November 21, 2015 by Darlene

Girls on the Run 5K Race & Long Run Recap

November 21, 2015 – 9:30 am- Corning Preserve

I was running this race for many reasons:

1. GOTR is a great organization. I was a GOTR running buddy in the spring and I was happy to support them again.

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GOTR participants in a May 2015 5k

2. The STEM runners were running their first 5k. I volunteered to help Kelly train for this race.

STEM participants in a previous 5k

3. Several people where I work were also running their first 5k. They claim that I motivated them to run so of course, I had to be there.

4. My running friends Barbara & Judy are also running this race. It’s nice to know people to hang out with before & after a race.

with Barbara on the same course but back in May

with Judy in March

4. I love to race. This is a flat course and one where someone could PR. I have also gotten a AG award every time I’ve run on this course. But I guess it would be selfish of me to try.

Laurie on the right was also going to be at the race.

5. I had to run 12 miles today in preparation for my Dec 6 Half Marathon. The Corning Bike Path is a perfect place to extend my miles from 3 to 12.

nice river views

So I arrived early to a crowd of excited runners – young and old.

I parked in the parking lot that was farther away and walked to the start.

It was cold. I had better get used to this weather because it’s only going to get worse.

I wore layers which I shed before the race. I knew that I would be cold waiting to begin but fine once I started running.

I immediately bumped into Kelly who was, of course, nervous about her first 5K. As soon as I talked to her, I knew that I had to run with her and encourage her. This is what running is all about. Not PRs.

Every time, I turned around, I saw someone that I knew.

I chatted with Judy, Laurie & Barbara.

But unexpectedly, I saw 3 ladies from last fall’s STEM program They were still running and I was so happy to see them again. One runner, Kim, just ran the Stockadeathon and is thinking of a half marathon in the spring.

I also saw Judith who is GOTR running buddy, Elenora, a fellow SkirtSports ambassador and several others that I knew.

Kelly & moi

After we took lots of photos, it was time to line up.

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GOTR runners

The GOTR runners, their coaches and running buddies lined up first. Everyone followed.

Needless to say, it was very slow going for the first 1/2 mile.

But we had perfect weather. What seemed to cold at the beginning, warmed up. I shed my gloves & tied my jacket around my waist. (Overdressed again!)

Kelly, a few other STEM volunteers and I chatted the whole race. Kelly never walked or even seemed to struggle. We ran at around an 11 min pace which was faster than Kelly was used to. It was so great to see her run well and to be a part of it.

As soon as she saw the finish line, she took off. She finished at 34;XX and I know she was thrilled…so much faster than she expected.

on the front & back of our Mizuno jackets and these runner really ARE!

I am glad that I didn’t run ahead and try to PR. This experience was much more rewarding!!

After I was done, I hung out with Judy and Barbara and watched the others finish.

Everyone crossed the finish line so happy and so proud of themselves.

Finally my co-workers crossed….crying!! They had finished their first 5K…something they had thought was impossible. It brought me to tears, as well.

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posted on FB

I was so engrossed in the finishers that I forgot to get water or something to eat after the race. (I guess that was OK since I didn’t really expend a lot of energy during the race.)

Even though, this was one of my slowest finish times, I am glad that I participated in the race.

Afterwards, Barbara was nice enough to keep me company as I needed to get some more miles done.

as you see, I got rid of my gloves, jacket & hat

She is great to run with because she keeps me moving. The next four miles were definitely faster than the first 3 and much much faster than the solo miles to follow. We ran in the opposite direction from the race course and then turned around and followed the course again.

But after 4 miles, she left me to my own devices.

I decided to run back to my car, get my baseball cap, shed my half zip and add back the green windbreaker.

lots of geese

Then I ran the race course again but continued on beyond it before I turned around.

trees are so barren

These miles were TOUGH!! I was tired but I think my lack of energy was from my lack of food & water. What kept me going was the decision to turn back, cross the bridge and run into the city and go to Cider Belly Donuts. (They are supposedly the BEST and last time, I ran there, I didn’t have any money to buy one.)

So over the bridge, I dragged myself even though I already already completed my 5 miles (bringing me to my planned 12 mile total for the day.) And when I arrived…

Royal bummer!!!

What did I do? Settled for second best…

skinny peppermint mocha & sandwich)

Luckily, Starbucks was across the street.

When I was done, I was so chilled that I had to sprint the 1/2 mile back to my car.

Yes, 13 (broken up) miles for the day!!

Happy Running! Did you race or run this past weekend? Ever run a race just to help someone else?

November 20, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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!

This week’s theme is Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

Starbucks Lattes

I prefer decaf and the holiday ones like Chestnut Praline, Eggnog, Peppermint Mocha. I know they cost a lot but I’m worth it (besides the more I buy, the more stars I get…)

Of course, they also have a lot of calories but I can ask for no whip, sugar-free syrup, soy or coconut milk, etc.

Do calories count if you run more than 10 miles??

2. Hot Cocoas

I don’t drink them a lot but they do taste good after a cold weather race. I like to add coffee to make them more mocha tasting.

3. Herbal Teas

I have recently become a big tea drinker. I love chai and flavored herbal teas….especially in the evening in front of the fire.

I do make it sometimes with tea bags but I prefer tea made from leaves.

4. Mulled Cider

This drink makes it seem like the holidays. So yummy!

5. Eggnog

I just love eggnog! I could drink it by the quart. But I try to drink it sparingly. There are low cal ones but they’re just not the same.

any recommendations?

Happy Running! What’s your favorite cold weather drink?

November 19, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Races, Runs, Thanksgiving, etc.

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Two More Long Runs before my next half marathon (on Dec 6.)

It seems like I was just getting ready for run my last one (Oct 10) and now, my next one is almost here. How did that happen?

So this weekend, my run will be 12 miles! My longest distance before the race.

Although I’ve finished 15 half marathons, I still worry about completing the distance. I also struggle when I run alone. So I’m not looking forward to it.

Then next weekend, there’s just 8 miles.

Two More Races before my next half marathon

first annual – 11-21-15

I have a 5k this weekend. Normally, I would pass on this one because of the long run mentioned above. But I have been involved in this organization so I want to support them. The girl that I am training and all the others in the STEM program) are running their 1st 5k. Some of my co-workers are running their first 5k too.

Yup, I gotta do this race.

Do I race it?

Or swallow my pride and help the others finish?

I am looking forward to this 10k on Thanksgiving. Since I started running, I’ve almost always (except 2008 & 2012) run a race on Thanksgiving morning. It’s the best part of the holiday (and I love food!!)

I used to run the local 5ks but last year I joined a training group for the 10k. I enjoyed it so I joined the same group this year. I PRed at last year’s race but I don’t think I’ve been as dedicated to my training so we will see what happens.

yes, it snowed last year. Hopefully not this year.

I am also toying with running the 5k after the 10k race. The 10K is at 8 am and the 5k at 10 am. The 5k is the big race – thousands run it. I have friends running the 5k so it might be fun to run this one just for fun. I am already there and dressed to run.

What do you think?

Then there’s Thanksgiving...

I LOVE Thanksgiving food…

What I miss most is cooking my favorite recipes….squash leek soup, stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and homemade pumpkin pie.

yum!!

double yum

My husband’s family is complicated. Mine is non-existent. So this year, we’re on a wait and see what my MIL is planning. We may just go to a restaurant and then visit her or friends for dessert after.

What are you planning? Are you running a Turkey Trot? Are you cooking?

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Please Share.

November 18, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Cherish

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 CHERISH.

Of course, when I saw the word, this is all I could think of:

But seriously, this is an important word, especially in light of what has recently happened in Paris.

I’m not very creative so I’ll let these posters speak for themselves:

including pets

my hubby

with one of my 4 kitties

we always take a picture outside this restaurant each year

Some good friends

This sums it up:

Happy Running! What do you cherish?

November 17, 2015 by Darlene

Running & NYC Weekend

I didn’t run in NYC.

I ran at home.

On Saturday, I was scheduled for a 11 mile run. (Only 3 weeks until my half, Gulp!)

My friend Judy agreed to accompany me. But she wasn’t going to run for that far.

So I arrived early in order to run 5 miles before she got there. It was our first cold day. In addition to being cold, it was windy and sleeting off and on. (I bet Judy wished that I had picked Sunday for my long run.)

this is roughly the rail trail. I have never run to Voorheesville since it doesn’t connect directly. The yellow line is the newly paved portion. The total distance from Albany to Voorheesville is supposed to be 9 miles.

Unfortunately, they are doing construction on the bridge between to paved and unpaved portion of the rail trail.

So I had to park in town and run to the trail (. 5 miles) to enter it and then head north. This is the unpaved part of the trail (It’s supposed to be paved next spring.)

Part of the trail is just covered with leaves from the trees.

Other parts are gravel-covered in preparation for paving.

I ran up to the park and then turned around and ran back to my car. (That gave me 5 miles total.)

I really felt done after the 5 miles. (especially since I started out late waiting for the sleet to stop and had to sprint in order to get back on time.) Good thing Judy was there to drag me out for 6 more miles.

She agreed to run the rail trail going south (the paved portion) since she had never been on it before

Unfortunately, the leaves are all off the trees but it was still pretty.

that’s Judy running on the bridge

and under these 2 bridges

We ran to the end of the trail which was 3 miles away and then headed back.

Unfortunately, it’s downhill on the way out and uphill (when you are more tired) on the way back. But we made it.

I really appreciate Judy running with me on this nasty weather day. It is more enjoyable to have someone to share long runs.

Then on Sunday, my hubby and I got up at the crack of dawn to take the Megabus to NYC.

Yes, I persuaded my hubby to go my favorite place. This was the bribe:

on Broadway for the first time

He loves watching Irish dancing. Riverdance is his favorite show. But he loves this one too. Unfortunately, I found out after I bought the tickets that Michael Flatley only appears in it after the night performances.

Fortunately, the weather was much nicer than the day before. It was sunny & in the 50’s.

We followed the same plan as when I went with my tennis ladies.

at the beginning of the High line (along the Hudson R.)

We walked the whole High Line (from beginning to end). My hubby had never been. I think he enjoyed it (but probably not as much as I do.)

trees planted among the rails

I loved the bridge between the buildings

nearing the end

My hubby is a speed walker and we had extra time before lunch so we walked through Chelsea Market.

Then we stopped for lunch in a small Italian restaurant.

we shared an eggplant appetizer & then I had gnocchi as my main course – YUM!!

After lunch, we walked to 42nd street (from 14th St.) to the theater. (The reason for our trip to NYC.)

Flatiron building – one of my favs

I like this building too

On the way, we stopped at Lord N Taylor to see their Holiday Windows and Bryant Park.

We also a little time to visit a photography exhibit at the NYC Library.

awesome building …need to spend more time there next time

we had 4th row seats!!! WooHoo!

The show was fantastic (even without Michael Flatley.)

After the show, on the way back to the train station, we stopped for a drink at a rooftop bar.

this was our view

we were actually crashing a private event but we didn’t know it LOL

Penn. Station #prayforparis

A long day in NYC (and 10 miles walked) but so worth it.

I am linking this post to Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life who host Tuesdays on the Run.

Happy Running! Do anything fun this past weekend?

November 16, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 8th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We met at our new meeting spot, the State Office Campus. Stan subbed for Patrick as our coach so I was able to skip the speed drills (8 1 minute sprints).

actually intervals at State Office Campus – 3 miles

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk (before the rain) and played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – Today I had the day off from work. My STEM run with Kelly got cancelled because she was off from work and could run with the group (so she didn’t need me.) I almost ran a 5k race but the rain saved me from this insanity. So I waited for the rain to stop and ran by myself, did some errands and went to a yoga class. Yes, yoga for the first time in almost a year!!!

damp and dreary and NO leaves on the trees 😦

loved it and bought a 5 class pass so I will be motivated to go again.

Thursday – Had a busy work day but walked in the rain during lunch (to get some Starbucks 🙂 ) and ran 3 miles after work on the treadmill. UGH!!

hated it!!

Friday – Rest day so only a walk at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I got up early to do my long run. It was cold, sleeting at times, windy…awful weather. I ran 5 miles by myself and then met Judy for 6 more miles. It was so nice to have company to make the miles less painful and the weather more bearable.

Sunday – The hubby & I took the bus to NYC. We walked the High Line (cuz he had never been) and then had lunch in Chelsea at an Italian restaurant. Walked back to 42nd St and saw Lord of the Dance – fabulous!!!

More details on the weekend in tomorrow’s post.

20.6 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group), mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run with my STEM client (her last one before the race on Saturday), hair appt.
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + 8 more miles.
Sunday – REST

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

November 14, 2015 by Darlene

#PrayForParis

I can’t tell you how saddened I am about what has happened in Paris.

Paris is my absolute favorite city in the world. I was a French teacher for over 20 years and had the opportunity to visit the city often. I haven’t been there in years but I have so many fond memories of my dozen or so trips there.

My dream has been and still is to someday run a race there.

Blogger/Runner Karen at French Inspiration reports that she and her loved ones are safe.

My heart goes out to all those who have uselessly lost their lives or loved ones.

November 13, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Ways to stay healthy during the holidays

This week’s theme is WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

1. Bring healthy snacks to work. If you are hungry, you will be tempted to eat something unhealthy. This is what I always have in my lunch bag everyday.

2. Walk whenever you can. That means taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Eat a quick lunch and go for a walk. Take a walk after dinner.

3. Sign up for a race. If you do, you will be motivated to get out and run. Running burns calories, right?

4. Do some kind of cross-training activity that you enjoy– work out, do yoga, pilates, zumba, play tennis or whatever you can to stay active.

5.Get on the scale. I rarely get on the scale but I try to weigh myself more frequently during the holidays. Nothing like several lbs gained to make me lose my appetite.

Will I cheat? Of course but I try to make them worthwhile cheats on special occasions. (I have a weakness for desserts…)

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christmas cookie exchange at work

Happy Running! How do you stay healthy during the holidays?

November 12, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday; Backache, Yoga, Racecations and More…

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

My Achy Back

My lower back aches frequently. Especially when sitting a long time (in cars, buses, movie seats, etc.) I sit all day at my job but I can get up and move around.

The only time, it hurt when I’ve run is during my last half marathon and it hurt during the last 4 miles…so much that I thought about DNFing.

It felt ok during my 15K on Sunday but then it started aching at night.

I wondered whether or not I was injured and should I scale back my running?

I didn’t. I ran on Monday and then again yesterday. And I didn’t feel any worse … it still felt off and achy.

Yoga

I actually love yoga. I suck at it. I have zero flexibility but I feel good after I take a yoga class.

my best pose – this home thing last 2 days, I think

Yes, I know you don’t have to pay money to do yoga but I have zero motivation to do things at home.

that’s me and Lisa (up front)

I used to go to a class every Wednesday. I loved my instructor Lisa and I am picky about yoga teachers. I need someone who understands that everyone is not at the same level and offers different ways of doing each move.

Well, Lisa got Lyme disease and then she got a job somewhere else. So I stopped going.

A year ago, I went again and I liked Maria, the new instructor but I just couldn’t get myself to go.

Yesterday, I had the day off. I had run, done all my errands. I had no excuses… so I went to yoga class. (I even bought a 5 card pass to motivate myself to go back.)

When Maria started the class, she announced that the focus of the class was the LOWER BACK and to strengthen those muscles.

Whoa! Does she have ESP or what?

And believe it or not, last night my back felt GREAT! That achy feeling was gone. Amazing!

So I am not injured!!! 🙂

Day Off

We have had a great Fall. Lots of warm weather and sunshine. Unfortunately, I am lazy about about getting up early and I work so I have had to run after work …in the dark.

I was excited to have had a day off to run during the day.

But it was cloudy and drizzly all day.

So dreary, it felt like evening. DARN!

Racecation

With THREE weeks until my racecation, I finally started planning. Here’s how things stand:

Arrive Friday in West Palm, take shuttle to expo and pick up bib.
My friend F. will meet me there and we’ll drive back to her place in Delray
Spend Friday & Saturday in Delray
Meet my friend M. for dinner Saturday and she’ll drive me to my hotel in West Palm
Half Marathon Sunday!!!! 6:30 am.
My friend G. will meet me at the race or hotel and we’ll drive to her place in Jupiter
Sunday & Monday in Jupiter
G. will drive me to the airport in West Palm on Monday

I’m hoping for an early snowstorm so I will be stranded in Florida for an extra day…much too short a vacation!!

Half Marathon

Speaking of my next half, I haven’t figured out a training schedule yet. But I think it maybe too late now.

I ran 13.1 miles on October 10 so I guess I thought that would hold me over until Dec. 6. But all of a sudden it’s almost taper time and I don’t have a plan.

I did run 9.4 miles on Sunday. What’s next?

The usual 2-3 easy runs on weekdays.

Nov 14 – 11 miles
Nov 21 – 5k race + 9 miles
Nov 28 – 8 miles (or 5k race + 5 miles)

So now I have a plan.

Races

This memory from 5 years ago popped up on my FB page.

I ran a 5K race on Veteran’s Day. It was my FIRST age group award.

My friend Holly tried to talk me into running a 5K yesterday. I said “Maybe.”

Thank God when I woke up, it was raining and I changed my mind.

Of course, then I looked at the results and I would have won an AG award.

Does anyone else do that? Check the AG awards on races that you didn’t run to see if you would have won??

That Red Cup

I love Starbucks. Does anyone care that the cup isn’t Christmasy enough?

I did like the fall one better …

but who cares. Really?

There’s isn’t a Chanukah cup, is there?

this was a hoax in 2008

Age?

I feel a little narcissistic with yesterday’s post. I didn’t expect readers to compliment me on how I didn’t look my age. But thanks. Much appreciated.

The goal was to show younger runners that age is just a number and it shouldn’t define what you are able to do.

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

November 11, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Ageless

This week’s Word is AGELESS

I love this word!!

That’s my goal …to be “ageless.”

And running makes me feel “ageless.”

I am more than 20 years older than the women in this photo

finishing a half marathon with a former student of mine (probably 25 years younger than me)

It’s running that bonds us runners, not age!! Many of my running friends are younger and some are older. It doesn’t seem to matter how old we are.

Sometimes, younger runners beat me. Other times, I beat them.

Sometimes, older runners beat me. Other times, I beat them.

In other words,, I do not want not let my age define me and I want to be able to do anything I want (despite my advanced age.)

I never want to say “I can’t do that. I’m too old.”

not too old to get goofy

In fact, I am much more active now than I was in my 20s and 30s.

me on Saturday

I am healthy and I certainly don’t feel my age. Yes, I am 62!! But I don’t feel 62.

I feel like I can run any distance that I choose from 5ks to even marathons.(I’m not saying I want to run a marathon but just that it’s not an age thing.)