Course is both paved (along Hudson River) and packed dirt path in wooded area, for approx 1.25 mile.
It is about an hour north of my house (and on the way to our marina on Lake George.)
And most importantly, I love scenic. Here are some views of the course:
finish line view
The weather was beautiful. It was about 60 degrees and sunny when I left the house. It was predicted to warm up to the 70’s later. Actually perfect running weather for a change.
I left early and arrived in plenty of time. I parked nearby and got my race packet.
a women’s tech singlet 🙂 and in purple
Then I used the restroom – yes, there were real ones.
Since this race is north of where I live, it attracts a different group of runners. Because I often race in this area, I knew some of them and we chatted. This race this year was part of the the Girls on the Run series so there were lots of young girls there too.
I took some pictures and patiently waited until it was time for everyone to walk down to the water for the start.
Of course, while waiting for the gun to go off, I wound up talking to some older runners… about future races.
I planned to start near the front since there were no timing chips or start line but I was chatting and forgot.
I’m in there somewhere
I must say that this was one of the prettiest course I have ever run. It was along the water most of the time or on a paved trail through a park.
I tried to focus on the scenery since I knew that this one would be tough due to hilly course.
The first mile had a small hill which I ran up and then came the monster hill. I ran/walked up the whole thing and had trouble doing that it was so steep. I think I did the right thing since it was early in the race.
I wasn’t that warm but I walked through the first water stop anyway but very quickly.
Lately I am having trouble running fast. I am trying but my breathing is labored and my legs just won’t go. (Guess that’s why runners do speed drills!)
Eventually the course looped around and you headed back to the start. I passed through the second water stop and then finally came the big hill. This time you were running down. These hills always scare me so I hold back especially with my falling history.
rule 1: always look goofy when you see a photographer
Then I think I walked once more before the final (smallish) hill which led to the finish line.
I was faster than four years ago (29:25) but slower than last week’s 5k. Still happy about those negative split times!!
After the 5K, there was a one mile race. Not for kids but for everyone. It was fun last time so I signed up for this one too (I am crazy like that.)
Of course after the hilly 3.1 miles, my legs were too tired to run even ONE mile but I wanted to give it my best shot.
got to cheer on the runners who were not finished
I walked/ran to the start of the second race. Boy, that one mile seemed really long!!
the start of the One Mile race
Most of the runners did not do the second race. I was hoping that with such a small group I would not be DFL.
The one mile course was rolling hills but NO big steep hill, thank God.
caption: the little engine that could
Still after a half hour break, it was tough to get the legs moving.
Little by little, I picked up speed and crossed under 9 minutes. Barely.
8:52 Garmin time. 8:53 (GT)
Someday I would like to run a one mile race without a 5k preceding it. Just to see what I could do.
I was wondering if there still would be refreshments left after the second race. And there were. Bagels, watermelon and lots of homemade treats. Yay!!
I ate quite a few pieces of watermelon and grabbed some cookies and brownies to go.
They gave out the awards and I won first place in my age group in both races.
I didn’t stay. I have enough medals. It was enough to know that I won.
2 medal pic form 2015
Besides my hubby was patiently waiting for me at the marina.
I did change into a bathing suit eventually
I will definitely do this race again. I loved the course and the scenery. Next time, maybe I’ll try to do some hill repeats in advance so I could run up that big hill.
One of the reasons for choosing this race was that it was on the way to our marina so I could join my hubby and spend the day on the lake.
Monday – Since I had run a race the day before and had a race scheduled for the next day, after arriving in Manhattan, trekking to and from Queens, I met Cari and we just WALKED (rather than ran) along the High Line (the rain even stopped)
fun time chatting and getting in our steps
and afterward we walked to the top of the Vessel. The plan included a sunset view but we got a foggy one instead. Still worth the steps.
Tuesday – After a long work day, I rushed back to my hotel to change and then hopped the subway to run the Building Brooklyn 5K – an inaugural race in (hilly) Prospect Park. I was pooped but no matter what the outcome, I have never regretted a race. Definitely slower than the last time I ran this course but I won my age group and there was ice cream post race. So win win.
Wednesday – No time for running since I had to take the train back home after work.
view from the train ride
Thursday – I actually cancelled dinner plans with a friend after work. I had hoped to run before work (and the rain) but I had a car appt. Instead I squeezed in a run followed by shopping and unpacking.
the geese and I beat the rain – hooray
Friday – Rest day because I was hosting mah jongg at my house (and had to clean).
Saturday – It was a hard decision but I decided not to run a local 5k. Instead I met my Sole Sisters for a run. 8 miles done for Gabe. Of course it was followed by a delightful brunch.
Afterward since rain was predicted for Sunday, I drove up to the lake for a day of boating and relaxing.
Notice what I was reading…really good so far. I couldn’t put it down.
Sunday – Rainy day! Time to do some de-cluttering! And then lunch out for Father’s Day with the hubby, my stepson & his wife.
This Coming Week –
Monday – 3 miles, chiro appt.
Tuesday – rest day, re-scheduled dinner with a friend
Wednesday – rest day, monthly dinner with the tennis ladies
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 or small races on the horizon? 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.
I have run 37 Half Marathons. You would think that I would know what I am doing, right?
Nope.
That why this post is called: “You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”
Here are some things that I personally have learned:
1. Less is More.
I used to think that I needed to do 10, 11 and 12 mile training runs. I would be worried that I would not have the endurance to complete 13.1 miles.
Mind you, some runners do or at least they think that they do need ALL these double digit runs.
You have to know you own body, the date of your previous half and most importantly, your goal for the race.
If your goal is to finish, you can skip those long runs and run the race accordingly.
In other words, you may be surprised how FRESH legs vs TIRED legs can affect how you run. You can OVER TRAIN!!
I ran faster and felt better during the half with 3 miles on the weekends than the one when I completed ALL my double digit runs.
heading to the finish line with a smile – I trailed that guy the whole race
Do you feel that you need long runs before a half marathon? Ever run one without?
2. Stability Shoes are Essential.
When I started running, I think I wore stability shoes. Maybe not the right ones because they became uncomfortable.
I discovered Nike ZOOM Vomeros which were LIGHT and had a wider toe box. I was happy. I ran faster too!! Win. Win.
Not really.
If I ran longer than 8 miles, I got blisters, my lower back started aching and the bottom of my left foot HURT!
None of the above was unbearable and stopped bothering me as soon as the race ended.
So I kept buying these shoes in many colors and endured the discomfort.
The turning point was my calf injury in February.
I don’t know if the shoe was the cause but it prompted me to switch to a more supportive shoe.
I bought Mizuno Wave Inspire 15s with some pricey Fleet Feet insoles. The shoes were heavier and felt clunky when I ran. I felt much slower.
No aching back! No blisters! No pain on the bottom of my foot!!!!!!!
pain-free tootsies!
I also tried Brook Ravennas – pain on the right side of my foot (bunion area).
Maybe I’ll never be fast again but I think I’d rather feel good during my races.
So I am sold on the Mizunos! I think than I better buy another pair before they change them.
Do you wear Stability or Neutral shoes? Does it matter to you?
3. Negatives Splits Should be our GOAL
We all know that. But often you always feel good at the beginning of a race so you run fast.
Maybe you know you always slow down so you may as well take advantage on your speed in the early miles.
You get caught up in the excitement and then it’s too late.
It happens to me practically all the time.
Then my friend Stan ran the Hot Chocolate 15k along side me. His goal was to get me to slow down in the beginning miles. We chatted until mile 8 (and then he left me in the dust.)
I used this approach during my last half marathon. Two of my friends sprinted ahead of me and I lost them until mile 10. I still had spring in my step and passed them and many others. My last few miles were as speedy as the beginning ones.
sprinting to the finish on fresh legs
Do you try for negatives splits? Do you usually succeed?
4. Fuel More Often
I’m normally not a big drinker or eater during a long race. I don’t carry water and usually stop at each water stop. So I guess how much I drink depends on how often the water stops are.
I carry GUs and my plan is to eat one at mile 4 and one at mile 8 but usually I ignore the 12 mile one. Sometimes I only even eat one at mile 5-6.
During one recent half, I finished the race and felt very light-headed like I was going to pass out. I took a GU and immediately felt better. Under Fueled! Duh.
So during my last half, I changed the plan. I ate a GU at mile 2, mile 6 and mile 10. So much better!!
I didn’t wait until I was sooo hungry or energy deprived. I ate before I needed it.
Salted Caramel is my fave
How often do you fuel during your half marathons?
5. We need Friends at races.
At least one of my half marathons each year is during my winter vacation in Florida. I run it but I don’t know anyone. Of course, I enjoy the race but I so prefer having friends at the start and to chat with after my race. It makes a big difference. Racing is not just about finish times.
I always wait for my friends to finish and cheer them on (if they are slower) and they do the same for me. They will wait for me if I get an award and I would do the same for them.
post race eating and debriefing
So anyone running the new Zooma race in Bermuda this February ? I want company.
Feb 15-16, 2020
Do you often race solo?
Happy Running! What have you learned lately? Please share.
This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 12th time!!!!!
The website – can you see me? Right center – Pink hat & top
My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:
Due to construction, they changed the course four years ago.
They say that this course is faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.
course map
I did run the new course the past four years and I liked it.
heading downhill to the finish line
As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did last year.
And this was also my fifth Freihofer Training Challenge.
did my green hat stand out much last year?!
Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up on most Monday runs. But each Monday seemed to follow either a half marathon or a long run. As a result, although I registered for the Advanced group, I never participated in any of the speed drills. Instead I ran easy with the Intermediate or Beginner group. I only attended two of the Saturday runs since I was usually racing or resting.
2019 FTC group
But I was excited to be part of it and support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who would hopefully PR.
In past years, the day before I walked to Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past two years, they have held it at a local college. I was able to stop by after work. This year, the expo was much improved. I met up with a few friends and quickly browsed the booths and only bought a pair of sunglasses (Goodrs, what else? I’m obsessed.)
yup, you get cookies and bread
Earlier in the week, they had predicted rain, But the forecast changed and it was a pretty nice morning. – sunny and around 60.
I hate parking garages and traffic so I parked at a yoga place and walked to the start. I used to do this every year. However, with the new course, it was an even longer hike. Like 2 miles!
It was still strange to walk down Madison Avenue and not see the race banners and not see the giant poster on the bridge.
pics from 4 years ago…
The start was near a park across from the Capitol Building. I ran most of the way (about a mile) but then I bumped in a few people that I knew and I thought it rude to just run by.
I used to play tennis with Cindy. She has participated in all 41 Freihofer races (though now she just walks).
Finally I set off in search of the Freihofer Training Challenge tent.
I chatted with many of my running friends and took quite a few pics.
I also bumped into many runners wearing Skirt Sports skirts.
there were even more but we couldn’t find them in time for the pic
Catching up with everyone made the time go by quickly and soon it was time to line up.
Although it was very crowded, there were fewer runners than when it was Madison Avenue but it did seem to be more than last year (The loaded the corrals from the slowest to the fastest and everyone seemed to be in the correct corral).
Times Union photo 2016
Anyway, with the start (on a wider street), it didn’t take as long to get moving and the first hill was longer but not as steep.
heading up that hill
I started with Holly and Nancy from my FTC Group. I lost Holly behind me and Nancy (who is faster than both of us) surged ahead. I kept her in my sight but could never catch up to her. Right from the beginning, I had the feeling that my legs were moving but so slowly.
Smiling but it’s only the 1K point – my friend Holly (in orange) is still to my right
It was sunny at the start but then it got cloudy and HUMID!!! I felt very warm and thirsty.
When I got into the park and looked at my time, I was shocked at how slow it was. Usually mile 1 is my fastest.
I took this pic after the race
I continued to trudge along and couldn’t wait to walk at the first water stop around mile 1.25. (I was so thirsty.)
This course had you run around more of the park and it also seemed to avoid the bigger hills of the park.
I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile since the crowd had thinned out. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop. That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get some energy.
leaving the park and trying to keep up with the youngsters
Kevin Morris Photograph (from FB)
Finally we left the park and headed downhill to the finish. Not the steep downhill that we used to have with the old course, but at least it was downhill.
At the 4k point – SOAR leader Karen (with unicorn headband) is to my right
I tried to run fast but I started my sprint too early and had no energy left as I approached the finish line. The humidity had really gotten to me. I walked briefly (Karen surged ahead) and then I picked up my pace as I crossed the finish line. At least it was under 28 minutes.
heading to the finish line
I knew with 3 walk breaks, I couldn’t come close to a PR (and I was not expecting one) but it was a decent time (even if it was slower than last year). I was happy!!
I grabbed some cookies and some chocolate milk. It was definitely less congested than when it was by the fountains on the Plaza. No long lines for food.
yum!!!!
I ran into even more runners again that I knew. Every where I turned, there was someone familiar – from work, tennis, races, etc. That’s what’s great about running a big local race.
The first time runners were so excited. That put a smile on my face. I remembered why I love this race and it was never because of my awesome finish times.
I walked back to the Training Challenge Tent to get some more food and chatted with friends for awhile.
Many runners were excited about their PRs. I may not have run my fastest time but I still enjoyed myself.
You get what you put in. I did not do all the speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I also just ran a half marathon and I am no spring chicken. My time may not have been as fast as last year (a course PR of 27:37) but faster than two years ago (27:52). So I was very pleased with that.
There was computer set up so you could check your time and to see if you won an age group award.
And 5 out of 98 in my age group. Even a PR wouldn’t have gotten me an award. (Who is that lady from Boulder!?)
I hung out for a while in the FTC tent making plans for a post race brunch (the important things).
Sole Sisters +1 and -2
Eventually I walked back to my car. (It was uphill for about 2 miles). I walked part of the way with a friend Denise and we walked the along the last part of the course. We got to cheer those last few runners in…so cool!!
I have a 15K in a few weeks so I had planned to run another 3 miles. Brunch with friends was calling my name. And I am weak. Last year, I ran the extra miles. This year, I ate coconut crusted French toast.
So FRW #12 is in the books!
The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with over 3,500 women running it. Can’t wait to run it again next year.
On a side note: When I got home, I check IG and found this picture.
This is my friend who is in the midst of chemo treatments but drove from VT to do this race! It puts everything in perspective!!
FRW – 2017
VCM – 2015
Sillks & Satins – 2010
It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies: Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year?
Monday – Although I did run the two days prior, it was not raining and I was meeting a friend for a later dinner, so I squeezed in a few miles on the trail trail.
Tuesday – Finally a rest day but I did sub for a friend and played tennis (in the group I used to play in on Tuesdays). I hadn’t played since Florida but it was still fun catching up with friends on the court and afterwards at dinner.
Wednesday – Ice Cream group run #1 and Global Running Day.
You know I am all over anything that includes ice cream. Just in case, I did bail on the run since thunderstorms were predicted, I walked my Virtual Run during lunch.
The rain did hold off. But it was very humid and the ice cream was a welcome post-run treat.
there are few things better than running with friends + ice cream
Thursday – Another rest day due to a much needed hair appt. I did get in a pre-work and lunch time walk.
viewed from my walk
Friday – A quick run after work and before my weekly mah jongg game.
at the Corning Bike trail along the Hudson R. A steamy run but not complaining. Better than cold and rain.
Saturday – Many 5ks to choose from today but I decided instead of running to volunteer at a race. My fellow Sole Sister, Chris, was hosting a water stop at her house (which was on the race course). It was so rewarding to participate in this way (I need to volunteer more often) and the post race barbecue rocked, as well.
Sunday – I have race fever. Two races today. First the Betar Byway 5k followed by the Moreau Mile. Both I have already run in the past but several years ago. It was a beautiful course but holy hills!
a hard race but won my age group in BOTH races (though I didn’t stay to get my medals) – love the tech tank in purple
After the race, I headed up North to go boating with the hubby. It was a gorgeous day to relax on the water in the sun!!
and I did change into my bathing suit and went into the water for about a sec. Brrrr
This Coming Week –
Monday – train to NYC, rest day, walk on the High Line & to the top of the Vessel with Cari
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 or small races on the horizon? Please share.
to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that on a whim, I signed up for a new 5k in Brooklyn.
I must have amnesia on how hard it is get up at 5:30 am, stand all day and after work take the subway, LIRR and another subway to get to the race on time and run a 5k.
June 11, 2019 7 pm
and since I was on a roll, I signed for this one in Brooklyn too:
August 14, 2019 7:10 pm
Ever impulsively sign up for a race and then regret it?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I ran my 4th half marathon in FOUR months in May.
I’m not tired from training because honestly I did not train but I am tired of thinking that I should train.
My next one is not until September 8. And it will be a training run since I will be in the midst of marathon training at that time.
How many halfs do you run in a year? How far apart? Do you train for all of them?
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that our new kitten, Chap (short for Champion) has finally warmed up to my hubby (though I think he still prefers me). Our older cat is still not a fan and Champ is afraid to go outside. Our cats have always been outdoor cats and I will have to buy all new furniture and rugs if he does not get over his fears.
Do your pets get along? Any advice to make my older cat hate the kitten less?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I registered for a local half marathon because I am nervous about completing a 20 mile training run.
Oct. 13, 2019
This way I will have company for the last 13 miles of it. I hope to run with some of my running friends.
My plan is to first run 7 miles near the finish, take the shuttle bus to start and end up back at my car.
Have you ever used a half marathon as a part of a training run for a longer race?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you I ran the Freihofer Run for Women for the 12th year in a row. It’s the only race that I have run EVERY year (no matter what.)
2008 – my first (and they still give you a box of cookies)
Is there one race that you always run each year?
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!
My First 5K and More... 