April Report Card

Image result for goodbye - hello may

April started out just like March – Cold and windy. Then there was rain, snow… There was NO cherry blossoms for my race at the end of the month. We did squeeze in a few nice days here and there.

Anyhow, here’s how April worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill. As I mentioned April was a windy, rainy, chilly month.  

I ran locally a few times after work.  The good news is that I was able to run while working in NYC and while in Buffalo, Rochester and Liverpool.  The best thing about my job is running in different places. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

Long Runs:

Work and the weather has made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. This is peak racing seasons so I usually just add miles to my races.

Total Mileage:

I ran 80 miles this month.  An decrease in miles basically because April is a shorter month and I did not run half marathon this month. The important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran two local 5ks and a local five miler. All were fun and I met up with several friends at each. I also had a PR at the Delmar Dash 5 miler and came in a surprise 3rd in my age group. I also had a surprise PR at the Bacon Hill 5k and won my age group. I didn’t PR at Cherry Blossom 5K but it was a course PR and I surprisedly won my age group

Cross Training:

Due my work schedule, I did not play tennis at all. I miss it and my friends.

I did work out at the gym once. Shocking. I know.

I did not attend a yoga class. Someday….

The month just got away from me and I was hardly home during the week. Then on the weekend, I was playing catch up.

I did not walk at lunch. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend time and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant.

The Freihofer Training Challenge began last month and goes for ten + weeks and I was able to go only twice. I guess I shouldn’t have signed up this year. (Miss my coach and my running friends.)

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #31 in May.

It’s a big one and it’s been on my bucket list for years.

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

May 19, 2018

I have some shorter races planned as well. My racing schedule picks up in the spring.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

  • 5-06-18 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)
  • 5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
  • 5-17-18- Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)
  • 5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon
  • 6-02-18 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
  • 6-10-18 – Run for Help 5k
  • 6-17-18 – Finest Memorial 5k
  • 6-30-18 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her April Race Linkup:

Deb Runs
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 an A-

Despite the work travel and crazy weather, I did my best to get in my runs. Strength training just never happens so I’ve decided not to beat myself up about it. I ran 3 shorter races and had PRs in two of them. I also won an age group award in each. 🙂

Real spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner. I want to see flowers and leaves on the trees!


 I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! How did your April turn out? Anything exciting planned for May?

What grade would you give your running month?

runner-sig

Weekly Wrap Up for 4.23.18-4.29.18 – Another Week , Another Race

ru

Last week –

  • Monday – No travel today so I was able to attend the Freihofer Training Challenge run (for the 2nd time although they are on week 6.) As usual, it’s a workout that you love to hate. We did do six 800m repeats at 5k pace.  My splits ranged from 4:24 to 4:15 and got progressively faster so I was pleased (even though I lagged behind my friends LOL).

Afterwards, I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

  • Tuesday – Off to Liverpool for work.  I was able to get a run done before dinner and the predicted rain. Who knew it would be 75 degrees. Thank God for clouds and lake breezes.

I went back for a walk after dinner but no sunset due to the clouds.

  • Wednesday – Another rest day due to having to drive home after work. It was another rainy April day anyway.
  • Thursday – Back home and hoping for no rain and an outdoor run. No rain but clouds and WIND!!!

  • Friday – Another cool rainy day. Hopefully April showers will bring May flowers. I wanted to run but my backup plans were to pick up my race bibs, go to the Spring Run Off pasta dinner and then play mah jongg.
  • Saturday – Rest Day. I had signed up for a race (Spring Run Off 10k) but family comes first.  My stepson is getting married and my daughter-in-law to be asked me to help her bridemaids pick out dresses (Her mother had knee replacement surgery and could not come.)
  • Sunday – Race Day. Cherry Blossom 5K. Of course Saturday was a beautiful morning for a race. Today, it was COLD, windy and RAINY. A miserable day to run,  Many of my friends did run it so I am glad that I didn’t bail and I had course PR and won my age group.

I was cold and grumpy so I went home after the race.  The rain stopped and it wasn’t as cold and windy so I sucked it up and went back out to finish my “long” run for the day.

There was a lot of walking but it is done and I can relax.

This Coming Week

  • Monday – Train to NYC, 3 miles
  • Tuesday – 4 miles
  • Wednesday – rest day, train home
  • Thursday – rest day, fly to FLORIDA!!!!
  • Friday3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun
  • Saturday – rest day, tennis, beach, sun & fun, theatre
  • SundayTropicool 5k, road trip

The Week After – 

  • Monday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun
  • Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun
  • Wednesday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, sun & fun – MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
  • Thursday –  3 miles, tennis, fly home
  • Friday –  rest day,mah jongg
  • SaturdaySummer Smith Memorial 5K + 7 miles
  • Sunday – rest day, dinner out for Mother’s Day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

runner-sig

Runfessions for April

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice

I runfess…

I don’t do speed drills and use that as an excuse not to try for a PR.  I say “Finishing=Winning” and I usually mean it. But during the last mile of my recent 5 mile race (Delmar Dash), I WANTED A PR!!

And so I sped up during mile 5 and negative split it and yes, I got my PR!!

not ME! But it is a running friend and I felt exactly that way.

Do you race for enjoyment or PRs?

I runfess…

I am usually pretty disciplined about my running. If I can run, I do.  I don’t let weather get me down. I have run in sub-zero conditions. But this month, I skipped some runs. Even though I had races on my schedule. Even though I was not feeling tired or sick. Not like me at all.

met friends for a late dinner (so I could run first but didn’t run)

Do you ever skips runs for no apparent reason?

I runfess…

I haven’t lost my racing mojo..

I am already scouting out my winter half marathon for 2019.  I almost even clicked “Register.”

My itinerary would be the same as this past March (staying with my sister-in-law the night before and visiting my East coast friends.)

There are water views. You run over two bridges and there are a lot of bands. So maybe???

Do you plan your race-cations this far in advance?

I runfess…

I can’t wait to run in the sun and for this reason, I am looking forward to my tennis vacation in Florida.  Yes tennis vacation because the friends that I am going with I met years ago by playing tennis.

That being said, I will have to debate each morning on whether or not to run or play tennis or do both.

Anyone have to competing activities and find it difficult to decide which one?

I runfess…

I signed up for a 3.5 race with my co-workers.  I ran it last year and it was a great way to connect outside of the office.  However, after I signed up, I realized that it is TWO DAYS before my bucket list half marathon.

Should I skip it?

I am most likely to run it but not race it because this half marathon will NOT be a PR (positive about that since I am NOT training well.)

What would you do?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

runner-sig

Friday Five 2.0: Run. Not 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 use the new FIVE MINUTE format, link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Last Friday I wrote about why I race a lot. This week, I’ll look at the other side of the coin:

FIVE REASONS NOT TO RACE OFTEN

  1. MONEY

Yes, racing is not cheap.  Running is FREE!

Running & Eating – lots of fun without a race

    2. INJURIES

If you are competitive, like I am, it’s hard to slow down when you are in a race. You may not stop when you should.

Racing with a metatarsal stress fracture

  3.  SCHEDULING (TIME)

Unfortunately, you can’t change the time or date of a race but you can run whenever you are able. And where ever you choose.

just squeezed it in after work and before a dinner engagement

 4.  LONG RUNS

I am the first to admit that a long run completed by adding miles in after a long break because you were running a race is not ideal when training for a big race.  Plus, there is the race pace followed by the tired leg pace.

5k + 3.9 = 7 miles

5. DRILLS AND WORKOUTS AND TESTING NEW THINGS

You have to get them done during the week.  Those hill repeats, tempo and progression runs will not happen in a race. And as you know, you shouldn’t wear or try anything new during a race.

new top, new skirt (too loose!!), new shoes – oh no!

Happy Running! Do you run a lot of races? If not, why not?  Please share.

runner-sig

2018 Bacon Hill Bonanza Recap

Every year, I plan to sign up for the 10k and then I chicken out.

10 K

I know that the hills would be good training but… the 5k is an out and back and mostly flat.

5k – not as flat as it looks

So I changed my mind again and registered for the 5k and then planned to run 7 hilly miles after.

I ran this race for the past four years and loved it. They had great food – the usual food but also chili and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

20140412-163900.jpg

And there was chocolate milk, fresh from the dairy.

20140412-163910.jpg

Plus, I won a homemade pie as first in my age group for the past four years. 28:56, 28:01, 27:54, 27:32. Yes, it seems that I am getting faster but not sure about this year??? Lately I don’t feel very fast.

The race started at 10 am which was good since it would be an hour drive from my house.

But I woke with a horrendous headache and an upset stomach.  I thought about an DNS for about a second.  Anyway it was only a 5k and I knew that running could make me feel better.

Again the weather was tricky. What to wear? I was brave the first two years and wore a skirt, a baseball cap and no gloves. It is April, right? Then the past two years, it was cold and I resorted to capris. This year, the race was scheduled at the end of April instead of the beginning. So you would think that it would be warm out already …NOT!!

This year I decided to  continue with the capris. Although it was chilly (30s) in the morning, I hoped that it would warm up by the time I raced (and after). But I did bring along gloves and a jacket.  (Spoiler alert: it did warm up but the wind made it feel cold.) The best part about today’s weather was the sunshine.  It had been days since we had had any.

I got to the race early and found a parking spot in a (muddy) field next to the church. The race started at the church in the town of Bacon Hill, a small farming town with awesome scenery. (It reminded me of Vermont.)

20140412-163933.jpg

these pics are from other years…everything still looked the same)

20140412-163921.jpg

20140412-164000.jpg

It was chillier than I thought. It was in the 30s but windy… Brrrr!!  I quickly put on both of my jackets and got my shirt and bib. I also dropped off my free raffle ticket.  (They had some really great prizes.)

I wasn’t sure that I would know anyone at this race since the runners that I usually run this race with were not coming (Holly who was in the Turkey Trot training group and now the FRW training group said that she had to work this year. Another runner friend, Sue, whom I am running Brooklyn with was in Florida and my friend Judith just ran the Boston Marathon.) So I just stopped by the timing truck to say hello to my FTC coach who as usual asked me if I was going to PR.  I replied: “I doubt it but it’s all about the pie.”  You get a pie if you win your age group. And I wanted to keep my pie streak going.

Then I ran back to my car to keep warm until almost time for the race to start.

At the last minute, I decided to shed my jacket and tossed it under a tree.

Although I prefer to start most races near the front, there were sign with paces. I was embarrassed to stand with the 7 minute runners so I moved back to the 9 minute mile sign. That’s when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was Maureen, a friend that I ran the Shape Half with last year.  She is in my age group and a lot faster.  Fortunately for me, she had decided to run the 10k.  We chatted until the race began.

The pastor read a prayer, the church bells rang and we were off.

The 5k was an out and back. The 10k veered to the right and supposedly had killer hills but breath taking views.

I decided to go out fast. I always have positive splits so why try not to. It isn’t as flat as the map shows. The hills are rolling throughout but not that bad. Even I could run up them.

Unlike last weekend, I really slacked off on my weekly runs.  In fact, I didn’t run Wed, Thurs, and Fri – yes three days in a row without running which is so unlike me. Part of it was weather-related but mostly I just didn’t feel like it.

I loved all the signs along the route. Many of them were riddles.  I wish I could remember them but they were a nice distraction.

13978706176_630de8b7c5_z

the cloudy sky pics are from last year

This one as my favorite:

14002247934_c17e330207_z

The wind was annoying. It was at times hard to keep moving forward. And my legs really protested my attempt for speed. I felt my short lay-off.

There were volunteers on the course calling out times.  I was shocked at how fast my first mile was because I was really struggling.

Eventually we turned around and headed back… It would seem natural that now the wind would be at our backs.  But no, it seemed to be blowing from the side.

There was a water stop but I wasn’t thirsty and just wanted to get to the finish and warm up. I realized quickly that I had gone out too fast.  I could not keep up that pace but may be just maybe I could finish fast enough to win that pie!!

the finish line is right next to the cemetery

As I approached the finish line, I realized that I may even PR!! Holy Cow!

I crossed at 27:04 Gun Time.  I beat my 2014 5k PR time by 7 seconds!! I was in shock.

I glanced at my Garmin which would have been chip time and it said 27:01.  I ran to tell Patrick. He grinned that “I told you so grin.”

I grabbed my jacket, put up my hood and immediately made a bee line for the chocolate milk. Boy, was it good. I had 3 cups.

They had the same great food (chili, muffins, cookies, fruit) like last year but no vegetarian dish and no pizza. I had some cookies, chili and a corn muffin.

PR + chocolate milk makes a happy runner

I hung around the finish line though I was pretty cold (because of the wind). I did bump into another runner that I knew. She was waiting for her husband to finish the 10K so we waited together.

Here comes Maureen with a great finish time as well.

Finally they posted the results. Mine was listed as 27:04 and I was first in my age group. Maureen was first too. We were both glad that we had chosen different distances. That way we both won our age groups.

Two years ago, it was so cold that they let you just get your award and leave but this year, we had to wait and they announced them one by one.  Brrrr…

I waited with Maureen and her friends. And I won a pie again!

Check out those race times.  If I had not Pr’d, I would not have won this year.  I always say that it’s not your time but who shows up. (Everyone in this group is new to this age group.  I age up in a few years!!)

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:44
mile 2 – 8:56
mile 3 – 8:56
.11 – 8:30
_________________

27:01 (Garmin time)

fueled by sunshine!

All in all, I loved this race. I will definitely do it again…maybe even the 10K someday. I was thrilled with my time.  A course PR. A 5k PR. What could be better?  More importantly, I felt like I didn’t go all out and who knows maybe there is a sub 27 5k in my future???

I put the pie in my car and contemplated my planned 7 additional miles.  The scenery is beautiful here but with the wind, I decided to drive to some place where I would be more sheltered from the wind and where it would be flatter.

2016 pic

So I drove to the Zim Smith Trail. It is lined with trees, flat, gravel coated and there’s the incentive of a post run treat at Leah’s Cakery.

Scenes from my run:

It was tough.  My legs were tired and stiff so this was a walk/run at best.

10 miles done! Hooray!


I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

 Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend? Do you have spring weather yet?

runner-sig

TOTR: Best and Worst Race Photos

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

Today’s (actually next week’s) TOTR Topic is: Best and Worst Race Photos:

With 30 half marathons and hundreds of shorter races, I certainly have quite a selection of race photos to choose from.  Most of them have been pretty good because I ham it up when I see the photographer but when I don’t, anything can happen.

The Worst:

This was in March of 2013 on a hot day in Florida.  It was my first half marathon after the year of the broken ankle and stress fracture.  I did not train well and had not discovered my favorite Nike running shoes (so my foot hurt).

The Best:

Treasure Coast Half – March 2017

Eau Palm Beach Half – Dec 2015

Biggest Loser 5k – July 2013

None of the races above were particularly good ones but I was happy to be running as you can tell from my SMILE.

Happy Running! Do you usually take good race photos?

Weekly Wrap for 4.16.18-4.22.18 – Recovery

ru

Recovery in the sense of recovering from the sudden loss of my favorite cat (Still feel like crying All.The.Time).

Last week – 

  • Monday – I drove to Rochester today for work . It was a miserable, cold, windy rainy day (The weather here will not let up !!) My only resort was the hotel treadmill and it was not fun. (I wish that I were as tough as the runners in Boston! Yay Desi!!)

  • Tuesday – Yes, woke up to snow! Worked all day hoping for a light at the end if the tunnel and not have to run in the treadmill again. It was snowing lightly but not sticking so I headed to the trail along the Erie Canal.

3 miles – not bad on the way out but the wind killed me on the way back. When will spring be here?

  • Wednesday – Another rainy dreary day. I had to drive home after work but I thought I might stop and squeeze in a quick run followed by Abbott’s Custard like I did last fall:

Well, the bridge to run over to get to the trail along the canal was under construction.  I drove around a bit but then parked and tried to find access to the trail but I was on the wrong side.  I couldn’t even find Abbott’s Custard. It was COLD so I gave up. I ran maybe a mile and then headed home.

  • Thursday –  The same lousy weather continued and maybe this affected my running mojo but I decided to skip my run and instead I went out to dinner with my tennis friends.  We try to get together monthly with whomever is available.

  • Friday – Still did not feel like running and rested for third day in a row. I did play mah jongg in the evening.
  • Saturday – Race Day. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K. I wasn’t sure how it would go since I had a lackluster running week. But racing always helps me get back on track. I woke up, however, with a headache and upset stomach.  Thought about a DNS (for about a second LOL) and then drove an hour to the race. My FRW coach was there and asked me if I was going for a PR. I laughed and said “No but it’s all about the pie.”  If you win your age group, you get a pie and I have a pie streak going.  It was chilly and pretty windy but believe it or not,  I RAN A PR!  Good thing because if I didn’t, I would not have gotten my pie.

fueled by sunshine and post race chocolate milk

Afterward the race, I still had 7 more miles on my schedule.  But I left and drove to the Zim Smith Trail where I thought that I would be more sheltered from the wind.

This was not easy and involved quite a bit of walking but the scenery is pretty and I parked at Leah’s Cakery (enough said)

  • SundayMy friends were racing but after 10 miles the previous day, even I decided that it wouldn’t be smart.  Instead I went to the gym, then for a walk before I did join the racers for lunch.

This Coming Week

  • Monday 4 miles FTC, mall walk with BFF
  • Tuesday drive to Liverpool, 4 miles
  • Wednesday – rest day, drive home
  • Thursday 4 miles
  • Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, bridemaid dress shopping trip
  • SundayCherry Blossom 5k + 8 miles

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

runner-sig

Five Five 2.0: Racing. A Lot.

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 use the new FIVE MINUTE format, link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

I will be racing a lot. Like every weekend. I could go on and on about why I love to race but with this new Friday Five (5 Minute) format I’ll get right to it:

stock3

  1. COOL SWAG

Sometimes, it’s just a shirt but lots of times, it is a bag, water bottle, food samples, key chain, and other running-related goodies.

IMG_7006

    2. MEET NEW AND OLD FRIENDS

Many of my running friends, I have met at races.  It is so fun to see a familiar face at a race and chat…about running, of course.

  3.  FREE FOOD

I love to eat especially to replenish the calories burned during running.

Sean's Run with Mary

 4.  REPLACES SPEED WORKOUTS

I am the first to admit it.  I know that I should, but I don’t do speed drills, tempos, intervals, hill repeats, strides, etc.  So for me, I guess my workout happens during a race.  I’ll do those hills, run sprints and then, if I am scheduled for a long run, I’l continue my miles after the race at a slower pace.

5. GETS YOU OUT THERE DURING THE WEEK

When it is cold, windy and just plain nasty and I don’t feel like running, if I have a race scheduled for the weekend, I will make myself get out there and run. I know if I don’t run during the week, then my finish time will suffer, I may get injured and/or the race will be unpleasant.  It takes a long time to get in shape and such a short time to feel out of shape.

Happy Running! Do you run a lot of races? If not, why not?  Any other reasons to share if you do? 

runner-sig

Delmar Dash Five Mile Race Recap and a Tearful PR

It is nice to run a race that is only 10 minutes from your house.

This is my 6th time running this race. Last year, my back was bothering me so I didn’t run it and in 2012, I had a broken ankle. Otherwise, I try to run it every year. If you notice by my clothes, the weather has gotten colder every year.

It is a flat course so my times have been fairly decent:

2016 – 47:14
2015 – 45:26 (PR)
2014 – 48:14
2013 – 47:39
2011 –  47:08

Now only if spring would arrive. We’ve had a few warmish days but not today!! This was what they predicted:

Cold temps, rain, sleet and wind!!!

But most importantly was that my cat died suddenly the day before. I had gotten very little sleep since he had taken ill Thursday night and really did not feel like running!!!

Staying home and being sad and depressed seemed like a worse option than running a race.

So I told my hubby that I was runing the race and I would run it for Slater, my cat who just died.

It’s always hard at this time of year to decide what to wear.  Too cold for spring clothes but I am tired of jackets and tights. I opted for a windbeaker over a long sleeved shirt, a skirt attached to capris, compression socks, a cap & gloves and hoped that it would be enough.

The forecasted rain and sleet had not arrived by the time I had to leave for the race.  Maybe I would get lucky and it would hold off until the afternoon.

I got there early and got a spot in the parking lot. I knew a few people doing this race so I went inside the school to look for them.

The race started on the street but ended in front of the school entrance

I forgot to pick up my bib and shirt the day before so I picked them up and then looked for my firends.

I bumped into Judy and Chris and we chatted for a bit.

img_9504

I also chatted with several other runners that I knew. Because of the Boston Marathon and the weather forecast, there weren’t as many runners as usual.

It was too cold outside so we waited until the last minute.

My hope for the race was to have a decent finish time. That would be under 50 minutes. I had a PR three years ago and I doubted that I could beat that especially without doing any speed work  Besides, I wanted to stay healthy for my next half marathon on May 19!!

I lined up with some faster runners including Carolyn who is in my age group and another younger runner whom I followed at my last 5 miler, the Shamrock Shuffle.

Of course waiting for the race to begin, I was cold but I was fine as soon as I started running. My hands were cold for awhile but even they warmed up.

I tried to start out fast but not too fast.  Though I never know what this is. And I probably did since my legs seemed to have zero energy today. I was so SAD! I felt like crying but I told myself to run the race for Slater! And that kept me going.

I tired with each mile but tried my best to keep it up. The younger faster runner had on a yellow jacket again this race and it was my beacon. I tried to keep her in my sight although I know I would never catch up to her.

she is the one in yellow

There was someone calling out times at every mile so I knew that I was not running well.

By the water stop at mile 2.5 or so, I was tempted to walk but again as I did in my previous two races, I decided to push it and NOT walk at all.

12961363_10153489245066074_4763558700202869412_o

Dr Tom’s pic from 2016

I was really draggin during mile 4 but by mile 5, I looked at my Garmin and realized that just maybe I could PR.  I thought “Wouldn’t it be cool to PR for my cat?”

My eyes were teary and my nose was running (I didn’t know until after the race, that my nose was bleeding over my white gloves!!)

I finally saw the finish line and crossed at 45:XX (Officially 45:09). Defintely faster than last year and maybe a PR, I thought!

I waited until Judy and Chris finished and then went inside to get some food. I had some soup, bread, birthday cake and hot chocolate.  Judy and Chris got massages.

I came in 3rd in my age group.  I was surprised since I never place in this race.  And the prize was a champagne glass!

Splits: (according to my Garmin)

mile 1- 8:44
mile 2- 8:56
mile 3- 8:56
mile 4- 9:18
mile 5- 8:57
mile .04 – 6:50

45:09

Yes, a PR!  By 17 seconds!! I’ll take it. As one ages, these PRs are hard to come by.

Since this course is flat and near where I live, it is still one of my favorite races and I will run it again next year. I am so happy to have gotten a PR and I’m sure that Slater had given me the energy to do so.

Though after the race, it felt colder and windier, I needed to run 4 more miles…ugh!!

I drove my car and parked near the rail trail. Unfortunately, it was getting late and I needed to get home so 3 miles was all I could get done!

That makes 8 miles for the day…

5 weeks until my  next half marathon.


I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

 Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing?

runner-sig

TOTR: Favorite and Least Favorite Things About Spring Running

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

Today’s TOTR Topic is: Favorite and Least Favorite Things About Spring Running:

I am a fair weather runner so obviously I do not enjoy running in snow, sleet, freezing rain, etc.  In other words, not in the winter!!

Favorite Things:

  • Dry Places to Run

With all my running paths free from snow and ice, I can vary where I run.

Corning Bike Path

Zim Smith Bike Path

  • Pretty Scenery (Trees, Flowers, Green Grass…)

  • No More Tights, Capris, Gloves and Jackets (Yes to Tanks and Skirts…)

  • Abundance of Races to Choose From

Least Favorite Things:

I almost wrote here: NOTHING!  But if I have to add something, it’s:

  • Rain

  • Missing My Running Groups Due to Work Schedule

I signed up for the 10 week Freihofer Training Challenge and I can only go to 4 Mondays.  I had to decline from mentoring the STEM runners as well as the GOTR program.

missing the STEM runners

  • Races Scheduled on the Same Weekend

First world problem, I know.

Happy Running! What do you like or dislike about spring? Please share.?