September 5, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: race day rituals

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 Race Day Rituals.

Here are the 5 things that I do before every race:

1. Check the weather forecast over and over.

I look at weather.com, accuweather.com and many more to try to figure out what to wear. Of course, although I can’t change the weather, I keep checking for a better forecast.

sept6a septw

2. Plan my outfit the night before.

I need to make sure I don’t forget anything. I always include my Garmin, my RoadID and my race belt.

3. Eat a Pre-Race meal.

I always eat hot oatmeal or cream of wheat. I used to drink coffee. Now I drink tea. When I’m not at home, I bring my breakfast with me.

4. Bring fuel and water to the race.

Even at short races, I eat a GU before I start. I also bring water to water before the race since sometimes it is not available. For longer races, I bring one GU for each 4 miles.

5. Bring extra clothes for before and after.

I may need a jacket and pants for before and/or after the race when it is cool out. Or I may need dry clothes if I am sweaty or rained on.

Happy Running! What are your race day rituals?

September 4, 2014 by Darlene

Back at it

I mean racing. I haven’t done a race in a few weeks.

But I have a 5k on Saturday.

It’s my second time running this one.

In 2013, I finished in 29:49 (recovering from a broken foot)
In 2012, I finished in 29:53 (recovering from a broken ankle)

So I guess since I am healthy, I should finish faster. But you never know what will happen on race day.

This is the third year of the race and they have been promoting it a lot. I heard they were hoping for 1500 runners.

Race Goals:

run each mile under 10 min.
run the whole thing
set a course PR
win a age group award
have fun & stay healthy

Happy Running! Any running/racing plans for the weekend?

September 3, 2014 by Darlene

Running, Boating, Running, Boating

Yup, that was how I spent my Labor Day weekend.

The weather wasn’t perfect but I’ll take it. It beats winter!

On Saturday, which was a nice day, I stayed home until dinner, doing housework, errands and then joined the hubby at the marina for dinner.

On Sunday morning, I had an awesome run in that 90% humidity.

Well, awesome because I was running along Lake George. Instead of my usual run around the Sagamore hotel are, I decided to run south on 9N.

It is rolling hills (the reverse direction of my the Adirondack Distance Run) and I walked whenever I felt I needed to.

looking south

not a sunny day but the ducks don’t care

cool old house, now a gift shop

I turned and ran around the cemetery before heading back to the marina.

old school house, now a store

I completed a total of 4.5 miles. I would have liked to do more but everyone was waiting at the marina to head out on the lake.

It was the annual Christmas in Log Bay party but it was looking like rain.

And it drizzled all day but none of the predicted hard rain and thunderstorms materialized. Lucky us!

there are usually hundreds of boats

my hubby pulled folks around using his dinghy

our friend on his kayak

now that’s a big float, later on, they had 15 people squeezed on it

Santa & Mrs Claus handing out candy to the boaters

Yes, the live band still played and everyone had fun despite the lousy weather.

By evening, it had cleared up. We went out for pizza and then had birthday cake while watching the fireworks. (This was a weekend of unhealthy eating!!!)

I got up early the next morning, Labor Day. I usually don’t run two days in a row but it was going to be a picture perfect day and I couldn’t resist. It was warm and very foggy over the water.

I decided to run on 9N again but this time going north.

UPHILL!!

Again, there was a lot of walking involved. I’m ok with that.

Eventually I turned into a housing complex and continued my run…now going downhill.

I ran all the way until it ended at the water.

And then I had to go back. I could barely walk up the hill. But I knew as soon as I got to the main road, I would be running downhill.

beautiful blue sky away from the lake.

I made a quick detour over the Sagamore bridge.

I finally arrived back at the marina to a clearing sky.

After another 4.5 miles completed, we headed out on our boat.

We decided to dock at one of our favorite spots.

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this was my view from the site on Log Bay island

Then some friends stopped by to visit.

Finally, we rode around for a while, stopping at another of our favorite sites.

the view from Red Rock Bay island

The sun was going down and time to call it a day (and have our post-weekend ice cream.)

Labor Day weekend always makes me sad. It feels like the end of summer.

Happy Running! Do you feel the same about Labor Day weekend?

September 2, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Dressing in Costume

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 in Costume. Yay or Nay?

I’d say: It depends on the race and if you are racing with someone who is dressing up.

For me, it’s mostly a “No.”

I haven’t done any Disney races but even so I’m not sure if I would make the effort.

Also I also always go to races alone (although I usually know people at the race.)

I did dress up for a Halloween-themed race and most runners did not.

I am a “parrot head”

I’ve added some holiday-related accessories to my racing outfits from time to time.

I do, however, love seeing other racers who dress up. I admire their enthusiasm and creativity.

Are they the cutest? from http://littlefruitfly.blogspot.com

Tips on Racing in Costume:

Try out your costume before the race. In other words, make sure that it is comfortable to run in. Wear breathable material. Avoid masks & hats that fall off.
Wear what you are comfortable wearing. Wear a costume because you really want to not because you think everyone else will be.
If possible, coordinate your costume with a friend. It’s more fun that way.
Be prepared to sacrifice PRs for racing costumes. You’ll want to take advantage of those photo ops.

Happy Running! Do you race in costume?

September 1, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – 2 walks at work, rest

AM walk

Tuesday – 3 4 mile run before work, 2 walks at work, rest, tennis

but it was 4 miles with perfect temps

AM walk

PM walk to the park

Wednesday – walk at work, 3 mile run after work, ~~yoga~~

AM walk

Thursday – DAY OFF – trip to the US Open

long day (7 am – midnight) but so much fun!

Friday- ~~walk at work~~ (too tired), 3 4 mile run, ~~mah jongg~~

Saturday – ~~7 mile run~~, rest, dinner on the lake
Sunday – 4.5 mile run, boating (Xmas on the lake party)

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF – 4 mile run, boating
Tuesday – 2 walks at work, rest
Wednesday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Friday- 2 walks at work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday & Sunday – 5K race + more miles, mah jongg party at the river

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

August 31, 2014 by Darlene

August Rundown

August Goals:

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

Continue planks. Not often.
Go to Yoga at least 2x. Nope! Not at all (but my yoga instructor is out with Lyme disease.)
Walk at least once a day at work. YES!

Play tennis outdoors once a week YES! (got rained out 2x)
Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk. Not often!
Run any 5k or 10K races under 10 minutes per mile! Yes and No!

Jailhouse Rock 5K – 28:25 = 2nd in AG

Camp Chingachgook 10K – 1:04:54 = 2nd in AG

Run at least 70 miles this month. NOT QUITE! My lowest monthly total this year 😦

aug2014

Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy. YES!

See my mentee Amanda (she is no longer moving away.) YES! We went to an amusement park.

Eat healthy…lose those annoying extra lbs. No! 😦
Run at least once a week before work. Yes!

Decide on a winter half. Not yet!

What else?

I spent two days in Connecticut where I went hiking and played a lot of tennis.

I went for breakfast at the race track with Molly for the 30th summer.

I went to another tennis weekend on the Schroon River.

Also I spent some more time boating on the lake with my hubby.

I went to the US Open.

September Goals:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week.
Do planks.
Walk at least once a day at work.
Use those 5 lb weights on my desk.
Lose those extra lbs.
Run 5k races under 10 minutes per mile!
Start training for October 10 mile race.
Pick a destination Winter or Spring race.
Run at least 70 miles this month.
Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.

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

August 30, 2014 by Darlene

Santa Claus is coming to Lake George

It’s the Annual Christmas in August on Log Bay party. Hundreds of boats tied together, a live band, lots of food, drink and fun!

It is always the most awesome day on the lake of the summer:

2010 – brrr!

2011 – hot!

2012 – just perfect!

2013 – cloudy but it didn’t rain

2014 – maybe we’re due but the forecast is for rain!! Oh no!

Fingers crossed that I get some boating and RUNNING in this weekend.

Happy Running! What do you have planned for the weekend?

August 29, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fall Preview

This week, the theme is Fall Preview.

Here are the 5 things that I am looking forward to this fall:

1. Fall Foliage and Cooler Temps

along the Schroon River

along Lake George

The fall colors are beautiful in the Northeast. I hope to get to do some running in the Adirondacks and some on the local bike paths and trails.

Washington Park

Nisky Bike path

2. The Perfect 10 race.

on Oct 26 in NJ

10 miles is less to train for than a half marathon. It is a new race for me and supposedly flat. I am going to combine it with a visit to a former college roommate. The race is all-women and in addition to a medal, you get a hoodie. YAY!

3. Fall activities with my mentee and her sons

2013

Ellm Family Farms is one of our favorite places to go with the kids. There’s a lot of things to do there – rides, ziplines, mazes, pumpkin picking, etc. Plus they have great cider donuts.

2012

4. Stockade-athon 15K

This race is the oldest 15k in the country. I’ve done it twice before. It is challenging but lots of fun. This year they changed the course. Hope it is easier.

The new course generally follows the course layout of the previous few years in a clockwise loop versus counter clockwise as in years past. The new course, adds approximately 1.5 miles of new sections, including a short section in Riverside Park in the Historic Stockade, and two new residential loops.

I’m going to miss the big fireplace in the park to warm up. The start and finish activities will now be indoors.

5. A new 5K & 10K

It’s no secret that I love to race and I love trying new races. As the cold weather approaches, I will try to run as many as possible.

Burnt Hills Apple Run 5K on Oct 4. was recommended to me.

Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k and 10k on Oct 18. was one that I have signed up for but never run. This is the year!

Happy Running! What are you looking forward to this fall?

August 28, 2014 by Darlene

Long Runs and Half Marathon Procrastination

I usually train for 12 weeks for my half marathons. That is, I add long runs each weekend that increase one mile until I reach 12 miles and then taper to 8.

My last half marathon was July 13, 2014.

And I have no half marathons on my schedule!!

Shocking!

Actually I considered after the last one, which was very rough, to maybe just do short races.

The problem is that without a half marathon to train for, I make excuses about doing any long runs on the weekend.

(And nothing gives you the feeling that you get when you cross the finish line of a half marathon except maybe crossing the finish line of a marathon but I’m not doing that.)

So in order to be motivated to run more than 4 miles, I need a half marathon on my schedule, I guess.

Since it is almost September, it looks like a fall half marathon is out.

And it is too cold in the NE so I would need to travel.

Travel is another issue. I don’t have a lot of money to spend. I may have worn out many of my friend invites.

Santa Clarita Half Marathon with Ellen

Susan & Robin the day before my Half Marathon in Sarasota, FL.

It is also a lot more fun to do a big race with friends.

with Felice, Elisa, Amanda, Janis & Bridget at the Adirondack Half Marathon

Love Run with Adrienne, Lisa, Andrea & Heidi (missing from photo)

As it stands now, my fall race may be the Perfect 10 Miler in NJ.

Then if I am going to drag myself outdoors in the winter, I will need a winter and/or spring half marathon.

And I want it to be scenic and fun!!

Possibly in Florida on January 17…

and visit some friends in the area. (but flights are expensive as well as renting a car.)

or on March 15…

(I can take the bus but hotels are expensive in NYC)

or on May 9 (my birthday)…

(I can drive but it’s exam time where I work.)

So as you can see, I am procrastinating.

Any advice?

Happy Running! How do you choose your half marathons?

August 27, 2014 by Darlene

I am a Perfect 10. Are you?

October 26, 2014

I was so impressed by CGI’s organization of the Love Run in Philly last March that I signed up for this race.

I am also going to take advantage of the fact that it is in NJ and visit one of my college friends.

here we are last Novemeber

It is an ALL WOMENS race which is cool but it also has a lot of extra perks:

HOODIE (Super lightweight, dries so fast and fits (true to size) perfect, in an orchid color)

VANITY (TAGS) BIBS

FREE FINISH PHOTO

PRE RACE PAMPERING PARTY (interactive group fitness classes, hair braiding, body glimmer tattoo’s, retail village with the best in racing gear, the hottest racing couture and of course all at the best prices.)

TRADITIONAL PERKS

Custom Finisher Medal for all distances and the Daughter Dash
Free Training Plans
Finish line party featuring our new Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar

THE COURSE:

Enjoy your 10 mile run through beautiful Mercer County Park. This flat (and fast) course winds you along the waterside, through the shaded woods to thousands of cheering spectators waiting at the boathouse.

From rock bands to acapella groups you’ll enjoy every minute (okay maybe not every minute) of the course. Oh did we mention the “Bow Tie” Guys, handsome, bow tied men who lead you out and cheer you home.

Doesn’t that sound like fun!

So why don’t you join me?