Monday – REST
Tuesday – 3.5 miles during lunch, 1.5 hours tennis after work
Wednesday – 2.5 miles (on the treadmill), Yoga 1.25 hrs
Thursday – REST
Friday – 5 miles
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 9.5 miles
ONE week to go… until Half Marathon #5!
my cat, Honey
Happy Running! Happy Halloween!
It’s funny to say that I am officially in Taper mode.
I started training on August 15. In those 12 weeks, I have run 2 half marathons. I also have had long runs of 10, 10.5, 12, 13. That’s six 2 digit runs!!!
On the surface, it appears that I am so much better prepared for this half marathon than my first two. (1-16-11 & 4-23-11)
Not so!!!
It’s deceiving because all of the long training runs this time have been mixed with walking. All except the last half marathon (10-23-11) have paces over 12 min/mile.
I feel that because of my injury, I have been tapering during all of the training runs.
I am pain-free now so I am okay with that. Running slowing is much better than not running at all. (I will repeat this to myself often.)
So today was my last long run.
We had some snow on Thursday and some yesterday. Yes, it’s still October. Those are the joys of living in the Northeast.It was unseasonably cool today (in the 30’s) but at least it was not snowing or raining!!!
4" on the ground this morning
So I headed into town to do at least 8 miles. However, the sidewalks were still snow-covered and slippery so I decided to go some place new.
I heard that the Corning Trail was an awesome place to run – flat & scenic. I usually do not feel like doing extra driving but today I had the time.
I parked at Riverside Park and headed toward Troy. The whole way you had a view of the Hudson River.
It was chilly but I definitely was overdressed. I started with a hat & gloves & jacket.
The trail was indeed flat. The sun came out and melted the snow on the trail.
It was neat to see snow on the ground & leaves still on the trees.
I turned around at the 4 1/4 mile mark and little by little took off my hat, gloves, & tied the jacket around my waist.
I haven’t reached a verdict about the new shoes – yes, they have more support & the bottoms of my feet don’t ache but they are heavier & it feels like running in cement boots (unless I was just tired & hungry).
warm enough for boating
When I got back, the weather was so nice & the scenery so beautiful that I continued in the other direction.
Done!!
I wound up doing 9.5 miles (though there was walking at the end & lots of photo stops). I’m definitely going to add the Corning Trail to my list of running routes.
I’m not sure how much or if any running I’ll get done this week. Tennis 2x, yoga, nails, hair appt, flight to LA …NO TIME!!
Happy Running! Do I need to run this week?
That’s means it’s time to stress out about the Weather and the Outfit:
I have no control about the weather. I’m fine as long as it doesn’t rain.
Santa Clarita forecast
But do you see a trend??? California must know that an Upstate New York girl is coming West. What they don’t know is that it is cold in the Northeast & I HATE it!! I like warm weather….
The outfit?
Definitely compressions socks and a cap. Those are a given. Possibly the outfit that got covered up during the rainy cold Lake George Half last April.
Maybe this outfit instead:
However, given that the temps will not be the 70’s or 80’s that I had hoped for…I will have to bring a short-sleeved shirt…either white, pink or green and a jacket. (I know will over pack!!)
Other important things:
book to read on the plane
new toy for blogging
Happy Running! Any advice in packing for destination races?
Yes, today, it is in the 30’s. It snowed yesterday and more snow is predicted for tomorrow.
So I guess it’s time to think about Holiday cards.
If you read my blog, you’ll know that I love to take pictures. As a result, when I send holiday cards, I usually enclose one of my photos.
I think that this year, I am going to use Shutterfly to make my own holiday cards using some of my digital photos.
Once you upload your digital photos, you can create either greeting cards, calendars, invitations and even a variety of unique gifts.
Shutterfly is very easy to use.
The problem will be deciding which of Shutterfly’s many designs to choose
and which photos taken this year to upload??
me running?
or
me & hubby on our boat?
or
our cats?
If you’re lucky to get one, you’ll find out…
This year Shutterfly is offering bloggers a great deal. 25 free Christmas cards when you blog about Shutterfly’s Christmas cards!
Are you a blogger?
Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q
Happy Running! Do you send photo greeting cards?
Is there a group for Running Shoe Buyers Anonymous??
If so, I need to join!
I have bought at least 5 pairs of running shoes this year including one more pair this week.
This time, it’s New Balance 859. They were on sale at Olympia Sports (reg$110, on sale for $65). I’ve worn Nike, Saucony, Brooks, Mizunos, Asics but this my first NB.
According to the website:
NB 859 features the TS2 Transitional Support System providing the essential support over-pronators, and long distance runners may need. ABZORB® SBS in the heel and forefoot … make this running shoe an excellent choice for comfort on the road.
Obviously I’m not loyal to one brand. I am forever looking for the perfect shoe. My feet always hurt and it’s just getting them to hurt less. I have even worn brand new shoes for my lst 3 half marathons.
On my 4th last weekend, I worn the same pair as on the 3rd. It was the lst time with orthotics. My feet really ached under the forefoot. I still overpronate (but not as much).
I’m going to run with these shoes after work today and see…
Happy Running! Anyone wear New Balance shoes?
where I work
Thanks to Finishing is Winning for reminding me about what is important!
Of course, if only I could remember this when I race…
Happy Running!
After Sunday’s Half Marathon, I pleased to report that my feet, heel, calves, knees, and legs feel fine! But my QUADS…that’s a different story. I can barely walk down the stairs. The last time they felt like this was when I volunteered last November at the Stockade-athon and spent 1 1/2 hrs cutting off chips at the finish line.
I guess it was the hills!!!
I sit at my desk all day and my exercise consists of tennis, running & yoga. But I don’t bike or hike or or exercise or use any machines at a gym. Obviously, I need to strengthen my quads!!
Happy Running! Any advice on dealing with weak quads?
Monday – 5 miles (on Jones Beach boardwalk)
Tuesday – 3 miles (after work)
Wednesday – 2 miles on treadmill, Yoga 1.25 hrs
Thursday – REST
Friday – 2 miles (after work)
Saturday – REST
Sunday – 13.1 miles – Fall Foliage Half Marathon in Rhinebeck
2 weeks to go… until Half Marathon #5!
Happy Running!
Be a part of this beautiful day as participants run through historic downtown Rhinebeck and journey to the shores of the Hudson River in neighboring Rhinecliff.
With the New York City Marathon just two weeks away, this is the perfect opportunity to do a final training run or spend a weekend in the country running in this gorgeous setting.
A portion of the proceeds from the race will be donated to support Riverkeeper, a New York-based organization dedicated to defending the Hudson River and its tributaries and protecting the drinking water supply of nine million New York City and Hudson Valley residents.
Sounds pretty good, right?
Looks like a pretty course.
Hills!!!!!!!!!!! Yikes!!
So I guess I should have looked at the elevation chart before I signed up for this race!! (Look how the race ends!!!)
I thought my friend Mary who is training for the Philly Marathon would run this with me but she decided to do her 20 miler on Sat instead. Then I thought my hubby would come and hang out at the Aerodrome because he loves planes but he played tennis instead.
I was solo.
According the Google, it was going to take 1hr 17 min to get there so I got up nice & early and prepared to leave at 7:30 am so I would be there by 9am (for the 10 am start). However, my GPS said it would only take 1 hour and it did! The ride was nice…the foliage was awesome!
I had plenty of time to kill before the race. There were real bathrooms in addition to porta potties. That’s always a plus.
The weather would be perfect…a little chilly at the start but warm when the sun would come out. I walked around & took some pics.
Mike Richter, former NY Rangers goalie
I decided to leave my jacket behind (actually near a tree by the start) and I was glad I did. There were about 400 running the Half Marathon & about 100 running the 5K. The weather was perfect for a race and the scenery was beautiful. I also bumped into local blogger, Jen at the start.
That’s the good part.
As I said before, I wasn’t going to race this race just use it as a training run. Famous last words.
I started out too fast. My 1st 2 miles were in the 9s and in fact, the 1st 6.5 miles were all under 11. I felt good and of course, I started thinking PR.
I was on course with covering the 1st half in just over 1 hour. (My fastest half was 2:22)
Then came the hills!! I means steep hills — after hill after hill after hill. The total ascent for the race was 2099 ft (that’s 300 ft more than Schroon HM).
My pace slowed. I NEVER TRAIN ON HILLS! I probably should but I hate them. As my hopes of a PR vanished, I walked and took some pics.
along the Hudson R.
The race of course, ended with huge hills. I walked until I got to the finish line and forced myself to sprint across it.
Official time: 2:32:50
Garmin time: 2:31:49 13.20 miles!
Here are some more pics from Jen‘s blog: THANKS JEN!
The refreshments were lacking: half bagels (no cream cheese or butter), bags of chips, water. The medal wasn’t metal – engraved (etched) plastic. There were no awards or results printed. No photographers. Hardly any spectators along the course. I guess that’s what you get for an Inaugural race.
So I headed home. The ride again was pleasant due to the beautiful scenery.
So there you have it…Half Marathon #4 is in the books. (Half Marathon #5 is 2 weeks away!!!!!!!!)
Not sure if it was a good decision to do it (training runs are free!!) but you never know until you try. It certainly was a challenge.
I did achieve all my goals:
Happy Running! Any advice for running on hills or staying with it when your race starts to suck?
