August 24, 2018 by Darlene

Hump Day 5K Race Recap

At some insane moment I registered for this evening race.

Course is “fast and flat- A PR- maker”
Stay at the Y after the race for food & fun

I think it was only $15 when I registered. It supported the YMCA.

Then I got scheduled to work late on that day. I brought my clothes (sort of) but thought I may have to DNS. I had to pack up my equipment, load it in my car, change my clothes and head up the Northway during rush hour. I wasn’t sure that I would have enough time.

Luckily someone helped to clean up and I was able to leave earlier than expected.

I changed my clothes and realized that because it had been raining and cool when I left home in the morning, I didn’t bring a tank. Mistake #1. I also forgot a sports bra. Not a big deal but I was wearing a strapless bra (that may fall down if I ran in it). Mistake #2. I hadn’t eaten much for lunch because they were technical issues to attend to. Mistake #3.

I could give more excuses on why I really felt like skipping the race. But the big one was that after 10 hours on my feet, I was exhausted.

Nevertheless, I navigated myself up to the race and got there in plenty of time.

It was small race and I didn’t think I would know anyone but I did meet a nice lady and we hung and chatted (about running, of course.)

cool messages at the finish line

There was a guy dressed as a Camel. It took me a while to realize that it was because it was “Hump” Day.

This small local race gave out cotton tee shirts and had a chip to tie to your shoe. Both were fine with me. I have enough shirts and I wasn’t planning to PR.

We lined up for the race and waited and waited. Finally it started about 15 minutes late. The course was interesting and quite varied with a lot of turns. We ran on the road, around an apartment complex, on a dirt path, along the road but on the sidewalk and eventually back to the Y where the race started.

It was warm and felt even warmer because at this time of day, the sun was going down and right in your face. It was breezy and you were running into the wind for the first half. There was only one water stop and that was a little after mile 1. No mile markers at all. I knew where I was because my Garmin beeped.

How did I feel?

Lousy!

My legs were tired and I don’t think I have run fast since my last race a month ago. My clothing goofs made me uncomfortable. And I was thirsty and hungry.

I never looked at my pace. I didn’t want to know but I did know that I was getting slower and slower and running out of gas.

I walked at the water stop (during mile 2) and then I walked TWICE during mile 3.

When I approached the finish line and saw that I was already over 28 minutes, I ran as fast as I could.

I guess I crossed at 28:36. My slowest 5k time this year and maybe in years.

Not to be Debbie Downer. I actually enjoyed this race. They had discontinued it for 5 or 6 years but plan to run it again next year. And I’m in (if I am in town.)

As soon as I finished, I grabbed a water and headed to the BBQ.

dinner

As I was waiting for the posting of the results, I bumped into my FRW coach and fellow Skirt Sports ambassador. (She finished 3rd overall woman after recently completing the Lake Placed Ironman.)

The awards were for 10 year age groups and only to first place. I checked the results and saw that I did win.

This was an older crowd but a fast one. In other words if you finished around 37 minutes, you came in 74 out of 75. Some runners over 60 were running 7 minute miles…

60 and Up!?

So as I always, I never regret a race (even one I’ve run poorly.)

me & my new friend

Splits:

Mile 1: 8:43
Mile 2: 9:07
Mile 3: 9:24
.16 : 8:40

Yup, those darn positive splits! It would be less painful if I did some intervals, tempo runs or speed drills…

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.

FIVE REASONS TO RUN AN EVENING MID-WEEK RACE:

No early wake up in the morning
Adds miles to your weekly run schedule
Free dinner
Not running solo/make new or meet up with running friends
Races are more fun than just going for a run

Happy Running! Ever run an evening race? Ever DNS on a race?

August 21, 2018 by Darlene

Summer Bucket List Update

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s topic is: Summer Running Goals Update

Wow! Where did the summer go??

I don’t make running goals. But back in June, at the beginning of the summer, I listed 5 things that I wanted to do this summer. I hope I still have time to complete them all:

1. Go Hiking

2. Play Tennis

3. Eat in an Outdoor Restaurant

4. Go to the Race Track

5. Run a New Race

So here’s how it is going so far:

1. I have not really gone hiking yet. I did go on a walk on a trail to a waterfall. But I hope before summer’s end to go on a real hike in the Adirondacks.

Shelving Rock Falls

2. I did play tennis on several Tuesdays after work. I also played during a getaway weekend in July. I have another one planned for this coming weekend.

tennis in CT.

3. I did eat outdoors at a local restaurant and one overlooking the Mohawk River as well as one overlooking Lake George.

4. My friend and I did get to have breakfast at the Saratoga Race Track and then stay for the races.

5. I ran one new race, the Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes and it was lots of fun. I had also planned to run the Governor’s Island 5K but it was cancelled.

So not a bad summer considering all the traveling I have had to do for work. I hope to add some more fun activities next summer like SUP, kayaking, outdoor yoga, trail running, etc.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! What was your summer bucket list? Did you do any of these activities? Which ones? Did you make running goals? If so, where do you stand with those?

August 19, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 8.13.18-8.19.18: Here we go again…

Yes. Rain, heat, humidity and more rain.

Though I was in NYC last weekend, I had to go back on Monday for work.

At least running in the city never gets old.

Monday – After a long rainy train ride to NYC and to and from Queens, I set out for a hot humid run along the Hudson River heading south. It rained on and off but never hard.

Tuesday – A long day of work is never complete without a run. This time I headed north along the Hudson. Again it was raining lightly when I started running but it didn’t rain hard until the last few blocks of my long walk home.

Wednesday – Another tiring work day but tonight I had plans to meet blogger Cari in Central Park to run. It was very hot and we may have walked and talked more than we ran. Lol

Thursday – Hot again but the second day in a row without rain. I was tired and thought about hitting up a Broadway show but I like to save that for a rainy day. So I dragged myself on the bus and headed out for a slog along the East River all the way to the Manhattan Bridge. Then took the subway back from Chinatown.

Friday – Finally a rest day cause I had to take the train home that night. And guess what? It was raining when I got home.

Saturday – Rain was forecast for my long run day with the Sole Sisters. And yes, it was raining when we woke up so we postponed our miles until Sunday. Of course the rain stopped for a few hours so we could have run. But I used the day to relax and catch up after being away in a NYC for 7 days straight.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. Well it got delayed until I got my 10 Mile run in. It was fun seeing my running buds again but I had to rush home after to join the hubby on the lake so I didn’t get to brunch with them.

I arrived first and ran one mile. Then I had the choice of running with Judy who was running 8 miles but I knew she would be running faster than I wanted to so I ran with Sherry who was running 10 miles. It was hard since it was my first double digit run in over 3 months and I skipped my long run last weekend.

a very peaceful day on the lake with pizza and ice cream for dinner.Why not? I ran 11 miles!

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day, track day with MP
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – Hump Day 5k??
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, drive to Schroon R.
Saturday – rest day, tennis, hiking at Schroon R.
Sunday – 11 miles

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

August 17, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – I’m Don’t Feel Like Running But I Run….

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.

We are runners and that doesn’t mean that we always feel like running.

But why do we run on those days that we don’t feel like it?

My topic today is: Five Reasons Why You Are Running Today

1.You are training for a race and it’s on your plan.

2.Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and the day after…

3. You had a stressful day at work or at home.

4. You need to burn off what you ate last night or what you are going to eat today.

5. Social Media — You need to post about your run.

There are even more reasons. I could go on and on…

Go for that run today… because

You'll Never Regret a Run

Happy Running! Why are you running today? Any other reasons why you run even though you don’t feel like it?

August 14, 2018 by Darlene

Governors Island 5k Recap of the Race That Wasn’t

August 11, 2018 – 9:00 am

I was planning to race today as I usually do but this race was not the one on my plan. I usually run the HILLY Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10K.

After I ran a HILLY 15k back at the end of June, I was planning to switch and run the Half Marathon.

However, my friend Anna from Russia saved the day. She informed me that she was coming to the US and would be in NYC that same weekend.

You wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not a race, would you? Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine. She wanted to run a race with me again and this race was happening on Saturday.

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there.

So we both registered even though I didn’t know much about the race besides what was on the website:

THE RACE – This great midsummer’s race features a great course with world class views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty, starts off with a ferry ride and features a great post-race party.

COURSE – We have an exciting new course planned that improves on the one we used last year. The 5K is one loop and the 10K is two loops.

AMENITIES – Bag check and toilets will be provided. Water and Gatorade will be available on the course, and bagels, spreads, fresh fruit and more will make up the usual great NYCRUNS post race spread to greet you at the finish line. Free finish line photos and video will be available on the results page. The giveaway for this race will be a great tech t-shirt*. *Sizes are guaranteed – if we don’t have your size at the race, email theteam@nycruns.com within two days of the race and we’ll ship your shirt to you a few weeks later.

RESULTS, AWARDS, FINISH LINE PHOTOS & VIDEO – Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners overall in each race. Age group awards in the 5K will be awarded to the top three in each the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Finish line photos and video will also be available on the results page.

DIRECTIONS – There’s only one way to get to the island – the Governors Island ferry, and your ferry ride is included in your race registration. You must arrive at the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. no later than 7:30 AM to check in and you must have your race bib. The 4,5, R, and 1 trains are closest to the ferry terminal.

This was the same group that organized the Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k that I ran back in June and that was well-organized. So I was pretty psyched for the race.

I couldn’t arrive in NYC until Friday night so Anna was supposed to pick up our race packets. Then she couldn’t get an early train so I changed my train, rushed to Paragon Sports (on the other side of the city) and made it just in time.

I then met Anna at the train station, walked to our hotel, and made plans on how to get to the ferry and to the race. Then we went out and explored the city.

We walked around Bryant Park, had drinks and dinner in Rockefeller Center and then walked around some more

Of course we went to bed too late but I hadn’t seen her in almost 2 years so lots to chat about.

rain was predicted so I brought a jacket and umbrella along

I picked out my outfit the night before. I planned to wear my Skirt Sports race favorites – gym girl ultra skirt which is a perfect length for running and its pockets hold my fuel and other essentials AND wonder girl tank, also with a pocket (in the cleavage) and a very stylish comfy fit. (Use my code 128card to get 15% off these other Skirt Sports items.)

After a late night and not much sleep, I was glad that we decided on an Uber to get to the ferry rather than relying on the subway schedule. I ate my usual hotel breakfast (oatmeal & coffee) in the hotel room and left later than I would have liked but arrived to the 7:30 ferry (the last one!) with plenty of time to spare.

waiting to board the ferry – no rain yet…

The ferry ride was short and sweet. The views were pretty even with the cloud cover.

As we arrived on the island, it started to rain.

pretty ominous

But just drizzling. We hoped that it would stay that way.

But it didn’t. Shortly after we arrived, we started to hear thunder and then see lightning. Everyone ran for cover as soon as the skies opened up.

There were little houses with screened in porches. We squeezed into the first one we saw.

It was raining so hard and so windy that it was raining actually sideways. We put our umbrella up in front of the screen to stay dry. We stayed there listening the thunder for quite awhile until we started to see runners heading back to the ferry.

They told us that it was too dangerous and to seek shelter in the ferry building.

Then we got the bad news. THE RACE WAS CANCELLED!!!

And back on the ferry all the runners went.

Boo!!!

Of course by that point the rain had let up but storms were predicted to come and go.

We were bummed but since the rain had now stopped, we decided to make the best of the day. We thought about heading back to the hotel to change our clothes but why waste the time. My racing outfit was perfectly suitable and comfortable for all our planned activities…until dinner. (Thank you, Skirt Sports.)

First we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge and We walked/ran over it and then back.

Then we had brunch at restaurant along the water at the South Street Seaport. Then we took a tram to visit Roosevelt Island where it rained on and off.

: Roosevelt Is

Finally it was time for dinner and to change out of our running clothes.

Since we still had not run together, we got up the next morning and walked to Central Park so we could go for a run. We bumped into runners competing in a 15 mile race and had a nice leisurely 5k run, followed by breakfast.

So there was no race and it was sad. There is nothing you can do about the weather.

However, I was hoping for a refund. $40 for me and $50 for Anna or at least a credit.

Nope, the race is re-scheduled for September 29. (I do understand that money was already spent on this race.) Unfortunately, I doubt that I can afford to go back then and Anna lives in Moscow. 😦

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How is your running going this summer? Any recent races? Ever had a race cancelled due to weather?

August 12, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 8.6.18-8.12.18: A Travel Week

Yup, 3 days in Liverpool for work and 2 days in NYC for fun.

Monday – The hot muggy weather continued. After I set up for my job in Liverpool, I decided to go for a run along Onondaga Lake. Well with the heat index at 99 and little shade, it was a sweat fest. But I got it done and returned to the hotel just seconds before the sky opened up.

Eventually the torrential rain stopped and I went back to the park for a sunset walk.

Tuesday – Another rainy day but not as hot as the day before. The rain had stopped by the time I finished work so I headed back to the park. It was still very humid and this run felt even harder than the day before.

Again instead of sitting in my hotel room, I took my another sunset walk. The sky was clearer and definitely a worthy of the view.

Wednesday – Another rainy day. Nothing new here. But the rain stopped so on my way home, I stopped at the same park for a quick run. Humidity prevailed and I struggled….

Thursday – Rainy morning led to a sunny day. Of course, I had too much to do to run. I declared it a “Rest Day.”

Friday – Another Rest Day because I had to get to NYC to meet up with my Russian friend Anna. Her train was late so I rushed to pick up our race packet then we spent the evening catching up and having fun in the city.

Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and more

Saturday – Race Day. Governor’s Island 5k. The logistics were pretty complicated. We had to get up early to take an Uber to where we would catch the ferry to get to Governor’s Island. To make matters worse, A huge thunderstorm hit as soon as we got to the island and the RACE WAS CANCELLED!!!

Initially we were bummed especially since the rain stopped but we decided to make the best of the day

Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Roosevelt Island

and evening.

dinner overlooking the World Trade Center and a visit to the NEW Oculus

Sunday – We got up early and went for a 5k run in Central Park, had lunch there and then I had to bid Anna farewell. Rushed for time, I ran back to the hotel and then walked back to Grand Central to take the train home.

ran right in the middle of a 15 mile race LOL

This Coming Week –

Monday – train BACK to NYC for work, 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – 3 miles, blogger meet up with Cari
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – 5k Race + more miles or Long Run
Sunday -rest day, Boating

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

August 10, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Cherries!!

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.

My topic today is: My favorite Summer Fruit

Image result for cherries

It’s Cherries because they taste good and …

they are good for you.

Here’s five reasons why:

1.Antioxidant Protection (superior to Vitamin E)

2.Cancer-Preventive Compounds

3.Reduce Inflammation and Post-Exercise Muscle Pain

4.Support Healthy Sleep (Contain Melatonin)

5.Reduce Belly Fat

‘Tis the season to buy those cherries.

And after the Cherry season, how do I get my dose of cherries?

Yogurt

the only brand I eat LOL

Juice

R.W. Knudsen Family Organic Just Tart Cherry Juice - 32 fl oz Glass Bottle - image 1 of 1

Dried Cherries

Kirkland Signature Dried Cherries, 20 Ounce

Cherry Pie

How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie

So not all of the above are healthy. LOL

Happy Running! What was your favorite “healthy” fruit? Do you eat a lot of cherries in the summer? Do you eat cherries after the summer?

August 7, 2018 by Darlene

How Has Running Changed Me?

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s Topic is: How Has Running Changed You? (Sorry I’m a week early.)

As I commented on another blogger’s post on this topic, it wasn’t actually running that changed me, it was tennis.

Tennis was the first sport that I ever participated in (and I was in my 40’s)
Tennis was the first sport that I ever competed in. I played on several teams and some even qualified for State and National competitions.

I bought many different tennis outfits and tennis sneakers.

I played tennis almost everyday.
I thought and talked about tennis constantly.
I took tennis lessons and participated in tennis clinics so that I could become a better tennis player.

I watched the Pros play in person and on TV.

My closest friends were those that I have met while playing tennis.

I took many tennis vacations.

My tennis friends and I did many things together besides playing tennis.

Tennis kept me active, healthy and physically fit.
Tennis gave me confidence.
Tennis made me feel younger.
My tennis friends talked me into becoming a runner.

So you can probably see a lot of similarities about how running may have changed my life. In fact, I can just substitute the word running above.

I now spend a lot (too much) money on racing, running clothes and shoes. I run often and talk about running to anyone who will listen. I take race-cations and sign up for running groups to improve my running. I have awesome friends that I have met through running.

How is running different from tennis and how has my life changed differently by becoming a runner?

I have a blog and as a result, I have a lot of virtual running friends (and even have met some in person).

blogger meet-up in Panama City, FL

I have a lot more flexibility in my active life. I can decide where and when I run and whom I run with.

running after work in Liverpool, NY

I set my own individual goals. My running goal or challenge does not impact anyone else.

5k PR

I am compared to other runners who are the same age. This has helped me feel successful and proud.

getting my 1st place medal from the race founder, Al Goldstein

I feel supported by other runners.

Even a bad run can have positive effects on my mood or day.

I am so grateful to tennis because it introduced me to running.

And I can’t imagine my life without running.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How has running changed you?

August 6, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 7.30.18-8.5.18: And the rain continues…

It was a rainy week. I am surprised that I got any running in.

Monday – What a humid evening. Though I ran the day before, since it wasn’t raining yet, I decided to go for a run on the local rail trail.

This deer was not afraid and ran along side of me for quite a while. She was unfazed by other runners and bikers on the path.

Tuesday – More heat and humidity and tennis on the schedule after work. Still had time to squeeze in a few miles before the tennis ladies arrives on campus.

at Ualbany

Even met my BFF for a walk in the mall afterwards.

Wednesday – Heat, humidity and thunderstorms…oh my! It rained ALL day but stopped right when I got out of work. I had some errands to do so I decided to give the run a try. 95% humidity. I was wetter than if I got caught in the rain.

I tried to find shade at the Crossings but found bugs instead LOL

Thursday – A deserved rest day and more rain, of course. I instead had dinner out to catch up with a co-worker (French teacher) who I had not seen in awhile.

Friday – Another rest day. Just because I don’t like to run the day before a long run. It was raining AGAIN anyway! Thunderstorms no less. So I stopped off at the gym and then I played mah jongg (and went to bed too late.)
Saturday – Finally back to Saturday Long Run Day with my peeps. But at 6:30 am, the time of our scheduled run, it was pouring. Everyone decided to either run later or postpone until Sunday. Having plans for Sunday, I decided to run locally after the rain stopped and Barbara was nice enough to join me. I ran 7 of my 9 miles with her. She did her 4:2 intervals which I could barely keep up with and afterward we rewarded our sweaty selves with ice cream.

After a tiring afternoon of errands and housework, I went out to dinner with the hubby and friends.

see I don’t always wear a baseball cao.

Sunday – The weather cooperated for Boating Sunday. Though it was hot and humid, it was nice on the lake. I can take just so much floating so I walked into land and took a hike to the waterfall…much farther than I remember (and I had too small water shoes on – hence blisters) but it was still worth it.

This Coming Week –

Monday – drive to Liverpool- 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – 2 miles, drive home
Thursday – rest day
Friday – rest day, train to NYC
Saturday – Governor’s Island 5k in NYC
Sunday -rest day, train home

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

August 4, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee date – August

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was wavering on running a summer half marathon. I usually run the 10k each year and many of my friends will be there. But as my running buddy said, for the half you only run the hills once rather than the same ones twice. (Just more different hills!!)

Image result for camp chingachgook half

However, my friend Anna from Russia saved the day. She is coming to the US and I will be going to NYC to see her that weekend.

Anyone running a half marathon in the heat of summer??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that you wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not a race, would you? Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine.

August 11, 2018 – 9 AM

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there.

Anyone running this race or have run it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that my favorite “healthy” Starbucks drink has been discontinued…chocolate banana smoothie. They told me that they don’t have protein powder or bananas anymore. Very bummed.