August 16, 2014 by Darlene

Jailhouse Rock 5K race report

The race started at 8:30 at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa (about 40 minutes away.)

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve done this one 3 times before (in 2009, 2010, & 2012).

I’m the one in the pink compression socks

I know that you walk up a hill to start and you finish running down this hill.

the hill is VERY steep

It was chilly for an August race. It felt more like fall than summer. But nice weather for running. I wore my new Swirlgear tank (though it was too big) and hoped that the sun would warm me up.

I got there early enough to find parking and use the rest room (in the museum). I bumped into 2 runners from my age group – one very fast and one slower than me. We chatted and then it was time to head up the hill.

I turned on my Garmin and I realized it was almost dead. It must not have been on the charger correctly. Oh well, I was hoping that it just might last 3 miles.

The first mile was a gradual uphill but nothing steep. I tried to hold back but I am not good at that. There were no clocks on the course but someone called out 9:20 somewhere after mile 1.

I was hoping to run the whole thing but around halfway at the water stop, I was pooped already so I stopped and walked for a while.

Around 1.7 miles, my Garmin stopped. So I guess I had to run blindly.

Mile 2 seemed to be flat and then at the same point, I think someone called out 16:xx.

Without a watch, I was lost. I can’t believe how I depend on it. I like to know how far till the end of the race and what my pace is.

I knew there was that downhill at the but I found myself walking AGAIN, right before it.

Finally I got to the steep hill, I wish I was confident enough to go all out but I was afraid of falling flat on my face so I held back.

Then I saw the clock. It was 27:xx but it was too late to get a PR…those darn walks!!

I crossed at 28:25.

I was happy. It was faster than my previous two 5ks.

done!

While I was waiting for the times to be posted, I ran into another runner that I met at 2 other races. She is 59. She finished several minutes ahead of me but was 6th in her age group. I came in 2nd in my group. (I guess that will change next year when she is in my age group.)

jhr

race swag – hat for my ag prize, tech tee shirt, Xmas ornament, a package of cards

After the race, on the way back to my car, I passed the Iron Spring.

it is on the Xmas onrament

Then I noticed a trail so I took it.

It was only 1 mile out and back but very peaceful.

On one side there was brook flowing.

Although it was not warm and it was getting cloudy, I decided to drive back up to the lake.

I wanted to run some more but it was late and everyone was heading out to one of the islands.

Log Bay island on Lake George

We hung out all afternoon – eating, listening to music and watching the boats go by.

the marina gang

As for my 5K, I am satisfied with my efforts but as always, feel that I can do better.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:03
mile 1- 1.7 – 9:26
mile 1.7-3.1 – ???

Race Goals:

Run the whole thing (haven’t been very successful at this lately.) – NOPE – walked twice
Under 10 min mile splits – YES!
Finish under 30 minutes – YES!
Win an age group award – YES – 2nd
Finish happy & uninjured – YES!

My next 5k is Sept 7. After that, I need to prep for my 10 miler in October.

Happy Running! Any racing plans this weekend?

August 15, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Freebie

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 a Freebie so I chose to write about the 5 reasons “Why I Run”:

1. because it makes me feel healthy

I do not healthy most of the time. I do not follow any special diets. I don’t make smoothies or eat kale. I eat meat, I eat carbs and I love my sweets especially ice cream. Running is one of the few healthy things that I do.

running + ice cream = 🙂

2. because it makes me feel active

I have a sedentary job. I sit at a computer most of the day. Some days, I don’t even leave my desk. Running gets me up early in the morning or out after work.

running in the park after work

3. because it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment

Even after a poor race, I know that I have done more than those who have stayed home. When I say that I ran 13.1 miles, people who are not runners are “in awe.” Every time I cross that finish line, I feel proud!

finishing a 5K

at my first half marathon

4. because it makes me feel young

At 61, I may not be the fastest and PRs are getting harder to come by, but I still finish faster than a lot runners that are younger than me.

see those younger ones behind me LOL

this recent picture is featured on the race website – springrunoff.com

5. to be party of a community

Runners are awesome people. Even when I go to a race where I don’t know anyone, I always end of chatting with someone. I have met so many people because of running, many of whom I now consider my “friends.” And then there are the bloggers…you are my “virtual friends.”

before the Adirdondack Half Marathon

pre-Love Run Half dinner

at a recent 5K

at one of several races with fellow blogger AJH

recent race with Judy, Facebook friend

Happy Running! Why do you run?

August 14, 2014 by Darlene

Three Day Weekend Coming

well not really finally…I’ve had quite a few this summer but it’s never enough

Our marina is having a party on Friday for all its boating customers…free food and drink. Of course, I have to go.

Then I am heading back home because….

I have another race on Saturday! No surprise there.

This time, it’s a 5K.

It starts at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa (about 40 minutes away.)

I’ve done this one 3 times before (in 2009, 2010, & 2012).

just found this pic online from 2012 (I’m wearing the pink compression socks)

I know that you walk up a hill to start and you finish running down this hill.

the hill is VERY steep

JHR Stats:
2009 – 31:04
2010 – 29:49
2011 – injured
2012 – 30:58 (recovering)
2013 – injured

I won 1st in my AG in 2009 and 3rd in my AG in 2010 – SOCKS both times!

Last year, I entered a new age group so anything can happen.

Race Goals:

Run the whole thing (haven’t been very successful at this lately.)
Under 10 min mile splits
Finish under 30 minutes
Win an age group award
Finish happy & uninjured.

If the weather cooperates (and warms back up), I hope to spend the rest of the weekend boating and hopefully my second Bolton Landing run on Sunday.

Happy Running! Any racing plans this weekend?

August 13, 2014 by Darlene

First Bolton Landing run of the summer

How is that possible? On August 10???

Since I started running in 2008, my favorite place to run has been Bolton Landing where we go boating every weekend.

I used to go up every Saturday, sleep on the boat and then run there Sunday morning. Sometimes I would take Friday or Monday off and we would spend two nights on the boat and I could run two mornings in Bolton Landing. (In the beginning, we used to stay on the islands and I would make my hubby go back into town in the morning so I could run.)

This summer, however, I have been boating only for one day each weekend and not sleeping on the boat. Many reasons….long runs, races, other things to do on the weekend, etc.

So I was really excited to spend the WHOLE weekend here this past weekend. And the weather could not have been better.

After my 10K race on Saturday, I drove around the lake to the marina and spent the rest of the day floating around and reading on the boat.

We barbecued dinner by the moonlight.

And then I got up bright and early the next morning.

After some breakfast, I headed out to run.

First I ran north to the public beach and then back out toward the Sagamore.

Unfortunately, it was too early in the morning for the waterlilies to be open.

I ran around Sagamore Island for a bit.

Then I ran on the nature trail.

Soon it was time to head back to the marina.

I only ran 3.8 miles and I stopped often to take pics. After Saturday’s hilly 6.2 miles, it was nice to take it easy.

My hubby was patiently waiting when I got back to marina so we could take the boat out for brunch.

Maybe if it is nice next weekend, I’ll get to sleep on the boat and take another run in Bolton Landing. Like the good old days.

Happy Running! Where is your favorite place to run?

August 12, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Mantras

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: Mantras

Original artwork of Runners Feed Freelance Writer- Amanda Winslow

My favorite mantra is: FINISHING=WINNING!

I have it printed on my RoadID and on the bottom of a shirt.

When I am running and have an off day, I have to remind myself of this.

Below are many quotes that I like:

“Me and running don’t always see eye to eye. Some days it hurts more than others. But that doesn’t mean I don’t do it. I deal with it and I keep running because not everything that is good for you always feels good for you. Every day is the day.”

“The gun goes off and everything changes… the world changes… and nothing else really matters.” – Patti Sue Plummer

“Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?”– Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian

“I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart.” – Mike Fanelli

“I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.” –Jesse Owens

“In running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.” –Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

“Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.” –Oprah Winfrey

“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.” –PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.” –John Bingham, running speaker and writer

“You also need to look back, not just at the people who are running behind you but especially at those who don’t run and never will… those who run but don’t race…those who started training for a race but didn’t carry through…those who got to the starting line but didn’t in the finish line…those who once raced better than you but no longer run at all. You’re still here. Take pride in wherever you finish. Look at all the people you’ve outlasted.” – Joe Henderson

“Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you’re probably right.” -Henry Ford

“Running should be a lifelong activity. Approach it patiently and intelligently, and it will reward you for a long, long time.” -Michael Sargent

“Remember the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.” -Sarah Condor

“Running is not, as it so often seems, only about what you did in your last race or about how many miles you ran last week. It is, in a much more important way, about community, about appreciating all the miles run by other runners, too.” – Richard O’Brien

Happy Running! What is your mantra?

August 11, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – breakfast at the track, rest

Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, ~~tennis~~ (rained out)

before work

AM walk

Wednesday -2 walks at work, rest, ~~3 mile run~~, ~~yoga~~

AM walk

PM walk

Thursday – walk at work, 4 3 mile run before work

naked run – no phone and no watch

PM walk

Friday- 2 walks at work, rest, mah jongg

AM walk

PM walk

Saturday –10K race, boating

Sunday – ~~rest~~, 4 mile run, boating

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, 4 mile run

Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, 3 mile run, yoga
Friday- rest, party at marina
Saturday –5K race + 3 more miles
Sunday – boating

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

August 10, 2014 by Darlene

Camp Chingachgook Challenge race recap

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I was looking forward to another Lake George race because I love the scenery. This race is even more scenic than the Adirondack Distance Run and just as hilly.

I ran this race 2 years ago as my first 10k ever. I finished at 1:09:07 but I was still recovering from ankle surgery.

Since then I have run 3 more 10ks – each one faster than the previous one. My PR was the Spring Run Off 10k this year with a time of 1:00:51.

I expected to improve upon my first Camp Chingachgook Challenge time but not PR due to the hills.

The course is out and back – which means hills both ways.

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along the lake most of the way

no flat sections!

The weather was perfect for running – warm but not too warm, sunny and low humidity.

I had my usual breakfast of hot cereal and left around 7 am. I got there with no problems around 8:15 am, found parking, used the (real) restrooms and wandered around for a while exploring the grounds.

before the race

I bumped into Judy whom I met on Facebook and then our boating friend, Ron. Ron was there because his daughter’s boyfriend, Josh, was running the half marathon (which ends at the same place as the 10k but starts an hour earlier) and J0sh’s father was running the 10k.

I lined up with Josh’s father and made the mistake of trying the keep up with him for the first 2 miles or so. (He is fast!)

As I mentioned, although you run along the lake for the whole way, it is HILLY, I mean very HILLY. I have run 2 races on the other side of the lake and this side, the hills are a lot steeper.

I started out too fast, of course, and I even tried to run up the hills. But since I don’t train for hills and hate them, I soon tired and realized that if I wanted to finish upright, I better walk them and so I did.

Walking during a race does not make me happy but at times, the hills were so steep that I had trouble walking up them. The only good thing was that many runners were walking and even those who did not, were running slow and I could pass them on the downhills.

With all the walking, my PR hopes were gone and then I wondered if this would be my slowest 10k ever.

I planned to pick up the pace the second half of the race but my right shin started to ache. I didn’t want to wind up injured so I just walked more often. Now I was only running on the downhills.

Finally the race ended and I was happy it was on a downhill plus my friend, Ron was there cheering me on. I mustered up enough strength to sprint and pass two runners. I crossed at 1:04:54.

Both Josh and his father had already finished and ran very well.

I got some food…there were hotdogs, chicken, potato salad, pasta salad, bagels, and watermelon – quite a spread.

food pavillon

Then I wandered around waiting for friends to finish.

beautiful facilities on the lake

I got to see Judy finish.

She was happy with her race.

me & Judy

Then I found a bunch of the SRMs who had done the half marathon.

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they were smart to cool off in the lake

Eventually it was time to leave this beautiful place. My friend Ron had his boat and was going back to the marina. My hubby was waiting for me there so I hopped in my car and drove back around the lake to the other side.

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I did come in 2nd in my age group but I didn’t stick around for the awards. (I think they were only giving out awards for 1st.)

Splits:

mile 1- 9:09
mile 2- 10:29
mile 3 – 9:47
mile 4 – 11:42
mile 5 – 11:14
mile 6 – 10:53
.22 – 9:11

As you can see, the second half of the race got ugly.

Goals:

Run more than walk – Not sure about his one.
Pace under 10 min/mile for most miles – Nope – Only miles 1 &3!!
Course PR (under 1:09) – YES!
Finish strong and uninjured – YES!
Enjoy the race – YES!

So was I disappointed? Of course. I am pretty hard on myself. I didn’t like how I handled (or didn’t handle) the hills. But then again, I don’t train on hills. At least I beat my time on this course from two years ago and I know I can do better.

race swag – nice tech shirt

I enjoyed the race. I never regret a race. And my legs felt fine after. I was even able to run the next morning.

Happy Running! Any advise for running hilly races?

August 8, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Race Memories

This week, the theme is Race Memories:

I have run 124 races so that’s a lot of race memories. (And blogging helps keep them alive.)

Here are my top five (in no particular order):

1. My first Half Marathon. I didn’t tell my friends that I was running a half marathon. I had only raced 5Ks up to that point and they wouldn’t have understood. The race also took place in Naples, Fla, my favorite vacation spot (where I go annually with my tennis friends.) It took place on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there waiting for me at the finish line. When I finished, I couldn’t believe that I had run 13.1 miles and I couldn’t wait to sign up for another.

January 2011

2. The SRM’s First 5K – Strong Running Mamas (SRM) started as a small group by The Happy Runner who wanted to encourage some friends to start running. We met once a month and ran as a group and it culminated with their first 5K. I was just as excited for them as they were.

The initial SRM group – June 5, 2010

These runners continued on to run 10ks, 15ks, half marathons and marathons. In fact, they are what motivated me to run my first half marathon. The group now has a Facebook page and has over 140 members.

more SRMs in October 2013

3. My First Race After My Ankle Surgery. I fell avoiding an ice patch in December 2011 while out running and broke my ankle in several places. I had a plate and 8 screws put in. It was a very long recovery. The doctor said that I probably would not be able to run. I didn’t for 5 months but I went to the Freihofer’s Run For Women intending to try to walk it. But when the gun went off I started running and didn’t stop until the I crossed the finish line.

I even made the first page of the local newspaper

4. My First 10 Mile and Most Scenic Race – My running buddy Mary moved away to La Quinta, CA and I really missed her so I signed up for a 10 mile race in Palm Springs and we ran it together.

January 11, 2014

The views on the course were awesome. I can’t wait to go back.

loved it here

5. My Wettest But Most Fun Half Marathon. This race was planned by a new runner friend, Heidi. She then invited her local friend Adrienne. Both Heidi and Adrienne brought their husbands (Heidi’s hubby even ran it.) It was Heidi & Adrienne’s FIRST half marathon. Heidi also invited 2 high school friends, Lisa & Andrea, who were experienced half marathoners.

Adrienne, Lisa, me & Andrea

the night before the race

We had so much fun at the expo, exploring the sites of Philly and at dinner.

the morning before the race -March 30, 2014

Unfortunately, there was a record rainfall during the whole 13.1 miles. I have never ever been so wet in my life. (Except for my 2nd half marathon in Lake George.)

don’t I look happy?

Oh and this half marathon is my PR.

Happy Running! What are some of your race memories?

August 7, 2014 by Darlene

Another Race!

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When you run half marathons, a 10k shouldn’t be a big deal.

But it is.

These days even a 5K seems like a lot of work. Maybe it’s the heat and humidity but 6.2 hilly miles won’t be a picnic.

I ran this race 2 years ago as my first 10k ever. I finished at 1:09:07 but I was still recovering from ankle surgery. (My current 10K PR is 1:00:51)

The course is out and back – which means the same hills both ways.

along the lake most of the way

no flat sections!

I don’t run many 10ks. I usually train for half marathons by running long on the weekend. With 5Ks, I just wing it. But for 10ks, you want to run fast but not burn out. So who knows how this will go. I will try to go out slow and save some for the second half.

Anyway, I am looking forward to this race because you run along Lake George. There is a great BBQ at the end and you can swim in the lake at the beach if you want. I also know lots of women who are running the Half Marathon as a training run for an upcoming marathon. (Since the half marathon starts an hour before the 10k, they may finish before me.) It will be fun to see them again.

Goals:

Run more than walk
Pace under 10 min/mile for most miles
Course PR (under 1:09)
Finish strong and uninjured
Enjoy the race

Happy Running! Do you run 10ks often? Do you train for them?

August 6, 2014 by Darlene

I guess I’m “inspiring”

I’ve been tagged by Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete. Thanks Tiffany.

The Rules:

Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
List the rules and display the award.
Share seven facts about yourself.
Nominate 15 other blogs you enjoy, then comment on their posts to let them know that you have nominated them.

I have been blogging for a while so if you read my blog, you probably know everything about me already but if you are new, here are
Seven Things About Me:

1. I started running in April 2008 at the age of 55!! Since then I have run 124 races. In January 2011, I ran my first of 9 half marathons.

my first half in Naples, Fla.

my 9th in Saratoga, NY

2. Second to running is my love for tennis. I started playing seriously about 15 years ago. The best thing about tennis is the friends that I have made. Now we do lots of things together that doesn’t even involve playing tennis.

group photo with our instructor Billy Bob

at a Broadway show

3. My first profession was that of a French teacher. I did that for 22 years. I spent my junior year of college in Nice, France. I love anything and everything French – art (Monet), music (Celine Dion), food (pain au chocolat), drinks (kir), cafe au lait, Les Miz, etc.

4. I play mah jongg once a week with a great group of ladies. My favorite game, however, is still Scrabble.

playing mah jongg by the Schroon River

5. I love to travel. I would do it more if I had the time and the money. I have been to most countries in Europe (except Ireland) & Israel, Greece & Russia. China and an African safari are on my bucket list as well as Alaska.

3rd trip to Kursk, Russia

6. I’m a computer geek. Luckily I went back to school and got another Masters and I have been working as an Instructional Technologist for the past 16 yrs. Digital photography is my passion. I never leave the house without a camera.

7. Finally, Dec 29, 2011 was one of the worst days in my life. I fell avoiding an ice patch while out running and broke my ankle in several places. I had a plate and 8 screws put in. It was a very long recovery. The doctor said that I may play tennis again but probably would not be able to run. But I proved him wrong!! I started running after 5 months and starting playing tennis after 8 months.

then