Running with Hurricane Sandy

*Above is a picture of Tobay Beach. The beach I knew since I was a child; it is no more*

On Sunday, October 28 I got up early and went for a run. I was already in the hurricane preparation mode. I knew that I was not going to to be running for a day or so.  It was a nice 4.5 run. It geared me up for a few volunteer hours helping to set up a hurricane shelter for the Red Cross. Monday, October 29th, a day that will now be historical for this tri-state area, arrived we my knowing that school would be closed for the day.  Crazy as it sounds I got up very early and took a very short 2 mile run because the news was getting even more dicey by the hour regarding the impending hurricane. I could tell the storm was approaching; the wind was definitely an issue while running. I had a strong head wind on the way out and the I felt like I was getting pushed all the way home!  Once again, I was off to the Red Cross hurricane shelter to help out.  It was already getting started! Many had already started to arrive and hunker down for the hurricane. I spent about 4 hours registering people and lending a hand along with the Red Cross club I advise. It was awesome to see my students turn out with plans to stay overnight throughout the hurricane and work at the shelter! By the time I left at 3pm the wind was unbelievable and the rain was starting.  I was getting a bit nervous just walking to my car in the open parking area of the college! I was glad to see a security car just in case I started to lift off! 

The next 16 days are kind of a blur. We were without full power, heat or hot water for all but 2 of those days. The last 2 were only partial power consisting of a few outlets, the microwave and 2 lights.  But our inconvenience was nothing compared to the thousands of people whose homes were lost and the devastation of our island. Beaches that I have know from childhood no longer existed. Boardwalks crushed like King Kong was there....and people's lives out on the curb for trash because their homes were flooded. Where I live, not by the ocean, still received its fare of mother nature's wrath. Trees and sidewalks were torn up and toppled; overhead wires pulled down like string.  I have never seen such awful devastation of a place I have always known as home.  But Long Island will be resilient and will work toward its recovery.  Perhaps a even more wary of the sea and mother nature.

But throughout this all my running continued. I planned my running around where and when I could take a procure hot water for washing. I had no plan. At first there was barely any phone and no internet, so theretofore not much contact with my coach. All though life was upended my running stayed in place as best as it could.  I ran when I could and ran what I felt like. One day 2 miles the next two none and then a 3.5 mile run. It was very haphazard. This 'running with out a plan' gave me a better appreciation of how beneficial it is to have a coach!   

So 3 weeks have passed and this week I have began my training anew. Perhaps it will give me a new perspective about my running.  I'm not sure exactly when my next race will be. My last race left me on a very high note. And even though I do not feel prepared to race that same PR or even close, I am looking forward to the next time I put on my bib number and wait for the starting gun...and  race! But, I really hope it doesn't snow!  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Race Reports: 5K and 4 mile

I've been keeping busy running races!

Oct. 13: Town of Oyster Bay Supervisors 5K, Oyster Bay, NY
The morning started off a bit cool so deciding what to wear was challenging. I opted for long pants, short sleeves and arm warmers. Those arm warmers have become a real favorite part of my running apparel. I almost always seem to overdress, so they are handy when I no longer need long sleeves! Got to the race with time to spare so I got a chance to do a warm up mile. I met a colleague of mine and another runner in my age group. She is speedy and even though sh always beats me I appreciate all her encouragement at the races!  The race course was very pretty but quite a bit of a challenge! It was about 1.5 miles uphill, a short downhill, about another 1 mile uphill and then about a flat .5 mile finish. I got to the finish line with a bit of 'heavy breathing, huffing and puffing but not horrendous. I had to laugh once I crossed the finish line. I was trying to compose my breathing and a very elderly lady kept asking me if I was sure that I was okay.  I was great! I like my time: 27:17 @ a 8:47 pace.  Considering it was a hilly course I was more than satisfied with my time. It was a good thing that awards were 5 deep! I came in 4th place out of 13 in my AG.  94th out of 284 women!  I was only 37 seconds behind first place!  I was definitely happy with this race! 

Oct. 21:  4 miles Blazing Trails for Autism, Bellmore, NY 
It turned out to be a bit warmer than the last race a week ago. So this time I wore shorts, short sleeves and my trusty arm warmers. Yes, I really do like wearing them!  My planning time in arriving at races has also been working out well. I think the regularity of having time to pick up my number and t-shirt, warm up etc. helps take out any stress before the race.  I have been doing the same routine and that is a definite benefit.  I noticed when I got to the race I did not see my usual AG competition.  That took out some of the race day jitters although it seemed to be quite well attended since I did do a bit of driving around looking for parking.  Chatted with a young woman about our similar teaching issues and such and before I knew it......2 minutes until race time.  I said my goodbye and headed to the first few lines back of the start.  I have also gotten better at placing my self at the start.  And then...the gun...and we were off.  I decided to listen to my nanno at this race. And ironically, for whatever reason (perhaps karma coach?) it was playing only 2 songs!! At first I tried fiddling around to change it but could not see! LOL! So, I gave up and just listened to the 2 songs for 4 miles!  I saw one of the women in the AG below me who is fast and usually places so I once again decided to pace off her.  After about 1 mile I noticed another women in my AG right in front of me! I passed the 1 mile mark at 8:15!! Whoa!!! I stayed behind her for about .5 miles and then I felt like I could no longer stay behind her and passed her. Then I passed the other woman and just kept running my pace. It was obviously faster! I passed the 2 mile mark at 16:55.  I hit 3 miles at 25:55!! I could not believe I was flying that fast!  No one was with me and I ran alone until about the last .75 miles. Then the younger woman came up beside me and took off. I could not catch up to her. Once again, no one around. Then I finally saw the finish line and heard the crowd (they were quite loud!).  Just as I reached the line two really young woman crossed it with me. I kept it up and kept running over both timing mats and turned to receive two high fives from them! Nice race! Got my drink, my food and got my official time:  34:37!! 8:40 pace!!  1st place out of 8 in my AG!! 64th woman out of 377!! And...193rd out of 695 runners!! Awesome!! It really is nice to collect all this hardware!! LOL!!

Out of My Comfort Zone

I admit it. I was nervous over nothing. I was asked to run a leg for a team for the very well known, to most runners, except me, the Ocean to Sound Relay.  The race is 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean at Jones Beach to the Long Island Sound at Oyster Bay, NY. 8 legs run a variety of distances from about 5.4 miles to 7 miles.  My leg,  #5, was located in a picturesque spot of Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, New York . Since I'm a new runner in the "senior 60+" category I was a bit anxious wondering if I could hold my own and run a respectable time as the leg of a team of much faster and more seasoned runners. All 8 runners were 60+ years old.I had never really traveled through the roads and decided I would make a dry run in my car the day before.  I was under the impression that it was just "a little hilly."  I found out that the route was filled with beautiful homes, 2 lane very hilly roads with no sidewalks and no shoulders.  My leg consisted of 15 turns.  I was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone and giving myself a new running challenge. As soon as I got home from the dry run the the nerves started to unravel into "what have I gotten myself into this time!"  No one at home wanted to listen to me and gave me a solid suggestion: call your coach! Awesome idea! Thanks to my coach I started to relax about this race and put it into perspective. Sometimes that is just who you need when you are blowing everything about competing out of proportion. So, finally, with my nerves under control I got ready for this race just like all the others I have run.  I had a restless sleep that night, but for me, it is not uncommon before a race. I woke up early so I could have a light breakfast. I decided on the advice of another runner to write the directions of my leg on my hand just in case there were no signs or guides on the route. And then I left off for my race.  I got to the start of my leg fairly early so I had time to take a run in the somewhat hilly parking lot of Cold Spring Harbor. There were very few people around waiting. After my warm up I chatted with a few people and ironically 3 or 4 people had not even thought about the leg, the conditions or the directions for the route. They just showed up. Was I over prepared? I didn't care I felt comfortable and ready.
I should have brought my fold up chair as there was a lot of waiting for my team mate or the driver to show up.  I got to see a cool peloton of cyclists racing down the road just before the first runners came through!  Finally! The hand off to me of the "chip on a velcro strap" from my teammate! The hand-off was seamless and I was off! The first about .75 of the leg was uphill. Very much uphill! I could not seem to get into a rhythm it took a lot of effort to "get up that hill."  As soon as a downhill came up and that flattened out I got into a rhythm and a good pace. I felt confident and comfortable. Breath was ok. Legs were ok. I was just running!  After about a half mile I heard my name being shouted by a former student, "Mrs. Zimmerman!! You go girl!! You're awesome!" Along the route a few challenges did arise. There were no shoulders and the impatient and impolite drivers that passed forced me to hop up on the grass incline so as not to get hit by the cars! There were quite a few up and down hops!  The next challenge that slowed me down was a car that screeched to a stop behind me causing me to slow down and glance back. It had almost rear ended another car! Scared me good!! About 1/2 mile to the finish line I had to cross a very busy road. No crossing guide was there and tons of cars.  I had to literally stop, and run in place until a car in either direction stopped and allowed me an opportunity to cross! .2 to go! The condition of the sidewalk that now appeared was awful.  It was more like a dirt trail.  But there was a course guide encouraging me to keep it up because I had only 300 yards to go! My breathing suddenly became much more labored and I was desperately trying to pick up the pace! But there ahead I saw the finish and heard a few people on the team shouting my name. I started taking off my velcro chip and pushing toward that finish line. The hand off went so smoothly! Best part of the finish? I heard someone shouting, "Mrs. Zimmerman!! What are you doing here? Wow! You're in the race!" That was cool to have another former student give me a hug at the end! It really was a fun type of race and I'm glad I said yes and ran a leg of a 50 mile race! And the results for my leg? A 10K (6.2mile) PR....1:01:56.  And my team? First place for the super senior masters category! 8 hours and 11 minutes!! Not too bad at all! A great finish for September!

Main Street Mile Race

     
  Last Thursday I went out to do my tempo run workout in preparation for my very first one mile race.  Mile 1 warm up I worked out the kinks, a stiff knee, a funky quad. I have finally begun to realize how important a warm-up is for getting the body ready to run. Mile 2 I picked up the pace to somewhere above my 5k PR pace and at the end of the mile my piriformis grabbed my sciatica. Ack!! I slowed down to a very slow pace and ran the next two miles home disappointed that this was a lost opportunity to workout before my race on Saturday. I should have walked the rest of the way but hindsight is usually 20/20. That afternoon found me in the chiropractor's getting an adjustment and a treatment.  Rest, ice, rest not what a runner wants to do most of the time!

       Race day arrived finally and I was feeling better but tentative about my sciatica. My husband was volunteering to work the shirt table so we arrived much earlier than I usually get to a race: 2 hours before race time. I spent a half hour sitting in the car listening to some tunes waking up. Then I went out for a relaxed mile run to get those "kinks" out. Felt good no issues at all. The race start was about a 3/4 mile away, all uphill!  Then more waiting it was time to take that run uphill to the start.  Got there with plenty of time to dump some water over my head and cool down for the start. 

         I don't know why but I was really nervous about this race. I did not even see any of my usual competition around. Maybe it was because I never ran a 1 mile race before.  Gun start...and we were off! Then almost immediately I had a "race lesson." I had forgotten that I had my nanno still and it came loose and was now dangling while I was racing! I grabbed it and attached it to my shorts as I was running. Lesson learned don't run with a nanno during a race.  The most amazing part of this race was that it seemed so short. The first 1/4 mile was a short uphill and then in what seemed only a blink I was at the half mile time mark: 3:43.  I was furtively trying to do the math as I was also breathing hard and racing! Math is not my forte. But that seemed fast!! And the hard breathing was starting and I could now see the final stretch on Main Street. And then the finish line was clearly in sight!! I saw an amazing sight: the finish line timer!! I saw 7:15 minutes from the distance. I really was trying to increase the pace but I was breathing really hard. Really cool...I finished at 7:46!! I can still hardly believe I could run that fast for a mile!! I came in 2nd place in my AG.  I lost 1st place by 6 seconds and beat 3rd place by 10 seconds. Funny, I never even saw my competition; I was so in the zone!  That was a lot of fun! I think I'll try a mile race again in the future! 

        I have found that like competing and collecting more "hardware!" YAY! I have 99% accomplished what I set out to do this summer: Win, place or show in every race.  I ran 7 races and placed in 6 of them. 1 in 1st place, 4 in 2nd place, and 1 in 3rd place. Not too shabby if I must say so! I know I did all the work but I could not have accomplished it without my coach! Thanks Adam!!!

CRUSHED MY PR!!

The Sands Point 5K race on August 11th was a big disappointment. The weather had been very hot and humid but nevertheless I trained right through it.  This race was on a trail/paved road combo. It felt like I was running through a rain forest as most of it was in the woods.  I was ahead of my competition for a good portion of the race and then I tanked and watched as they all passed me.  The only push I seemed capable of was seeing the finish line and not wanting to end up at 32 minutes!

My goal of place, show or win in all of my races for the summer evaporated at this race.  I was really bummed.  The next week, I persevered and continued my training in hopes of a better race the next week. August 18th Hope Runs Here 5K started out with a steady on and off drizzle of rain.  The temperatures were cooler and I even more my rain jacket as I warmed up for a mile or so before the race. I scoped out my competition and noted who was there. Funny, I did not see any of them running before the race.  I did all my race preparations and headed to the start line. During the Star Spangled Banner I realized I left my nanno in the car! Oh well! No time to head back for it! I moved up towards the front of the starting line.  I like to run near people who seem to be actual runners! I noticed a woman in the AG below mine who runs fairly fast, so I decided she would be my pacer.  I figured if I could keep her in my sights I was  running at a good pace. And then we were off;  I kept diligent about my pace being being consistent.  I stayed with my "pacer" and at times getting a little closer.  At about mile 2.5 I was trying to pick it up a bit and heard some "heavy breathing" on my right. My competition was closing in on me fast! My breath was getting more labored but not yet impossible to maintain. She was on a mission to pass me!! So as we closed in on the 3 mile mark and I could hear her trying to make another move and then she was right next me!! I kept it up and as soon as I saw the finish line and the time I also started to put the pedal down a bit more mainly because I wanted a win and also because I could not believe the time I saw!!  26 minutes!! Whoaaa!! That was a bit of motivation right there. We were definitely next to each other straining to keep at it!! I said to myself there is NO WAY I am going to not at least stay with her to the finish line; and at least step on that mat at the same time. If it was going to be a tie, that would be ok with me; but I really wanted to beat her! As soon as we stepped on the timer mat, I felt like I was going to heave...but a minute of walking took care of that!  I recovered; got a drink and a banana and took a walk to the time sheets to see how I did at the finish.  26:41!!! I beat her by 2/100ths of a second. Wow! I CRUSHED my PR by 52 seconds!!!!  I came in 2nd in my AG and 3rd overall for Breast Cancer Survivors!! 2 plaques and a rose!!  This was a very sweet finish for me!

RUNNING AT ALTITUDE

Running at altitude, was not so easy!!  Although Denver  is a place I've been many times, it seems no matter how many times I go there I need time to adjust to the altitude.  It seems I cannot avoid the headache although I drink tons of H2O!!  For me, personally, it is just a matter of time to adjust.  This was also a very special trip....my son got married. (He also happens to be my coach! zimmermantraining.com) Day 1 was spent getting up very early in the morning, 4am....picking up the bagels at 5am...and then heading to the airport. This is the one time in NY you can (almost) be sure there will be no traffic on the way to the airport. We arrived in Denver and spent the day meeting up with Adam, Maija, and the rest of the family.  We stayed overnight at a hotel in Lone Tree. I woke up early feeling good and ready for a short run.  It was probably not early enough because the sun was already strong. I ran a short 2 miles up and down a few small hills grateful for the sprinkler that were on in the neighborhood!! It was hot and left me a bit breathless!  The rest of the day was spent driving into the mountains to Breckenridge.  The wedding consumed a lot of our time and there was little time for trying my legs and lungs out at about 10,500 feet altitude. But as promised as a "wedding gift" to my coach, I ventured out on the morning of the wedding for a little run.  It was cool and comfortable but not so easy at altitude!! I only ran altogether about 1.5 miles.  Actually, I walked the uphills and ran the downhills. At about the half way point I heard a few cracks of thunder and thought it best to make my way back to the house!  That was the extent of running at 10,500 feet. On Sunday, the day after the wedding we took the 2 hour trip back down to Denver, a more comfortable altitude of 5, 280 feet. I took that Sunday off and did not run.  However, Monday I woke up early and was ready to tackle Chatfield State Park and the hills.  I was prepared with my water bottle and sunscreen.  I was feeling much better at this altitude for sure! I did a aprox. 4 mile run along the trail in Chatfield.  Although, some of the hills presented a bit of a challenge I was able to run almost all of it with only a minor amount of uphill walking when necessary.  For the rest of my stay during the week I did 2 more runs another 4 mile loop and a 2.5 loop. It is suffice to say that one MUST be prepared for altitude and not be nonchalant about running.  Do not assume what you can run at sea level can be done at altitude without adjusting first.Rest, hydration, rest, hydration.....oh and sunscreen...all important factors I believe are so important to remember when running at altitude. Now if I was there a bit longer, I wonder if it would have a bigger impact on my running at sea level!

5K Wins in June!!

Coming off the excitement of my first half marathon, I was ready planning a race schedule for June. Even though this June is particularly busy.....end of school, meetings, events, parties, graduation, nad my son's wedding, I was ready to plan a few race events in there somehow.  First up was the 5K Aids and Cancer Run in Wantagh's Cedar Creek.  It is a flat boring course which is basically 2x around the road in the park. I really did find it boring but set out to meet or beat my PR. It did not quite happen...but almost. My time was:  27:41. I couldn't believe I could not run 7 seconds faster to beat my PR. Oh well....no matter... I got FIRST PLACE!!  It wasn't a huge race, about 250 in attendance. But it was sweet...my first time winning first place! YAY! I won a trophy and a restaurant gift certificate. Funny thing, I was never competitive; I always made a point of saying that...but it is nice to win!!! 

Second race this month was on Thursday, June 14th. The Long Island Police Appreciation 5K.  The course was more interesting as it ran the route through the park which has lots of twists and turns and was also a bit muddy because of the rain in the past week. I tried to hold back a bit the first mile; my mile split was 8:45. Not really slower than the last race. The second mile I tried...really I did...to pick it up a bit. Seemed the 2 miles split was about the same, may be a tiny bit faster. I kept pushing it to try and come close to my PR but I was feeling like I had to really dig deep to keep it up.  I passed the 3 mile marker at about 27 minutes. The final time: 28:00. Not bad... :) That got me 2nd place and a nice plaque. And the next best thing was they had massage therapist which helped my hamstrings after the race!! Move those trap trophies over Glenn...I've got a few race trophies for the showcase! LOL

Half Marathon....My first!!

Sunday, May 6th was my first half marathon.after training for 25 weeks. 25 weeks ago, that is when I got really serious about it. I told my coach, my son, that I was ready to take on the goal of running 13.1 miles.   I knew if I was going to do it that I would have to give it up to my coach and really really listen to him since I would not have a clue as to how to train. It was a long hard 25 weeks. I not only learned how to work hard at running but how you can rearrange a very busy life with many commitments to include lots of miles on the road. I ran through all types of weather. I did draw the line at bad rain, or icy conditions.  But it seemed that for the most part I got the miles required in every week.  

So all of a sudden it seemed, about one week ago I was at my last week of training before the half marathon.  I felt confident albeit nervous or rather apprehensive about the logistical part of the race.

What should I wear, eat for breakfast, when to wake up, omg...i'll probably have to stop during the race and use a porta-john...what if I feel like I have to walk....no in my head that was not an option. My goal was no matter what to finish this race running across the finish line!!

Finally it was Saturday, the day before my big race!! I went out for a morning 2 mile run in cold damp weather which ended up turning into rain. Yuck! I felt really good but yuck...rain! Perhaps if it was warm I probably would not have minded it so much.  So finally it was the night before the race. I ate my obligatory pasta dinner stretched a bit and got to sleep early. 

Race day!! I woke up at about 5:30am.  I wanted to plan a nice relaxing morning with no rushing around whatsoever.  I took a hot shower to warm up my muscles and then had a small breakfast of an english muffin and gatorade.  Perfect! At 7am my husband, Glenn drove me near to the start line so I only had to walk about 1/2 mile to the where the race began.  There were hundreds of runners cuing up...stretching, at the porta-johns, running, jumping and even someone doing tai chi and someone doing some yoga moves.  I was glad that I only had about 1/2 hour to race time because I really really just wanted to get this party started already!!
And then it began.....with fireworks as we crossed the start! I think everyone lost a few seconds looking up at the cool fireworks they set off for us.  The first part was within the road that encircled Mitchell field and surrounding office buildings. Honestly, this was the worst part. It was endless it seemed.  I set my mind on this part being a warm-up and that the 'real' part of the race would begin on Merrick Ave. when we left the area. I enjoyed the laughter and jokes by some other runners who definitely kept me entertained on this boring part.  Finally, we were out this area and on to the road. We were met with a lot of cheering folks. I tried to just get into my own rhythm and pace. Then I just seemed to get into 'cruise' and was feeling just fine.  Not much of any crowds through Westbury but there were 2 small hills. No problem. Those did not seem to bother me much.  The bands I passed (2) were not playing my kind of running music so I was glad I had my headphones on.
And soon we were turning on to Jericho Tpke. Something that I was dreading for some reason. I keep thinking....oh no...it will be long and never ending.  Soon I was approaching the 10k mark and was ready for a snack of gummies and a drink.  I noticed my time was about 1:02 and I was pleased with my progress at that point.  It even included a high five to priest who was standing on the side congratulating everyone that passed him. It helped keep the mind occupied as the body was cruising.  Along the way I also saw a coach from WTCHS on the side! Before I knew it......we were making the turn on to Brush Hollow Rd. heading toward 9 miles!! Passed a blues band.....and then we were on the Wantagh Parkway!!
I was still doing ok not feeling too tired...just a bit.  As we entered the parkway though I noticed the sign ....1/2 mile to Old Country Rd. and  the big hill that in decades of driving I never ever noticed before. It looked really big!! I was thinking how am I going to get up THAT hill!! But climb it I did trying to keep my pace steady however, as we got closer to the exit it seemed to get harder. But I persevered....and as I approached the 10 mile marker I was feeling ok again. 
Next, we turned on to Carmen Ave. There were certainly more spectators as we got closer to the park.  But at around mile 11 my knees felt funky and not too happy...and my hip was getting annoyed! But I was not about to give in to these little annoyances. I had come so far and come hell or high water I was going to finish running this race across the finish line!!  It helped having more cheering people and a group of WTCHS kids in the mix to keep the spirits up.  We wound our way through Eisenhower Park and soon I could hear the crowds and the announcer and knew just around the bend was the finish of what I started training for 25 weeks ago.  And then there it was the finish line right in front of me....I saw the timer and tried to put on a little push. And then.....it was over. I had accomplished my goal! Medal on my neck....water in my hand...with the space blanket on my shoulders. YAY!!! I did it!! It was such an incredible moment for me. It was absolutely stellar knowing I accomplished 13.1 miles, my first half marthon!!! 
Hmmmmmm.....maybe there is another one in my furture!

Turning 60, a 5K and one week until the Half Marathon!

I turned 60!
April 10th I turned 60! I spent my birthday traveling to Colorado to see my son, his bride to be, and a lot of my family. I also got a chance to do some 'altitude' training. That was not so easy! I ran a great trail in the Chatfield Reservoir Park. I did alot of stop and start getting up the hills and catching my breath! It was great and what views...so it was definitely worth it.

Run with the Rams/ April 28

Woke up early and felt good....so I was really happy to go to the race. It had been a long time since I ran one!! I think the HoHoHo was the last race!!

The race organization was not great...no starting time sections etc...and then all of a sudden some yelled it started! I didn't hear a horn or starting gun etc. So I think I got off to

a bit of a slow start since there was a bit of confusion amongst the runners at first.  But I took off up the first hill *albiet a small one!! and started right away to find my breath.

(That is a yoga term btw) I felt great even at the beginning and falling into a pace seemed pretty easy and quick this time. Usually, I go out way too fast and have slow down to control my breathing and get into a rhythm.  I had left Marlena way behind me.  I moved away from the (LOL) heavy breathers as I listening to it throws mine off!  After a mile or so I noticed I was running at the same pace a man and a woman running together.  After a while he took off  at around mile 1.5 and then I started to chat with her.  I can't believe how much we talked while running a race!  It really was surprising to me. And I turned off my nano...LOL.  She was asking me what kind of pace I usually run etc and then she said she knew our pace but wasn't going to tell me! But as we approached about 2.5 miles her breathing was getting a bit more labored and I decided it was time to 'drop' her and pick it up a bit. I was conservative about it though. I don't know why I do that.  I came in at 28:18/ 9:07 pace. I was very pleased at the results. I think all that training became obvious to me as I finished the race. I have a great coach to thank for that!!  
Sunday/April 29

I was feeling a bit tired/lazy today and woke up extremely hungry.  At first I was going to run without breakfast but decided against it. After about 1 1/2 hours I ran 5 miles.  Funny, I was planning on running only about 3 (yes I know what it says above)  but I felt pretty good and just kept going.  Of course, I was a bit overdressed (not overheated however) but no matter I was fine. 5 miles just under 55 minutes.  Hahaha....passed the radar cop...who told me to pick up the pace I was running too slow.  Nice easy run. My right hamstring was feeling a bit tight tonight so I gave it some ice! I finished that run thinking I feel prepared and ready for Sunday. A bit nervous and such about logistics but athletically....ready to run 13.1.
I <3 my coach!

No April Fools!!

Sunday, April 1st...  I definitely geared up for this big running day both mentally and physically.

Woke up and had a small breakfast…English muffin w/peanut butter and some Gatorade

I did not leave on my run until almost 2 ½ hours later.  Got my fuel  belt on with one bottle of Gatorade * ½ diluted with water.  Got 1 pkge of Gatorade “prime” gummies in my belt and took off. Felt fine most of the time. I divided the time up in half figuring it would be about 2 hours altogether. After 1 hour, I took off the top layer and decided that was a good time for my ‘snack’ I ate all 4 gummies…tasted like candy.  And within the next 15 minutes the 8oz drink was history.  I made a park “pit stop” detour at that point. And then I was ready for part 2.  I was really more energized I think because of the gummies and a drink. I wasn’t really hurting either….until about mile 9 or 10. That’s when my knee started aching a bit. I kept running through it.  I even made a plan to run past my block as to give my self the idea that the running was not quite done yet.  Usually I see my block and that’s when I get really tired! LOL. All psychological I assume! Got home and rested, drank, ate etc…even walked the dog. My knee was then feeling fine. Who knows?? All in all I am very tired and a bit sore but ok.  Hope that I’m feeling the same tomorrow. I will go easy in yoga tomorrow, but I think the stretching will be beneficial. With all that said….I am quite pleased and definitely more psychologically ready to run the 13.1 miles next month!

It's all about the training.....

So February is over.....and March almost.....and I have definitely fallen off the blog wagon. It has been all about the training for the 1/2 marathon lately and trying to keep my head above water with all my work commitments. Even though I have had so much on my work plate, I have kept up the training. It has been hard though and quite tiring. More tiring than I had felt in the past.  I found that I can run a high mileage weekend: Saturday 5 miles and Sunday 9 miles and go to work on a Monday...but it does take it's toll on my energy level.  Last week the mileage did funky things to my knee and and I had to back off a bit. Maybe Monday's yoga class was a bit too much as well.
January I was lucky enough to run a race with my son/coach. My time was not the best but it was a priceless day with nice weather as you can see in the picture! It was really great as we have never run a race together. We also did a warm up and that was nice being able to run at a decent pace with him.
February and March have flown by so fast.  I have finally signed up for the Long Island half marathon. I really was committed but it did take courage to hit submit! But...I did it. That's it for now...but I will try to keep up with this blog a bit more often!

December and more PRs for me!!!

Next race up was December 3rd: Seaford Hot Chocolate 5K Run.  This time I left a little earlier not sure where the race was exactly and how far was the parking overflow lot...yeah I know I'm a runner but I like my convenience of not being so far away to drop off my t-shirt! The bib pick up, t-shirts, food and awards were in the Seaford HS.  Nice accommodations...and no port-a-pottys!! Regular bathrooms!! Lady runners appreciate that!! I did a few warm up runs back and forth to my car....yes I did have to park about 1/2 mile away...I wasn't as early as I thought!  The racers finally got to the start and I appreciated the mass of people since a chilly breeze was still apparent! I noticed as the gun was about to go off the older gentleman next to me hunched down and ready to sprint off. The gun went off; we started to run and within about 10 seconds I noticed  in my peripheral vision, the gentleman next to me start to tumble and with him a few others went down. I was still running looking back and then as I saw help for him, I turned and took off in earnest.  Well, the best part of this race was when I hit the 3 mile mark and saw the time; it was about 26:40. Now that was a record for me!! I was astonished but dug down as much as I could to the finish line. I crossed it at  27:38. I took 3rd place out of 16. Yay! The awards were also a lot of fun sitting with a lively group of 30'somethings who were fun to be with. They included me in their revelry! And they also stepped up for some awards as well although none of us won any raffles! 

One more race in December: HoHoHo 5K Holiday Run.  Quite a few years ago my son Adam won this race, and here I am running in it! This seemed quite spectacular because if you had told me that back then I would have thought you were nuts! But I was and I was ready for it because Adam is now my coach! This was also a nice race filled with lots of fun and costumes and good cheer and holiday spirit.  Many people were in outfits for the season. And there certainly was no shortage of runners. The pre-race activities were held at the middle school. So there was a nice space to warm up after a warm up run. It was a chilly morning of about 29 or 30 degrees.  Good start and great finish. I ran another PR of 27:33. I was stoked that I ran that time again for this race.  It was a great race for me sans winning any raffle..LOL I only wish there had been some friendly faces to share it with that day. No worries; I was more than pleased with the outcomes.

New PR in November

So it's already January and December and November's blogs did not get written. So, I better back up and review November. My training included 52 miles. The weather was general great with only a few cold days. I was able to also log a long run along with a lot of candy making preparations and apple pies.  November 13 was a 5K, Blue Ribbon Run at the Oyster Bay Golf Course. It was nice weather, 60 degrees. Beautiful day to run. My WTCHS Red Cross Club supported this run with a few students running along with me. I was not prepared for so many rolling hills. The course was a constant up and down seemingly never ending. It was however, beautiful. The more races I run, the more I discover places on Long Island I have never seen although I have lived here for decades. The race was fun and well organized. There was even a heated tent. That was certainly a luxury! Overall, I ran: 28:38, 10 out of 16 in my age group. I was satisfied, especially with all the hills!  Next race up was the Massapequa Turkey Trot in Massapequa Park. First of all, I got a late start out of the house and I got to the race to see overflow parking, and tens of people standing on the bib pick up line.  I was getting a bit nervous thinking I would not have time for the bib pick up, run back to the car with my obligatory t-shirt, and a bathroom break! It was a bit chilly and no place to stay warm. I'm still in the learning mode regarding race days!  Of course, all went well with the a fore mentioned issues. It was a chilly start to the day: mid 30's. I was dressed with the right clothes and after a warm up run (probably 1 mile total) to drop off the t-shirt in my car I was warmed up and ready to go. Basically, it was a flat course and I felt good. I had to sped away from runners who were huffing and puffing so loud it was throwing my rhythm off.  The best part was my time...a new PR:  28:09....and winning 2nd place in my age group! But alas, no medal for this race or podium picture. Everyone went home for Thanksgiving day turkey!