July 13, 2014 by Darlene

Saratoga Springs Half Marathon report

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This was my first impromptu half marathon. (well, may be 2nd.)

I wasn’t planning on running one in the summer. It is too hot.

Then 3 weeks ago, I registered. Crazy!

I knew nothing about this inaugural race except for what the website said:

The Half Marathon course starts in with a lap around the Peerless Pool Parking Lot, turns right on East West Road, and then right onto Geyser Loop Road. The course then turns left to run a lap around the SPAC Parking Lot and returning to Geyser Loop Road. The course then turns left on East West Road, left on North South Road, and continues onto Roosevelt Drive. The course then turns onto the path on Avenue of the Pines, turning right on the path to head south beside Route 9. At Crescent Avenue the course moves out to the breakdown lane of Route 9 and continues south to East West Road. The course turns right on East West Road returning to the front entrance of the Peerless Pool Parking Lot. The course then continues for a 2nd full lap. After the 2nd lap the course turns right into the Peerless Pool Parking Lot finishing with a lap around the parking lot.

And I wasn’t happy about running a repeat lap. It also seemed that you were running around parking lots too much. Not very appealing!

Anyway, I got my 10, 11 and 12 miles training runs in and but not the taper. I just hoped that I would finish and it wouldn’t be too painful.

I also was a little nervous because my foot was bothering me this past week and prayed that this race wouldn’t make it feel worse.

As a result, I knew I would be taking it easy.

bright orange shirt tech shirt

Yesterday after picking up my race packet, I decided to continue north to spend the day on our boat and hang out on the lake in hopes of taking my mind off the race.

I had a good time and relaxed but I did think about the race… a lot.

Everyone hung out having dinner by the water, watching the full moon and FIREWORKS!! I, on the other hand, drove home. Racing does cut into one’s social life.

This was the first race that I have ever run that I considered not going.

I had been feeling under the weather for the past few days. (It’s virus like a cold sore that I get on my arm periodically & when I get it, you’ll have a fever & feel like you have the flu. So that’s what I had, Great timing, huh?)

So I felt lousy when I got up but I felt guilty about paying and not going so I went.

The race was to start at 7:30 am so I left around 6:00 am. I got there early enough and since it started in the park, there were real restrooms. (Always a plus.)

Rain was in the forecast for later in the day today. That meant that there would be a lot of humidity – Not my favorite weather for running.

But I hate rain worse so I was not complaining (yet.)

I bumped into Jen, a fellow local blogger, Christine, a professor when I work and another runner, Valerie, that I know who was running the 5K. It’s always good to see a familiar face.

There were about 500 racers so not a big one. The race started on the grass and then proceeded to wind around the park.

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It was advertised as “fast and flat.” It was not. There were several hills and they repeated. At first I ran up the hill but that didn’t last.

Unfortunately, I didn’t feel well the whole race. By the first 1/2 mile, I was walking and that continued the whole race.

sshm4b

I drank water at all 6 water stops. Unfortunately, the water had a weird after taste which made me VERY nauseous. I also ate a GU at miles 4, 8 and 12…that made me feel worse.

for some reason, this photographer took about 20 photos of me. too bad it wasn’t a good race!

The course was pretty nice…the park is pretty and shaded for most of it. It wasn’t even as bad I thought having to repeat the loop.

photo from Jen’s instgram

The biggest problem was the humidity and even though the race started at 7:30 am, it was already over 70 degrees.

Yes, I though of quitting many many times but I just took it one step at a time. But when you are not running with the faster runners, you see a lot of them walking which was not motivating me to run.

this is deceiving…I actually look better than the other (younger) runners.

As if things couldn’t get any worse, I developed a blister around mile 5…ouch!

I finished the first half of race at 1:06:00 which wasn’t too bad considering how I felt.

If I could finish strong, I could PR.

Well, that didn’t happen.

this was a fake smile!

The whole second half of the race, I was running near a tall athletic looking guy who was doing the Galloway run/walk thing. And in the end, I did beat him. Also I was running near a very enthusiastic young lady who tried to motivate me to run saying we could finish together. We did not. She just beat me.

heading to the finish line and chicking 2 guys!

So I dragged myself across the finish line at 2:26:00.

Christine & Valerie were there cheering me on.

relieved to be done!

It’s not my worst half marathon finish time but it is slower than my last 2 halfs and I am not injured!!

After I was done, I hung around for awhile because I started to feel dizzy…like I could pass out.

I was beginning to think that I was going to get sick. But I didn’t and eventually I felt well enough to drive home.

Believe it or not, I won 2nd in my age group. ( I am not proud to admit that there were only 2 of us!)

So running a half marathon in the summer may not have been the smartest idea for me.

I think next year, I’ll do the 5k. They got the same medal and beer glass!!!

Race Splits:

mile 1- 9:50
mile 2 – 9 :39
mile 3 – 10:25
mile 4 – 11:04
mile 5 – 10:57
mile 6 – 11:03
mile 7 – 11:43
mile 8 – 11:06
mile 9 – 12:22
mile 10 -11:57
mile 11 -12:00
mile 12 -12:04
mile 13 -11:25
.10 – 7:22

You can see the downward spiral.

Goals:

Finish uninjured. YES! My foot felt fine 🙂
Not finish last. YES!
Have fun. Well, that’s debatable.
Finish under 2:30:00 – YES!

half marathon #9

Happy Running! Are you running a half this summer?

July 11, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fitness Snapshots

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 Fitness Snapshots:

Here are my five snapshots of being active this week:

1. Running on a trail – On Monday, I ran 4.5 miles on several trails at the Five Rivers environmental center.

2. Walking – I walked one mile every morning with a co-worker.

3. Running on the road – I ran 3 miles before work Wednesday and today Friday.

4. Tennis – I played tennis on Tuesday – 2 hours of doubles after work.

5. Yoga – I went an 75 minute yoga class on Wednesday after work.

Wed Yoga with Lisa

Happy Running! How were you active this week?

July 10, 2014 by Darlene

DBelt Review

DBELT was created by Danielle Etienne, a fashion insider with over two decades of experience in the industry and the practical knowledge of a mother of three, and Michael Rabinowitz, founder of the luxury lingerie line Le Mystère.

The DBELT is made of a cotton/spandex blend and is machine washable/dry-able. It comes in black and in sizes from P/S for 24-27 inch waists through L/XL for 36-40 inch waists.

The DBelt is four inches wide and closes with Velcro. It has two zippered pockets – one pocket has a cord port and is big enough for most mobile phones. The other pocket can store ID and cards or some extra cash and coins. You can also wear the DBelt either way – with pockets to the front or the back.

Recently I was given the opportunity to test DBelt. I ordered a medium and it fit snugly around my waist. I wore it during a short run last week. I used the small pocket for my car key and the larger pocket for my phone.

my iphone is not in it since I used it to take this photo.

I had a hard time fitting my phone, which is an iPhone, into the larger pocket. But I squeezed it in and then threaded the headphone wire through the hole. (You would have an even harder time if you use a Samsung phone which is even larger.) I always carry my phone & use it to listen to music instead of my iPod. The problem with a snug fit is that I like to take my phone in and out to take photos. This was difficult.

Otherwise the the DBelt was comfortable. It doesn’t move around and is very light weight and stretchy so you can wear it under your shirt or over.

The DBelt gives you the ease and access to take along your iPod, keys and extra money with you without having to worry of losing them. It would be a perfect alternative to carrying a small purse.

Dbelt gives you a hands free option if you need to carry your iPod or keys while doing your run or a gym workout.

You can purchase the Dbelt from their website @ Dbelt.com and also check them out at the following social media:

facebook.com/TheDBelt
twitter.com/TheDBelt

I will definitely use my DBelt for carrying my keys, phone & credit card when I don’t need to carry a purse. I my continue to use my belt while racing since it can attach my bib & also carry gels.

mhrhm1

Happy Running! What do you use to carry stuff while running?

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*I was sent this product free of charge. I have not been compensated for my review, my opinions are my own.

July 9, 2014 by Darlene

Another day off and a new trail

Monday, I had the day off from work. (Originally it was planned so I could do my long run.)

Anxious to test out my foot, I decided that an easy run was the order for the day.

I was going to stay nearby but then again, I had the day off. Why not drive somewhere new?

I had heard about Five Rivers and that it was a great place to hike.

I got a late start and it was humid but otherwise, it was a great day to run or run/walk as in my case.

I wish I had downloaded the trail maps here to be better prepared but I just winged it. There are supposed 10 miles of trails so I just started with one and continued until I got to 4 miles or it started to rain.

I started with the Woodlot trail which was pretty short.

Then I did the Wild Turkey trail but did not see any wild turkey…just lots of butterflies and birds.

At times, I got off course and I am not sure I actually did the whole trail.

Next was the North Loop trail.

I ran when it was safe to do so like on dirt and grass, I walked when it was too dangerous and a big chance of tripping and falling.

The Old Field trail was next.

This one was an easy loop to follow.

The last one I did was Vlomankill trail.

I enjoyed this one – a lot variety – bridges, stairs, water …

It looked like it may rain so I quit at this point – 4.5 miles covered.

rain clouds?? nope. only felt a few drops and then the sun came out

Now that I look at the map, there are a few more trails that I missed.

I am definitely going back.

As for my foot. It didn’t really hurt. It felt a little sore.

When I got home, it did hurt a little but then that went away and I was pain free for the rest of the day. I played tennis on Tuesday and was okay.

Fingers still crossed!

Happy Running! Do you mix up the surfaces that you on?

July 8, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Summer Clothing

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: Summer Clothing

Shirts (or tanks) made of breathable fabric – no cotton.

Lululemon – one of my favs (gift)

Target – another favorite

Skirts. I find them cooler than shorts and less chafing

from runningskirts.com

from Target

Cap to keep the sun out of my face. It also keeps my (unruly) hair off my neck.

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mother-147

Sunglasses. My eyes are very sensitive to the sun and I wear contacts so this helps if it is breezy, as well.

rw_5k_end

seans_run_11

Don’t forget that if you chafe, in the summer when you sweat, you chafe even more.

Happy Running! Any additions that you add to your summer running wardrobe?

July 7, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work

early morning run

AM walk

Tuesday –4 mile run before work, walk at work, tennis

so glad I did it in the am…a sweaty one!

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – ~~3 mile run before work,~~ ~~after work~~ (RAIN – should have done it before work), walk at work, yoga

AM walk

Thursday – ~~rest~~, 4 mile run before work, walk at work

Friday – DAY OFF – 3 miles, on the river, hanging with friends, mah jongg

in Williamstown, MA

Saturday- 12 miles, dinner with former college roommates

on the Nisky Bike Path & the Crossings

restaurant on the Hudson

Sunday -rest, boating

my friends first ride on the lake

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF – 4 mile run
Tuesday -walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, yoga
Thursday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, dinner out for a friend’s bday
Friday -walk at work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday- rest
Sunday –Saratoga Half Marathon!!!

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

July 6, 2014 by Darlene

SF Scare and Boating

After my long long run on Saturday, the top of my left foot was sore. It hurt to walk and it was sore to the touch.

Of course, my first thought was 2nd Metatarsal STRESS FRACTURE!

I am not a hypochondriac. But I am unlucky when it comes to getting running injuries. I seem to get one that puts me out of commission every year.

And I had a similar injury in October 2012 from overuse. So I was trying to remember how it felt. At that time, I ignored the pain and ran on it for 3 weeks until I went to the doctor.

I put ice on it and took ibuprofen and relaxed for the rest of the day.

went out to dinner with old roomies to take my mind off of my foot

Of course, it was on the back of mind. But I did remember that the tongue of my shoe kept moving so I tightened my laces on the that shoe. Maybe my foot was sore because of that!?

The next day after a sleepless night (I kept thinking about my half marathon and all my upcoming races…), my foot was still a little sore but I had no problems walking on it.

Luckily it was a planned rest and the plan was to take my friends on our boat.

our boat & my hubby

it was a windy day for their first boat ride

We gave them a little tour.

And then went out to lunch at a restaurant that we could dock at.

at our table

Finally we bid them farewell

and continued our day on the lake with our boating friends.

hanging out in the bay

And my foot was fine all day.

I think I am okay.

However, I plan to have a very easy week… fingered crossed!!

Happy Running! Do you freak out at every ache and pain?

July 5, 2014 by Darlene

The Longest Long Run Ever

I had planned to do my long run on Monday and I took the day off from work to do it.

However, the weather on Monday was predicted to be hot and humid and it would only be 6 days before the half marathon.

So I decided not to go boating and to run 12 miles.

The weather was perfect… breezy and not too warm (but sunny).

I got up early but still got a late start.

But finally headed to the Nisky bike path where I like to do my long runs.

I intended to run 6 miles out and then 6 miles back. I even carried water and put 2 Gus in my belt.

hint?? – this is the race I am training for.

I was feeling very sluggish. My legs were already dragging during the first mile. I knew this was going to be a long day. (At the time I didn’t know how long!)

view of the Mohawk

Then around 2.5 miles, I looked down at my belt. My Gus were gone!!

I have carried them like this during my last 2 half marathons and never lost one. I guess I didn’t put them in all the way.

So what was I to do?

Run 12 miles with no fuel?
Run back to my car, go home and do my long run instead on Monday like originally planned?
Run back to my car, go buy more Gu and finish the 12 miles today.

I decided on the last option since FleetFeet was only 15 minutes away.

As I ran back to my car, I was hoping to find my Gus on the road so I could just continue my run here.

No such luck. Someone must have found them and taken them. Boo!

So I bought more Gu in FleetFeet and was offered their new flavor Salted Watermelon for free. (I didn’t particularly like it but it was one less Gu to replace.)

After chatting with my friend’s daughter-in-law who works there, I headed to the Crossings to continue my long run – 7 more miles to go!

My luck, there was a Farmer’s Market and book sale going on and it was packed.

Luckily I found a spot on the lawn to park and I started running again.

It was warmer than before and my mojo was almost gone but I persisted. It was a beautiful day.

As it got warmer, I tried to find shady paths.

I love this park. I don’t know why I don’t run here more.

After about 4 miles, I got thirsty so I went back to my car to get a drink. (I hate carrying water so I didn’t.) This was a mistake because I looked at the time and realized that I was running so slow and the farmer’s market would close before I was done running. So I decided to take another running break and check out the market.

There were lots of fruit, plants and healthy food. I bought a gluten-free cookie and then went to the book sale where I bought 6 books for $3. (It was worth the run break.)

Enough of that, I needed to drag myself through 3 more miles.

So I went back to my car and found it alone on the grass. Kids were playing football nearby so I though best to more it to the parking lot since many people had left.

I finished running (or run-walking) on the other side of the park.

Even got to listen to music by the guy below:

Ugh! Done! The longest run ever.

Since this run took so long, I had to rush home because I was meeting my old college roommates for a late lunch/early dinner.

we ate in a restaurant along the Hudson

At least I could justify eating all the food!

I surely hope I get some adrenaline from the other runners or next week’s half marathon will not be pretty.

Tomorrow, I am going boating and will try to forgot about this training run.

Happy Running! Do you ever break up your long runs?

July 4, 2014 by Darlene

Five Friday: The 4th of July

This week, the theme is Five Things About July 4th:

1. Time Off – you never have to work on July 4th. Yay!

hope to be doing a lot of this (with a drink & a book in each hand)

2. Red, White and Blue. Lots of flags and patriotic clothing.

3. Picnics & BBQs. A time to pig out with friends.

4. Boating & Swimming. Rain or shine we go out on our boat.

5. Fireworks. Love them! We get to watch them at our marina.

Yes, there are races that I would LOVE to run but you can’t do everything.

this crowded race is in Saratoga…someday…maybe?

Happy Running! How do you spend July 4th!

July 2, 2014 by Darlene

June Recap

JUNE GOALS:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week. YES!

in the park

in town

found a new route

even ran before work 2x

Continue planks. When I remember.
Go to Yoga at least 2x. YES! Twice.
Walk at least once a day at work. YES! Most days.

Play tennis outdoors once a week. YES, 3 times (once was rained out.)
Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk. Also when I remember.
Add a long run each week to prepare for 10 mile race. Not really. I added some extra miles to two 5K races.
Run any 5k races under 10 minutes per mile! YES!