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Weekly Run Down for 8.2.24-8.11.24: Back to a normal routine?

I was away last Friday-Tuesday (NYC then LI).

So I’m playing catch-up below.

Vacations are great but it’s so hard to get back into a routine (whatever that is? lol)

For me, it’s: Work and fitting in gym time, running, walking and family/friend activities.

Last Week –

  • Friday – After an early morning train to Manhattan and checking into my hotel, I had to figure out what to do in the extreme heat..

So I took the subway to Brooklyn and visited the Brooklyn Museum (museums are air-conditioned!)

there was a great Paul McCartney photo exhibit

and several other very interesting exhibits..

The Brooklyn Museum is next door to the Botanic Gardens so I thought why not?

so pretty but sooo HOT!!!!!!!

Of course, when in NYC, there is usually a Cari meet-up!  She took the ferry to my area and I met her and then we walked to an Italian restaurant for dinner followed by the rooftop bar at my hotel for drinks.

surprise, surprise – no ice cream!

  • Saturday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k!

Long story short – I loved the race but I WILL NEVER RACE again in AUGUST!!!

The ferry and the race logistics were easy peasy but the race started at 9 am (with feels like 91 temps) … no shade, full sunshine and mile by mile I fell apart.

Yes, you got a nice shirt, ice cream after and I won my age group but …. running in the heat is no fun!!

The good news was that I didn’t die and I got to Penn Statin in time to catch the LIRR in order to spend a few days visiting my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons).

We started the weekend with a waterfront drink but then thunderstorms forced us indoors for dinner.

  • Sunday – I began the day with a run at a nearby preserve.

a view of Hampton Bay and a newborn fawn

The afternoon was spent at a wine tasting that also had live music.

Again rain forced us indoors for dinner.

  • Monday – I got up early again for a run (that may have been mostly walking).  This time I headed through the neighborhoods toward the bay.

When on LI, you must hit the beach and so we did.

Finally a dry evening.. we planned on a boat ride but it got cancelled so instead we just had drinks and dinner at an outdoor restaurant along the water.

  • Tuesday – The forecast was for rain so I didn’t get up early but then it didn’t. We decided to visit a wildlife sanctuary and walk the trails.

We barely made before the rains came. And then rain continued for the rest of the day.

I ended my visit with a nice lunch and then took the LIRR back to NYC and finally the train to return home.

  • Wednesday – Glad to be WFH and able to squeeze in a run before work..

the overnight rains had cooled down the temps but it was still very humid

So many errands after work…. (vacations are hard work!)

  • Thursday – After a rainy evening, another WFH day allowed me to get a run done before work.

temps in the 60s!! just a slow flowery run in a different neighborhood

Thursday night is trail run night or walk as I do it. Pouring Rain!! Boo!

Instead, we visited an injured running friend and ate ice cream sandwiches there.

  • Friday – Finally got up early to head to the gym… it had been a while.

Not a tropical storm but lots of rain!!

Even mah jongg in the evening was cancelled.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day (and Brunch).

11 miles on my schedule and fingers crossed that the rain would stop and I had company on some of the miles.

It wasn’t easy but yes to both and 6 of us were to get together for brunch (which was longer and more fun than the run. lol).

  • Sunday – Back to the gym and back up to the lake!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – Run
  • Tuesday –  GYM, movie/dinner with a friend
  • Wednesday – Run, walk w/BFF
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – GYM, mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k Race Recap
  • Friday –  Finish Line Songs

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Any vacations planned? Get hit by Debby? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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FFF: Training Tips for Running

Every runner is different. Every race is different. And so my version of training is probably different from yours.

And I think there are many variables to take into account when we talk about training:

1. Is this your first race at this distance?

If it is, I would recommend any of the following options:

    • Follow a training plan.
    • Join a running club
    • Get a coach
    • Read some blogs
    • Join some social networking groups
    • Google 🙂

For my FIRST 5k, I joined No Boundaries, a running program sponsored by a local running store.

some NoBo friends

I downloaded the training plan from the website of my FIRST half marathon and followed that.

Hey, I finished!!

And of course, for my FIRST marathon, I downloaded a plan or three, got advice from others who had run the race and joined a FB group for the race.

26.2 miles!!!

2. What is your goal for the race? Do you even have a goal?

Do you want to try for a PR, have a course PR, run negative splits or maybe win an age group award?

Or do you just want to finish?

Are you running the race just because your friends are or is it part of a vacation?

My recommendation for training with a goal in mind would be the same as if you were running that distance for the first time.  Plus most likely, your plan would include a variety of drills. What kind of drills would depend on your goal and maybe even the race course and surface.

Many times, my training related to a goal is not worry about anything but enjoy the race and enjoy the runs up to the race.

It is still training in my book because I do complete my runs.  I just may not wear a watch or keep track of my pace.

just a weekday fun training run

And then there may be a race where I do want to do my best and try for a course PR.  In these cases, I have joined a training group.

my Freihofer Run for Women training group

3. Is it a long race or a shorter distance?

Of course distance is relative.  For someone who runs ultras, 13.1 may seem short.

For me, I consider long, any race that is a 15k or longer.

Personally, I do not train for races that are shorter than a half marathon.  In fact, many of my shorter distance races have been part of my weekend long run.

For longer races, my philosophy is to make sure you do your LONG runs.  How I do that is work backwards from the race date.

Half Marathon – 8/10 miles, 12 miles, 11 miles, 10 miles, etc.

Of course, where you start your long runs varies.  That will dictate how many weeks you need to train for the race.

I personally do not pay attention to my weekday runs.  I do them and they are squeezed in (3-4 miles) depending on my work schedule.

I was able to complete the NYC Marathon doing it this way.  But then again, my goal was only TO FINISH.

I did it!!

4. Are you injury-prone (or recovering from an injury)?

No one wants to be injured.  Sometimes they are unavoidable (like a fall) but either way, they impact your training for a race.

My tip for training when injured or recovering from an injury (unfortunately I have experience in this area) is to cut back in your training.

See a doctor.  Do the PT exercises and what else is necessary so you can do your race.

Don’t worry about your training.  Let go of any race goals.

You can skip runs and long runs in this situation.  You will not heal if you keep to your plan (as if you were healthy).

got to run the NYC half even though minimally running for 5 weeks before due to calf injury

As I have said above, there is no ONE way to train.

I bet that your training has changed as you have run different terrains, different distances and as one ages and becomes a more experienced runner.

I know mine has.

Happy Running! Do you have any other training tips? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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TT: What I am Focusing on This Month

1. Marathon Training

What else?

History of NYC Marathon - TrackGirlz

NOV. 3, 2024

It’s still early but it will be here before I know it.

It’s my 3rd NYC so I’m not stressing at all.

I just plan to get in my long runs on the weekend (if possible) and STAY HEALTHY!!

2.Consistent Gym Visits

When I’m WFH, I want to go to the Y several mornings… usually on the non-running days.

3.Walk More.

During the Pandemic, I would walk or hike everyday!!

I’ve gotten lazy…

I’m on social media during my work breaks.

I seem to only walk if I have company. So maybe once a week, sometimes not at all.

4. Eat Healthier.

I’ll blame it on this HOT summer.

Too hot to cook.

I go boating on Sundays and that’s traditionally my meal prep day.

Ice cream is so tempting!!

Happy Running! What are you focusing on this month?  Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

 

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Weekly Run Down for 7.28.24-8.4.24: Apparently I run for ice cream…

Yup.  A 5k last Sunday followed by ice cream.

A Trail run/walk on Thursday night followed by ice cream.

Yesterday a 10k race in NYC followed by ice cream.

After all, it is summer!!!

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I’d say I participated in the Keep MOO’ving 5k rather than raced it.

After a hard 9 mile run the day before, I decided to take it easy.

It was so fun and the ice cream was delicious (homemade at the farm where the race was held.)

In the evening, I made my annual trek to a sunflower farm.

❤ sunflowers

  • Monday – I hadn’t been to the gym in awhile so I headed there before work.
  • Tuesday – An early morning run on the rail trail…

the temps were ok but that humidity!!!

After a trip to set up for work the next day, I met my BFF for a walk and talk.

  • Wednesday – Not a WFH day so I had to postpone my run until after work (provided that the predicted rain didn’t happen).

Thunderstorm after thunderstorm afternoon!

  • Thursday – Another early morning run.

back on the rail trail but running, in the opposite direction from Tuesday and even more humid!!!

After work, our weekly ARE trail run took place.  I walked it as usual.  And this week, we went for ice cream after.

  • Friday – DAY OFF. 

I took an early train to NYC and when I arrived, I checked into my hotel (which for a change was in the Financial District.)

Check out IG and FB for how I spent the day.

Of course there was a meet up with Cari!!

  • Saturday –  NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k.

An early morning as I had to take the 7:30 am ferry to Governor’s Island for the race.

Check out IG and FB for how it went… AND there was ice cream!!

After the race, I took the ferry back to Manhattan, checked out of my hotel and headed to Penn Sta. to catch the LIRR. I had plans to stay with my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons) for a few days.

  • Sunday – Run! Relax!  Maybe head to the beach… have fun!!

pic from my visit in 2021

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – AM Run, some fun LI activities
  • Tuesday – AM Run, LIRR to NYC, Amtrak home
  • Wednesday – GYM
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – GYM
  • Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – What I am focusing on this month
  • Friday –  Training Tips for Running

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Do you love ice cream like I do? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for August 2024

It’s that time of the month…

time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Ice cream seems to be my theme this summer…

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m lucky that my friends share my love of ice cream.

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that we have even skipped a hike in favor of a road trip for ice cream.

at High Lawn Farm

3. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I signed up for a race just because it offered ice cream.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m on my way to NYC for the weekend… for a race.

Yes, you guessed it… ice cream!

 

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m heading to the Hamptons after the race… I have to catch a train from Penn. Station.

It’s possible that I may have to leave right after the 10k and MISS THE ICE CREAM!!!

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Do you love ice cream? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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2024 Keep MOO’ving 5k Race Recap

High Lawn Farm has the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted…

Last year was the first year that they offered this race and of course, it was on my radar.

DESCRIPTION

The High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K is a 3.1 mile walk or run that is open to all abilities and levels of fitness. 100% of the proceeds from this event benefit Berkshire Bounty. Berkshire Bounty is a food rescue organization dedicated to collecting, purchasing and delivering nutritious food to emergency food distribution programs countywide.
The course is beautiful, starting runners at the farm, then passing along Laurel Lake before returning to the farm to celebrate at the food truck where runners enjoy a well-earned High Lawn Farm ice cream. Visit the historic century worth of memorabilia in the High Lawn Farm Museum, open specifically for the runners following the race!

But it’s a long drive and I was marathon training…

High Lawn Farm | What a great day! ☀️The High Lawn Farm Keep it Moo'ving 5k was a blast! Everyone who participated today did such an awesome job… | Instagram

2023

Some racing friends did go and they said that it was awesome.

So I mentioned it to my running friends Heidi and Sherry.

LOL. Heidi & I had already been there on Monday.

and they agreed with me.. Let’s do it!

definitely hillier than it looks here!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Again I am training for a marathon.

I ran my long run of 9 miles the day before…

And then the hubby and I spent the rest of the day on the lake where I enjoyed a beer and a good book.

I was on the fence whether or not, I would just walk the whole thing or run/walk it.  Racing it was out of the question in my mind.

Race Day:

The race started at 8:30 am.

I got up at 5:15 am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:15 in order to get to Heidi’s house since she offered to drive.

It took us 45 minutes but we got there early enough to get parking and pick up my shirt/bib.

There were almost 300 runners at this race. I even bumped into quite a few familiar faces.  This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

obligatory pre-race photo

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and sunny. We just hung around and chatted while deciding on our race strategy.

Soon it was time to line up.

We decided to run together… that meant using Heidi’s intervals (2min:30 sec) since she was the slowest of the three.

It sounded like fun to me.

start and finish line

Mile 1:

It was pretty crowded but we tried to stay together.  The race started on a dirt path with holes and rocks.  It would have been hard to run on.

Then it was a long downhill (Of course since it was an out and back, you would be running up that long hill!!)

After that hill, it was just rolling and shady with a view of a lake on the right.

Mile 2:

By the second mile, it was getting increasingly hard to stay together.  It was crowded and when Heidi got behind us, it was hard to hear the beeps to know when we were walking and when we were supposed to run.

I also like to walk on the uphills and run on the downhills which didn’t always coordinate with the intervals.

So we got separated..

Sherry was close behind me and I often slowed for her to catch up… since we said that we would run the race together.

Somewhere after the turn around there was a water stop.

The course repeated itself so youknew what was coming…

Mile 3-3.1:

By mile 3, I was wanting to be done… so I did my usual run some, walk some.

I actually felt pretty energetic and could have run this race…

But there was no reason to chance a injury.

And then there was that LONG annoying hill! I was glad that I actually wasn’t racing.

I crossed at 42:09. (41:57 – Garmin time)

A PW 5k but faster than the ones I walked.

No regrets!!

Post Race Activities:

Sherry finished right after new and we waited for Heidi to cross.

They gave you a coupon for free ice cream and there was also free chocolate milk…

farm fresh = delish!!

We got on line for our free ice cream

and chatted with the other runners while we waited.

posing with our empty milk bottles. lol

They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 5th in my age group.

The winners got to name a new calf (very cool). The age group winners just got a big prize ribbon.

And of course, the ice cream was worth the drive!!

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.

But I don’t regret participating in this 5k. Though it was a PW, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday morning (especially if you can convince friends to come along).

Next year when I will not be training for a marathon, I may even race it!!

Positives:

  • Well organized race
  • Well marked scenic course
  • Some familiar faces
  • Friends to share the experience
  • Nice gender-specific tech shirt
  • Free chocolate milk
  • Free (homemade) ice cream
  • Immediate results

Negatives:

  • Hilly
  • Long drive

Would I recommend this race?

All in all, this was a fun race. The hills were a challenge but I’ve seen and experienced worse.

I plan run it again even though it is not nearby.

Final Stats:

I wonder how many calories that chocolate milk and ice cream cone were? LOL

Next Up:

a 10k.

Aug 3.

Then 13.1:

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run short races even when you are training for a big long race? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

 

 

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Weekly Run Down for 7.21.24-7.28.24: Regrouping…

I was semi excited to get into a routine and start training for my Nov. marathon.

Then there was my work trip to NYC with excessive heat.

After which I came down with a cold.

Hoping things are looking up from this point on…

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I woke up with a nasty cold.

I dragged myself to the gym and then decided that sneezing and sniffling with a lake view and a good book would be preferable to staying home.

the sun came out and it was a beautiful day.. Achoo!

  • Monday – I had the day off from work and felt a lot better than the day before.

The plan was to go hiking with two friends.. but things didn’t work out so instead, I got some errands done and then ventured out for a run…

too late… too sunny= not fun but done

Then my friend decided that we needed an ice cream adventure

our favorite flavor was back!!

I planned to stop off to see my granddaughter but it was too early so I took a short stroll (to work off those ice cream calories)…

pretty but buggy at the arboretum

Almost walking!!

  • Tuesday – WFH and a trip to the gym before work…

No run as it rained most of the day… Rest Day!

The rain had stopped by the time I got out of work so I went for a walk with a friend.

new addition to our rail trail

  • Wednesday – I dragged myself out of bed in order to get some miles done before the predicted rain.

it was cloudy so I thought it would feel better than it did and then I checked the humidity… 😦

The rain did not arrive until overnight and so I was able to meet my BFF for a walk after work.

  • Thursday – Another early morning run…

I had thought the humidity would have left with the rain overnight… I was wrong!!

and then after work, I participated in our weekly ARE trail run/walk.

This week, there was a BBQ/Pot Luck dinner after which was fun.

  • Friday – DAY OFF.  For my annual summer visit to the Saratoga race track with a former co-worker. We started going in 1984!!

2013

This year, we took a backstretch tour. Then we had breakfast and stayed for the day watching the races and betting. I won a lot of the races but since I don’t bet a lot of money, I didn’t win much but it was fun.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day and Brunch.

I had to rush through my run and skip brunch because lake time had to be re-scheduled to today.

I ran 4 miles with Barbara and then the last 5 miles solo (I prefer a slower pace for my long runs).

I relaxed the rest of the day with a book …

  • Sunday – Keep MOO’ving 5k (in Lee, MA)… not sure after yesterday’s long run that I will have enough energy to run but there will be ice cream even if I walk!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – GYM
  • Tuesday – AM run
  • Wednesday – PM run
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – DAY OFF, train to NYC, meet up with Cari
  • Saturday – Ice Cream Social 10k. train to LI
  • Sunday – visit with roommate on LI

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday –  Keep MOO’ving 5k Race Recap
  • Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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Runfessions for July 2024

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1.I runfess…

I am usually so consistent with my running… esp, if I am training for a big race.

On my recent work trip to the “baked” apple (aka NYC), I ran 0 miles!!

Too hot. No mojo to run alone.  Too tired to get up early.

Instead, I found non-running activities to keep busy in the evenings.

2. I runfess…

I am a big fan of racing when I’m in NYC for work…

I must have had ESP because I never signed up in advance for a 5k that I usually run.

and I was relieved!!!!!

3. I runfess…

Speaking of races… (always)

I registered for a December 10K.

It was to be a race-cation in Florida with some friends.  Airline tickets were bought. Days off from work approved.

No luck finding another race this weekend… and I cannot switch my time off.

Very Disappointed!!!!!!

4. I runfess…

I was looking through my blog and I discovered that in 2023, I bought 4 pairs of running shoes and only 2 this year.

I guess I needed to buy more (especially since my bib from the Firecracker 4 race gave me 15% off at Fleet Feet.)

5. I runfess…

I signed up for a 10k in NYC (Governor’s Island)…

In case it is cancelled (as in 2018), I decided to extend my time off and visit my roommate in the Hamptons.

back in 2021

This way, it won’t be a waste of a NYC trip…

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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2024 Silks and Satins 5k Race Recap

silks and satins logo

       ******July 13, 2024 8:00 am********

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

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

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race than a 5k. Since then I have completed over 60 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023  (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18, 28:05)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this race for 3 years.

Last year, the organizers of the Firecracker 4 race took over this race and I decided to sign up.

I shocked myself with a decent pace so again, I thought why not and my running friends were busy this weekend so it was a good excuse to skip my long run.

Here is the map for the course that I ran in past years:

15 turns in this course!!

Here’s the 2023 course:

pretty similar… 

Race Day:

The race started at 8 am.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there would already be a lot of traffic at that hour.

I got up at 5:30am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:30 in order to get there early enough to get parking and pick up my bib.

view on the way 

I got a spot in a nearby lot, picked up my bib/shirt

and then left the shirt in the car.

There were about 600 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces.  This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

The weather was warm … around 75 at the start and sunny. I just hung around and chatted with other runners that I recognized.

isn’t he cute?

and there was a photo booth so I took my obligatory pre (and post) race photo.

Soon it was time to line up.

I stood somewhere in the middle. This race attracts many speedy runners and I didn’t want to get run over… but not too far back since there was no timing mat at the start.

Mile 1:

I always feel like I start out fast but it still seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead.

But my biggest problem again was the heat (and yes, I know that it’s like this in most places and worse in Florida)..

And it was sunny and there was very little if any shade on the course.

Mile 2:

By the second mile, I was really wanting to walk… I was hoping to wait until the water stop which was about half way.

nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from 2019’s Saratogian

Now that they changed the course by having an out and back on one street, I was able to cheer on runners who were way ahead as well as those behind me.

I did appreciate those folks who put sprinklers out… I ran through each one!

I made it to the water stop and walked (for probably too long)… but I felt a lot better after.

Mile 3-3.1:

By mile 3, I was really fading but I continued to make sure to hit the tangents (there were 15 of them!!)

Finally we turned the last corner…

I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. I had hoped to finish under 31 minutes… a 2024 5k PR.

I crossed at 30: 03. (29:50 – Garmin time)

YAY!!

Post Race Activities:

I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.

I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race). There were only bananas so I grabbed one.

They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 2nd in my age group.

Then they announced that any car in the nearby grass lot would be towed.

Yup, that be me!!

Off I ran and decided to leave rather than wait around for my age group award medal.

I drove up to the lake to meet up my hubby and some friends for a ride on the boat and a barbecue on an island.

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive. And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my marathon training.

But races challenge me and I think it’s important to challenge oneself.

Otherwise, my runs are slow and easy and I squeeze them in whenever I can. I also run with friends, some faster, some slower and always with run walk intervals.

So I don’t regret running this 5k.  Though it was a course PW, it actually was a faster finish than my previous 5ks race this year! That makes me happy.

Positives:

  • Well organized race
  • Well marked course with many course marshals
  • Flat course
  • Lots of familiar faces.
  • Immediate results
  • 5 year age groups for awards
  • Spectators with hoses and sprinklers

Negatives:

  • No longer get free tickets to the race track
  • 15 turns!!
  • Hot and Sunny!
  • Only bananas post race.
  • Unisex shirts
  • Only one water stop (on a hot day)

Would I recommend this race?

Maybe…

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized.

Not sure if I would run it again because it is not nearby.

In past years, I added more miles after the race a nearby park (and so at least it counted as a long run.)

Final Stats:

Still queen of the positive splits:

With an increasing number of walks with each mile:

Next Up:

Another 5k or two.

July 28

And a 10k.

Aug 3

Then:

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run short races even when you are training for a big long race? Please share.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

by

Weekly Run Down for 7.14.24-7.21.24: Hot. Hot. Hot.

And I thought it was hot last week…

I was in NYC and the heat index was over 100 everyday!!!!

So Marathon training was on hold…

Last Week –

  • Sunday – Today I started my work week in NYC.

I got up early and was able to squeeze in a run (glad I did since it was the coolest day of the week).

a little in the ‘hood and a little on the water line

Then I took the train down to NYC and after checking into my hotel, I headed to Madison Ave (with several subway snafus) to check out the Bastille Day celebration.

very hot and very crowded but fun checking out all the exhibits and food vendors

I continued walking to MOMA but both the fashion exhibit and rooftop were closed so I crossed through Central Park to the west side and took the subway to the Financial District.

They had added some bronze statues that I wanted to check out..

My last stop was to cool off along the East River…

  • Monday – Long work day in Jamaica Queens but I thought I might try a run along the Hudson River…

lots of water fountains in NYC!!

Too hot to run but I managed to walk/run to where a free outdoor concert was being held..

it was sooo hot but Eden Espinosa was great as was the sunset on the river.

Then I walked back to my hotel.

  • Tuesday – Another long work day in Jamaica Queens…

It was hotter than the day before.. so I attempted to run on the treadmill…

Nope, it was even hot in the hotel gym and I had forgotten my headphones…

Instead I walked to the theater to see a Broadway show…

it was air conditioned at least but I didn’t really like the show… oh well.

and after I walked back to my hotel.

  • Wednesday – Still hot and working Jamaica Queens.

I try to run this race each summer when I’m working the city

but this year I didn’t sign up in advance..

Boy, am I glad I didn’t.

Instead I met up with Cari for ice cream.

  • Thursday – Just a work day as it was still too hot to run even before work…

And after work, I headed home on the train.

  • Friday – A WFH day. I briefly considered going to the gym before work but I was pooped.

So not much activity today… just mahjongg in the evening.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day and Brunch.

I felt like I hadn’t run in years but luckily I had friends to drag me through the 8 miles.

Stan insisted we do 45:90 intervals… and it was hard!! 45 sec. running at 8:xx min. pace

  • Sunday – GYM, Lake George

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – DAY OFF, run, hike w/friends
  • Tuesday – GYM, walk w/friends
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run, trail walk
  • Friday – DAY OFF, Saratoga Racetrack for brunch & betting
  • Saturday – Long Run (9 miles), boating
  • Sunday – High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday –  Silks and Satins 5k Race Recap
  • Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.