August 17, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Physical

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.

Today’s word is Physical.

Of course, the first thing I thought of with this word was this:

Wow, that was 35 years ago?

And that may have been my first time getting “physical.”

I did NOTHING athletic growing up. Just those nasty physical fitness tests in gym class.

In college, there was just drinking and dancing. (I took bowling and Israeli dance as my required PE classes.)

I was lucky to not have a weight problem so I never thought about getting involved in anything related to physical fitness.

When this song came out, my bff and I decided to take an Aerobics class at a local community center. It was fun. We moved and did steps & stretching to music.

I think at some point in my 30’s, I joined a gym. I went occasionally but that didn’t last.

Fast forward to my 40’s. A co-worker and I met every evening to go for a walk. This was our version of doing something “physical.” Then one day, we decided to take an adult ed class at a local high school – Intro. to Tennis.

We were just awful. But somehow, I got hooked. Not on the physical part but on meeting great people and being part of a community – the tennis community.

So I took lessons, got better, joined numerous tennis teams and played ALL THE TIME.

In fact, I met my current hubby in 1996 while playing tennis.

at Nationals in Palm Spring – 2002

Then came my 50’s. I was still playing tennis but it was starting to be more social than competitive.

One day my tennis friend suggested that we join No Boundaries and learn to run.

One of my first races

Almost immediately I signed up for races. As my one friend remarked this past weekend. You seemed to have found your niche with running.

Almost there!

As so I guess I have. It’s my physical. It has even motivated me to do other physical things such as yoga, the gym, walking, hiking so I can be a better runner.

And though I hated those physical fitness tests when I was young, I now realize how important it is to be physically fit.

Happy Running!

August 16, 2016 by Darlene

Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10K Race Recap

ccc

I was looking forward to another Lake George race because I love the scenery. This race is even more scenic than the Adirondack Distance Run and just as hilly.

I ran this race in 2012 as my first 10k ever. I finished it at 1:09:07 but I was still recovering from ankle surgery.

After that, I ran more 10ks and this race again in 2014. I finished in 1:04:54 (A big improvement).

This year, I hoped to improve upon my Camp Chingachgook Challenge time but not to PR due to the hills. (My 10K PR is 57:03). I suck at hills.

The course is out and back – which means hills both ways.

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along the lake most of the way

no flat sections!

We’ve had an awfully hot, humid summer. Today was no exception. 99% humidity and close to 80 degrees at the start. There was a threat of rain and thunderstorms. Normally I hate to run in the rain but rain today would actually make things bearable.

I had my usual breakfast of hot cereal and left around 6:45 am. I got there with no problems around 8:15 am, found parking, used the (real) restrooms and wandered around for a while exploring the grounds. I chatted with many runners who asked about the course. I felt like an expert since I had run it twice already.

I quickly bumped into Lara, a fellow runner and former tennis teammate.

our power pose in honor of our friend Tom who was not running the race

As I mentioned, although you run along the lake for the whole way, it is HILLY, I mean very HILLY. I have run 2 races on the other side of the lake and this side, the hills are a lot steeper.

Lara and I run around the same pace. Sometimes she beats me and sometimes I beat her. So we started out together and stayed together for awhile.

I started out too fast, of course, and I even tried to run up the hills. But since I don’t train for hills and hate them, I soon tired and realized that if I wanted to finish upright, I better walk them and so I did.

Lara continued to trudge up the hills without walking.

Walking during a race does not make me happy but at times, the hills were so steep that I had trouble walking up them. The only good thing was that many runners were walking and even those who did not, were running slow and I could pass them on the downhills.

So I used the same strategy as last week. Walk, run, walk, run, walk up the hills and run fast down the hills.

It seemed to work. I got way ahead of Lara and many other runners that I started with.

What was strange was that since this race was also a half marathon that started an hour before but had the same finish, you saw the fast runners heading to the end when we slower runners barely started. (The half marathon winner finisher in 1:11:xx!!!)

As with all Lake George races (this being my 3rd this year), the road was not closed to traffic. You had to move over to let cars go by and sometimes they were going in both directions and there were runners running in both directions.

The views were decent. You had the lake on the right the first half and on the other side the second half.

I got to the turn around with a decent time – under 30 minutes but I had to battle the same hills to the finish line.

Now I was running with the faster very sweaty half marathoners. I am not a sweater but the sun kept peaking out (I could wear my sunglasses because they kept fogging up due to the humidity) and it seemed that it was not going to rain. So I was dripping in sweat.

Around mile 4, at only the 2nd water stop, I took a gu and a long walk and then continued my run/walk the uphills and sprint (if you can call it a “sprint”) the downhills.

Finally we turned left toward the lake and the race ended. I was happy that it was on a downhill. I even mustered up enough strength to sprint past a few runners. I crossed at 1:02:23 (gun time)

Yes, this was over 5 minutes slower than my 10K PR, but considering the conditions, I was pleased. It was actually a course PR – over 2 minutes faster than the last time.

I got my medal and just walked around near the water. Believe it or not, I was too hot to eat right away.

Then I went to get my shirt. (They didn’t have small sizes when I check in.)

I waited for Lara to finish (She was about 4 minutes behind me.)

Then I played around getting medal pics while waiting for Alyssa to cross the finish line. The poor girl was running the half marathon.

Finally I saw her. Like everyone else, she had a slow race.

She jumped into the lake and then headed to take the shuttle bus back to the start.

looks like a storm’s a comin

By this time, I was getting hungry and sat down with Lara and some other runners that I knew.

I got some food…there were hot dogs, chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, bagels, and watermelon – quite a spread.

While we were waiting for the awards, it started to thunder and the skies opened up. Good thing, we were under cover.

food pavilion

I did come in first in my age group.

Normally they give out cool prizes and only to the winner. This year, they gave 3 deep and your prize was food.

I won a chocolate muffin and it was delish.

It continued to rain so I decided to forgo my plans to get in more miles. My legs weren’t tired (thank you compression socks) but I was so sweaty. Those 2.8 miles would have to wait until the next day.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:36
mile 2- 10:25
mile 3 – 9:41
mile 4 – 11:01
mile 5 – 9:58
mile 6 – 10:10
.2 – 7:59

1:02:16 (Garmin time)

In looking at last year’s stats, the difference in the race was the last 2 miles. I had a faster first half but slowed down more the second half.

So was I disappointed? Not really. I don’t train on hills. And walking on the hills saved my legs. I beat my time on this course from two years ago but I know I can do better.

I used to walk up the whole hill. Now I walk and run. Maybe someday I’ll have the strength and/or confidence to run up the hills.

I did enjoy the race. I never regret a race. And my legs felt fine after. I was even able to run the next two mornings.

The race was the beginning of a weekend with friends – we ate, chatted, knitted, hiked, watched the Olympics, saw a movie (Pitch Perfect)…

Since this is Tuesday, I am linking up with:

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

Happy Running! Any advice for running hilly races? How was your weekend?

August 15, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – For the past 33 years, my friend (former co-worker) & I had gone to breakfast at the race track.

Sometimes after breakfast and watching the horse warm up, we stay for the races. We did this year and had a lot of fun betting – mostly successfully but I don’t bet a lot of money so I don’t win a lot of money.

Afterward we decided to stop off at the casino cuz I had never been. Beginners luck had me winning $77. We celebrated with ice cream.

Tuesday – After another day of car shopping, I ran at the Colonie Town Park and then played tennis.

unfortunately I waited until 4 pm when it was 90 degrees! At least there was shade.

Wednesday – We finally got the rain that we needed but the result was oppressive humidity. I was running with a friend which made it more bearable.

at the Corning Bike Path

Thursday – I played tennis in the am and I couldn’t believe how humid it was!!! (I don’t know how you Southerners do it.) Since they predicted a heat index of 100 degrees, I reluctantly ran (3 slow miles) on the treadmill at the gym. Then worked out with a friend, went out for dinner and a walk on the rail trail.

Friday – AM tennis was cancelled so I did stuff around the house. Then I went with my hubby to pick up his new truck. We had two parties to go to – one at our marina and one for the hubby’s tennis team. Yup, we managed to go to both. (carb loading for my race the next day, right?)

Saturday – Ran a HOT, HUMID, HILLY 10k.

a course PR and won my age group

After the race, I headed up to spend the rest of the day at my friend’s house on the Schroon River. This was a “knitting” weekend. Rained on and off all day so only managed a walk. Perfect knitting weather.

Sunday – I got in a run before everyone got up. After breakfast, I talked them into 2 hikes.

Then there was lunch, more knitting and some swimming.
20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run, hiking
Tuesday – AM tennis, tennis pizza party, PM tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a friend, mall walk with bff, mini golf /dinner
Thursday – AM tennis, pool party, 4 miles with a friend
Friday – AM tennis, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + 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?

August 10, 2016 by Darlene

Race The Train Recap

rtt

I love to race and this one sounded interesting. I’ve always wanted to do it but the timing never worked out.

This year, I decided to sign up since it would get me running 8.4 miles and that’s fits in with my scheduled Sept. 18 Half Marathon.

The race is not close – about an hour 50 minutes and you have to be on time since you take the train to the race start.

I left around 5:30 am just in case I got lost. But I didn’t. It was easy to get to North Creek Railroad Station and didn’t take as long as anticipated. So I got there very early and parked in a parking lot next to the finish line. (This turned out to be a mistake since I couldn’t leave at the end when I wanted to.)

It was already in the 70s when I arrived so this was going to be a hot one. I was just hoping that there would be shade.

The only thing I knew about the race was that it was rolling hills. The map below shows that the steepest climb at in the first 2 miles.

rtt

So I got my race packet (a cotton shirt, a bib, your train ticket and a raffle ticket) and walked around.

There were REAL restrooms in the gift shop and a lot of interesting things to read and look at.

the train the racers & their families would be taking

waiting to board (and wearing my new Skirt Sports top & skirt 🙂 )

Finally everyone arrived and we lined up to get on the train. I wound up talking to an older lady and we decided to sit to together.

we sat in the dining car – pretty comfy. Too bad we couldn’t enjoy any food or drink

And then we sat and waited and waited. The train was supposed to leave at 8 am but it didn’t until 8:15 and they even had a bus for the extra runners.

The ride was really scenic.

It was along the Hudson River the whole way.

Finally we arrived at the next station – Riparius.

Again, there were REAL bathrooms and water. I walked around and finally headed to the bridge where the race would begin.

Finally everyone got to the start. I started with another older lady and the one that I sat on the train with. We were chatting so much that I forgot to start my Garmin. Oops. (I considered leaving it off but finally after 1/2 mile, it found the satellite.)

The train gave us a head start and then it took off with the friends and families of the runners.

photo from: The Sun

The goal is to beat the train. I knew that I would not and I also knew that since I don’t train on hills, it would be a tough race for me. But since this is my first 8.4 miles race, it’s automatically a PR. All I had to do is finish and try to enjoy it.

And that’s what I did.

The first mile and 1/2 was a STEEP uphill. First on asphalt and then on dirt. I attempted to run but decided that I would be better off walking. Everyone that was running was struggling. Besides it was HOT! So I ran a little but mostly walked trying to stay in the shade when there was some.

There was someone called out times at every mile. I think I was at 13:xx for the first mile but by mile 3, I was able to get my pace between 10 and 11 and keep it there even if I walked the hills.

That uphill eventually turned into a downhill but after that it was just rolling hills. They never ended. They weren’t steep or as long except for maybe 2 more steepish ones. That meant there were only 2 more steep downhills.

But because you were running on dirt with rocks, you couldn’t take advantage of the downhills as much as you would have liked. (I always fear a face plant.)

The scenery was nice as you ran through the woods and toward the end, you could see the river. Eventually, you had to run through town in order to finish at the train station.

photo from: The Sun

The lady that I started with ran up all the hills so she was way ahead of me but by the last few miles, I could see her in the distance and in the end, I finished ahead of her.

The good news is that my back never hurt. I didn’t get blisters and I never felt tired. I didn’t push myself and as a result could enjoy the race. (Of course, part of me wished I had enough endurance to run up those hills but I know my legs would have been dead by the end if I did.)

I had no time goals but I estimated that I would finish around 1:30:xx and I finished at 1:28:54. I was happy!!

everyone got a medal

I had some food (bagels, fruit, pastries) but the highlight was chocolate milk and then I waited around for the awards while trying to be creative with my medal.

Also while I was waiting, a young runner (high school age) came up to me and told me that she loves my blog. I was surprised! She said that she runs cross-country and uses my blog to decide which races to run. How neat!!!

rtrag

And I won my age group!! I beat that older lady by 4 sec. She said that she rain the whole thing and if she knew I was in her age group, she would have raced me. (I was kinda annoyed. I wanted to add “and I would have beaten you!” but didn’t)

water bottle as my prize

After the awards, they gave away raffle prizes and I mean lots of prizes. That’s when I realized that I was parked in the wrong spot. I was stuck there until all the prizes were given out (and I didn’t even win one.)

All in all, a fun race. I think I’ll do it again…

My HILLY Splits:

mile .5-1.5: 13:16
mile 1.5-2.5: 9:13
mile 2.5-3.5: 10:41
mile 3.5-4.5: 10:02
mile 4.5-5.5: 10:44
mile 5.5-6.5: 11:43
mile 6.5-7.5: 10:27
mile 7.5- 8.4: 9:40

I decided after the race to do some hiking before the DOMS set in. I stopped off to finish my last two hikes of the Chester Challenge.

view fro the top of Kipp Mountain

at the end of Palmer Pond trail

I visited a friend who has a house nearby and then drove to our marina where a friend took me out for a ride on his boat.

A pretty perfect day – racing, hiking, boating!!

Happy Running!

August 9, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Mishaps

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

This week’s topic is Race Mishaps

The more races you run, the more likely there will be mishaps.

That means I’ve had quire a few.

If you read my blog regularly, you’ve probably heard all about these:

There was the time that I thought it would be 60 degrees and sunny (like the day before the race) and it turned out to be 30 degrees and sleeting. Yes, I nearly froze to death.

Lake George Half – 2011

There was the time that we had a power failure so my alarm clock didn’t go off and I got up late. I drove 90 mile like a crazy lady and the race started late due to a traffic jam.

I felt like the lady next to me looked – Walkway Half 2015

There was the time that I postponed going to a doctor about a sore foot because I was visiting my best friend from high school/college and running a race. It turned out that I had a stress fracture in my foot.

Runners World 5K 2012 (smiling through the pain)

Of course, there was the time that I broke my foot at the mile 1 water stop but finished the race anyway.

post Freihofer’s 5k 2013

And then there was the time when I waited 3 hours to run the 2nd half of a marathon relay and it got cancelled due to the heat when I was only at mile 4.

heading (unoffically) to the finish line of the VCM Relay 2016

There was the one mile race where I thought it started in the same place as the 5k. It didn’t. So I had to sprint a mile to start and got there after it started (and still got an age group award.)

Moreau Mile -2015

I could go on and on. There were many rainy races, hot races, cold races, windy races, races too short, races too long, race where my chip was not recorded (and I would have gotten an age group award), race that had me in the wrong age group (and I would have gotten an award), etc etc etc.

Happy Running! What was your worst race mishap?

August 8, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – The plan was to be on the boat Sunday night so I could run in the am and then do 2 more hikes. But the rain interfered. Instead I stayed home and had a pretty productive day. I squeezed in a sweaty run between the raindrops followed by a trip to the gym.

I also made a trip to Clothes Mentor (a consignment shop) and made some $$ from some unwanted clothes, shoes & bags. I actually cooked dinner for the hubby (chicken parm w/pasta) and then walked the mall with my BFF.

Tuesday – I went to a workshop on Gaming at a local middle school and then played tennis – no running today.

found this nice surprise on my windshield

finally a nice evening for tennis

Wednesday – Day 2 of the workshop. A lot of sitting, a lot of eating. (Made this with Voki.)Luckily in the evening, I ran with Alyssa. It was warm but not as hot as last week. Alyssa is patient with my need to walk. When I walk, she runs slow and I catch up. Unfortunately I had to quit before she finished her 7 miles due to back pain. (It’s always something.)

at the Corning bike path

Thursday -Another trip to NYC. My friend drove us so we didn’t need to deal with train schedules. We took the bus to Bryant Park where we watched the casts from Avenue Q, Holiday Inn, American in Paris & Beautiful perform. We had lunch in a restaurant overlooking the park and then walked (40 blocks) to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Fashion Institute. (This year’s theme was Manus x Machina).

We ended the day with dessert and tea at the Neue Gallerie before driving back home – a LONG but enjoyable day. I ❤ NYC!!

Friday – Played tennis in the AM. The weather was perfect. The rest of the day was pretty unproductive.

walked to and from the courts too

Saturday – Ran a 8.4 mile race called Race The Train and raced the train is which is what we did. I didn’t beat it but had a fun time running up and down all the hills. No lie. It was a tough one.

even won my age group

Afterwards I did my last two hikes of the Chester Challenge.

Kipp Mountain

Palmer Pond Trail

Spent the rest of the day at the marina – at the beach and on our friend’s boat.

Sunday – Since I had time to kill while waiting for my hubby to arrive at the marina, I decided to go for a hike. This was my favorite so far.

This we spent the rest of the day on the lake with friends.

floating in the bay by Long Island

17 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – breakfast and day at the race track
Tuesday – 3 mile run, PM tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – 3 mile run, pool/tennis party
Friday – AM tennis, rest, marina party or tennis party
Saturday – 10K race + 3 miles, knitting weekend at the Schroon River House
Sunday – knitting, 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?

August 6, 2016 by Darlene

The Ultimate Coffee Date – August

Since today is the first Saturday in August, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date.

Where did July go? I felt like I just wrote July’s UCD post.

Anyway…

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that job hunting is more stressful than working itself. I’ll leave it at that since it is soooo depressing. (I have 2 interviews next week – fingers crossed!)

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that the more time you have, the less you get done.

My big plan for the summer was to clean out and get rid of.

So far, I have de-cluttered table, dresser, counter tops and now I have many boxes in the basement full of junk.

I also have boxes of books to donate.

I brought clothes to a consignment shop and I have many bags still to give away.

It’s a start but my drawers and closets are still FULL!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I caved and bought 2 new skirts (gym girl ultras) from Skirt Sports. Love the new patterns. (If you want to buy one of these skirts, use this code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.)

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I cannot resist a bargain. Do I need another pair of UGG boots??? No, but these retail for $160 and they were never worn. They cost $28 and I had a $20 credit at the consignment shop.

I also may have found another bargain on my favorite running shoes – $35 off & free shipping coupon.

zv11

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to stay active during my weekday time off (just in case it ends). I’ve been to a show in the park, playing tennis, hiking, going to New York City and on Monday I am going to the Saratoga Race Track for breakfast and a little betting!!

view from the top of Stewart Mountain

we listened to the cast of several shows and then WALKED 40 blocks to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Fashion Institute.

And yes, there has been some running in the mix.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m coming up on my anniversary of no pain while running (well it’s October 8 – back pain during RNR Brooklyn).

Wouldn’t you know it that during my run on Wednesday with Alyssa, my lower back started to ache. So much so that I shortened my run.

It maybe due a muscle pull while carrying stuff on Saturday or too much sitting at workshops on Tuesday & Wed or maybe I need new shoes. (That justifies the purchase mentioned above, right?)

I wore more supportive sandals on Thursday in NYC and they only gave me blisters. OY!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I love the Olympics! Can’t wait to watch all the events. Wasn’t the opening ceremony great?

Gymnastics are my favorite but I’ll be routing for Desi, Shaylane and Amy.

Desiree Linden, Shalene Flanagan and Amy Cragg celebrate after qualifing for the Women's Olympic Team in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I may have lost my mind signing up for today’s race.

rtt

I haven’t run more than 5 miles straight since June 26 and haven’t done any hills since then. And now there’s the back thing.

8.4 hilly miles.…What was I thinking?!

Happy Running! Anything to spill? Are you racing this weekend? What is your favorite Olympic event to watch? Are you a bargain hunter?

August 5, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Odd Sightings

Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home suggested that we post FIVE odd things that we have seen on our run.

Recently on my run to Brant Lake, NY, I noticed this decorated outhouse. I am not sure it was usable but it was pretty.

2. A few years back during a very slow run in Flagler Beach, Florida, I came across this turtle. Not so much odd but very appropriate considering how things were going that day

3. After one race in Delmar, NY, I continued my run with two friends on the nearby rail trail and we noticed people stopped and pointing. There were two eagles flying over head. Again not odd but so beautiful to watch.

4. I recently ran on the trail in Peebles State Park. Afterward, I ventured to Waterford, NY and discovered a new trail. There were so many geese on the path and they were not interested in moving out of my way. Not odd but very annoying.

5. I seem to have many animal sightings on the rail trail. I have seen a pack of foxes and many times it is a large doe. They are so used to humans that they don’t run away. They just stand there and stare. It’s a little unnerving.

One of my oddest sightings I do not have a picture of.

When I am up at our marina on Lake George, I love to run on the nature trail at the Sagamore Hotel.

On one side is the lake and the other, you are below some apartments. During one run a few years ago, I was running on the trail and I heard a women screaming. So I looked up and she was hanging over the balcony naked with a naked guy behind her…Well, you can guess what he was doing…. I was so embarrassed that I’ve never run so fast.

Can you beat that for an odd or X-rated sighting??

I’m also 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!

Happy Running! What odd things have you seen during your runs?

August 3, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Captivate

Today’s word is captivate or to attract and hold the interest and attention of.

So how’s does running captivate me?

Those places I have seen.

the trails in Palm Desert, CA

the shores of the Atlantic in Palm Beach FL

the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ

These captivating locales would not have been seen by me if I wasn’t a runner.

The bling.

3rd

Medals and prizes. These captivating objects also have come into my possession only due to running.

The people whom I have met.

running and chatting with Joan Benoit Samuelson

local and not so local bloggers

getting my bib signed by Frank Shorter

these amazing STEM volunteer runners

All captivating. Some famous. Some not. If I had not been a runner, I would not have made their acquaintance.

Accomplishments

finishing a heat cancelled half.

completing 13.1 miles after serious ankle surgery

Half in Naples, Florida

My first HALF!!

I have done things that I never thought possible. Running has given me a sense of purpose, a feeling of self-confidence

and has CAPTIVATED me.

Happy Running! How has running or something else captivated you?

August 2, 2016 by Darlene

July Recap

Wow, the summer is flying by… It’s August already.

So here’s how July went…

Weekday Runs:

Summer arrived. It 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 all slow sweaty ones.

Because I am not working, I am able to run wherever. I am not forced to run near home or near work. So I have tried to do my runs in many different places.

: at Peebles Island

I also ran with Alyssa 3 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.

13508972_1818003835089003_7257062188135281987_n

Long Runs:

There were NONE. I ran races on the weekends. There were NO double-digits runs. The longest were a 7 mile run (interrupted after 4), a 5 mile run and a 3 mile post 5k run.

Total Mileage:

july

I ran 76 miles this month – the same as last month. But I wasn’t training for anything and it was hot so I guess that’s ok.

Races:

I only ran two races this month – both 5ks (I DNSed on my 3rd 5k.)

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 both. That’s an achievement.

Cross Training:

I am STILL unemployed and I am playing tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer. The thrill is wearing off.

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

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and loved it. Once to Thomas Mountain in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends- We took a history/food tour of northern Little Italy and then a visit to the Tenement museum. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip the Mount (Edith Wharton’s home) in Lenox, Mass. The tour of the house was really interesting and the gardens were beautiful.