September 12, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 9.6.21-9.12.21: WFH Extended, Kitchen Reno and a 5K

So nice to have a four-day work week. Even nicer that I do not have to go back to the office full-time until Sept. 20!! Woo Hoo!

And even though I just ran a half marathon, I did sign up and run a 5k race. It was a race that I’ve done several times in the past (so why not?)

The majority of my week was spent on kitchen reno stuff…

The last few weeks, 2 layers of flowered wallpaper and borders were removed (top) and the walls re-painted (bottom), new curtains. And all new appliances!!!

Last Week:

Monday – HOLIDAY! Day off from work! After a rainy Sunday, I was hoping that it would be boating weather. Since it was #nevermissamonday, I started the day with a run. I decided on the other end of the rail trail for the waterfalls and bridges and it being downhill on the way back. There were no DOMS from my recent half marathon. Always glad when nothing hurts.

did not need capris – it was warmer than I thought but still lovely running weather

We decided that it was indeed a boating day so we headed up to Lake George. It was raining when we arrived but then it turned out to be a picture perfect day on the lake.

rain clouds at the marina followed by sunshine in Red Rock Bay

Tuesday – Work day at the office means lunch walk for Starbucks.

had my first pumpkin latte and summer flowers are being replaced by fall mums.

It was a rest day so I met friends after work for a long walk on the rail trail.

I came home to my new kitchen:

morning (top), evening (bottom) – I told my hubby it would be like camping. Eating on paper plates and using the bathroom for water.

Wednesday – Working today from home allowed me to get in my run during lunch in case the predicted rain happened after work.

even with the breeze and lower humidity, I still don’t recommend running at NOON….hot!

Since the rain seemed to be delayed, I participated in a FTC group run followed by a smoothie tasting at the Athleta store in our mall.

just a small group came for the run and we got it done before the storms

Thursday – Since I ran twice the day before, I bagged the idea of getting up and running before going to the office. Besides, it was raining in the morning.

There was progress in the kitchen…

next up is the hardware, microwave

I got in my office lunch walk (and Starbucks) since the rain had stopped.

After work, I met my friends for our weekly trail walk. We went to Thacher again but to a different (and hillier trail.)

3 fun miles

And our favorite restaurant was open so we headed there after for dinner.

dinner view

Friday – Another rest day and day at the office. Got in a walk at lunch and after work.

microwave in and hardware added. onto the flooring next week

Played mah jongg in the evening after a few weeks off.

Saturday – Malta 5K. One of my favorite local 5ks. It’s nice to have races returning and to see so many familiar faces. And the weather was perfect, as well.

After the race, I decided to run some more to see what the 10k course was like. I’m glad I did not race it….. downhill and then uphill the last few miles.

After 4 miles or so, I decided to continue my run on the Zim Smith trail.. I parked at Leah’s Cakery but changed my mind and ran in town. What a cute town and a nice change of pace.

got hungry after 2 more miles

Sunday – Decided since our home was already a mess to replace the carpeting in the family room with the same flooring as in the kitchen. That meant emptying the family room (OY!!)

I did most of the packing up last night so that I could either go boating or hiking if the weather cooperated. The forecast was for rain up North so I chose to hike and head South. (Of course it was sunny and never rained. Grrrrr)

First I went to Mawignack Preserve in Catskill, NY. where Thomas Cole did most of his paintings.

It was only a mile hike so I drove to the Thomas Cole Historic Site. I just missed the 2pm entrance time and didn’t want to wait another hour so I walked the grounds and then over the Rip Van Winkle bridge. If I had more time (and not rain coming), I would have continued to Olana.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – FTC run
Tuesday – rest day, hair appt., College friends ZOOM
Wednesday – run, walkwith BFF
Thursday – run, trail group walk
Friday – rest day, CONCERT
Saturday – LONG RUN (12 miles)
Sunday – rest day, boating/hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Race 4 The River Half Marathon Race Recap
Friday – Tips for “Older” Runners

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 planned? Is the weather interfering with your runs? Please share.

September 10, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Looking Forward to Fall

Whoa! Where did summer go?

I LOVE summer but here are a few things that I will enjoy this Fall:

1.Cooler and Less Humid Weather Conditions.

As I said, I normally love the sunshine and warm temps of summer. But this summer, the humidity really tried my patience.

Hopefully, this Fall, my runs will be more comfortable and hence speedier.

2. Fall Foliage Viewing and More Hiking Activities.

Living in upstate New York, we are usually treated to gorgeous fall colors. Hopefully the awful summer weather will not impact this.

The Fall is also for the same reason, my favorite season to hike in. Boating Sundays will end soon and be replaced by Hiking Sunday.

3. More Racing Ops.

Many of the Fall races are now being held in-person.

Great Pumpkin Challenge

Many of the spring races have been re-scheduled to this Fall.

Freihofer Run for Women

4. A Race-cation with Friends.

Last year, I went to NH with my running friends but the race was cancelled. So this year, we rented a house again and plan to spend 4 days in NH which will include running an in-person race and assorted shenanigans.

after our “virtual” Smuttynose Half Marathon

5. Pumpkin everything and Cider Donuts!

Yes, I do love Fall food!! Especially those with added sugar LOL

Happy Running! Are you looking forward to Fall? If so, what activities do you have planned?

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

and add your link below:

September 7, 2021 by Darlene

2021 Workforce Team Challenge Race Recap

August 26, 2021 – 5:30 pm-Altamont Fairgrounds

The CDPHP^® Workforce Team Challenge is a 3.5-mile road race open to teams of employees from corporations, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, not-for-profit corporations, and financial institutions. Participating companies, organizations, and agencies use the event as a platform to provide health and fitness opportunities in the workplace while promoting goodwill and camaraderie among their employees.

This race normally takes place in May at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on a similar course to the old Freihofer course. It sells out early with a cap of 10,000 runners.

: 2011

: 2017

: 2018

: 2019

At my former job, I ran this race once (in 2011), the only year I convinced them to have a team. It was fun so I signed up to be part of a team at my new job five years ago. We didn’t actually have enough runners for our own team so we partnered with UAlbany. I ran it with this team the last two years, as well.

I enjoyed it and it was a good way to get to know others where I work

So COVID happened and last year’s race was cancelled.

This year, they scheduled it but postponed it from May until late August.

They also changed the venue. No longer in the city of Albany but the course would be on the hills of Altamont. There would also be a staggered start and start an hour earlier:

5:30PM – Wave A (Males 24:30 and under)
5:40PM – Wave B (Females 28:00 and under)
5:50PM – Wave C
6:00PM – Wave D
6:10PM – Wave E
6:20PM – Wave F

Many post-COVID races have taken place here due to the openness of the start/finish area and the wide country roads.

I got an email at work that the team we had previously run with was not organizing a team. So instead we joined a new team (SUNY System Admin.) There would be about 25 of us (a few others opted to run the race virtually.)

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

If you read my blog, you know that I have a half marathon soon (on Sept. 4) and that I have been running a few shorter races on the weekend.

3.5 miles is an odd distance but with running mostly 3 miles on weekdays, it should not have been a stretch.

The last 3.5 race that I ran was this one back in May of 2019. My time was a PR but on a completely different course.

32:56

Last June I did run a 4 mile race on a similar course in Altamont.

36:38

I really had no goal but I assumed that my finish time would be somewhere between those two times. Of course, weather could be a factor as well.

The predicted temp was 90 degrees with 90% humidity!!!!!!!!! Holy moley!

Race Day:

I was scheduled for wave C (5:50 pm). But we were asked to arrive at 5 pm for a 5:10 group photo.

I was working from home that day so at least I would not have to decide what to wear in the morning and carry my clothes to work. I did not know if we would have team shirts but I wore purple as I did the other years since UAlbany colors are purple and gold.

I also had to remember to bring a cup to fill up at the water stops (a COVID restriction).

Another issue was fueling. When and what do you eat for a race that starts at 5:50 pm?

So when I finished work at 4pm, I ate a protein bar and a banana and hoped that would be enough.

I doubted that there would be 10,000 racers but still, I left early in order to get parking.

We were emailed a map as to where to meet the team captain and get our bib and shirt.

Even with the map, I wandered around and had difficulty finding my group. I eventually did find them at the farthest point from the parking lot. They picked that spot because it was close to the start. I was now already sweaty. Not a good sign.

Too far a walk to return to my car so I just hung out with the group (many of whom I was meeting for the first time).

We gathered for a picture and then waited to be called to the start line.

One of my co-workers is very fast so he started with the first group. We walked slowly to the start as to catch him going by.

Below is the published course map:

And the elevation chart:

yikes – HILLS!

Mile 1:

As you see from the elevation chart above, the first mile has some downhills. I needed to remember to start out slow so I would have energy to climb the hills later.

Plus I was sweaty before I even started to run.

Luis, my co-worker, wanted us to run together. He said that I would keep him slower at the beginning. I’m faster than him so I’m not sure how I should have taken that comment. But I said that we could try it and see how it goes.

I think we were neck and neck the first mile. It was very hot so I tried to run slower and it wasn’t hilly yet…

But the sun was getting lower in the sky and so you were running most of the race with the sun in your face (and zero shade). I wore my favorite Goodr sunglasses but there was a black spot in the middle of one lens (so annoying that I kept taking them on and off.)

Mile 2:

During this mile, the climb started. And so did my walking. Luis continued to run. He got ahead when I walked but I quickly caught up when I ran.

We were asked to carry our own water or bring a cup to re-fill at the water stop. I was assuming there would be one at least at the half way point.

Nope… no sign. I was dying of thirst but continued to drag myself along.

At least with running along country roads, the scenery was pretty.

Mile 3-3.5:

We continued with rolling hills. I ran a little, walked a lot. When I ran, I tried to run at a decent pace.

Everyone was so sweaty. It looked like the runners had gone swimming.

Finally around mile 2.75, there was a water stop and they provided cups of water (WTH?) I drank two and walked for awhile.

I would see Luis ahead and finally he had slowed to a shuffle.

I managed to pass him (and asked him if he was ok. He responded HOT!).

The end was kinda a blur. I remember someone spraying us with a hose. That was so needed.

There was somewhat of a downhill toward the end. I just wanted to finish at this point. We entered the fair grounds and I passed my friends volunteering at the results booth. They cheered me on.

I walked several a few more times after I passed them so I could sprint across the finish line as they called my name.

Post Race Activities:

I got a bottle of water and grabbed some food.

starved .. this did not suffice

Two of my running friends were volunteering at the results table so I headed there to check out my time and to make plans for dinner after.

happy to have survived this sweatfest

Then I walked all the way back to my car to change my shirt and shoes. On the way, I saw that they were giving out popsicles to the finishers. I grabbed one!!

sooo good!!!!!!!!

After changing into flip flops, I hiked back to hang out with my friends and to cheer the other runners to the finish line. Despite the heat, everyone was enthusiastic and encouraging. That’s what I love about racing!!

Additional Race Reflections:

I’m sure this course and date were temporary and will go back to May. Hopefully more runners will participate next year as well. (less than 1K this compared to 10K in previous years).

You can’t do anything about the weather, so I’m happy to have taken it slow and I was feeling ok (and just sweaty) after the race.

Positives:

Safety restrictions in place (outdoors, staggered starts, post-race refreshments in a bag).
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
Interesting course.
Friendly volunteers.
Popsicles.
Team tee shirt contest.
Team atmosphere.
A real race.

Negatives:

Hilly course
No shade
Water stop (at mile 2.75?)
HOT, HUMID weather conditions
Post-race refreshments (COVID?)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

It was well-organized. It will be even more fun when there are no COVID restrictions and it is scheduled in May on the original course. It’s a good way interact with fellow workers and meet workers that run whom you didn’t know before.

Final Stats:

This chart shows how often I walked after mile 1:

there were no awards besides Team awards. I did win my AG.

My team SUNY came in 2nd.

Next Up:

Half marathon #3 for 2021:

Screenshot_20210610-070949_Gmail (1).jpg

I was hoping that I’d be better trained for this one…but it’s hard in the summer. The course, for once, is not supposed to be hilly and a cool down was predicted for the weather 🙂

However, I’m just happy that races are happening again and I am healthy enough to run them.

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies: Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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.

Happy Running! Ever participate in a team race?

September 5, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down (x2) for 8.23.21-9.5.21: NYC, the Hamptons and a Half Marathon

It’s catch up time. I skipped last week’s Run Down since I was away for four days.

I was in NYC where I met up with some college friends (and saw the Van Gogh exhibit), then I spent the weekend with my college roomie who lives in the Hamptons (on LI) and then I returned to NYC for some sightseeing and a special meet-up.

This past week I was both recuperating and preparing to run a half marathon. It was one of the few trainings where life seemed to take precedence over my long runs. But as we know, I don’t race for my job and finish times are a mere signal of accomplishment (no matter how slow or fast.)

So Half Marathon #51 is in the books.

Two Weeks Ago:

Monday – We got spared from the worst of the tropical storm but there was rain and a lot of rain…all day! I was wondering if it would ever stop and I would be able to go to my Freihofer Training Run. I will run when caught in the rain but but to go when it is already pouring???

Well, the rain stopped before the run and we got treated to a rainbow. What didn’t stop was the HUMIDITY!!

the group ran 4 miles with 3- 3 min. surges. I quit after 3 miles (blister and sore back).

Tuesday – My after work walk with friends got cancelled in favor of a reunion with three other teachers that I used to work with. We had dinner at a restaurant on the water in Saratoga. It was fun catching up.

great views and great conversation

Wednesday – Back in the office so I did my usual lunch Starbucks walk.

this was interesting

After work, the last “ice cream” run was held. I debated about going but since it was on trails and the day before a race, I did instead a quick slow run at UAlbany followed by ice cream and a walk with friends.

Holy Moley…HOT!

Thursday – Tonight the Workforce Challenge Race was scheduled on a new date and time (normally in May) and in a new locale (normally in downtown Albany.) It is always hot and humid during this race and tonight didn’t disappoint. The course was harder (HILLS) and there were fewer participants but always glad to have an opportunity to race with others.

soooo sweaty!!!!!!

Two of my running friends volunteered so we all went out after.

Friday – Off on a very early train to NYC. When I arrived at Penn Station (or now we use Moynihan Hall), I met up with my college friends and we all took the subway to have a yummy brunch together.

After brunch, we taxied to the Van Gogh expo. I had already seen it (in Montreal) but my friends had not. Even with all the COVID restrictions, it was still enjoyable. Glad I got to see it again.

on the bottom left is the original Van Gogh from MOMA.

After the expo, we headed back uptown to catch the Cezanne exhibit in the Modern Museum of Art. What else would French majors do? And afterward, we had drinks and a bite to eat.

Then my roommate and I took the LIRR out to her place in the the Hamptons where I would spend the weekend.

Saturday – I woke up early to get in a run in my roomie’s neighborhood. It’s always nice to run in a new place.

I ran to the bay and then found a nature preserve. Didn’t get in my planned 10 miles but so what?

It was quite windy so we decided instead of the beach to go to a winery. There are zillions on eastern LI.

Pindar is one of the largest so we chose that one…did lots of tasting and even found a sunflower field on the way home.

For dinner, we settled on a seafood meal with a view of the LI Sound.

Sunday – My host was a late riser so that gave me the opportunity to again go for a run.

I headed to the same preserve as the day before but ran a different route there and on a different trail.

The weather today was nice enough to head to the beach… that made me super happy.

note the pic on the middle left – do not leave unoccupied food on the beach lol

We chose this beach because my friend wanted to give me the opportunity to run over a bridge.

I will admit that I walked to the top and ran down and repeated that going back. (There was also a seafood/bakery on the other end.)

For dinner, we chose an Italian restaurant (of course with a view.)

Last Week:

Monday – My plan was to head back to NYC on the train. It is 2h30 ride and there are not many trains. I did have time to run before I left but decided instead to save my legs for walking around Manhattan.

I had thought that I would walk around Central Park but Cari recommended that I go someplace new. So I hopped the subway and headed toward the Little Island. (Thanks Cari for the suggestion.)

an oasis in the middle of the Hudson River (near 13th St)….so unique.. the only problem was the heat and humidity lol

With time to kill until dinner and needing some shade, I decided to walk the High Line.

although I’ve done the walk so many times, there’s always something new to see.

The real reason that I added an extra day to my trip was to see two dear friends that I hadn’t seen in forever.

dinner and chatting until I had to leave to catch my train home.

I returned home by train (with no travel issues.)

Tuesday – I was pooped from my 4 day vacation. Luckily I was still working from home. I was able to squeeze in a run before meeting friends to walk on the rail trail.

what’s with this humidity!?

Wednesday – Today the forecast was for rain but I was hoping to be able walk and to attend the SOAR/ice cream group run after work. At lunch, I checked the forecast and made the decision to run then rather than waiting.

It was cloudy and in the 60s but still very humid…it drizzled at the beginning and end of the run

It was the right decision since it rained all afternoon. We wound up doing our walk in the mall.

Thursday – Rest Day! The ARE trail runs had ended but my running friend had decided to continue these as walks each week on a a different trail. Today we chose Thacher Park. (The weather was cool and would have been perfect for a evening race…just saying.)

a fun 3.2 mile trail

Unfortunately our favorite post-hike restaurant was closed so we had to choose an alternate.

Friday – Rest Day #2. I picked up my bib for the race the next day,

got my outfit ready and played mah jongg.

ready or not!

Saturday – Race 4 the River Half Marathon. Finally a race where it was not very hot or humid and one where the course was not super hilly. Still it felt hard but thanks to my friends, I had a fun time before, during and after.

we carpooled to the start, I ran almost the whole run chatting with friends and went for drinks and food after…so glad racing is back!

Sunday – Recovery Day and packing up the kitchen for the reno.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF (Holiday) – FTC run
Tuesday – (Kitchen reno starts!) rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run, trail walk
Friday -rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Malta 5K (+5-8 more miles)
Sunday – rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Workforce Challenge Race Recap
Friday – Looking Forward to Fall

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Please share.

September 3, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for Sept. ’21

It’s that time of the month…

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

After two months of going into the office three days a week, this month I will have to go back EVERYDAY!

I know I did it for many years before but still…. HOW???

I am so jealous of you runners who do not have to do your hair, make-up, put on jewelry and nice clothes and then pack a lunch, pre-run snack and your running stuff for all possible weather conditions. (RANT over!)

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I registered for Half Marathon #51 (counting all the virtuals of 2020). It is TOMORROW. Gulp!

Screenshot_20210610-070949_Gmail (1).jpg

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran 9 half marathons in 2020. However, I feel a little rusty. This is only my 3rd this year

and the last one was back in April.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I signed up for several more races in September and October:

- 09-11-21 – Malta 5k
- 09-25-21 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k
- 10-03-21 – Smuttynose Half Marathon
- 10-09-21 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k
- 10-23-21 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’d tell you that I won 2nd place in a photo contest.

I won what’s in the picture not what the email says.

However, I didn’t remember entering and I had no idea which photo won. Glad they posted the winning pics:

took this one back in March

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my kitchen make-over project is more stressful than training for a marathon.

Having someone remove all the wallpaper and then paint.
Buying all new appliances, having them delivered and installed
Picking out cabinets, flooring, tile, etc.
Hiring someone to install them.
Picking out countertops and hiring someone to install.
Having the cabinets and flooring delivered (my hubby has to pick up) and installed.
Having countertops delivered and installed
Odds and ends like new curtains, hardware and outlet covers, etc.

Much harder and longer than my 16 week marathon training plan. It leaves me wondering why I decided to do this and if I will get to that finish line…

Happy Running! What’s new with you? 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.

August 31, 2021 by Darlene

TT: Tips for Beginner Runners

I’m skipping ahead to next Tuesday’s topic: Tips for Beginner Runners It’s been awhile since I started running (like 2008). I’ve learned a lot since then. And although I am not a certified coach, I have mentored and run with many beginner running groups.

So here are my favorite tips:

Join a group or a class.

It’s much easier than going at it alone. You will make friends and a coach/mentor will help avoid form and training mistakes.

a fun 10 week program

If there is no class or group available to you, use the Couch25k app.

This app will guide through walk/run intervals and prepare you to complete a 5k.

The STEM group also used this app even though in a group

Sign up for a 5k race.

This will motivate you to do your runs and give you a goal.

if possible, one with a medal!

Buy good running shoes.

Go to a running store, if possible, try on a few shoes. Return the shoes if they are not comfortable (most stores will allow you to return your shoes.)

so many choices…

Even a bad run is better then no run at all.

Runs that suck will happen. Forget and move on.

oh well

Buy running clothes you look good in and that are comfortable.

I recommend breathable shirts and shorts/skirts with pockets.

Running is not an excuse to triple your intake of doughnuts.

Yes, runners gain weight too. Try to eat a healthy snack (such as a banana) before you run and something with protein after (bagel, chocolate milk).

Add other forms of exercise to your routine on days that you do not run.

This could be walking, biking, hiking, yoga, strength training,

or going to the gym!

Don’t neglect and irritate your family and friends by spending all your time talking about running.

It’s only a small part of your life…though it may be one of the BEST parts.

Happy Running! What tips can you add to this list? Please share. runner-sig

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

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.

August 27, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for August ’21

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

1. I runfess…

I ran short races on the weekend when I should have been doing my LSD for my upcoming half marathon.

Yes, I do use a rough training plan but I’m not good with following it.

- 07-04– Firecracker 4 – should have been 5 miles
- 07-25- FASNY 5k – should have been 8 miles
- 08-07– Run for the Roses 5k – should have been 10 miles
- 08-14 – Whipple City 10k – should have been 11 miles

2. I runfess…

I don’t learn from my mistakes, I signed up for two 5ks before my October 3 half marathon.

- 09-11 – Malta 5k – should be 11 miles
- 09-25 – Freihofer Run for Women – should be 8-10 miles

3.I runfess…

I love our trail runs but because it’s often technical, hilly or muddy, I walk much of the run.

But my runfession is that I count them as running miles (not walking miles). Sue me.

4. I runfess…

I was very excited about signing up for three months of Peleton. I had good intentions of using it for walks, strength training maybe even yoga.

Nope, not happening yet. I think I used it for once. My excuse is that I have not been running solo. I have no good excuse (besides, work, life, etc) for not using it for those other areas.

5.I runfess…

Without any walking challenges, I am walking much less when working from home. I know why. I use my free time to do household things like cleaning, laundry. etc.

I go back to the office in a week and the good news is that I WILL walk during my lunch hours (not much else to do.)

I need to limit my daily intake of Starbucks too

Unfortunately, running will be a rush to get it done before darkness and mostly alone. More importantly not forgetting to bring everything I need for all weather conditions.

back to after work runs at UAlbany

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? 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

August 24, 2021 by Darlene

TT: What’s New This Year?

The topic for today is: Share your favorite running item(s) you’ve tried this year

I am a creature of habit so I have not tried anything new that I can think of except for new shoes and new races.

Shoes:

I pretty much only wear Topos ever since I was diagnosed with a neuroma because of their wide toe box. (I already have Magnifly, Ultrafly and Flylyte.) But I did try two new styles:

Topos Phantom – These have a 5mm drop and more support and cushioning than the other Topos. I like to wear them for long runs and long races.

Topos Cyclone – These also have a 5mm drop. But they are much lighter and less supportive. I like to wear them for short races.

As with many of the Topos, I struggle with the lacing. It is often hard to get them tight enough and to get them to stay tied.

Magnifly Topos are my favorites but still Thumbs Up for both of these.

: 3 miles in Cyclones

Races

I love to race and love to try new races and routes. Many of my go-to races were not happening due to COVID.
These are the races that I have never run before:

A1A Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon – 13.1 miles (in Fort Lauderdale) along the eastern coast of Florida (recap)
Electric City 5 Miler – a new race along the Mohawk River in Schenectady, NY (recap)
Prospect Mountain Road Race – a challenging 5.6 miles to the top of a mountain ending with beautiful views of Lake George (recap)
Miles on the Mohawk 10 Miler – a point-to-point race along the Mohawk (recap)
Rabbit Ramble 4 Miler – a new location on the rolling hills of Altamont, NY (recap)
Firecracker 4 – a very popular race on July 4th in Saratoga, NY (recap)
FASNY 5k – a new race in Saratoga State Park (recap)
Run for the Roses 5K – a hilly race in Grafton Lake State Park (recap)
Whipple City 10k – even hillier race in the countryside of Greenwich, NY (recap)

I would give them all up THUMBS UP!!

Happy Running! What’s new with you? What items (or races) have you tried this year? Please share.

runner-sig

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

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.

August 22, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.16.21-8.22.21: A Flowery Week

No big Heat wave. No races. I did complete my last long run before my half marathon.

However, my trip to the New York Botanical Gardens and the Sunflower field were the highlights of the week.

Last Week:

Monday – #nevermissamonday. After work, I had time to kill before my Freihofer group run so I drove to see the sunflower field. Due to our hot, wet summer, it wasn’t as impressive as last year but still awesome. ❤ sunflowers

Today’s intermediate workout was 15 min run, 2 minutes hard, 2 minutes slow x 3, 15 minute run.

more humid than I expected and it’s always nice to have company on a run

Tuesday – I planned this months ago with my tennis friends – a day at the New York Botanical Gardens to see the Kusama exhibit. The forecast was for clouds and showers. Nope. Beautiful weather to hang with my friends. I knew I’d love Kusama’s art but it was even better than I expected…and there were so many flower gardens and water lily ponds. ❤

The NYBG is in the Bronx, right near Little Italy. So afterward we enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner before our long drive home.

Wednesday – A busy work day at home but I was able to meet friends after work for a walk followed by either the SOAR run or Ice Cream run. Since the SOAR run was held where I was already walking, I chose these women to run with. (Definitely will do the ice cream run next Wed.)

Thursday – Another busy work day at home but I was excited because Thursday evening is our weekly trail run/walk. Rain was in the forecast which is not unusual. I knew that I would go anyway since it was the last one (and I had perfect attendance.)

So it rained on and off all day, sometimes like a monsoon but it only drizzled during our run.

another nice trail run and I even ran most of it. Dinner and drinks afterward were fun too.

Friday – Rest day and more rain this morning but also a Starbucks walk during lunch (since I was at the office) and another after work before mah jongg.

sun came out for my lunch walk around the mall

Saturday – Long Run Day with 12 on my schedule. I was so happy to have company for this one. I ran all the miles with Sherry and bumped into the others on the rail trail or after at brunch.

soul sucking hot humid AF run

Sunday – Hope to get in a hike before the rains come.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – FTC run
Tuesday – rest day, dinner with old teaching friends
Wednesday – (last) Ice Cream run
Thursday – Workforce Challenge 3.5 mile Race
Friday – train to NYC for a college reunion, Van Gogh exhibit, Cezanne at MoMa
Saturday & Sunday – run in the Hamptons, LI (visiting college roomie), beaches, wineries and more

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – What I Have Tried New This Year
Friday – Runfessions

Next Week on the Run–

Monday – run in NYC, train home that night
Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
Wednesday – run
Thursday – rest day, trail walk
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Race 4 The River Half Marathon
Sunday – rest day, boating

Next Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Workforce Challenge Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Update

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Is the weather interfering with your runs? Please share.

August 20, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Sign Up for the Freihofer Run For Women

Freihofer's Run for Women 5K

I’m sure that most of you do not live in the Albany, NY area or will not be traveling to this area, so you will want to sign up for the VIRTUAL version of this race.

Click HERE to register.

This is a great way to take part in the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k for 2021, outside of the in-person event.

And here’s why you should sign up:

1.You could run it with me!!

I have run this race every year since I’ve started running (even when injured.)

running with others virtually is fun and motivating

2. I have a Discount Code.

As an ambassador for this race, I get a discount for the registration fee that I can share with you.

For $10 off, enter this code: AMBDC10

3. You will receive great Swag.

A gender-specific tank and a cool medal.

4. You will be donating to a Charity.

5. You can run it anytime and anywhere.

Once registered, you will receive a series of emails with instructions. You will have one week to complete a 5k run on your own and upload results to our site. You can run/walk your 5K any time between September 19 and September 26, 2021. After completing your 5k, your results will be posted and your swag will be mailed out.