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!