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.
Ok, you are probably tired hearing this but I RAN.In.France.
As a former French teacher, this was a dream come true. So I am pretty much obsessing about it until something better comes along.
So here are five running-related things that I loved about my vacation in France.
1. Running in person with someone I met online.
I first met Karen virtually through her blog. (Now I follow her on IG.) I also have met her IRL during two of her trips to NYC. She is as nice in person as she is online.
She lives in Paris and I was excited to run with her there.
It was a real treat to meet up, run, chat, and experience in person the route that she normally runs on.
2. Running in Bois de Vincennes.
On a previous trip to Paris ages ago, I visited Bois de Boulogne. But I only know Bois de Vincennes from Karen’s IG posts.
I was able to run there at both the beginning and end of my trip. I entered the park in different locations to be able to run on different paths..
As you can see it is beautiful!!
3. Running in a small rural town.
I spent several days staying with a family in Sanguinet which is located in the SW, not too far from Bordeaux.
It was totally different experience than running in Paris. I ran there almost everyday. Luckily I spoke French because I did get lost the first day on my way back from the lake.
But I ran the next two days on different roads without getting lost 🙂
4. Walking on an above ground walkway (Coulee Verte).
I asked the hotel owner for a different place to walk/run besides along the Seine and in the parks. He explained that I could take some stairs near Place de la Bastille and walk/run forever on this walkway.
He was right. It was a great place walk or run. If it weren’t the day before my race, I would have joined all the other runners on this path.
5. Running a Race.
I was fortunate to find a race that was scheduled during the time that I was in France. (That was part of the plan.) I ran the 20 km de Paris at the end of my trip.
Paris
20 km de Paris
It was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget.
Happy Running! What is your favorite city to run? Why?
This is my sixth time running this popular local 15k race.
In 2011, my first time (and 1st 15K), I finished in 1:36:08. I was injured in 2012 and then I ran it again in 2013 and finished with a disappointing 142:22.
“fake” happy
With over 2000 runners in this race, they were forced to make some changes to the course three years ago.
It no longer starts and ends in Central Park. It also starts earlier – 8:30 am
This is a description of the new course:
The course starts near Veterans Park in downtown Schenectady. The course travels west on State Street for 1K before entering the historic Stockade District and proceeding on a scenic bike path in Riverside Park along the Mohawk River. The course exits the Stockade District after crossing Erie Blvd. The course then proceeds east on Nott Street past Union College before entering the historic GE Plot residential neighborhood via Lenox Ave, Douglas Rd and Rugby Rd. The course exits Rugby Road and proceeds north on Waverly Place near the 5K mark. The course turns east off Waverly and follows Grand Blvd to the city boundary with Niskayuna, then proceeds south on Dean Street to Central Parkway past 8k. After a 1K residential loop on Central Parkway, the course enters beautiful Central Park and follows a bike path around Iroquois Lake and Duck Pond before reaching its highest elevation near 12K. The final 3k is mostly downhill or flat as the course exits Central Park and proceeds west through historic Vale Cemetery and Vale Park before a final downhill section on Franklin Street to the finish at City Hall.
Well, I loved the new course and finished the race in 2014 with a new PR of 1:33:23.
Since then, the race organizers have decided to stay with the same course. In 2015, I was shocked that I finished at 1:31:35. Yes, a PR by almost 2 minutes.
I was not as lucky in 2016 or should I say “not as fast” (due to stomach issues) and finished it in 132:49.
2014
2015
2016
Last year, I was not able to run this race since I was in Las Vegas running the Rock n Roll 5k and half marathon.
Apparently, they modified the course slightly for this year. And it seems that they eliminated the bike path at the beginning of the race (which I did like because you ran along the Mohawk River and it was dirt so easy on the feet).).
This year whose knows?
Life and work have gotten in the way of my running. I did not run Monday, Thursday and Friday and minimally on Tuesday and Wednesday. That meant that anything could happen!!
I didn’t expect to PR but just wanted a decent long run (and not get INJURED!!) since I was scheduled to run a half marathon in TWO WEEKS!!!
Usually to save time, I pick my race packet the day before the race. But I decided it was just as easy to pick it up on race morning.
Instead I spent a long overdue visit with the girl I mentor and her two sons.
Yes it snowed. Yes we all froze but they enjoyed the obstacles and I enjoyed watching them.
I kinda forgot about my race the next day and had a late lunch of chili. Oops not my usual pizza dinner.
As usual, I didn’t sleep much the night before the race. I had decided what to wear but still wasn’t sure about how cold it would be. It was in the 30s when I got up and windy but it was forecast to warm up a little and the sun to possibly come out. I hate this time of year. It’s so difficult to dress correctly. At least there was a bag check and I could bring extra clothes for after and in case I changed my mind.
just added some gloves and stuck with my original plan
Even though, I’ve been to this race before, I still left extra early. Barbara and I carpooled. We got there around 7:10 am and found a spot on the street a few blocks from the start of the race.
nice long sleeved tech shirt – but too big 😦 (that’s why you go the day before.
We walked to the YMCA to use the restroom and check extra clothes. There I bumped into a lot of familiar faces and met up with my fellow Sole Sisters.
I used the restroom right away and was glad that I did since the line got longer later on. It was so nice to have some place to stay warm before the race.
We waited indoors as long as possible. But eventually it was time to head to the start.
during the National Anthem (no pic this year but the same view)
We arrived as they were playing the National Anthem and then quickly ran across the street (to the women’s side) to get ready to start.
waiting to start – men started on one side and women on the other.
I started with my Freihofer/Turkey Trot training group buddy, Nancy. But I knew that I would lose her immediately (She is quite fast.)
The course map:
As with any big race, it was very slow going at first.
from Daily Gazette (2015)
As the map above shows, we headed west into the Stockade section of town. Although it was chilly, when the sun peaked out, it was quite nice. I even took off my gloves and unzipped my outer layer. There were mile markers at each mile and most of them had someone calling out times.
I ignored my watch. I just tried to run at a steady pace even up the hills but I had no idea if I was actually doing that until after the race when I check my split times. But as I mentioned earlier, this was not a PR attempt…just a training run.
photo by David Giacalone (2015)
After the Stockade area, we ran past Union College and around various residential neighborhoods. I skipped the first water stop since I was not thirsty at all. The cold weather does that to me.
photo by David Giacalone (2015)
I knew a lot a runners in this race. They kept catching up to me, we’d chat and then they would go on ahead. That was ok with me. I was determined to run at my own pace and have a pain-free race.
The hills were relentless. But I was able to run up all of them. The wind was relentless as well. Why was it never at my back???
I figured that there would be no PR today so I just enjoyed the scenery and chatted with many runners as they went by.
Eventually I was getting hungry. My breakfast was at 5:30 am!! So I walked at the 2nd water stop and had a Gu. I lost some time here since my tights & toasty checks skirt did not have a pocket so I had to squeeze my Gus into my race belt along with my phone. It was tough to get them out. Lesson learned. Go back to my Skirt Sports tights, skirts and capris with TWO attached pockets.
Around mile 6, we entered Central Park with its rolling hills, lake, and pretty foliage.
photo by David Giacalone
I think I skipped the third water stop. I actually don’t remember but I made sure to smile for all the photographers.
leaving the park (2015)
Between mile 7 and 8 is where the BIG hills were. I ran up the first one. Then I decided to run up the second. That was a first for me. Usually in this race, I have to walk up the hills. The second hill was steep but not as steep as I remember. But that wind!!!!
Things were feeling good except for my foot (a lot of pain on the ball of my foot due to the bunion forcing my toes together) and a side stitch ever since I ate my GU.
At least the hills were over.. We proceeded to run through the cemetery and then through a park before heading DOWNHILL to the finish line at city hall.
9.4 miles instead of 12
2018
Of course, the wind persisted and we were running INTO the wind!! But I was passing runners, even men. Pysched!
And when I saw the clock in the distance, I ran as fast as I could. I was shocked that I could possibly finish under 1:30.
But I did not!!!I finished at 1:30:XX.
I was happy anyway.
I bumped to another Skirt Sports ambassador and lots of running friends. I waited outside as long as I could but I was getting pretty chilled.
So we went back inside. This year, the food was in the same area as bag check and we we waited before the race.
I got some chocolate milk, bread, potato chips, soup (carrot ginger) and pizza. What a nice spread for a local race.
I also checked the results. All the speedy old ladies run this race. But this year, I was pretty close to an award for the first time.
We hung out waiting for everyone to finish the race and plan where we were going for brunch (and yes, I ate some more).
We ended up going to a nearby diner where we continued to chat about the race. We all had a good time running it.
I am very happy with how the race turned out. My miles were pretty consistent (at least for me.) The slowest ones were when I ate my Gu (mile 6) and ran up the big hills (miles 7-8).
I really enjoyed this race. The course was so varied that it also took your mind off the hills. With the large number of runners (1500), I felt like I was always running with others and it kept me going.
Yes, it was hilly. The first half had a lot more hills but they were manageable. The second half had fewer hills but they were steeper.
The best part of the race was that I didn’t put it all out there and I just enjoyed myself treating it like a training run. When I was done, nothing hurt (not even that stupid foot.)
And guess what? It was a PR!!!!!! Over a minute faster than on this course in 2015.
This race is definitely on my must-do list. It was very well organized. Maybe all the stars will be aligned next year and I’ll gun for that sub 1:30 finish.
It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:
Happy Running! Did you race this past weekend or do any other running? Do you ever run 15ks? Do you like them? Have you ever PRed when you weren’t trying to?
Back to the Big Apple for work and a 15k race. A busy week, for sure!
Last week –
Monday – Another Turkey Trot Training group run missed. It was raining and I am a weather wimp. Besides I still wasn’t feeling 100%.
Tuesday – Another rainy day. This weather is getting old but the rain did stop in time to squeeze in a run before tennis. Due to the time change, the only place light enough to run is UAlbany. But I play tennis near Colonie Town Park so I rushed to try to get my run done before it got too dark. And I did. Mostly.
Wednesday – Off to NYC by train for work. After set-up in Queens, I made it out for a run. Lucky for me, NYC has lights for those working runners. I took the subway to Central Park and ran there. I wished, however, that I could have enjoyed the fall foliage in the daylight. But it was in the 60s so grateful for the warm temps.
Thursday – Another work day in NYC, Tonight I ran along the Hudson River. And yes, it was lit up there too. Not as warm as the day before but not bad and warmer along the river than in the city. (Strange?)
Friday – Back home by train. No time to run but it was raining anyway.
Saturday – I spent the day with my mentee Amanda and her two sons. It had snowed and we froze but they had fun so it was worth it.
Sunday – Race Day. Today I ran the Stockade-athon 15k. It was my 6th time running it and it’s always a fun time because of all the familiar faces you run into. I was really really tired and I was planning to run the race as a training run for my upcoming half. The cold temps and the wind kept me moving and I ended up with a PR!!
This Coming Week –
Monday –Turkey Trot Training Group?? Most likely a rest day or a local 3 miles
Tuesday – drive to LI, 3 miles (or a rest day because rain is predicted)
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.
I was pretty naive about running in Paris and let’s face it, anywhere besides America.
So here are five things that surprised me about running in Paris:
1. Running is really popular.
All times of day and all places I went, I saw men and women running!
Over 26,000 runners finished the 20 km race and another half marathon was scheduled for the following weekend.
2. The runners are serious and fast.
Hey, I finished 23,xxx out of 26,xxx. I’ve never considered myself to be a BOTPer. Well, I guess I am in Paris.
3. There are so many beautiful flat places to run.
There are many parks, paths along the river and to my surprise, la coulee verte – above ground walkway for runners.
4. There are more public bathrooms and water options.
Public bathrooms are easily accessible and there are many water fountains (as pictured above.)
5. Female runners don’t wear skirts.
Shorts, capris or tights. I am pretty sure that I was the ONLY one running in a skirt!!
Happy Running! Have you ever run in Paris or another foreign city? If so, anything surprise you?
If you read my blog, you may know that I LOVE races in NYC especially running ones in Central Park. (Even though, they are HILLY!)
Dash to the Finish
France Run 8K
The Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off race takes place just one week before the New York City Marathon and covers 5 miles of the roads of Central Park and ends at the Marathon finish line, with Poland Spring brand water available on the course and in the post-finish area.
I was scheduled to meet friends for lunch on Sunday, October 28 (the same day as this race) and then go to a Broadway show afterwards (an annual thing) with my tennis friends.
So it was a no brainer to sign up for this race. Plus, another Skirt Sport Ambassador, Elizabeth, was planning to run this race, as well.
Luckily I signed up early because the race sold out pretty quickly.
Thank to numerous trips to NYC for work, I had enough points for a free hotel room.
I knew that the race would be a hilly one (see map below) but I did run an 8K there in August of 2017 so I thought that although this race was 5 miles not 8K (4.97), the course would be similar in difficulty.
Elevation:
HILLS!
Unfortunately, I had had a pretty off running week. I had a head cold. Plus I was exhausted from my trip to France and then to MA for a bridal shower. I had planned to run 5 miles with friends before I left for NYC on Saturday morning (the day before the race) but that run got rained out. So I guess with Wed, Friday and Saturday as rest days, I should have been pretty well rested for the Sunday race.
So I took the bus to NYC on Saturday. After I checked into my hotel, I headed off to pick up my race packet by subway. I would have walked but it was pouring and windy.
The miserable weather saved my legs because normally I would have walked around the city but instead I went to a movie. (A Star is Born. Go see it!!!)
When I got back to the hotel, I tried to plan out my race outfit for the next day.
This is always difficult for me at this time of year. Capris or skirt? Short sleeves or long sleeves?
After a sleepless night, I got up the next morning around 6:00 am and had my usual oatmeal and coffee pre-race breakfast.
It was in the 40s with a possibility of sun and so I compromised on my outfit – capris, short sleeves (with arm warmers), gloves and I would leave my wind breaker in bag check. What I forgot this time was a throw away shirt or heat blanket- DARN!!
I decided to save my legs and grabbed a subway to Columbus Circle and followed runners into the park.
I knew they were all headed to the same place.
I got there very early. There were many runners just running. Probably warming up for the race or doing their last long run before the marathon the next weekend.
There would be more than 5000 runners in today’s race and the air was buzzing with excitement (most likely for next week’s NYCM).
Finally I approached the race start. I wasn’t ready to check my jacket. I was pretty cold!!
So I headed to the Race Pavilion to stay warm.
There was water and coffee – all sponsored by Poland Springs (of course).
Eventually I had to give up my jacket and head toward the corrals.
I really regretted at this point not dressing warmer and was definitely missing my throw away. I.Was.Cold!!
I walked around to stay warm and headed toward my corral and then toward Elizabeth (fellow Skirt Sports Ambassador)’s corral.
“I” again – same corral as for Dash and France 8K
Believe it or not, I bumped right into Elizabeth.
We chatted a bit but I had to head back up to my corral. We planned to meet up after.
And so I waited and shivered until it was time for my corral to get to the start line. It was probably only 5 or 6 minutes but felt like forever. Brrrrr!
So what was my plan for this 5 mile race?
I had run a 20 km race two weeks prior and spent most of this week battling a cold. Definitely not feeling my best today…the cold windy temps certainly did not help.
No plan. Finish strong. Not get injured. Walk up the hills. Have fun! (Spoiler alert – I ran the whole thing and enjoyed it immensely.)
So I’m back to recaps in miles not kms:
Mile 1:We started on Central Park’s West Drive near 67th Street and then headed south around the southern loop of the park. I made sure that I didn’t start out too fast and die. Since it was very crowded at the beginning (and the whole race), this was not a problem. I also made sure to run all the tangents as we looped around the park. I often have run this loop when I enter the park at Columbus Circle with Wollman Rink on the right and then Sheep Meadow on our left. Believe it not, I actually warmed up quickly. By the end of mile 1, I had already rolled down my arm warmers. There was a water stop at the end of mile 1 (and every mile) but I was not thirsty at all and didn’t stop. There was also timers at each mile. Since I wasn’t sure exactly when I started, it was not very helpful (but I am sure some runners appreciated them.)
Mile 2: We then beared left and ran north on East Drive, climbing Cat Hill (about 600 meters) between 72nd and 78th streets. Although, this was a big hill, it didn’t seem as intimidating as when I ran it as part of the Shape Half Marathon. Even running slowly, I was passing runners all the time. Maybe because I started in corral I and was running with slower runners. But it felt good. We continued on East Drive, running along the Great Lawn (on the left) behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art (on the right). Again, I ignored the water stop and kept trudging alone. The sun peaked out and I was sweating now. I took off my gloves and just held them (and used them as a tissue for my runny nose.)
Mile 3: We continued north on East Drive on a straight, flat section along the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (on the left), then a welcome downhill to a left turn onto the 102nd Street Cross Drive. Then we continued downhill to West Drive. Hooray for downhills but this one was not as steep as I would have liked or as long. I continued to ignore the timers and the water stops at the end of each mile.
Mile 4:We turned left again on West Drive and ran a series of three rolling hills between the Cross Drive and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (one of my favorite places in the park to run.) The uphills were long and I barely noticed any downhills. Just seemed to be one hill after another. Though I never train on hills, I was determined since I my legs felt great, to just run up each hill. And I did.
taken on a previous warm sunny day
Mile 5: We enjoyed a slight downhill, and then a flat section of the course, before finishing on West Drive at 69th street.
I gave it all I had (which wasn’t much at this point) as I approached the finish line.
But I finished happy!!
and so did they:
I really didn’t care about my time. I knew that I ran a lot slower than any other 5 mile race that I had done. My watch beeped way before the finish line indicating to me that the course was long (even with taking every tangent possible.)
I felt like I had run easy the whole time. I was not tired at all. And I was so pleased to NOT have walked At ALL! This is a rarity for me. I even walk during 5ks.
I was immediately handed a bottle of water and then picked up a bagel and an apple.
I headed directly to bag check to get my jacket. I was sweaty and very chilled. There was a line to get a Poland Spring water bottle (that I didn’t need.)
and another to take a photo of the 9+1 qualification for the 2019 NYC Marathon.
Ha Ha! Haven’t decided to run it!!!
I was cold and decided to head back to my hotel. I called Elizabeth and we agreed to meet up again the next time I’m in NYC. The sun went in and the wind picked up. I had a blustery 30 plus blocks to walk and a long hot shower in my future before meeting up with college friends for lunch and tennis friends for a Broadway show.
So it was fun-filled day. I highly recommend the Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off race. It was well-organized as all NYRR races are. I will do it again if I have the chance.
Back to traveling for work…every week until Christmas (except one jury duty week).
Last week –
Monday – I had planned to go to a Turkey Trot Training group run but being away for the weekend, I had so much to do. So I ran locally (after the rain finally stopped) and before darkness set in.
Tuesday– Long drive to Rochester. I had plans to set up and then go for a run on the Erie Canal. But they messed up the dates and I had to train TODAY. By the time I was done and set up, it was too dark and late to run 😦
Wednesday – Work day in Rochester and due to the mix up, I had to drive home rather than stay over night. I wanted to squeeze in a run but it was raining.
Thursday – Home a day early so I was able to run locally. 2 Sole Sisters met me at UAlbany so that was fun. Then I went out for drinks (& dinner) and that was even more fun.
Friday – Due to missing several runs this week and the impending rain forecast, I decided to go for a quick run on the rail trail before evening with my mah jongg buddies.
60s & 99% humidity = skirt weather
Saturday –Long Run and Brunch Day with the Sole Sisters cancelled due to RAIN!!! Instead I (stupidly) got a flu and shingles shot at the same time. Ouch!
Sunday – Re-scheduled long run. I ran 2 miles to carpool with Barbara and then met the rest of the Sole Sisters at the Corning Bike Path. I had hoped to run 9-10 more miles. But my legs, hips, back ached with every step. I could not even lift my left arm. I struggled and got through 8 miles thanks to Alyssa. Brunch made me feel a little better and then I walked 2 miles home. I get round 2 of the shingles vaccine in 2 mos. I will make sure I don’t do it a day before a long run or race.
oops – missed Jeri for the pic
This Coming Week –
Monday – Turkey Trot Training Group?? Most likely a rest day
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis sub, rain forecast so maybe another rest day
Wednesday – train to NYC for work, 4 miles
Thursday –3 miles (in NYC)
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – rest day, day with my mentee and her 2 sons
Time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
Since it is Friday, here are five things that I’d like to share…
1. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m home bound on the weekends for several months!! Hooray! My last weekend away was in NYC last weekend!
Elizabeth
Are you a homebody or do you enjoy traveling?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I finally did sign up for a half marathon in 2019. In fact, I signed up for THREE!
I am excited about both of these races although neither one is a goal race. They will both be just for FUN!!!
Feb 10, 2019 (Melbourne, FL)
March 17, 2019 (Brooklyn to Manhattan)
Maybe I’ll decide to train for this one. It’s an inaugural race so I don’t know how hilly the race course is but at least I can sleep in my own bed the night before.
Have you signed up for any big races yet in 2019? Do you prefer big races that you travel to or local ones?
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I am trying to add some more races to my schedule as 2018 draws to a close. I dread the cold weather here in the NE. I will run but not many races until spring.
11-11-18 – Stockade-athon
11-17-18 – Girls on the Run 5K
11-22-18 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
11-24-18 – Pelham Half Marathon
12-08-18 – Albany Last Run 5K
12-09-18- Winter Series #1 (3m)
Are you trying to squeeze in races before the winter season?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that as much as I love NYC, I’m not sure I am looking to working there 3 weeks in November and 2 weeks in December. Fingers crossed for no snow or ice and weather like this:
not this:
Anyone else in NYC on weekdays during the months of Nov. or Dec.?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I am denial about the cold weather. I am trying not to wear winter running clothes because I will be wearing them until May. However, it has been COLD. One day, in particular, it was in the 40s but windy. I wore capris and a shirt – no jacket, no gloves, no tights. I had to quit after one mile I was so cold. The next day, I caved:
In the 40s again and I was determined not to bundle up. I was freezing before and after but OK during the race:
Do you hesitate to bundle up when running even though you know you should?
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.
Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
Fall has arrived. The temps have gotten colder. The leaves are changing. The days are getting shorter… (I miss summer already sigh…)
Here’s how the month went:
Weekday Runs:
I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill.
I ran a few times while working in Liverpool and also while on vacation in France. Otherwise I ran locally. My weekday runs were usually around 3 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).
Liverpool – east side
Liverpool – west side
home rail trail
in Sanguinet and Paris, France:
Bois de Vincennes, Paris
Sanguinet
Sanguinet
Sanguinet
Bois de Vincennes, Paris
Unfortunately I missed ALL of my Turkey Trot Training Monday group runs. I hope to do better next month. I missed ALL of the Saturday ones too but I had no intent of attending those.
Long Runs:
I did my best to get in a few long runs in to prepare for my 20 Km race in Paris and eventually for my 33rd half marathon in November. It helped that I have great running friends.
There was one before my 20k and one after. But neither was double digits 😦
9 miles
My last long run of the month was supposed to 5 on Saturday and 5 on Sunday so 10 miles over two days but it rained on Saturday – no run but I ran my extra 5 miles on Monday instead.
Total Mileage:
I ran 82 miles this month. It was a big decrease over last month. and I am still behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.
Races:
I usually have several popular races on my schedule this month but my France vacation got in the way of a few of my favorites such as the Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K and Susan Komen 5k. I did complete the 20 km de Paris race and the Poland Springs Marathon Kick-off 5m race in NYC. Both were new races and loads of fun. BOTP for Paris but 2nd in my AG group for NYC!!
12.4 miles
Poland Springs 10k
Cross Training:
Due to my work schedule and vacation, I only played tennis once and I did NOT work out at the gym at all.
I did walk at lunch once or twice. Of course, I got a lot of steps in during my time in France.
Other News:
Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend, family and hubby time.
Unfortunately, boating season is over until next May. I love boating in October but this year I was in France.
I attended my future step-daughter-in-law’s bridal shower in MA.
My tennis friends and I took our annual day trip to NYC to see a Broadway show. I was also able to meet some college friends for lunch on the same day.
My vacation in France was fantastic! In fact, it was beyond my expectations. In addition to running, I was able to see and experience new things in France and Paris.
Fondation Louis Vuitton, Jardin D’Animation – Paris
Bois & Chateau de Vincennes, Paris
Biscarosse, Arcachon, Dune de Pyla
Arcachon, Cap Ferret
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Paris
St. Germain-en-Laye
Paris
Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.
Looking Ahead:
Half Marathon #33 is November 24.
This is my list so far for the next 2 months:
11-11-18 – Stockade-athon (15K)
11-17-18 – Girls on the Run 5K
11-22-18 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
11-24-18 – Pelham Half Marathon
12-08-18 – Albany Last Run 5K
I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her November Race Linkup:
No monthly goals.
This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!
My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.
I’d say overall a B+
Despite my busy schedule, I did my best to get in myweekday runs. I actually completed all but one of my weekend long runs.I did play tennisonce but did not go to thegym at all. I ran my first 20 km race and a 5 mile race.
I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
Happy Running! How did your October turn out? Anything exciting planned for November? What grade would you give your running month?
Sleeping at home all week (until Saturday). What a novelty!! I had to enjoy it because I will be traveling for work every week (except my jury duty week) until Christmas.
Last week –
Monday – Finally I was home so I was able to go to a Turkey Trot Training group run. I hadn’t been in a month. But I had a cold and felt like crap. And when I went to change into my running clothes, I realized that I had packed only one running shoe. The training group run was not meant to be. So I went home and decided to get my other shoe and run locally. The awesome view of the moon was worth it. That and the wonton soup I stopped to get.
Tuesday– I was scheduled to sub in tennis but managed to squeeze in a short run before. The day before my cold seemed better while I was running. Not so today. I struggled. But at least the weather was perfect.
they say “Starve a fever. Feed a cold.” So I did (with ice cream)
Wednesday – Rest day trying to get rid of this damn cold and since I had planned a dinner out with my tennis friends.
Thursday – Back with a COLD windy run at UAlbany with 2 Sole Sisters and meeting up with my BFF to walk around the mall and catch up on things.
Friday – Rest Day. Packing and Mah Jongg.
Saturday – The plan was a 5 mile run with friends before I headed off by bus to NYC. But I bailed. The forecast was for cold rain so I slept in. After I arrived in the city (in the rain), checked into my hotel, I went to NYC Run Center to pick up my bib (in the RAIN) for the next day’s race, and then went to a movie (A Star is Born – go see it!!!!!!!!!)
Sunday – Race Day – Poland Spring Marathon Kick Off race. A 5 miler around Central Park. It was cold and hilly but fun.
Not close to a PR but 2nd in my age group. Happy about that.
After the race, I walked more than 30 blocks back to my hotel since I had some time. Afterward, I met my college friends for lunch and then my tennis friends to see Pretty Women on Broadway. Then we all took the train home. Yes I pack a lot stuff into one day.
This Coming Week –
Monday – 3 miles (Turkey Trot Training Group)?? or 5 miles local
Tuesday – drive to Rochester for work, 3 miles
Wednesday – 3 miles in Rochester
Thursday – rest day, drive home
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 11 miles
Sunday – rest day, hiking with my mentee and her sons
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest about my most recent race-cation in France with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
1. I runfess…
My travel buddy was not feeling well most of the trip and she slept late. Yes, I was a little relieved. I was able to go for a run most mornings and not feel guilty.
2. I runfess…
I thought I might have an injury and I imagined all the worst case scenarios. That I would have to DNS my next 2 half marathons. I’d never run again. Yes, I blew things out of proportion.
My foot was fine…phew!
3. I runfess…
I planned to take it easy the day before my “maybe” injured 20 km race. We did take a boat ride but I still put in over 12 miles on that foot. Oops.
4. I runfess…
Everything in France tasted better than here. Why is that? How are they so thin eating butter, jelly, mayonnaise on everything? Eating bread all the time and those desserts? Don’t get me started. But I enjoyed EVERY calorie.
5. I runfess…
I was so thirsty during my 20km race that I was thinking of stopping in a store and buying a bottle of water. But I only had a credit card (no euros).
I saw these throughout Paris (water) but not during my race 😦
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.
This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!
My First 5K and More... 