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Weekly Run Down for 1.20.20-1.26.20: On to the Next Challenge

Back from my weekend in NYC and my first long race of 2020…and now training for my next in a month, a race-cation in Bermuda!!

Last Week –

  • Monday – MLK Holiday so a day off from work… and recuperating from the weekend!! Also I went for an evaluation at PT to try and get rid on my annoying foot pain. She says it is nerve impingement (not necessarily a neuroma) caused by my tight right ankle muscles and poor posture (especially being on the computer all day.) She scraped, massaged, rubbed on CBD oil, used electronic stimulation and gave me exercises to strengthen my quads. We’ll see… Fingers crossed.

Image result for ashley green room pt

  • Tuesday – My legs felt great but it was cold and I decided to postpone my run and ride the bike at the gym instead.

Afterward I met my BFF for a walk around the mall. Unfortunately I returned home to news that my good friend had lost her battle with cancer.

@andyjha – you will be greatly missed as a runner, biker, triathlete, teacher, photographer, lover of coffee, lighthouses, covered bridges and mostly as a friend

  • Wednesday – Back to PT. Similar experience to Monday (but no CBD oil). She also worked on my calf.  Next Monday, she is going to try using the laser treatment.
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not my foot lol

Since I had not run since Sunday, I decided to test out the foot. Unfortunately, my favorite path was snow-covered so I ran on the roads alongside it.

foot still sore at the beginning but pretty painless after awhile (but only a short run so I am not saying that it’s any better…yet)

  • Thursday – Another run day. This time at UAlbany with Chris. It is so much easier when you have company. We chatted the whole time.

  • Friday – Rest Day…and then mah jongg in the evening,
  • Saturday – Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters (although many of them were in FL or busy). Very happy to find the path at the Crossings clear. Managed to get 11 miles in and brunch before the rain started.

ran 7 out of 11 with Sherry (not pictured)

That evening the hubby & I went out to a fancy dinner to finally celebrate our anniversary. (Sorry no pix.)

  • Sunday – Rest day…catch up day around the house..lots of errands.

I am weak…

I managed to do some biking at the gym and went for a walk on the local trail.

rain washed away the snow but it was still too slushy and icy to run on…like my new shoes? (I returned the Altras and bought Brooks Ghost.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – PT, run (Delmar)
  • Tuesday –  run (UAlbany)
  • Wednesday – rest day, PT
  • Thursday – run (UAlbany), dinner with tennis friends
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Polar Cap Race (4m) + 8m??? OR
  • Sunday – Winter Series #5 (4.5m or 10m)?? – depends on what I run on Saturday

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? Anyone training yet for their first 2020 race? Who’s joining me in Bermuda? What’s new with you? Please share.

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2020 – What’s My Word?

Will You Take the One Word Challenge This Year?

Well, it’s that time of year. (Well, maybe a little late. Better late than never.)

Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year. (If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

I started this in 2014 and have continued the tradition every year after:

2014:514_400x400_NoPeel

2015:

2016:

2017:

Word Relax handwritten on sandy beach - Royalty-free Handwriting Stock Photo

2018:

Adapt chalkart

And 2019:

refocus

So in 2019, this is how I said I would RE-FOCUS:

  1. This is the first thing that I will change. It applies to running as well as life. Less STRESS in 2019. In other words, some runs won’t happen, some races will suck, PRs may be elusive. My job is just a job. It is what it is.
  2. So this one has to do with priorities. Trying to do it all means not doing some things well. The hard part will be deciding what is important. In the past year, I was trying to keep up with tennis, maintain decent speed on short races and complete a few half marathons. In the mix was traveling as part of my job, vacations, family events and seeing my friends, etc. There were days that I was just going through the motions. In 2019, I may just have to let some things go and concentrate on those things that matter most.
  3. I admit that this past year, I may have been in a running rut. I got complacent with my training because I was still successful …enough. I feel like I need a change. I want to do something different and something that involves effort. Once I decide, there will be no excuses. It may be joining a gym or signing up for yoga classes or trying spinning or even playing on a tennis team. I may even start to quilt again. I could even start a new job.

So how did I do?

  1. I’ve ACCEPTED my job for what it is and instead, focused on its benefits. I felt less stressed about race finish times and PRs and enjoyed my runs and races more than in the past. CHECK – change
  2. I made the decision NOT to play tennis. I instead concentrated on family, friendships and racing. CHECK – priorities
  3. I ran my first MARATHON!! CHECK – effort

Re-Focusing in 2019 was a success in my opinion!

And now on to 2020…

What is my word? Should I pick one this year?

1.My first thought was skip the whole “word” thing. I tend to forget about it until it’s time to pick another word.

2. On the other hand, it’s a good way to look back on the past year and also look ahead to the coming year.

3. What word should I pick?

many ideas for this year and future years…

4. So my word for this year is:

Image result for patience

So what does it mean?

  1. the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint
  2. steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in the performance of a task

5. So how will PATIENCE fit into my running in 2020?

On the whole, I am not a patient person. In fact, I am pretty impulsive. So this will be a BIG challenge.

  • If I cannot run, find another activity rather than whining about not running.

Related image

  • When I was healthy, I signed up for a lot of races..and then things changed.  So I need to hold off on clicking that “Register” button from time to time so I can properly train for a race rather than just “do” it.
Industryweek 11700 Patience

AND PATIENCE

  • PRs may happen. PRs may not happen but you often can’t predict when they will happen.

Image result for patience"

  • I have to start out races slower so I can negatively split a few. I must remember that it should feel easy at the start of a race and that I need to keep my energy under control so I don’t fade in the latter parts of a race.

Image result for patience"

Here are some links related to running and patience:

So how am I am doing so far with relation to PATIENCE:

  • Several times a week, I am using the stationary bike at the gym in order to avoid running too many weekly miles (until my foot is pain-free.)
  • Although I could have qualified or registered for the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May, I decided to wait and sign up for a local May half (if I am healthy).
  • I did run the Fred Lebow Half Marathon but very cautiously with zero expectations of a good finish time.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Are you PATIENT when it comes to running?

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Winter Series #3 Race Recap

As I have mentioned before, the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the winter for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free.

This weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 10K and 25K.

I ran this race in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

I am in throes of injury-ridden half marathon training. So I ran 10 miles (in pain) the day before.

Normally, I would have skipped the race.  But it was sunny and 65 degrees!!! Yes, 65 in January.

So what the hell?… I decided to go and walk the course.

And many of my friends were running it.

short sleeves in January…woo hoo! check out that guy with NO shirt!

All the distances started at the same point (but separated at various points during the race.)

I’m in the back with the white t-shirt

And I walked while my friends ran/walked.

that runner on the left, Annie, is in her late 80’s. She was walking the 10k. 

She was walking so fast that I gave up trying to keep up with her.

My friend Jeri is running and there’s Annie walking…look at her go!! My hero!

There were times when I did run to keep up with my friends.

And my foot hurt less when I ran than when I walked.

Eventually we reached the finish line.

But they had mismarked the course – 2.5 miles instead of 3 miles!!

Of course, I sprinted as not to finish last.

Oops #72 – that’s me.

Then I got my refreshments – chili and many slices of delicious bread.

So I may not have really RACED but I participated.  It was a chance to get some fresh air and exercise.  My foot was no worse. Win. Win.

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and start today!!

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

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Are you doing any winter races? Have you ever walked a race?

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Weekly Run Down for 1.13.20-1.19.20: Race Week??

Back working at home until March except for some race-cations thrown in.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Back to my podiatrist because the foot pain continues. I convinced him that I think it’s a neuroma. He agreed that if it were small, it wouldn’t show up on a MRI and he gave me a cortisone shot.  He added that we wouldn’t know if it worked for 2-3 weeks.

Had my first of 4 Chair Yoga sessions at work. So fun. Need it every day!!

great stretching without having to change from your work clothes.

After work, I ran my usual 3 mile UAlbany.

verdict is still out on the shot..foot still numb…time will tell…

  • Tuesday – Rest Day scheduled due to a much needed hair appointment.
  • Wednesday – Long work day but needed to run it off. Instead of UAlbany, I drove to rail trail and also ran in the local neighborhoods when it got dark.

after standing all the day, the foot really ached

  • Thursday – Debating all day about whether or not to run a half in NYC on Sunday. Tonight was the deadline to cancel my hotel reservations.  The weather forecast for Saturday was snow/rain but on race day, it had improved..and then there was the foot situation and lack of training. Decisions….Decisions.

oops..almost forgot…we’ll celebrate at a later date.

After another day on my feet, I went for a run at UAlbany with Chris.

much colder and windier but the foot felt better than the day before

  • Friday – PT consult today.  Looking for answers for my foot. She says she can help..appointments made for next Monday and Wednesday.

Also a Rest Day to get ready for the weekend in NYC and an evening with the mah jongg ladies. Yup, I decided to go for it.  I love a challenge and I hoped that I wouldn’t regret it.

  • Saturday – Another rest day cuz I was headed to NYC by bus. Thanks to the snow, my bus arrived late so I immediately headed to meet fellow bloggers Cari and Deborah. We had a great time over wine and popcorn. I briefly stopped off to check into my hotel before heading to Brooklyn to carb load with friend Stan who was also running the half the next day.

  • Sunday – Race Day – Fred Lebow Half Marathon. Holy hills!!! Two full loops of Central Park on a beautiful day. Perfect weather for running but the cold temps and wind had me freezing my butt off before and after the race. The foot hurt but seems no worse than before. The hills were what had me bitching. After a long hot shower, I met Stan for brunch. And we both decided to head home several hours early. (Too cold windy and sore to hike around the city.). I felt better after running 26.2 miles. Go figure.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – PT, rest day
  • Tuesday –  rest day, gym, mall walk with BFF
  • Wednesday – PT, run (Delmar)
  • Thursday –run (UAlbany)
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – long run with Sole Sisters (11 miles)
  • Sunday – rest day

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? Anyone suffering from undiagnosable injuries? Ever have a cortisone shot? What’s new with you? Please share.

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What I Learned From My First Marathon

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Enough time has passed since Nov 3, 2019 that I can be objective about my first marathon experience.

I had no idea what to expect ….

Here’s what I learned:

1.The Marathon is More than a Race.

There are training runs…lots of them and hopefully supported by your friends.

There’s the expo and pre-race activities.

Of course, there’s the race itself which is obvious. 26.2 miles…

Finally, there’s also the post race experience.

I am happy that I chose to go big…

NYC rocked all aspects of the race!!

The finish line was not the only important thing that happened that weekend. Who knew?

2.Preparation and Recovery are Different for Each Runner.

I chose the Hal Higdon plan but quickly realized that I could not do the longish mid-week runs due to long work days and lots of work travel. (I traveled for 8 weeks during peak marathon training.)

So I stuck to my normal short runs 3 times a week and then added a long run on the weekend. However, I did worry that I was not as prepared as I should have been. And I had not run as many miles as other marathoners.

After the race, many runners cautioned me about recovery. One even said that she took off a month after her first marathon.

But I felt great. I ran a 15k race a week later.

Just like pace, preparation and recovery are individual things.

3.Your Mind Really Does Control Your Legs.

During the second 13 miles of the race, I was convinced that I was injured…my lower back, my left quad, my right ankle. They all ached.

As a result, I just could not move my legs fast.  I was not tired. I wanted to get to the finish line. But my mind said “Slow Down! Don’t risk your future races.”

But I was not injured.  I felt perfectly fine the next day…as if I had not run 26.2 miles.

I do not regret my finish time at all.

enjoying the early miles with a friend

I only regret that my mind did not let me enjoy the second half of the race.

4.The Pain is Worth It.

Yes, it hurt. It hurt more than I thought it would.

the painful slog near the end in Central Park

The pain quickly faded from my mind. I mostly remember the crowds, the excitement, the energy, the music, the sights, etc.

If it weren’t for my darn foot, I may have considered running this marathon again.

5.I am One and Done.

For an millisecond, I thought about registering for NYCM 2020.

It’s not that I think my foot pain was caused by all the miles.

It’s that I feel so grateful that in 2019, I was able to run 6 half marathons, three 15k races and a FULL Marathon…without any foot pain.

What if this pain occurred during my marathon training and even worse, during the race??

Don’t want to take the chance!

Heading to the finish line and doing the happy dance

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! If you ran a big race, what did you learn that was unexpected? Please share.

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The Best of 2019

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

My Topic this week is as I and other bloggers have done in past years, is My Year of Running in 2019! (Better late than never…)

Warning. I’m not good at picking just one or even two. Lol

  • Best Race(s):

So what determines a “best” race? Fastest? Best Food? Most scenic course? Most organized? Best swag?

Any or all of the above.

Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon

It was the first annual for this local race and though my finish time was not a PR, it did qualify me the for NYC Half 2020.

Great Sacandaga Half Marathon

Another first annual race and it got me my FIRST trophy.

Freihofer’s Run for Women

How could I not mention the only race I have run every year. Besides, this local 5k was probably one of  my fastest of 2019.

I did enjoy all of my 31 races in 2019. Each one was special in a different way.

  • Best Run(s):

My runs are not usually very good or very exciting.

But I’d say that my best ones were done with my local running friends. We call our group the “Sole Sisters.”

They have gotten me to run longer and faster and to walk less. The best part is being accountable during those hot summer days and long cold winter months.

I would be remiss not to mention that my job has allowed me run on some neat new bike paths and parks in 2019. That has been exciting (the running not the job or the traveling).

Hauppauge, NY

Vestal, NY

Liberty, NY

And then there were my FIRST group trail runs.

beautiful view!

lots of laughs

  • Best New Piece(s) of Running Gear:

I have bought many pairs of running shoes. In 2019, I switched from Nikes to Mizunos.

happy feet from March to November

I have, of course, bought countless Skirt Sports running clothes. In 2019, I experimented with a new skirt (instead of my usual Gym Girl Ultra).

Hello Cascade…

I love my Zensah Compression Calf Sleeves.  I have many pairs of compression calf sleeves and socks but some are too tight, some are not tight enough.  Zensahs are perfect.

My favorite has been my new After Shokz headphones.  I find wearing headphones so uncomfortable that I usually just play music or podcasts right from my phone. Well, I will disturb passers-by no more.

  • Most Inspirational Runner(s)

Well, there are quite a few.

Image result for break 2 hours marathon"

whoa .. sub 2 hour marathon!!

Image result for joan samuelson 2019"

At 61 years old, Joan Samuelson ran within 30 minutes of her winning time 40 years ago!!!!

Meb, of course but my NYCM roommate Lacey who at age 33 has already run 22 marathons (and BQed).

  • Favorite Picture from a Run or Race:

Again there are a few (although I didn’t buy any of them):

Surf Town Half Marathon

NYC Marathon

Great Sacandaga Half Marathon

NYC Half Marathon

  • Race Experience(s) you would repeat in a heart beat:

Well you know I love race-cations so there were several in 2019.

Brooklyn Hot Chocolate 15k

I loved the swag for this first annual race and the weekend shenanigans with friends were unforgettable.

Publix Half Marathon

This Florida race course was beautiful but it poured the whole 13.1 miles.  I need a do-over.

Surf Town Half Marathon

Who doesn’t love a race with ocean/beach views?

I doubt I will be able to repeat any of these but I would if I could.

  • If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?

Running…Vacations…Friends…Marathon

Looking forward to what 2020 brings…

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! What are some of the highlights of 2019 in running? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 1.6.20-1.12.20: Back in the Big Apple

After two weeks of sleeping in my own bed, I was back on road… At least, It was to NYC, my favorite place to travel to. The last time I was there, I was nursing a sore foot and did not run at all. This time, I ran even with my sore foot.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Took the train to NYC for work.

sock done…finally

After I arrived, I went to/from Queens. I had planned on my way back to stop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Since it closes at 5:30 pm, this was the only day that I could squeeze in a visit. But instead I decided to rest my foot and go back to my hotel to ride the bike.

Afterward I took the subway to meet Cari and we walked to Elizabeth’s who made dinner for us. Always fun to catch up with my BRFs and fellow Skirt Sports ambassadors.

they are one of the reasons why I enjoy working in NYC

  • Tuesday – After work today, I quickly changed into running clothes and headed to the Hudson River to go for a run. Decided to run on the High Line. Unfortunately parts of the run felt good but on the whole, the foot (after standing on it for 8 hours) felt worse after than in previous runs. It led me to reconsider this running in pain thing.

  • Wednesday – Since I am trying to rest my foot and not run everyday, instead after work, I took in a show. I thought about Jagged Little Pill but instead chose Rock of Ages. Very corny but at least the tix were not expensive.

And I also finally got my MRI diagnosis. Foot looks perfectly normal. No sign of anything wrong. Yet it hurts like hell. Plan to pursue the cortisone shot and consult a PT.

  • Thursday – Today after work, I took the subway to Columbus Circle and met Cari to run in Central Park. After Tuesday, I wasn’t sure I would run and how much. But we made it through 3 miles. The pain seemed more bearable and the company great.

Afterward we did some shopping at Jack Rabbit.

wide toe box and bargain price 🙂

  • Friday – Another rest day, since I had to catch the train home after work.
  • Saturday – Long run scheduled with the Sole Sisters. It was warmer than usual (in the 60s!!!) and the rain held off. I ran the first few miles with Barbara and the rest with Sherry. Afterwards, we all met for brunch…of course.

yes, my foot hurt but the weather and the company made the pain bearable…next week, NYC????

In the the afternoon, I attended my 3rd Yoga for Runners class. The topic this month was

  • Sunday – 65 degrees!!! Many of my friends were running the Winter Series #3 Race.  The weather and FOMO led me to join them.   I mostly walked with some run intervals thrown in.

the course was short…only 2.5 miles

After the race, we met our other friends for a farewell brunch. (A few are heading to winter in FL.)

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run (Ualbany)
  • Tuesday –  rest day, hair appt.
  • Wednesday – run (Delmar)
  • Thursday – run (UAlbany)
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, bus to NYC, blogger meetup, pizza in Brooklyn
  • Sunday – Fred Lebow Half Marathon, lunch, bus home

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? Are you experiencing global warming where you live? Ever walk a race? Anyone suffering from undiagnosable injuries?What’s new with you? Please share.

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Looking Ahead

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: Looking Ahead to 2020

I’m not into goals but last January, I posted about my plans for 2019 and last week, I reflected on them.

I didn’t do so well but that did not discourage me from setting in motion some plans for the coming year.

(Warning: I wrote this post before my sore foot woes and I decided not to delete it cuz you never know…)

1. Run 1000 miles.

It’s a number that I strive to meet each year. I may or may not reach it but I should come close if I have been running consistently all year and I have not gotten injured.

See the source image

2. Add another physical activity to my life besides running.

I’d prefer it to be tennis but that will probably not happen until I retire or get a different job.

So I’d like to take a yoga class now and then, go for lunchtime walks or even hit the gym. 

this instructor is my favorite – she has monthly 2 hour sessions on different parts of the body – geared toward runners

3. Participate often in local running group runs.

This was an unexpected activity from last year.  I ran in many of the ARE summer trail runs. I started late because I hesitated on joining this group. I plan go to ALL of them this year even if my friends are not going.

Huyck Preserve

I also started attending some other group runs such as SOAR and Ice Cream Runs.  If they are scheduled again, I plan to participate.

4. Set a PR or Course PR at any distance.

Realistically I think PRs may be out of reach as I age or my foot continues to be a problem.. But since I often run the same races, possibly I can improve at one race.

maybe at Race to the Lakes 15k?

And first time races or distances do not count lol.

5. And finally…. Run a Half Marathon 15K or Half Marathon Every Month.

Yes, you heard that right. Twelve Distance races in Twelve Months.

(Ok maybe I jinxed myself when I came up with the Half Marathon goal in November – right afterward, my foot started to hurt… so I edited the goal to include 15ks as well)

So it may not happen but it will be fun trying (virtual ones count.)

  • January – Fred LeBow Half Marathion in NYC or Winter Series #4 15k
  • February – ZOOMA Bermuda Half Marathon 
  • March  – NYC Half Marathon 
  • April – Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon
  • May  – Sacandaga or Steel Rail Half Marathon
  • June – Race to the Lakes 15k
  • July – Boilermaker 15k?
  • August – a virtual 15k
  • September – Adirondack or Palio Half Marathon
  • October – Finger Lakes or Smuttynose Half Marathon
  • November – Stockadeathon 15K
  • December – Ted Corbitt 15K or Palm Beach Half Marathon?

Feel free to recommend some…

Happy Running!  Any goals or plans for 2020? When you get injured, do you re-write your goals? Please share.

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Bill Hogan Winter Series #2 (3.75 m) Race Recap

hhm15

January 1, 2020 Noon

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

hangover-059

and it was a very cold one

Then in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, I wasn’t that crazy and I only ran the 3.5 Miler.

It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again. They call it a 3.5 miler but I realize each year after the race that it is actually 3.75 miles.

Starting at noon meant that I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve.

I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that there are a lot of local runners who do these races and I wanted to get a close parking space.

Today it was forecast to be in the high 30s but I was worried about the wind on this course. It is always windy!

I wore the usual winter layers. The good thing was that there is an indoor place to hang out before and after the race.

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc.

hanging with SS (Sole Sister) Jeri

So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into runners that I know from races but only one of the Sole Sisters. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.

SS Judy chose to volunteer rather than run this year

Eventually we did have to leave the nice warm building and climb down the stairs and head to the start.

I just squeezed in near the front in order to keep warm and be shielded from the wind.

My biggest worry, of course, has been my foot. It hasn’t been pain-free since November 10.  There were 3 weeks off from running completely and then a few slow run/walks.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid to make my foot pain worse.

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired (at mile 3).

pic from a previous year…no snow this year but no blue skies either

This was the first year that I can remember that there was NO ice or snow.

I won’t lie. I was a little cold especially with the wind but at times, I was warm and unzipped my vest. I even eventually took off my gloves. I was happy with my clothing choice.

There were 208 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 197 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.

I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too much since I rarely do that during my weekday runs. And I did for the first three miles despite the fact that my foot hurt with every step.  Unfortunately with my 6 miler the previous Saturday, my foot pain eventually went away.  It did not today. I tried to ignore and just finish so the pain would end.

There were no mile markers on the course but I could hear my Garmin beep. I couldn’t pay attention to my pace or time because my Garmin was under my long sleeves. (Probably a good thing.)

another pic from a previous year

As I mentioned, I was running until mile 3.  This was the most boring part of the course as well as uphill.  To make matters worse, the wind cam out of nowhere here. I struggled and the wind seem to suck the life out of my legs.  Runners were passing me by, even a runner pushing a child in a stroller.  I finally gave it and walked.  But it was just as hard to walk into the wind and so I started running again. At this point, I just wanted to finish. and be pain-free.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read 35 minutes. I knew that it would not be close to a course PR but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.

So I sprinted and crossed at 35:06.

I was content!!

Soon after, a few friends finished. We chatted. One in particular shared her identical foot issues and gave me the name her PT that enabled her to run pain-free. Score!

Eventually Jeri finished too. But I was too busy chatting and didn’t get her pic.

These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:13
mile 2: 9:12
mile 3: 9:28
.75 – 9:40

Good old positive splits. Nothing has changed for 2020. LOL

Again this year, the course was long!! I was not surprised that I was slower than last year (34:15) and far behind my course PR from 2018 (34:04). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I never felt really tired or that I was pushing hard. I think if it weren’t for my sore foot, I could have run the whole thing and had an even better finish time.

Definitely not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile and chatted with other runners. Another runner also told me about her similar foot pain (bone bruises & tendinitis = 6 weeks of biking instead of running).  It seems that everyone has a story and a remedy…so we’ll what happens with my foot.

At these winter races, they give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Two years ago, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. Not so this year. I was 4th I think. Jeri and I did not hang around and went out for coffee instead.

So a race and a perfect way to start off 2020! (Now only if my foot pain would go away soooon!)

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? If not, when is your first race of 2020?

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Weekly Run Down for 12.30.19-1.5.20: Welcome 2020!

As so the decade has ended…

And I was home for the second week in a row. My running was slow, painful but continuing (which was a good thing, I think.)

Last Week –

  • Monday – My 8 year anniversary… serious ankle surgery due to a broken fibula and tibia…

Five months of recovery and I was back to running.

May 31, 2012 with my running tribe at that time – my first outdoor run was a 5k race LOL

To celebrate, I had to run, right?  Too bad it was raining and sleeting. No choice but to head to the gym for a few miles on the dreadmill.

I seem to be a frequent visitor here

  • Tuesday – New Year’s Eve. I normally would have run but I had planned to race the next day and I was going out with the hubby. But first I rode the bike at the gym.

  • Wednesday – Day Off and I started it with a local race. Winter Series #2. There were several options but I chose the 3.5 miler (or actually 3.75).  I knew a lot of runners here so it was great to catch up. Only one of my “Sole Sisters” ran it this year.

my foot hurt (more than during the 6 miler on Sat.) still glad I did it. Crazy, huh?

  • Thursday – Just in case the doctor told me to stop running, I ran after work again…back to UAlbany with a friend.

for some strange reason, my foot felt a lot better during today’s run

Then I went out to dinner with a former co-worker. The holiday over-eating continues.

  • Friday – Foot Doctor appt. I told him that it felt a little better but that it still hurt. He wanted to give me a cortisone shot.  I wanted a MRI so I could know exactly what was wrong.  So I went for an MRI. Now I’m waiting for the results. After work and before mah jongg, I went back to the gym to ride the bike.

maybe these Altras will cure my foot woes

  • Saturday – Long run scheduled with the Sole Sisters. With a possible half marathon in a few weeks, I had decided to try and increase my distance. Unfortunately there was rain…lots of rain so I got my nails done instead… and did a lot of cleaning around the house.
  • Sunday – Rescheduled long run. It was cold and windy but at least dry. Many (but not all) of the Sole Sisters went able to come to run, walk and or have brunch.

foot pain = a lot, a little, none, repeat = frustrating

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – rest day, train to NYC, dinner with friends
  • Tuesday –  run (High Line)
  • Wednesday – rest day, Broadway show
  • Thursday – run (Central Park)
  • Friday – rest day, train home
  • Saturday – long run with Sole Sisters (10 miles)
  • Sunday – Winter Series #3 (3 miler)

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? What’s new with you? How did you spend your new Year’s Eve? Have you raced yet in 2020? Any experiences with cortisone shots? Please share.