April 8, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Reasons to Race

Many runners never enter a race.

Many runners stopped racing during COVID.

And of course, you are still a runner if you do NOT race.

But it’s a shame, because IMO, you are missing what enhances the running experience in more ways than I can possibly describe in this post.

Here are a few reasons why I race so often and why I think you should too:

1.Having a goal keeps you motivated

By signing up for a race, you automatically create a goal.

You’re either looking to finish the race or achieve a PR, maybe even both?

These goals will help motivate you to train, getting you out the door in the pouring rain or pushing you to the gym for that dreaded strength workout.

2.To Push your limits

Running in a race allows you to push your potential and achieve results you may not have thought were possible. (Run without walking? Run on trails? Run a full marathon?)

We can almost always run faster while racing due to the competitive environment, not to mention the increased adrenaline!

Take advantage of this and see what you’re really made of.

3. Provides a sense of community

There’s more to running than running itself, there’s a whole community of runners out there!

Running in a race will really allow you to embrace this community. Prepare to be cheered and to cheer your fellow runners as they achieve their goals on race day – just like yourself.

And make new friends!!

4. To feel accomplished

It’s not every day that you get to finish a 5k or a half marathon.

Finishing a race, especially if you run a PR, is an incredible feeling. You’ll feel proud of all your hard work leading up to the race, and more importantly be proud of what you have achieved – and so you should be!

I will add that finishing any race, even if it’s a PW, is an achievement.

5. It’s fun!

Finally, running a race is fun! Toeing the start line with hundreds/thousands of runners, all with similar goals feels great.

From those pre-race chats and porta-pottie visits to making new friends and enjoying a post-race brunch, running a race is an exciting all-round experience.

IMO, worth every cent, you pay to sign up.

Happy Running! Do you race often? Why or Why not? Can you add any other reasons to race? Please share.

runner-sig

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

April 5, 2022 by Darlene

Embracing Old Age

Several months ago, a friend posted the info below on FB. As I approach the end of another decade, I decided that this would be as good a time as any to discuss the “old” age issue.

An extensive study in the U.S.A found that the most productive age in human life is between 60-70 years of age. The 2nd most productive stage of the human being is from 70 to 80 years of age..
The average age of NOBEL PRIZE winners is 62 years old. The average age of the presidents of prominent companies in the world is 63 years. The average age of the pastors of the 100 largest churches in the U.S.A. is 71. The average age of the Popes is 76 years.
This tells us in a way that it has been determined, that the best years of your life are between 60 and 80 years.
A study published in NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE found that at age 60, you reach the TOP of your potential and this continues into your 80s.
Therefore, if you are between 60 -70 or 70-80 you are in the BEST and 2nd level of your life. (SOURCE: N.Engl.J .Med. 70,389 (2018))

This info, of course, confirmed what I’ve believed.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER! (And like fine wine, we get better with age! lol)

So you younger runners, do not worry that you will need to rest more, run less, go to bed earlier, sit in your rocker in the evening and drink herbal tea (unless you want to do these things…)

If you stay healthy, you do not have to slow down.

As an a runner who started running at age 55, I was afraid that I was too old to run a half marathon (and definitely too old to ever run a full marathon).

However, of the 56 half marathons that I’ve completed, only 6 were run before the age of 60! I ran the NYC Marathon at age 66.

That being said, most likely your PR days will be over, your finish times will slow down but that’s why they give out age group awards. You should NEVER compare yourself to younger runners and especially not to your younger self.

So embrace the fact that you are still able to do something that brings you joy.

This is 68! Bring on 69!!

Happy Running! So how old do you consider “old?’ Has it changed since you started running? Do you plan to keep running even into your 70s, 80s, 90s? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m linking up also with this link-up:

and co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

April 2, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.27.22-4.3.22: Just Running… into April

Yes. Just Running.

That means that I had no race this past weekend.

(Spoiler Alert: I will most likely racing on 4/10, 4/16, 4/24, 5/1, 5/7, 5/14, 5/19, 5/22, 5/29, 6/4, 6/5, 6/11, 6/25, 6/26, 7/4, 7/15 … Pretty crazy, right?)

Last Week:

Sunday – A 5 mile St Patrick’s Day themed race followed by extra miles.

The race was fun though I was crazy slow due the wind and being tired.

it started with bag pipe entertainment and I hooked with many new and old friends

The miles after the race were torture.. It was even windier and I was even more tired.

even the trees questioned what I was doing out there… lol

But 11 miles got done and that’s all that matters with a half marathon in 3 weeks!!

Monday – I started the day at the gym..

After work, I had to skip the FTC run in favor of a night out. But it was worth it!

Dinner first..

my hubby took the pic

Then lots of laughs… (tix from cancelled 12/31/21 show)

15,000 attended… who knew he was so popular?

Tuesday – Winter has returned along with March winds. I was planning on a lunch run. But the winds were howling and the feels like temp was still in the teens so I waited and drove to UAlbany after work to run.

don’t let the blue skies and sunshine fool you.. it was plenty windy!!

Afterward, I met my BFF for a long walk in the mall.

Wednesday – Believe it or not, I again dragged myself to the gym before work.

Then I went to the FTC run after work. It wasn’t my normal group (but actually closer to my home) but I had my missed my group run on Monday evening. I really didn’t feel like waiting until 6 pm to run but it is so much more fun running with others. I am glad that I waited.

ran with two really nice ladies… faster and longer than I would have if I had run solo.

Thursday – With rain in the forecast and an appt after work, I squeezed in my run before work. And it was actually a nice day to run… if only I had more time (and energy).

no leaves on the trees yet but I found Easter decorations…

Friday – Morning 3 at the gym. And finally a rest day (after three days in a row of running.)

Instead of mah jongg, after work, I went out to dinner to celebrate two friends’ job promotions. Too much food and drink but we had a great time.

Saturday – Saturday Long Run returned!! 12 miles was on the plan. Glad to have company on the Zim Smith bike path followed by a lovely brunch at Leah’s.

so grateful for the sunshine and Leah’s chocolate milk

Then I got my second booster shot!! Very happy to have this option (even if I get a reaction, I want to protect my loved ones.) Feel ok so far…

Sunday – I would have liked to go to the gym, but it is CLOSED on Sundays… Boo!

Instead, my plan was to go hiking (after tracking my friends running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler)

found a new place to hike… it was lovely and I got it done before the rain

and then catch up on Bridgerton…

what do think of season 2?

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – gym, Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
Tuesday – gym, rest day
Wednesday – run, volunteering with STEM
Thursday – run
Friday – gym, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day – train to NYC
Sunday – Shape 5.8m Race (in NYC)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Embracing Old Age
Friday – Reasons to Race

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Have you gotten the second COVID booster (those of you who are over 50)? Please share.

April 1, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for April ’22

It’s that time of the month…

Worry Less Run More 15 oz Ceramic Large Mug Worry Less Run More Mugs | CafePress

time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.

This is appropriate for my life lately…

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am still an Ambassador for the Freihofer Run for Women.

The race went virtual in 2020, moved to Sept in 2021 and this year, it has returned to its regular date – June 4, 2022.

As an ambassador, I am obviously promoting the race at various events.

If you would like to run this all women’s 5k, in-person or virtual, use the code AMBDC to pay only $22. You get a shirt and medal. In person runners also get cookies. Virtual runners will get a Freihofer’s product coupon mailed with their medal and shirt.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as usual, I signed up for the Freihofer Training Challenge. (FTC)

Yes, I have complained that as an “advanced” runner, I don’t get much support. However, it is perfect for NEW runners. But it is an opportunity to run with others. I plan to go on Mondays when convenient and skip the Saturday sessions (since I usually do a long run or race that day.)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that one of the perks of the FTC is a FREE 12 week membership to the YMCA.

The issue is WHEN to fit it in??? Work, runs…runs, work… family/friends stuff…work, runs

But they are open 5:30AM – 9:00 PM (on weekdays) and have lots of facilities:

- Complete Exercise Center with Cybex weight circuit, free weights, Precor treadmills and ellipticals, bikes and Stairmasters.
- 2 pools, including a 6-lane lap pool and a warm water instructional pool.
- Steam, sauna and whirlpool facilities
- Basketball gymnasium
- Pickle Ball courts
- Free cycling, aerobic, mind/body and aqua aerobics classes
- Indoor running/walking track.
- NHL style ice rink that offers open skating, lessons and adult hockey leagues.

Wish me luck!! My plan is to go THREE mornings each week (on rest days) until Jun 4. (So far, so good…)

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am back to volunteering with STEM. I had done this for many years in the past. Then it didn’t work out with work and COVID.

back in 2017

I will try and go on Wednesdays. It is a VERY rewarding experience. The goal race changes each year. This year, it will be on June 5.

and in 2016

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I LOVED working from home… my life was so much less complicated and especially related to running.

We knew that at some point it would have to end. We start local in-person training (I am a computer trainer) on May 25. (No word if we can still stay home for remote trainings….)

I was scheduled go to Queens (NYC) on April 7-8 and April 10-11. That’s Thurs-Fri and then Sun-Mon. Real sucky!!!

Because I had plans to go there for a race on April 9-10.

Go home (2h45 min train ride) Friday night and return Saturday morning makes no sense. Pay for a hotel of my pocket for Friday night makes less sense. The logical solution was to DNS the race and plan another NYC race weekend.

Update: My work travel got postponed. Woo Hoo! NYC and Shape and Cherry Blossoms, here I come!

Some more for good measure:

6. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I delayed getting my second COVID booster until after my long run tomorrow. I didn’t get a reaction to the last three vaccines but just in case, I wanted to make sure I got my 12 miler done in preparation for my next half marathon. on April 16.

I’m sure you all aware how important it is for all of you who over 50 to get this ASAP

7.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that FOMO set in and on the last day possible, I entered the lottery for the NYC Marathon.

not sure if I was disappointed or relieved LOL

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Are you signed up for any 2022 races? Are you having any spring-like weather yet? Plan to run the FRW 5k with me? Do you volunteer with any running groups? Do you go to a gym to work out? Do you plan your vaccines around your running? Did you enter the NYS Marathon lottery? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

March 29, 2022 by Darlene

Shamrock Shuffle 5 Mile Race Recap

March 27, 2022

I signed up for this race weeks ago because it’s a nice local race (actually an hour away but that’s local enough).

This was my sixth time running this five mile race. But it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 so I haven’t run it in 3 years.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Now that I’ve run the race five times, You would think that I would be at least prepared on how the course went uphill for the first mile, some rolling hills before it went downhill and then flattened out See below:

ss15

according to my Garmin

Race Day:

I was hoping that the weather would be a little more spring-like and I could wear a green skirt. But it was not. It was not really cold but it was cloudy and windy. So I just wore capris & compression socks with a long sleeve shirt and brought another shirt, gloves, beanie, jacket and a vest.

The race was about an hour drive from my house. But it had a late start of 11 am so I was able to sleep in.

When I arrived, the parking lot was already full, but I found a spot on a nearby street and went into the gym to get my bib and race shirt.

cotton uni-sex again!!

I chatted with some runners that I recognized. I also met some new faces.

re-united with my friend Sue and a new friend

Anyway, I talked to my friends for a while while being entertained by bag pipes.

With such a late start (11 am), I was already hungry for lunch by the time the race began. Luckily I had brought a GU and ate it before the race.

Soon it was time to head to the start. We waited until the last minute so we didn’t have to stand outside long in the cold. I didn’t wear my vest or jacket but added my DIY arm warmers and hoped that I wouldn’t be too cold.

There were over 300 runners for this race. It was not run by ARE or HMRCC (my local running orgs) but Adirondack Runners… a smaller but very friendly group. I did recognize some runners from my area though.

Since I knew that the race was not chip timed, I should have lined up closer to the front. But I was chatting and then all of a sudden, the race started.

a previous year

As I mentioned, the beginning of the race went uphill. I took it slow. But I refused to walk and tried to keep an even pace. The wind was crazy and of course, we were running INTO it!

over the highway bridge (also a previous year)

But I just slogged along although it felt like everyone was passing me by.

After going over the bridge, about 1 1/2 in, we turned into the neighborhoods to some rolling hills. Phew! No more wind for awhile!!

no snow this year – a previous year

There was a water stop around mile 1.75, I usually stop but not today. I was going to push it and try and run the WHOLE race.

The sun came out and now I was getting warm!! I took off my gloves and arm warmers….

Finally mile 3 arrived and that was the downhill portion of the course. I knew here that I could pick up the pace.

The second water stop was around mile 4. I was so tempted to walk a bit. I did not but probably should have since I knew that my pace was now slowing. (Walking always gives the boost I need to finish strong.)

But I just plugged along and refused to walk until I was done. It didn’t help that we were now running INTO the wind AGAIN. How cruel…

Finally, I saw the finish line and gave it everything I had. Unfortunately, I had NOTHING left. lol

I crossed at 48:XX. I was happily surprised. I was not expecting much under 50 minutes but I was pretty sure that I would be faster than running 5 miles in a blizzard. LOL

Post Race Activities:

Normally I would have waited for my friend, Sue but I was sweaty and getting chilled. The temperature had definitely dropped since the start of the race.

So I went inside. As soon as you entered, they had a screen with the live results. I saw immediately that I had placed 4th (in the 10 year age group.)

10 year age groups are tough when you are at the top of the group… or if your pace has slowed to a crawl

I took off my sweaty shirt and put on the race shirt, then went into the cafeteria for refreshments. There were not much to speak of. I had a water, a brownie, a cookie and a banana. The pastries were homemade and individually packaged. I chatted with some guys wearing Delmar Dash shirts (that’s a local race in my town.)

So no age group award for me today. But to support the other runners, I stayed for the awards ceremony.

Unfortunately, I had 6 more miles left to run after the race. The temps had dropped and the wind picked up. But I drove to the Zim Smith bike path (about 1/2 hour south) and dragged myself 3 miles out and 3 miles back (listening to Ali on the Run’s podcast with Betty Lindbergh. 97 year-old world record holder… so inspiring)

Additional Race Reflections:

This year with all the local races returning may be the YEAR OF THE PW!!

My current Five Mile PR is 44:53 from the Delmar Dash (2019). But that was on a FLAT course.

My course PR (2018) for this race was 45:42. Not even close today!

Nevertheless, I am happy with how I ran the race. I didn’t walk (which is rare for me.) I do not do ANY speed work. And I am 3 years older!!

There’s always next year (or most likely the year after) to gun for the glass.

An interesting note is that Jill (on the right), who finished in 49:25, set a course record for her age group – 70-79!! (A new goal in 2 years???)

Positives:

Well organized
Warm place to wait before and after the race.
Indoor restrooms
Charity = Special Olympics
Entertainment (Bag pipes before the race)
Many familiar faces.
One loop course
3 water stops
Awards (sweatshirts, soda bread, glasses)
Immediate results (on a screen)
A LIVE race

Negatives:

Gun timed instead of chip-timed (from the start)
10 year age groups
Cotton shirt
the wind!!
long drive

Final Stats:

Race Splits:

NO walk breaks!!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. A well-organized small local race!!

Next Up?

There could be a few shorter local races but definitely this one (on the original 2019 course):

April 16, 2022

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing? Is it spring where you live? Have you run any St. Patrick’s Day-themed races in March? Please share.

So it’s Tuesday and I am linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) for Tuesday Topics.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

March 27, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.20.22-3.27.22: Let Them Eat Cake…

A 5 mile race belatedly to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

There was a dinner to celebrate my stepson’s and his wife’s anniversary and also a farewell dinner for a tennis friend (who’s moving). I did NOT run enough miles this week to burn off all those extra calories…

: that cake was so delish

: so was this one

The pics above explain the title of this post. LOL

Last Week:

Sunday – A relaxing day (post virtual half marathon)

the day before…

After tracking all my friends who were in NYC running the live NYC Half Marathon, I drove to Saratoga Springs

I was scheduled to volunteer for the Freihofer 5k at the Adirondack Sports Expo.

I got there early and had some delicious donut holes & spicy mocha while I strolled around Congress Park and downtown.

Then I got to hang out with some and old new friends while promoting this race (you can run it live or virtually for only $22 – that includes a shirt and a medal – AMBDC is the discount code)

I gave out free shirts and free cookies

Monday – I actually worked at an in-person training today (yup wore real clothes and make-up). Then after work, I participated in the first of 11 Freihofer Training Challenge (FTC) runs. As a Ambassador for the race, I was just there to support and to have some friends to run with. (Admittedly it is a pain to drive there and wait until 6 pm to run).

lots of familiar faces – ran with the “advanced” group – so so windy!!!

Tuesday – I was able to squeeze in a run at lunch

don’t let the sun fool you, it was windy!!

Well, I went to the gym … to pick up my membership card.

Bethlehem YMCA - Capital District YMCA

I have FREE 12-week membership at the local YMCA as part of the FTC. Now I just need to go…

Wednesday – I waited until after work to run. I wanted some different scenery so I drove to the Albany end of the rail trail.

It was awesome which meant I kept stopping to take pics lol

Thursday – I started the day (6:30 am) with an orientation at Y. A perfect activity for a rainy rest day.

Now I need to commit to 6:30 am workouts here on non-running days… 3x week!!

After work, I went out to dinner for a farewell party. One of my tennis friends is moving to NC.

Friday – A busy work day but I managed to squeeze in a short run at lunch.

50s – perfect weather for a run… wish I had more time

After work, another dinner. This time at my MIL’s to celebrate my stepson and his wife’s 3rd wedding anniversary.

Saturday – Started the day at the gym!

My plan was to work out at 6 am, then meet friends at 8 am followed by brunch.

Only the Y opens at 8 am on Saturdays not 5:30 am (as it does on weekdays). D’uh.

Since I had a race the next day, I only walked 3 miles and obviously not as far as planned. Still met at 10:30 for brunch.

Sunday – Race Day. Shamrock Shuffle 5 Miler.

during a rainy 2019 Shamrock Shuffle

This is a race that I’ve done many times in the past but not since 2019. The plan is to have fun and have enough energy left to stop on my way home at the Zim Smith bike path and run 6 more miles…

windy but fun

not fun!! but done…

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – Freihofer Training Challenge Run, gym, dinner out and tix to a comedy act with friends & hubby

Sebastian Maniscalco Coming To The UBS Arena - The Wave

re-scheduled from 12/31/21

Tuesday – ~~rest day~~, run
Wednesday – run, dinner out with friends
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
Sunday – rest day, ~~gym~~, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday –Shamrock Shuffle Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned

March 25, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for March ’22

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I do wish there was some green where I live..

Hopefully by my next Runfessions…

Anyway…

1. I runfess…

Last month I admitted that I was INTENTIONALLY (my word for 2022) signing up for a lot of races. But that I was skipping a half marathon in March (because I did not get into the NYC Half Marathon that I entered through the lottery.)

Instead I signed up for two five local five mile races: Electric City (March 12) and Shamrock Shuffle (March 27):

and a shorter (5.8M) race in Central Park (on April 10.)

this may have to be a DNS due to work 😦

2. I runfess…

I was offered a charity bib for the NYC Half Marathon (on March 20). I would not have had to raise money but I would still have had to pay the entrance fee ($130) and for my travel and accommodations.

a healthy repeat of this race experience?

I had four friends running this race and I came very close to accepting her offer.

I even considered skipping the Shape race and using my hotel & travel fees for this one instead.

In the end, I did not. I had already run THREE half marathons and been in NYC twice… yada yada.

4. I runfess…

As a mentioned in a previous post, I ran all my three half marathons under the time I would need to run a NYC big race (NYC HM, Brooklyn HM or NYC Marathon) in 2023,

However, I’m not sure that they are still offering guaranteed qualifying times for the NYC HM and it’s in March. I will not be 70 until May 9.

Hence, the lottery again for 2023 or….

Thanks to Deborah, I realized that I could run the NYC HM virtually this year and automatically gain entry into 2023 ($85 instead of $130 and no travel or hotel needed).

And you get a medal!

It’s virtual so I could do my normal 10 mile long run (in preparation for my April 16 half marathon) and if needed, walk the extra miles.

5. I runfess….

What was I thinking? Running 13.1 miles for fun!!!! In March!!!

I had planned to run a local 4 mile race on March 19 and signed up to volunteer at an expo (to promote the Freihofer 5k) on March 20…

Luckily, I never signed up for that local race and I was able to convince a running friend to run most of those 13.1 miles with me!

painful but completed…

But Never again!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Have you done any virtual races lately? Have you ever run a virtual Half Marathon? Run any St Patrick’s Day themed races this year? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blog

March 22, 2022 by Darlene

Virtual NYC Half Marathon Race Recap

I was always hoping to run the NYC Half Marathon when the course was only through Manhattan.

And I had entered the lottery several times but never got in.

The start of the course was changed in 2018 to Prospect Park, Brooklyn with the finish still in Central Park, Manhattan.

In 2019, I was lucky to have a fast enough time (for my age group) to get in.

I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon in 2018 and finished in 2:11

I signed up for the Virtual NYC Half Marathon as my 57th Half Marathon for several reasons:

NYC Half Marathon was cancelled in 2020 (when I time qualified again).
I did not get in through the lottery in 2021.
I decided not to take a charity bib for 2022. (no hotel or travel necessary if virtual)
I wanted to run it in 2023 and if I ran the virtual, I could get a guaranteed entry.
I had to run at least 10 miles (per my training for my April half marathon.)

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on February 27 in NYC and was not planning on another until April 16.

Actually I had thought of running a local 4 mile race today. But I had not signed up yet.

So I ran my usual 3 milers during the week.

Yes, I was a little nervous that I was not prepared for run 13.1 miles. In the previous two weekends, I had only run 8 and 5 miles. Hopefully, my legs would have muscle memory from the Feb. 27’s half marathon.

So the goal for this half marathon was completing my 10 mile training run with a few miles added on (maybe even walked). As long as I wore my Garmin and synced 13.1 miles with my Strava account, I was golden.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I ran the real thing in 2019. I felt so fortunate. Running down Times Square was truly amazing!!

Running it virtually in 2020 on the Nisky bike path was not amazing. LOL

I again contacted my friends and one agreed to run some of the miles with me.

We decided on our normal long run day which is Saturday and planned to meet at 9:00 at the rail trail.

I worked all day the day before but relaxed at mah jongg after my usual pre-race dinner of pizza.

Unfortunately, the forecast was for rain!!! I really didn’t want to run 13.1 miles in the rain nor did I want to postpone it until Sunday. I just crossed my fingers that they got the forecast all wrong.

Race Day:

I got up early and had my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee.

I checked the weather. It had rained overnight but it appeared to be just cloudy with no rain in sight!! Woo Hoo!

I didn’t pay too much attention to the temps (but I should have since I was over dressed)

No need to worry about bag check since I could just leave extra clothes in my car.

My plan was to walk 3.1 miles first and then meet Sherry, run 5 miles, then turn around and run back to our cars.

As you see, I tried to incorporate some NYC in my outfit: my 2020 half shirt, LeBow hat and NYC calf sleeves.

I arrived early as I had to walk the 3.1 miles (a 1.55 mile out and back.)

As you can see no one was out yet… but that would change as the morning wore on.

Nothing too exciting to see or photograph since I run here all the time (except in the winter).

But obviously, I have not been here since November.

sculpted out of a tree trunk… a new sight!

I got back to our meeting site early. Barbara was finishing her run and Deb was starting a short one.

Soon Sherry arrived and she agreed to do 10 miles with me. Yay!

Sherry and I run about the same pace. Today she warned that she was not feeling it and I might want to run ahead. I told her that it didn’t matter to me how slow we went and I would walk as often as she wanted.

The course we chose is slightly uphill. It was actually warm and humid. I had taken off my beanie (wish I hadn’t forgotten my baseball cap) and rolled up my sleeves (definitely over dressed). We were glad that it was overcast.

We walked often… just whenever we felt like it (and more than we needed). This run was at a much slower pace than we usually run but I was totally fine with it.

We got to the end of the rail trail and we had only run almost 4 miles

waited for the train to go by

so we continued another mile or so and then turned around.

No needed water stops but I was getting hungry so I ate a GU.

Obviously the rest of the run was slightly downhill but that didn’t mean that we walked less. LOL

Finally the last two miles or so I ran ahead. I was anxious get it over with!

And we finished…13.1 done for me!!

So no crowd support or bridges or parks or Times Square but we did it. Thanks to Sherry! I earned that medal and this:

chocolate milk + apple fritter

Additional Race Reflections:

I finished in a little over 3 hours… not bad considering it was really a 10 mile training run and a 3 mile walk.

Yes, I am disappointed that I could not run the real United NYC Half Marathon.

But I am excited to have the opportunity next year!! (It you do not live in NYS, try entering the lottery and join me and Deborah)

The Good:

The weather (it didn’t rain as predicted)
downhill course for 4 miles or so
A friend to run with
slept in my own bed the night before
great post race snack

The Bad:

no water stops
no crowd support
over dressed

The Ugly:

Nothing 🙂

Would I recommend this race?

Sure but only if you cannot run the real thing!!!

And it does get you a guaranteed entry into next year’s race.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Hey, my fastest miles were miles 12 & 13!!

Next Up:

A 5 mile race next weekend and another NYC race but only 5.8 miler (one loop) in Central Park.

Then a local half marathon. The third year for this race but the second year on its original course. A downhill course. Lots of running friends. Should be fun… I

Image result for helderberg to hudson half marathon

April 16, 2022

Happy Running! Anyone ever run a virtual half marathon? Would you run virtually to get a guaranteed entry into a race? Please share.

Since it is Tuesday, I am joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking up also with this link-up:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

March 20, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.13.22-3.20.22 – Doing it Virtually

A snowy start to the week but at least things warmed up a bit.

It was week of selfcare (haircut and nails) and catching up with friends (two ZOOMs).

Many of my friends ran the NYC Half Marathon on March 20.

I entered the lottery but did not get in so instead I decided to make sure I got in next year… hence, my virtual race.

Last Week:

Sunday – Since I had only run 5 miles the day before (in a snowstorm)

I drove to the Crossings and ran 5 more windy chilly miles. 5+5= 10 miles, right? Weekend Long Run complete!

Afterward, I did all the errands that could not be done the day before.

Monday – #nevermissamonday I ran after work and hoped that the streets in Delmar (where I live) would be clearer than the ones in Colonie (near the Crossings).

In the evening I had a ZOOM with a few of the college friends that I had went to France with. We hadn’t talked since we met in August.

Tuesday – Another after work run. I drove to the rail trail and was pleasantly surprised that most of ice/snow had melted.

Must be a ZOOM week. Had another one tonight. This time with running friends since several are wintering in Florida and others have not been running due to the cold weather or injury.

Wednesday – Rest day! I had an hair appointment after work. And besides I had run four days in a row. But I actually took a lunch time walk for a change… 60s again!!

Thursday – Sunrise run… yes me!! It was awesome to start the day that way and then I could relax after work.

a little too cloudy for a great sunrise but at the bottom left, if you look closely you can see the full moon

After work, it was raining (good decision on that run) so I went and got my nails done.

Friday – With mild temps and the possibility of rain on Saturday, I was tempted to squeeze in a run before mah jongg. But instead I went for a walk with friends (70 degree temps – how crazy?)
Saturday – Long Run Saturday.

Actually my plan for today was to run a Virtual NYC Half Marathon. 13.1 miles in the rain did not appeal to me…. But the forecast was wrong… it did not rain. In fact, it was warm and humid. I walked 3 miles and then ran/walked 10.14 with Sherry.

sweating… can’t get this dressing right.

Sunday – Glad that I got that long run/virtual race over with. This morning I was busy tracking my friends who were in NYC running the race LIVE.

In the afternoon, I was scheduled to volunteer for the Freihofer 5k at the Adirondack Sports Expo in Saratoga.

I got there early and had some delicious donut holes & spicy mocha while I strolled around Congress Park and downtown.

Then I got to hang out with some and old new friends while promoting this race (you can run it live or virtually for only $22 – that includes a shirt and a medal – AMBDC is the discount code)

I gave out free shirts and free cookies

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
Tuesday – lunch run
Wednesday – run after work
Thursday – rest day, dinner out with tennis friends
Friday -lunch run, dinner with family (celebrate S & A’s anniversary)
Saturday – rest day, walk
Sunday – Shamrock Shuffle (5 mile race) + 6 miles

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday –Virtual NYC Half Marathon Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned

March 18, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Five NRR Things I’m Loving Lately

What I'm loving lately

Racing, of course

: Fred Lebow Half ’22

: Central Park Half ’22

and Non-Running Related (NRR):

Knitting

I started last month with this Ukraine-inspired hat… I have plans for some socks and mittens…

2. Succulents

I started last year with many in the bay window of my living room

but now they are everywhere including my kitchen…

3. Live Flowers

It’s great that the ones at Trader Joe’s are affordable and last a long time…

4. IZZE

I just got back into buying them again. You can find them at Target.

Mango and Blackberry are my favorite flavors…

If you wondering about its nutritional value: IZZE Sparkling Juices are made with 70% fruit juice and a dash of sparkling water, with no sugar or preservatives added. IZZE sparkling blackberry juice beverage has 90 calories per eight-ounce can. It contains no fat and 0.3 grams of protein, and it also contains 18 grams of sugar. It also has 0.3 g of dietary fiber and low sodium. It is sweetened with fructose, a naturally occurring sugar.

I just think they taste good.

5. KODIAK CAKES OATMEAL

If you’ve read my blog, you know that oatmeal is my go to pre-race meal. Well, I actually eat oatmeal EVERYDAY!!

I’m sure that most of you make your own oatmeal. I admit that I’m lazy. I eat TWO packages (400 calories, yup!!) every morning.