This was supposed to be a big racing month -5K, 10k, 15K, Half Marathon!!
Unfortunately the weather interfered with two of those races :(.
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 (though a snowstorm forced me on it once.)
Colonie Town Park
UAlbany
hotel tm
I ran a few times while working in NYC and on Long Island. Otherwise I ran locally. My weekday runs were usually around 3 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).
Central Park
Hudson River
Eisenhower Park
Unfortunately I missed ALL of my Turkey Trot Training Monday group runs. I missed ALL of the Saturday ones too but I had no intent of attending those. Although I love this group, if my work schedule does not change, I will not sign up again next year.
Long Runs:
I did my best to get in a few long runs in to prepare for my 33rd half marathon this month. It helped that I have great running friends.
10 miles instead of 11
9.4 that should have been 12
8 miles
Total Mileage:
I’ve run 78 miles so far this month. It may be a slight increase 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:
November is usually a popular month for racing and this November followed suit. I ran the Stockade-athon 15k and got a PR. Unfortunately the Girls on the Run 5k a week later was cancelled. Then on Thanksgiving Day, I DNSed the Troy Turkey Trot 5k. Two days later I did run the HILLY Pelham Half Marathon and won my age group.
Stockade-athon – 15K PR
Pelham Half Marathon
Cross Training:
Due to my work schedule, I only played tennis once and I did NOT work out at the gym at all.
I did not walk at lunch at all. Of course, I got a lot of steps in during my work time in NYC.
Other News:
Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend, family and hubby time. I even saw TWO movies (Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born.)
Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.
Looking Ahead:
Half Marathon #34 is February 10, 2019.
This is my list so far for the next 2 months:
12-01-18 – Jingle Bell Run 5k ???
12-08-18 – Albany Last Run 5K
12-09-18 – Winter Series #1 (3m)
01-01-19 – Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
01-13-19 – Winter Series #3 (10K)
01-24-19 – Winter Series #4 (15k)
(Winter Series races are local and FREE)
I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her December 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 my weekday runs. My long runs actually got done but were not as long as they should have been.I did play tennis once but did not go to the gym at all. I ran a 15k race PRand a half marathon.
Not a bad month but feel a lacking in the mojo department. (I even DNSed a race which is so unlike me.) It is maybe the cold weather and early winter snows. I better get used to it. It’s only just begun.
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 November turn out? Anything exciting planned for December? What grade would you give your running month? Does the cold weather zap your mojo?
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!
So here are mine:
Something Loved.
NYC at Christmastime. I know it’s only November, but the city starts buzzing after Halloween.
Something Said.
In a review of the movie A Star is Born (which I absolutely loved) –
“…life is about taking risks and some of the greatest rewards come from throwing away everything that feels safe.”
So obviously this can apply to life as well as running.
Does it mean that I should sign up for the 2019 NYC Marathon????
Does it mean that I should retire from my current job?
Something Learned.
I always learn something from every run and every race. The problem is remembering what you learned and applying it.
So what did I learn from my most recent runs and races?
I learned:
I can still PR at age 65.
I don’t need to put in a lot of miles to be successful in my races.
I missed racing on Thanksgiving Day.
Running in frigid temps is uncomfortable but doable.
Hills won’t kill you.
Walking up huge hills in a race will prevent injury.
Expensive races don’t mean better race experiences.
Something Read.
The Leavers is about an undocumented mother who suddenly disappears and the young American-born son she leaves behind. Of course with our current immigrant situation, it seemed very timely. I really enjoyed the story and its characters.
Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.
Back to guess where? And my last Half Marathon for 2018!!
Last week –
Monday – Though I was tired from the weekend, I do love my NYC runs. I started along the Hudson River
but for safety sake I ended up running on the city sidewalks. Crowded for sure but I got to see some the holiday decorations.
Tuesday – Today after work I took the subway to Central Park. I was hoping to run with Cari but she was stuck at work so I was solo. Not really. There were lots of runners in the park.
I walked back to my hotel. Again admiring the lights of the city at Christmastime.
Wednesday – Rest Day. Train home after work.
Thursday – Race Day – Troy Turkey Trot 5k. Well the night before there was a train derailment which led my train to be stuck an hour away. My hubby picked me up but I didn’t get home until after 11 pm. I also woke up to negative single digits with the windchill so I decided to skip the race.
It felt really strange not to race on Thanksgiving Day. I had done a turkey trot every year since 2009 (except 2012 when I was injured.) I waited for the temps to warm up to double digits and ran my own 5k. It was not fun but got it done.
Later in the day I ate back all the calories I burned and more at the family Thanksgiving dinner.
Friday – Rest Day and drive to Pelham with Alyssa. After checking into our hotel, we picked up our bibs and carb loaded at dinner.
Then we walked off our dinner at a nearby mall.
Saturday – Race Day. Pelham Half Marathon – the hilliest race ever. I mean I had problems even walking up the hills. But Alyssa and I survived and had fun. It is great local race. I even won my age group.
does it count if I was the only one in my AG?
Sunday – Rest Day and I deserved it!
This Coming Week –
Monday – 3 miles??
Tuesday – 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – train to NYC, 4 miles
Thursday –3 miles (in NYC)
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – Long Run with Sole Sisters (6 miles) or Jingle Bell 5k
Sunday – rest day and anniversary Mah Jongg dinner
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Did you experience the arctic chill on Thanksgiving Day? Did you run a Turkey Trot? Please share.
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, I promise this is the last post about France (unless I get to go there again LOL).
So here are five non–running-related things that I loved about my vacation in France.
1. The People I met.
I know many people think that French people are snotty. Many people think that the French don’t like us Americans.
I found that both of these feelings to be far from the truth.
All of the staff in our “small” typically French hotel in Paris were so helpful. They served us breakfast the day we arrived even though breakfast hours were over. They made me breakfast to go the morning I left before it was too early for the hotel breakfast. They were always helpful is giving me advice on where to go, how to get there, etc.
I stayed with a family in Sanguinet. The wife got up at 5 am each morning to take the train to Bordeaux where she was getting another college degree and when she came home each night at 7 pm, she prepared us a multi-course gourmet meal…every night!
In many of the cities, we got lost. Each person we encountered was super helpful in getting us directions. (We even had to stop at a vet’s to use their landline the first night we arrived in Sanguinet…long story!)
I could go on and on about other friendly folks – the runner on the subway and the lady in the airport shuttle.
2. Their Transportation System
So easy to get everywhere…subways in Paris, TGV from Paris to Bordeaux, Tram in Bordeaux, train from Facture to Bordeaux, RER from Paris to St Germain-en-Laye.
Not to mention boat tours, train tours and bus tours.
Wish it were that easy to get around here.
3. The Food (and Wine)
I got spoiled. But everything tasted so good. Did I eat healthy? Well, most of the time…but those desserts….
4. The Architecture
Since I had visited Paris at least 10 times prior, I wanted to see things esp. buildings that I had never seen before.
I visited districts in Paris (new to me) like La Bastille, La Nation, Vincennes, Saint Sulpice and St Germain en Laye. I also toured Bordeaux, Bicarosse, Arcachon and Cap Ferret (SW of Paris).
5. The Art Museums
I’ve always loved art. When I was a kid I wanted to be an art teacher. That was before I realized that I had no talent.
To get my fix, I would illustrate everything when I taught French and I would visit art museums when I got the chance.
Well, as you probably know, France is a mecca for art.
I have in the past visited Musee d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musee Marmottan, Louvre, Rodin museum and more. I wanted to see the special exhibits in the Petit and Grand Palais but no time.
I did get to see the new Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Happy Running! What are your favorite non-running-related things about your favorite city?
New work travel location and a few cancelled running events due to an early winter.
Last week –
Monday – Most of my running friends were off for the Veteran’s Day holiday and went for a morning run but I had to work so waited until after work. It was a slog but got it done.
at UAlbany where there are lights
Tuesday – Drive to LI for work. It was my first time going to this location (even though it’s where I grew up.) I had no idea where to run but it didn’t matter because it was raining. But then it stopped and it was still light so I headed to Eisenhower Park hoping to find a route to run on. And I did.
Wednesday – After work, I headed back to Eisenhower Park but just for a short walk. It was freezing and I had connected with two friends from high school with whom I would be having dinner. No time for a run but had a fun evening.
two of my best friends from junior high & high school – and yes, they’re twins
Thursday – Well almost another Rest Day. I planned to run on the treadmill before work but bailed. After work, I had to tackle the long slow drive home from LI. It was forecast to rain but it turned out to be a blizzard so I spent an extra night there. And guess what? I actually ran on the hotel treadmill. Hated every second but got it done.
Friday – Rest Day. Today I made the long drive home. No time to run as I had a hair appointment after work and a race the next day.
Saturday – Race Day. But the Girls on the Run 5k got cancelled due to the weather. I had run this race before but it was in a new location. I basically was going to do the race to support this charity and to meet up with the STEM coaches and runners. I was thinking about not running it even before it was cancelled (too tired!!!). So instead I ran a leisurely long run with my Sole Sisters followed by brunch. Love my running friends ❤
at the Crossings where they shoveled the paths 🙂
Then it was date night with the hubby. Movie (Bohemian Rhapsody) and dinner.
Sunday – Today I was supposed do a fun run with friends. It was called the Raffle Run and you run for an hour completing a one mile trail loop as many times as you can. Each time around, you earn a raffle ticket which is entered into a drawing to win a prize. This was cancelled as well. So instead I did errands, cleaning, packing and picked up by race packet for Thursday’s race.
I decided to downgrade from the 10k to the 5k. And my coach agreed.
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?
This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!
My First 5K and More... 