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Fasig-Tipton 5K

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At least I got to the race early but I didn’t think it would be a good one – it was hot…I bought new ear buds and an armband band for my iPod… both were uncomfortable…I had a stomach ache from Indian food eaten the day before…my shorts were too tight..wah..whah..whah.. (done whining!)

The race started at the same place as the Silks & Satins 5k but went in the opposite direction.  I started near the start and was quickly passed by most of the runners. The course was  hillier than I expected with no mile markers at all.

I was tired and walked for a while at the water stop – probably the halfway point and had no energy at the end so I couldn’t believe when I crossed the finish line – it said 29:30!! My fastest ever!  I think I’ll buy the photo (there was a photographer at the finish line) in case I never run that fast again.

fasigtipton5k
me crossing the finish line

They gave away bag chairs as prizes but the age divisions were by 10 years – no chance for me.

I’m taking a break.  My next race is not until Aug 29.

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Jailhouse Rock 5K

jhr 

This week, I got up earlier and arrived at the race on time – found a great parking spot and had time to spare.  It was a cool sunny morning.  I met 2 nice people with the same philosophy of running as me – sign up for 5k races to motivate oneself to run in between.  I also met 2 people whom I work with.  I had no idea they ran and are beginners like me and love races. 

The race started at the top of a hill so the end was a steep decline.  There were no people timing the 1 or 2 miles pts so I had no idea my pace.  I was tired at half-way but finished strong.  Unlike the others, I was afraid to run fast down the hill, afraid I would fall on my face so I was holding myself back. 

My iPod said I finished at 30:49 but I started with a colleague and not as close to the starting line as I should have.  My official finish was 31:04. 

When I looked at the results page, I noticed that I came in FIRST in my age group!! A first for me and I didn’t even stay for the awards ceremony. 

  

jailhouserock5k 

  

My Prize

My Prize

 

 

My next race is back in Saratoga next Saturday. Since I was in Bolton Landing today – I did my usual morning Sagamore 3 mile run.  I love it – wish I could always be on vacation and on my boat on Lake George!!

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Silks & Satins 5K

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It started out poorly but ended pretty good.

I went to bed too late and couldn’t sleep.  I got up at 6:30 am instead of 6:00 am and had to drive about 95 mph to get to Saratoga on time.  When I got there, the parking lot was full  luckily I found a nearby spot on the street.  I dashed to registration to get my number and chip and then to the starting line – phew!

It was a beautiful day and I love the course.  I ran the lst mile at 8 something which was too fast, then the 2nd mile at 18 something so I was on pace to finish under 30 minutes – a PR!?  I ran out of gas at the end and crossed the finish line according to my iPod at 30:40 and I was pleased.  Not a PR but my fastest of the season  – http://bit.ly/1ZkoiU

 race

 

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Getting back in shape or at least tryin’

Well, it wasn’t three times last week but at least it was two…I ran about 1.75 miles Thurs before work and 2 miles last night.

It’s hard getting back into it.  I plan to run tomorrow before work and Thursday am then I’m in Lake George til Sunday.  Of course, rain is forcast so we’ll see.

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Taking a unintentional break from running

I haven’t run since June 7………… There was rain, tennis, rain, on Lake George, rain, tennis, conference in Colorado, tennis… many excuses and no race til Aug 1. Races always motivate me to stay in shape.

I am busy every day after work it seems so I have to try to get up early and run before work. Good luck with that!

It’s frustrating because every time I take a break, it takes a while to get back to where I was (speed & stamina wise).

Goals:
practice 3 times a week. at least 2 miles each run
run a 5k under 30 minutes
come in at least 3rd in my age group

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Run for Help: 5K Against Domestic Violence

radv

Well, I didn’t get my 3 practices runs in this week.  I only did one on Tuesday but decided to race anyway.

It was a beautiful sunny day.  But not perfect condition for a PR : ran the first mile too fast (about 9 min), hilly (not steep but persistent) course, didn’t get a drink of water at mile 2 and they ran out at mile 3.  As a result, I walked several times especially during the last mile and had no gas to finish strong.

So how did I finish it in 31 minutes?  It was my fastest this year.  Faster than the 3 races where I didn’t walk at all and felt strong throughout especially at the end of the race.  Go figure!

My next race is not until August 1.  I need to motivate myself to run.

My goal is to some day finish in the top 3 in my age group.  I think I was 5th in this race and 64th out of almost 200.

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Next Race

I was disappointed with my Freihofer’s time so I signed up for a race on Sunday.

I ran my usual 4K run on Tuesday and hope to run once more tomorrow before work.

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Freihofer’s Run For Women

 

freihoferrun09

What a gorgeous day for a race!!! In the 60s and sunny with a breeze – 4028 women – all excited to be part of this event!!!.  I met Pat & Mary Pat, my tennis friends there and also bumped to 2 former AHN students and law prof.

We started the race  with 25 minute finishers group so it was several minutes before crossing the starting line and it took quite awhile with the crowd to get into a decent pace. 

freihofesrace

 I felt great the whole way – ran it all and when I crossed the finish line, the timer said 35:05 minutes.  I felt like I was running a lot faster than that, though.

Me at the 2009 Freihofer's Run

Me at the 2009 Freihofer's Run

After the race, we got our cookies, hung out for awhile and then headed to Panera’s for brunch where we bumped into several other Freihofer runners.

Looking forward to my next race!!

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Here are the results – http://www.coolrunning.com/results/09/ny/May30_31stFr_set1.shtml

Capital News 9 coverage – http://capitalnews9.com/content/sports/473361/run-for-women-in-albany/Default.aspx

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Vascular Birthmark Foundation 5K

vascaularbmfoundrace

I debated going to this race since my knee has been hurting for the last 2 days. But I did and as usual, it stopped hurting once I started running.  It was a warm, humid evening but I enjoyed the run.  I didn’t walk at all and finished strong.  My time according to my iPod was 33:09 – a little faster than Tim Moshier 5k and this course was hilly in spots. There were about 100 runners most of them were young and fast but though I finished in the back of the pack, I wasn’t last. (78 out of 88)

My running plans for this week are Sun, Tues & Thurs and then Tues & Thurs next week.  Gotta get ready  for the Freihofer!!