with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life!
This week’s topic is: Racing window of comfort. What are your ideal temperature/conditions for race day?
Perfect weather conditions…but those HILLS!!
Great course but TOO HOT and TOO HUMID!!
Happy Running! What are your perfect racing conditions?
Last Week:
After work, I went to my last Freihofer Challenge Training group run. On the schedule was 800m repeats. I’ve never done more 400m so I was hesitant but I did it. 6 of them!! It was tough but I know it was good for me. My fastest was 4:01 and my slowest 4:20. Most of them were around 4:10 which is a 8:20 pace. Not that I could run that for more than a mile.
so nostalgic
post lesson pic
dinner at a comedy club
living the good life…
slower everyday but still lovely
19.5 miles done with 6 runs and 1 rest day.
This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #20 – Taper Time)
Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races? Did you have a nice Mother’s Day?
Since it’s Friday, I’m 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!
My Friday Five topic is Five Ways to Enjoy a Non-Running Vacation.
Right now I am in Naples, Florida for 8 days with 9 NON-RUNNING friends. You know how much I love to run and still I always have a great time.
We usually play tennis for at least two hours every morning. Not many miles on the legs when playing doubles but I’m still moving (and sweating.)
2. Get those miles in however you can.
No better place to walk than along the water.
I also have access to a bike to ride around the neighborhood.
3. If possible, squeeze in a few short runs.
It’s tough when you stay out late every night and you get up early to play tennis. So the runs are short but rewarding.
4. Do other things you enjoy that you usually do not do.
We go to the theater.
We visit gardens & parks.
We go on sunset cruises.
5. Eat healthy during the day but in the evening, do some no-guilt splurging.
I eat my usual oatmeal in the morning, yogurt & fruit at the beach for lunch and then…. No limits!
We go out to dinner every night. It is always a blast.
Happy Running! Do you take non-running vacations? What do you do to for fun instead of run?
Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Here’s what I’m thinking about today…
Happy Running! I am not. I am ON VACATION! Woo Hoo!
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 ENCOURAGE.
What does it mean to “encourage?”
This easily applies to running. We can encourage others to become runners, to complete their first 5k, to run faster or to run farther.
I am always looking for opportunities to encourage/mentors other runners. It may be due to the fact that I was a teacher for so many years and that I think running is a great thing.
There’s the STEM (domestic violence survivors) program which I have been active in.
and GOTR (for girls in grades 3-5) where I have been a running buddy.
I’ve also mentored SRMs (Strong Running Mamas), a beginning runner’s group.
Even when I run with a friend, I try to be encouraging.
However, I think encouraging others is easier than encouraging yourself.
I think we tend to expect a lot of ourselves and we are also over critical of our performances….
Have you ever said to yourself any of the above?
Happy Running! How do you encourage others? Do you encourage yourself?
with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life!
This week’s topic is: Racing. Are you a one-and done type? Or do you run the same ones over and over?
Well, both.
For half marathons, I have decided not to repeat. There are so many to choose from. I don’t feel the need even though I am tempted to re-do the ones I’ve loved. There are still many local ones that I haven’t run.
my favorite destination race
my favorite local race
For other distances, if I like a race, I do run it every year. I won’t list them all since as you know, I run a lot of races. The ones below, I try to put on my racing calendar every year.
I will be running the Freihofer’s 5k for the 9th time this year.
the Spring Run Off is my favorite 10k
I love the Stockadeathon 15K
Delmar Dash wins for a 5 mile race
and the Polar Cap for 4 milers
My favorite 10 mile race is the Adirondack Distance Run
Happy Running! Do you repeat races?
Last Week:
free Starbucks and some tulips to celebrate my special day
It was my birthday and I could have gone out to dinner with a co-worker but I opted to run with my Freihofer Training group. Since I had run a 15k & a 5k over the weekend, I thought that I would run with the Intermediate but they were doing 800m intervals so I stuck with the Advanced group – 8 400m intervals at 5k pace. My legs weren’t feeling it at first and they got stronger as I ran. I even finished the last one at 2 min.
more walking than running but I did throw in a few strides
many of the tulips have died but still some nice ones left
Then after work I ran a 5k race in 80 degree, humid weather. It wasn’t pretty but it was for a good cause.
struggled to 29:31 finish (3rd in my AG but awards only to 1st)
improved to 28:29 and won 1st in my age group
I had thought that I would run 9 more miles afterward but my legs disagreed. I ran (& walked) until I could do no more.
so so tired and hot… could barely pick my feet up
15 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.
This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #20)
Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?
This is a new race and is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.gofundme.com/Summer5k4addiction
I just ran a (sucky) 5k on Thursday and would have preferred to just do my long run today.
But I just had to do this race. I knew that there would be many other runners and volunteers from the STEM program. I wanted to support this cause and I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.
I have run a 4 mile race around Guilderland HS where this race took place. I remember it as NOT being flat.
It wasn’t as warm as it had been this past week and at least yesterday’s awful rain had stopped. But there was rain, hail and wind predicted for later in the day so it was pretty humid.
The route was described as:
Start/Finish of this out-and-back 5 km course is on West Dr on the south side of Guilderland High School. The course proceeds out West Dr to turn L onto School Rd, continues across the intersection with Depot Rd onto Meadowdale Rd, then bears L at Frederick Rd to Mile 1 on Meadowdale Rd and continues to the Turnaround point. The inbound route retraces the outbound route of the course to Mile 2 on Meadowdale Rd and Mile 3 on West Dr just after the turn off School Rd, and continues to the Finish.
I did take off that shirt and wear a tank to run in – it was the right move!
I arrived early and immediately bumped into those purple shirted runners. All the ones that were in Summer’s STEM group were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.
This race was one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag. There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies. And there were great raffle prizes – all running-related.
In addition to the STEM runners and volunteers, some members of Team “BadAss” were there.
just practicing our pose
Now for the real pose:
There was a dedication ceremony followed by a balloon release.
Then it was time to proceed out to the road to start the race.
my BFF stopped by and got this picture of the beginning of the race
As in my last few races, my legs felt so dead the first mile. And it was warm (so glad I took off my t-shirt). I was very happy that there was water at mile 1. I walked for a bit and then continued on to the turn around where I walked again. My pace was slowing down. I didn’t have to look at my Garmin to know that. I tried to pick speed for the last mile but I just couldn’t. I walked at least twice more until I saw the finish line and sprinted through it. (My Freihofer coach was watching so I knew I better run fast.)
I crossed around 28:xx which was faster than Thursday 5k so that was good.
I waited to catch some of the STEM ladies finishing.
Then I went inside to get some food and check the results.
Well, again my time didn’t record so I had to talk to my coach (he was the timing person) and he added me in at 28:29. (My Garmin said 28:27 but I wasn’t going to complain.)
and fruit, bagels…but this was my favorite.
We all went back outside for a photo and the awards.
the STEM runners & volunteers who knew Summer
And today I did win something – first in my age group!! But no raffle prizes 😦
So not a fast one but not a bad one. Nothing hurt. That’s always a good thing. The heat is bothering me but I think I’m not used to it yet.
Race Splits:
mile 1 – 8:51
mile 2 – 9:14
mile 3 – 9:15
.14 – 8:22
And this race. I enjoyed it. It was well run.
I am so humbled by these STEM women. I am glad to be a part of their lives.
love Kim!
With a half marathon in 2 weeks, I had planned to go run 9 more miles.
So I drove to the newly paved rail trail. It is now paved for 5.5 miles.
The last 4 miles are still dirt.
I was so tired. I could barely pick up my feet. I ran/walked for 4.5 miles and then quit and went grocery shopping.
Tomorrow’s another day but probably a rest day!!!
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race?
I had seen this race on the schedule each year and have been tempted. It makes sense since I do work at Albany Law School.
But it is an evening race. It’s hard to get there after work and it’s not an ideal time to race for me. And how does one fuel for a race that starts at 6:30 pm?
Anyway, a FB running friend proposed a team and I got sucked in last year.
It was hot and humid and I didn’t really enjoy the race. I didn’t run well and though I came in 2nd in my age group, they only gave awards for first. I had decided that I probably wouldn’t run this race again.
Fast forward to this year. The place I work has been focusing all year on healthy challenges. They proposed that we do a 5k together. I suggested this one because is was during the week and raised money for an important cause. Everyone was enthusiastic about the race until it came time to sign up.
You got it – they all had excuses except me, 2 other staff members, 2 students and a husband & child. So out of 400 or so, we have a team of 7!!!
The weather cooperated in that it was sunny and no wind but it seemed like summer had arrived and we skipped spring. It was around 80 degrees. (I was wearing my winter jacket just on Sunday!!)
The race took place in the Crossings, a beautiful park.
This is where I go for my Freihofer training group runs. I have done a few races here as well.
I like it. There are hills and roads and trails.
There’s a pond.
I got there early so I could find parking. This year, I even knew where to park and where the race started.
I wore a similar outfit to last year (Purple is the color that represents the fight against Domestic Violence. I’ll be wearing it again at Saturday’s race.)
I immediately bumped into a bunch of volunteers and clients from STEM (the survivors of Domestic Violence). I also saw some lawyers, co-workers and running friends.
If my race sucked last year, this year, it felt even worse.
It was hot. I immediately got a stitch in my side (maybe from eating a fig bar right before the race) and it stuck with me the WHOLE race.
Of course, I started out fast and then I could barely breathe – it was like I had asthma. Then I was coughing and sneezing. I attribute it to the pollen and grass (I used to have terrible hay fever when I was younger.) It was really tough to run when you are gasping for air. The only time this has happened was during this same race last year.
I made it about 1 1/2 miles before I started to walk.
I was also REALLY thirsty and the only water stop was at the 2 mile point. I walked then and several more times before the end of the race. I’ve never walked that much in a 5k but I just couldn’t catch my breath.
The result – 29:31 finish time – even slower than last year.
Well, that’s how it goes sometimes.
Splits:
mile 1- 9:02
mile 2- 9:46
mile 3 – 9:36
.2 – ?? (didn’t stop my watch)
I hung around watching the other STEM runners finish and the coordinator’s 7 year old daughter who ran her first 5k.
Then I had some refreshments which were awesome – bananas, brownies, pizza and Cider Belly donuts!!
They only gave out awards for 1st in 10-year age groups.
I came in third
Since it’s Friday, I’m 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!
My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons I Ran this Race:
Domestic Abuse is a horrible thing. It affects so many women. If you met them, you would never know what they’ve been through.
2. The Distance
It’s a 5k race so it would only take 30 minutes. Even if I am tired, I can muster my way through 3.1 miles. It shouldn’t affect my 5k /long run on Saturday. In fact, I would be running at least 3 miles today anyway.
3. The Challenge
Yes, it’s only a 5k but that means that you feel like you should run fast. That’s the challenge. The course is fairly flat. Could I PR??? (Obviously not.)
4. The Runners
It’s always fun to know people when you arrive at a race. You stand and around and chat. I love runners!!
5. Motivating Others
I want to set an example at work. I think running is great and it has helped me immensely physically, socially and emotionally. I am older than most people that I work with and I want to show them that if I can run so can they.
Happy Running! How do you feel about night races? Do you do them? Has it gotten warm where you live?
I signed up for the 2nd time to be a Running Buddy for our local GOTR program.
Girls on the Run Capital Region is a 10-week after-school program for girls in grades 3-8 that uses running and physical activities to teach life skills and help girls develop a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.
Here’s what it involved for me:
The Running Buddy provides encouragement and support to their buddy throughout the course of the season by sharing weekly notes of encouragement. These notes can be emailed or delivered to their buddy’s Head Coach.
The Running Buddy acts as a personal cheerleader for their buddy by attending the practice 5k and the end of season 5k.
The Running Buddy completes the 5k with their buddy and expresses support and enthusiasm for her accomplishment!
Last year, I didn’t particularly enjoy my experience. I met my girl for the first time at the practice 5k. At that race, she took off with a friend and the coach like a “bat out of hell.” I caught up with her to chat and found out that she was a runner and she had already completed the program before. That meant that she already had run a 5k and besides that, she was super FAST. (She obviously didn’t need my weekly motivational messages.) The same thing happened at the real 5K. She just took off with her friend & coach even though she was supposed to be running with me. So I ran by myself and eventually passed her as she tired (and got her photo as she finished the race after me.)
Nevertheless, I decided to give the program a second shot.
This year, I volunteered at Eagle, another elementary school near my home. I was paired up with Jayme who was 10 years old and in 5th grade. I met her once at an Orientation meeting (this was a new idea) and then again at the Practice 5K last Tuesday. She is super sweet. We had a great time chatting and running ALL 12 laps together.
As a result, I was very excited to be part of her first 5K race and help her along the way.
The Final 5K was held on May 8th in Central Park, Schenectady. This was the Mother’s Day 5K that I have run in past years.
in 2013 and I even won my age group
I signed up for a 15k race the day before because I knew that I would be running this race just for fun and as a running buddy along side Jayme. It wouldn’t matter if my legs were tired from those 9.3 hilly miles.
The weather was not as nice as the previous day. In fact, I woke up to POURING rain. UGH!!!
short sleeved women’s tech shirt
I had to arrive early to meet up with 80 or so GOTR participants, their coaches & running buddies for a group photo.
By the time, I got there, it was still raining but not hard. I was immediately informed that Jayme was not coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WTH? What bugged me the most is that I texted her mom photos so she would have my phone number. And she didn’t contact me. With this weather and the fact that I ran a 15k race the day before, I might have stayed home. Or at least run another 5k. There were several that were closer to my house.
So I sulked by the fireplaces trying to stay warm and keep my cool.
One of the other running buddies heard about my situation and then asked me if I would pace her daughter. Her daughter was in junior high and was running her second 5k.
I guess this would have to do. However, I wasn’t planning on a real race. So I told her yes but that I wasn’t in shape to run fast.
She was fine with that. (Of course, in chatting with her, I learned that she ran her 1st one in 29:xx and wasn’t trying…uh oh!)
Finally it was time to line up in the rain for our group photo.
Then we headed out to start the race.
The course was pretty varied – around the pond, through the woods, around the lake, etc. I have run it many times before.
I started with my new running buddy. It was difficult to go fast at first because of all the kids in front of us. They didn’t realize that slower runners and walkers start in the back.
the starting line
Eventually we got moving and of course, my buddy wanted to run fast. I could not and I kept telling her to go on ahead. This kept happening until the first water stop around mile 1. Then she seemed to tire so I could keep up with her.
Mile 2 was through the woods. I was very careful of the roots and uneven turf. But at some point, I lost my running buddy. I wasn’t sure if I was ahead or she was ahead of me. Somehow I thought I may be ahead so I waited for her at the 2nd water stop. I didn’t see her so I continued on.
Then for mile 3, we ran back into the park. The rain had stopped but the wind picked up and it started to get very cold.
Finally I saw the finish line and sped up so I didn’t cross over 30 minutes. There was no chip timing. They just collected your bib and gave your a flower.
I waited and then I saw my buddy cross. She said that she had lost her earbud and doubled back to find it.
I waited some more watching all the young kids finish their first 5k. They were so excited and happy. This is what what running is all about.
But I was freezing and eventually went inside to get warm and eat.
There was an awesome food display. In addition to cookies, bagels, bars, pastries, bananas, chocolate milk, etc.
mimosas (minus the champagne)
chocolate fountain with pretzels, cake and fruit for dipping
I didn’t want to eat too much since I was planning to go to my MIL’s for lunch at 3 pm.
I put on my winter coat and gloves (brrr) and waited around by the fire for the awards. Surprisingly, I came in third and actually won something this time.
That made me feel a little better about my weekend racing.
Believe it or not, the lady who beat me by 6 min in the 15k finished after me??
My only goal for this race was to help Jayme finish her first 5k race.
Splits:
mile 1 – 9:26
mile 2- 9:49
mile 3 – 9:21
.14 – 8:24
Garmin time – 29:32
Official time – 29:53
So things didn’t work out as planned – GOTR and the weather. I love the GOTR program. I think it is great for young girls.
Below are some photos posted on the Times Union website.
I will definitely support GOTR in some way but I doubt that I will become a running buddy again.
After I grabbed my plant, I rushed home to get ready to go out for Mother’s Day.
My sister-in-law and her hubby drove up from Florida and we had dinner at my mother-in-law’s. My stepson & his girlfriend and my brother-in-law (not pictured) also came. My other stepson had to work (he is pictured with my mil above.) We all had a nice time together.
Since it is Thursday, I’m also linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
So in addition to last weekend’s race, this is what I am thinking about:
Upcoming Races –
May 12 – 6:30 pm
Yes, today after work. I’m not a fan of evening races but this one is for a great cause. There will be many lawyers there than I know as well as STEM volunteers. I was in charge of getting a team together but it didn’t go so well. Everyone at work said yes until it was time to commit.
May 14
This is a new race and is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.gofundme.com/Summer5k4addiction There will be many other runners and volunteers from the program. I am honored to support this cause and to have known and run with Summer.
May 29
I ran this race last year with AJH. I ran the first leg so this year I’m looking forward to running the 2nd 13.1 miles (and crossing the marathon finish line.)
June 4
And of course, I have to run this race – my race streak race. This will be my 9th time running it.
I love the energy in this all women’s 5k.
I have also been participating in the Training Challenge for the 2nd time.
last year’s photo but we’re wearing pink again this year
Upcoming Vacation –
12th trip to Naples, Florida but tennis vacation #20 for me!!! (We started traveling together in 2002 and only 2 of us haven’t missed one.)
I leave on May 18 and return on May 25 (4 days before my next half marathon). Can’t wait!!
Fitting it all in –
When you live in the Northeast, you just live for summer. Winter here sucks (unless you ski.)
It’s a time for running, boating, hiking, picniking and all kinds of outdoor activities.
You know where I’m going with this.
I want to do it all. Help??
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any races or runs? Any races coming up? What are you thinking about today? How you fit in your running when things get hectic? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 