April 27, 2014 by Darlene

ALS Cherry Blossom 5K Race Report

als race

Boy, there were a lot of races to choose from this weekend (about 15 including Sean’s Run, Kiwanis Classic, Lake George) but I have been trying to run new races. (If Mary were not in CA, she would have talked me into Sean’s.)

So this is another new race for me. And an important cause. I worked with someone for years who died of ALS.

Not sure if there would be cherry blossoms. We have had a cold spring. The races advertised Sport Tek shirts for for runners, a raffle, and medals for top male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and up. 60 and up!! Boy do I feel old!

Afterwards, there would also be a craft fair and a barbecue.

I wasn’t sure if the course was hilly or flat but guessed it would be a combination.

als5kcourse

So of course, I was hoping to break 30 minutes and maybe win an AG award. But my week day runs have been so slow, I never know what race day will bring. Of course, I stalked previous years’ results and if there were only one or two winners at 60-99, I wouldn’t stand a chance.

Yesterday, I was in the area so I stopped by to pick up my race packet.

nice women’s tech shirt. 59 – my b-day is 5-9. Lucky?

Again, the weather was cooler than I would have liked. But it wasn’t raining (like it did all day yesterday) when I left so I am not complaining. I wanted to wear a short sleeved top, skirt & compression socks but had to add another layer to stay warm.

The 1.5 mile walk started at 9 am and the 5K race started at 10:15. In a email, it warned runners that this would be a record crowd and that parking would be a problem so I tried to get there early.

I drove the same way as I did to pick up my bib and planned on parking at the tennis courts in the park. But although I was early for the race, the parking lot was blocked off. So I drove around the park and back out the other way trying to figure out where to go. (Good thing I left early.)

I wound up parking closer and on a street which was not part of the race route.

As soon as I got there, it started to drizzle and get colder. I put on a jacket and pants under my skirt and walked over to the race area.

there were a lot of cherry blossom trees but most were not in bloom yet.

As the start of the race got closer, I ditched my jacket, gloves & pants.

I headed to the start and bumped into someone that I met last November at a 5k. We are in the same age group and we started talking about local races.

Then all of a sudden, everyone started moving. Oops! We weren’t near the front of over 500 racers & I forgot to start my Garmin.

I quickly started it and it took forever to find a signal, I actually had to stop to turn it off and on. (Great for my race time, right? Oh, I forgot, this was a FUN race.)

It was pretty cool out. My hands were cold but the rest of me was fine once I got moving. The course had tons of twists and turns. It made it interesting as you weaved through the neighborhood and then back around.

There were NO mile markers or timers. Even so, I never looked at my watch. The course was pretty flat except for mile 3 being mostly uphill. I didn’t walk nor did I stop for water. I just tried to run a constant pace.

As I approached the finish line, I was shocked to see that I was UNDER 28 minutes!! I wish I had more energy to run faster at the end (or didn’t blow the beginning of the race.)

This could have been a PR!! (Oh right, it doesn’t matter!)

I did finish under 28 minutes – 27:51 (missed a PR by 22 seconds.) But I was very happy. There was the fastest that I’ve run a 5K since May 2011. So it’s a post surgically repaired ankle PR 🙂

I celebrated with some post-race refreshments:

And then walked around the craft fair. I didn’t have any money which was good.

Then I looked at the results. 2nd in my Age Group! What a surprise!

als5k

While I was waiting for the award ceremony, I recognized one of my former French students, Tricia. She ran it with her son and is going to be running her first half marathon in the fall.

Tricia is in pink, I look cold & miserable

Race Splits: (2.93 miles – 27:05)

mile 1- 9:13
mile 2 – 9:21
mile 3 – 9:09

happier with a medal

My Race Goals:

run the whole thing without stopping –YES!
finish under 30 minutes –YES!
keep each mile’s pace under 10 minutes – YES!
have fun! (do not have to win a AG award or have a PR) YES! and won an award!
stay healthy! YES!

another medal and a post ankle surgery PR = a good day

As I mentioned earlier in this post, I taught with someone who died from ALS, a terrible disease. At this race, there were 160 people running/walking to support a local news photographer, Gene, who was recently diagnosed with ALS. (I used to play on the same tennis team as his daughter.)

Afterwards, I had planned on stopping at the Nisky bike path for as many more miles as my legs could handle.

It started to rain but as I arrived in the parking lot it stopped. It was colder than during the race so I put on my jacket and some capris.

overcast day

So I ran 2 miles out and 2 back. The first mile was great, the 2nd ok but the last 2 were crappy slow.

at least the ice has melted…my first time here since early winter

How did I finish the afternoon? A trip to Target. Nothing exciting..just groceries and then a nice home cooked dinner.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race?

April 26, 2014 by Darlene

Run-gry Has Turned to Hungry

That was fine when I was running long on the weekends. I started in August to train for a October Half Marathon, then there was a 15K in November and one in January, as well as a 10 miler in January.

There were many posts that included pics like this

I was still Run-gry after that because I continued to train for a March 30 Half Marathon.

still more of this

Eating everything in sight has become a habit.

I still run at least 3 times a week. Usually after work. I am hungry all the time and eat frequently.

This is what I eat on an average weekday:

oatmeal – 7 am
bagel & biscoff – 9 am
yogurt – 11 am
apple or pear – 12 pm
string cheese – 2 pm
protein bar – 4 pm
dinner (meat, rice, vegetable) – 6:30 pm
ice cream – 8 pm

I run on the weekends but my races have been 5ks and 4 milers. The problem is that I am carbloading like it was a long run and I am still ordering desserts like I was running 25 miles each week.

work temptations

I don’t know for sure that I have gained weight but my clothes are tighter so I probably have (or the weight has just moved to my hips.)

With bathing suit season just around the corner, (I am going to Florida on May 14.) I’ve got to change something!!

A. Eat less and shrink my stomach so I’m not so hungry?

B. Run more and continue eating what I want?

I’m thinking B!

Happy Running! Anyone else have a similar eating disorder?

April 25, 2014 by Darlene

Foto Friday

Here are some recent running photos. They are from last week and early this week. Wednesday, our weather changed for the worse – cold, cloudy, WINDY!

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

April 24, 2014 by Darlene

TTT

1. Why are my training runs at a 12 minute pace and my races between 9 and 10??

I always feel so lethargic when I run by myself. I walk frequently. I don’t push myself. If I didn’t sign up for races, I would never get faster.

see what I mean?

2. Why do I feel pressure to PR at all my races?

I am competitive and want to get faster and even win an AG award. I would have more fun if I get went out there to run and not think about my finish time.

disappointed in my time

having fun – didn’t care about my time

3. What are my goals for this weekend’s 5K race (another new one)?

als 2014

run the whole thing without stopping
finish under 30 minutes
keep each mile’s pace under 10 minutes
have fun! (do not have to win a AG award or have a PR)
stay healthy!

Happy Running! Are you running or racing this weekend? How do you motivate yourself to train well?

April 23, 2014 by Darlene

Where Do You Run?

I get bored easily. So I like to run different routes:

on the track

I run on the track if I am injured because the track is easy on the feet. Also it is close to where I work so I run there when I have to squeeze in a quick run during lunch. It is also good for speed workouts.

in town (Delmar)

in the city (Albany)

I work in the city. So when I run after work, that’s where I usually do it if I don’t feel like driving. The downside is the traffic and having to stop at lights and in the winter, the icy sidewalks. In the town where I live, it is the same. I do my long runs or early runs there because it is convenient not to have to drive somewhere.

Washington Park

The Crossings

I love to run in the park. I can run to Washington Park or it’s a short drive. I love the flowers in the spring and summer and the leaves in the fall. There are hills so that is either good or bad. I like the Crossings also but I don’t go there often because I have to drive, and there is a lot of traffic getting there.

on the Delmar rail trail

Elm Ave park fitness trail

I am not much of a trail runner. But there is a rail trail not far from where I live. It is 4 miles out and back (and they plan to extend it.) Again, it is easier on the feet. There is no traffic so an easy out and back route. I also enjoy the foliage of the different seasons on the trail. I run on it frequently. Occasionally I have run on the fitness trail but I find the exercise stops distracting.

on the treadmill

I hate the treadmill. But I run on it when it is raining or too icy to run outside.

Nisky Bike Path

Corning bike path

Colonie park bike path

For any run longer than 5 miles, I love to run on the bike paths. They are flat and there are no cars. There are usually bikers, runners, and people around. The scenery along the river is beautiful. Unfortunate in a winter like this past one, they were not cleared of snow.

Florida!

Nope, not lucky enough to live near the ocean but if I did, I would be running there most of the time.

Bolton Landing

But as soon as summer comes, you will see more pictures like this when I am running.

Happy Running! Where do you run?

April 22, 2014 by Darlene

Run the Perfect 10 Miler With Me on October 26th!

A few weeks ago, I heard about a women’s-only ten mile race at Mercer County Park, New Jersey in October, called the Perfect 10. It’s put on by CGI Racing, which also organizes the Rutgers Unite Half and the LoveRun, among other events.

Except for the rain, the Love Run was a fun event and so well organized that I wanted to run another CGI race.

I have a college friend that lives in NJ about an hour from the race so I registered and plan to stay with my friend for the weekend.

Until the end of May, it’s $50, which is pretty good compared to half marathons and other area races around that time of year. Also, there will be a chocolate fountain at the finish – how can you say no to that?!

The Perfect 10 race is an event that is not only a running competition but a celebration of our own positive image as women, both inside and out. The organization encourages you to share your inspiring stories of why you are a perfect 10, and those featured monthly will have a chance to receive the Perfect 10 Honor on race weekend.

In a Runner’s World article by Kristin Armstrong, she wrote, “you are most beautiful when you are doing what you love.” That is a message I hope runners everywhere will understand, especially those who are self-conscious when taking their first strides outside the door.

So, if you’re in the NJ/NY/PA/DE area and get excited about the prospect of a mid-fall ten mile race, chocolate, or men in tuxedos, please visit the Perfect 10 website to check it out further! Also, follow their Twitter and Facebook pages for the latest information and inspiration!

Check out this video, too!

Happy Running! Anyone running this race or have run it before?

April 21, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 3 miles, Passover seder

on the track during lunch – gusty & steamy

LOTS OF GOOD FOOD!!

Tuesday – rest, 1 mile walk at work, tennis

back inside – RAIN

Wednesday – 1 mile walk at work, 4 5 miles

40 degrees colder than Monday

sunny but cold…snow was almost gone

Thursday – 2 – 1 mile walks at work, 4 3.5 mile run

indoors, looking outside into the courtyard

outdoors followed by a treat

outdoors – cool but sunny

Friday – 2 -1 mile walks at work, rest, mah jongg

on the track

Saturday – 4m race + 3 miles

unofficial PR & 2nd in my AG

slow recovery run on the rail rrail

Sunday – rest, Easter dinner, some spring mulching

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – rest
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 5K race + 4 more

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

April 20, 2014 by Darlene

Good Luck Boston Runners!

I will be following 3 runners:

bmtracking

I work with Colleen.

me & Colleen at the Race for the Cure 2009

Michele is one of my former French students.

with her sister Laura at the 2011 Boston Marathon

Sheila is a member of the SRMs (a local running group.)

she is front right

Happy Running! Are you or do you know anyone running in Boston?

April 19, 2014 by Darlene

Rabbit Ramble 4 Mile Race Report

April 19, 2014 10 am Guilderland, NY

Another weekend, another race. I did 13.1 miles, then 5 miles, then 3.1 miles. This weekend, it was a 4 mile race. And a new one. So no idea if it would be a fun one or a hard one.

It was advertised as an out and back course on country roads and because this was the 20th year they would be giving out Special 20th anniversary t-shirts, along with live music, door prizes, special 20th year medals and awards to all overall and age group winners. In addition to all this, if you registered early, you would receive a pair of Rabbit Ramble running gloves. Sounded like a fun race to me.

(After I registered, I found out about a closer and flatter new race. Oh well, next year.)

at the Corning Preserve

After a warm weekend, the weather cooled off this past week. It was almost 80 degrees on Monday and it snowed Tuesday night and went down to 30 degrees. Today it was back to normal – that is, in between weather – 40s to start and then a little warmer (but with lots of WIND.)

I decided to wear similar clothes to my last race — long sleeve shirt, skirt, compression socks & bring a jacket.

The race started at 10 am so I could sleep in and it was only about 30 minute drive.

This race was so close to a DNS. I spent the morning in the bathroom. I had eaten the same foods yesterday as I did Thursday but at mah jongg I ate several gluten-free pastries. Maybe that was it. Who knows??

But I had severe cramps and I wasn’t sure I could stay after from the bathroom long enough to run. But I left and figured that I could just get my shirt & gloves and come home.

It was chilly and very WINDY. I immediately regretted not wearing an extra layer.

I was starting to feel better and decided to run the race. (If I felt bad I could walk.) At the last minute, I wore my race shirt over my long sleeve tech shirt and in the wind, I was still cold.

The race was a little informal with no starting line and no chips. There was also a 2 mile walk that started at the same time but just turned back after one mile.

Since I felt crummy, I just wanted to finish. The route was out and back along a country road. It was not flat!! Rolling hills which somehow always felt to be uphill.

But it was pretty out there:

Running into the wind was very tough. I vowed to muscle through it and not walk!! I was tempted many many times. There weren’t any mile markers or any water (a table with cups but no water.) I just ran and every now and then glanced at my Garmin to make sure I was still running under a 10 minute mile.

Amazingly I was keeping a steady pace. It was better without the wind gusts but they kept coming.

Of course, since I was feeling better, I looked around for older women. I spotted two. One was way ahead and one was within my view but I couldn’t catch her.

Finally the finish line was in sight. I started to feel very nauseous but I didn’t care. And believe it or not, my nose was running too. Blood, ew!! I had a bloody nose but gross or not, I just wiped it with my hands.

I wanted to pass the gray-haired lady. I got closer and closer and at the last second I did!! And the clock said 37:XX. (I’ve never run a 4 mile race under 38 minutes!)

However, without a chip, you just handed in the tag from your bib.

rr4

My official finish time was recorded as 38:06. Not a PR!! (4 seconds too slow.) But my Garmin read: 37:53.

So I’ll call it an unofficial PR. But considering how I felt before and after race, I am happy!

I stuck around chatting with old friends and new. They had raffle prizes. I wound up winning a Road ID. This was great since I recently lost mine.

It took quite awhile for the results to be posted and all they had for refreshments were cookies and water.

Eventually they did post them and it seemed that there were quite a few (more than 3) women in my age group who finished ahead of me. I was going to leave but someone said that the walkers’ results were mixed in the the runners.

Glad I did stay. I won 2nd in my Age Group! WooHoo!