November 12, 2013 by Darlene

Weekly Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, movie, tennis

very enjoyable!

Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, yoga after work
Thursday – hair appt after work
Friday – 3 miles before work, mah jongg after
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 15K race, movie

disturbingly violent & sad but well done

This Week:

Monday – rest, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, yoga after work
Thursday – 4 miles after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 miles
Sunday – rest, mah jongg anniversary dinner

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

November 10, 2013 by Darlene

The Stockade-athon 15k Race Report

15K
Nov 10, 2013

To save time, I picked up my bib yesterday.

we got a bag rather than a shirt

I was there early so I was able to take advantage of the sales.

last year’s long sleeve tech shirt for $5

Brooks jacket marked $55 for $25

As indicated in a previous post, this is a new course for me. It changed last year.

The race course starts in front of the Rose Garden and finishes at the Casino Restaurant overlooking Iroquois Lake in Central Park. Race participants follow park perimeter roadways for the first 1.5 miles of the course, and retrace this section of the course when they return to the park after their tour of the historic city. Runners follow a new course that proceeds through the historic GE Realty Plot neighborhood of 19th and 20th century homes laid out in a park like setting near the stately grounds of Union College prior to “Storming the Stockade”, an annual tradition for nearly 4 decades. After a brief half mile tour of downtown Schenectady, the course exits State Street at Clinton St. near Proctor’s Theater and head up Franklin Street to the newly constructed bike path in Vale Park. The Vale Park and Vale Cemetery corridor is part of an inner city greenway initiative between the city and the county to encourage safe recreational opportunities for walkers, runners and cyclists while highlight the city’s remarkable history.

This is my first fall-weather race. So it is always a challenge to be warm but not overdress. Plus, it looked like it might rain. I just wore layers and planned to leave them off. Hopefully, I would not be too cold for a skirt.

I left early. There were supposedly 2000 runners and not enough parking. I found a spot, used the rest room (real ones!) and then stayed warm near the fireplaces in the pavilion and chatted with some runners that I knew. There were some SRMs but we waited too long and didn’t get a photo.

It was cold…in the high 30’s and cloudy (no wind yet). I hesitated but left my jacket and pants behind. I kept my gloves. We had to walk quite a ways to get to the start and by the time we got there, they were already singing the anthem. It was very CROWDED. I was in the middle somewhere and even when the race began, it took a while to get moving.

photo by A. Bradley

I should mention that I had many stomach issues this morning. Not sure if it was something I ate yesterday or what. I was worried about needing a rest room during the race (there are NONE).

And the whole race I felt nauseous…ugh!

starting out in the park

The first 5 miles weren’t too bad. It was supposedly flat but there were at least 2 hills (what I would call hills.) I tried not to walk and to run at a constant pace. My annoying foot was annoying but it didn’t really hurt a lot until I started walking.

photo from last year

That was the water stop around 5 where I had a gel and then there was the HUGE hill around mile 5.5. After that there were rolling hills in the cemetery and on the bike trail.

running through the cemetery

I walked whenever I needed to. I ran for a while with a girl who recognized me from the Monster Scramble 10K.

someone I know posted this on FB…next to me is that girl from the Lake George race (This photo was late in the race…she got way ahead of me & I thought I never saw her again but I guess I did & passed her.

I knew from my Garmin that this would not be a PR so I just tried to enjoy it (which was tough with an upset stomach & foot pain.)

view of the pond after the race

Finally you come back into the park. At least here I got a second wind. You run around the duck pond and it seemed to take forever to get to the finish line (according to my watch it was 9.4 not 9.3) and I was able to sprint through it.

Here are some race photos taken as I was approaching the finish line:

finish line after

There was a long line to get back into the pavilion. I wasn’t that hungry but I needed to get my clothes. While on line I chatted with a nice older runner who took my pic.

happy to be done!! (my skirt was a hit…got at least 20 compliments from spectators!!

There was lots of food – bagels, fruit, candy, pudding, bars, soup, pizza, chocolate milk….

I took a little but I was freezing and anxious to leave and get into a hot shower.

Race Stats:

2013 Garmin time: 1:42:23 (2011 time: 1:35:31)

mile 1 – 10:18
mile 2 – 10:16
mile 3 – 10:25
mike 4 – 10:18
mile 5 – 11:00 – gel/water stop
mile 6 – 11:01 – hills begin
mile 7 – 11:48 – more hills & water stop
mile 8 – 11:58 – dying
mile 9 – 11:12
.4 – 10:09

(Official time:1:42:22)

Race Goals:

A: under 1:37
B: under 1:40
C: finish happy and healthy

So I didn’t meet my goals 😦 but I am glad that pushed through it and finished in spite of not feeling my best. This is a well-organized race with lots of enthusiastic spectators. The course is difficult but interesting. I will definitely try it again.

pretty park in the fall (photo by A. Bradley)

Realistically, I am not the runner I was 2 years ago. I am not sure I ever will be. I am running. I am racing. And that makes me happy.

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

PS.

I wasn’t aware at the time but there was a bomb scare. Apparently there was an unattended backpack at the start/finish line with wires. They considered cancelling the race. But they didn’t. It turned out to be nothing.

police pondering the situation (photo by A. Bradley)

November 8, 2013 by Darlene

My 2nd 15K

15K
Nov 10, 2013

I did this race 2 years ago. Then I was in peak running shape – before broken ankle, stress fracture and broken foot. I had run 5 half marathons that year. And it was a week after I had run my 5th.

Stockade-athon 2011

My Official Time: 1:36:11 (5k time = 32;40, 10K time = 1:03:32, 10:20 pace). My pace was in the 9s the first half and 10’s the second half (and that was with a blister.)

Who knows what will happen this year but I doubt it will be a PR. The course is hilly and I am just not strong enough to run that fast (mentally & physically.)

The Stockade-athon is popularly recognized as the oldest “major” 15K road race in the USA. Starting in 1976 this classic 9.3 miler has become the highlight event on the fall racing season in upstate New York. New England Runner selected the Stockade-athon as its 2005 “Race of the Year.”

The course starts and finishes in beautiful Central Park, Schenectady NY. The course leaves the park at 1.5 miles and follows city streets until reaching the historic Stockade district near the half-way point. The loop course returns to the park after touring Schenectady’s revitalized downtown arts and entertainment district then taking a brief detour through Vale Cemetery before re-entering Central Park for a dramatic finish around Iroquois Lake.

Vale Cemetery

Last year:

The Stockade-thon made significant changes to its traditional course by moving off major city streets where possible while continuing to highlight Schenectady’s historic neighborhoods, parks and inner city greenways.

city streets

A record turnout for the 7th consecutive year also saw runners introduced to changes at the start, as men and women lined up separately for the first time on the divided roadway. “Women have fueled the growth within the sport for several years now, and the talent level at the top has also increased so we decided to seed runners and have them line up according to gender. Women deserve their own space” says director Vince Juliano.

The revised 9.3 mile course passes through two historic neighborhoods before a brief tour of the downtown arts district. The loop course then enters a newly constructed bike path through Vale Park and the historic cemetery before returning to Central Park.

Post race reviews of the course change were positive as 6-time champion Tom Dalton, 53 commented “I liked it, it’s a good solid course. Yeah, there are more turns, but that’s fine”.

Central Park

Race Goals:

A: under 1:37
B: under 1:40
C: finish happy and healthy

Race Attire:

this but with a long-sleeved black top

So this is a fun race (2000 runners have registered) and I can’t wait to do it (Hope the rain & wind holds off!)

And there aren’t many 15ks around.

Happy Running! Any races planned for the weekend?

November 7, 2013 by Darlene

New Old Pain

I have that familiar feeling again…pain on the inside of my right foot. (I even got interviewed for Good Housekeeping about it.)

Although I have a bigger bunion on my left, it never hurts. Just the right foot.

it feels worse than it looks

The first time it hurt was while training for the FIRST half marathon (in January 2011). I started feeling pain once I went over 6 miles. It gets inflamed and then needs to be rested.

For some reason after that race, it didn’t hurt again (and I ran 4 more halfs) until last January. Then it quickly went away and now it hurts AGAIN!

It started to hurt toward the end of my run last Friday. It hurt a lot for the first 4 miles of my 8 mile run on Sunday. I didn’t run on Monday or Tuesday and it hurt less yesterday morning but it still is sore!!!

This really annoys me.(I am super happy that it didn’t bother me during my recent half marathon or the training leading up to it.)

I would rest it but I have a 15k on Sunday!

Happy Running! Anyone else suffer from bunion pain?

November 6, 2013 by Darlene

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday

Joy Johnson, age 86, at her 25th consecutive NYC Marathon

Joy Johnson, the next day on the Today show

She didn’t begin running until retiring from teaching at age 56. When a friend suggested they attempt the 1988 New York City Marathon, a passion was born.

“When I crossed that finish line in Central Park, I just knew this is what I would do the rest of my life,” Johnson said. “Running makes you feel good. It’s energizing. You sleep better at night. And the best part for me is you can eat anything you want.”

“I’ll be at the back of the pack, but I don’t mind,” she said. “I just praise the Lord I can get out of bed each morning and run. A lot of people my age are in wheelchairs.”

“What’s keeping us going right now is that she was doing what she loved,” Boydston (her daughter) said Tuesday. “She wanted to die with her running shoes on, and she did.”

Happy Running! Do you know anyone else as inspiring as Joy?

November 5, 2013 by Darlene

Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – lunch out, 3 miles after work
Tuesday – 1 mile walk at work, tennis after
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, dinner and movie out with friends
Thursday – 1 mile walk at work, ~~lunch out, 3-4 miles after work~~, nails, REST
Friday – ~~REST~~, 4 miles after work on the rail trail

70 degrees!!!

Saturday – day in NYC with college friends – walk in Central Park, lunch in Chelsea market, walk on the Highline

at the NYC Marathon finish line

with 2 college friends on the High Line

Sunday – 8 (tough) miles on the Nisky bike trail

cold (38 degrees) and windy

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, tennis
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, yoga after work
Thursday – hair appt after work
Friday – 3 miles before work, mah jongg after
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 15K race

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

November 4, 2013 by Darlene

Morning or Evening?

I am talking about running.

Do you prefer to run in the morning or the evening?

What factors influence the time of your run?

Schedule – I work, I play tennis, I play mah jongg, I go boating in the summer. I also have friend and family obligations. So I have to fit running in whenever I can. So sometimes it means I HAVE to run before work because that’s the only time I have. My after work times tend to be busier.

before work morning run

Distance – I work. I have to be at work at a particular time. So when I run in the morning, I don’t have time to run more than 3 miles (if I were faster or got up earlier, I could.) So if I want or need to run more than that, I choose after work.

after work run in the park

Daylight – I don’t particularly like to run in the dark. Before we turn the clocks back, it is dark in the morning. After we turn the clocks back, it is dark after work. So if it is dark, I don’t run in my neighborhood (there are no street lights.) If it is dark, I run after work on lit streets.

trying to run after work on the bike trail

Weather – I’m not a fan of the cold but I will run in it. I prefer the heat but extreme heat or humidity is a no-no. In the summer, I may run before work to avoid the heat and in the winter after work, when it is warmer. I WILL NOT RUN IN RAIN OR SNOW OR SLEET. So before I set my alarm, I check the weather so I can decide when to run.

after work run

Location – My neighborhood is boring. So if I am to do a longer run, I drive to a more interesting location (like a bike path, park, rail trail, etc.) after work.

after work on the rail trail

Running Surface – I don’t own a treadmill but there is one where I work. So I run after work if I want to use a treadmill. The same goes for a track. There is one where I work. For a trail, I would have to drive so that’s after work, as well. Running on the road I do either before (in my neighborhood) or after.

after work run on the track

Running Partners – I usually run solo. That way, I can choose where and when. But if you do run with others, you will have to agree on the time.

evening group run

Now on weekends and days off, it is perfect. I can run whenever I want. Running will be awesome where (if I ever) retire.

Yesterday I ran 8 miles and didn’t do it until noon. Today I have the day off and I may run or I may not…

8 cold windy mikes on the bike path

But on weekdays, truthfully, running before work is the BEST WAY to start the day. It gives you so much more energy. You feel like you’ve done something good for yourself. Now that it is lighter in the am, I hope to do more of those before work runs!!

Happy Running! When do you run? How do you decide?

November 3, 2013 by Darlene

Living the High (Line) with Runner’s Envy

As I mentioned in my previous post, on the day before the NYC Marathon, I was heading to NYC for a college roommate reunion.

us in 2010

in 2000 (love those LONG dresses)

in 1977 (WIDE-LEGGED pants) and so skinny

My friend Judy and her husband, Mike were driving down & let me hitch a ride rather than taking the bus. We left Albany at 7:30 am and I was hoping that we would be lucky to get there without hitting traffic.

I was hoping to at least have time to stalk the finish line in Central Park before heading to Chelsea for lunch.

Well, we were lucky, we arrived there in no time – around 10:00 am.

They dropped me off at 67th and Columbus so I could walk into the park. (They went off to visit a sick aunt in the hospital). They would pick me up at the same location at 11:15.

There was a 5K just finishing up in the park. There were runners with numbers on. I started to get RUNNERS ENVY.

me a the finisher’s wall – so cool

Then I walked to the marathon finish line. It was very crowded. There were lots of visitors who wanted to catch a glimpse. Friends and relatives that were here to watch the race. Of course, there were runners who were racing tomorrow. Runners and people from all over the world.

just had to get a photo near the finish line

I walked around the area for awhile just soaking up the excitement.

bleacher area near the finish line

Then I strayed and walked around the park more.

That’s when RUNNER ENVY got really intense. No matter what path I took, there were runners.

I tried to ignore them but they were everywhere.

Why didn’t I wear my running clothes? Well, of course now I know that I should have. But not knowing what my friends were going to do, if they would drop me off near the park, how much time would I have, where would I run in the park….

So I just walked around admiring the fall foliage.

There were a lot more leaves on the trees than where I live.

Eventually, it was time to go and I said a sad good-bye and vowed to return…and run next time!!

Fred Lebow’s statue was moved near the finish line.

I returned to the corner where I was supposed to be picked up. I waited and waited. Eventually my friends called to say that their car was either towed or stolen!!! They said would call me back when they found it!

Well, we had noon reservations in Chelsea Market for lunch. My friend Andrea & their daughter Danielle (from California) would be waiting there. I called Andrea and they told me to take the subway instead of waiting. (I was at 67th, Chelsea is 15th.) It seemed like a good idea but I had no idea where to get the subway, what subway, where to get off. Eventually I found out that I had to walk to Columbus Circle (Broadway & 60th) and take the A train to 14th.

I have NEVER taken the subway in NYC alone. But it was really easy. I was pretty proud of myself. When I got off the subway, I walked a few blocks & quickly found the entrance to Chelsea Market (which was super interesting) and found the Green Table.

I arrived the restaurant to find Andrea & Danielle already there.

an organic restaurant that Danielle chose

It was a little stressful because we feared that the car was stolen, my Ipad and car key was in the back seat, we would have to take the train home and Judy & Mike would probably be in a bad mood for the rest of the day.

me and Danielle using the Find My iPhone app to locate my Ipad

But we ate anyway.

an egg casserole – small but healthy

When we were done, Judy & Mike arrived. The car had been towed, they found it (paid $185) and this time parked in a parking garage.

The rest of the day was spend leisurely walking on the High Line.

Judy in pink

The High Line was quite crowded since the weather was PERFECT.

me & Andrea on a rolling lounge chair

It was quite interesting looking at all the views, plants, art work and people.

reminds me of the statue in Sarasota, FL

There were lots of places to sit.

here folks are watching traffic?

It was a fun time for the 3 of us and we did a lot of catching up while we walked.

2013 group photo (I’ve been friends with Andrea for 40 years & Judy for 39 years)

Andrea had to return to NJ but Mike, Judy, Danielle & I decided to return to Chelsea Market. It was fun to walk around it – differnt shops and lots of restaurants. I bought a cannoli (my lunch was way too small and way too healthy).

Finally we had to leave Danielle and drive back up North.

I usually go to NYC with my tennis friends just to see a Broadway show. This was a nice diversion.

I hope to return maybe in the spring or next fall to run in Central Park.

Happy Running! Do you ever go to NYC? If so, what do you do there?

November 1, 2013 by Darlene

@TeamRunnerd

If you use Instagram, it’s not too late to join the Runnerd Photo-A-Day Contest.

Anyone who posts at least 15 days in November will receive an oval runnerd sticker.

Don’t forget to tag @teamrunnerd on all your posts!

Everyone who posts every day will be entered into a drawing for the item of your choice (up to $25 value) from the Runnerd Shop. There will be two winners selected by random.org. These winners will each receive a runnerd keychain.

There will be three category winners, one for each of the following: