January 10, 2020 by Darlene

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.

January 7, 2020 by Darlene

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

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.)

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?

January 5, 2020 by Darlene

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.

January 3, 2020 by Darlene

Looking Back and Having Coffee

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 Back on 2019

I’m not really into goals but last January, I posted about my plans for 2019.

Here’s what I wrote:

1. Run 1000 miles.

It’s just a number. But that number means two things to me. I have been running consistently all year and that I have not been injured.

2. Take some yoga classes.

I’m not good at yoga. I have zero flexibility. But it is relaxing and my life is not. So I think it will help me both mentally and physically.

3. Do some strength or cross training.

I hope to play more tennis starting in June but I do have access to a local free gym. I’d like to get there on some of my rest days.

4. Train seriously for One Race.

Not sure which one but I have already registered for five half marathons so maybe the local one. Or maybe a 5k.

5. And finally…. Finish a 26.2 mile race.

Yes, you heard that right. I haven’t registered yet (next week) but it seems crazy not to take advantage of qualifying for this year’s NYC Marathon.

So how did I do??

1 . Run 1000 miles.

Nope. 947. If not for my calf injury in February and sore foot in December, I may have reached that number. As I said, “It’s only a number.” I am NOT disappointed in my 2019 mileage.

2. Take some yoga classes.

Not until November. I blame it on work travel which was often insane and marathon training.

So better late than never. I have taken a few classes in the last two months of the year. Maybe that will be a sign of the future.

3. Do some strength or cross training.

No on this one, as well. I decided to not join a tennis club and play weekly. As a result, I played during my May tennis vacation in May and not again since then.

As far as the gym, just an occasional trip to use the arm machines or the treadmill or recently the bike. Nothing to write home about for same reason as not going to yoga classes.

4. Train seriously for One Race.

A big No on this one too. Due to work travel, I didn’t participate in the Freihofer or Troy Turkey Trot training groups.

No drills. I just showed up for a race now and then and did my best.

5. And finally…. Finish a 26.2 mile race.

Yes, Yes, Yes.

My success story of the year. I ran my first full marathon.

The funny thing about posting these plans/goals is that I don’t remember writing them. So I didn’t think about them all year.

I’m not disappointed at all in how my year turned out (even though 4 out 5 of my plans didn’t materialize.)

2019 was still a good year in my book. (I am trying not to focus on the month of December and how the year ended.)

It’s also that time of the month…

ultimate coffee date

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

Happy Running! Any goals or plans for 2019? If so, did you meet them? Please share.

December 31, 2019 by Darlene

2019 Assessment

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

My Topic this week is: My Assessment of 2019

I’m a teacher at heart. (once a teacher, always a teacher.)

And you can’t grow in the future unless you assess the past.

Yes, it was a good year meaning lots of bling, miles and races. You’ve seen my pictures but do they really tell the story?

Here’s my story:

I ran 947 miles.

I didn’t have a goal of 1000 miles but it was a number than I wanted to meet and I have only done it twice.

2018 – 894.5 miles
2017 – 1041.5 miles
2016 – 1046 miles
2015 – 969 miles
2014 – 911 miles

I had a calf injury for 5 weeks in Feb-March. I do think, though, that my marathon training long runs made up for the injury. Of course, minimal miles in December definitely ended any chance of reaching 1000.

My job and travel interferes greatly with getting in the weekday miles. However, I’m not a runner who needs those high mileage weeks and I also think the lower mileage has helped keep me injury-free for the most part (until December that is.)

I ran 31 races. 6 Half Marathons, 3 15ks, 2 10ks and the rest were shorter distances. Eleven were new races. Five of the new ones were half marathons and of course, there was NYC, my first MARATHON!

Again fewer than previous years. I have run 40 or close to it in the past.

But it was a conscious choice, not because I was injured. Only the last two December races did I DNS.

I’m a social runner and racing to me is a way to run and meet up with other runners. But with the ability to run with runner friends on the weekends, I didn’t feel the need to sign up for as many races.

The ones I did run, I enjoyed and I usually try to run different races each year. But this year, they tended to be halfs. I guess there were not many NEW local races that appealed to me.

I continued to win my age group in most of the races that I entered.

This happens when you are in an old lady’s age group. But still, it makes me happy.

I am most proud of winning in longer races such as Sacandaga Half and Surf Town Half and in NYC races (Brooklyn Speed Series 5k, Building Brooklyn 5k, and Grete Gallop 10K, Hot Chocolate 15k.)

Although I did not have a PR year (like last year), I completed my first FULL Marathon.

I know I am slowing down. I’m not sure how much or how often. It just feels harder every time I go out there.

Last year, I had many course PRs at races that I have run multiple times. Not this year.

But I think I am enjoying running more and PRs just don’t seem as important as they used to.

ran most of this race while chatting with Renee

It also helped that I focused on my marathon and I couldn’t be prouder of that achievement.

My Finish times were for the most part consistent (at least for the shorter distances).

Considering my lack of training, (I run but don’t follow a plan per se nor do I do any speed drills), I did ok.

I didn’t break any speed records. But I finished most of my 5ks under 29 minutes. That elusive sub 27 5K still stands (and may stand forever.)

My half marathon finish times were meh:

Publix – 2:20:29
NYC – 2:16:01
H2H – 2:11:15
Sacandaga – 2:13:03
Surf town – 2:16:08
Hannaford – 2:22:05 (post 7 miles)
NYC Marathon – 2:26.56 (first 13.1)

Not close to my PR (2:06:52) but the important finish time (under 2:12:00) was met in the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon. It qualified me for NYC Half 2020 and NYC Marathon 2020.

I conquered my fear of trail running.

I ran this summer for the first time in many of the ARE Summer Trail Running Series. They are held weekly at different local trails.

I enjoyed them immensely. I met new runners. I discovered new places to run. And I never fell.

Someday, I may even sign up for a trail race. But I’m not there yet.

Stay turned for Friday when I’ll post what I had planned for 2019 and next Friday’s post when I’ll look ahead to 2020.

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

Happy Running! Do you assess your year of running? If so, how did you do?

December 29, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.23.19-12.29.19: Holiday Week

Christmas and Chanukah…nice when they both fall during the same week … since I celebrate both holidays LOL

and I have two cats

And yes, I have been running. Yes, my foot still hurts but not worse and it was better than sitting on my butt eating holiday treats.

Last Week –

Monday – Finally a warmish sunny day but of course, it was a Rest Day. A long awaited chiropractor appointment. I was on only maintenance so I do not visit her often but I was interested in what she could do with my sore foot. She did some work but agreed with me that it may be a neuroma and then I would need an MRI. Afterward I headed to the gym for an hour on the bike.

my exciting view

Tuesday – Christmas Eve run…what else? Since I DNSed on the Last Run 5k through the lights in the park, I decided to run it on my own. The lights go on before they allow cars in…just enough time for me.

Wednesday – Day Off and I started it with a run… I knew I would be eating a lot later in the day and not able to run the following two days. Since it was daylight, I decided to see if the Corning Bike Path was clear…

and it was…

The run was followed by a big dinner with the family.

Thursday – Rest Day. Re-scheduled BFF birthday celebration. First we had dinner.

salmon topped latkes – yum!

And then we went to the movies.

one of my favorite childhood books

Friday – Another rest day as I had to rush home because I was hosting mah jongg at my home.
Saturday – Long run scheduled with the Sole Sisters. As usual, we all ran different distances but met afterward for brunch.

Rose Marie & I were French teachers at the same time…nice to reminisce. Helped keep my mind off my foot pain. Again bearable and got better the longer I ran.

Evening holiday tennis party. Lots of eating, gift giving, singing and laughing.

Sunday – With the upcoming weather forecast for the next few days, I considered another run but I didn’t want to press my luck with the foot so I rode the bike at the gym instead.

free gym…getting more use than usual

And then I went to a local museum.

I’ve been Hamilton-obsessed lately. This exhibit on the Schuyler sisters (the family spent a lot of time in Albany, NY) ended today. I also passed by the Schuyler mansion where they lived on my way to errands.

This Coming Week –

Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – Winter Series #2 race (3.5 miles)
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – long run with Sole Sisters (8 miles), yoga
Sunday – rest day

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you spend your holiday? Have you seen Hamilton? Do you sometimes have to ignore injuries and run anyway? Please share.

December 27, 2019 by Darlene

Runfessions for December

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

Can they be called RUNfessions if I didn’t run??

Anyway….

1. I runfess…

When I was working in NYC, I did not RUN due to a sore foot, but I did WALK…

I mean it was NYC during the holidays… I wanted to see the decorations…. Did I interfere with the healing of my foot???

Should I have just stayed in my hotel?

2. I runfess…

I did not run one of my favorite (fun) races but I went anyway. I dressed up as if to race and even kept the race shirt.

And yes, I admit, I had serious FOMO.

Anyone else not race but go to cheer on their friends anyway?

3.I runfess…

I was hoping that the podiatrist would see a stress fracture on the xray.

At least then, you rest, it heals and you run again.

But seeing nothing and recommending rest does not make you feel satisfied.

Anyone else ever have one of those frustrating undiagnosed injuries?

4. I runfess…

Even though I was not running and didn’t know when I would run again, I still shopped for running-related items? Not sure why?

Anyone else buy running gear while they were injured?

5.I runfess…

My 2020 goal was 12 half marathons in 12 months. Well, that will not happen…but I’m having a hard time planning my running comeback. (Yes, there will be one).

I may DNS the January Half in NYC but should I also downgrade the February one (in Bermuda) to a 10k or just slog it.

Image result for zooma bermuda"

Anyone else impatient when coming back from an injury?

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! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

December 24, 2019 by Darlene

Keeping Sane When You Cannot Run

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

This is a topic that no runner wants to write about.

It’s so popular to say “Running is my Therapy.” But what if it is really true.

What can you do if you cannot run?

Find a new hobby.

It could be knitting, doing a puzzle or an adult coloring book.

It has to be something that you find enjoyable and that keeps you occupied during the time you would be running.

Stay Active.

Walk if you can. Ride a bike. Do yoga. Swim. Work out.

Find a physical activity to temporarily replace running.

Spend time with family and friends.

You have more time now that you do not have to run or have scheduled races.

Contact those people you haven’t spend time with lately and plan get togethers.

Stay positive.

No sense focusing on those DNSed races and missed runs.

Plan for the future. But new shoes or a new outfit. Pick a new race or running goal.

Happy Running! Any other tips? Share it here!

December 23, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.16.19-12.21.19: Back on the Road

Traveling for work and still nursing a sore foot…but taking it on the road as well.

Last Week –

Monday – After a drive to Westchester and set up, I headed to the hotel gym.

Tuesday – Messy commute to work and home…snow, freezing, rain …UGH!! And standing all day made my foot ache. 😦
Wednesday – Back home but just for the day.

Cold and snowy but had to venture out on the Ualbany loop.

Holy wind, Batman!

Thursday – Back driving down to Westchester and back at the hotel gym.

exercising with the smell of chlorine

Friday – Very long day and long drive home. No miles, just long hours of standing and driving.

Saturday – Long run scheduled with the Sole Sisters. We woke up to single digits and only Barbara & I were game. We headed to The Crossings but it was too icy so we returned to my stomping grounds – UAlbany. With no wind, it actually was rather comfortable out there. Glad I didn’t wimp out.

Christmas dinner with my stepson and his wife.

Sunday – Slightly warmer temps this morning and since I was busy the next day, I decided to get a few more miles in before the end of the year. Luckily I had the company of two friends.

my cat didn’t come but he’s cute and loves the cold

I had to rush home for my Re-scheduled birthday painting with my mentee.

this year for a change, we painted wine glasses

First night of Chanukah…time to light the menorah and then out to whine..I mean wine with a friend.,

to all those who celebrate

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – day off, run, holiday dinner
Thursday – rest day, b-day dinner with BFF
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – long run with Sole Sisters (6 miles), holiday party
Sunday – rest day,

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Have you started celebrating the holidays? Have you had to work off those holiday parties and/or cookies? What about potential injury? Do you ignore it and run? Please share.

December 20, 2019 by Darlene

Motivation Tips

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: Motivation to Run

There have been many days where I struggled to get out the door … so here are my recommendations.

Hopefully they will help you when you need that extra “motivation.”

1. Call a Friend

It’s harder to skip a run when someone is waiting for you.

2. Put it on your Calendar

It’s just as important as a work meeting or a dentist appointment. So schedule it.

3. Prep the Night Before

If I ran in the morning, my running stuff would be on the floor next to my bed. Since I run after work, I pack my running clothes the night before. It’s so easy to skip the run when you are tired in the morning or wake up late.