July 25, 2015 by Darlene

Silks & Satins 5K Race Recap

This was once one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running and I was skinnier

But I haven’t run it since 2010.

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

I met Mary at many races back then including this one in 2010.

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 14 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34 so things haven’t changed that much.

According to the web site, the course had changed for 2015.

Here is the new course:

I hoped that it was still flat.

They also give out cool medals now as AG awards:

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Yup. I wanted one!

The race started at 8 am (an hour earlier than my last one). That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (That is earlier than when I work. The things we runners do!)

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not there was already traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot.

I saw a lot of familiar faces. There was over 1000 runners at this race. The weather was nice…in the 60s at the start but pretty humid.

pre-race pose with my new skirt

Judith, a blogger and fellow SkirtSports ambassador recognized me by my skirt. We hung out and started the race together.

She reminded me that this new course would have 15 turns and not to expect a PR. And she was right. Plus, it was not chip timed from the start.

photo by Stan Hudy

This cost me some time since it was very congested from the start with lots of kids in front of me. All of a sudden, Holly, from my Turkey Trot & Freihofer group caught up to me. We talked for a few seconds and then she sped ahead.

I tried to keep up with her but I just don’t have her speed and she kept getting farther and farther ahead.

So I just did my thing. I felt fine…no aches or pains…just not able to push myself to run fast.

I only walked at the the water stop which was around the halfway point…not because I had to but because I was very thirsty.

I continued to trudge along…until I saw the finish line. I sped up because I was determined not to finish over 29 minutes.

According to my Garmin, I crossed at 28:33 but 28:41 gun time. I was happy with that.

Done!

Besides all the turns, it was a pretty flat course. I would do this race again.

photo by Stan Hudy

I immediately found Holly after I finished. We chatted until the results went up. She finished 6 out 24 and I finished 7th. There was some pretty speedy ladies in our age group.

No AG award this time (even if I PRed)

Splits:

mile 1- 8:59
mile 2 – 9:26
mile 3 – 9:25
.1 – 7:37

Since I wasn’t getting an award, I had a bagel and some chocolate milk and left. I got to my car just as they were towing others in the same lot. Oops, I guess I didn’t park in the right lot. And If I had gotten an award, my car would have been towed. (I guess things happen for a reason.)

since I was in Saratoga, I should post a picture of some horses

I was not going up to the lake because we had to go to a graduation party later. So I took advantage of this opportunity to get some more miles in. I drove to Saratoga Spa Park for a change of scenery. I’ll post pics tomorrow.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I’m also 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 is your running going? Any races ?

July 24, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Summer Beverages

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 Favorite Summer Beverages

1. Starbucks Frappuccinos

I do often have them decaf, without whipped cream and with soy milk. And not more than once a week. That’s about as healthy as I get.

2. Water

Yes, this is what I drink most of the time. Just plain H2O.

3. Root Beer Floats

Especially with vanilla soft serve ice cream. This is my favorite post run drink in the summer.

4. Lemon-ade-ritas

We drink these on the boat every weekend. They also come in lime, mango, strawberry, raspberry and apple but lemon is my favorite.

5. Herbal Tea

I love coffee but I gave up caffeine 2 years ago so this is my morning & sometimes before bed drink of choice. I prefer mint but also like different interesting fruit blends.

Happy running! What is your favorite summer drink?

July 23, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Racing and Training

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

I’ve been thinking about racing and training.

How do you do both? Should you?

It’s no secret that I love to race! I have a hard time not signing up for a race every weekend.

There are a few problems with this besides that it’s expensive.

It’s hard to train for a long race such as a half marathon.

There would be no problem if I just ran shorter races but I like to run half marathons too.

What I have done in the past is add more miles after my races.

I guess it works. But I am not sure if it is the best way to train.

It’s like running a speed workout and taking a break, eating and then running some slow miles. Not quite the same as you would do when you run a actual half marathon.

So I am going to run lots of races before my next half (on Oct 10): 7-25, 8-1, 8-7, 8-17, 9-5, 9-12, 9-19, 9-26, 10-03 because I like to race.

This decision means that I have to be satisfied with a good or mediocre half marathon performance but maybe not a great one. I think if I want to run my best half, I will have to cut back on racing. Right now, I don’t want to do that.

I’m also thinking about my next race.

It’s summer. Summer is a time to kick back and relax. Enjoy the sunshine and time with family and friends.

So I have been doing that…a lot!

That means that I have had to skip weekday runs or shorten weekend distances.

My next race is Saturday – another 5k.

I was hoping to get back some speed. My last 5k was under 29 minutes. I’d love to do that again. I’d love to win a age group award too. We’ll see.

I’m debating about the race after that – either a difficult hilly longer but fun one or another 5k in a scenic area?

The train leaves at 8 am. It takes you to the start and you run back on the wooded hilly trail to the station. Sounds like fun but it is a longer distance than I have been running.

Not as interesting but certainly easier. There will be lots of pretty views.

Happy Running! Do you run many races while you are training for a long race? Do vacations and the heat tempt you to skip runs?

July 22, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Inspirational

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 INSPIRATIONAL

I looked up the definition of INSPIRATIONAL and this it what I found: Imparting inspiration.

So what is INSPIRATION?

–a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do something

In this case, the something is run and even more specifically, run stronger, run farther, run faster.

So here are some of my inspirations:

Strong Running Mamas

This group of beginning runners and their enthusiasm inspired me to go from just running 5ks to 10ks, 15ks and half marathons.

Bloggers

There are too many to mention but I read their blogs and learn from their experiences. They inspire me to be a better runner (and better does not necessarily mean faster.)

Races

Every time, I run a race, even it’s not my best, I can’t wait to run another race. Races are an inspiration.

Scenic Places.

I love to run in different places. When I pass or visit a beautiful place, I always want to run there. What an inspiration!

Running Friends

Judy inspires me with her healthy cooking, her training plans and her positive attitude to running

Mary inspires me with her distances and her ability to come back after injuries

Older runners like Anne Garrett, who at age 80 set a Half Marathon record and then at 81, set a 5K record

and Harriette Thompson who ran a marathon at age 92.

They seem ageless. Could anything be more inspirational that that??

Happy Running! What is inspirational for you?

July 21, 2015 by Darlene

Perfect Day in the Big Apple

I love New York City so much that I decided to take the day off from work and I talked some friends into taking the Megabus down with me.

The day was perfect because it combined most of my favorites things (besides running): boating, eating, walking, nature.

After a quick snack, we took a long leisurely walk to Pier 81 to take a boat ride on the North River Lobster Company.

It was a 45 minute ride on the Hudson River while you drink or dine.

It was a very very warm, humid day but while the boat was moving, there was a nice breeze. It was very relaxing.

The food was great. I had lobster tacos & chocolate mousse cake. Both were delish.

But if you wanted, you could just take the ride and then stay on the boat as long as you wanted. Maybe because it was so hot or a weekday, but we had practically the whole boat to ourselves.

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yes, they are sisters (Eileen, Susie & MaryPat). I taught with Eileen for 20 years and Mary Pat has been my tennis, running, travel buddy for the last 12 years.

After the boat ride, we decided to walk on the High Line (My friends had never been). We entered at the uptown end and walked, rested in the shade,then walked until the other end.

you can see the original rail tracks

This is my 3rd time but first time in the summer – the flowers were beautiful

lots of place to sit down

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an interactive display of white legos

We ended out walk at Chelsea Market where we strolled and had a cold drink.

There are a lot of interesting sights and plenty of cool places to eat inside.

Since it was so hot and Susie’s feet were blistered from wearing new shoes, we hopped on a subway to Macy’s.

My friends bought shoes and believe it or not, I did not.

Then we ate dinner at a nearby diner and ended our day with a train ride home.

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weird to be leaving to go home in the day light.

Can’t wait to go back. And although there was no running, according to Mary Pat’s FitBit, we walked almost 8 miles!!

Now I have to figure a way to go back and run!!

Happy Running! Have you been to NYC? What is your favorite thing to do there?

July 20, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- rest, ~~walk at work,~~ gym

my usual 15 min max

Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, tennis after work (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)

1.5 hours of doubles

Wednesday – rest, ~~walk at work~~, dinner out, movie

a fun film for women

Thursday – 4 mile run ~~after work~~ before work, 3 mile run after work, errands

Friday – 3 mile run before work rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest, boating

Sunday – 5 mile run, boating

This Week: (Week #1 of HM training)

Monday- OFF FROM WORK, trip to NYC (lots of walking)
Tuesday – 3 mile run after work, ~~tennis~~ (work webinar)
Wednesday – 5 mile run after work
Thursday – rest, walk at work, dinner out
Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + miles, graduation party
Sunday – rest, boating

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

July 18, 2015 by Darlene

Running Survey

I thought that it would be fun to start the weekend off with a survey all about running! We know how running bloggers love to talk about running!

Feel free to answer some of the questions in the comments or if you are a blogger yourself, answer these on your blog! Let me know if you do!

Would you rather run along a beach path or a mountain trail?

A beach path but unfortunately I don’t live near a beach but if I did, I would. I’m not much for trail running but I do love mountain views.

while on vacation in FL.

while on vacation in CA.

If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race’s aid states, what would it be?
This is hard since I’ve never had Gatorade but I guess it would be grape or cherry?

If I have you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it?

Most likely running shoes. Not that I need any new ones.

my latest

Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run?
Most of the time, it’s how much time I have so that’s how far I can run and how I feel is how fast I run. If I am training for a half marathon, I increase my long runs by one mile each week for 12 weeks.

Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill?
Definitely start uphill and end downhill. I would much rather get it over with than have to think about the uphill throughout the whole downhill run.

during a recent uphill start

When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do?
If I am healthy, then it’s definitely tennis. I am not, then it’s biking.

weekly doubles

after my ankle surgery in 2012, biking was the first thing I could do

What is your preference: out and back, point to point, or loop runs?
I love loop runs because you have different scenery. But if I don’t know the area or I’m on a trail, then it’s out and back.

loop at Peeples State Park

out and back on the bike path

If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a…
A good pair of running shoes. Running can be SO painful with the wrong shoes, so I highly recommend any new runner to go to a running shoe store and get properly fitted for the right pair of shoes.

in my favorite Mizuno Wave Rider 18s

Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?
I’ve seen a lot of deer, foxes, possums and rabbits. That’s it.

deer at the top

Ever gotten lost while out on a run?
Yes, a few times. When I run in new neighborhoods or parks.

got lost here around the Schroon River area

If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days… what would that meal be?
A pizza with ice cream for dessert.

Capris or shorts… what do you run in most often?
Neither. Skirts!!

At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go?

I warm up quickly. Probably at the 1/2 mile point. But it depends on how long the run is.

early in the VCM relay

What do you do with your key when you run?
It depends what I am wearing. Usually I put it in the pocket of my skirt. In a long race, and my pockets are full of gels, I put it in my Spibelt.

If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one?
I guess I would have to say my first half marathon. It was my first half marathon and I was so happy with the accomplishment of completing it.

Jan 2011

What type of run is your least favorite type of run?
I suppose it would be hard runs like intervals, tempos, hill repeats, etc. I suck at them so I probably should do more of them.

What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on?
I sign up for races so I also know that if I don’t run several times a week, I will be very disappointed in my performance.

squeezing in a run on the weekend before boating.

When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start?
That depends on where I am. On a weekend, if I run before work, I leave from my front door and often after work, I leave right from work. But I get bored so I do drive after work and on weekend to different places to run.

at home

driving to the Crossings after work

When running in daylight: are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?
A must. Always wear them even if it is cloudy.

When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?
My running goals and that usually involves a certain distance or time for a race.

Happy Running! Answer one, answer a few, answer any of the questions above in the answers below!
I can’t wait to read your responses!

July 17, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Race Swag

This week, the theme is Favorite Race Swag

I personally like things that are useful. Here are my 5 favorites:

1. I still use this lunch bag that I won as an Age Group award

2. I love socks.

3. Glasses are cool. It came with a green tooth brush.

4. Wind breakers are practical. I have them in green, blue, yellow and orange. (Unfortunately they stopped giving them out.)

5. And gloves are handy.

Happy Running! What is your favorite race swag?

July 16, 2015 by Darlene

GuestInstagrammer & SkirtSports

As an Ambassador Captain for SkirtSports, I was asked to be a GuestInstagrammer for July 14 as part of their July Challenge.

I was a little intimidated but it was actually fun and it motivated me to be active ALL day!

I started my day in my SkirtSports Ambassador tank

Then I went for a before work run in a Gym Girl Ultra skirt

Unfortunately, I had to do to work but I did wear a SkirtSports bra

I was able to sneak out for an afternoon break with Starbucks and a walk in the park in my Eclipse top

After work, I played tennis in another Eclipse top

And after tennis, we all went out for dinner & drinks (I wore a SkirtSports headband.)

After long, active day, I read & watched TV in another Ambassador tank.

I love all the SkirtSports clothes that I have. They are super comfortable and stylish.

I would wear them even if I weren’t an Ambassador.

And wait until you see the new fall colors:

I can’t wait!! .

If you want to buy any SkirtSports items, please use this code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.

Happy Running! Do you wear SkirtSports?

July 15, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Modest

This week’s Word is MODEST

I looked up the definition of MODEST and this it what I found:

unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities or achievements
not too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
not showing or feeling great or excessive pride

I am most definitely modest. In fact, I may be too modest.

When someones says: “Boy, you’re fast.” I always respond: “Not really. Many runners are much faster than I am.”

When someone says: “You’re amazing. You run half marathons.” I respond: “It’s hard but anyone can too. You just have to want to and train for it.”

When someone says: “You’re always winning awards.” I respond: “That’s because I am old. Less competition at my age.”

I hate to boast and I don’t really think I am doing anything extraordinary.

Of course, I am proud of what I achieve, but I never wear my medals in public. I take a photo and then put them away.

In fact, my friends who do not run do not even know about most of my races and they have no idea that I have a blog or a FB page. Not even my husband knows about my blog.

I am always surprised when I PR or have a fast time in a race. I am just not confident that I can run fast.

shocked at my half marathon PR??

Until recently, I never joined a running group because I was “modest” about my running abilities. I didn’t think I was fast enough and didn’t want to run alone.