September 8, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Racing Pet Peeves

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Racing Pet Peeves.

I ran over 30 races last year and have run 25 so far this year so I am entitled to a lot of pet peeves.

Gun times not Chip times.

I don’t like to push to the front and start with the speedsters but I don’t want my time influenced by the fact that I don’t start near the front.

So I think all races should have chips that record the start time and the finish times. I know this happens for most big races but I have even run half marathons where this wasn’t the case. And with a lot of runners lining up for a race, this can add several minutes to your finish time.

Cotton Tee Shirts.

Who wears these? At this point, I don’t even care if I get a tee shirt. If the race organizers can’t afford tech shirts, they shouldn’t give out any. Or they could charge extra for those who want a tech shirt.

No Age Group Awards.

Yes, there are some races with no awards or just 1st place. I’ve even been at a race where they were posted but not announced. And please no a group for 60-100. There are many runners over 70 these days and they deserve their own group. At my age, age group awards are my main motivator to run well.

Not enough Porta-Potties.

I think it’s great to host a race with a facility that has regular bathrooms. But if they do, they should make sure they are open. There should always be porta-potties as a back up and if there are no regular bathroom, there should be enough porta-potties for the number of runners registered for the race. Long lines are very annoying, to say the least.

Poor parking.

Parking for races should be marked. It shouldn’t be far away. If it is, there should be a shuttle. There should be enough parking for the number of runners registered for the race. No one wants to be late for a race because they can’t find a place to park.

Unhealthy or little food.

No candy or cookies please. We are athletes and it would be nice to try to offer something healthy. Fruit is good but we are hungry too. So there should be bagels and protein bars. And if you ask me, there should be chocolate milk.

Not enough Water stops.

Believe it or not, I was at a recent race where there was no water after mile 1 for a 10k. And it was hot! And there should be enough water for the slower runners. They paid the same amount to run as the fast runners. And they’ve been out there longer so are probably thirstier.

Expensive race photos.

In this day and age, everything is digital. So all photos should be free and downloadable. Races are expensive enough. Most of the time, the photos are not that great anyway.

No day of race bib pick up.

I recently ran a half where there was none. I contacted them saying that I couldn’t drive 3 hours just to pick up my bib. They said that I had to find someone then. Luckily I did but the next day, they had day of race pick up anyway. Made me so mad. Another half that I am considering charges $25 extra for day of race bib pick up. Really?? Isn’t the race expensive enough? This discourages runners from running out of town races.

Enough whining for now.

I have a 5k this Saturday and I hope it’s a good one.

Happy Running! Any racing pet peeves that I haven’t mentioned?

September 7, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Boy, was it a hot one. I sweat for 3.5 miles in the city & the park. Met my BFF for a walk after.

Tuesday – Played tennis for 1 1/2 hours after work then met an old friend for a late dinner.

Wednesday – Knowing it was going to be very warm, I decided to run before work. My legs even had some occasional speed but only had time for 3 miles (Yeah, I could have gotten up earlier.)

Thursday – Another warm day and forecast for storms got me out of bed early for another before work run. This time 4 miles. Now I know why I don’t run 2 days in a row. Even my new shoes couldn’t remedy my tired legs. (It was warmer and more humid. Maybe that was it?)

Friday -Just work today and then a fun evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I was planning a 5K but changed my mind and decided to do my long run uninterrupted.

Sunday – I recuperated with a fun day on the lake. It was the annual Christmas celebration on Log Bay.

last year’s pic but you get the idea

20.5 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is 5 weeks away!!!

This Week: (Week #8 of HM training)

Monday- DAY OFF –4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, yoga?
Thursday – 4 mile run before work, hair appt after
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 8 more miles
Sunday – rest, boating

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 ?

September 5, 2015 by Darlene

Not So Solo Long Run

maybe next year

I had a 5K on my schedule for today but since I ran a 10K race last weekend and I plan to run a 5K race next weekend, I decided to skip it.

Instead I set out to run 10 solo miles.

I headed to the Nisky Bike Path. Last week, I ran on the Corning Bike Path and I like to do my long runs in a different place each weekend. They are painful enough. At least the scenery will be varied thus more interesting.

It was cool in the morning but I procrastinated at home and it was warm by the time I got there.

the beginning of my run heading toward Schenectady

I guess a lot of running groups were out today. I was hardly alone.

There were bikers, runners, dog walkers, skateboarders, etc. And everyone waved and smiled.

So I didn’t run with a group but I was hardly alone.

But I did get to choose my route, my show pace and when to stop and walk.

I continued to Lock 7 and then beyond – many views of the Mohawk river

I was going to turn around here at 2.5 miles as I usually do but decided to go to 5 miles and see where it took me.

nice and shady for a short while

a tempting place to take a break – but I didn’t

Finally I approached Blatnik hill and walked up it. Since I had a lot more miles to run, I didn’t want to risk it by running up that hill.

view from the hill

This is as far as I have ever gone but I continued until I hit 5 miles.

It got hillier and so I walked more and it was definitely less scenic.

Eventually I approached some GE buildings and turned around.

The run wasn’t easy. They never are for me. I struggled the last few miles and my walking increased.

The good news is that my feet didn’t hurt as much as last week and I didn’t get any blisters.

10 miles done!! 5 weeks to go!!

I rewarded my Hokas with new Hokas!!

since they are an old model, they gave it to me for half off and I had a $25 coupon – cant beat that!

Tomorrow is a needed rest day and 2 days on the lake! WooHoo!

Preview: it will Christmas on Log Bay tomorrow

Happy Running! Any running or racing plans for this Labor Day weekend?

September 4, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fall Races to Run

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary 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, the theme is Five Fall Races to Run:

Here are my top 5:

Oct 10, 2015

1. Brooklyn Rock N Roll Half Marathon – This will be my first Rock n Roll race and my 15th half marathon.

Oct. 31, 2105

2. NYRR Dash to the Finish Line – I am really excited about this one. Finally I will be running a race in NYC. It starts near the UN and ends in Central Park. I will get to cross the finish line of the NYC Marathon (which is the next day.)

November 8, 2015

3. Stockade-athon – This a very popular local 15K. I have run it 3 times. They changed the course last year and I enjoyed it even more.

November 26, 2015

4. Troy Turkey Trot – Last year I ran this 10K for the first time and I plan to do it again. Lots of runners and loads of fun.

October 17, 2015

5. Great Pumpkin Challenge – I ran this 10k for the first time last year. I may just do the 5k this year. We’ll see. I enjoyed running in Saratoga State Park.

Happy Running! What’s on your fall racing schedule? Anyone running any of the above races?

September 3, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursdays – Shoes

Thursdays are for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

So here’s what I’m thinking…

Why do I have so many Running Shoes.?????

It’s no secret that I have crappy feet. No other part of my body hurts – not my calves, not my quads, not my hamstrings, not my knees, not my IT band, etc. JUST MY FEET.

I have pain on the sides, on the bottom,… I get blisters. My achilles gets tight. I have bunions.

I’ll use my feet as an excuse to buy new running shoes often.

Here are my latest pair – Nikes. The verdict is still out but I think that will probably keep them for short races and short runs.

The reason for the purchase was the blisters and foot pain from Saturday’s race.

These were Mizuno Inspires that I wore for my last half and that I got on sale.

So far, my most comfortable shoes to date are these Hokas.

They are wide and have lots of cushion and so far, my feet don’t hurt when I run in them.

But look at the bottom after 100 miles or so. The midsole is very worn as well.

Warning.. I will probably buy another pair for my long and recovery runs and half marathon. The Hokas are great for problem feet like mine.

(But they are clunky and I have a hard time getting any speed in them…hence the other pair of running shoes needed.)

These are my most recent purchases. In the past year, I have run in many different pairs of Mizunos.

Mizuno Wave Rider 18s – I got these free as a tester

Mizuno Wave Rider 17s – they were cheap and PURPLE

those same Mizunos Inspires

Mizuno Wave Ride 18s in a different color

Running down the Bump N Grind Trail in CA

a 3 yr old pair of Mizuno Inspires – didn’t want to get newer ones dirty on the trails

Mizuno Wave Rider 17s (that I got free as a tester)

Then there are some others that I may have gotten on sale and are still in my closet from past years.

So do I have a problem?

I need to have comfortable shoes. Shoes that look good are a plus. Shoes that match my outfits a even bigger perk.

So true!!

Happy Running! Do you have a lot of pairs of running shoes? What are you thinking about today??

September 2, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Accountability

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 ACCOUNTABILITY

According to the dictionary:

Accountability means taking responsibility for something that you are supposed to do.

At work, I am accountable to a lot of people. If I don’t do what I am supposed to do, there may be repercussions that affect people besides myself.

At home, it may be shopping, cleaning up, laundry etc. If I don’t do them, we just don’t eat and have no clean clothes. No big deal. Lucky for me, my hubby is very easy going about most things.

But for running, I am accountable to myself.

If I do NOT run regularly, then I run and get injured, I should hold myself accountable.

Most importantly, if I don’t run regularly or enough miles, when it comes to running a race, I won’t be happy with my results.

So how do I stay accountable?

Set goals and share them. I have goals for each race, each week, for each month, for each year. I post these on my blog. I thinks it helps me be accountable.

Be realistic about your running.

I know that I don’t have the time to run everyday. And for my feet, it would not be a good idea. I know that when I run alone, my pace is slow and I walk a lot. I also know that at my age, PRing is not going to happen often (or maybe never.)

Join a running group or find a running partner.

ladies from the Freihofer’s Training Group

With a group, I have a time, place and people to run with. It also adds specific workouts to my schedule.

Judy, a FB friend

If you arrange to meet someone to run with, you show up and complete the distance. Voila accountability.

Put it on your calendar.

When you work and have a busy life, running may get ignored, skipped or forgotten. I put my runs on my calendars (yup several of them – wall, work computer, iphone, etc.)

Make running a priority.

That means sometimes saying no to an invitation because you have to run. That means rearranging vacations, events around your race or running schedule. You obviously have to have an understanding family and friends.

Always be prepared to run.

I have running shoes and clothes in my car. I never know when my schedule may change and I will be able to run. I also always bring running stuff with me when I travel.

Happy Running! How do you stay accountable?

September 1, 2015 by Darlene

August Recap

Can’t believe the summer has gone by so quickly!!! And it’s already September…

So how did this past month go?

August Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. Yes!

I tried to vary my runs. I get bored so I just pick different times and places for each one.

Start longer runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15. Yes!

I have gotten up to 10 miles. None were exceptional but that’s the way they always are. Many were add-ons after races too.

Walk at work on days that I don’t run. No!!! Too busy at work.

I lost my walking buddy so I have to be motivated to do it on my own. I AM NOT. This is a busy time of year at work and I just can’t tear myself away.

Go to the gym at least once a week. No! Started to but that ended quickly…

I started going once a week but life just got in the way.

Run before work to avoid the heat. Yes! Often.

The summer heat has forced me into this. My neighborhood is not exciting so I have searched out some others.

Run a race or 2. Yes! Two 5ks and one 10K. Won 3rd, 2nd and 1st in my AG.

It’s no secret that I love to race. It’s the only time I can get my legs to move. Not ideal for half marathon training but I’m not one to follow traditional plans.

Run at least 75 miles. Yes! 86 miles!!

Finally some decent monthly mileage…those long runs helped here.

Spend time with my mentee & sons. Yes!

I have slacked off since she is working a lot and has a boyfriend. I hadn’t seen her since May so we were long over due. I plan to see them much more often in the fall.

What else?

Spent lots of time on Lake George

Love our boat and our boating friends. Lake George is the most beautiful lake in the country and the weekend weather has cooperated this summer. Yay!

Went to the track and actually won

For my former co-worker and I, this is an annual tradition. We have gone to breakfast at the race track for over 30 years. This year since I had the day off, we stayed for the races and I was incredibly lucky.

Saw Jimmy Buffet in concert.

Friends turned me and the hubby on to Jimmy. We went to our first concert last year and vowed to repeat this awesome experience every year. It’s even more fun with friends.

Spent a weekend with my tennis friends on Schroon River

Another annual thing. About 10 of us gather at a house on the river to play tennis and have fun every summer.

September Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue the long runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Take a yoga class.
Start doing planks again.
Pick a spring half marathon.
Run at least 90 miles.

Happy Running! How was your August? Anything exciting planned for September?

August 31, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Work, work, work. Busy day since it was the first day of law school.

Tuesday – Too tired to run before work so I ran after. Boy was it humid!!! I had planned to run about 3 miles but the flowers in the park were so pretty, I ended up with 4.5.

Wednesday – I was planning on going to yoga but I got out of work late so I decided to take a short run. I don’t usually run 2 days in a row so I was pooped. But I stumbled upon a new part of the rail trail that was paved so it was worth it.

Thursday – After work I met Judy at the Crossings. It is always fun to run with someone else.

Friday -Just work today and then a fun evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – Ran a 10K race and though it wasn’t great, I won 1st in my age group.

Though I was pooped and had blisters on my feet, I added 3.8 miles after to make it 10 for the day

Rushed home and visited my friend whose first grandchild was in town.

Then I took my mentee and her 2 sons to Huck Finn’s Playland to celebrate her younger son’s 4th birthday. What a full day!!

Sunday – I recuperated with a relaxing day on the lake.

21.5 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is 6 weeks away!!!

This Week: (Week #7 of HM training)

Monday- 4 mile run after work, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 10 mile long run, boating
Sunday – boating (Xmas party on Log Bay)

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 ?

August 30, 2015 by Darlene

Trout 10K Race Recap

As I mentioned in a previous post, I only signed up for this race to boast my morale hoping that some of the speed that had been lacking in my runs would come back in a race.

There was 5k and a 10k and both started at 9:30 am which in August in a late start, in my opinion.

lots of fish-themed items everywhere

I was very tempted to run the 5K but since I am training for a October Half, the 10K would bring me closer to my 10 planned miles.

The weather wasn’t too bad considering the high temps we have had. It was in the low 70’s but with the humidity, it felt warmer.

the course was along the Hudson River

There wasn’t a large race so I didn’t think I see anyone I knew but I did spot 3 runners I knew and then I was surprised to see Helen and Sue. They were in the Turkey Trot and the Freihofer’s Training Groups. I haven’t seen them since May so we chatted catching up on our racing experiences.

before the race

Soon, it was time to begin. Helen, Sue & I started together. We quickly separated but would meet again after the race.

pretty course with river views

I wanted to have a good race and hoped that I could leave my turtle-like training runs behind and have a faster pace. My legs had a different idea. They felt sluggish right from the beginning.

Even so, my pace wasn’t too bad for the 5k but I had to keep it up for 6.2 miles and I was tired after 1 mile.

There were 2 water stops a little after mile 1. I grabbed some water and walked for a short bit but didn’t drink much thinking that there would be another water stop later for the 10k runners.

Big mistake.

No water until these same 2 stops on the way back. That meant nothing to drink for another 4 miles on a warm day!!

Anyway, I managed a decent time for the first half but I was very tired!!!

Maybe it was because the last race I ran over 3.1 miles was back in June. Who knows??

The worst part was that I felt my feet starting to get blisters (especially on my right foot). Then my toe on the left foot started getting sore. And then my lower back started aching.

Not a fun second half of the race. But I gave it my best shot. I ran and walked when I couldn’t run anymore (which was several times.)

Most of the race I was playing piggyback with a young runner (Marissa) who happens to be the Head of the Board of Directors for the GOTR program. I met her at a planning meeting for the GOTR 5K. (I tried to ignore her hoping that she wouldn’t recognize me since I haven’t gotten any sponsors for the race…)

She was ahead of me most of the race but toward the last few miles, I went ahead of her. During the last mile, I couldn’t keep up and let her go ahead.

As I approached the finish, Sue was waiting on the side. She asked me if I was going to finish under an hour. I said “No way! She ran with me for a little while which was great. (I may have walked at that point if she weren’t there.)

cute sign near the end of the race

Finally the finish line was in sight and I saw 1:00 but I also saw that Marissa hadn’t crossed yet.

And yes, my blistered old feet mustered up enough speed to pass her.

And yes, Marissa did recognize and said I helped pace her during the race.

So it wasn’t race I had hoped for. I finished at 1:00:39.

More than 3 1/2 minutes slower than my last 10k (and PR).

Sue, Helen & I hung around waiting for awards and munching on the food (cookies, cupcakes, pretzels, bagels – yup lots of carbs).

Helen won 3rd and I won first.

And yes, I was the only one in my age group!!

no medal…a blue ribbon??

Race Splits:

mile 1- 9:09
mile 2- 9:33
mile 3- 9:43
mile 4- 10:20
mile 5- 10:50
mile 6 – 10:25
.2 – 8:08

The splits were not surprising. My energy level got lower and lower with each mile.

The positives about this race. It was a good speed workout. I needed a race to get me moving and I certainly ran faster than I would have if I hadn’t been racing.

But I got spoiled about my feet not hurting all summer. I think they like slow miles, short races, no compression socks and my Hokas. (At least I still have 6 weeks to figure out what to do with my feet.)

So even though I was hot and my feet hurt with every step, I changed into my Hokas, took off my compression socks and literally dragged myself for 3.8 more miles. (I may have walked more than I ran but I got it done!)

When I got home, I wanted to collapse. But I had to go to visit my friend’s new granddaughter and then take my mentee and her 2 sons to an amusement park.

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it was fun and it made me forget abut my race time.

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the ice cream helped too 🙂

I’m linking this one up with Jessica at The Silvah Lining–she hosts a Race Recap linkup every Tuesday. Please head over and linkup a race recap you’ve written, new or old. And check out some of the other posts!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race?

August 28, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What I Did This Summer

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, the theme is What I Did This Summer

Here are my 5 favorites things:

1. Boating on the lake