June 19, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 6.12.17-6.18.17

Last Week:

Monday – I had the day off and I planned to run. But I changed my mind and decided to spend Sunday night on our boat and do some hiking the next morning.

First I planned to hike Thomas and Cat Mountains. But it was too hot humid and buggy so I skipped Cat.

The hike to the top of Pinnacle was shadier and shorter so I did that one. It was so worth it.

The rest of the day, I hung out at the beach with a book.

Tuesday – after a long day at work, it was brutally warm and humid so I decided to skip my run and just play tennis outdoors. It was fun and we got two sets in before the rain. Then we went out for pizza.

Wednesday – another long stressful work day but finally a run after two days off.

at UAlbany

Thursday – Another warm humid day and I got to run with Alysa which is always a good thing. We decided on the Corning Bike trail for a change of pace. Things were great until it started to pour. Just made us run faster.

4 wet but speedy miles in my favorite SkirtSports tank

Afterward I met my bff for a walk in the mall.

Friday – A scheduled rest day (and a rainy one) with a trip to the gym before my weekly mah Jong game.
Saturday – Today I ran the Whipple City 5k race which was a new race for me. There were quite a few to choose from but I had heard about this one and two of my running group friends were doing it. It was fun although the humidity almost killed me.

27:30 – 2nd in my age group

Afterward 2 cups of chocolate milk and 2 donuts, I headed to Saratoga Spa State Park with the intention of running 6 miles. My legs said no way so I ran and walked about 5.

Sunday – I spent Fathers Day with the hubby up on the lake. We went out on our friend’s new bigger boat rather than ours. And I got a surprise when I found out that my college roommate and her husband were in the area for a wedding. Great day.

15 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

Monday – run in NYC?
Tuesday – run in NYC?
Wednesday – run in NYC?
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, gym, errands, nails
Sunday – 10 mile race, boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

This week’s guest host is the lovely Tara @ Run and Live Happy.

WWGuest-Tara

Happy Running! How is your running going?

June 18, 2017 by Darlene

Whipple City 5K Race Recap

June 17, 2017 8:30 am

There were several different race options for today. Some I had run before and some I had not.

I decided on Whipple City in Greenwich because I had heard good things about the race and it was north so I could possibly continue up to the lake afterward. Also two of my running group friends usually run the 5k.

There was also a hillier 10k option but I decided to run the 5k and then add more miles after (if my legs and the weather cooperated.)

As I may have mentioned many times, I recently PR’d for the half marathon but my 5ks have stagnated for years… Most of 5ks times have been 27:XX and in cool weather on flatish courses. If I didn’t have those conditions (like today), my times would be slower but hopefully faster than 30 minutes.

So today, I planned to run at a consistent pace and enjoy the course. I hadn’t done any speed drills in about month so no PR goals for this race. Depending on who showed up, I may have even been able to snag an age group award.

I probably wasn’t thinking clearly because going to this race, which started at 8:30 am, meant that I had to leave my house at no later than 6:45 am. According to Google, it was going to take 1h 9min. There were local races that started later and only 15 minutes away. (Crazy lady I am!)

So I got up earlier on a Saturday than I do on a normal work day (Oh, the things we runners do…) and found the location with no problem.

race started in front of the middle school

The weather was cloudy, warm and very humid with showers/thunderstorms forecast for later in the day. I wore my normal summer running outfit of a skirt and a tank. We got a gender-specific tech shirt which I went back to store in my car.

In no time at all, I spotted my two running group friends, Holly and Jackie. They wanted to do a warm up run but I declined. (Gotta save my legs for the race and after, right?.)

So I hung around the school and chatted with a few other women that I knew. It was a fairly small crowd. About 100 running the 5k and only about 15, I think, in the 10k.

race start and finish

The race was described as “a scenic course past village homes and beautiful countryside in Greenwich, NY” and the course (see map below) as out & back, mixed flat & hills, roads.

Both Holly and Jackie, who have run it, before confirmed that the 5k started out uphill and then there were rolling hills but a pretty course.

We started near the front since it was not chip timed and soon after the rifles (above) were fired, we were off.

Whenever I run with Holly, I know not to try to keep up. She always starts out fast and she beat me by 3 seconds in the Freihofer;s 5k but I have beaten her in the past.

And true to form, out ahead she went. My legs felt like I was running in cement. Maybe I should warm-up?? Uphill I dragged myself and tried to keep Holly in view.

Then I realized I never started my watch. Oh, well. Another naked race!

It seems to bother me more not knowing my pace in a short race for some reason. There’s not a lot of time and I don’t know if I should slow down or speed up.

The worst part of the race was the humidity…UGH!!

There was water around mile 1.25 and I took a quick drink. But when I passed it the water again on the way back, I stopped and walked for a while.

I wasn’t far behind Holly until that walk. But I knew that she usually loses some steam toward the end (which she did).

I caught up to her but didn’t have enough left to pass her.

She beat me by 3 seconds! Again!!

My time was 27:30. (No split times to share 😦 )

I was pleased. It was faster than I thought I would run this race. And I thank Holly for pacing me.

We hung around waiting for the 10kers to finish and then watched the kids run the 1K.

Of course, I treated myself to two cups of chocolate milk and two donuts.

Battenkill brand, my favorite!!

Holly and I are in the same age group. She got first and I got second.

All in all, it was an enjoyable race. I’m not sure I will run it again because of the driving distance (and the awards are only a ribbon) but maybe.

My hubby decided to not go boating until the next day so I had all the time in the world to do more running. Besides, I did have a 10 mile race in a week (and lots of rain forecast for the coming week.)

So I drove to Saratoga Spa State Park and planned on running at least 6 miles.

Unfortunately, my legs did not agree with the plan. They were soooo tired. That is very unlike me. I don’t even feel that way after a half marathon.

I’m not sure why…humidity? lack of sleep? stress at work? fast 5k???

Anyway, I tried to run. But I had to walk…a lot and quit after 5 miles. I guess it was better than driving home and taking a nap.

Isn’t the park beautiful? Mineral springs, waterfalls, trails, etc.

Happy Running! Anyone race this weekend?

June 15, 2017 by Darlene

Run for Help 5K Race Recap

June 11, 2017 – 10 am

I wasn’t as active in this spring’s STEM program as I would have liked (due to work commitments) but as I did last year, I decided to help the STEM runners and registered for this race.

There were a few races scheduled for this weekend (plus boating) that I would have liked to do but as soon as I arrived at the race, I knew that I had made the right decision.

Running is not all about PRs and finish times. Sometimes you have to give back especially since running has given me so much.

: 2016’s race

Last year, we didn’t actually participate in the race. We ran along side our runner but never crossed the finish line.

This year, however, we did register and pay for the race. We would be running it in order to help a STEM participant achieve their goal.

Because I wasn’t planning to “race” the race, I ran 8 miles the day before.

I was glad too because race day was even hotter and more humid (and the race didn’t start until 10 am!!)

I arrived early to pick up my packet and meet up with all the other volunteers and runners. What is awesome is that in addition to the new STEM runners, many of the old ones continue to return for races. It’s a STEM reunion too.

I also ran this race in 2009. I am a sucker for “causes.” And this is just as important or maybe more important than a medical one.

It started out 10 years ago as a race for “Liza” who had been killed by her abusive husband but it is now also dedicated to Nikki who suffered the same fate.

The race is very well organized and offers lots of raffle prizes and even…

Eventually we went outside to take some group photos and then to pair up with a STEM runner. In my particular group, most of the STEM participants had dropped out and we had more volunteers than runners.

I got paired with our one ‘male” participant, Mike, who usually does his own thing in trainings (instead of Couch to 5k). He said that he wanted to finish under 30 minutes. I told him that I was there for him if he needed help.

Soon we moved to the start line and got ready to begin.

As I mentioned, I was not planning to run fast. And Mike just took off. Well, it was hot so I just ran my own pace, stopped to tie my shoes and walked at all the water stops. Luckily on this hot day, there were many (maybe 5 or 6).

The course starts out flat on a country road but when we turn left, there are rolling hills (2 steepish ones). I didn’t wear my Garmin (because I wasn’t going to be racing) but I did my best to run slowly up the hills. Everyone was sweating…even me.

What I love about this out and back course is that you get to see all the slower runners. And in this case, all the purple shirts. I high-fived them and screamed encouragement as I ran by.

Eventually, I caught up to Mike, he was walking. He said he had a side cramp. I walked with him and encouraged him to get some water and start running again.

And he did. I ran ahead so I could cheer him through the finish line.

Yes, he did cross under 30 minutes!! We were both happy.

I remained at the finish line to watch all the other happy faces cross and get their medals.

hot hot hot

Then I took my sweaty body to my car so I could sneak out. I didn’t even stay around for the awards.

this race was NOT about me anyway

My hubby was waiting for me at the lake but I felt happier (for these runners) than if I had run a PR. (There will be more times to run a fast 5k.)

ahhhh!

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Happy Running! Ever run a race for someone else besides yourself?

June 13, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Summer Running Gear

Since today is 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 Gear

It’s finally that time of year. I thought summer weather would never arrive!!

So here’s what I need to run in the summer months:

Shirts (or tanks) made of breathable fabric – no cotton!!

I’m not partial to any brand – Nike, C9, SkirtSports…

Skirts. I find them cooler than shorts and less chafing.

and yes, I love SkirtSports. They are cool, comfortable and have 2 pockets!!

Cap to keep the sun out of my face. It also keeps my (unruly) hair off my neck.

I prefer baseball caps instead of visors.

Sunglasses. My eyes are very sensitive to the sun and I wear contacts so this helps if it is breezy, as well.

I like light weight glasses and they don’t have to be expensive because I lose them or break t hem.

Cool Max Socks – I am prone to blisters so this is important to me.

Balega and Feetures are my favorites.

Water Bottle – It may not be necessary when the temps are cooler but you should drink before you get thirsty. Dehydration is no fun.

I like my Nathan hand held bottle (see below:)

Insect Repellent – Mosquitos seem to always find me and if you run in areas where there are ticks, you should always have bug spray on hand.

Body Glide – Don’t forget that if you chafe, in the summer when you sweat, you chafe even more.

Sunscreen – I always use it on my face but am pretty lax on the rest of my body once I have a tan. But if you are prone to sunburn, don’t forget to apply it and re-apply it if you sweat a lot.

Happy Running! Any additions that you would add to this list?

June 12, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update- 6.5.17-6.11.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another rainy day. I decided to test out the treadmill at the gym. I planned on 4 miles but I barely made it 2. I hated every second.

Tuesday – Rain again! I had to travel to Liverpool, NY for work. After I set up, I had hoped to find a running route. But nope, had to settle for 2 sweaty miles on the mill.

Wednesday – Stuck indoors at work and the rain had finally stopped. Although I was exhausted, I decided I had to run because it was Global Running Day. And I did!

5 minutes away was the Onondaga Lake State Park – wish I had more time and energy to run

2 miles is better than nothing…

Thursday – Back home and I got to run with Alyssa after work. I hadn’t seen her since her marathon so there was a lot to catch up on.
at the Crossings
Friday – Just work followed by a trip to gym on a needed rest day before my weekly mah jongg game.

not just mah jongg…

Saturday – I had planned to rest and go boating but changed my mind and went for a run and then stayed home to garden. All that rain has made those weeds grow….

slowest run ever…

Sunday – Today I ran the Run for Help 5k as part of mentoring the STEM running group. It was brutally hot and humid but it is always such a rewarding experience helping runners run their first 5k and seeing runners from past STEM groups continue to run.

I didn’t even stay around to get my age group award. I jetted up north to spend the day on the lake with the hubby.

We ended the day with dinner out with friends.

And that’s a Skirt Sports dress

21 miles done with 6 runs and 1 rest day (3 of those runs were only 2 miles)

This Week:

Monday – rest, hiking
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday – 4 miles with Alyssa, mall walk with BFF
Friday – rest, gym, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race plus 6 miles
Sunday – rest, boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?

June 9, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Working Out On Boating Vacations

Since it’s Friday, 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.

Today’s topic is: Vacation spots — how do you get your workout in on vacation?

For me, vacation is each weekend in Bolton Landing, NY where we keep our boat.

Here are FIVE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE AS A BOATER:

Go for a hike.

There are quite a few nearby places to hike. And they are easy hikes. I am not an expert hiker and have no problems. I can go out early and still get back in time to go out on our boat.

If you are in the area, check out the Lake George Conservancy for hiking guides and maps.

2. Take a walk/hike on a trail (accessible from the boat):

There are several dock sites (Black Mountain Pt, Commission Pt, Red Rock Is, etc.) that have nearby trails and even one bay (Shelving Rock) where you can get to a trail/waterfall.

3. Run/Walk in town.

Our marina is near the Sagamore Hotel which has great grounds to run on including a nature trail.

4. Run/Walk on the main road.

The main road (9N) is the same one that the Adirondack Distance Run and Lake George Half Marathon uses. It has rolling hills and a view of the lake on one side.

5. Swim

This is the most obvious one. We hang often in the bays where the water is calm. There are also cliffs that you can dive off of, as well. (As for me, you’ll see me floating around with a drink in my hand LOL)

my crazy hubby & friend

Happy Running! How you do work out while on vacation?

June 7, 2017 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Mindset

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

The first Wednesday of each month, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

Today’s word is Mindset.

So according to the dictionary, this is what “mindset” means:

There are so many ways to approach this word in relation to running because “it’s all mental,” right?

In other words, once we believe we are “runners,” we will be (feel like) “runners.”

This happened to me after I ran the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k for the first time.

Then my “mindset” changed again after I finished my first Half Marathon. Now I believed that I was a “long distance runner” not just a runner who can run 5ks.

You don’t have to run your fastest race to be happy crossing the finish line.

I had one of my slowest 5k times at this race but I finished my first race after not running for 5 months (post ankle surgery) with tears streaming down my face.

Sometimes these negative thoughts crawl into my mind:

I can’t run that fast.
I can’t run that far.
I will get injured if I…
I am too old to …
I suck at hills.
I can’t run in warm (humid, windy, cold…) weather.

I mentally psyched myself out of this race before I ever started – tired legs, painful feet, hilly, loops, etc.

As Henry Ford says: “If you think you think can or you think you CAN’T, you’re both right.”

In RUNNING and in LIFE :

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

Happy Running! Does your “mindset” affect your running?

June 6, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: National Running Day

June 7, 2017

I wish I could run tomorrow but I’ll be working out of town plus it is supposed to rain (again!!)

What a better time to reflect on WHY I RUN!!

I RUN

because it makes me feel good.
because it makes me feel healthy.
because it makes me feel active.
because it makes feel younger.
because it’s a challenge.
because it gives me time to be alone.
because it makes me set goals.
because it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment.
because it makes my day start better.
because it makes a bad day end better.
because it helps me enjoy fresh air and scenic routes.
Because I get to travel to race in different places.
because I get to meet some awesome people who are runners (in person and virtually).
to inspire others to become runners
so that I can eat more desserts.
so I can listen to music I like as loud as I like.
as fast or slow as I want.
until I feel like stopping.
wherever I choose
alone or with thousands of others.
to support a cause.
to get a medal.
to a get a tech shirt and other swag.
because I can.
until I can’t.

FRW – 2017

2017

2016 – 5k

along the Hudson River, NYC

Since today is 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

Why do you run? Did you run today?

June 5, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 5.29.17-6.4.17

Last Week:

Monday – A chilly rainy day so I caught up with things around the house, went to the gym and did some errands. A needed rest day on Memorial Day.
Tuesday – A scheduled rest day and I played my last indoor tennis.

I had thought I could squeeze in a run (hence my running skirt/capri) but it started to rain AGAIN.

Wednesday – Off to NYC for work. I took the train and after I checked into my hotel, the rain had stopped so I hopped on the subway and went for a run. I intended to go to Central Park but wound up on Riverside Dr. so ran along the Hudson River instead..

running along Riverside Drive

Then that evening I went to see a show on Broadway.

The story of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein

Thursday – Indoors all day for work but I did squeeze in a walk during lunch and another run in the evening. This time along the East River. Central Park will have to wait until my next trip to NYC. (June 19).

running along the East River Greenway

In the evening, I just walked around the area.

Bryant Park, Empire State Building and bumping into a former student on the street = ❤ nyc

Friday – Another day in NYC for work. Took a walk at lunch and then took the train home in the evening. Rest day #3.
Saturday – Today I ran the Freihofer’s Run for Women, my favorite local race. The energy of this race is addictive and I always meet so many new and old faces.

I met AJH who I had no idea was coming to run (from VT) – no PR but a decent time – 27:48 (13th in my AG)

I added another 5K afterward to complete my ZOOMA Virtual 10k race.

just a leisurely additional 3.8 miles retracing the course plus some photo stops

Then the hubby (who had been playing tennis) and I headed up North to meet some lake friends for dinner.

Sunday – I would have liked to go boating again today but the weather did not cooperate. So I went to the gym and did some errands.

15.5 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest, travel to Liverpool for work, tm??
Wednesday – rest, work in Liverpool, travel home
Thursday –6 miles with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday – 5k race (volunteering for STEM) + 5 miles

I’m linking up with Mary Beth (on behalf of Holly and Tricia) for the Weekly Wrap. Please join us!

Happy Running! How is your running going? Is your weather cooperating?

June 4, 2017 by Darlene

Freihofer’s Run for Women Race Recap

June 3, 2017 9:o0 am

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 10th time!!!!!

My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:

Due to construction, they changed the course two years ago.

They say that this course is faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.

course map

I did run the new course the past two years and I liked it.

11390014_10204734206056106_2523342973555152804_n

heading to the finish line

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR.

And this was also my third Freihofer Training Challenge…

2017 group (oops I missed the pic).

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up. Monday runs were always after a Sunday long run or race and I never attended any of the Saturday runs.

But I was excited to be part of it and support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who would hopefully PR.

Every other year, the day before I walked to Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really nice expo with vendors and health-related. But this year, I was in NYC for work so I had to depend on my hubby to pick things up for me at a new expo location.

yes we got free bread and a box of cookies

For convenience, I parked at a yoga place on race morning and walked to the start. I do this every year. However, with the new course, it was an even longer hike. Like 2 miles!

It was strange to walk down Madison Avenue and not see the race banners and not see the giant poster on the bridge.

pics from 3 years ago…

And the weather…it was not forecast to be as warm as previous years but at least it wasn’t raining. (The race started 30 minutes earlier than last year just in case we actually had warm weather. I wasn’t thrilled since I got home from NYC late the night before.)

I wore a jacket and my DIY sleeves to stay warm before the race. As I was walking down Madison, I spotted a van with a Vermont license plate. It was my friend AJH with a bunch of friends. The race was a retirement gift. How cool!!

surprise…and we even matched.

So on the way to start, we cut through the Empire State Plaza to use real restrooms. The we made our way to the Empire State Plaza so they could get their bibs, shirts, cookies, etc. (My tennis buddy was sick so I had to get hers as well.)

By this point, I had missed my training group photo, but I didn’t care. It was great to see AJH and chat.

We finally got to the race location and I located the Challenge Group Tent and met up with friends. I also shed my jacket and sleeves (although it did start to sprinkle.)

Sue & Hollys among the many training challenge runners

I also ran into a few local runners, bloggers (Judith and Vicki.) and even some Skirt Sports ambassadors.

Catching up with everyone made the time go by quickly and soon it was time to line up.

Although it was very crowded, there were fewer runners than when it was Madison Avenue but it did seem to be more than last year (new organizers and more advertising.).

Times Union photo 2016

Anyway, with the new start (on a wider street), it didn’t take as long to get moving and the first hill was longer but not as steep.

I started with Hollys but let her get ahead. She always starts out fast. Right from the beginning, I had the feeling that my legs were moving but so slowly. I was also sneezing and sniffling (hopefully it’s allergies not a cold.)

When I got into the park and looked at my time, I was shocked at how slow it was. Usually mile 1 is my fastest.

I took this pic after the race

I continued to trudge along and couldn’t wait to walk at the first water stop around mile 1.25. (I wasn’t really thirsty so just took a sip and continued running.)

This course had you run around more of the park and it also seemed to avoid the bigger hills of the park.

I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile since the crowd had thinned out. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop. That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get some energy.

I had lost Hollys since she had gotten way ahead but all of a sudden, I could see her in the distance.

Finally we left the park and headed downhill to the finish. Not the steep downhill that we used to have with the old course, but at least it was downhill.

Runners cross the finish line for the Freihofer's Run for Women Saturday June 3, 2017 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / 40040636A

Hollys is in white. I am in the distance. (photo from TU)

I ran as fast as I could and even passed Hollys. But I started my sprint too soon. By the time, the finish line came into view, I was pooped. Hollys passed me and I crossed at 28:04 (gun time.)

Not a PR (and I was not expecting one) but a decent time and faster than last year.

I grabbed a bagel and some chocolate milk. It was definitely less congested than when it was by the fountains on the Plaza. No long lines for food.

yum!!!!

I ran into even more runners again that I knew.

the Mayor who had a 2 min, PR

The first time runners were so excited. That put a smile on my face. I remembered why I love this race and it was never because of my awesome finish times.

I walked back to the Training Challenge Tent to get some more food and chatted with friends for awhile.

Many runners were excited about their PRs. I may not have run my fastest time but I still enjoyed myself.

You get what you put in. I did not do all the speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I also just ran a half marathon and I am no spring chicken. Plus my time was faster than the past two years (29:22, 28:50). So I was happy with that.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:13
mile 2- 9:03
mile 3 – 8:25
.18 – ??

Chip time – 27:48

There was computer set up so you could check your time and see you won an age group award.