September 10, 2016 by Darlene

Malta 5K Race Recap

This race is one of my favorites. Not because the director, Paul Loomis, reads my blog or that my stepson works at Global Foundaries, one of the sponsors of the race. But because of the easy parking, indoor restrooms, post race chocolate milk, generous age group awards, lots of familiar faces to run with and its flawless organization. For these reasons and more, I keep coming back.

This was my 5th time running this 5k. So you can say that I was familiar with this course.

The course itself is not very exciting…you are running around chip plants but the loops let you see the fast runners and all those runners that are behind you twice during the race. And though there are a few uphills and downhills, it’s basically flat so no complaints.

In 2012, I finished in 29:53 (recovering from a broken ankle). In 2013, I finished in 29:49 (recovering from a broken foot). In 2014, I was healthy and finished 3rd in my AG with a time of 28:47.

getting my award from Paul Loomis

Last year, also healthy, I finished in 28:56 and 4th in my age group. But like this year, I was training for a half marathon. Running slow long runs doesn’t help my 5k times.

So my hope for the race this year was to get my splits in the 9s and finish under 30 minutes and have enough in the tank to run 5-7 more miles after the race. (My half marathon is only ONE week away!!!)

Winning an age group award would be gravy!!

The forecast was for cooler weather and possibly rain. However, it was 70 when I left my house at 6:45 am and already pretty humid.

I got there early to get parking and did get a spot in the parking lot right near the finish line. This race seems to get bigger each year. There were over 800 total racers.

a nice long sleeved tech shirt

As I mentioned, it is very well-organized – signs for the race, indoor bathrooms and waiting area, etc.

I immediately bumped into some older ladies that I haven’t in a while. Then I saw Holly, a friend from previous races and the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s training group. I was surprised because she said was going to do the Dunkin Run. I was happy to see her … sort of. But she is in my age group and usually faster than me (except for the last 5k) and you know how competitive I am…

Then I ran into these older guys and we hung out until it was time to head to the start.

Richard (84) & Paul (67)

I was hoping that they would have net times this year but I they did not. So Holly, Gary and I started near the front but not too close to the speedsters.

The race started and Holly took off. I knew that I couldn’t keep up with her but I tried to keep her in my sight for as long as I could. A very similar pattern to last week.

I was able to follow Paul more closely. He was my unofficial pacer.

My first mile is always my fastest. I don’t try to go out fast but it always turns out that way. And every time, I can’t keep up so I slow down and walk. You think I would learn how to run a race with negative splits or not walk during a 5k.

Anyway, back to the race…There were 2 turn arounds so you got to see the faster and slower runners. It was amazing to see how fast the leaders were running – 3 runners finished with a pace under 5 minutes.

The first water stop was around mile 1.5 and I couldn’t wait to walk. I walked briefly. Around mile 2, I caught up to Holly and Paul but then you passed the same water stop around mile 2.5. At that water stop I walked even longer and Paul and Holly pulled ahead again.

But the walking gave my energy that I needed to finish strong. I was determined to break 29 minutes. I even at the last minute passed Holly (but not Paul). And I crossed at 27:30!!! (over a minute faster than my last 5k! Woo Hoo!)

Holly reminded me that last week, I beat her by 15 seconds and this week only 3!! However, I know soon, she will be back to beating me!!

We went inside to get some chocolate milk, fruit & bagels and chatted while waiting for the results.

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Holly is in the green top next to me

And we both won an awards. I got 2nd and Holly got 3rd!!

malta5k

Bonus – they started the awards with the oldies! That was great as I needed to leave and get my extra miles done!

This year, everyone got a small bottle of champagne and a gift card to a restaurant. Mine was to the Recovery Room and for $50. (I wonder how much first place got? Something to shoot for next year.)

Race Splits: (positive, as usual)
mile 1 – 8:46
mile 2 – 8:56
mile 3 – 9:01
.14 – 7:28

Garmin time: 27:27

found these signs all along the Zim Smith trail

The predicted rain never arrived and it was getting warmer with the sun even peeking out. I drove one exit south to the Zim Smith Bike Path and parked at Leah’s Cakery. (And yes, they were open!!)

I had planned to run 7 more miles. My legs were dead and they didn’t want to move but I was determined even if I walked a lot to get it done.

I went out 1.75 miles in one direction and returned to my car for water and then the same in the other direction. I was dragging. My pace was slow. I was sweating profusely and I walked frequently but I survived.

My reward was spinach mushroom quiche. And then coffee with peach cheese crumb pie. The best pie ever!!!

perfect, right?

Believe it or not, I stopped at the grocery store, library, bank, etc. on the way home. My legs will be mad at me tomorrow!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Anything exciting like a race perhaps?

September 8, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: NYC, Inspiring, Working, Etc.

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

NYC

Image result for I love nY

I was lucky to have gone to the city for my 4th time this summer on Tuesday.

Unfortunately I was only there for 5 hours and my only reason was to see my dear Russian friend, Anna.

She was my host when I first visited Russia 14 years ago.

in 2006, my 3rd visit to Russia

We have stayed in touch and she visits as often as she can. The last time was 3 years ago. This time she flew to the US for a wedding in Maine and decided to stop in NYC on her way back so I could see her.

So I took the bus down and we spent the day together. It was wonderful.

lunch on the North River Lobster boat

walk along the High Line

went to the rooftop of the Standard Hotel

and had dessert and drinks

Inspiring

I should mention that Anna is very much into fashion. Until this visit, I have only seen her in nice clothes and nice shoes. (In fact one year, she got blisters from walking around NYC in those shoes so she had to borrow my sneakers. She made me crop them out of every photo.)

In 2012, when she came to visit, she watched me in a race. Everyone got an medal and she seemed intrigued.

Now 4 years later, she tells me that she is a runner!!!!!!!!!! I was shocked!!

And she ran 2 days in a row in Central Park!! I feel like a proud parent!!!

She even mentioned that she wants to run a race and get a medal. Maybe even come back to the US and run one with me…

Work

Yup, I have a job. I’ve only worked 2 days so I can’t say much about it. I do feel like I am in a college class where I need to work hard to learn the material and then perform at a certain level. Let’s hope my “old” brain can absorb all this new stuff.

Racing

A lot of that. Coming up is a 5k, a half marathon, 2 5ks, a half marathon…

this Saturday

Fall

There’s pumpkin everything out but today the heat index was 90 degrees!?

Image result for pumpkin latte

I am have love-hate relationship with Fall. I love the pretty colors of the leaves and running in the cooler temps.

the rail trail where I run often

But it means the days are shorter and winter will be arriving. I HATE WINTER!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Have you ever inspired someone to start running? Do you like Fall?

September 6, 2016 by Darlene

Sefcu 5K Race Recap & TOTR

Hundreds of runners and walkers participated in the 27th annual ...

Last year’s pic from the Gazette

I had no intention of running this race. But FOMO got to me and it was only $15 so I signed up.

I had to run today anyway so now I would have company. After having run 12 miles on Saturday and having another 5k this Saturday, I had no plans to do anything but run.

Since I am usually on Lake George for the holiday (and I did spend the whole day there on Sunday), the only time I ran this race was in 2008, my first year running. My time was a not very impressive 33:03. So I thought that at least I could have a course PR for the day.

I am familiar with part of this course having trained for the Turkey Troy Trot on it and many of the HMRRC Winter Series races are also run here.

All I can say is that it is a boring course. You don’t run it for the scenery. It’s just office buildings and parking lots with a view of the highway.

photo from the Gazette 2015

I spent Sunday like this:

After a long day in the sun, dinner out and fireworks on the lake, I didn’t get home until 11:30 pm. And believe me, I was regretting my decision to run this race knowing all our friends would be out on the lake the next day.

But I dragged myself out of bed and drove to the race which was only 15 minutes away. I immediately ran into Holly, my friend Tom, a former student and so many more runners whom I knew.

I hung around talking to people that I hadn’t seen in a while.

another cotton shirt – ugh!

Many runners were doing their warm-up runs but I just walked around (my pre-race warm-up).

Soon it was time to begin (and I noticed the battery was low on my Garmin but it did last the 3.1 miles 🙂 ) and I lined up with Holly and Jackie (from the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s running groups).

Holly who is in my age group and faster than me, took off and vanished. I tried to start at a decent pace but my legs felt like lead from my 12 miles 2 days before.

The course, though boring, is fairly flat – just some uphills and downhills but nothing challenging.

Though it was perfect running in temps (in the 60’s), the sun was very strong and I was HOT. I willed myself not to walk until the first water stop a little past the 1 mile mark. It helped but I still felt like I was running a lot slower.

I walked again at the second water stop for an even longer time – but it was needed. I wanted to finish strong but I was dragging.

All of sudden, I saw Holly. She had slowed down and I was able to pass her in the last half mile.

Eventually, I approached the finish line with not much left but I gave it my best shot and a even passed a guy at the last minute.

28:34 officially. A minute slower than my last 5k which I thought was a disaster. Still a course PR and lots of runners to chat with while waiting for the awards.

sefcu5k

And I won 1st in my age group, Holly second and Jackie third (in a younger age group).

I guess it pays to be old – this my fourth age group 1st place win in a row.

I was having FOMO looking at the FB pictures of my friends and hubby picnicking on Lake George but I am happy with my race.

Splits:

mile 1: 8:50
mile 2: 9:06
mile 3: 9:39
.14: 7:59

28:30 (Garmin time)

Since it Tuesday and it a “free” topic day, I’m linking up with

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

Happy Running!

September 5, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. I started later than I should have. I drove to run on the Zim Smith Bike Path because I love to have a post run treat at Leah’s Cakery. Well, it is closed on Mondays. 😦 So it was hot, I was tired from the weekend and the run was pretty awful.

But I got it done and found a great place to eat afterwards only 3.5 miles away.

best apple pie!

YAY! Done!

I went to a STEM (training domestic violence survivors for a 5k) training/meeting in the evening at FleetFeet and I am excited that my volunteering starts Sept 12.

Tuesday – Decided to rest and skip my AM tennis. Got my nails done, played tennis in the evening and then went out to dinner (to celebrate the end of our summer Tuesday tennis).

Wednesday -The tennis round robin got cancelled so I went to the gym.

Ran with Alyssa in the evening. She had to get home so we had to rush. It meant that we were done before the rain (But boy was it humid!!)

Thursday – I played tennis in the am. Met Barbara for a run at UAlbany. Another friend was supposed to come along but we confused the times. It was a decent run since the temps have cooled down.

Afterwards I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Friday – I went to the gym in the am and then mah jongg in the evening. Enjoyed my last day of leisure!!

Saturday – My second long run this week and I really didn’t want to do it. So I took a new route … The unpaved part of the rail trail. It was a nice route and I can’t wait until they pave it.

Then my friend and I decided to go up to the Saratoga track for a few races (It closes this weekend) and then go to the casino.

showing my $40 winning ticket – won 4 out of 5 races so a very good day!! was not lucky at the casino

Sunday – I got up very early to head up to the lake. It’s the annual Christmas party and the bay gets crowded early. Lots of boats, food, entertainment and FUN!! The weather was absolutely perfect.

The day ended with dinner out and fireworks over the lake.

30 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 5K race
Tuesday – NYC!!
Wednesday – First day of my new job, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – Work, 3 mile run with a friend, hubby’s tennis party?
Friday – Work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 5-7 more miles
Sunday – 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? Any races?

September 2, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Summer Highlights

It’s Friday so I am linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

I had my first Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and I go back to working next Wednesday so it feels like summer is over.

My Friday Topic is Five Best Things About This Summer.

I won’t say “Not Working” because it is very stressful being unemployed with no idea when your next paycheck will arrive not to mention health care…

1. Rediscovering Tennis

Once I started running, I pretty much lost interest in tennis. I played only once a week and on tennis vacations. Well, this summer, I played outdoors a lot. My tennis improved. But the best thing was that I played in four different groups and met some awesome ladies.

near my house with Ellie and Stella

2. Discovering Hiking

I never really hiked before. I didn’t have the time nor the confidence to do so. But this summer I fought my fears and did a few solo hikes. The more hikes I did, the more confident I got and the more I enjoyed it.

Thomas Mountain

Stewart Mountain

Pinnacle Point

3. Finding a New Running Friend

I used to run mostly alone. Sometimes Judy & I could fit in a run together (but mostly in the winter) and occasionally I would run with Barbara. Well, I met Alyssa on FB and since she is new the area, she was glad to have a running partner. Since we met in June, we have run once a week together.

with Alyssa

4. Visiting NYC

Love love love NYC. I have been fortunate to find different people to help me feed my addiction.

Central Park with Judy

Food Tour with Eileen & Mary Pat

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Metropolitan Museum of Art with Catalina and Fran

My last summer trip will be on Tuesday to see Anna (from Russia.)

brunch at Gordon Ransey’s The Maze restaurant – May 2012

5. Running and Boating along and on Lake George

Said to be the “Queen” of all lakes. I love Lake George. I’ve run one race on either side of the lake and one in the village.

Adirondack 10 Miler

Firemen 5K

Camp Chingachgook 10K

I am also lucky enough to have a boat so I can hang out on the lake with my hubby and our boating friends.

in Shelving Rock Bay

Honorable Mention: Watching the Olympics

Image result for highlights of olympics 2016

Happy Running! What did you like best about this summer?

September 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: August Recap

Image result for august

Wow, the summer is flying by… Pumpkin lattes will be here before you know it…

So here’s how August went…

Weekday Runs:

Like July, August was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain. I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were mostly slow sweaty ones.

Because I was not working, I was able to run wherever. I was not forced to run near home or near work. So I tried to do my runs in many different places – Chestertown, Crossings, Corning Trail, Colonie Town Park, Nisky Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Rail Trail, UAlbany, etc.

I also ran with Alyssa 4 times. I met her on FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster . Win-Win.

I re-connected with Barbara and Judy and ran with them each once. It’s more fun running with friends.

: with Judy

Long Runs:

There were TWO!!!. I ran races or went boating on the weekends. So I managed to move these runs to Monday.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – finally some improvement.

aug

Races:

I ran three races this month – a 8.4 miler, a 10K and a 5K.

: Aug 20

: Aug 13

: 2016

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. I won age group awards in all three. That’s an achievement. The 8.4 and 10k races were very HILLY! The only one I felt could be better was the 5k. We are, though, our own toughest critics.

Cross Training:

I was STILL unemployed and I played tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I promise.

lheartspaceogo

I did workout at the gym at least three times. I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walked to the tennis courts when I played nearby and occasionally did go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked. I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) made up for it, though.

my favorite place to walk – rail trail

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and with some friends. Love it. Once to Pinnacle Point in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends. We listened to Broadway tunes in Bryant Park and then walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Costume Institute. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track with a friend. We had breakfast, watched and bet on the races and then stopped by the Casino (where I won $77).

I spent two wonderful weekends with my knitting and mah jongg friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis, knit or played mah jongg and ate.

Boating season continued and the weather was great. I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.”

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

And I HAVE A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!! I will be working starting Sept.7.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is September 18 and I am excited.

I do have a bunch of races coming up. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

9-5-16 – Sefcu 5K
9-10-16 – Malta 5k
9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon
9-25-16 – Arsenal City 5k ???
10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K
10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! How did your August turn out? Anything exciting planned for September?

August 31, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Radical

Deb Runs

Every Wednesday, 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.

This week’s word is: Image result for radical quotes

Macmillan defines “Radical” as “doing something new and very different from the usual way.”

Am I radical??

Hmmmmm…

Is it radical to start running for the first time at age 55?
Is it radical to run a 5k race several weeks into a training program when you’ve only run 1 mile so far?

FRW - 2008

Is it radical to run a half marathon when you’ve only run 5k races?

nhm finish

Is it radical to run a 5k as your first run after ankle surgery?

frw12tu

Is it radical to run two 5ks with a foot stress fracture?

Runners World 5K

Is it radical to finish a 5k after breaking your foot?

good thing I kept those critches

Is it radical to go on a race-cation by yourself?

Is it radical to hike solo?

I don’t consider myself “radical” but I do enjoy a challenge.

Happy Running! Are you “radical”?

August 30, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Fall Races

This week’s TOTR topic is Fall Race Schedule

Here’s what I have planned so far…

9-10-16 – Malta 5k

I’ve run this 5k several times. It’s pretty flat and I usually win an AG award.

malta5k

9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon

2008 Saratoga Palio Poster (Palio!) Tags: race poster memorial compassion run promotional legacy scholarship palio halfmarathon 5k fund mentalhealthcare melaniemerolaodonnell

This a first for me. I’ve heard good things about it so we’ll see. I am using it as a training run for my next half.

10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K

This is a fun local race with good swag.

10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon

facebook_event_236824593361349

Another new race. It follows the same course of the Steel Rail Half which had favorable reviews.

10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

I have run this race a few times. There will be many runners there that I know so it should be fun. Plus running around the park is beautiful this time of year.

11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K (in NYC)

My second time running through the NYC Marathon finish line. What can I say? You know I love NYC.

11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K

There aren’t many 15ks so I like to run them. This one is a very popular and lots of fun.

11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k

This is the 2nd year for this race. Most likely I won’t be running the race for myself but volunteering and helping one of the STEM runners finish her first 5k.

11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k

70th this year

I plan to participate in the training group for this race. It’s the most popular race in our area and a great way to start Thanksgiving Day.

11-24 -16 –Troy Turkey Trot 5k

This race happens right after the 10k. I’m dressed to run so why not do it too??

12-03-16 – Panama City Half Marathon (in FL)

the Half!

A race-cation!! Can’t wait!! In addition I get to meet my favorite fellow bloggers! This will just be a fun one!!

I’m linking up with

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

Happy Running! What fall races are you looking forward to?

August 29, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. Judy was nice enough to run the first 3 with me and then I was solo for the next 7. The weather was perfect and the run pretty decent.

Tuesday – played tennis in the am. and did a bunch of errands the rest of the day.

Wednesday – walked the mall and got some retail therapy. Ran with Alyssa in the evening at the Crossings. As always, a run with a friend is better than without.

Thursday – Played tennis in the am with the same new group as last week and then met Barbara for a run right after. We ran in the ugly humidity and then I finished solo at home. (Do you ever plan on 4 than feel guilty that you stopped at 3.5 and finish later?)

wearing my favorite Skirt Sports top ❤

Had a hair appt in the afternoon. Met a friend for dinner. (We had planned to go to the gym and for a walk but postponed it until the next morning.)

Friday – The tennis robin got cancelled so I went to the gym, for a walk and out to lunch with a friend. (We had planned this for the day before but only got the eating part done.)

I wasn’t running…just posing for a pic. I used the arm machine and then went for a 5 mile walk.

Afterwards I went grocery shopping, made a broccoli slaw salad, packed my stuff for the weekend and drove up to my friend’s house on Schroon River. We spent the evening knitting, chatting and watching a movie.

Saturday – I woke up to this view of the Schroon River.

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I had planned to run 11 miles this morning but decided to just do a short run since it was too hilly.

I didn’t play tennis but walked to and from the courts (2 miles). After lunch, we played mah jongg and chatted, etc. I drove back to the marina to have dinner with my hubby and boating friends. Then I spend the rest of the evening with my mah jongg friends ( though 3 did not spend the night.)

Sunday – Started the day with a few sets of tennis and then we went for a walk. Two more friends arrived and after lunch, we spent the rest of the day playing mah jongg.

Fun weekend spent with good friends. I did miss boating (cuz the weather was perfect) but hopefully I’ll get to do that next weekend.

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 11 mile run, STEM orientation
Tuesday – gym, rest, PM tennis, dinner out
Wednesday – tennis round robin, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – AM tennis, 3 mile run with a friend
Friday – gym, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – boating (Xmas party in the lake)

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? Any races?

August 27, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions August

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

I runfess…

I have a running shoe problem. Maybe you already knew that.

My lower back started aching so I bought these (on sale.)

Nike Zoom Vomero 12s

Then I got an email with an even better sale on my first Zoom Vomero 11s. So I had to buy them too.

bought these a year ago – now I have a new pair

The problem is that I am still attached to my older shoes that are worn out or were never comfortable. Memories! My 5k Pr…my Half Marathon PR… I am having trouble parting with them.

I runfess...

I am bailing on my 11 miler tomorrow. It’s not the weather. I’m not sick or injured. I have the time. I just don’t feel like running it alone.

Instead I am going up to spend the weekend with friends.