February 9, 2013 by Darlene

Running after the Snowstorm

my hubby clearing the driveway on Sat.

The snowstorm was kinda a bust here. Schools closed on Friday and I even ran on the treadmill at lunch but not much snow came until overnight and then only about 6-8 inches. CT and LI did get 30-40 inches.

So Sunday I went back to the Nisky bike trail hoping to get in 9 miles. When I got up in the morning, it was 0 degrees so I waited until it warmed up to 15.

unplowed for snowshoers or skiiers?

It was a beautiful sunny day. As you can see from the photo, the trail was not clear…even with yaktrax, you couldn’t run on it.

it was clear in the other direction..yay!

So I headed toward lock 7 which was perfectly clear. No runners were on the path just some walkers with dogs (on leashes).

pretty empty but peaceful

As I mentioned before, my right foot is bothering me. There’s not much to do about it…I’ve changed shoes but it seems that my bunion will hurt until it wants to stop hurting.

Unfortunately, this part of the trail ends at lock 7 which is only 2.25 mikes away so in order to get a long run in, I have to do it TWICE!!

So I ran it and then had some Gu & water and then did it again. My foot was ok and not really bothersome until around mile 7. Then I had to stop and start because of the pain.

I wound up with 9.5 miles in 2 hours. I am not focusing on time. I just want to get my legs used to the distance.

Happy Running! Did the snow affect your running this weekend?

February 8, 2013 by Darlene

Snow …Oh No!

Though Forecast Is Tricky, Northeast Could Face Record-Breaking Snow Storm!!

In Albany, we may get a 12-20 inches of snow… starting this morning and ending tonight.

I bought this in Florida and put it up at home but the weather is obviously not listening.

So I see the treadmill for my run today. (There’s a new episode of Grey’s Anatomy and Smash to watch!!)

Tomorrow will be a rest day and for my 9 miles on Sunday???

I can’t image a long run on the treadmill. I like to run on the bike paths for those. Will they be plowed?? If not, then it’s Yak Trax.

No matter how hard it is to run 9 miles on dry pavement, it is slower and takes more effort in the snow. That’s fact!!

I will just have to go slow, stay upright & enjoy the scenery.

Happy Running! Any tips for running in the snow?

February 7, 2013 by Darlene

Running on the Rail Trail

Albany County will eventually have 9 miles (from a former rail line) cleared to run (from Albany to Voorheesville.) On Tuesday I was looking for a 4 -5 mile location to run so I chose the rail trail.

Stewarts parking lot – beginning of the rail trail and where I often start my neighborhood runs

I have run here in the spring, summer and fall but never in the winter. There are no lights so I run in the neighborhood.

Cherry Avenue Extension Bridge Over Rail Trail (in the fall)

It is now light for awhile when I get out of work so I thought I would attempt this route. (There are no lights.)

rail trail in the summer

I at first headed east (toward Albany) but the trail was icy so I turned around and headed the other way. I figured at my speed I would hit darkness before I was done so I could hit the streets at mile 1, mile 2, and then mile 3 or mile 4 on the way back.

As predicted, I got to mile 2 and turned around as it was getting dark but still light enough to run. (I was actually worried about it being light enough to not step in dog poop. yeah, it seems that this is what the trail is used for in the winter.) Then all of a sudden, two BIG DOGS were running down the trail at me. No owner(s) in sight!!!

I just stood still (in shock) and they ran by me like I wasn’t even there. Bizarre! I was really frightened!!! I took off down the trail. I never saw the dogs again & I never saw any people on the trail.

As soon as I got to mile 3, I headed onto the street and finished my run. My legs were beat and my right foot/bunion was hurting but I dragged myself through one more mile to make it 5 for the day.

I think I’ll NOT choose this route until spring 🙂

photo from fall 2011

Yesterday I ran 3 slow windy miles in Washington Park where there lights and dogs on leashes.

Washington Park lake around 6 pm

Happy Running! Have you ever run into loose dogs while running?

February 6, 2013 by Darlene

Wordless Wednesday – Socks

I love socks so why not knit them?

I am starting pairs 4 & 5.

But… I have to buy running socks:

smart wool

drinking coffee out of my new Moscow mug

compression

recovery socks

cool maxx

Happy Running! What are your favorite kind of socks?

February 4, 2013 by Darlene

Six More to Go

I’m halfway….

Week 6 Update:

Mon – stationary bike, ~~tennis~~ (cancelled – snow/ice)
Tues – ~~stationary bike~~ (cancelled – soup potluck at lunch), tennis
Wed – 4 miles on treadmill at lunch & 2.5 miles in the rain after work (6.5 miles total)
Thurs – 1.75 miles on treadmill at lunch, haircut
Fri – ~~stationary bike~~ (cancelled – farewell lunch for boss)
Sat – 4 mile race
Sun – 7K race + .6 miles

AJH got 2nd place...we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

after Saturday’s race

after Sunday’s race

Week 7:

Mon – stationary bike, tennis
Tues – stationary bike, 5 miles after work
Wed – stationary bike, 3 miles after work
Thurs – stationary bike, mall walk with a friend
Fri – stationary bike, 4 miles after work, MJ
Sat – rest
Sun – 9 miles

I hate running on the treadmill so I hope the weather cooperates. I don’t mind the cold…it’s the snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain that I hate.

Though I am starting week 7, I really haven’t been looking at the plan…

and when I do, I realize that I am running less than I should (except for my vacation week) but then again, I would rather run less than be injured and not run at all…

Week Totals: Long Runs:

1 – 11                             5
2- 6                               3
3- 14                              6
4 – 14 75 6
5 – 26.5 8
6 – 17.25 6.5

So for week 7, I added an extra day of running. My next race is March 17…gulp!

Happy Running! Do you strictly follow a running plan?

February 3, 2013 by Darlene

Hmrrc Winter Series #5 Race Report

Since I ran 4 miles yesterday, I decided to run the 4 miler. To me these are just training runs with lots of people and free food.

It seemed that the runners I knew were running at 7 am or sick/injured but I decided to go anyway. The weather was similar to yesterday … COLD.

I left early enough this time to get a parking space in the nearest lot.

Well, it turns out that the race was really a 7K or 4.34 miles.

While waiting I did run into folks that I knew. One was a former student of mine (from about 20 yrs ago) whom I kinda recognized. But as she reminded me, she was fat in high school and now she is NOT!! She has been running for 15 yrs and is quitting after this race to have bunion surgery. (Bunions…a sore subject…literally.)

Anyway, the sun was shining very strongly so though it was cold, it seemed a lot warmer. The 4 milers and the 10 milers started and finished together (though in between they ran a different course). While I was slowly running my race, the 20 milers (the fast ones) were speeding by me. Very interesting.

I think this was early on.

As I was running, I was reminded about how much I hate this course. Besides being all concrete and parking lots, it seems that you are constantly going uphill but never enjoy a downhill.

The biggest problem was my fault, I wore new running shoes and non-breathable clothes. I WAS HOT!!!!! I wore a turtle neck, a vest and then a fleece (instead of a cool max top & a windbreaker like yesterday.)

By the end of mile 4, I was dying and stopped for water & then walked awhile so that I could at least run through the finish line.

I crossed at 45.15 which was about 106 out 129. (My first 7k so it’s PR!!)

Mile 1: 10:16
Mile 2: 10:43
Mile 3: 10:39
Mile 4: 10:56 (walked)
Mile 5: ???

Not at bad as I felt. All miles under 11…will I ever be fast again???

After I was done, I slowly ran around the track to make it 5 miles for the day! (I was hoping to have enough energy for 8 but I was too sweaty…in fact, I even had a heat rash which I’ve never experienced even in the summer!)

color-coordinated but too warm!!

I definitely enjoyed yesterday’s race and felt a lot better. But I got free food and company running. I never regret a race.

The rest of my day will be grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning and maybe a movie before the Super Bowl.

Happy Running! Are you watching the Super Bowl? If so, who are you rooting for? (Me, I watch for the commercials & the half time show.)

February 2, 2013 by Darlene

Polar Cap 4m Race Report

I ran this race with blogger AJH 2 years ago and it was a tough hilly one but still fun.

Here we are winning AG awards

AJH is running it again and I was looking forward to seeing her.

Racing and training are difficult to coordinate. This weekend should be 8 miles for me. So I can add on 4 after the race (which is doubtful) or do 8 tomorrow (Hmmm 2 days in a row???)

I had no expectations for this race. It is my 3rd time racing 4 miles but I am in no way as good a shape as the two previous times (40:11 & 38:02). So I just wanted to have fun and feel good. An AG award would be a bonus!

It was about 18 degrees and sunny when I left the house. I had about an hour drive. As I drove north, the temps dropped and the clouds rolled in.

I got there early and was surprised at how crowded the parking lot was. I immediately found a spot in the cafeteria to leave ALL my stuff, picked up my bib & headed to the restroom (a real one) and there behind me on line was AJH.

It was nice to run a race with a familiar face. AJH brought her hubby which was convenient for taking photos.

Here we are indoors before the race

The race is pretty informal…no timing chips. The sun came out as we started so I decided to take the sleeves off my jacket and wear a windbreaker over it and my turtleneck. (I was actually perfectly dressed, the only things that were cold were my feet & I was wearing smart wool socks.)

We are starting (I am wearing that blue windbreaker)

The race is starting (I am wearing that blue windbreaker) – taken by AJH’s hubby

The race started with a hill right off the bat. I was discouraged cause it was tough but then things got better. I tried to run a consistent slow pace and if possible NOT WALK.

the course (after the race...the lake is on the right

part of the course (taken after the race…the lake is on the bottom right

I know that from the last time, there was a long hill between miles 3 & 4 and I had to walk.

This time, it didn’t seem as bad and I ran the whole time. I even had enough gas to sprint through the finish line.

There I go… (taken by AJH’s hubby)

According to my Garmin, I crossed at 41:37. Officially 41:40.

And it was good enough for 3rd place in my Age Group 🙂

AJH got 2nd place…we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

AJH also won a Road ID as a raffle prize.

The food was pretty good – chocolate milk, soup and lots of homemade desserts. I will definitely do this race again next year (& try to keep the AG award streak going… in a new AG)

As far as the race, I was happy with my performance.

Mile 1: 10:24
Mile 2: 10:29
Mile 3: 10:38 (the hill)
Mile 4: 10:16

I was under 11 min miles but of course, when I was running my best, I was under 10 minutes.

It was not even close to a PR but then again I didn’t expect one.

I didn’t run 4 more miles. I changed my clothes and headed out on the road. I drove north along the lake to Bolton Landing.

the marina where we keep our boat

Then I headed back to village to see some friends who were working at the Winter Carnival.

finishing up the ice sculpture

There were outhouse races on the ice, pony rides (not on the ice), chili cook-off, etc.

people hanging out on the frozen lake

I was too cold to hang around long. The wind had picked up and it seemed a lot colder than in the morning.

obviously the cold does not bother the ducks

So I left and on my way home, I made a quick stop at the outlets. I only bought 2 baseball caps that were on sale at the Reebok store.

Tomorrow there is another free race. I may do the 4 miler or I may just run on my own.. We’ll see how these old legs feel.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?

February 1, 2013 by Darlene

January Update

The Highlights:

6 weeks of Half Marathon training completed (with 6 weeks to go.)
ran 4 days in a row while vacationing in Florida
67 total miles run (despite 2 missed runs during my bout with a cold/flu)- YAY!!

ran a 10K race (even PRed)
bought a new pair of Brooks
played tennis twice
did yoga once

Running over Granada Bridge

Running on Nisky Bike Trail

I just realized that I didn’t set any goals for January so I will for February:

Run regularly (at least 3x per week)
Train for my March Half Marathon (one long run per week)
Play tennis (at least once per week)
Do yoga (when I can, at least once per month)
Run a race
Stay healthy!!!!

Happy Running! How did your January go? Anything new planned for February?

January 31, 2013 by Darlene

Crazy Weather & A Mid-Week Long Run Attempt

Sunday – 18 degrees & sunny – 8 miles done
Monday – snow & sleet – tennis cancelled
Tuesday – 30 degrees & cloudy -tennis
Wednesday – 55 degrees and rain – NEED TO RUN!!
Thursday – 30 degrees & cloudy – haircut scheduled
Friday – 20 degrees – Mah Jongg scheduled (race on Sat)

As you can see, only one day free to run this week!!! And it was forecasted to RAIN!!!

With the forecast for rain/thunder & high winds after work, I set my alarm for early Wednesday morning (hoping to squeeze 4 miles in) but woke up to darkness, drizzle, and 25 mph howling winds…I went back to bed 😦

Plan B- Maybe I’ll run 4 miles outside at lunch or maybe on the dreadmill and then run 4 more miles after work…

It was drizzly and very windy around lunchtime. So I suffered through 4 miles on the treadmill (while watching an episode of Revenge on my iPad).

After work, some friends were planning a run at 6 pm at the Corning bike path.

When I got out of work at 4:30 pm, it was not raining and the wind had died down but it looked like it may not last. It was 55 degrees. I had to get outside. I hurried, got changed & took off to do 4 more miles.

I ran about 1 1/4 miles and the wind picked up and it started to pour. I mean in minutes I was DRENCHED!!! So I turned around and headed back to my car. I was dripping wet and guess what? The rain stopped. Grrrrr! (I guess I should have waited to run at 6 pm.)

Not me…it makes me feel WET.

As for my foot, it didn’t really hurt on the treadmill. I did hurt outside but not worse. I think I’ll try a few more miles tomorrow at lunch. Friday is my rest day before a race on Saturday.

Happy Running! Anyone like running in the rain?

January 30, 2013 by Darlene

Bunions Anyone?

I have that familiar feeling again…pain on the inside of my right foot. ( I even got interviewed for Good Houskeeping 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 last time it hurt was while training for the FIRST half marathon (in January 2011). It 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 never hurt again (and I ran 4 more halfs) UNTIL NOW!!!

It started to hurt toward the end of my long run on Sunday and has continued to be sore!!!

I haven’t run since Sunday and will try today wearing an older pain of Asics. Wish me luck!!

Happy Running! Anyone else suffer from bunion pain?