Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The last Monday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!
Oops I forget to do this in December but I’m back this month:
Something Loved.
It’s usually the races I’ve run. But this month, I only ran three (free) club-sponsored fun races.
So what I’ve loved is my runs with friends. It has kept me motivated to train for my upcoming half marathon and to get out of bed on some cold dreary weekend mornings.
Something Said.
This ties in with something read but it’s what Deena Kastor said in an interview:
“I truly believe my fastest days are behind me and my best days are ahead!”
That is the case for all of us aging runners.
And one more:
“As athletes, we have ups and downs. Unfortunately, you can’t pick the days they come on.”
So true!
Something Learned.
You sometimes take your pets for granted…until they’re gone.
I had the love and affection of a cat for over 20 years. And during the last few weeks of his life, he became very clingy… too clingy.
Miss him!! But I feel lucky that the break in my work travel schedule allowed me to spend a lot more time with my favorite cat (at a time when he needed me most.).
Something Read.
Our running group, the Sole Sisters decided to all read a book and get together after a run to discuss it. For our second reading gathering, we chose Dena Kastor’s book.
It was a fast read and an interesting one. I knew little about her start to running and all her successes.
I have only followed her as an older runner and actually met her a few years ago.
But what I took away from her book was not about training or running. It was about attitude and being more positive.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Oh, you’re doing it again, I said to myself when I became aware of negativity, being careful not to rebuke myself and therefore wind up being negative about being negative. I told myself: Find a thought that serves you better.”
“Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate.”
“My competitive days had a short window, but I could push my mind and strengthen my positivity for a lifetime. How optimistic could I become? How much richer could I build my life? What joy and potential lay ahead. Pursuing positivity felt infinite, limitless.”
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
I am trying to apply to my life (and to running) some of things that I read in Deena’s book.
Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.
Well, we finally got snow and it sucked. Really put a damper on my running. I hate to run on the treadmill!!)
Last week –
Monday – Love me a day off from work. I can run in the daylight anywhere I chose. Of course, it would have been nice not to worry about finding a running route without snow. As I mentioned for the Saturday long run, The Crossings is the only place (beside UAlbany) I knew where they shovel the snow on most of the paths. The biggest problem was not the snow, however, but the sub-zero temps. And NO, I did not run outdoors. The wind was horrendous. I cooked and cleaned but got cabin fever so I decided to go to my free gym since I was nearby doing errands. I threw in the towel after 2 miles on the treadmill. I was miserable. I won’t do that again.
some can run on the treadmill. i’m not one of them. would rather skip the run. even my pretty new compression sleeves didn’t help lol
Tuesday – An after work run at UAlbany. Both of my Sole Sisters decided to run on the treadmill. I chose UAlbany because it is a college and the paths are always clear and lit. It was cold but nothing compared to the day before. However the paths were far from cleared. Mostly snow-covered and hard to run on. Very disappointing.
had to resort inner paths to the dorms where it was clear
Wednesday – Another after work run. It was windy but warmer but it threatened to snow/sleet/rain all day so I was ready to throw in the towel (even though the first run for the STEM program was scheduled for 6:30 pm tonight) However, when I got out of work, it hadn’t started yet…Next was the question on where to run??? Good News. All the paths at UAlbany were clear so off I went (sorry, STEM runners – it was raining hard by the time I finished so I went home.)
20 degrees warmer + no ice or snow + still light out= 🙂
Thursday – I planned on a rest day (and a rainy warm one it was) because I had plans for our monthly tennis dinner out. As always, a fun evening out.
weather and vacations made our group a lot smaller tonight
Friday – Another rest day and I played hostess to my mah jongg group.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we met at the Crossings to run again due to the snow/ice. I had 12 miles on my schedule. It was cold again but the sun was shining. I ran my first 7 miles with Barbara, the last 5 with Sherry and there was brunch after. All is good.
the paths were mostly icy so we ventured out into the neighborhoods to get it done (on tired legs)… so grateful for running friends
Sunday – Winter Series #4 Race and I downgraded to the 3m distance from the 15k. I wasn’t feeling great but when I got to the race and saw all my friends, my mood changed instantly. And although it was my worst 3 mile time in 5 tries, I got an age group award. Yes, sometimes it pays just to show up.
the speedy ladies in my AG ran the 15k or the 30k
This Coming Week –
Monday– 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – 3 miles work set up, rest day
Wednesday –3 miles (volunteer with STEM)
Thursday – rest day, hair appt.
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Polar Cap Race + 4 miles (Feb. 10 half marathon taper begins)
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Did you get hit with the BIG snowstorm? If yes, how did you deal? Please share.
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest for the first time in 2019 with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
1. I runfess…
I don’t sweat much when it is cold and I also don’t take as many running selfies. So I sometimes re-wear the same running outfit several days in a row.
Yup, same outfit for both of these runs – two days in a row.
Do you ever wear the same running clothes two days in a row?
2. I runfess…
It has been cold but I am still craving ice cream. I parked at Stewarts for both those runs above and yes, I had ice cream afterwards.
Anyone else eat ice cream in the winter?
3. I runfess…
I was up in the air about running a full marathon but FOMO took over and I hit the register button. I know some NYC runners doing it but I hope some of my local running friends and other bloggers get into the lottery. I was lucky enough to have a guaranteed entry.
Anyone else joining me in NYC on Nov 3? I’ll need all the the support I can get.
4. I runfess…
If I plan to run 26.2 miles, I need to make my feet feel better. I ordered these and hope they work. I don’t plan on bunion surgery any time soon.
Anyone try these to correct foot pain caused by a bunion’s pressure on the metatarsals?
5. I runfess…
Running has been going pretty well, even with the colder temps but strength training…not so much. I played tennis twice but zero trips to the gym, and haven’t taken that yoga class yet. Still 11 months to go, though. Anything can happen.
I’m getting an A+ for eating out with friends though not a goal
How are you doing on your 2019 goals?
It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 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 reading Deena Kastor‘s recent book, Let Your Mind Run, I was intrigued by how important cooking and food was to her. So I googled and accumulated the list of recipes below:
And yes, in one of the articles, Deena mentioned that she is writing a cookbook.
Personally, I don’t cook often or make complicated recipes. I try to eat healthy but don’t always.
I should runfess that I haven’t made anything from Shalane’s cookbook yet and I’ve had it for quite a while.
But I am tempted to make the two recipes that I added pics of. Pasta and pizza – two of my favorite carbs!!!
As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and start today!!
Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.
I have been saying that we’ve had a mild winter. It’s come back to haunt me. This past week, I’ve woken up to single digits. Thankfully, it warmed up (but still freezing) and I was able to survive the after work run.
Last week –
Monday – My legs felt good despite running 2 days in a row. It was cold again but the hard part was that I had to run alone. But got it done and then met my BFF for a walk around mall.
still light at the start and then a beautiful sunset
NYC Marathon opened today and many of my friends entered the lottery. But I had a guaranteed entry:
I’m in!!
Tuesday – No running today since I was scheduled to sub in my former tennis group. It was fun catching up with my Tues. tennis pals and of course, at dinner after.
Wednesday – Fleet Feet again offered an after work run as part of their running club at Nine Pin Cider). Yes today was also our 20 year wedding anniversary. No gifts or celebrations (dinner on the weekend and a renovated master bath!) But instead, I decided to do my run right away in town and chill at home with a glass of wine.
I started on the rail trail until it got dark and then ran around the streets parallel to it. For some reason, my legs felt really preppy.
Thursday – Another after work run. Usually I run at UAlbany with some of the Sole Sisters. But with illnesses, injuries and work, no one was able to run with me. Solo for the 3rd time this week. At least I got caught up with my podcasts.
back on the rail trail in the opposite direction and then in town – boy, my legs felt lethargic today. guess that’s what happens when your old legs run two days in a row
Friday – Rest day and still home to play mah jongg. Life is good (except for the snow on the ground.)
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we planned to run on the Delmar Rail Trail but that darn snow covering made us change to The Crossings I started early since I had to run more miles than the others. Unfortunately Barbara got sick at the last moment, Judy was in Florida and Sherry was there as well to run the Key West Half so I had to run my first 5 miles alone. Then I ran a few with Judy & Chris and the final 5 miles with Deidre. Glad to have those miles done and go to brunch before the storm hit.
it actually got colder as the run went on
After I was done, I did some errands including get part B of my shingles vaccine. Believe or not, the the pharmacist was a runner and running the Gasparilla Challenge in a few weeks.
Sunday – Our first snowstorm of the year! Trapped in the house to get some cleaning and de-cluttering done. Looking for a restaurant open so we could go out to dinner. (No luck so far. May have to cook :()
This Coming Week –
Monday – DAY OFF – 4 miles (sub zero temps – no way jose)
Tuesday – 3 miles with SS
Wednesday –3 miles (volunteering with STEM)
Thursday – 3 miles with SS, dinner out with tennis friends
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training peaks)
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 my first half marathon of 2019 in THREE weeks – the Publix Florida Half Marathon. Though I have run 8 halfs in Florida, this is the first time for this particular race.
Naples -Jan 2011
First Watch Sarasota – Mar 2013
West Palm – Jan 2015
Eau Palm Beach – Dec 2015
Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016
PCB Half – Dec 2016
Treasure Coast Half (Jupiter)- Mar 2017
Brew2Brew Half (Vero Beach) – Mar 2018
So my Topic this week is: Five Things I’d Love to Happen During This RACE
1.Good Weather
Not too hot and not too cold. No wind or rain. It’s in Florida so I’m not sure what I can do about the humidity.
don’t let the pic fool you…I FROZE during this one.
2. No pain.
No foot pain or lower back pain. Or any new aches or injuries.
ouch on new lower back pain during RnR Brooklyn
3. Ocean Views
Sometimes, they say there will be water views but you can never see the ocean or it is for such a short period of time. This is the main reason why I love Florida races.
it does look like I’ll see the water
4.Age Group Award
At my age, this is always a possibility and welcome reward.
won last year at Brew2Brew Half
5. Finish under 2:15.
Not expecting a PR (under 2:06:52) since I did not train for one. I’d like a respectable finish time although with crossing big TWO bridges, this may be a dream.
2:11:23
2:11:48
Happy Running! Do you have any goals for your first BIG race or any race in 2019? Please share.
As I have mentioned before, theHudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the winter for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free.
This weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 10K and 25K. I am in throes of half marathon training so instead of racing the 10k (as I usually do), I ran long the day before and chose the 3 mile race distance instead.
Last year, this race was not held (due to the re-scheduled Jan 1 race) but I ran this race in 2017, 2015 & 2013.
WS 3 – 2017
WS 3 – 2015 with Bridget & Elisa
WS 3 – 2013 with Melissa
Choosing the shorter distance this year gives me the opportunity to compare my time to other Winter Series races of this distance. The 3 Mile course is offered frequently. (3 out the 5 races.)
But as you know, even running the same distance on the same course is not the same – different weather conditions and feeling different physically.
So running 10 miles the day before this race would most likely impact how fast my legs were wiling to go. And having a half marathon in four weeks also would make me hesitate to go all out for fear of injury.
That being said, my goal was a decent recovery run with running friends and no aches and pains afterward.
Then unexpectedly (even though he was very old), my cat died the night before. I was very very upset and really didn’t feel like racing but I knew it could only make me feel better.
I got lucky with the weather for the second day in a row. It was COLD (teens but single digits with the wind chill) but sunny. As usual on this campus, it was windier than anywhere else..
I left early to get parking since these races are often crowded and there could be other events going on at UAlbany. But there didn’t seen to be as many runners as in previous weeks. Maybe the freezing temperature scared people away.
What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know.
I immediately bumped into many familiar faces and even some runners that I haven’t seen in awhile.
I wound up talking to Judy and Karen and we stayed indoors until the last minute and then made our way outside. However they were running the 10K and they lined up in a different location.
Sole Sister Heidi arrived and we started the 3 miler together.
As I’ve mentioned in my previous race post, the Winter Series races are very informal – no bibs, no starting mat, no timing chips, etc. So I try to start not too far from the front.
As usual, when you start up front, you immediately get passed by by it seems everyone. These races attract all the speedy local runners too.
2018
I just told myself that this was simply a fun run and just take it at your own pace. Having not warmed up, my legs felt like lead and I couldn’t get moving.
It was so cold that it was also hard to breathe…at least for the first few miles (and then of course, it was over.)
I looked down at my Garmin and it said LOW BATTERY. In the stress of my cat’s death, I forgot to charge it.
I don’t care about pace but since the miles aren’t marked, I sometimes like to see where I am in the race.
Then I looked down and my shoe was untied. UGH! I thought of stopping but it was too cold and a pain to have to take my gloves off so I just ran gingerly making sure not to trip and fall.
The course is very boring (zero scenery besides office buildings and highway) but it also has inclines. Nothing steep, just enough to keep it interesting. I wanted to be better about hills and not walk up them. And I didn’t walk at all.
Runners kept speeding by me…but they were actually those running the 25k!!!
I saw Alyssa ahead of me the whole race. I was surprised since I had thought that she was running the 10k. She acted like my pacer.
pic from the previous 3 miler
Eventually I did see the finish line and saw a time for the first time in the race. It said 27:xx. I sped up and managed to crossed around 27:24. There’s no timing chip. You honestly write down your time on a piece of paper and hand it in.
I was 30 out of 80. This is a fast group, as usual.
I chatted with others at the finish line while waiting for Heidi to cross.
If it were warmer, I would have waited to cheer on Karen and Judy. But I was cold so Heidi and I went inside to warm up and have some chili (red pepper & quinoa), bread, cookies, fruit, hot chocolate. Not a bad spread for a free race.
They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 3rd this week.
Race Splits:
mile 1 – 9:17 (crawling – 8:50 last time)
mile 1.8 – 9:18 (still a crawl)
mile 1.8-3 – ??? – (must have sped up) 27:24
WS Series #1 – 28:08
2017-18 WS Series – 26:49, 27:02
So it wasn’t a 3 mile PR or course PR (but not a PW either).
I was happy with the results and that I decided to run this race.
I get one more try at this distance in two weeks!!
As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and start today!!
Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.
Yup, I’ll be running my first half marathon of 2019 in one month….gulp!
Last week –
Monday – My legs felt good despite doing my long run the day before so I took advantage and ran after work in my town …for a change.
still holiday decorations around
Tuesday – No running today since I was scheduled to sub in my former tennis group. I was pretty rusty but it was fun catching up with my Tues. tennis pals and of course, at dinner after.
Wednesday – Fleet Feet again offered an after work run as part of their running club. I thought about it and I may go next Wed (It’s at Nine Pin Cider) but I decided to run locally again instead since I had errands to run. Luckily the rain had stopped but boy was it windy!!!
the rail trail was still light for the first mile at least
Thursday – An after work run at UAlbany with one of the Sole Sisters. Another windy night!! We froze. But always glad to have someone to run with.
Friday – Another rest day (even colder and still windy) and still home so I could go play mah jongg.
if case you’ve never played, this is what it looks like…just add lots of conversation and laughter…we are competitive and you can win from $.25 to $1.00 a game. High stakes.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we met to run at the Corning Bike Path. It was VERY cold (teens) but at least the sun was out and the wind had died out. I ran my 10 miles with Judy (8 with Barbara) and I was glad for their company.
This week, our run was followed by a book club. We all read Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor and got together to eat and discuss the book. First knitting, now reading. What will our running group tackle next?
But on a sad note-
no words. just tears
Sunday – Today I ran in the Winters Series #3 Race. Usually I run the 10k distance but because I ran long the day before, I switched to the 3 miler. I’m glad that I did and it’s always a fun time (even though it was 2 with the windchill, my Garmin battery was dead and my shoe was untied for the whole race) since I get to meet up with so many familiar faces.
This Coming Week –
Monday – 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – rest day, tennis sub
Wednesday –3 miles (FF Cider run?)
Thursday – 3 miles with SS
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 11 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training continues), anniversary dinner (20 years on 1/16)
It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
Healthy Miles, Quality and Successful Racing, Consistency
NEEDS TO WORK ON:
Goals, Strength Training, Speed, Leaving my Comfort Zone
Well, change is not easy.
Here’s what I have planned:
1. Run 1000 miles.
It’s just a number. But that number means two things to me. I have been running consistently all year and that I have not been injured.
2. Take some yoga classes.
I’m not good at yoga. I have zero flexibility. But it is relaxing and my life is not. So I think it will help me both mentally and physically.
3. Do some strength or cross training.
I hope to play more tennis starting in June but I do have access to a local free gym. I’d like to get there on some of my rest days. 4. Train seriously for One Race.
Not sure which one but I have already registered for five half marathons so maybe the local one. Or maybe a 5k.
5. And finally…. Finish a 26.2 mile race.
Yes, you heard that right. I haven’t registered yet (next week) but it seems crazy not to take advantage of qualifying for this year’s NYC Marathon.
I hope that I can convince some local runners to help me train and some other runners (yes, you bloggers) to meet me in NYC on Nov. 3).
I have also considered registering and then deferring until 2020.
So there you have it. My plans for 2019 are written. Now I have to execute them. Stay tuned for periodic progress reports.
Happy Running! Any goals or plans for 2019? Please share.
Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.
In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)
and it was a very cold one
Then in 2016, 2017 and 2018, I wasn’t that crazy and I only ran the 3.5 Miler.
It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again. They call it a 3.5 miler but I realize each year after the race that it is actually 3.75 miles.
Starting at noon meant that I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve.
it wasn’t a late night since the entertainment was so bad…
I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that there are a lot of local runners who do these races and I wanted to get a close parking space.
The weather was so much better than last year (even the re-scheduled race date was freezing). Today it was forecast to be in the high 40s but I worried about the wind on this course. It is always windy!
I took a big risk and wore a skirt. The good thing was that there is an indoor place to hang out before and after the race.
with Judy, Sherry, Judy and Barbara – some of the Sole Sisters
This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc.
So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into runners that I know from races and lots of Sole Sisters. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.
I was hesitant about what to wear. I was afraid that my cap would blow off with the 40 mph wind gusts or that I would be cold without a jacket (which I brought). In the end, I went with my gut and I was perfectly dressed.
Eventually we did have to leave the nice warm building and climb down the stairs and head to the start.
I just squeezed in near the front in order to keep warm and be shielded from the wind.
I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid and get hurt.
This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired (at mile 3).
pic from last year…no snow this year but no blue skies either
This was the first year that I can remember that there was NO ice or snow.
I won’t lie. I was a little cold especially with the wind but at times, I was warm and unzipped my vest. I even eventually took off my gloves. I was happy with my clothing choice.
There were about 230 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 225 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.
I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too since I rarely do that during my weekday training runs. And I did for the first two miles. In fact, I was feeling pretty good.
There were no mile markers on the course but I could hear my Garmin beep. I couldn’t pay attention to my pace or time because my Garmin was under my long sleeves. (Probably a good thing.)
another pic from a previous year
As I mentioned, I was feeling pretty good until mile 3. This was the most boring part of the course as well as uphill. To make matters worse, the wind was incredible here. There were times that I felt like I was not even moving forward. I struggled and the wind seem to suck the life out of my legs. Runners were passing me by, even a runner pushing a child in a stroller. I finally gave it and walked. But it was just as hard to walk into the wind and so I started running again. At this point, I just wanted to finish.
Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read 33:XX minutes. I knew that it would not be a course PR but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.
So I sprinted and crossed at 34:14 (according to my Garmin) and 34:15 on their clock.
I was content!!
Soon after, Karen and Alyssa finished. We chatted and then Barbara and Judy came in.
We waited for Judy and then went inside. Somehow we missed Sherry.
These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time.
Mile splits:
mile 1: 8:50
mile 2: 9:01
mile 3: 9:27
.75 – 9:23
Good old positive splits. Nothing has changed for 2019. LOL
Again this year, the course was long!! I was surprised that in these windy conditions I was faster than last year (35:45) and not far behind my course PR from the year before (34:04). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I never felt really tired or that I was pushing hard. I think if it weren’t for the wind, I could have run the whole thing and had an even better finish time.
Definitely not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles in this weather.
For a free race, they have decent refreshments – vegetable soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.
And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.
I waited around for awhile and chatted with other runners and for Barbara’s niece to finish the half marathon.
They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Two years ago, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. Not so this year. I was 5th.
So a race and a perfect way to start off 2019!
As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and starts today!!
Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.
My First 5K and More... 