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Running Update: 4.24.17-4.30.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Our good weather continued for one more day. It was even warmer than Sunday. Tonight was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run and the plan called for 10 min. warm-up, 4-6 800m sprints at 5k pace, 400m recovery after each, cool down. The day after a 5k race plus 6 additional miles?  Could I do it?  Patrick allowed me to back off and do them at 10k pace.  I actually felt stronger after each one. My first and last were my fastest at 4:10. (He let us stop after 4 repeats. 🙂 )

4 tough miles

  • Tuesday – A nasty rainy day. My run got replaced by (indoor) tennis. It was fun since I hadn’t played in weeks and of course, we went out to dinner afterwards.
  • Wednesday – Another dreary day but the rain stopped by afternoon and it warmed right up. I managed to squeeze in a quick sweaty run before meeting my tennis friends for our monthly dinner out. (Unfortunately I had to skip my STEM volunteering.)

The first tulips I’ve seen

  • Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run on the Corning Bike Path since we hadn’t been there in ages. As usual it was a good one.

  • Friday – I decided to stop at the gym then stay home and pack for my weekend in NYC. (I even skipped mah jongg 😦 )
  • Saturday – I headed to NYC with fellow runner Sue. I only knew her a little but we got along great. (Runners always seem to.) After leaving our bags at our hotel, we headed to the expo to get our race packets, had lunch and then went back to our hotel to check into our room. Yes, we walked over 11 miles the day before our race on a very warm day. We carbloaded at a nice Italian restaurant with another local runner and her daughters. Eventually we returned to the hotel to try to get some sleep before rising early the next day.

  • Sunday – Today I ran the Women’s Shape Half Marathon in Central Park, NYC. It was tough. Maybe my toughest half. Those hills are no joke but I finished and had a fun day.

poor training, sore throat, aching feet, stomach cramp – nevertheless, she persisted!!

24. 6 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles)
  • Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
  • Wednesday – rest, fly to Florida
  • Thursday – Sunday – running, tennis, hanging out at the beach, dinner out and lots of fun.

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

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?

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Runfessions – 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 STILL can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

This would have been definitely more pleasant at 6 am than 5 pm.

How do you early morning runners do it?

I runfess…

I did not do a single uninterrupted long run for this weekend’s half marathon.  I think my longest run was 6 miles.  I know that I should but racing is more fun.

5k + 6 mi = 9 mi

Anyone have success doing it my way?  Am I crazy?  (Don’t answer that. it was rhetorical.)

I runfess…

I have been going to the gym at least once a week but I just rush in, do all the machines and rush out.  I could also use the treadmill or the bike.

at least the gym is near Starbucks

I should also take a class (spinning, boot camp, Zumba) before my free membership elapses, right?

I runfess…

I am actually enjoying my shorter races.  I used to feel pressured when I ran them.  I felt like I should try to PR.  But now I am not even trying to run fast.  I’m still having decent finish times and even winning some age group awards. In my most recent race, my slowest pace was the end of the race.

Once my May 21 half is over and I have a break in my training, I should consider trying for a 5K PR.

I runfess…

I am looking forward to 8 day vacation in Naples, FL with my tennis friends.  It’s always a fun time to unwind, go to the beach and have some quality girl-time.

We are going 2 weeks early because one of the ladies is expecting a grandchild. This, however, means missing some of my favorite races. Serious FOMO will be happening.

I runfess…

My half marathon on May 21 is on a flat course and it is the same course where I did PR back in October.  So I should train better than I have for this weekend’s fun one.  Will I?

Well, there’s my Florida trip and then there’s a 5k on May 13 and another possible one on May 14.

Summer Smith Memorial 5k

As Brittany says; Oops, I’ve done it again.

I runfess…

I used almost always run by myself.  I actually enjoyed the solitude and being alone with my thoughts.  I even stopped listening to music.

Well lately, I’ve gotten spoiled.  I have my training group peeps on Monday, STEM volunteers on Wed, Alyssa on Thurs and there are my races on the weekend.

It’s so much more fun running with someone else.

Now it feels weird when I am alone.  I’ve started listening to podcasts.  It’s my virtual running partner talking to me (and I don’t have to talk back…but I can..).

Anyone else prefer to run with a friend than solo?

I runfess…

I am planning to wear a top to this weekend’s half marathon that I have not worn before.  Judy says it is comfortable so I will believe her.  (But I do plan to wear a sports bra underneath!!)

Anyone wear new unworn items to a big race??

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

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TOLT: It’s Half Time, Vacation Time, etc.

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

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

  • Half Time:

And I’m not talking about football. This weekend I am heading to NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon.

Image result for shape women's half marathon

I am, of course, weather stalking:

Glad the race isn’t Sat…

My preference would be weather like this past weekend – sunny and cool but as long as it doesn’t rain, I’ll be happy.

What to wear is pretty easy since I always wear a SkirtSports skirt and tank. I’m going purple for this race.

The logistics and weekend events are still up in the air and it’s Thursday.  I may be going and staying in a hotel room with two other women or maybe only one.  One is injured and can’t decide if she wants to walk or stay home.  We may be driving 1 1/2hrs and taking the train to the city or taking the train from Albany and taking the bus back.  I’m thinking the first option since it is cheaper.

We are staying in a hotel in Harlem on 124th St.  Tentative plans are drop off bags, bib pick up (57th), hotel check in, new Whitney museum (13th St) and dinner.  We are having dinner with another local runner.  There’s another STEM graduate who running the race.  I need to try to plan a meet-up with her as well as another blogger.

Race-cations are always exciting even if they are short.

  • Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge:

Image result for freihofer's run training challenge

This is the 7th year of this program and my third year participating. I signed up for the Advanced group again and we already had 6 weeks of training.  We have a great group of new and returning runners. I only go on Mondays but I actually like the speed drills this year.  They seem to be less painful than previous years (or maybe I’m just more relaxed and not trying to be the fastest.)

Patrick, who is young and cute, is still one of our coaches. He is constantly scolding me for not running as fast as he thinks I am able and mostly for racing every weekend.  However, I am able to ask him questions and he gives me useful advice (that I may or may not follow LOL).

  • Upcoming Florida Vacation:

With work and this weekend in NYC, I’m not ready.  We leave on a 6am flight next Wednesday.  I’m away this weekend, have my running group Monday evening and tennis Tuesday evening.  Yikes! When do I pack for 8 days away??

But looking forward to sunsets and fun times on the tennis courts and soaking up the sun on the beach.

If you know me, you know that although there are very few races this time of year in Florida, since we are there 2 weeks earlier than usual, I thought I’d take a look.

May 7 – 7:30 am

I found one – two loops around Old Naples.  We have tickets for a show the night before so I don’t know if I can talk someone with a car into getting up early to drive me.  We’ll see.

Happy Running! What’s new with you today? Tell me in the comments.

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Lake George 5k Race Recap

I signed up for this race on a whim. I mean, it’s the week before my half marathon and I should be tapering not racing.

lghm_09

the day before the Lake George Half Marathon in 2011

I love Lake George. The half was my second half marathon ever (in the freezing rain!)

2nd

finishing the Lake George Half in 2011

They changed the sponsoring company of the race (from Dean Reinke to Stronger To Serve) so I decided to run the half marathon again last year with Barbara.

April 2016 – chilly in Lake George, NY

Anyway, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit with my Lake George friends after the race (or maybe even shop at the Outlets.)

with my friend Kathy last year

So this year, when I got a $10 off coupon in my e-mail, I said: “what the heck? why not run the 5k?” Plus you got the same medal, tee shirt and age group award as if you had run 13.1 miles (as Tom in the photo below reminded me.) I don’t know if that will be the same this year. The website indicates that it is a cotton tee for the 5kers and no medal. That is ok with me. (I have enough shirts and medals.)

I wasn’t sure if they changed the course from the 2013 course but I know it is hilly anywhere in Lake George. But it looks about the same on the website.

2013 course (Spoiler alert: not the 2017 course)

Again the dilemma of what to wear … some days it feels like spring, other days it feels like winter.

So left my house early (around 7:15 am) and it was chilly (37 degrees!!)!! I decided to wear something similar to last week (short sleeved shirt & DIY arm sleeves, skirt & compression socks) and hope for the best. I also wore a jacket that I planned to ditch but forgot my gloves at home.

When I arrived (around 8:15 am), I started by looking for parking in the hotel lot. (If it was full, I planned to check out the park or the village or my friends’ house.) I managed to find a spot and went to pick up my race packet and bib which was outside in back of the hotel.

Short sleeved tech shirt

 

yup, that’s the last part of the nasty gravel hill to the finish line

I was early so walked around for a while.  It was very sunny and there was no wind so the temps were warming up nicely.

I already took of my jacket and rolled down my sleeves

Then I went back to my car to put away my race shirt and I bumped into Judith who was running the half.

We hung out until it was time for her race to start.  I was able to watch the half marathoners start and finish their first mile before my race began.

there’s goes Judith on her way to a PR and 2nd place woman finisher

Most of the runners there were racing the half marathon so there was only a small crowd doing the 5K. Fifteen minutes after the half started, it was time for the 5k race.

The course that we ran was completely different from the one I had run a few years ago.  We actually ran the same course as the half but just turned around a lot sooner.

So we ran down Beach road for 1/2 mile and then circled a parking lot and returned and passe the start line.  This was my least favorite part because we had to run on the sidewalk (my ankle gets angry on sidewalks) but at least the view was nice.

The temperature was perfect for running.  It was probably in the high 40’s by the start.  I was comfortable in what I was wearing except for my hands which were cold. I didn’t feel like I was running fast but looking at my splits, it seems that I was for the first mile.  I’ve been trying to run by feel and not look at my watch during a race.

We continued along Beach Road past the tour boats and eventually turned right onto Canada Street (the main road of the town).

Canada Street was slightly uphill and we ran through town and then turned right onto 9N and ran uphill for another 1 1/2 miles until we had to turn around.  I was running slower due to the hill but didn’t feel the need to walk like I usually do.

behind those restaurants is the road in town

Finally we took a left onto Beach Road and then had turn right onto a narrow path and run uphill and then turn again onto to a gravel path. It was very hard to run uphill on loose stones. I slowed down to almost a walk but finally did sprint across the finish line.

I crossed at 27:53 and I was pleased with my effort.

I wasn’t tired, I didn’t push myself at all.  Maybe I could have PRed but I was planning to enjoy the race and then have enough energy to run more miles after. Mission accomplished.

As soon as you finished, they handed you your results and if you won an award, you got a glass. (But no medal as they gave last year for the 5k. Oh well.) No waiting around for awards.  No announcing of names and ages.

Yup, I won first in my age group.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:44
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 8:47
.15 – 9:24

I got some refreshments and then decided to run some miles on the nearby bike trail. I ran 2 miles (which was all uphill) and then turned around (That downhill was fun!).

The I went back to my car and drove about 30 minutes north to Bolton Landing (where we keep out boat and I do all my summer runs.)

Unfortunately, I was running out of time. I had made lunch plans.  So I ran in town and then over the bridge to the Sagamore Hotel and then back to my car. I only had time for 2 more miles.  My legs still felt strong but this would have to do for the day.

view from the bridge

So I changed my clothes (in my car) and rushed off to the restaurant.  Kathy & I  did a lot of catching up and had a scrumptious lunch with a view of the water.

I’m wearing my race shirt, of course

After lunch, we drove back into town and walked around for a while before we parted.

quiet day at our marina

I ended the day with some ice cream (why not?) and some retail therapy at the outlets (and I did not buy any running related items).

All in all, a perfect day

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

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?

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TOTR: April Report Card

Image result for bye april
So spring finally did arrive. Although it did waver back and forth throughout most of the month.

Here’s how April turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Although we had quite a bit of rain. I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), at the Crossings, near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path.

The good news is that it stays light out longer so I don’t have to run in the dark and can run longer after work. Since the snow has melted, I also have more choices of places to run.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me once a week.  It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

I continued to attend the Monday sessions of the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. Coach Patrick put us through those speed drills that I normally would never attempt on my own.

I also started my volunteering stint with the STEM runners this month. The clients run three time each week.  I attended two Wednesday sessions.  May will be our big month since the race is in early June.

Long Runs:

I will end the month with a half marathon and so I tried to squeeze in some miles on the weekends to prepare for it. There were no uninterrupted long runs so my training definitely was lacking.

Total Mileage:

I ran 102 miles this month. I am pleased since I increased my mileage from last month (thanks to running a half this month) and it’s my highest mileage in a long time.

April Miles

Races:

I had five races on my schedule this month – two 5ks, a 8k and a half marathon but I DNSed on one (a 5 miler)

I was sad that a backache forced me to DNS at the Delmar Dash (one of my favorite local races). However, I was generally happy with how the other races went. The Bacon Hill 5k was cold and windy which helped me run fast. The Code Blue race was quite hilly and my first 8k. I really enjoyed this race and did better than I expected. The Lake George 5k was also hilly but one of the most scenic places to run and I won my age group. The Shape Half was one of my toughest halfs to date but I finished so I was very pleased and the weekend in NYC was fun.

Did not expect any PRs and I didn’t get them.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but with work and other stuff, I only played once this month.

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week, though. I didn’t quite achieve that.

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall. Not everyday like I used. But more often since the weather has cooperated.

Other News:

I’ve gone out to dinner quite a few times with different friends (maybe too many times LOL). It seems to be how we make time to catch up when our lives are so busy. You have to eat, right?

I also got to hear the amazing Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speak.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is May 21 in Adams, Mass. It is flat and on the same course as my PR (Ramblefest in October).

My annual tennis vacation in Naples, Fla is coming up. Lots of girl-time scheduled.

And it’s my BIRTHDAY month!! (May 9)

I have quite a few races planned. My race season just kicked into high gear.

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

(tennis trip to Florida 5/3-5/10)

  • 5-6-17 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)?
  • 5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
  • 5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K?
  • 5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5m)
  • 5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon
  • 6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
  • 6-11-17 – Run for Hope (volunteer with STEM) or Betar Byway 5k & Moreau Mile??
  • 6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k* or Good Karma 5k*??
  • 6-25-17 – Adirondack Distance Run

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

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also 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: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an A-. I think that I improved from last month – more miles, some drills, some gym time. Still room to grow.

What do you think?

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

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Running Update: 4.17.17-4.23.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Today was a hellish day. A good friend’s 23 year son took his own life and I went to a memorial service.  Then my MIL had a mini stroke and ended up in the hospital. Thank God, it was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run and I could clear my head with a run and friends. The plan tonight was warm-up, 6-8 400m sprints at 5k pace, 200m recovery, cool down.  The weather was perfect though a little too windy.  Patrick said I got the consistently award for running all 6 sprints at 1:53 (We quit after 6 repeats.)

notice that our coach is wearing Skirt Sports.

Afterwards I met my BFF at the mall for a walk and a chat.

  • Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I ran  some miles at UAlbany. Another perfect weather day.

  • Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work, followed by a stop at the gym after work.

It was also my day for volunteering with the STEM runners –  Couch to 5k and being week 2 and day 2, we only ran for 1 1/2 minutes and walked for 2 minutes. It was fun and so rewarding to work with these new runners even in the damp cold drizzling weather.

  • Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run on the Nisky Bike Path since Alyssa had the day off and lives nearby.  I joined her for the first 6 of her 13 mile run. Another run trying to beat the rain. And we did.

  • Friday – I had planned a quick run before mah jongg but it was raining so I went to the gym to use the machines instead. Of course, the rain had stopped by the time I was done but I lost my mojo.
  • Saturday – A scheduled rest day. I got a lot done around the house. Then I went to the movies with friends…

it was excellent!!

followed by dinner out.

  • Sunday – Today I ran the Lake George 5k.  I’ve run it before so the uphill was no surprise. The weather couldn’t have been nicer. The race felt effortless and I even won my age group.

Not a PR but a decent 27:53 finish

Afterward, I ran 4 more miles on a nearby bike path …

Uphill on the way out but a delightful downhill back

and then drove up to our marina and ran 2 more miles. I felt strong enough to run more but I had plans for lunch with a friend.

Mimosa and feta shrimp tomato omelet with corn bread & fresh fruit salad

 1 more week to go!! Taper time!

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles),
  • Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
  • Wednesday – gym, STEM group run (week 3 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
  • Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – drive/train to NYC, packet pick up, etc.
  • Sunday – Shape Women’s Half Marathon

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

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

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

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Friday Five 2.0 – Pampering

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 Pampering.

I don’t get massages or pedicures like many runners do but here’s how I spend money pamper myself or make myself feel good.

1. Hair

Every 5 weeks without fail, I cut and color my hair.  I also get highlights once a year.

no, I will NEVER let my gray hair show

2. Nails

I also have my fingernails done about as frequently as my hair.  Always a French manicure (so it doesn’t show if I let it go.) I also always have my toes polished (a dark color) but I do them myself.

I mean my nails have to look good when I take pics of my medals LOL

you see why I don’t waste money on these pretty babies

3. Starbucks

I don’t buy them as often as I used to but I do indulge every now and then. They just taste so good!

4. Drinks and Dinners Out

I’m not a homebody and when a friend or my hubby suggests going out for a drink or a bite to eat, I never hesitate to accept the invitation.


5. Ice Cream

Ice cream cones, root beer floats, whatever.  They get me through many of my long runs. I don’t feel a bit guilty about the calories.

Happy Running! How do you pamper yourself?  Do you get the runner traditional massage and pedicure?

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TOTR: Foolish Running Mistakes

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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Foolish Running Mistakes

I could write the book on these. So here’s just of few of my big goofs:

  • Running without my phone.

I’ve only done it on rare occasions but I couldn’t have died on that frigid day when I fell and broke my ankle. I’ll never do it again!! You never know what may happen when you are out on a run.

before the fall

  • A Long Run Without Fuel

I’m one of those runners who needs to eat before, during and after my runs if they are longer than 4 miles. I’ve had a few miserable ones where I left my Gu in my car and one that I can remember where it must of fallen out of my pockets.

  • Over-Dressed for a Run or Race

I would rather be cold than hot when I run.  If I am cold, I just run faster.  Being overdressed makes me grumpy and nauseous.

having my jacket tied around my waist makes me annoyed too…

  • Running Fast on a Trail

It’s pretty obvious that you have to run slower when there is loose dirt and rocks.  I discovered that the hard way this past weekend.

not happy but all bandaged up

  • Not Charging Your Watch Before a Race

Yup, I’ve run several races where I had no idea what mile I was on nor my pace.  The first inconvenience bothered me the most.  It influenced fueling as well as my finish time.

a naked half marathon. I felt like the runner next to me.

  • Poor Pre-Race Meal Choice

At home, I’m ok.  But when I am traveling especially if I am staying with someone who is cooking for me, it’s often difficult to eat the right thing. Of course, then you pay during the race.

That face may be been from my upset stomach, the first 3 miles (spicy rice & beans the night before)

  • Blisters or Chafing from Clothing or Shoes in a Race

We all know not to wear new items of clothing or new shoes in a race.  I am pretty good about it or maybe it’s that I have been lucky in that area.  But I have run without the proper moleskin protecting my feet.  The results were not pretty.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! What running mistakes have you made?  Any of the same ones as I have?  Do you learn from your mistakes or do you repeat some them?

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Running Update: 4.10.17-4.16.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Tonight was week 4 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run. The plan tonight was 10 minute warm-up, then run 4-6 400m @ 5k pace w/200 m rest, then cool-down. It was tough especially since the temps hit 80 degrees today. Though I was one of the slowest of the group, I did 5 repeats each in 1:53  (That’s fast for me).

3 sweaty miles with some needed speed work

Afterwards, I rushed off (without stretching and sweaty) to our mah jongg seder to celebrate the first night of Passover.

  • Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I planned to stop at the Crossings (since I was nearby) to run. But had to go back to work so I ran at Ualbany instead. Another very warm day but I’m not complaining.

  • Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work. It was also my first day volunteering with the STEM runners.  They are doing the Couch to 5k and being week 1 and day 2, we only ran for 1 minute and walked for 1.5 minutes. It was fun and great to meet the new group.  I hope they stick with it.

week 1, day 2

  • Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run in Washington Park since neither of us had been there in ages. Even though Alyssa didn’t feel great, it was still a decent effort. Better than running alone.

cloudy and chilly…spring is fickle here

  • Friday – Another scheduled rest day due to an after work hair appointment. (I’ve got my priorities.)
  • Saturday – Today I ran the Code Blue 8k. It was a new race for me and I knew that it would be hilly (and it was.) But it was sunny and that made all the difference and I loved the course.

4th in my AG but happy with 46:26 (GT) 46:01 (garmin)

After chatting with my friend Judith for awhile, I decided to continue my run at Saratoga Spa State Park. It had warmed to the 60s and it made for a perfect running day except for a fall about 2 miles in on a trail. With the help of some strangers (tissues & band-aids) and the spring water, I was able to continue my run but settled for 6 more miles rather than the planned 7.

I even washed my blood soaked socks in the spring LOL

 

This helped forget about my wounds.

  • Sunday – Rest day again but a busy day around the house.

Then we went to my mother-in-law’s for Easter dinner with the family.

Gym was closed so went for a walk instead. Can’t beat the views.

 2 more weeks to go!!

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles)
  • Tuesday – 3 miles
  • Wednesday –  STEM group run (week 2 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
  • Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
  • Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, gym
  • Sunday – Lake George 5K + 5-7 more miles

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

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

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

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Code Blue 8K Race Recap


I could have taken the weekend off and have done my 12 mile long run.  I also could have run an easy 4 mile race that I have done before.

But no. I like a challenge so I signed up for this race.  All I knew was what it said on the website:

This challenging course is intended for competitive participants. The course is front and back loaded with rolling hills as it winds through Saratoga’s east side, it evens out with just over 5K left as you approach the City’s beautiful Spring Run Trail and finishes back at High Rock Pavilion.

Here’s the Course map:

and the Elevation:

Yeah, right.  Perfect for a runner who hates hills.

I told myself that it wouldn’t kill me (and hopefully not injure me) and I would be better prepared for hilly Central Park in two weeks.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… And with quite a few women over 60 entered in this race, this one also wouldn’t tempt me to run for an award (and it was a medal of which I had enough…now if it were food, a different story.)

The plan was to take it slow. I’ve never run an 8k so an automatic PR, right?

How far is an 8K, anyway?

Well at least it was less windy than last weekend and this race was a little closer to my house (about 45 min.)

Again I tried to wear spring running clothes.  I was determined to pretend that it is warm enough. (It was near 80 this past week.)

Well, when I arrived, it was in the 30’s so very chilly. I wore a shirt under my long-sleeved shirt, had gloves and a jacket. But there was no wind and it was sunny. That would make a huge difference over last weekend.

I got there pretty early, found parking in the hotel parking lot and went inside the hotel to pick up my race packet. (Real bathrooms, yay!)

short-sleeved tech shirt but it is uni-sex so too big 😦

I went back to my car to stay warm. At the last minute, I decided to shed my jacket and walked to the starting line down the street in front of the Farmer’s Market location.

In honor of the race’s charity (Code Blue Saratoga offers emergency shelter to individuals who are street homeless or might otherwise remain unsheltered during nights of extreme cold and heavy snow), I did wear blue.

I also bumped into some familiar faces from previous races but not as many as usual because this race was far from where I live (and many of my friends were running the local Rabbit Ramble race.)

My friend Tom (4th from left) was running with this group

I did eventually find Judith and we started together as we did last weekend.

I was warned about the hills in this race plus I didn’t want a repeat of last weekend’s performance (no energy for my extra post-race miles.)

I made a conscious effort to run the first mile slow.  After that I didn’t have to try since there would be numerous water stops and several steep hills to slow me down.

photo from the Daily Gazette

As soon as we started, I lost Judith in the dust.  That was expected.  She is super speedy. We started with a slight uphill but nothing steep.  I’ve become lackadaisical about my running, I think.  I never double-knotted my shoes and even before we finished the first mile, one came untied and so I stopped and re-tied both of them.

Mile 2 arrived with our first big hill.  I managed to shuffle my way up it without walking.  The rest of the race continued with uphills and down hills.  There were many twists and turns which made it interesting.

Toward the end of mile 3, we ran on a paved bike trail and then one more hill before we ended up right where we started.

photo from the Daily Gazette

There were many water stops and I quickly stopped at a few but the amazing part was that I ran up all the hills (a first, I think for me).  And I had a lot of energy during the last mile.

So it turns out that an 8k is almost 5 miles.

I didn’t look at my Garmin at all during the race so I was surprised that it was almost 45:XX when I saw the finish line.

Official stats say, I crossed at 46:26 (but my Garmin says 46:01).   I was happy.  It was much faster than I expected especially since I was trying to run slow.

I quickly made a beeline for the food. There was the usual energy bars, bagels and fruit but also rice and beans and chocolate milk (I had 2 of each).

Judith and I hung out waiting for the awards. She won 2nd but I was 4th. I guess  you can’t always win (besides it was just a medal.)

I was too sweaty to wear my long-sleeved shirt

 

some speedy old ladies that I don’t recognize

This race is definitely on my to-do list.  I enjoyed the challenge of the hills (and they’re weren’t as bad as I feared).  I liked the variety of the course, as well.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:08 (much slower than last week’s 8:30)
mile 2 – 9:22
mile 3 – 9:29
mile 4 – 9:38 (positive splits 😦 )
mile 5 – 9:14  (better!)

46:01 (Garmin time)  My most recent 5 mile race time was 46:10 and my PR is 45:26 (on a flat course)

Of course, after a race, no one wants to go back out there and run 7 more miles.  But I was determined to get the miles in.  My run was so horrible last weekend that I did not have high hopes for this week’s.

After a long chat with Judith, she recommended that I run at Saratoga Spa State Park. So I headed there.

I parked by the Gideon Putnam hotel so it would be easy to find my car again.  It’s a big park and I don’t know it well.

My plan was to run 7 miles.  I stumbled upon a 5 mile trail and decided to run that first.  It was really nice and I tried to follow the red signs so I wouldn’t get lost.

Around two miles in, I took a detour because I saw an interesting spring and another trail.

Well, I got too cocky with the trail running and down I went…HARD.  Lots of folks around the spring offered their help.  I was bleeding badly and it covered my nice white socks.  But I fell right near the fountain from the spring.  I rinsed my knee and my socks.  A nice passer-by gave my tissues and another band-aids.  So I was good to continue my run.  Even if I couldn’t, I still had to get back to my car.

I went back the original trail and tried to continue but somehow, I never got to 5 miles.  Only 3.  But I decided to stop in the park office since I was still bleeding and the band-aids were not doing their job.  They gave me alcohol to sterilize my wounds and more band-aids.

and I’m ready to run

I wasn’t lethargic like last week but it was getting rather warm and my leg was still bleeding so I continued running on the park roads, the bike path and made a loop back for only another 3 miles.

So not the 7 miles that I planned but considering the circumstances, I was happy to have 11 (interrupted) miles on my legs. (I WILL NEVER DO A TRAIL RACE!!)

After a nice long shower, I got my nails done, went grocery shopping, had dinner and then went out for drink and dessert with a friend.

I think this is appropriate for the day 🙂

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

 Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing? Ever run an 8K?  Anyone combine their long runs with a short race? Have you ever fallen while running on a trail?