October 17, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. Whoo Hoo!! But my hubby had to work so I drove up to Bolton Landing and went for a solo hike. The weather was perfect. Cool and Sunny. I couldn’t believe that my legs weren’t even tired as I climbed 1 mile up to the top of a mountain.

After my climb, I visited our marina and then walked around town for a while. I resisted stopping at the outlets and instead came home and made chili. I almost went to my Turkey Trot training group run. But the route is hilly and speed drills were scheduled. I decided to play it safe and not overdo. (The new me!!)

Tuesday – Just work with a short walk at lunch and a short run before tennis in the evening with dinner out after.

I drove to the Colonie Bike Path because it is near where I play tennis. Wardrobe fail. Tennis skirt has no pocket for phone or car key.

Wednesday -I met up with Barbara for a run before my STEM volunteering. (Alyssa was sick.)

It wasn’t our best effort. We were both sluggish but we got it done

STEM group is doing the Couch to 5k walk/run and they’re up to 8 minutes running/walking.

it may be week 5 – I’ve lost track but those 2 new younger runners are back and they are great

Afterward, I met my BFF for our bi-monthly mall walk.

Thursday – My lunch walk got rained out but the rain stopped so I was able to run after work. My legs were tired. I don’t usually run 3 days in a row, especially after a half.

drove home to run on the rail trail – haven’t run there in a while

I was supposed to go out with a friend but decided to stay home for a change. I never watch TV but since the hubby was out playing tennis, I watched one episode of This is Us (anyone watch this new show?) and Grey’s Anatomy.

Friday – A well needed rest day but at least I walked my usual path at lunch. The weather has turned cooler but it was sunny. (It was in the 30s in the am!!)

Saturday – I ran one of my favorite 10k races. I had a course PR on a very chilly morning.

walked up the hills the 2nd half so had to settle for 57:22 (my 2nd best 10K)

After the race, I drove up to our marina and we spent a perfect last day on the lake.

we had a picnic on one of the islands with some friends

Sunday – I spectated at a Duathlon. I do it every year to watch AJH.

While AJH does the bike leg, I always do the run course which is 2 miles.

18.2 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Turkey Trot Training group run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 5 mile run with friends+ volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest
Saturday – Day at Ellms Family Farm with mentee & 2 kids, 5K race (at 5 pm)
Sunday – College reunion lunch in NYC and Broadway show with tennis friends

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?

October 16, 2016 by Darlene

2016 Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K Race Recap

October 15, 2015 – 9:30 am Saratoga Springs. NY

Running a 10K a week after a half marathon? Crazy?

I did a easy run on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday and rested Friday in hopes that my legs would not be cranky

I ran this race the last two years and really enjoyed it (even 2014 in the rain.)

: 2015 – 59:19

: 2014 – 58:28

My 10K PR is 57:03 and as you can see, I’ve gotten slower each year. But I was still on a PR “High” so I had no expectations for a fast time.

I was very tempted to switch to the 5k course which is flat. The 10k course continues from the 5k and there are several big hills.

I may have switched so I could try for a 5k PR but after running 13.1 miles less than a week ago, it seemed unlikely that this would happen.

The race takes place in Saratoga State Park which is a beautiful place to run especially in the fall.

The weather in the Fall is very unpredictable. It could be warm and then it could be cold.

Not knowing what the weather will do makes it hard to dress. I’m not ready to dress for winter. (I am wearing that skirt as long as I can stand it.)

I planned to wear that same orange race shirt, a skirt and compression socks and then wear sweat pants, a jacket and gloves to leave behind and put on after the race.

When I got up it was 30 degrees and frost on the ground!!!!!!!!!!! But I stuck to my guns and wore that outfit.

This is a very popular race. They usually get about 1500 runners. So I left for the race early in case I had to park where I needed to get a shuttle to the start. The race was to start at 9:30 and I got there at 8:30 am. I got a parking spot right next to the finish line and was thrilled. (Why does someone who runs 13 miles look for the closest parking space???)

As soon as I got out of my car, I realized how cold it was. I decided to add a pair of capris under my skirt and another shirt under my jacket.

purple long sleeved tech shirt

I picked up my race a packet, entered my raffle ticket in one of the raffles and used the restroom. (Yes, there were real ones.) I also voted for my favorite in the pumpkin decorating contest. It was tough to choose.

: my favorite

Then I hung out at the fire pit and chatted with the other runners. I didn’t find any of my friends but I did get to talk to and shiver with many of the runners that I see at local races – most of them are very speedy too.

Finally it was time for the race to start. It was cold but I decided to leave my jacket and pants at the bag check. I put my DIY arm warmers on under my shirt and kept on my gloves. Many of the runners were in costume. I thought about it but it was too cold.

I may not look cold but I was.

I started not too far back because I was with those fast ladies. (and two of them were in my age group.)

This race for me can be divided into two parts: The first 5K and the second 5k.

Miles 1-3

9:58, 9:07, 9:02

Both the 5k and 10k runners start together and run the same course. So it was very crowded at first. Since I was near the front, everyone was passing me by. I was trying to run fast but my legs just wouldn’t go. Those ladies that I mentioned, they quickly left me in the dust.

The 5k had a few inclines but was basically flat. I didn’t even have to walk.

I love running in this park. It is so pretty.

And the sun was shining brightly so I quickly warmed up. I was happy that I had taken off my jacket and extra shirt.

The 5k ended and my time was 27:xx. Crazy! I didn’t feel like I was running fast. It could have been a 5k PR!!

Of course, that exhausted me and we hadn’t hit the hills yet.

Miles 4-6.2

9:38, 9:52, 9:24, 8:31

At this point, I was too warm for those DIY arm sleeves. But did you ever try to get arm sleeves off under a long sleeved shirt? Yeah, pretty difficult. But eventually I had to stop and I got them rolled down.

The rest of the course was filled with hills. I tried to run up them but was pretty unsuccessful. So I walked many times during the second half of the race …during every hill.

I didn’t stop at any of the water stops. I wasn’t thirsty. But by mile 5, I was ravenous. I usually take a GU every 4 miles of a race. But without any water, I decided to see if I could get by on no fuel.

Well, by the end I had no energy..at all… and the biggest hill was 1/2 mile before the finish line…GRRR!!!

I really wasn’t paying attention to the time on my watch and I walked one last time on the last turn and was shocked to see that the clock said 57:xx!!

I booked it but it was too little, too late, I crossed at 57:28 (57:22 chip time).

My first thought was “Could I have PRed if I didn’t walk up all the hills?!”

Nevertheless, I was content that I ran the first half very well on tired legs and nothing was hurting!!! Besides it was course PR!

I quickly headed to get food. Priorities! The line was long but moved quickly. There was fruit, bagels, lots of delicious homemade goodies (cookies, apple, pumpkin, zucchini breads, etc.) and hot chocolate. Everything was so good!

It was getting late so I retrieved my checked bag and looked for the race results.

Though I was almost 2 minutes faster than last year when I won an AG award, this year I did not. (And they gave out insulated coffee travel mugs. Darn!)

I should have waited around for the awards ceremony but I didn’t because I wanted to get up to the lake. Today was going to be my last day there until next May 😦

Many of our friends had put their boats away for the season but one of our friends from NJ just got a new (bigger) boat and they were anxious to use it.

The weather was absolutely perfect. And we spent a glorious day on one of the islands: wine, steaks, sunshine, good friends. What more could you ask for?

: campfire to stay warm but it really wasn”t necessary so we used it to bake potatoes & sweet potatoes

: Robert, the master chef – kieblasa, steak

: Frank Sinatra was playing and they were drinking scotch and smoking cigars (not our friends)

: sun setting on the lake so we had to leave

: back at the marina to see the moon rise

My hubby and our friends stayed overnight but I had to go home because I promised my friend AJH from VT that I would watch her race in a local duathlon.

This was my 5th time as a spectator and I always enjoy it. The weather, however, wasn’t as nice as the day before. It was warmer but windy and cloudy so it felt colder.

While Andrea ran the first 2 mile leg, I had hot cider and a freshly made cider donut. During her 17 mile bike leg, I ran the 2 mile course. By the second 2 mile leg, the sun finally came out. Andrea took off after the race (to hit Target and the outlets. They don’t have Target in VT!!!) I stopped at Target too, then got my nails done and finally arrived at home to get all those things done that I don’t have time to do during the work week.

So a busy weekend has come to end. Another race done and another one coming next weekend (a 5k this time.)

Happy Running! Did you race this past weekend? Is it getting colder where you live? What fall activities do you enjoy?

October 14, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: New Employee = New Runner

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! AND THIS IS THE LAST ONE! So do it today!

You may remember that a few weeks ago, I compared Unemployment to being an Injured Runner.

Today I am posting about the Five Ways that having a New Job is like being a New Runner:

You have NO FRIENDS.

You walk into work and you know no one. No one greets you. You have no one to eat lunch with, etc. You feel pretty lonely.

Remember that first race. Everyone seemed to know people but you knew no one. You just stood on the sidelines and felt isolated.

The good news is that it changes…slowly.

I have one friend now at work. We eat lunch together everyday and we even went to dinner and lecture together last weekend. I am still, however, looking for a fellow runner.

It is rare that when I run a race now that I don’t know a few runners. We chat and the time before a race passes by very quickly. Some whom I’ve met at races have even become my good friends.

1404409_10152532012779428_1568131196_o

2. You are unfamiliar with LOGISTICS.

You don’t know where to eat, where to make coffee, where anything is located, who to ask even for the things that you need, etc. You may wander around aimlessly trying to look like you know where you are going.

A new runner feels the same thing. You do your best but you often make mistakes because you don’t know the answers to these questions:

What do you wear? How do you avoid chafing? Where do you shop for running stuff? How do you fuel for longer races? How early do you arrive for a race? Where do you park? Where do pick up your bib?

mothersdayrace3

I used to wear shorts and pin my bib to my shirt Times have changed.

vcm3

3. EXPECTATIONS are unclear.

In a new job, you may have no idea which tasks you will be asked to perform. You will probably be unaware of how well you will be able to perform them and how long it will take to perform them well. You may compare yourself to other experienced workers and feel inadequate.

As a new runner, you may not know

how often to run
how long a distance to run
the best time of day to run
which races to run
to run alone or with a partner
whether to join a running group
what and when to eat

But even more confusing is to know how fast should you be running and how long it will take to get faster.

I remember when I first started running, I instantly wanted to run a sub 30 minute 5k. It didn’t come instantly but it did come.

Fasig Tipton '10

However, after that, it got harder and harder to get faster. Years later, I sometimes still struggle to run a sub 30 minute 5k.

4. You may feel like QUITTING.

Maybe the job is not what you thought it would be. You don’t like your boss. You don’t get along with your co-workers. You are bored or maybe you are over-worked and stressed.

The thought of “take this job and shove it” enters your brain from time to time.

New runners have similar thoughts.

You feel those aches and pains and wonder whether running is destroying your body. Your work or family obligations may interfere with getting in your runs. The weather may prevent you from running. You work hard and you are not getting any faster. More importantly, running doesn’t feel enjoyable. It feels like a chore.

5. Things IMPROVE with time.

So you make friends at work. You realize that your boss is not so bad. You are successful in managing your stress. And you are happy that you have accepted this job. You look forward to coming to work everyday.

I have to admit that this was the case in my previous jobs. So far, in my current job, I’m not there yet. Hopefully it will improve and if not, I’ll look for a new job next summer.

With running, after a few awful runs or races or missed runs, you may consider giving up and maybe even switching to another activity like yoga, biking, swimming, etc.

We’ve all been there.

But then you have a good run or a good race, or a PR, or an age group award and now you love running again.

I’d like to thank our Friday Five hosts (Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC). I’ve really enjoyed posting to this link-up for the past three years!

I have posted at least 90 times and almost every week since June 2014. (My first: http://wp.me/pel7R-4Eh).

Happy Running! Any other new runner feelings that you’ve experienced? Will you miss the Friday Five link-up?

October 13, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Runner’s High and What’s Next

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Runner’s High

I don’t get it while I’m running. Running always seems hard.

But when you get a PR when you didn’t expect it and probably didn’t deserve it, that is a Runner’s High!!

Why did it happen?

I was thrilled with my last half finish time and wasn’t stressed about having a good race. In other words, I was very relaxed!!
The course was flat. This is a biggie.
The temps were cool. This helped too however, it was humid.
It was raining and I wanted to be done. But it was never raining that hard to get soaked.

How could I have done even better?

Walk less. Yep, I walked 7 times and twice for a rather long time. (Can you drink, eat Gu & run at the same time?)
Push harder. I was never out of breath. I was able to chat with other runners. My legs never felt tired.
Warm up before. It was cold and damp. My ankle was stiff and painful for the first half of the race. Taking Tylenol would have helped. Sitting in my warm car until the race started probably didn’t help.
Follow a training plan. I never increased my mileage during the week. Just 3-4 miles of easy runs (except for one group speed drill. I did most of long runs as add-ons to my 5k races)

If you read my blog, you know that I was doubtful that I would ever run a half marathon PR again. I wondered if my January 2015 finish time was just a fluke.

Now I think, I that I am capable of running an even faster 13.1 miles.

It may never happen because as we know there are so many factors involved… but until then I am basking in my PR glory.

What’s Next?

Another half marathon in 7 weeks!!!

I think it’s flat but it could be warm and humid. It could be windy & cool. Time will tell…

I’d be lying if I said that I am going to train differently for this race.

Hey, look at this racing schedule (in red is the long run distance that I should complete):

10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K (7 m – 6.2 is close enough)
10-22-16 – L.L. Bean Bright Night 5K (8 m – not happening)
10-29-16 – Monster Scramble 10K (possibly but not registered yet) (9 m)
11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K in NYC (10 m – not happening)
11-11-16 – Veteran’s Dash 5k
11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K (11 m – 9.3 is close, right?)
11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k (volunteering with STEM) (12 m)
11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k and 5k (10 m – 9.3 is close)

I, of course, want to run a good race on December 3. But my goal is to run well enough and have a fun vacation with some super women!!

Margaritaville, here I come…

Happy Running! What’s going on in your life?

October 12, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Irritable

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: Irritable.

As a runner, what may make you IRRITABLE??

Here is the list of things that get me annoyed:

Being injured

Image result for injured runner ecard

There are those injuries where you CANNOT run such as a broken bone.

Image result for injured runner ecard
Then there are those injuries that you can run with but there is pain and you probably shouldn’t run. The trick is knowing when you can and when you shouldn’t.

Over or Under Dressed.

We have all been there. It is colder than we thought or than the weatherman predicted. But even worse for me is being overdressed. We are sweating and want to rip our clothes off!!

Image result for ecards running clothes weather

Bathroom Issues

No explanation needed.

That includes long port-a-potty lines before a race and not enough port-a-potties during a long race.

GPS watch problems

That means not finding a signal or the battery dying.

We get so dependent on our timing devices. Even when some of my best races are when I don’t look at it.

Races that are inaccurately marked.

I’ve run races that are short. Grrr…

I also don’t want to look at my finish time for race and have to add “But the course was long…”

It happens but it is irritating.

Being hungry during a run or race.

I am that runner that needs carbs before and during a run or race.

It sucks when I start running and realize that I forgot my fuel.

Or I start a run and didn’t have enough to eat before I set out.

Not pushing hard enough during a race.

This actually makes me the most irritable. I am competitive and I get disappointed when I don’t put forth my best effort.

These are the thoughts that go through my brain after a race:

Why did I start out so fast?

Why did I walk through all those water stops?

Did I have to walk so long while eating that GU?

Should I have walked (or run so slowly) up that hill?

Why did you give up on that race?

Is this the fastest I can run this course??

Don’t get me wrong. For the most part, I love running or racing. Even when occasionally some the things listed above do happen.

Hey, I run about 40 races a year!!

Happy Running! What things make you irritable (as a runner)?

October 11, 2016 by Darlene

Ramblefest Half Marathon Race Recap & TOTR

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Half Marathon Training

I’ve never run two half marathons so close together.

I ran the Saratoga Palio three weeks ago. So did I really need to train?

Maybe not…

So I just added some extra miles to the two 5k races that I ran on the weekends that proceeded the race.

: 5k race + 1 mile to race & from + 2 miles after = 6 miles

: 5k race + 6.9 = 10 miles.

These two runs would have do as my long runs. I ran my usual 3-4 miles several times during the week.

Pre-Race Preparations

This is a first annual race so I knew nothing about the course or the race.

This is what the website had to say:

Organized by the Berkshire Running Center, the first annual RambleFest Half Marathon will be held along the beautiful Ashuwillticook Trail from Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough, to the Visitors Center in Adams.

Not much help.

So I reached out to FB friends who ran the Steel Rail Half Marathon last May. The Steel Rail is supposed to have the same course. Here’s what they said:

I loved it. Nice flat, downhill course.
The course is great!
Loved the course! It’s fast!

I found some more info by searching online for reviews of the Steel Rail half. Here’s one:

The course is wonderful. It runs point-to-point from Lanesborough to Adams. It starts with two loops around the Berkshire Mall (both of which seem downhill all the way; I haven’t figured that out yet), then goes onto the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for ten miles. The scenery is lovely. If you’re not trying to hold pace by fixating on the feet of the guy in front of you like I was, you can enjoy views of Mt. Greylock, lakes, and woods. And by the time you’re really hurting at mile ten, the trail starts gently sloping downhill, for real. If you want a half marathon PR, this is the course…

Amenities included easy parking, plenty of porta-potties, a post-race massage tent, food, and beer. The tech race shirt was nice and offered women’s sizing. Prizes ran deep; Kent gave out generous checks for the top three overall winners and the top three masters, plus merchandise from his running store, Berkshire Running Center in downtown Pittsfield, for the top three age group winners… After the ceremony, buses delivered participants back to the start. I’d highly recommend this race…

You also get a hoodie if you run both races. (Next year!?)

I had not been particularly excited about this race but after reading this review, I was looking forward to it.

I had decided to wear what I wore at a previous 10k race but then changed my mind and wore my Brooklyn Half shirt (from exactly a year ago) with a throwaway and DIY arm warmers.

Skirt Sports outfits always bring me luck or at least makes me look good

The weather was predicted to be cool and breezy with a chance of rain.

don’t believe that 20% & 5% chance of rain – should have been 100%

Rain is not my favorite weather to run in. It also ruins both the pre and post race activities. And humidity is the worst. But you can’t control the weather.

one of the 3 half marathons that I have run in the rain.

Although Saturday was my catch up day with doing stuff around the house, since I would be off on Monday, I decided to take a ride to Pittsfield, MA to pickup my bib. Race packet pick up was at a running store so in addition to getting my race shirt & bib, I bought a pair of socks. We got two plastic strips to hang off our hips for the timing. Interesting. After I left the store, I stopped and had a nice lunch in town.

long sleeved tech shirt

Probably not the best idea in the world but that night, the night before the race, I invited a co-worker to go see the speaker at my college Reunion Weekend.

ualbany

We also had dinner together beforehand. Pizza, of course!

It was a really good show but it didn’t end until after 10 pm. Needless to say, I didn’t get enough sleep before my big race.

Race Day

The race was scheduled to start at 9:30 am. I was happy about the late start.

According to Google, it should have taken about 1h 15 to get there. So I got up about 6 am and left my house at 7:15 am because I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going.

My GPS took me on the back roads and it was a really gorgeous ride. Unfortunately, it rained on and off during my ride which made me nervous. I didn’t want to run another half marathon in the rain.

I got there plenty early. The race started in the parking lot of the Berkshire Shopping Mall. Easy to get to and lots of parking.

Since the race ended in Adams, MA, they gave you a bag to check stuff which would be available at the finish line. Very convenient. I packed flip flops, sweat pants and a jacket in it.

I did some knitting while I was waiting. It was too cold to wait outside my car….around 50 and windy and damp. Brrrr!

Soon Alyssa arrived and we shivered together until it was time to line up to start the race.

A lot of the race is a blur but here’s how I remember it:

Miles 1-4:

9:15, 9:29, 9:16, 10:07

Alyssa and I decided to run together. I had never run a race with someone else but I was willing to try. I thought that it would be fun to have someone to chat with to pass the time and make the miles less painful.

The starting line was in the parking lot. I wasn’t sure if there were chip timing or gun timing (Still not.) We didn’t start as close to the front as I usually do, though.

For the first two miles, you ran around the parking lot. I had decided to ditch my cotton shirt but left on my DIY warm warmers. And it was windy and I was freezing!!!

We realized pretty quickly that we were running too fast but decided to keep it up as long as we could.

After mile 2, we left the parking lot and entered the trail. The trail was less windy and I wasn’t as cold.

I was running at a decent pace and was in the zone and all of a sudden, I realized that Alyssa was no longer next to me. I wasn’t sure if she was behind me or in front of me. I usually finish races faster than her but when we run together for training runs, she is much faster.

I thought I saw someone ahead with an orange shirt. But as it turns out, she was behind me.

A little after we entered the trail, there was the first water stop. I always stop at ALL water stops during a half marathon and even though I wasn’t warm or thirsty, I did so during this race as well.

The trail was beautiful. I wish I could have gotten out my phone from my race belt more easily so I could have taken some photos. The leaves had changed and there were views of the mountains, streams and even a lake.

My biggest problem (and it’s always something) was than my ankle (the one that has 8 screws and a plate in it from surgery almost 4 years ago) was throbbing. It has never hurt like this while running before. It was probably from the dampness and that this is the first cold run (During my last run, it was almost 80 degrees.) It hurt a lot and I wished that I had some ibuprofen.

There another water stop at almost mile 4 and I took my first Gu and walked for a while. However, my ankle hurt just as much while walking. In addition, the bottom of my foot started to hurt (like at the Asbury Park Half). Still I felt strong, I tried to ignore both discomforts.

I just focused on the scenery.

Miles 5-8:

9:39, 9:55, 10:21, 9:41

We continued on the same trail and I wasn’t as chilled anymore. I even rolled down my DIY arm warmers. My nose was running from the cold and I kept worrying that it was another nosebleed but that never happened 🙂 (I did bring tissues and tucked them under my shorts but they fell out… I did have those arm warmers LOL)

Then all of a sudden, maybe around mile 6, at another water stop, my ankle and foot stopped hurting. WTF?

I also realized that I was ahead of my time from the Palio Half.

Should I start thinking PR?

Nah! Anything can and usually does happen during the second half of a half marathon.

Around mile 7, I started getting hungry but had to wait until mile 8 for a water stop to eat my 2nd GU.

Miles 9-12:

10:25, 10:07, 9:55, 9:52

Still on the trail but remember that forecast? Around mile 8 or 9, it started raining lightly.

Throughout the course, the road was covered with wet leaves but now it was getting even more slippery.

Then it started raining harder. It wasn’t so bad because the trees were acting as an umbrella. But the weather was getting chilly again.

My back was now starting to ache. It always does toward the end of a race so I tried to watch my form and ignore it.

A little past mile 9, there was the next to last water stop. I still walked through it even though it could have ended my PR hopes.

I always doubt my strength to finish strong as well as not wanting to push myself too hard and result in an injury.

The rain lessened and at the last water stop, I decided against taking my last GU and just walked only a short bit.

Yes, I decided that I wanted that PR!!!

Mile 13-14:

9:20, 8:38

Finally we left the trail. The race ended with a series of 2 left hand turns. We turned left onto Hoosac St. and left onto Depot St. and the finish line was on Depot St. in front of the Adams Visitor Center parking lot.

I wasn’t sure that I was going to PR. My Garmin was sometimes right on with the mile markers and other times way off.

As I made the last turn, somebody yelled, “You can beat that guy.” They meant the guy in front of me.

I gave it everything I had but didn’t even come close.

I did, however, cross under 2:09 and IT WAS A PR!!!!!!!!!!! (My previous PR was 2:09:40 in January 2015.)

Gun or Chip Time: 2:08:59
Garmin Time: 2:08:47

I got my medal, some water and a banana and went to wait for Alyssa.

She didn’t finish much after me and she got a PR too!

Post Race:

We were both happy with our times. But it was raining harder and we were freezing. We decided to forgo the cold beer and get something to eat.

The race ended at a big festival (Ramblefest) with music, craft booths, many food booths, pumpkin carving for kids, etc. Too bad the weather was so lousy.

With our food ticket, we could get anything that cost $3 for free. Believe it or not, we could have had a hamburger, chili, hot dog, sausage, fried dough but we both chose grilled cheese. And it was yummy!

While we were waiting for the results, we hung out in front of a big bonfire. That felt so good!

Neither one of us did win anything. They gave out cash for top awards and gift cards to the running store for AG awards. I came in 5th and the 4 women ahead of me were each 60 years old. (If it were last year, I would have won!)

rfawards

So we headed toward the buses. We just missed the bus to return to the shopping center where we left our cars and there was going to be 40 minute wait for the next one. But the bus that brought the bags decided to take us all. By this point, I was numb and even my jacket and pants didn’t warm me up.

As soon we got back to our cars, we headed to Target to get something HOT to drink.

Even with my tired legs, I managed to spend $160 in the store. (Remember I hadn’t gotten my grocery shopping done the day before.)

I know when you run a long race, you are supposed to take an ice bath but I never do. I headed straight to my hot tub!!!!

Additional race reflections:

The Good:

Close enough to be able to sleep in my own bed the night before.
Organized packet pick-up.
Lots of parking and easy to locate.
Real bathrooms after the race.
Running a race with a friend.
Enthusiastic volunteers (even in the rain – bugle, bag pipes, music)
Scenic course especially with the fall foliage and water views.
No major injuries. (just ankle and foot pain – it’s always something!)
Nice selection of refreshments.
The festival post race was nice (and would have been even better if the sun came out.)
The bonfire was essential with the day’s weather.
PRed!! Woot! Woot!

The Bad:

The two laps around the parking lot were boring. (It did save the expense of closing roads to make up the 13.1 miles)
It was cold and rainy!!
No race photos

The Ugly:

Nothing really.

It was a great race. I loved it! I would have enjoyed it even if I didn’t get a PR! But that made it just sweeter. Too bad, the sun couldn’t have come out!!!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. I don’t usually repeat half marathons but if I did, I would run this one again. I’m in luck. The same course can be run in May: The Steel Rail Half Marathon.

Final Stats:

my Garmin said 13.16 and I ran the tangents in the parking lot – go figure.

And I felt so good the next day that I climbed up a mountain.

Can you believe the sunshine! Wish the weather was like this on race day.

wearing my race shirt, of course.

Next Up:

A few 5ks and 10ks, a 15k and then another half marathon.

Dec. 3, 2016 with 7 other awesome bloggers and virtual friends

And since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

for

Today’s Topic is: Taper quirks/cravings/rituals

I don’t think I do anything weird before my big races but here’s what I always do:

I do my last run 2 days before my half marathon. In other words, I leave TWO days with no running at all.
I carb load the night before – I usually eat pizza.
I make sure I have the right breakfast food for the morning of – tea & cream of wheat hot cereal.
I set out my outfit (and all other items such as race belt, gps watch, fuel, etc.) the night before (and if it is a destination race, bring clothes for warmer or colder temps than predicted). If I am flying, I pack my running stuff in my carry on not my checked luggage.
I figure out in advance the race logistics – where to park, is there bag check, when I can pick up my bib, where the race starts & finishes, etc.
I scope out online race reviews to see what others have said about the race.
I do something fun the day before to take my mind off the race.

Happy Running! What do you do when you taper? Anything crazy?

October 10, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was week 3 of the Troy Turkey Trot Training group run. I didn’t run on Sunday so I couldn’t use the tired leg excuse. And Patrick was our coach this week (He’s tough but very cute.) Those 5 one minute sprints on the hills were HARD but got it done.

Tuesday – Just work with a short walk at lunch and tennis in the evening. We went out to dinner after and I had soup & salad. No dessert again!
Wednesday – The sun came out for my lunch time walk.

I met up with Alyssa and Barbara for a run before my STEM volunteering. The weather is getting warm again but it was not too bad.

so much easier with friends

The STEM group is doing the Couch to 5k walk/run and they’re up to 5/3/5/3 minutes running/walking. We had two new clients and they did great.

probably 2.5 miles total with WU & CD so I’ll say that we ran about 1.5 miles (now that’s getting dark so early, we get to see the moon on our runs.)

Thursday – It’s been looking more like fall everyday but strangely it has been getting warmer – in the 70s today.

it was a hot one!!

I got a quick run in before meeting up with a former co-worker (whom I haven’t seen in 18 years.) I ran around work so I could get back and change into my work clothes before dinner.

I had a Zombie Killer (tart cherry + hard cider), turkey sandwich & fries but we refrained from dessert (which was very difficult)

Friday – Rest day but at least I walked at lunch.

After work, I went to a class on using the Apple Watch and then, I played in my weekly mah jongg game

Saturday -Rest day #2. I drove to Mass to pick up my bib and had a nice lunch.

I went to see the founder of the “Humans of New York” photography series. Brandon Stanton was the key speaker for UAlbany’s Alumni Weekend. That meant a late night to bed (before my half the next day.) We went out to dinner before (for pizza) so at least, I carb loaded. 🙂

ualbany

Sunday – I ran the Ramblefest Half Marathon (Half #22). It was chilly, my ankle throbbed for the first 5 miles and it rained for the last 5 miles. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful and flat course and I HAD A PR!! Worth the pain and sogginess.

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Day off from work 🙂 and hiking/boating or Turkey Trot Training group run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 5 mile run with friends+ volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 3 mile run, mall walk with BFF ??
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 10K race
Sunday – Spectating at a Duathlon and 2 mile run

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?

October 7, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Not Running Solo

My Friday Topic is Five Reasons Not To Run Alone

Safety

Obviously you are safer in numbers. Or at least with one other person.

Especially if you run in the dark – either early morning or late evening, you should not run alone (if you can help it.)

2. Forging Friendships

Running is what you have in common so it’s what brought you to together.

But while you are running, you wind up chatting about work, family and basically all your problems. Now you are not just running friends but friends.

Judy & I have even gone to the movies together in addition to planning race-ations.

3. Staying Focused

In order to run with other people, you have to plan. You have to agree on a time and a place. It’s takes a lot of coordination.

Alyssa works in Albany til 4:30, I work in Guilderland til 4 and Barbara is retired & lives in Delmar – we still manage to run together once a week

After all that planning, you wouldn’t think about skipping the run…even if it is 95 degrees or 10 below.

And if you pay to be part of a training group, you don’t want to waste money and your friends are there, so you show up and run even if it’s raining or you just ran 13 miles the day before.

4. Improving Your Running

I get very distracted when I run alone. I stop and take pictures. I walk when I am tired. When I run with others, I don’t want to slow them down so it forces me to run more consistently. In fact Alyssa always jokes that even though we don’t try, we always have negatives splits.

with Alyssa

And you are lucky enough to have a faster runner want to run with you, you will get better.

she left me in the dust in this race but we do run together.

5. It’s just plain more FUN.

The miles go by faster. The hills don’t seem as steep.

11 miles with Denise discovering that we were both French majors at the same college….

Happy Running! Do you prefer to run alone or with others?

October 5, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Fulfill

Deb Runs

This week’s word is: Fulfill.

Do I feel fulfilled when I win a tennis match or complete a half marathon or achieve a PR?

Not really…

Of course, I am happy. I am proud. I am over the moon.

Maybe it’s the teacher in me, but I don’t feel fulfilled unless I share something with someone.

First it was my knowledge and appreciation of the French language and its culture.

Then it was my computer expertise and experience in using technology tools to further learning.

But how does running fulfill me?

It’s when someone becomes a runner because I am one.

my Russian friend Anna

Also two co-workers where I used work started running (because of me they said) and my friend Natalie who I play Mah Jongg with.

It’s when someone crosses the finish line because I helped them train.

my STEM mentee. Kelly

I think that I also helped those early SRM runners. in their first 5k attempt. (They have since surpassed me in distance and speed.)

Back: Melissa, Amanda, me, Felice, Jen, Janis, Jen, Lisa; front: Bridget, Suzy (Bridget's FB photo)

Janis, Jen, Bridget and others

It’s when someone gets faster because I ran with them.

my current running partner Alyssa – I’m not sure it is true but she says I make her faster

Happy Running! What makes you feel fulfilled?

October 4, 2016 by Darlene

Apple Run 5K Race Recap & TOTR

apple5k

I ran this race in 2014 because 2 ladies whom I met at a previous race raved about it. Now it’s become one of my favorite races.

: Apple Run 2014

: Apple Run 2015

It didn’t hurt that in 2014, I finished this race in 27:47 and won 1st in my age group and in 2015, I finished in 28:01 and won 2nd.

That being said, on a weekend where there was good number of local races (including the Susan Komen Race for the Cure), I chose to drive 45 minutes to run this race.

According to the website, it is a looped, flat course. Even though I ran it twice already, I didn’t remember much about the course. I run so many races, they all blend together sometimes.

Apparently we quickly switched from summer to fall in a few days. But at least the predicted rain did not come. It was when I left the house pretty chilly and damp.

I am the crazy person who refuses to wear capris or tights before Thanksgiving. But I decided for some strange reason to change from my tank to a long sleeved shirt today (Big mistake!!)

I arrived about 30 minutes before the start of the race which starts and ends at the middle school in Burnt Hills.

sporting my Skirt Sports running attire, of course

You’ll notice in the above picture that I have my Garmin on my right wrist and that’s my new Apple Watch on the other wrist. I usually have my Garmin on the left wrist but I switched them. I planned to use the Garmin for the race since I hadn’t tried the GPS functionality of the watch yet and then later try out the Apple watch.

In the gym, I picked up my race packet and was surprised that they had chips for your shoe. I almost forgot to get one. It’s been awhile since I have had to use one.

: a cool backpack filled lots of goodies

I bumped into the 2 older ladies that I see at most races that I run. We chatted for awhile before the race.

Then I saw Tom, the crazy guy that I see at most of my races. We posed for pics.

apple-run1

apple-run2

Finally I spotted Sue who had recommended this race. (Her Connecticut friend Ilsa couldn’t come.) We started together and she’s my competition (but she hasn’t been racing much.)

Ilsa, Sue & I

Soon it was time to head outside. It was then, looking at what other (serious) runners were wearing that I realized that the shirt I had on might have been the wrong choice.

Tom was running with this charity group

I lined up in front because there were so many kids running this race (The whole girls hockey team and cross country team, I think). Then Sue shouted out to me and we started talking. She was back a ways and then all of a sudden, the race started. With no chip timing, this was Race Fail #1.

Runners head up Lake Hill Road for the 22nd Annual ...

photo from the Gazette

I started to make up for my slow start but with all those kids in the way, it was impossible. I also noticed up ahead was my age group competition. She beat me last year but she is super fast and was slowly disappearing from my view.

So I just decided to enjoy the race. Then I noticed that my Garmin was still on 0. I must have pushed the wrong button. It was confusing wearing it on the other wrist. So I started it about 1/2 mile late. Race Fail #2.

As a result, my Garmin was pretty useless and I didn’t look at it for the whole race.

I love the course although it does feel like you’re running on a slight uphill the whole time. There are only 2 short downhills and they’re during the last mile.

The race course is a loop first through country roads and then around a residential neighborhood and then back along a different country road.

There was someone calling out times at mile 1 which for me was between 8:55 and 9. At least that was better than last week. At the halfway point, there was a water stop but I chose not to stop.

That’s when I decided to see what would happen if I ran the whole race without stopping to walk. I can’t remember the last time I did that…it’s been years.

Though the temp was in the 5o’s, it was humid. It had rained all night and looked like it may start again. I was getting increasing warmer and warmer. I regretted not wearing a tank. I was sweating and very uncomfortable. Race Fail #3.

Finally, I came to home stretch. When I saw the clock, I wasn’t surprised that I wasn’t close to a PR but I did want to finish under 28 minutes. I ran as fast as I could and crossed at 27:48.

I was happy. Not as fast as my first Apple Run but faster than last year.

I waited for Susan to finish. She hadn’t run a race since this race last year so she did great.

Then I had to wait a while for Tom to cross with his group.

the race raised $2000 to buy 2 more wheelchairs like Seamus’ here

Inside there were pizza, bagels, fruit, etc. I had 2 pieces of pizza and a bagel and waited with my friends for the awards.

The results were the same as last year. I was 2nd and Sue third.

As always, I enjoyed this race and plan to run this one again next year.

My splits for 2.94 mi

mile 1 – 9:05
mile 2 – 8:49
mile 3 – 8:42
26:07

Could that be negative splits? How did that happen? Without walking, I really felt that I was running so much slower each mile. Without a watch, I had no idea of my pace.

My running, however, was not over for the day. 10 miles was on the schedule in preparation for next Sunday’s half marathon. So I drove to the Zim Smith Bike Path. It has become one of my favorite running routes.

Unfortunately, I had to run in my sweaty shirt. I was chilled at first but then warmed up.

the leaves are beginning to drop and turn orange. this will be a pretty trail in a few weeks

My legs were definitely tired. This always happens when I run a race for my first few miles of a long run. But I was excited to try out my new Apple Watch.

I set the Activity App for 7 miles and ran to the end of the trail and then turned around.

I didn’t have the watch do anything fancy. I’m not sure yet if it can but it shows your heart rate, distance, current pace and average pace which is all I need. I have never used intervals even on my Garmin.

I was walking at this point

It was a nice run. Lots of of running and walking when I felt like it. Nothing to write home about. My pace was very slow but I’m fine with it. All I cared about was that my last long run was DONE!!