September 22, 2012 by Darlene

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?

September 21, 2012 by Darlene

Race Goals

I found this on FB.

So this will be my goal for my next race which is tomorrow. I decided to stay at my friend’s river house tonight.

AJH relaxing at the river house before last year’s half marathon

I was debating on running the 5k or the 10k.

But I decided on the 5K. (The weather looks iffy and based on last year’s 10K, I may be last.)

If it not raining afterwards, I want to go to the expo in Schroon Lake and also run some more.

running around Schroon River

I plan to enjoy the race and run my best.

Happy Running! Are you racing this weekend and if so, what is your goal?

September 20, 2012 by Darlene

Spanx, Really?

Fact:

As you age, you gain more belly fat. In aging women, estrogen levels, which influence fat distribution, decrease. As a result, more fat gets stored in the belly. (from http://www.ehow.com/how_8310732_tighten-middle-age-pouch.html#ixzz26vrmrl4M)

This week at work, they sponsored a Healthy Eating workshop. They offered some great new recipes and helpful suggestions. Of course, they were mostly common sense: eat more fruits & vegaetables, exercise, don’t eat late at night, eat healthy snacks, small frequent meals, etc.

However, the presenter (who is also a personal trainer) said that most women want to reduce belly fat and the only way to do that is “Wear Spanx!!

Really?? So depressing…

I was always very thin growing up and I never had to watch what I ate.

My friends still think I am thin but the truth is that I cover it well.

if you wear a belt, it covers your belly

or wear a loose top

I am gaining weight and it is in my belly!!!!!!!! Every pound that I gain goes there! Yuck!

I run and play tennis and eat healthy (most of the time). I was thinking of joining a gym and exercising as well.

I guess I’ll just have to buy a pair of SPANX!!!!

Happy Running! Anyone over 50 who has another solution, let me know!

September 19, 2012 by Darlene

AMR’s 10 Running Related Personal Questions

The ladies at Another Mother Runner came up with questions for everyone to answer. Have you answered? If not, why not do it now?

1. Best run ever: Probably the Mother’s Day 5k 2011. It was on my birthday and I finished in 25:xx which is amazing for me. Unfortunately the course was short. But I felt almost fast for the only time ever.

2. Three words that describe my running: Empowering, energizing, rejuvenating (most of these describe how I feel after I’m done LOL)

3. My go-to running outfit is: Running skirt, sleeveless tech top, compression socks, baseball cap in the summer (Of course, it changes as the weather gets colder to tights under the skirt & a wind shirt on top.)

4. Quirky habit while running: I think I breathe heavy and make noise when breathing. At least it seems to me that I do that when I am struggling. I hope that most runners around me are wearing headphones.

5. Morning, midday, evening: Morning. That’s when I have the most energy but often I have to postpone my runs until after work.

6. I won’t run outside when it’s: Raining. I’m a wimp. I don’t like getting wet.

7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: That’s an easy one. It’s a broken ankle and I am still getting over it. As with any injury: rest, patience, PT, patience, re-up mileage slowly, patience.

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: Recently I chic- ed a guy. I was behind him almost the whole race and then I passed him near the finish line.

9. Next race is: This Saturday… a 5k. I race almost every Saturday.

10. Potential running goal for 2013: A Half Marathon. I haven’t run one since November 2011. I really want to see if I can do it again.

Happy Running! Feel free to answer these questions on your blog or in a comment here.

September 18, 2012 by Darlene

Just Too Many…

There are 14 5ks races this coming weekend according to the Adirondack Sports & Fitness magazine.

and one 5K sponsored by where I work.

That’s 15 5ks in one weekend!!!

Yikes!! I have to do one, right?

None of them I have done before (except for the Arsenal 5k on Friday eve.)

The Color Me Rad is very popular. But I don’t want to pay to get my clothes sprayed with color. That’s just me. It could be fun for others. I have several friends who are doing it.

Sept 22 at the Altamont fairgrounds

If it looks like it will be a boating weekend, I may do the one in Chestertown and stay at my friend’s house on Schroon River.

If not, I may do one closer to home or one on Sunday.

So I’m playing wait and see.

In the meantime, I ran 3 miles yesterday am (cold, dark & foggy 😦 ) and played tennis last night. Tonight I am playing tennis again. I plan to run again Wed & Thurs. I also am trying to walk to use stationary bike at lunch (We’ll see how that goes?)

Happy Running? How do you choose your races?

September 17, 2012 by Darlene

From Russia With Love

Where I left off my last post was that I was happy that I ran those 4.4 miles. Now I had to get to Bolton Landing with Anna (from Russia). The reason she came to visit me was to go on a boat not to watch a race 🙂

My hubby was waiting on the boat when we got there.

We headed out to get a picnic site so we could have a barbecue.

her first time barbecuing and she made hotdogs

After lunch, we hiked a bit.

Then we left the site and my hubby taught her how to drive the boat.

she loved it…she didn’t want to stop!

We did stop on one of the islands so she could put her feet in the water.

Then we drove to Roger’s Rock before we headed back to Bolton Landing.

We ended the day with dinner & a view.

Unfortunately, Anna returned to NYC the next morning and me & the hubby headed back up to the lake (where the weather was even better than the day before.)
I’ll leave you with one last photo that she sent me from NYC.

isn’t she the cutest?

Happy Running! Hope you had a nice weekend. Did you do anything special?

September 15, 2012 by Darlene

4.4 Chase Away Leukemia Race Report

I came so close to NOT doing this race.

My week was very hectic and I did not run 5 out 6 days (yes, really!)
The highway to get to this race has 4 out 6 lanes closed (a nightmare)
My Russian friend Anna changed her plans and showed up last night!!!!!!
I went to bed very late and did not sleep well at all
Boating days are ending and Anna and my hubby wanted to go on the boat!!
I was nervous about running more than 3 miles and about being out of shape…

As a result, my only goal for this race would get it over with and finish standing! Yes, I admit that is not a good attitude.

So I dragged myself out of bed and dressed in purple running clothes. I packed a bag so that I could head up to the boat right after the race. Anna would go up with my hubby and I would meet them there.

At the last moment, Anna decided that she wanted to watch me race. She had never been to a race. (Great! Now more stress!)

drinking coffee out of my new Moscow mug

So I rushed her out of the house, she brought her breakfast with her in the car (and she proceeded to spill her tea all over herself & my car!) and I raced to the race.

Fortunately, there was no traffic at this early hour (The race had a 8am start time) and we arrived with plenty of time to spare.

putting on my race bib

My mood changed as soon as I got there and saw my friend. Her family organized this race and she was really glad that I came. It was a popular weekend for races (even had another 5k in the same park and a big half here tomorrow.) As a result, there were not many people…probably about 60-65. It was very well organized except for one thing…the bathroom were locked and no portapotties. (Luckily I was ok.)

The weather was perfect…sunny..cool (in the 50s).

me before the race (in purple for Leukemia)

My Russian friend had no concept about running or racing and thought I wanted to WIN THE RACE! I tried to explain that I just wanted to finish. She wasn’t satisfied so I said that I wanted to not finish last. This still prompted me to say that I wanted to finish under 50 minutes and finally we agreed on that I would at least beat a guy.

waiting to begin

The course was the same as last week’s 5K just longer. I wanted to run slow and pace myself. I haven’t run longer than a 5k since the 10K I did on Aug 10.

the course through the park

The truth is that I felt great throughout the whole race. Either I need to not run very much or I need to run slow. Neither concept I am satisfied with but it works for now.

In a very small race, if you’re not fast, you tend to run by yourself and this was the case. I had a guy ahead of me in my sight most of the race. There was one long uphill (around mile 2.5) and I saw him walking the whole thing. This allowed me to get closer. I could have run up it but at the last moment I decided to walk a little to save energy and finish strong.

I even passed by both water stops and didn’t walk – a first for me this year!!

these were all over the course

Around mile 3.75, I saw Anna. She had her ipad in her hand and she was videoing me. I, of course, wanted to run fast for the camera and I did and passed that guy. In the back of my mind, I was thinking, this isn’t the right time, you need to save it for end.

You can watch it here.

heading to the finish (behind those 2 happy girls)

Well, I slowed down after that but sprinted across the finish line. Unfortunately or fortunately, it was at 45:32 and Anna missed me.

after the race…everyone got a purple medal

Then she found me and I had a medal. She thought I won something and I didn’t deny it.

see I beat that guy by 26 sec!

There were lots of good refreshments. Since it was such a small race, they only gave out awards for the top 5 male and female finishers (They got wine and fleetfeet gift cards!). But they did raffle off other prizes and I won a box of Luna bars.

First 4.4 race so a PR, right?

my splits

Like with a run, I have never regretted running a race. I don’t regret this one, either.

Happy Running! Have you ever DNSed a race?

September 14, 2012 by Darlene

Healthy Friday

I bet you never thought you’d hear the word HEALTHY here.

But this has been a healthy week.

On Wednesday, my work sponsored a potluck lunch:

I made Broccoli Slaw Salad and I won for “Best Use of a Super Food.”

It was a great idea. I tasted some great (healthy) food and got some new recipes (which I may or may not use.) Two of my favorites were Tomato Soup Cake and Veggie Pasta Toss (which also had broccoli slaw in it.)

(Truthfully, I don’t have time to cook 😦 and I just won a FREE week of the Standard Fruit & Vegetable Subscription from FieldGoods)

Anyway, here’s my recipe if you are interested:

Ingredients:

1 package broccoli slaw mix
2 packages chicken flavored ramen noodles (crushed)
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup sunflower seeds
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup vinegar
optional – dried cranberries

Directions:

Combine in a large bowl slaw, noodles, green onions.
Whisk together sugar, oil, vinegar, ramen seasoning packets.
Pour mixture over salad and toss.
Add peanuts, sunflower seeds (& cranberries)

This week also I was selected as a Sweat Pink Ambassador (SPA) from fitapproach.com.

Here is their mission:

We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick…

in pink

That convinced me (and that I wear pink often to run.)

in pink again

If you are interested too (and like pink shoelaces), check out their website and apply.

Now about my running this week…

Sun – no running but biked
Mon – no running but played tennis
Tues – no running but walked around NYC
Wed – ran 3 miles and walked around the mall
Thurs – no running but walked at lunch
Friday – no running but will walk at lunch

5 days of NO RUNNING and I am NOT INJURED. WTH?

I wonder how that will affect my race tomorrow!!!

Happy Running! Do you eat healthy? Do you ever get sidetracked and skip running?

September 13, 2012 by Darlene

Racing for a Charity

Normally, I sign up for races based on location, course, time, distance, etc.

I signed up for this one only after reading my quilting friend’s (Terry) story on FB of how her son (Jeff) finished the Lake Placid Ironman after breaking his collarbone. (He swam with one arm, biked with one arm and ran 26.2 miles with his arm taped to his body.) Absolutely amazing!!

Jeff approaching the finish line

He and his wife (Mandy) are the sponsors of this race. His wife is a cancer survivor. I haven’t seen my friend Terry in a while. (I think not since my 2nd half marathon last year. We used to see each other monthly at quilt meetings.)

So I am running this race because it’s a great cause. “Why 4.4 miles?”. In 2011 there were 44,000+ new cases of Leukemia.

And all finishers get a medal!