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Racing for a Cure

I have run this race for the past 4 years on the Albany Law School team.

 

When the Susan J. Komen organization pulled the plug on financial contributions to Planned Parenthood (although they did change their mind), Albany Law School decided not to support this cause and not to sponsor a team for the race.

I still feel strongly about finding a cure for breast cancer. It is very dear to my heart as I said last year.  The photo below shows 8 of my friends who are breast cancer survivors.

Since last year, another one of my quilting friends, Mary, has been diagnosed and is currently undergoing treatment.

Mary is on the right

This year I am running the race on the AHN team.  I taught French there for 22 years and their team is running in honor of  a woman who went to AHN and also graduated from Albany Law School, where I currently work. Here’s her story:

At age 25, Erin’s life changed when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer after a self exam discovered a lump. She had just graduated from law school and never thought her life would take the direction it did. Her father told her, “Even though it’s your body with the cancer, we all have cancer now and we will fight this together.”
After many unsuccessful surgeries to remove the cancerous cells Erin decided to go ahead with chemotherapy treatments. “My family and I were devastated but would not let this beat us.  I did not want cancer to define who I was. I was a young woman with cancer, not just a cancer patient. I wanted to live my life as normal as possible. And to my surprise, there was a way to make that possible.”  Erin’s father had come across a newspaper article about a local woman who just ended chemotherapy and used Cold Cap Therapy. Invented in London, it is not yet approved by the FDA so Erin is only the 47th person in US to use procedure.  Cold icepack-like hats wrap around the entire head to freeze the hair follicles during chemotherapy. The theory is that chemotherapy attacks fast growing cells and hair falls out because it is one of the fastest growing cells in the body. Hair cells/follicles are frozen, protecting them from the chemotherapy drugs.  It is a very painful procedure as the cold ice packs reaching -15 to -26.  The hats had to be changed every half hour to keep the follicles at the right temperature. Erin had a team of family members helping with the cold cap therapy during and after the chemotherapy treatment.  Her entire immediate family and wonderful husband would care for her after the treatments on a daily basis; whether it was rubbing her feet or just sitting with her while she was too weak to move.  Her hair thinned but she could go out in public without the cancer defining her. “I did not want to look like cancer beat me.  If I looked strong it helped me feel strong.”

After 16 long weeks of chemotherapy, she had a successful surgery to remove the remaining cancer cells.  Next step was 34 radiation treatments. For precautionary purposes, she will need to take a chemo pill everyday for five years. She has already hit the two year mark and is hopeful that she will be cured forever.

After completing all of her treatments, Erin and her husband Blair both sat for the NYS Bar Exam and both passed! “After my cancer battle, I did not know if I had enough strength to pass the exam but, I did not let cancer win. I want others to know that it will not defeat you if you fight. Every step of the way, I fought, my family fought.  Through the pain, the heartache, and the life changes, we cannot become defeated.  I am now married to my biggest supporter, expecting a baby early next year, and a working attorney.  My life was derailed but with support, strength, and faith we can overcome!” 

This is a huge race.  You don’t run it for a PR.  You just do it to feel good.

Happy Running!  Have you ever run in the Race for the Cure?

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Welcome October…Welcome Fall!

September was a pretty busy month even though it didn’t go as planned.

This is what I had hoped:

  • Higher weekly and monthly mileage totals – not really but I had good intentions
  • Lower my 5K time – actually I did but not by as much I would have liked
  • Lower my 10K time – nope because I changed my mind & didn’t run the 10K
  • Start yoga – nope here too
  • Join a gym and work out – well, I didn’t really think this would happen

about 8 of those miles were walked 😦

But let’s focus on the good things that happened in September.

  • I ran in four races.

showing off my medal from the 4.4 Chase Away Leukemia race

  • I finished a 5K in less than 30 minutes.

doing it at the MPBA 5k

  • The weather cooperated and we had some more boating weekends.

cool but sunny day on Lake George

  • I started my weekly tennis contract and am enjoying it.
  • I stayed in my friend’s house on Schroon River 2 more times (for running, mah jongg). Love it there!

view from the house

  • I got a surprise visit from my friend in Russia.

at the NY Botanical Gardens

  • I am enjoying the foliage in the Northeast.

Hiking on the Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher State Park

  • I rode my bike (1x)

at the Nisky bike trail along the Mohawk R.

  • I used the treadmill once.
  • I won a healthy receipe contest at work AND I won $25 gift card to Walmarts (from The Happy Runner).

this was my prize at work

For October, I am going to go out on a limb and try to:

  • Higher weekly and monthly mileage totals (that means long runs on the weekend)
  • Run at a more consistant & faster pace
  • Start yoga
  • Join a gym and work out
  • Lose weight
  • Eat healthy

Happy Running!  How was your September?  Anything different planned for October?

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My Weekend of Rain, Running and Mah Jongg

I was right about the weather…rain Friday, rain Saturday, rain Sunday, rain tomorrow!!!!!!!!

If you read my last post, you know how I feel about it.

So Friday after work, I ran a slow 3 miles on the treadmill while watching the season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy.

I hated every minute of it!!!

Saturday, I headed north for my annual Mah Jongg weekend in Chestertown (on the Schroon River).

I love it there.  I especially love running there (as I did last weekend.)

Well, the weather didn’t cooperate.  We walked around town in the rain for a while.

at a local gallery

Then we spent the rest of the day playing Mah Jongg, eating, and socializing.  Several ladies couldn’t come but we had a perfect foursome.

the Sat. group

I was actually planning to do a long run on Sunday. I got up before everyone and had coffee & oatmeal. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just raining. it was pouring!!


I was already dressed so I headed out with my camera and umbrella.

Brant Lake – there is a duck race there next Sat.

I found a new route (in the opposite direction) and wound up at Brant Lake. Whenever the rain let up, I would fold up my umbrella and run.

yes, there’s an umbrella in my left hand

The foliage was really pretty and the route very interesting.  I saw some wild turkey and beautiful views of the river and different types of houses.

I was almost back when I bumped into the other ladies who were out for a rainy walk.

drying out at the Sunshine (how ironic) Cafe

We took a hilly route so I impressed them by running up the hills.

my friends are holding umbrellas

I covered at least 6 miles total (but only ran for a mile or so…)

When we got back, 2 other ladies had arrived. We spent the rest of the day playing Mah Jongg.

Sunday mah jongg

The rain stopped for a little while but it returned with a vengeance for the ride home.

group photo

All in all, I had a great time. I even won quite a few games.

Happy Running!  Did you have a dry weekend?

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Weather Woes


I HATE RAIN!!

Yes, I do.

I will deal with it today because last night, I purposely did not watch TV:

I plan to use the treadmill at work (on the dark, stuffy behind the curtains of our gym stage) and watch TV on my iPad.

Tomorrow and Sunday, I am going back to Chestertown for a weekend of mah jongg playing.

and I baked it myself & used freshly picked apples

When the mah jongg ladies take a break to play tennis, I was planning to go for a run (and preferably a long one.)

me running in Chestertown

Rain does not fit into my plans!

I know I will have a great time with my friends but adding a run would make it perfect (Besides I will feel less guilty about all the food consumption.)

Happy Running!  Anyone else a rain wimp?

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Destination Races

Half Marathon in Naples, Florida

My first Destination Race was in January 2011.  It was my first half and I was VERY NERVOUS.  I went with my hubby and arrived late Friday for the Sunday race.  Saturday, we got settled, picked up my bib, and went to the Pasta dinner.  After the race on Sunday and until Wed, we were able to relax and leisurely enjoy the sites of Naples.

My second Destination Race was last November in California. I was staying and running it with a friend.  So we stressed out together before and after whined about how we did.  PERFECT!

Ellen & I with our Santa Clarita Half Marathon bibs

I decided to do a third Destination Race.  This one is March 17 in Sarasota, Florida.  It is my first half marathon since my ankle injury and I am VERY NERVOUS.  I am traveling alone for this one.  I arrive on Tuesday for the Sunday race and leave on Monday.  I am staying with a good friend who lives about 1/2 hour away and I have 2 other friends who live closer whom I may stay with the night before & after the race.

The problem is that I will be nervous the days preceding the race and those who do not run probably will not understand my anxiety, my need to run and rest and eat properly.  Poor planning on my part (but it was due to work scheduling & cost.)

What is the solution?

Schedule another half marathon before the one in Sarasota.  If I am successful, at least I will be less nervous, right?

So I thought I may run this one:

Our good friends recently moved there (Flagler Beach – 11 miles away) so we will get the chance to see them.  My hubby & I would arrive Saturday (the day before the race) and leave Wednesday. (I even have Jan 21 off from work.)

But…good thing I checked before making the plane reservations.

THEY CHANGED THE DATE!!

 

I am totally bummed.  Jan 6 is not a good time for me to take off work.

Here is another possibility:

Half Marathon & 5K on Jan 19, 2013 in Amelia Is, Fla.

But it is not as convenient and is more expensive..

Change the date or change the race… or skip it????

Happy Running! Do you do destination races?  Any advice?

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Wordless Wednesday

This is what “determined to break 30 minutes” looks like!

Credit: Greg Wolcott photography

Happy Running!

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Sof Sole Review

According the website:

The Athlete™ features a neutral arch position, making it suitable for most foot types, as well as additional gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot without any extra bulk. Built with our exclusive IMPLUS® foam, the Athlete™ also provides superior moisture management.

I received a pair of these in the mail and they couldn’t have come at a better time.

I am particularly hard on my running shoes.  I either stomp or drag my feet – who knows?? But I go through shoes.   After a few months, they no longer feel cushiony and the bottom of my feet start to ache.

Saturday after 5 miles or so, my feet felt the way the do at Mile 12 of a half marathon – that achy burning feeling on the bottom of my feet.  And my shoes are only a few months old.

So I decided to try out the Sof Sole insoles.  I was a little hesitant since I usually wear orthotics but I put them in my Brooks Ghost neutral shoes and my hubby & I went hiking on Sunday.  They felt great.

Yesterday morning was the real test.  I ran 3 miles before work.  My feet felt super. I could have run more if I didn’t have to rush off to work.

I may have to ditch my expensive orthotics in flavor on these insoles.

Last night, I played tennis and used this opportunity to test out  Coolmax Lite socks by Sof Sole.  Although I don’t need cushiony support for playing tennis (as I do for running where I wear compresson socks), an hour and 1/2 of running around on the court makes your feet sweat.  In the past, I have gotten blisters from wearing heavy non-breathable socks. However, these socks were very comfortable.  They are light but not too light.

Thumbs Up for Sof Sole!

Happy Running!

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*I was sent these products free of charge. I have not been compensated for my review, my opinions are my own.

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I Want to Reach 65

That when I will be able to retire (and receive SS) so I can run whenever I want.

Only kidding.

I am trying to increase my running miles and it hasn’t been happening.

I am determined to do it this month.  That is reach 65.  And each month even more until I reach 100.

Thats means I have to schedule it:

  • Tues after work – 4 miles
  • Wed – supposed to rain – nail appt, walk with friend at the mall
  • Thurs before work – 3 miles
  • Fri after work – 4 miles
  • Sat – supposed to rain – mah jongg with the ladies
  • Sun – 6  or 7 miles

17-18 miles scheduled

Ta Da!

Happy Running!  What do you do to motivate yourself to run?

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Race Break

Here is my recent racing schedule:

  • 9-1-12 – 5 for fiVe
  • 9-8-12 – MBPK 5k
  • 9-15-12 – Chase Leukemia Away 4.4
  • 9-22-12 – Helper’s Fund  5K
  • 9-29-12 – NO RACE
  • 10-06-12 – Susan Komen Race for the Cure (5K)
  • 10-13-12 – Nic&Ty 5K or Tom’s 10K or maybe UAlbany Alumni 5K
  • 10-20-12 – RW 5K (in Bethlehem, PA)

So after 4 weeks straight, I am taking a week off from racing!

Some people may think I race too much but I  love it. Besides, my training runs are done alone & they are not very good.  So this works for me.  It motivates me to improve.

My racing schedule will slow down once the weather gets colder and I need to do long runs.

Instead of a race this weekend, I plan to go back to Schroon River – this time for playing Mah Jongg (with maybe a little tennis mixed in).  Without a race on Saturday, I can do a long run on Friday or Sunday or both 🙂

I leave you with 2 photos from yesterday.  I convinced my hubby to go hiking (followed by buying apples, pumpkins & mums at a nearby orchard).

on the Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher State Park

 

the waterfall on the trail

Happy Running!  Do you sign up for a lot of races?

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Helper’s Fund 5K Race Report


For several years I have wanted to do this race because I love the area.  My friend has a house there.  It’s beautiful in the fall and it’s close to our boat.  Each year something has come up that I couldn’t do it.  So this year I was glad that I could.

The plan was to spend the night before the race at my friend’s house on Schroon River (so I wouldn’t have to get up early.)

This is also the weekend of the Adirondack Balloon Festival.  They launch 100 hot air balloons in the air and I haven’t gone in many years.  Unfortunately, I got out of work too late to see them Friday  on my way to Chestertown.  Instead, I decided to stop in Lake George Village.  There was going to be a Moon Glow (hot air balloons lit up) and fireworks

there were 3 balloons lit up in the distance

There was too much traffic to see them close up but I watched them from across the lake.  And to my surprise, 2 of my friends walked by and we watched the fireworks together.

me & Tina watching the fireworks over the lake

I wound up getting to my friend’s house just in time to go to bed.

The race didn’t start until 9:30 am and I got up at my usual 6:30 am.  I decided to go get coffee (they had pumpkin spice creamer – yum!) and pick up my race bib.

view of the river from the living room & bedrooms

It turned out that the race start was only 5 minutes from the house.  So I was able to have my coffee and oatmeal and relax.

pre-race meal & a view

I wasn’t sure what to wear with the conflicting weather forecasts.  It was overcast, windy and cooler than predicted.  I opted to wear shorts & shirt rather than the skirt & tank that I had planned.

ready to head to the race

The race  was both a 5K and a 10K.  You could tell by the bib colors who was who.  There were about 100 runners in the 5k and a little less in the 10k.  Although it was cloudy, it seemed like the rain would hold off so I guess I should have done the 10k.

As with many local races, the atmosphere was so friendly and casual.  The race started at the town hall (where there were real bathrooms) and you could park across the street at the Grand Union.  Unfortunately, there was no chip timing.  They just pull off the end of the bibs in order.

Although I said that I wasn’t competitive and just wanted to do my best, that was a lie.  I really wanted to break 30 minutes and win a AG award.

And I did neither!!!!  But I still enjoyed the race.

I started out well.  I ran the lst mile too fast at first and slowed down.  But the 2nd mile had hills.   I do not do well on hills.  I walked at the frist water stop and then I walked during another hill.  That was my downfall.  I was tired during the 3rd mile but managed to finish strong.

road heading the toward the finish

I was disappointed when I saw that I would not break 30 minutes.  I finished in 30:08.

another 5k is done

The age groups awards were in 10 year groups & I finished 4th.

I would have been 1st if they did 5 year age groups.  Oh well.

my splits

I must  say that they had the best refreshments – homemade cream puffs, homemade bagels, breads, cookies, brownies, Greek yogurt, fresh fruit – watermelon, grapes, oranges. cantaloupe, oranges, bananas and more!

post-race snack

I met many nice people and I will definitely try to do this race again – maybe even the 10K.

Before heading home, I stopped at a new quilt shop in town.  I used to quilt a lot and want to get back into it.  The owner was super nice and I even signed up for an applique class on Oct 7.

my next project?

Since it still hadn’t started raining, I decided to run some more.  I went back, changed my shirt and took a 3.3 mile leaf peeping run.

the river & the foliage

enjoying some fall running

It obviously wasn’t going to be a boating day.  I decided to be nostalgic and drive up to Schroon Lake.  Last year at this time I was getting ready to run the Adirondack Half Marathon.

I went to the expo and boy did it make me want to run a half marathon again.  Anyway I did buy some cool things – 2 pairs of gloves for $3, a ponytail headband and some gels in great coffee flavors.

just love these flavors

Then it started to rain!! So I ducked in and out of shops.  Just one more purchase.

it’s pink

Finally, I headed home as I drove  south, the sky turned blue and temperature rose.  It turned out that it was a nice day at home. Darn unpredictable weather!

Happy Running!  Did you enjoy your first day of fall?