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Random Things on a Thursday

Since I work in a law school, the image above seems appropriate.

1.  I have my high school reunion this weekend (my 40th cough cough).  Thanks to Facebook for planning this event and that there’s no hiding how we’ve aged…  I will not post our high school photos but here’s one of the 6 of  us at the last (20 year) reunion:

 

2.  My diet isn’t going so well.  First I had to carb load for my 3rd half Marathon and now I have to carb load for my 4th Half Marathon.  What’s a runner girl to do?  Wear loose clothing, I guess.

3. I hate being sick!! I’m not real ill but just have that annoying stuffed nose, sneezing, sore throat, itchy eyes kind of cold.  It makes it hard to run when you feel crappy.  But better now than on Nov. 6, I say.

4. Thanks to all those slow runners who commented on my last post.  I’m glad I’m not alone.  Don’t get me wrong.  I enjoy reading blogs by those runners who want to PR every race, run the NYC Marathon, qualify for Boston, etc.  Unfortunately it’s not me.  I’m jealous, of course.  But we, penguins, still go out there and run and compete at our own pace.

5. I can’t believe it’s mid October.  The end of 2011 is right around the corner. Almost time to think about racing in 2012.  Unless Nov 6 goes horribly, I will want to do another Half Marathon. I definitely want to try a 10k and maybe get back some 5K speed (speed is relative here).

6. The running community where I work is growing!!!  Two more just completed their first half marathons last weekend.  YAY!  There are quite a few casual runners but now we have at least 7 serious runners.  It’s fun to talk running with them and have something in common beside work.

Happy Running!  Happy Thurday!

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Any Penguin/Slow Runner Bloggers Out There?

The term “Penguin” came from a man named John Bingham who used to write a column about slow runners for Runners World.  More realistically, a “penguin” is someone who just runs for pleasure or exercise rather than accomplishment or awards.

 

Then there are runners who are just SLOW!  Don’t get me wrong.  We want to be fast and win AG awards but we are SLOW.

I love reading running blogs.  I love reading race reports.  I am happy for those who PR and win awards.

But I will never run at a pace in the 7s, maybe not even in the 8s. Finishing a Half Marathon under 2 hours…a dream!  BQing…never!

I am competitive but I am NOT FAST!

But I will continue to run and race. 

I will blog about my training runs at 12 min/mi, my half marathon finishes at 2 1/2 hours and my 5Ks at 30 min +.

Hopefully, I will inspire other slow/penguins to run and keep running!!

Happy (slow) running!

 

 

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Santa Clarita Half Marathon Recap

FOUR WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!

Here’s what some people say about this race:

This is a great race.  The start of race is at the Mall, so there is plenty of parking.   Access from the 5 FWY to parking lot is also fast and efficient.  A big plus is that there is  access to Hyatt Hotel’s convention hall bathrooms before the race starts, which is definitely an upgrade waiting in a long line in the cold for portable toilets.  There are water stations every mile, and the volunteers that are working are plenty enthusiastic.  Size-wise, it’s definitely smaller than Long Beach, Surf City and other SoCal Marathons.  This means everyone starts at once, and the course is definitely not crowded.The Course winds it’s way thru some commercial areas before spending several miles on a trial besides the dry riverbed.  There are a few minor hills, but nothing major, a pretty fast course.  Santa Clarita is a well-planned city, which is well highlighted in the course.   The PA announcer at the end of the race was one of the more enthusiastic announcers I’ve heard. He made sure every racer got their due applause by the crowd, especially the seniors. Finally, the tech T-Shirts included are not loaded with ads like other races, so that’s plus. Overall, one of the best half marathons in SoCal, both operationally as well as the overall race experience.

One of my favorite half marathon experiences.  The parking was easy and it was easy to get to the start line.  The Hyatt restrooms near the start line were a big plus.  The course was mostly flat.  Somehow, impossibly, it felt like there was more downhill than uphill.  Maybe this is because the uphills were very gradual, while the downhills were a little steeper.  Anyway, the course felt fast and energizing.  The spectator support was a little sparse, but this was compensated by the fact that the course was mostly narrow and the runners energized each other.  The spectator support that was out there was much appreciated — especially the cheerful kids and a dude playing guitar outside his apartment.  The water and gatorade stations were excellent.  You know what else was great?  The “Whole Foods Market Recovery Zone” didn’t interfere unduly with my ability to get to my car.

This is my second time running the half-marathon here and I loved it!!! A little rain at the beginning was encouraging but it got really hot after mile 8 😦 Great water and gatorade stations throughout the course and visible mile marks. It can get lonely on the trail but its also very relaxing. If you feed on the fans energy, this is probably not the race for you….lol

This was the 2nd time I have run this race. Last year I hit a new PR on this course. The half marathon had about 1300 people start the race. The race is run on some city streets but mostly on the Santa Clarita Trail, which is a paved path that runs along the dry river bed. Lots of course support and spectators cheering you on. Post race food and drink is average. All in all, a fun race to run…very hometown feel.

FOUR WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!!

Anyone else ever run this race?

Happy Running!

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End of the Boating Season & Last Long Run in BL

Today was bittersweet.  We have had the best weather this summer (& fall) for boating.  But you never want it to end…Do you think the sign above was for me??

I got up this morning very tired…not enough sleep but the weather was perfect…(well, maybe a little warm for this time of year, but who’s complaining?)

breakfast at the marina before my run

I was planning 11 miles but would settle for 10.

I decided to do the first half around the Sagamore Hotel.

view from the bridge heading to the Sagamore

 

waiting for customers...I was tempted

 

view of the lake & a little fall foliage

 

View from the Nature Trail at the Sagamore

With only one frost, most of the leaves were GREEN.  Definitely not peak colors…

Then I ran through the town of Bolton Landing which was very CROWDED…garage sales…crafts fair, etc. I did stumble upon some interesting sights.

Yes, he's real

 

a bufferfly among the mums

As I passed the marina, I was pooped already and it was hot…I ate some gu & took a swig of water and continued down 9N south for the rest of my run.  I was running SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOW.  I told my hubby I’d be done in 2 hours… oh no…

I ran down through the cemetery and then headed toward the lake.  It was beautiful, as usual.  I just had no energy.

along my running route

 

me running in one of the neighborhoods on the lake

 
The time forced me to head back to the marina as not to be late.  Unfortunately, it is UPHILL on the way back. 
 
I did 10.5 miles instead of 11 at a snail’s pace but got it done!!
 
My hubby was waiting so I hopped on the boat and we spent the rest of the day on Commisssion Pt Island with a whole group of friends and friends of friends.
 
 

the gang toasting our last island picnic of the season

And I was able to drink, finally.  I discovered a way to add alcohol to my Root Beer Float addiction.

whipped cream vodka & root beer

Awesome!! You can use orange soda & it tastes like a creamsicle..

We hung out as late as possible … I have to work tomorrow 😦

view of the Sagamore & the moon from our marina

Of course, we stopped on the way home for a  real (ice cream) Root beer Float!!!

Until next year….

Happy Running! Happy Columbus Day!

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Indian Summer

Weekend Weather Forecast

Yup. Summer is back!

I don’t mind.  I love it! I know it won’t last.  Soon I’ll be complaining about the cold.

So instead of racing Saturday am, I headed up to Lake George for the weekend with my hubby.

The weather was as good as predicted…

We spent a relaxing day on Commission Pt Island with friends. 

Of course, I was planning a long run for the next day so no alcohol for me.  We gladly accepted an invitation for dinner at a friend’s.  They were serving pasta!!

Happy Running! Good Luck to Those Racing!

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Thanks Steve Jobs

My first computer use was on a Mac.  I used Macs for many years.  Unfortunately,  finances forced me to buy a PC when I needed a laptop for grad school.  A career switch from teaching to IT also changed my computer use from a MAC to a PC, as well.

However, for running, I am eternally grateful to Steve Jobs.

my iPod Touch

The iPod Touch has made running on the treadmill possible.  I download my favorites shows such as The Good Wife and Fairly Legal and watch them while I run to keep me sane on the treadmill.

my iPod nano

When I first started running, I bought this nano off my friend’s daughter and used it with the Nike+ chip on my shoe to tracks my miles as well as listen to music.  I used it for several years and right up to my first half marathon in January 2011 (when I bought a Garmin) to keep track of distance and pace.

my iPod shuffle

Now that I use a Garmin to keep track of mileage and pace, I use this shuffle to listen to music when I run outdoors.  I won it in a blog giveaway and I love it because of its size.  It clips onto my shorts or fits into a key pocket.

the phone in my future

No, I don’t have a iPhone (yet).  I bought a new phone last December before I found out that Verizon would be offering an iphone.  So now I have to wait…. The iPhone would be perfect for running since I like to take photos when I run.  If I carry a camera, then I don’t have room to carry a phone.  If I carry a phone, then I don’t have room to carry a camera.  The  iPhone would allow to me to have both options in one device!! (Actually it could even replace my iPod touch & shuffle if I store videos & music on it.)

on my wish list

I don’t have a personal laptop.  I have one for work (which occasionally I bring home.) It is heavy so a iPad would be great to have to surf the Internet and update my blog and facebook posts when I am away from my desk.  It also would be even better for watching TV while on the treadmill.  Will I see an Ipad2 under my Christmas tree??

Happy Running!  Do you use  an ipod or iphone when you run?

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TTT: Tennis, Orthotics, Racing

This week, I was scheduled to play tennis both Monday & Tuesday.  As a result, I did not run those days.  I’m okay with that since I put in 14 miles over the weekend. I am trying to put my heart into tennis.  Tennis used to be everything to me.  Now all I can think about is running.

I got my orthotics last Friday.  They were pretty uncomfortable at first but are getting better.  I’m supposed to wear them for one hour and then add one extra hour each day.  Today I’m up to 7 hours so that means I bring them to work & wear them all day at my desk. The Dr says it’ll take a month to get used to them!!! I may try to run in them after work & see if they cure all…

After my race on Saturday, I just wanted a re-do.  I didn’t do poorly.  It’s just that I have done better in the past and others who are usually slower, ran faster than me.  It’s an ego thing. 

I’ve been wrestling with running a race every Saturday (there are at least 4 possible 5ks this Sat) until my Half Marathon…

Pros:
Races make me feel good.
Races are good speedwork.
I could do my long run on Sunday.
I could add on miles after the race on Saturday.

Cons:
Races cost money.
I should focus more on my Half Marathon training.
I could re-injure my heel.
I’ll be depressed if I don’t do well.

Right now, I’m leaning toward fitting running in with my hubby’s plans…he may have to work, we may go up to the lake…we’ll see.

Happy Running! Do you do short races while training for a long race?

 

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(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Wed Yoga with Lisa

Every Wednesday, I take a yoga class with Lisa.  I LOVE the class.  I also love that it starts at 6 pm and it meets near Washington Park in Albany.  Perfect time and place to squeeze in a scenic run.

Lisa has just created a new website and look who’s in the header photo…That would be ME (on the right).

Happy Running!

 

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The Long Run That Almost Wasn’t

Five weeks to go!!

So yesterday was supposed to be a 10 miler!

I woke up with a headache and feeling nauseous.  It was also raining! I contemplated skipping my long run.  I ran an emotional race on Saturday.  Maybe that was enough.

So I hung out on the couch and watch some Tivoed shows.

Then the rain stopped and though it was cloudy and rain predicted for the whole day, the sky brightened.

I put on my running clothes and dragged myself out the door.  I decided that if I still felt bad, I would only do 6 miles.  4 Saturday + 6 Sunday = a weekend 10 mile long run, right?

I wanted to run some place scenic like the trail along the Mohawk or the Hudson Rivers but I was  afraid to waste time with the impending rain.

So instead I ran in town along Delaware Ave.

Believe it or not, the sun came and it turned out to be a nice day.

The more I ran, the better I felt and decided to do the 10 miles. 

I ran down the main street – nothing scenic at all… some stores but they were closed…and then hit the Rail Trail.

Eventually, it will be about 9 miles and lead from Albany to Voorheesville.  Now it is only 2 miles.  I ran it once before.  It’s kinda rocky and hard to run on. 

I ran it yesterday for a bit but not the whole thing since it was very muddy.

My reward at the end of my run was a cupcake, pumpkin with cream cheese frosting, at my favorite local shop (Maybe that’s why I chose this street!!!)

I was hoping to be faster than last Sunday but I still don’t have the stamina.  I run and when I get tired, I walk.  I felt like I walked less (about once a mile) but my running pace was slower. (I always run faster with people around me to motivate me.) I finished the 10 mile run at 2:02 (lst half 00:59, 2nd half 0:63).

I ended the day with a visit to my favorite 3 people:

my mentee, Amanda & 6 wk old Matthew

Amanda's son Richard, almost 5

 and then a stop at Target…I couldn’t resist – pumpkin pop tarts, pumpkin coffee, running tights, running pants, running bra 🙂

And then the rain came….

Happy Running! Have a great week!

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Susan Komen Race for Cure Report

I woke up to cool temps and RAIN.  It was just sunny and 80 degrees on Sunday!!

I parked my car at work as I usually do for this race since there will be so much traffic & confusion. I planned to jog a mile or so to meet up with my team for a group photo.

However, a friend from work who was walking the race was there and convinced me to ride with her friend who had a private parking space near the race.  Reluctantly I agreed because it was raining.

I left my camera behind because of the weather but I wore the same outfit as last year but added white compression socks & had a jacket.

Race 4 the Cure '10

After we parked underground, we  headed up the stairs to the museum and waited where it was dry for all 80 members of the team to arrive. It was raining but it seemed to be raining less. I chatted about half marathons with a professor that just ran one and another who will be racing her first next week.  Finally we took the group picture and I headed down to the start line.

most of our team

 

closer up

What a crowd!  I just squeezed in and tried to get a signal on my Garmin.

The race began and the rain was just a drizzle.  YAY!!  I took off my jacket and tied it around my waist.  The rain never started up again until after the race.

I am very familiar with this course.  It  is my 8th time racing it.  It starts with an uphill and it is also very crowded.

I didn’t plan to PR it but as I glanced at my Garmin, I secretly wanted to run fast again. 

However,  my legs didn’t agree with my mind and they are tired from Sunday’s Half.  I even stopped for water and I wasn’t thirsty??

I saw my friend Mary who whizzed by me near the end…she had her fastest 5K ever and she is training for a marathon!! So proud of her!

Unfortunately, I ran out of steam and finished with my slowest 5K time in over a year…

Garmin Time: 29:39 (Official time: 29:53-gun, 29:47, chip)

Mile 1: 9:40 (uphill)
Mile 2: 9:51 (waterstop)
Mile 3: 9:18 (downhill)
         .1: 9:56

I hung around for awhile with some profs and then jogged a mile back to my car debating on whether to do my 10 miler today or tomorrow.  It started raining harder so I put it off until tomorrow.  Now the sun is out… Oh well.

I am glad that I did this race.  It is such an important cause!!!

Our team did great…those young speedy runners…and we raised almost $4000.  I raised over $700 myself. 

 Happy Running! Have a great weekend!