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Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off Race Recap

October 28, 2018 – 8:30 am

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!)

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.

Race Splits:
Mile 1 – 9:32
Mile 2 – 9:29
Mile 3 – 8:46
Mile 4 – 9:28
Mile 5 – 9:13
.1 – 7:49

Garmin Time: 46:59

So not a PR. My 5 mile PR is 45:09 (from April 2018) but I did barely beat my 8K time on a similar yet slightly shorter course (47:02).

and I did win an award!!

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup.

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Happy Running! What is your favorite city to race in? What is your favorite NYC race? Do ever run 5  mile races? What is your favorite distance?

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Weekly Wrap for 10:29.18-11.4.18: On the Road Again

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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
  • Sunday – Stockade-athon 15K Race

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home

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

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Ultimate Coffee Date – November

It’s that time of the month…

Image result for paris starbucks mug

of course I got a new mug…

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!

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!!!

The Florida Marathon

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!
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October Report Card

Hello November, Goodbye October

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). 

in Sanguinet and Paris, France:

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 😦

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!!

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.

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!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

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. I actually completed all but one of my weekend long runs. I did play tennis once but did not go to the gym 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

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Happy Running! How did your October turn out? Anything exciting planned for November? What grade would you give your running month?

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Weekly Wrap for 10.22.18-10.28.19: There’s No Place Like Home

ru

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

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home

WWSki-Orange

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

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France Runfessions

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.

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Les 20 km de Paris Race Recap

It seems like I’ve been planning to run this race forever. I signed up for this race because:

  • Running a race in Paris has been on my bucket list since I first became a runner (FYI: I had been a French teacher for over 20 years.)
  • The timing was perfect. Columbus Day was the Monday before the race so I would have to take one less day off from work.
  • My friend invited me to stay beforehand with her friends in the Bordeaux region. This made the vacation more affordable.
  • My blogging friend Karen had agreed to do the race, as well. (She had since had to DNS because of a trip back to US at that time.)
  • The race was only 3 weeks after my previous half marathon so I would be (hopefully) still trained.

Here’s the race description:

  • 20 kilomètres de Paris is probably the most mythical running experience in Paris as well as the most festive and popular one. Benefiting from 39 editions, 20 kilomètres de Paris is back on Sunday October 14, 2018, this race will gather between 25,000 and 30,000 runners from 100 countries in the streets of the French capital. The route highlights the most beautiful places in the west of Paris (the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro, the Arc de Triomphe, the Bois de Boulogne, Roland Garros, Maison de la Radio, the Grand Palais, the Tuileries, the Pont Royal, and the left banks…) while maintaining a high level of safety. 
  • For better flow, the race will start in waves, 20 waves of 1500 runners each. 
  • 20 musical groups will play their best music all along the route and a lot of spectators will encourage all runners.
  • Aid stations every 2km
  • Refreshments will be provided at the 6KM, 10KM, 15KM as well as at the finish line. You will find water, dried and fresh fruits and sugar.

I wasn’t that impressed with the above at the time but after my experience at the RnR Montreal, I was very excited to see how organized this race promised to be.

I apologize in advance that this post will be long. You may want to skip ahead to see what I liked and disliked about the race itself.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan but I ran my last half marathon on September 23 in Montreal so I figured not a lot of training would need to be done.

Since then I have completed easy weekday runs and longish runs on most weekends.

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs but I do like to get in a 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon.  After completing my last half marathon, I had only two free weekends and I wasn’t sure how many miles to run as a long run.  I decided on just 7 miles and then 8 miles.  I was so happy that both were with my Sole Sister running friends.

I didn’t expect to run this race at a PR pace. I was running it purely for the experience. I mean, I was racing in F##in’ Paris!!! Starting and ending at the Eiffel Tower!!!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Friday, after four days in Sanguinet, my travel companion, Lisa and I took the train back to Paris and to the same hotel that we stayed in our first night in Paris.

After immediately checking into our hotel, I hopped the subway to the race village (expo) which was a bunch of outdoor tents near the bottom of the Eiffel Tower. This was a perfect time to go because it was near closing time and was not very crowded. There were numerous tables of running products, info on other French races, as well as many opportunities for tasting and photo ops.

I should mention before I go on too far that on the previous day, I must have somehow tweaked my ankle/Achilles and I didn’t realize it until I tried to run to the expo. I felt a sharp pain every time I tried to run. So I just walked and it felt fine. But you can imagine how it freaked me out at the time.

This certainly weighed on my mind the whole next day. We walked and took a boat ride. Actually put over 12 miles on the feet. The only time my foot felt weird was going down stairs. I did not try to run on it again that day.

I debated about what to do with the race. There was no question whether or not I was doing it. But whether I should just walk in case running would wreck my future racing plans. If I was really injured, by running, I could make things worse.

Anyway I carb loaded as if I would run the race the next day but didn’t sleep much that night.

Race Day:

Strangely, this race was scheduled to start at 10 am!!!

With almost 30,000 runners, the start was organized in waves. My wave (next to last even though I optimistically listed my finish time as 1:55) was to begin at 10:45 or later.

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal from home and the hotel owner was nice enough to boil some water for me. I also had coffee and a chocolate croissant.

Before I left the US, I checked the weather. It was to be cool and cloudy. Just days before the race, rain was predicted. I luckily got a rain poncho on our bus tour in Bordeaux and brought throwaway clothes with me from home.

Well, wouldn’t you know it that Paris experienced an unexpected heat wave. Now it was going to be sunny and near 80 degrees. Yowsers.

I wore my usual skirt and tank. No need to even check a bag. It was already warm when I left my hotel at 9 am.

I bought a cap at the expo and decided to wear it.

I rode the subway with lots of other runners and spent the whole ride discussing running with a young French guy.

We received a lot of information and maps before the race with instructions for exactly where to go and what to do.

I basically followed all the runners across the river toward the Eiffel Tower.

Then looked for signs for my wave (color coded pink – you can see the pink dot on my bib).

This was the most crowded race I have ever run. Long lines and we waited what seemed like forever. The French were very calm. No one complained. No one was pushing. The music was very loud and everyone was dancing and smiling.

There were port a potties everywhere and all along course. This I found odd probably because I’m a prudish American but the port a potties were for the women and next to them was a group urinal for the men. They peed out in the open!!!

Eventually my wave entered the start area and little by little we approached the start line. A group of runners was let go every 3 minutes..

I looked up at the Eiffel Tower and I got tears in my eyes. I was running a race in Paris!!! A dream come true.

Screw it if I had to walk 12 miles. I would cross that finish line and get my medal.

Anyway, here’s how the race went.  Since the mile markers were in kilometers, I’ll recap it by kms. No need to post my splits since I was not racing it. (and my Garmin lost a signal every time we went through a tunnel under a bridge)

The course map:

Les 20km de Paris Route Map

and elevation map (in meters)

Elevation-course-20km-Paris-2017

Kms 1-5:

Finally around 11:10 am, I crossed the start line.

So what to do? Run or walk? I ran a few steps and it felt weird but the more steps I took the better it felt. Not normal but no sharp pain.

from Le Parisien

I had to start slow because it was so crowded. No one was walking. Not sure if anyone did any kind of run/walk.

We ran over the Iena bridge and then onto Avenue Marceau. This part of the course was uphill but not that steep. Most of the streets in Paris are cobbled stone. I found this hard to run on and concentrated on my footing and to continue my easy pace. It was still crowded anyway.

The sun was shining brightly as we ran the shade less streets of Paris.

I had thought I read that there would be water every 2km.

Nothing at 2km

Nothing at 4km. I misread “aid stations” to be water stops.  How “stupide” of me.

I tried not to think about how thirsty I was and to concentrate on the course.

We passed the Arc de Triomphe and then ran down Avenue Foch.

I never looked at my Garmin during the entire race but there were timing clocks at 5k, 10k and 15k.

When I passed the 5k mark, I was pleased that I was running easy and still had not walked.

Soon we turned and entered the beautiful Bois de Boulogne. No more cobbled stones but speed bumps in the road.

Still running slow and easy. No pain. But dying of thirst.  Next we ran along the Allee de Longchamp.

Kms 6-9:

We continued running through the park and finally around 6k, there were bottles of water and tables of food: sugar cubes, figs, dates, raisins, orange, lemon and banana slices and more.

I grabbed a bottle of water and a fig, date and sugar and walked for a while.

There were recycling containers for a long while. No throwing of bottles on the ground. But there were lemon and orange peels on the ground. The volunteers kept screaming to watch out that it was slippery.

After we ran along the Allee of Queen Marguerite, we left the park and followed Boulevard d’Auteuil. We turned at Porte Molitor to run down Boulevard Murat until we got to the roundabout of Porte de Saint-Cloud. Here we headed toward the banks of the Seine River.

Kms 10-14:

Another clock at 10k. I now realized that I was running slower. But I was very very hot. You could hear ambulances on the course. I didn’t want to be in one of them. Besides a blister forming on the bottom of my toe (in a new place), I was feeling no pain. Very happy about that. (The pain free foot not the blister lol)

Finally another water stop and the same refreshments as the last one. This time I walked, took a bottle of water and ate one of my GUs.

I realized too late that I should have carried the bottle of water from the water stop to the next since obviously, there was NOT water at every 2km.

At this point, the race got very hard. I don’t usually doubt my ability to finish a long race but I was just too hot and thirsty.

I did what any runner in this situation would do. I ran and walked and then walked and ran.

My foot felt great. But what bothered me the most was my shoulder/rib. It was really painful during the last few miles. (Ok. Another non-running injury from banging it hard in Bordeaux getting on a bus. Yes I am a klutz.) The pain stopped when I walked. Oy! Hard to run without swinging your arm. So I just walked more and taking in the scenery and appreciating the fact that I was running a race in Paris.

We were now running along the Right Bank of the Seine River. You could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It was still far away but a welcome sight.

I smiled when I passed the Statue of Liberty in the middle of the Seine.

Eventually we ran by “la Maison de la Radio”, the 20km de Paris street art fresco specially done for last year’s race and the historic bridges of Mirabeau and Bir Hakeim.

Kms 15-19:

The third and LAST water stop. This time I drank the whole bottle of water and ate some dates.

We were still running along the Seine passing some the most famous sights of Paris: Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Gardens.

Eventually we crossed the Pont Royal to run along the other side of the river. Though there was no more water stops, there were many water fountains on this side. Many runners were stopping to take a drink and pour water over their heads. I just wanted to finish!!

We soon passed the Musée d’Orsay and Les Invalides and we were heading to under the Eiffel Tower.

Km 20:

Finally I could see the finish line. And I tried to sprint across. It was very crowded as I was now running as a BOTPer.

The clock was meaningless since it had started with the elites. Even my Garmin was inaccurate since it lost its signal each time I ran in a tunnel under a bridge.

But who cares? I ran a race in Paris. I couldn’t stop grinning.

As you as soon as you crossed the finish line, you were handed a bottle of water, then a bag of food and eventually your medal.

Then you were directed to a stadium where there was organized bag pick up, guided stretching and yoga. There were also men’s and womens changing tents.

I felt dizzy and just sat on the grass for a bit to eat some of the food in my bag.

inside our refreshment bag

Then I took some pics and followed the other runners to the subway. The trains were full of sweaty yet happy runners all wearing their medals around their neck.

On the long subway right back to my hotel, I just wanted to pinch myself.  Did I just run a race in Paris, the most beautiful city in the world (in my opinion)?

Believe it or not, by the time, I got showered and changed, it was time to plan my celebratory dinner.

escargots, boeuf bourguignon, wine and this…

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

  • The expo – the food, the swag, the info…
  • Nice gender specific shirt
  • Pre and post organization – lots of signs and emailed info
  • Refreshments on the course
  • The course – scenic and pretty flat
  • The music before and during (all types and American)
  • The medal
  • Directions on spectator viewing
  • Great crowd support along the course – so much called out my name and cheered me on
  • Immediately emailed results
  • Live streaming on YouTube of the race
  • No rain
  • No injuries

The Bad:

  • Late start
  • More tables needed with just water
  • Warm temps
  • It seems that they ran out of medals and water at the 15k stop for the slowest runners (phew!)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes, if you don’t mind a large crowed race. If you ever get a chance to go to Paris, consider running this race.

Here’s a video that pretty much captures the highlights of the race:

Final Thoughts and Stats:

As you can see, I definitely finished in the BOTP. (23,418 out of 26,281 and 23 out of 43 in my AG)

The race was only 12.4 miles and my finish time was slower than most of my half marathons.

Still I am proud to have gutted it out under adverse conditions.

Those French runners are fast. And they don’t wear skirts and the men pee out in the open.

C’est la Vie!!

Next Up:

Pelham Half Marathon on Nov 24!!

Image result for pelham half marathon

The day after the race, I ran 4 miles and my legs felt better than during the race. Go figure.

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

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Happy Running!  Have you ever run a race in a foreign country? What was different? Do you have a bucket list country to run in?

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Four Somethings for October

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

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.

My vacation in France.  I pretty much loved everything about it.

the people

the buildings

the gardens

the public transportation

the food

Something Said.

 “Vous parlez bien le francais.” (You speak French very well.)

I was a French teacher but that was over 20 years ago.  I was able to get my point across and spoke French the whole time. My French was far from perfect so I loved getting this compliment (and more than once!!)

Something Learned.

I learned that it (running) doesn’t get any easier. You have to respect the distance.

Distance running is hard for me.  Even after 32 half marathons.

Especially when you walk over 12 miles the day before a race, it is sunny and warm and you have NO water to drink.

Halfway through the race, I really wanted to quit. In fact, I wasn’t sure that I COULD finish. I was feeling that bad….

I don’t know how but I finished that race…

with a smile!

Something Read.

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Ok, I read the Girl on the Train and saw the movie. Didn’t love it but didn’t hate it either. Well, this book was a waste of time. Confusing. Too many characters and it just dragged on and on. Eventually I stuck it out and did finish it.  What a let down.

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

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Weekly Wrap for 10.15.18-10.21.18 – I’m Back and Jet Lagged

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Traveling is great but it’s tough getting back in a routine.

Last week –
  • Monday – My last day in Paris. I was wondering whether my legs would be tired but they felt as fresh as a daisy. So I went for a run in the same park as my first Paris run with Karen but in a different part of Bois de Vincennes.

We spent the rest of the day outside of Paris in Saint Germain en Laye. (Since I’ve been to Paris many times before, I tried to do different non touristy things on this trip.) It was fabulous.

Ended my trip with a delicious dinner and a walk down the Champs Elysées.

  • Tuesday – Rest day. Shuttle, plane, and 3 trains home. No problems…arrived home safely!
  • Wednesday – Back at work and having trouble adjusting to the 6 hour difference in time. it was raining but then it stopped so I thought Id go for a run.  Temperature drop and wind… I thought that I could run in a long sleeved shirt and capris and would warm up as I ran.  Nope… in the 40s but felt like 30s. Quit after one mile. Brrrrrr.
  • Thursday – So today, I packed tights and a jacket. I was determined to not let the weather stop me from running.

  • Friday – Rest Day cuz there was unpacking, laundry and mah jongg to squeeze into the evening.
  • Saturday – Long Run with my “Sole Sisters.” With a half marathon coming up, I wanted to run  9 or 10 miles. The fall temps were perfect as was the company (esp. breakfast afterwards).

  • Sunday – Today I drove 3 hours with my stepson & his girl friend to go to my future daughter-in-law’s bridal shower.  I am so excited for this wedding in March.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – 3 miles (Turkey Trot Training Group)
  • Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis sub
  • Wednesday – rest day, dinner out with tennis pals
  • Thursday – 4 miles. mall walk with my BFF
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – 4 miles (if time), bus to NYC
  • Sunday – Poland Spring 5m Race, lunch with friends, Broadway Show, train home

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home

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

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Running in a Foreign Country – Part 2

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.

Since I just returned from my trip to France (where I did do some running), my topic for today is again:  Five Tips for Running in a Foreign Country

Image result for running in France

1. Bring a running belt.

At home, I could get away with running naked (just clothes LOL) or with just my phone in my pocket.  In a foreign country, I wanted to make sure I had metro tix, ID, money and a credit card.  Even with my pockets, I was glad that I had my running belt with me.

2. Don’t depend on weather forecasts. Bring clothes for ALL running temperatures.

At home, you can just change your clothes if it is warmer or colder than predicted.  And yes, in a foreign country, you can buy what you need but you’d be surprised how hard it is to find running clothes.  So yes, I brought tanks, short and long sleeved tops, a jacket, DIY arm warmers, gloves, skirts and capris.  The weather varied. It was cooler in Paris than in Sanguinet (which is located south of Paris) but when I returned to Paris, there was a heat wave!!

the weather the first day was cool but it didn’t stay that way for long

7 days later

3.Schedule your runs.

This is the same as if you are at home.  If you don’t schedule your runs, they may never happen. However, when in a foreign country, there are so many other things to do besides running. It is soooo tempting to skip your run.  So you need to make running a priority and pick a time to get it done. This may just involve getting up earlier than you would like to. I guarantee that you will never regret your run. And besides, while running you will get to see some interesting sites in the city that you are visiting.

so excited to run along this lake

4.Don’t forget to have rest days.

Again, if you run everyday at home, you may be wanting to run everyday while in a foreign country. But you will find that you don’t need to because you will likely be more tired (hello jetlag) and you’ll be surprised at how many steps you’ll get in while visiting this new city without taking a single running step.

boat ride + wine = 🙂

5.Make sure you are safe.

At home, you know where you can run safely and where you should not run at all or should not run alone.  But in a foreign country, don’t assume that you can run anywhere.  Don’t assume that it is safe where you want to run. So ask around and do your research and find out which places are safe to run.  And depending on what country you are in, you may have to change how you normally dress when you run.  I would recommend dressing modestly, just in case. (maybe not just in your running bra and short shorts.)

proudly showing off my recent race shirt

Happy Running! Have you eve run in a foreign country? If so, any other tips that you can add?