December 3, 2014 by Darlene

Lights in the park & My Next 5K

litp

I usually run fairly often around the park this time of year to view the lights. I can get in a full hour run before the cars come. But this year, with my turkey trot training group run on Mondays and my volunteer Couch to 5K runs on Wednesdays, Monday night was my first run through the lights.

There are more than 125 displays. Here are just a few samples:

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Here’s a virtual tour:

So now you know what my Dec 6 race course will look like?

Although the course changes from year to year, there are always fireworks at the start and you always run through the lights in the park.

I usually dress somthing like this.

This is a very popular race and sells out early. This will be the 5th time I am running this race:

2010 – 29:15
2011 – 30:47 (fell during the race)
2012 – 35:25 (1st race after stress fracture)
2013 – 33:16 (during a blizzard)

As you can see, anything can happen, especially with a race at night during December. If the weather is good, I am hoping for a course PR.

Until work’s out on Dec 19, this will be my favorite after work place to run.

Happy Running? Does your town have a festive place to run?

December 3, 2014 by Darlene

A Tale of Two Training Groups

I went from being a solo runner to running with TWO groups for 9 weeks.

And they couldn’t have been more different.

In one I struggled to run fast enough and in the other I struggled to run slow enough.

On Mondays, I ran in Troy with the Turkey Trot Challenge group. I was part of the “advanced” or 10K group which meant that these were runners who had run before..some even half marathons, I was probably in the middle, speed-wise but you know me, I wanted to keep up. And I think the drills and hills helped me get stronger and faster.

On Wednesdays, I ran in Schenectady with the STEM training group. These were women who are living in a shelter & are victims of domestic violence. They are out of shape and have never run before. Each of the volunteers usually paired up with one of the clients and started running for one minute up to 30 minutes. The ultimate goal for them to complete a 5K on Dec. 6.

Truthfully, it was hard to run that slow. I did my best, I ran circles, gave them pep talks and walked a lot. I had to forget about my own running and focus on their running. (I couldn’t think about how this 20 min pace is wrecking my training.)

So after each workout, I just ran by myself around the campus using the group run as my warm up. That worked out well.

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It was really rewarding to see how far theses ladies had come and the joy it brought them to be successful. I wish I could be there Saturday to see them at the race. (I have to work 😦 )

So both groups were enjoyable and valuable but in different ways.

One group helped and motivated me to become a better runner. In the other, I hope I did the same for others.

I plan to repeat both groups in the spring.

37th this year

There will a training challenge group for the Freihofer’s Run for Women that starts in March. And they hope to repeat the STEM program with the Troy or Albany shelter.

Happy Running! Have anyone of you volunteered in a Couch to 5k group or trained with a running group? If so, have you had similar experiences?

December 2, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: How You Stayed Healthy Over Thanksgiving

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: How You Stayed Healthy Over Thanksgiving

I don’t normally run this often but the holidays are coming up and there will be busy weeks ahead when I may have little time to get out there.

EXERCISE:

Monday: 3 mile run

after work with my training group

Tuesday: 3 mile run & 1 1/2 hours tennis

but indoors after work

on the track during lunch

Wednesday: home bound -SNOWSTORM!!

Thursday: 6.2 mile race

Friday: 2.7 mile easy run

Saturday: 3.1 mile race

EATING:

Thanksgiving: It was just me & my hubby so we went out to dinner. Usually we go to a buffet but my hubby didn’t want to and I’m glad we didn’t — you just eat what you get and no seconds – so no overeating.

my cat sleeps or lays around about 23 hours a day

Otherwise, I tried to be active, do errands, go to the movies because when you stay home, you snack.

And I do not have any junk food at home so when I am hungry, it’s fruit, cheese or yogurt.

Happy Running! How did you stay healthy over Thanksgiving?

December 1, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running update

Last Week: (Week 5 of HM training)

Monday – 2 walks at work, 4 mile Turkey Trot training group run (@RPI) – last one!!

AM walk

lunch time – can you believe that temp??

Tuesday – walk at work, 3 mile run during lunch, tennis

AM walk

lunch run on the track

Wednesday – DAY OFF, ~~STEM group run~~, ~~2 mile run,~~ ~~gym, yoga~~ (snowstorm)
Thursday – DAY OFF, 10K race, dinner out

and a PR!!!!

Friday- DAY OFF, ~~STEM group run~~, ~~gym,~~ 3 mile run, movie, ~~mah jongg~~

very good

Saturday – 5k race ~~+ 5 miles~~ (too cold)

1st in my AG!!

Sunday – rest, decorate, write out cards, mall walk with bff

This Week: (Week 6 of HM training)

Monday – walk at work, STEM group run + ( 4 miles)
Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – DAY OFF, trip to NYC!!
Thursday – walk at work, lunch time run?, hair appt
Friday- walk at work, gym, mah jongg
Saturday – proctor LSATs, (good luck to the STEM group on their 1st 5k), bake cookies, 5k race at night
Sunday – 4 mile run?, paint & sip with my mentee (to celebrate her b-day), dinner out

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

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

November 30, 2014 by Darlene

November Recap

november

Run 3-4 times each week.YES!

after STEM volunteering

on the track during lunchtime

when the weather is bad

after work

Walk once a day while at work. YES!

indoors when raining or too cold

Participate in Turkey Trot Training Group Runs at least once a week. YES!

Volunteer in the STEM training runs once a week. YES!

Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace (if I run any.) YES!

5K - 58:16

Complete a 10K race. YES! and a PR!

Complete a 15K race. YES! and a PR!

Do long runs on the weekend in preparation for half marathon #10. YES on most weekends!

Run at least 80 miles. YES!

nov14

Go to the gym at least once a week. YES! Most weeks.
Start knitting hat #3 YES! and finished it.

DECEMBER GOALS:

Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.)
Walk once a day while at work.
Run with a group when possible.
Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace.
Complete a 15K race.
Do long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon #10 on January 17.
Run at least 80 miles
Go to the gym at least once a week.
Start back at yoga.
Avoid gaining weight (while attending holiday parties)
Spend time with my mentee

Happy Running! How was your November? Anything special planned for December?

November 29, 2014 by Darlene

Run Off That Turkey 5K race report

I wasn’t planning on running a race today.

Yesterday was a beautiful day…cold but beautiful. So on my rest day, I couldn’t keep myself indoors. The problem was where to run.

The streets and sidewalks were slippery and snow-covered.

So I drove to a bike path hoping it would be clear.

It wasn’t. Just part of it was so I couldn’t run very far and had to head out onto the streets. But it was so nice out…

I came home wondering about whether or not I should go to my last Turkey Trot Group run this morning. It is at the RPI campus and it is very hilly. Would it be safe to run there?

So I did what any race-addicted runner would do, I signed up for a 5K. I assumed that for a race, the course would be clear and I could get in a good run. (The group run started at 8:30 am and the race at 10 am…. it would be warmer, as well.)

I ran this race back in 2011 and finished at 28:11.

After running 9 miles in 2 days, I just wanted to get a good run in. I had no idea what my legs would be able to do.

And it was FREEZING!!! In the single digits when I got up and it warmed up to the teens when I left but the sun went in.

The race started at 10 am and I knew where it was so I left around 9:00 am. (I was glad that I decided not to run at 8:30 and got to sleep in and wait for it to “warm” up.)

I dressed similar to what I wore for the Turkey Trot except that I wore tights instead of capris & compression socks and a warmer hat plus a fleece vest as an extra layer.

Once I arrived, I realized that it started at the elementary school not at the church as it did last time. I was hoping that the course was the same.

I remember that it was an out & back course on village and country roads and that it ended running uphill.

I hung out with some familiar faces….the 2 older women that run every weekend. We chatted since I hadn’t seen them in a while.

we got gloves instead of a shirt

I also met a 40ish women who was running her second race. She ran her first 5k with no training and finished in 27 minutes. She was wondering about the course and how she could run fast. I had a hard time relating to someone who thought 27 minutes was slow but I humored her.

Eventually we headed to the start. There were close 200 runners. And we were all freezing while waiting to start. I moved close to the front since there were no chips.

The course was pretty with the snow on the trees and the mountains (Helderbergs) in the distance. It was cold!!! I had a hard time breathing or maybe it was the weariness in my legs but I didn’t feel like I could run fast. My new “young” friend sprinted ahead but I could see her the whole time.

The course seem flatter than last time. (Maybe I am in better shape from all those hills in Troy.) The problem was that you had to keep an eye out for icy spots and you couldn’t run the tangents since the turns were covered with ice.

I couldn’t wait to finish since my face was frozen & I couldn’t feel my fingers. I ran the whole thing. I was too cold to stop for water. (There weren’t any volunteers. You had to pour your own.)

And as I suspected, this was one of my slower races of recent. I crossed at 28:16. Not too shabby. Things considered.

I went inside to warm up…there was only cookies, bananas & water. The problem with non-chipped races is that it takes forever to figure out the awards.

In the meantime, they had raffles prizes. (I was one of the few who didn’t win.)

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But I did win 1st in my age group! Yay!

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:54
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 9:19
.14 – 8:33

Being that I didn’t register until yesterday, I didn’t have any goals other than run a good race and have fun.

Despite the cold, I enjoyed the race and I am glad that I “ran off that turkey.”

I made these when I got home

Happy Running! Did you run off that turkey?

November 28, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Gratitude

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’s theme is: Gratitude

I am thankful for…

1. My hubby – he allows me the freedom to be me. That means patiently waiting for me to run or race before we go boating during the summer months and scheduling our activities around my running. I am grateful that he is there to support me.

lh5k

2. My Health – of course that means being healthy enough to do the activities I enjoy — RUNNING, tennis, walking/hiking, occasional yoga class. I don’t take it for granted. I have been NOT able to do it too many times. I am so grateful to be healthy all of 2014!!

first race after breaking my foot (July 2013)

This was taken in the courtyard below our room (on the 3rd fl).

first run after foot stress fracture (Dec 2012)

first race after ankle surgery (June 2012)

first race after strained achilles (walked half of it) – Sept. 2011

3. My Friends – I am still in contact with a few friends from high school and college. It is great to connect with them and reminisce (about the good old days.) I have also made a bunch of GREAT friends as an older adult from the activities that I do…tennis friends, boating friends, quilting friends, mah jongg friends, running friends, etc. And I also have several from work (all 3 of my careers.) All of these people are precious to me and I am grateful to have them in my life.

my friends from my junior year of college in France

my friend from my teaching job

my mah jongg friends

we always take a picture outside this restaurant each year

my tennis friends

my boating friends

me, Linda, Don, Sue, Joyce & Nancy 20 years later

my friends from high school

my work buddy who motivates me to walk every day

4. Social Networking – Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, etc. The people I connect with are my virtual friends. I have met new people and can connect with ones that live too far away to see. I have learned a lot from Facebook and from my fellow Bloggers. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to meet them in the flesh. So I guess I am grateful for the Internet and those smart folks who have invented software that can connect people.

I met Judy through FB

I met Andrea through blogging

I met Elisa through FB

I met Jen & Felice through FB & blogging

5. Running! Running has changed me. I discovered it late in life (at age 55). It has made me more confident, independent and I feel healthier and younger than ever. I am most grateful to this sport and what it has given me.

2014

2012

2010

2008

Happy Running! What are you grateful for?

November 27, 2014 by Darlene

Troy Turkey Trot 10K race recap

A new turkey trot for me. And a 10K!!

To save time, I picked up my bib and shirt on Sunday.

short-sleeved tech shirt

Then yesterday, we had our first major snowstorm – almost a foot of snow dumped on us!!! I was nervous all night…wondering how much snow we would get, would I be snowed in, would the race be cancelled…?

But the snowplow came at 5 am and the race directors emailed that the roads would be cleared of snow.

It was cold…around 30 degrees but little wind. I brought extra clothes & shoes. I figured that I would take advantage of the bag check.

I got there early since I was unfamiliar with the parking situation.

I found parking in a garage about a block from the start but realized if I parked there, I would be stuck there until 11:15 so I moved my car to a lot farther away and made my way to the Atrium to stay warm.

In the Atrium, I checked my clothes, used the restroom and chatted with other runners. I met the coordinator of my STEM couch to 5k group and many members of my training group. It was nice to know so many people.

The 10K started at 8 am followed by the kid’s one mile race & a one mile walk and then at 10 am the most popular event, a 5K.

from a previous non-snowy year

I was supposed to meet my friend Gina but I couldn’t find her. Eventually it was time to head to the start. It was very crowded and one of the runners from the training group & I squeezed in around the 10 min mile pace. We started together but it was so crowded that I lost her right away.

Well, my Garmin decided to be difficult and wouldn’t find a signal. The race began but I don’t know how long it took me to get to the start. I continued to play with my watch and it finally started midway over bridge.

It was probably a good thing because it kept my first mile slower rather than my usual burnout start pace.

The roads were a little slippery at first especially on the bridge and you had to watch out for puddles but as the race went on, it seems to get better.

Eventually, I noticed my friend Gina & another runner from the group, Deb, up ahead. They are faster and I wanted to catch up to them but I couldn’t.

I rarely looked at my Garmin because it was not accurate. I just tried to run at an even pace and to save some for the last mile.

I skipped the first water stop and even the second but I questioned my judgment because I was dying for a drink by the 3rd one.

There were timing clocks throughout the course -at roughly miles 1.5, 3, 4 and 5. I was on pace for a PR at each one but I didn’t want to get cocky since I usually run out of gas by the end.

Eventually I caught up to Gina and we chatted but she slowed and I ran ahead and then caught up to Deb.

Finally, I stopped to walk at the last water stop and take a GU. It was a little after mile 4. I walked for a while and Deb ran ahead.

This walk gave me a second wind, I think, because I was passing people all of a sudden. I caught up the runner that I started with and I even passed her.

heading to the finish line – bridge in the background – photo by TU

As usual, it seemed to take forever to run the last mile….

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but I couldn’t believe when I saw 56:XX on the clock. There was nothing left in my tank & I crossed at 57:xx. (My chip time was 57:03.)

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I was very happy!!

I saw Hollys, another runner from our group, who was running the 5K. She yelled to me: “You got a PR!”

After getting my medal, I got a bag and filled it with food and downed some chocolate milk.

happy to be done!

Soon all the others from the training group finished and we chatted. I think they all had PRs.

no I don’t know these two – photo by TU

Overall, this was a very enjoyable race. The course was mostly flat and had 2 turn arounds which let you see the faster & slower runners. It was also very well organized. I will definitely run it again next year.

Here was the course:

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By the time, I went back to the Atrium to get my checked bag, it was packed. Over 5000 runners run the 5K. Although I might have gotten an age group award for the 5K (I was 5th in the 10K), I am glad that I ran the earlier and less crowded 10K.

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I was able to walk to my car and escape before the 5k even started.

So here are my abbreviated stats:

mile 1- 8:59
mile 2 – 9:04
mile 3 – 9:02
mile 4 – 9:44 (walked)
mile 5 – 9:21
mile .94 – 8:26

5.94 miles – 54:36

Race Goals:

A. PR (under 58:28) – YES!!!
B. Finish under 1 hour – YES!!!
C. Finish under 1:04:54 – YES!!!
D. Finish happy and uninjured – – YES!!!

thanks

Happy Running! Did you race on Thanksgiving?

November 26, 2014 by Darlene

10 weeks over… time to race

Well, it’s come down to this. Our 10 week training program is over.

I was a little worried about enrolling in this program. I wasn’t used to running on hills. The runs were in Troy and I would have to deal with the 5 pm traffic. Would everyone be faster than me? Would I enjoy it? What if I couldn’t do the Saturday runs?

Yes, there were hills. I ran up some and walked up some. But I got better. They didn’t kill me.
I succeeded in getting to Prospect Park and RPI on time with minimal problems.
The runners were super nice. Yes, some were faster, some were slower. But you were never left behind.
I looked forward to my weekly group runs. I even went to them on my normal rest day (after my 10 mile race and 15K race on the previous day.)
Monday’s runs were more important. They included drills and speed work. Saturday runs were for distance and I usually ran more on my own. So I didn’t miss much only going on Mondays.

my first Saturday run & the last one

Even before I know how I will do on this 10K race, I can talk about the benefits of the program.

Meet new runners. New friends. Great conversations (about running, of course.)
New places to run –Prospect Park, around RPI, bike path near Knickerbocker Arena
Speed drills – I never do them on my own.
Hills – yes, they are necessary if you want to get faster and stronger.
Motivation – it’s more motivating to run with others.
Great coach (not to mention that he was young and cute.)

Coach Patrick is #2786

I am already planning to sign up for this training group challenge again as it is offered for the Freihofer Run for Women this spring.

Now the race…

It’s a big one…. it will be crowded.

The race starts at 8 am so it will be cold. Hopefully the streets will be cleared from the Wednesday snowstorm.

some forecasts say 6-12 in I hope they’re wrong.

Since Troy is hilly, I assume that the race will be too and you run over the Green Island Bridge and back. That’s all I know.

ttt

Our coach says to divide the race into thirds – first 1/3 – start out strong, second 1/3 – ease back, last 1/3 – kick into high gear. We’ll see about that. I do not have the stamina to run the whole 6 miles but I’ll do my best.

Race Goals:

A. PR (under 58:28)
B. Finish under 1 hour
C. Finish under 1:04:54
D. Finish happy and uninjured

Whatever the results, it should be a fun time and I am looking forward to running it with my training group (followed by a big dinner!!)

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Happy Running! Are you running a Turkey Trot this year?

November 25, 2014 by Darlene

Runner’s Gift List & Pro Compression Review

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: Runner’s Gift List

Here are my 5 recommendations:

a Watch

Forerunner 10

Forerunner 220

If you are a runner, you know how important it is to track your distance and pace especially during a race and training for an important race. I couldn’t survive without one. I have the Garmin 205 which is rather large and I am not sure how long it will last. I would love to have a new one, Santa!

Running Shoes

Mizunos Wave Rider 18s

Hokas

“I have too many pairs of running shoes,” said no runner ever! I love my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s that I have in black. It would be nice to get another pair ..in pink?

I have heard a lot about Hokas and how supportive they are. I would love to try them….

a Running Skirt

skirtsports.com

runningskirts.com

I can’t believe that I ever ran in shorts. Skirts are so much more comfortable and they look so much better (especially if you don’t have a perfect body.) Those from Runningskirt.com are my favorite. I love their length and that they have 2 pockets. I have a few but not enough….

I don’t have any from SkirtSports but I think I would like them. They come in cool designs and I have heard that they are comfortable.

Running Jewelry

Every girl likes bling! And how nice would a charm with a message or commemorating a race distance be…

I am wearing one that ❤ Running

Socks

Having the right socks are almost as important as the right shoes. The only time I don’t wear compression is when is very hot or with capris. I get blisters so I heard that Feetures are a great low sock to buy.

However, my favorite socks are compression ones from Pro Compression.

I wear their Marathon socks and I love them!!

Here are the key features of these socks:

1. True Graduated Compression

2. Arch support with just the right about of compression

3. Stabilization zone thru the sides to mid foot. Helps provide foot bed comfort.

4. Open toe box so it will not keep your toes too tight.

5. Wide cuff for added comfort.

6. Moisture wicking materials

7. No blisters!

If that’s not enough, here are some more reasons to buy them:

1. Their socks are MADE in the USA

2. They always have a super fun Sock of the Month! A new sock designs every month with a discount! Sign up on the home page under: Receive Monthly Specials.

3. They are one of the few compression socks companies that makes a true graduated compression sock (They work!)

4. They sell direct. That means bigger discounts and more focus on the customer. Their goal is to make sure everyone is in the correct sock or sleeve that is best for them!

I have worn other compression socks but after I had serious ankle surgery, I was worried about be able to run again. I bought these socks because they boasted that they help reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.

Well, I was able to run with no pain and minimal recovery time.