October 27, 2013 by Darlene

Mentoring and a Day on the Farm

For 5 1/2 years, I have been mentoring Amanda. (I got paired up with her in a program (that has since lost funding) called Mentors & Moms. Unfortunately, with working and running & other social things, I haven’t had the time to see her as much as I’d like.

Recently Amanda has been depressed. She cannot work her job as a EMT (because of the hours) and is working in store for minimum wage. She just broke up with her boyfriend (and baby daddy) whom she had been with for 3 years. She is all alone trying to survive and take care of her 2 sons. (Richard is almost 7 yrs old & in first grade, Matthew is 2.)

Every fall we go to Ellms Family Farm which has a lot of things to do for kids – games, rides, mazes, etc. So today was the date we settled on. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t as nice as the past few weekends. (I selfishly gave my weekends to running and boating 😦 )

In fact, it was downright COLD!!! And windy and cloudy and it even sprinkled at times. But we made the best of it. We went on every ride and in every maze. We had lunch and bought pumpkins.

Eventually when we couldn’t stand the cold anymore, we headed for the mall. We walked around, I bought the kids new sneakers. Then we had dinner at Burger King.

we all felt like this at the end.

We all had fun and I really need to spend more time with them. (However, she already found a new guy. I actually like this one, though).

Happy Running!

October 26, 2013 by Darlene

What Happened to Indian Summer?

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Last weekend, I was dressed like this:

Today I pulled out my capris, fleece vest, windbreaker, fleece headband and gloves.

I am trying to still do longish runs on the weekend. So I headed for the Corning Preserve where I finished my half marathon 2 weeks ago.

and sweating in a tank top

It was very windy and in the 40’s. Since I ran 6 miles last weekend, the plan was for 7 today. 3.5 out and then back. The path which is usually full of runners and bikers was pretty empty. Too cold!!!

I wore my new Brooks and I was cruising on the way out. On the way back, it was a different story. Walk…run…walk…run. Blech but I was running into the wind.

7 cold, windy miles done!

Well, I better get used to this weather. It’s just going to get colder!

Happy Running! Do you like running in the cold weather?

October 25, 2013 by Darlene

Foto Friday

Here are some FALL photos:

The Delmar Rail Trail:

Christmas tree decorated with leaves?

full moon

Lake George:

leaving the marina

at West Dollar Island

at Commission Point

looking back at the marina

Schroon River:

I have gotten pretty lazy. I only take pictures with my iPhone. It is easier than carrying a camera (especially while running) and quicker to upload to Instagram or Facebook or this blog.

Of course, a camera does take better quality pictures.

Happy Running! Do you take photos with your phone or with a camera?

October 24, 2013 by Darlene

Taking a Race Break

Check this out:

9-07-13 – MBPK 5k
9-21-13 – Helper’s Fund 10K
9-28-13 – Race for Hope 5k
10-05-13 – Susan Komen Race for the Cure
10-13-13 – Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon
10-20-13 – Monster Scramble 10K

Yes, that has been my recent racing schedule. I had a drought due to a broken foot this summer so I made up for it.

I need to do a long run of 7 miles but though I was tempted …NO RACE this weekend or next weekend!

Can I? Without a race on the weekend??

Next race is in 2 weeks – a 15K. Then a 5k on Thanksgiving Day and a 5K in December.

Happy Running! Do you race often? Are you still motivated to run when you are not training for a race?

October 23, 2013 by Darlene

What I’m Reading Wednesday

Taking a break from Running Books …

From Goodreads:

At the edge of the continent, Crosby, Maine, may seem like nowhere, but seen through this brilliant writer’s eyes, it’s in essence the whole world, and the lives that are lived there are filled with all of the grand human drama–desire, despair, jealousy, hope, and love.

At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance: a former student who has lost the will to live: Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.

As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life–sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition–its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires

From Goodreads:

In June of 1989 Paul McLeod, a newspaper publisher and recent widower, travels to Greece, where he falls for a young American artist and reflects on the complicated truth about his marriage.

Six years later, again in June, Paul’s death draws his three grown sons and their families back to their ancestral home. Fenno, the eldest, a wry, introspective gay man, narrates the events of this unforeseen reunion. Far from his straitlaced expatriate life as a bookseller in Greenwich Village, Fenno is stunned by a series of revelations that threaten his carefully crafted defenses.

Four years farther on, in yet another June, a chance meeting on the Long Island shore brings Fenno together with Fern Olitsky, the artist who once captivated his father. Now pregnant, Fern must weigh her guilt about the past against her wishes for the future and decide what family means to her.

From Goodreads:

Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas.” As her family lay dying, little Libby fled their tiny farmhouse into the freezing January snow. She lost some fingers and toes, but she survived–and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, Ben sits in prison, and troubled Libby lives off the dregs of a trust created by well-wishers who’ve long forgotten her.

The Kill Club is a macabre secret society obsessed with notorious crimes. When they locate Libby and pump her for details–proof they hope may free Ben–Libby hatches a plan to profit off her tragic history. For a fee, she’ll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club… and maybe she’ll admit her testimony wasn’t so solid after all.

As Libby’s search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the narrative flashes back to January 2, 1985. The events of that day are relayed through the eyes of Libby’s doomed family members–including Ben, a loner whose rage over his shiftless father and their failing farm have driven him into a disturbing friendship with the new girl in town. Piece by piece, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started–on the run from a killer

The top two were a little slow but eventually you got drawn into the characters. I love mysteries so I enjoyed the 3rd one the most (though it was not as good as Gone Girl.)

Happy Running! Have you read any of these? What did you think? Any good books to recommend?

October 22, 2013 by Darlene

Tuesday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – REST, 2 miles walked at work, mall walk with BFF after work

Tuesday – 3 miles walked at work, tennis after work, dinner out after tennis

park during lunch walk

Wednesday – 2 mile walk at work, 2 miles after work, YOGA

Thursday – 2 mile walk at work, 4 miles after work on the rail trail

Friday – 4 mile walk at work, REST, mah jongg in the evening

Saturday – 10K race, hanging out with hubby & friends, dinner out

Monster Scramble 10K

ride to the top of Prospect Mountain

Sunday – spectating at a Duathlon, 2.75 mile run during it

AJH crossing the finish line

running along the Mohawk Towpath Byway

This Week:

Monday – tennis
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, dinner out with a friend
Thursday – 3 or 4 miles after work
Friday – REST
Saturday – 7 miles
Sunday – REST, day at Ellms farms with my mentee & her sons

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any upcoming races? Do you like running in the cooler weather? (I miss summer already.)

October 21, 2013 by Darlene

Just Sharing

I got this e-mail:

Hi Darlene,

I really like your running blog — one of the few ones really worth reading (you have to sift through lots of chaff to find the wheat). You write with warmth and humour, both engaging and informing the reader. (I am sure that this is sent to every woman blogger over 40.)

I’m Bennett Cohen, President of the International Association of Women Runners (IAWR) and Running Coach to Women Over 40.

Our objective is to exponentially increase the number of women that are positively transformed through reaching their goals for running and racing. Please check out the IAWR website at www.iawr-connect.com

Our resources for women runners include:

The only weekly newsletter for specifically for women runners over 40
Personalized Coaching Programs
The “Injury-Free Running For Women Over 40” ebook

I thought you may be interested in an interview we conducted with Nancy Clark, sports nutritionist, author and runner. The interview is titled “Women, Weight and Running: Myth, Truth and Gender Differences.” (Does this mean I need to lose weight?)

Here’s the link to the mp3 audio recording of the Nancy Clark interview:

http://www.iawr-connect.com/audio/NancyClark_113010.mp3
To download: Right-click (Command+click on a Mac) and choose “Save Target As”

I have Nancy’s permission to distribute the interview. I hope you find the interview informative.

Let’s keep in touch.

*****************************************************************************

Regards and Happy Running

Bennett Cohen
President
International Association of Women Runners
Running Coach to Women Over 40

Anyway, I looked over his site. And it is very informative. There is a lot of useful information (beyond books & coaching programs.). So if you are over 40 (or even if you are not), take a look.

Happy Running! Are you familiar with this site? Do have another site to share?

October 20, 2013 by Darlene

My 2nd Time Spectating at a Duathlon

Last year, it was raining and I had a stress fracture in my foot. So this year, it was much more enjoyable.

It was a little chilly (in the 50’s) but not too bad when the sun was out. Perfect weather for racing.

I only had a 1/2 hour drive and AJH and her friend who drove 2 1/2 hours were already there when I arrived.

This is the first and last leg of the race:

Athletes will begin with a 2.2 mile run on a fast, flat section of Canal Rd., then turn left on Whites Lane to climb the run course’s one big hill. At the top of the hill, runners turn left to continue on a flat and downhill course back to the transition area. The same course will be repeated after the bike.

getting directions at the start

This year, I could move around and get better pictures. so I walked out to the road to see AJH start and end the run.

there she goes

now she’s back

After the first run, came the bike portion:

Bikers turn left out of Krause’s driveway onto Canal Road to warm up their legs on the flats before a right turn onto Clamsteam Road, a steep incline. At the top of the hill, they turn left on Riverview Road, crossing over the interstate and putting down a few flat, fast miles on Riverview Road. They then continue on a scenic loop of rolling hills, river views, and beautiful countryside for a total of 16 miles.

off she rides

Since this part of the race would take at least an hour, I used this opportunity to run a bit.

I got in about 2 3/4 miles. While taking the picture above, I chatted with a 3:15 marathoner who was pointing out an eagle.

she’s heading back for the final leg

The last part of the race was the same as the first.

and she’s off again

Now I returned to the finish line to wait.

she’s done and beat her time from last year!

We hung around for awards. They were grilling cheeseburgers, hot dogs and sausage. I had a burger & a sausage. (I didn’t race but I did run!!) I chatted with a lady were lives near me and was racing her first duathlon.

Finally, they announced the winners. I thought AJH would win 3rd in her Age Group. But she won FIRST!! Woo Hoo!!

All in all, it was a nice time. I enjoyed watching the runners & bikers….all abilities and ages were represented.

Not tempted to do one. I’ll stick to running!

Happy Running! Ever spectate a race?

October 19, 2013 by Darlene

Monster Scramble 10K Race Report

The Monster Scramble 5K, 10K, and 1 mile family-fun stroll is just what you’ve been waiting for – a Halloween themed, chip-timed course through one of our spooky sites. It’s sure to make your heart (and feet) race!

As I already mentioned, I signed up for this race after I broke my foot and I thought that I would defer my half marathon until next year.But I didn’t defer and ran 131. miles last Sunday.

This race took place in Lake George and started at 12:15 pm. I decided to dress like a Parrot Head and have fun with this race. I knew nothing about the course other than Lake George races are always hilly.

My hubby wanted to go up to the marina and winterize our boat, So he offered to drop me off and then continue up to Bolton Landing and pick me up on his way home.

I planned to run the race, change my clothes and hang out in the village with my friend Kathi.

I had no goals for this race. Just enjoy the day!

When I got up, the weather was chillier and windier than I hoped. I changed my outfit several times but settled on the first outfit – a skirt and shirt with compression socks. Hopefully it would warm up.

My hubby was itching to leave so I got to the race about an hour early. The race began and ended at the Conference Center by Fort William Henry. I got my bib & chip and walked around a little looking at the beautiful lake.

I bumped into a lady who seemed to be by herself also. We chatted. She hadn’t raced in a while. Though it was a small crowd. Everyone was in costume and very enthusiastic.

Me as a “parrot head”..it may look cute but I could hardly see out of those glasses, the hat kept falling off & the lei kept choking me…

Around noon, we lined up and about 5 minutes later (while I was chatting), the race started. (Early??)

The first mile looped around the fort and the Conference Center. And yes, I encountered my first hill. I decided to be smart and take it slow so I could finish stronger than I did at the half marathon last week.

During mile 2 is when things started to go bad. The course was poorly marked. There were few volunteers on the course. Just a few passing out candy. They didn’t know the course either. So I and everyone else just followed the flow. And then we were told that we went the wrong way so had to go bad and turn around. Great …did I really want to run longer??

Next the course headed uphill… gradually but then it got very STEEP. I mean I had a hard time walking up it. Instead of looping around and going down it, they wanted you to go up it a second time.

That was fine except that many people were only doing it once. (The lady I was chatting with before the race claimed that she wasn’t as well others who had made the wrong turn.)

But I did and then headed back toward the start.

Then the 5kers turned right to finish and the 10kers turned left. I so wanted to quit and do the 5k.

But I didn’t and continued on. I ran the rest of the race with two young girls. The rest of the race was a repeat of the 5k we had just run.

However at this point, the volunteers had all quit. Just one at around mile 4.5 who had water. (It was warm and boy was I thirsty. I also ate a gel.) The volunteer also told us that there were only 8 runners ahead of us. (Really there were 5.) But there were NO runners behind us!! (Actually there was 1 that I never saw.)

The 3 of us stayed together so we wouldn’t get lost. When we got to the top of the BIG hill, they said they weren’t doing it twice and just turned around and started running down.

I looked at my Garmin and realized that if we did the 2 loops, we would be way over 6 miles, more like 7. If I didn’t, we would just be a little short.

So not wanting to be last and run by myself, I followed them and ran/walked to the finish line.

well, I crossed around 1:03:18. I ran almost 6 miles. I’ll not count this a 10K PR – just exercise and money given to fight MS.

done!

My friend Kathi was waiting for me at the finish. We hung around for awards and had some cider and donuts.

And yes, I won for my age group. (and I was the only one in my AG!!)

race swag

So this will be a race that I won’t repeat. Next year, I’ll do the Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K in Saratoga.

After the race, Kathi & I walked around the village and then back to her house.

Kathi & I & Lake George

My hubby had finished winterizing our boat and was there with Kathi’s hubby. It was a nice day so we decided to take a drive to the top of Prospect Mountain.

my & the hubby at the first stop

We stopped at the all the viewing stops for pics .