Dodge the Deer 5k Race Recap 6/23/19

June 25, 2019June 24, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 25 Comments

I have only run three trail races. My first was a half marathon — go big or go home, right? Dodge the Deer, a very family-oriented day out at a local park with our local running group, Albany Running Exchange, includes a couple of kiddy races and a trail 5k and has been on my radar a long time.

Historically it’s been in April, which historically is not-so-great weather in these parts. I am a fair weather trail runner, even if my trail half was cool, rainy, and muddy (you can read about it here).

However, Sunday was a gorgeous day. There is also a cookout/potluck following the race. I tried to convince a few friends to go, but didn’t have any luck. Other friends that might have gone were out of town. So I headed out by myself — the first time in a long time that I went to a race without knowing that someone I knew would also be there.

**I would have gotten the race socks (from past years) if they had had my size; you could choose one thing from any of these — I like that!**

Packet Pickup
If I’d registered before it closed online, I could have saved $5, oh well. I registered day of, which meant getting there really early — like an hour and a half before the race. The race is in a nice park, though, and it was a beautiful day. Getting there so early meant I got parking close to the activities and could go back and forth multiple times.

I was surprised I could pay with a credit card; I’d expected to have to pay cash. I was also surprised that despite day-of registration, I was still able to pick out one piece of swag from the variety they had (mostly from old races). I wanted to get the race socks, but they were only L & XL — so I got ARE socks (the running group that puts this race on) instead.

**The Famous Dodge the Deer — even being very BOTP I was able to outrun him**

I went back & forth to the real bathrooms a bunch of times (because I was there so early and so well hydrated). I also sat in the shade on a picnic bench listening to “Marathon Woman”, our running group’s next book club (I use that term loosely) pick.

I chatted with a couple with their dog there, a woman who had driven in 2 hours from MA to run this race — she’s the one I asked to take my photo before the race — and someone I recognized from our Wed night group runs.

**It wasn’t super technical, but there were still plenty of roots out there! And shade, thankfully.**

My Race Plan
Have fun. Stay uninjured. That’s all she wrote. Happy to say I met my goals. Despite the fact that my Garmin and the official race results tallied almost perfectly, the mile splits were way off. Yes, your results included your mile splits — a nice touch. So I’m reporting them with O for Official time and G for my Garmin time.

So how’d that work for me?

Mile 1: 11:40 O/11:16 G. Very weird. There’s no mat to cross, but there is a Start sign and a line on the path. Did I start my watch too early? Too late? Just weird. The first mile felt pretty good.
Mile 2: 11:06 O/11:33 G. I was definitely surprised by my time the first mile. I’m usually pretty darn slow on trails. Despite the nice shady paths, I was already feeling tired!
Mile 3: 12:45 O/12:13 G. I am still running without walk breaks, except for a short one at the end of each mile to drink water (which I definitely needed with the 10 am start). I thought to myself “don’t walk in the middle of this mile” but I think you can guess what happened.
Last .14: 9:49 G. I was, quite literally, neck and neck with this older woman coming into the finish chute. Which helped me to push faster. She was 72, it turned out, and I didn’t want her beating me! We crossed at the same exact time.

36:26 — Official Time (36:25 Garmin)
11:44 — Average Pace (11:37 Garmin)
4 out of 7? in my AG
196 out of 236 runners

I’ve run one trail half (which was considerably slower and also much more difficult), and one other trail 5k a couple of years ago. And that one was 42:25. 6 minutes slower!

I don’t really remember if the course at my first trail 5k was that much tougher, but I don’t think it was. It was even a cooler day, I remember that distinctly! I had run a long run (maybe 9 miles?) the day before. I had no idea what that finish time was going into this race, so a much faster finish time was a pleasant surprise.

I wasn’t at all surprised to find myself so far to the BOTP, but was pleasantly surprised to find myself in the middle of the pack for my age group. I think there was about 3 minutes between me and the woman who placed third, so even without that extra walk break the last mile I don’t think I would have placed. No problem, I was extremely surprised to see I came in fourth — when I saw that I actually wondered if there were only four women in my AG, LOL!

Actually, the person who won my AG had a 23:46 time — there are some speedy older trail runners out there!

**Even with my Cool It Skirt and towel, and the shade, it was a hot race!**

The weather & dressing
A late 10 am start and temps already hovering around 70, it was a hot one even with all the shade. Good practice for my Fourth of July race, which will most likely have similar conditions (but start a little earlier).

**There just has to be a story behind this costume, although I never got it. Apparently he is the Race Director’s father.**

I wore my Cool It Skirt and Racecation Tank from Skirt Sports. I also wore my cooling scarf, which this time I dosed more thoroughly with water beforehand (last race I didn’t really get it wet enough).

Despite the claims of a very non-technical trail, I wore my Saucony Peregrines and I’m glad I did. I am willing to bet you that my finish time would have been slower had I worn my regular running shoes.

Was the race well run?
This is such a great family-friendly event. Low key as most trail races are. Races for the kids. I had fun cheering them on as I was sitting on the picnic table before my race! Some of the kids were seriously speedy, too, but they were all so cute.

I had never been to this park but had no trouble finding the race. There was no one directing parking, but it seemed to work out okay. There are real bathrooms (which I always love). Registration was easy, I was happy I could use a credit card, results were posted quickly, there was a nice spread afterwards — and a cookout I didn’t stay for.

The one bone I have to pick is with the description of the trails:

The Dodge the Deer 5K (and Kids Races) are on the safest and most enjoyable trails around. It’s basically an unpaved road with easy footing and no hills. If you think of rocks, roots, and other gnarly things when you think of trail running – you’re thinking of places that aren’t Schodack Island State Park. 🙂

Okay, I guess they weren’t that technical because normally my trail running pace is a lot slower. Still, there were plenty of roots and while it wasn’t super hilly, it definitely wasn’t completely flat either — I guess it was flat as trail races go. I wasn’t the only person who thought this.

One last bone: I don’t really think there’s anything they can do about this, but several people were complaining that there were no water stops. Where would you have put them? I always carry water with me, and I’d even remembered to freeze half the night before so I had cool water the whole race. It might be nice to mention on the Website that there will be no water available during the race, though.

Would I run this race again? If the weather is nice, I absolutely would.

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k Race Recap 6/1/19

June 11, 2019June 12, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

The main thing you have to know about Freihofer’s Run for Women: the atmosphere is just amazing. Think any race you’ve ever started in and take it up a few notches. It’s why we come back, year after year, despite the heat, the narrow streets, the never ending hill at the start, and the crowded conditions.

**It was a nice little expo (just need more food options than burgers!)**

Packet Pickup
Parking is free, but it’s really, really crowded. The Race Director had really talked up the expo this year — I do think it was better than last year, and I actually made a couple of purchases.

They spread it out so you went one place to pick up your bib, another to pick up your race tee, and another to pick up your cookies and bread. Which of course sort of forced you to check out a lot of the vendors, but I wanted to anyway.

One unfortunate snafu was that there were supposed to be clear plastic bags for your gear check — except there weren’t. I regretted using one of my previous ones for that clothes swap earlier on, but I had another, thankfully. You have to use clear plastic bags for anything you bring into the race.

**Those fries were sooooo good (the sandwich, too)**

There was supposed to be more food and my friend & I had planned to eat there, but there was only burgers. We ended up stopping at a restaurant on the way home, which was thankfully open, and had a very pleasant al fresco lunch.

My Race Plan
Not much of one, again. Not a whole lot of running, and a lot of slow running with the mentees. I knew I wasn’t in PR shape, but I still wanted to do the best I could do, and I was hoping to keep it under an 11 mm the whole race — unfortunately that didn’t happen.
So how’d that work for me?

Mile 1: 10:50. Last year my watch played tricks with the first mile — this year it was accurate. I wanted to be conservative, not go out too fast, and while I wished it was a bit faster, I was pleased with this mile. Especially as it seemed like we were climbing uphill the whole mile.
Mile 2: 11:20. Almost a full minute slower than last year; this is why my overall time was slower than last year. I only took two walk breaks during this race. I actually didn’t feel it was quite as congested as years past, or at least I didn’t feel I was really held back by other runners.
Mile 3: 10:36. Mile three seems like it’s completely downhill towards the finish. Which isn’t quite true, but it is definitely a nice downhill for most of the mile and that saved my finish time for this race!
Last .16: 8:19. A downhill sprint to the finish line.

34:35 — Official Time
10:59 — Average Pace
111 out of 233 in my AG
1385 out of 2649 runners

2018: 32:57
2016: 36:02
2010: 40:58

Last year I’d run 3 5ks in the 6 weeks before this race. I was in the middle of training for a half. This year I’d spent the majority of the spring either sick or simply rebuilding my base.

**Classic: smile for the photographer (once I see them)**

So I guess it was a pretty good showing, considering; fairly solidly middle of the pack. I was just kind of disappointed in myself slowing down so much the second mile. I ended the race feeling good, not the least bit sore . . . and I knew I hadn’t really given it my all.

You can view a video of the finish line here. The cool thing is you actually get to see the elites finishing the race if you start at the beginning. I come along roughly at 18:30, although as usual, I’m obscured by other runners until I’m at the finish line.

**Our boxes of cookies weren’t quite that big, LOL!**

The weather & dressing
The weather is one reason I love to hate this race. I swear it’s always hot. Often it’s suddenly hot, and that was the case this year — it was unseasonably cool both before and after the race, but race day was warm. In fact, the previous two Saturdays had been beautiful running weather. Thankfully it was not humid, and the cloud cover held for most of the race — it’s been worse.

Cool It Skirt was my go-to skirt for hot racing last year, but being a shorter race and not terribly hot, I went with my Hover Skirt and Racecation Tank (so happy Racecation came back this year — one of my fav tops for hot weather racing/running) from Skirt Sports. It was a great outfit (My Cool It Skirt with my Bonita Racecation Tank would have been a nice combo, too).

I learned from past mistakes, and took my cool it scarf along — and wore it — but I didn’t get it wet enough, so I’m not sure it really helped much but it didn’t harm either.

Was the race well run?
Freihofers is mostly a well oiled machine, but there are always a few little hiccups. Like the fact that the main ramp to where I park was closed (a surprise to both me & my friend) — luckily I had my friend (aka my human GPS) to navigate me to the parking and we still managed to get there in time for the photo of the training challenge.

I partook of the massages for the first time this year and it was awesome. For some reason my masseuse took her time with me. I started before my two friends, and they were waiting for me to finish.

Would I run this race again? My answer is always the same: if I’m here, I’ll do it.

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Delmar Dash Race Recap 4/7/19

April 9, 2019April 8, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 28 Comments

I’m not sure what it is about the Delmar Dash that always brings snow with it. The date seems to be always changing — it used to be in March, and I know some of my slower times were due to snow and ice on the road. Thankfully there was no snow on the ground this year, but there was snow and sleet on Friday night.

The upside is it’s a flat and fast 5 miles. This year I noticed that there were quite a few nice/slight downhills in the race.

Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup is in the gym of the school the race finishes at. It’s always easy. The race shirt was again short sleeved and ran large but I prefer larger to too small. It’s was also a nice burgundy color this year.

There are massages before the race, as well as after, although getting both seemed a bit greedy to me so I just stuck with my dynamic warmup. No warmup mile; I knew a 5 mile race would be challenging enough considering my lack of training.

I didn’t bump into Darlene @ Myfirst5k until just before the race.

bdelmardash2019 — **“Sprinting” to the finish (photo courtesy of Darlene & yes, I knew she was taking my photo)**

My Race Plan
There was no goal, other than to finish feeling decent. I knew it would not feel easy. Heck, most weeks in the last month I barely ran 5 miles total!

So how’d that work for me?

Mile 1: 10:26. Actually faster than last year. I don’t regret it; I knew I’d be running out of steam later in the race. I started near the beginning, as it’s gun time, and I knew most of the runners would be passing me, which they did. Chasing runners helps me to run faster, and in this case I think that was fine.
Mile 2: 10:59. Not too shabby with a walk break around mile 1.5 for water.
Mile 3: 10:48. So the first 5k went pretty well and then . . .
Mile 4: 11:33. . . . Every year I slow down this mile, but I took two walk breaks for water, so that I wouldn’t have to walk my last mile (and I didn’t). However, this is exactly where I lost a potential PR. Oh well, I never really expected one anyway.
Mile 5: 11:03. The longest I’ve run in the last month was 3 miles. No joke. Most runs were maybe 1.5 or 2 miles. At least it was faster than mile 4! The sun had also come out, and yes, I was just a little overdressed; always so hard to figure out those transitional runs between seasons.
Last .04: 10:04. Usually I can sprint way faster than this to the finish. Definitely a lack of endurance due to a lack of training.

55:16 — Official Time
11:04 Average Pace
(my Garmin shows 10:58 for average pace due to the slightly long course)

Previous Years:
2018: 54:36
2016: 55:17
2015: 56:09
2014: 57:37
2011: 57:12

I actually feel I did much better than I had a right to — I knew I was way undertrained going into this race, but I also knew I could do it. My one concern was whether or not it would set me back in my recovery from the lingering whatever I’ve got; I probably feel about 90% right now.

I chose to run the race except with three walk breaks to drink some water — I am a thirsty runner, even though I was very well hydrated pre-race. I was roughly 30 seconds off of my PR. kind of wish I’d pushed just a little harder those last 2 miles after I saw that! I mostly ran by feel. So still having a speedy race (for me) was the cherry on top.

Now would I have chased down that PR using run/walk? We’ll never know. Run/walk intervals have helped me enormously, and I’m not saying I won’t revert back to them at some point. The point of using them from the start, rather than starting when you’re tired, is that they actually will help delay the onset of fatigue. They work great for fueling and taking photos, too.

So what’s up next for me? Dunno!

bdelmar2019a — **Now there’s a look. I would regret the vest by mile 3 . . .**

The weather & dressing
This was probably the best weather I have ever had for this race, and I’ve run it six times. Mid 40s. Little wind. Partly cloudy to start, although the sun did peak out around mile 3.

delmar2019 — **My “Big Dream” for this race was to finish feeling decent**

I went with my Pocketopia Capris, Wonder Wool Long Sleeve top, and Toasty Vest from Skirt Sports. I eventually regretted the vest — I unzipped it almost all the way, but I felt too warm. I know it would have taken me a couple of miles to warm up in just the Wonder Wool Long Sleeve but you finish right in front of the school where you store your stuff so it would have been fine (I just would have been majorly cold at the beginning of the race). I don’t really think it made a difference to my time.

I wore my blister running shoes from Savannah (read about that race here), as they will now be known. No blister. Not shocking, it was just 5 miles and really nice weather. The shoes are probably coming to the end of their life.

Was the race well run?
Always well run, and this year was no difference. Parking fills up early, so get there early unless you want to hunt for parking. The free massages are always a nice touch. The course is well marked, and there’s ample support on the course. The AG awards were cranberry colored pint glasses — I would’ve loved one, but this races brings out speedy runners: I would have to shave 20 minutes off my finish time — no exaggeration! — to earn one. Never gonna happen!

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

“Powering” Through: 2/25-3/3 WRD

March 3, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 27 Comments

Without a goal race on the calendar and bitter cold and snow and wind, I can’t say I’m super motivated to run. I want to maintain my base, so after a short runbbatical, it was time to lace up . . . a little.

I’ve been active in other ways. On Monday we lost power for 5 hours (extreme wind). Luckily we have a generator, but it doesn’t power everything. It is not easy getting in 5 miles pacing around your house, but I was successful. With some warming temps, some short runs, and some dogwalks, it was a whole lot easier to get in more steps later in the week.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner who have opened up a new linkup to take up the hole from the dearly departed Weekly Wrap.

briots

And linking up with Jenn @ Runswithpugs, Brandi @ Funnerrunner, Anna Louise @ Graciouswarriorprincess, Briana @ Matsmilesmedals, Meghan @ Meghanonthemove, and Elizabeth @ Trainwithbainfor RIOTS(running is our therapy)

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (20 minutes), SB WU (15 minutes), DM Total Body (13 minutes), SB WU (5 minutes), PITT28 Abs (10 minutes that felt like 20, LOL! — damn, it’s hard!)
Tuesday: Yoga (20 minutes), SB WU (12 minutes), PITT28 Legs (25 minutes)
Wednesday: SB WU (15 minutes), PITT28 Arms (20 minutes), DM Stretching (15 minutes)
Thursday: Shoveling, SB WU, PITT28 Abs (20 minutes), 2 easy TM Miles
Friday: Yoga (7 minutes), Dogwalk!!!, SB WU (8 minutes), 2 easy TM miles, SB WU (5 minutes), PITT28 Total Body (20 minutes)
Saturday: Yoga (10 minutes), Dogwalk
Sunday: Yoga (20 minutes), 5 miles easy, Dogwalk

Mileage: 9 (+9)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Updates

It’s a big job! Had to do it early so I could get out to a meeting.

Thursday
I can’t say as I was raring to go, especially not after shoveling the driveway which takes quite a while and includes paths in the back for the dogs, but I must say 2 miles on a treadmill seems like almost the perfect amount of time.

Friday
Did you notice the dogs finally got a walk? Probably the only one for this week. It’s been that cold, and up until yesterday, that windy too (or windy & snowy). They think they want to walk, but I know they wouldn’t be happy walking in 9 feels like -3.

The only reason I didn’t run outside today was I just didn’t want to feel cold. Seriously, by the afternoon it was actually fairly warm — 30 feels really warm after the weather earlier in the week! It just seemed too much effort to suit up for just 2 miles.

**It’s always satisfying to see the results of your hard work**

Sunday
Finally a “warm” and sunny day. I set out to do somewhere between 4-5 miles. The first mile was slooooooow. I didn’t have a goal for the run, though, so mentally shrugged my shoulders. The next 4 were a normal pace. I was tempted to do just do 4, but there will probably be a 5 mile race in a month, so I figured it’s time to get some miles on the legs again.

**Someone was very happy to see “Daddy”. Until she wanted dinner, of course, then it’s all Mommy!**

Favorites of the week
Got together with Running Buddy D for lunch — it’s been a couple of months since we caught up. I miss running with her, but she has some exciting plans that I’m sure I’ll get to hear all about the next time we get together.

Very glad we got the starter on the generator got fixed, otherwise it would’ve gotten pretty chilly in here on Monday (and last night, as it turned out)! Also glad the power came back on before I went to bed both times, as the generator is below our bedroom and quite loud.

Happy that Mr. Judy is back home from a week of travels. I don’t like to announce when I’m on my own here on the blog — do you think Lola was also happy to have him home?

Talk to me:

What was a favorite from your week?

Have you tried anything new recently?

Have you had the same group of running buddies for a long time, or does the cast of characters change?

R&R: 2/18-24 Weekly Wrap

February 24, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

In some ways it seems kind of pointless to join up with the Weekly Wrap, because there wasn’t a lot of movement this week. But that’s just the point: sometimes recovery looks like being lazy, but recovery is important — and I don’t have anything on my schedule right now, either. Perfect timing.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home and showing how I recover like a boss.

WWSki-Orange

Workouts update

Monday: Rest day
Tuesday: SB WU (10 minutes), DM Pilates (20 minutes)
Wednesday: Dogwalk, SB WU (8 minutes), DM Stretching (15 minutes)
Thursday: DM Yoga/Stretching (11 minutes), Dogwalk
Friday: Yoga (7 minutes), Dogwalk, SB WU (13 minutes), DM Arms (15 minutes)
Saturday: Yoga (8 minutes), Dogwalk, SB WU (10 Minutes), DM Total Body (20 minutes)
Sunday: Yoga (20 minutes), SB WU (10 minutes), DM Abs (9 minutes)

Mileage: 0 (-21)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Updates

Zip. Zero. Nada.
And that’s just fine by me. You know how when you’re sick or injured and runners seem to be everywhere? And all you want to do is run? Nope. Well, the runners where there but there wasn’t the least bit of FOMO. I kept active in other ways, and I’ll get back out there; probably next week.

**I know it’s subtle, but I can really see the difference!**

Favorites of the week
This is short and sweet — there really just wasn’t much at all going on this week, just a little movement, unpacking (yes, I’m actually unpacked!), and a lot of relaxing.

Mr. Judy took both the photos above. On the left is a young Lola not long after she came to us — I’m not really sure how young she is in that photo, but she was only 4 when we left TX (and the photo was taken in TX), and we’d only actually had her 3 years. On the right is a recent photo Mr. Judy took; she’s now 13.

I was taken aback by how white her muzzle actually is. It’s always been quite light, obviously, so I really didn’t notice it but that photo was an eye opener for me. I had noticed the gray hairs on her neck and back. Time stands still for no dog or person.

Talk to me:

Have you really noticed your furkid aging?

Are you happy to take some downtime after a goal race (we could all take a page from the elites in this!)?

What sort of activities do you enjoy when you’re not running?

State #20, Half #23 (I think?): 2/11-17 Weekly Wrap

February 17, 2019February 17, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 29 Comments

Training Week 10: Best Damn Race Savannah Half

I honestly don’t know quite where I am with the states — or halfs! I seriously need to update my “Races” page. It might be state #19 . .

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home and wrapping up BDR Savannah Half training.

WWSki-Orange

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (8 minutes), DM Stretch (15 minutes), Dogwalk
Tuesday: SB WU (5 minutes), DM Total Body (15 minutes), travel to Savannah
Wednesday: 5 miles easy
Thursday: YFRHQ Hamstrings (20 minutes), 3 miles with strides
Friday: Yoga (7 minutes)
Saturday: BDR Savannah
Sunday: TBL Pilates (30 minutes), Travel home

Mileage: 21.1 (-1)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Updates

Wednesday
Tuesday was a long day of travel with delays due to the snowstorm & a late bedtime for me. I wasn’t even sure I would want to run & it was chilly (38F, anyone?). I didn’t rush out there but the run was fine, especially with lots of photo stops.

I spent the last mile or so clutching the grass woven roses the homeless? woman insisted on making me — as I ran by she said happy Valentine’s Day & I said over my shoulder that it was my birthday. She called me back & insisted I take them (in a nice way). We chatted for a while but I had no money to give her (not that she asked for any).

Thursday
I had planned on 4, but needed to get back, shower & change. Turns out I probably could’ve finished the 4 but still just did 3. One more mile ain’t gonna make a difference at this point. The run was fine again.

Satruday
Not quite the race I wanted, but I finished mostly intact (aside from a large blood blister on a toe) & not my best or worst time. We enjoyed our time here and I’ve added GA so I call that winning.

Favorites of the week
The meet ups — Skirt Sisters above and Karen @ Runningfifty below.

All the food.

All the sights, which I’ll leave for another post. And running in skirts — now it’s back to reality and more snow. It’s February, after all.

The Hay is in the Barn: 2/4-10 Weekly Wrap

February 10, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

Training Week 9: Best Damn Race Savannah Half

I admit it: life is much easier without Gizmo, but I can’t say that life without him makes me happy, either. I miss him. When you’re in caretaking mode, you don’t realize just how much time that caretaking consumes. I didn’t really think that he was that time consuming — but he was.

Still, there’s a race to be run, so run I did. I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home to wrap up my last long run leading into BDR Savannah.

WWSki-Orange

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (7 minutes), Visit parents & multiple Dogwalks
Tuesday: YFPR Hamstrings (20 minutes), 8 x 400s for a total of 5 miles, Iron Strength Abbreviated
Wednesday: Dogwalk, Yoga
Thursday: Yoga AM (7 minutes), 4 mile “Progressive” Run
Friday: Yoga (7 minutes), Dogwalk, YFR Hamstrings (10 minutes)
Saturday: Dogwalk, TBL Pilates (30 minutes)
Sunday: 9 Mile LSD, DM Total Body (16 minutes), YFR Hamstrings (10 minutes)

Mileage: 18 (-6)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Updates

What a difference a day makes. At least it wasn’t too cold.

Tuesday
Monday was a beautiful day, just perfect for running, but I was basically stuck inside almost all day. This morning, when I did my speed work, it was chilly — although 50 by the time I finished! — and very gray. Still much better conditions than we’ve seen in a while.

This speed work went much better than last week’s tempo. I didn’t hit my paces on all my intervals, and ended one short by mistake, but I hit the right pace on quite a few so I was satisfied. It was still hard. It will always be hard! It’s supposed to be hard.

**I always think about asking their owners if we should get them together with Lola for a playdate**

Thursday
It was a very gray day — again — but not gonna lie. 44 felt really nice. I wasn’t chilled for hours afterwards.

I set out to do a 5 mile progressive run. I decided 4 miles sounded just fine as I was running. The first mile was a little bit slower than I wanted, then I increased pace way too much the second mile. The third was a little faster, and the last mile was my fastest. So not quite what I was aiming for but I’ll take it. It always takes me a couple of miles to warm up.

**Happiness is always an ice free path & some different scenery**

Sunday
I had plans to meet up with someone but it fell through. Which allowed me to get out there a little later — it wasn’t crazy windy like Saturday, but it wasn’t warm, either. This was a surprisingly speedy run for me. I don’t know why. I wasn’t really pushing it, but I held a relatively consistent pace that was just a bit faster than my normal easy pace. I pulled it back just slightly at the end — I’d rather be speedy in my race than in a training run!

Favorites of the week
That chicken noodle soup again after my long run today. It really hit the spot.

Banana chips. Have you ever had them? I made some energy balls with them this weekend. The balls were great, but the banana chips were definitely addictive. I had some of them on my long run today. I guess I need to pack a few. I also need to make sure they’re not somewhere easy to get at at home, I could definitely see these being a problem.

In case you missed it, I wrote another post about Gizmo filled with more stories and photos. Read it here.

Looking forward to some future warmer runs!

Let’s get the conversation started:

Have you ever tried banana chips?

Have you ever eaten banana chips to fuel a run?

For those trapped in snow and polar vortex, were you able to run outside this week? All my runs were outside — there were only three of them, LOL!

Saying goodbye & moving forward: 1/28-2/3 Weekly Wrap

February 3, 2019February 3, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 33 Comments

Training Week 8: Best Damn Race Savannah Half

Normally running is my go-to for stress; it has gotten me through many difficult times in my life the last 10 years. I did not want to run this week after we put Giz to sleep, although I did my runs and have kept as active as you can when it’s so cold and you’re “stuck” inside — and that helps. It is what it is. Moving on.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home to wrap up a week of heartbreak and moving forward.

WWSki-Orange

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (7 minutes), 6 Miles Easy, Dogwalk, Yin Yoga (15 minutes)
Tuesday: Very short dogwalk (cold!). lots of laptime with & saying my final goodbye to Gizmo
Wednesday: YFPR Align & Alleviate (30 minutes), SB WU (10 minutes), DM Total Body (12 minutes)
Thursday: Yoga AM (7 minutes), TM Tempo-ish 6 Miles, Iron Strength Glute Blaster (15 minutes)
Friday: Yoga (7 minutes), Pilates for Runners (25 minutes)
Saturday: YFPR Restore & Rebuild (30 minutes)
Sunday: 12 Mile LSD

Mileage: 24 (+1)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Updates

Monday
It was cold, but not terrible, with bright sunshine and not too much wind. I was grappling with my time with Gizmo coming to an end, repeating “I am at peace with my decision” to myself, although in many ways I was anything but.

I was tired in mind, body, and spirit, but it was actually a good run with my fastest mile being my last.

Thursday
Bitter cold (not as bad as Chicago, thankfully!) and snowy streets had me attempting my tempo on the treadmill. I enjoy speed work on the treadmill, but not tempos. Still, you do what you gotta do. Only I just couldn’t. Oh yes, I did finish the run. And I did the first 3 miles (my 2 mile warm up and the first tempo mile) just fine. Sort of.

By the end of the first tempo mile I just had to stop and walk around a while. I dropped the pace. The same for the next mile. And again. So that didn’t really boost my confidence or fulfill its purpose but I did get some more miles on my feet and worked on pace a little. I’ve done that pace for tempos before, but I guess the stress, and probably not fueling enough just got to me.

b2319 — **Happy to get 2 runs outside this week!**

Sunday
Darlene @ My first5k joined me for 2/3 of my long run (her last before her half next week, mine’s in 2 weeks). It’s the first time we’ve run together in forever. The route was boring but ice-free, it was a hazy shade of winter, and even though it was the warmest day in about a week, I was chilled for hours afterwards. Still, the company was good and I finished my last 4 miles after Darlene wrapped it up for an even 12. Taper town, here I come!

Favorites of the week
It’s easy to say there was nothing good about this week, but there are always silver linings. Gizmo hated the car, although he did get better about it recently when he spent so much more time in it. I was happy that there was no final car ride and his passing at home was peaceful.

We watched Bruce Springsteen on Broadway on Netflix this week. We’re not rabid Springsteen fans, although we did go see him in concert a few years back. It was at times really interesting, and at other times a bit boring — but I would still recommend it.

I’ve been wanting to go to Savannah forever, but I have not even looked at what I want to do there. I started to a little this weekend. We booked a food tour for my birthday, Valentine’s Day. So there’s that.

Let’s get the conversation started:

What’s the first thing you look for in a new city? Food tours & hiking for me.

Anyone joining me for BDR Savannah?

Do you have Savannah recommendations for me?

Snow, Ice & Cold, Oh My!: 1/21-27 Weekly Wrap

January 27, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 33 Comments

Training Week 7: Best Damn Race Savannah Half

Snow. Check. Ice. Check. Extreme cold. Check. Pouring rain. Check. Mother Nature sure threw a lot at us this week, but I did my best to keep on keeping on.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home to wrap up half and half: half treadmill runs, half running outside.

WWSki-Orange

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (7 minutes), TM Tempo, DM Lower Body
Tuesday: 4 TM miles, Abs
Wednesday: Very short Dogwalk (cold! snow!), DM Pilates (11 Minutes), Yoga (8 minutes)
Thursday: Yoga AM (7 minutes), YFPR Flexibility & Flow afternoon (30 minutes)
Friday: 11 Mile LSD
Saturday: Dogwalk, TBL Pilates (30 minutes)
Sunday: Yoga (7 minutes), 3 mile supported run/race, IS Abbreviated, Dogwalk

Mileage: 23 (-1)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Updates

The good thing about running inside was trying out some different skirts. This one’s Hover.

Monday
-7 in the morning — without the windchill (and there was windchill) — I know some people would still run outside in those temps, but some people bungee jump too.

5 miles on the treadmill, 3 at tempo, and stick a fork in me (as far as running).

**Getting some abwork in in between miles. This skirt’s Jette.**

Tuesday
While cold, it was sunny and not too windy. I didn’t really want to drive somewhere and the roads in my neighborhood were still too slippery. I did 4 miles on the treadmill, stopping each mile to do some abs.

The last time I did a similar workout it seemed to take forever. This time, while yes it took longer than just running obviously, it felt good — maybe in contrast to how hard yesterday’s tempo felt!

**A better shot of the Wonder Wool top. Such bright colors this year!**

Friday
Yesterday it poured cats & dogs, then changed over to snow, and this morning the roads just looked a mess. I decided to stay safe and do a shorter run on the treadmill. I made some energy balls I’d been meaning to try out on a long run (so good!). And then I kept looking at the weather, looking at the road, looking at the weather . . . I decided to go for the long run after all.

It was almost noon by the time I started, so I was running through lunch. Had I decided to do this I definitely would have eaten differently and probably not made those energy balls. Basically I was running in neighborhoods near the park, but not in the park — not exactly exciting, but more exciting than running in my own neighborhood, and the roads in my neighborhood were still quite messy with slush and ice when I left.

I was still cautious and slowed over anything that looked wet, but there was no slippery ice like last week and aside from some tired hamstrings (probably because I didn’t foam roll before or warm up at all) the run was fine.

Sunday
Another cold (but not too bad, except for the wind) supported run/race. It was a tough morning at home, and my heart wasn’t really in it, but I knew I’d be better off running and I also knew that on my own I wouldn’t have pushed it as hard. Not that I really thought I was pushing hard but it was a pretty good pace and nice negative splits.

**Peanut Butter Mud Pie — the waitress split it in half unasked!**

Favorites of the week
This pie. It’s made multiple appearances on this blog, usually after a double digit run, and it never disappoints.

Seat warmers. Not on my car, obviously, which is almost 19 years old, but the ones in my husband’s car. I swear I wanted to ask him to just drive around some more on the way home from the restaurant so I could just luxuriate in the warmth. I may have actually asked that out loud . . .

I you liked some of the Skirt Sports I’m sporting here, feel free to ask about it and/or use my discount code 522CRJ for 15% off.

Let’s get the conversation started:

Do you have an amazing dessert that you love and therefore never try the other desserts at the restaurant — even though they look pretty awesome too?

If you do run on the treadmill, do you mix things up on it?

Do you have a different fitness routine during winter?

Shoveling as Fasted Cardio: 1/14-20 Weekly Wrap

January 20, 2019 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 40 Comments

Training Week 7: Best Damn Race Savannah Half

Alas I think that was our last week with no snow on the paths — mostly, anyway, as I ran through just a little snow on Friday (yup, we got caught in the big snowstorm today). Maybe we’ll get lucky and it’ll warm up and melt the foot or so of snow forecast to drop on us today? Unlikely.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home to wrap up dodging the snow as best as I can.

WWSki-Orange

Workouts update

Monday: 4 miles easy TM, YFPR Rebuild & Restore (30 min)
Tuesday: DM HIIT (12 minutes), TBL Pilates (30 minutes), Yoga (7 minutes), Dogwalk
Wednesday: Dogwalk, 5 miles (3 Tempo-ish), DM Total Body (15 Minutes)
Thursday: Yoga (8 minutes), DM Pilates (20 Minutes), Dogwalk
Friday: 9 Mile LSD, Dogwalk
Saturday: Yoga (9 minutes), 4 miles easy, IS Glute Blaster
Sunday: Fasted Cardio — Shoveling so dogs could actually get out!, more shoveling, yet more shoveling Yoga

Mileage: 22 (+1)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Updates

Monday
I probably could’ve done this one outside, despite just a tiny dusting of snow — not so much on the road, but on houses, etc. — mostly, it was just that I’ve had super cold runs up to here! Honestly, it was a pretty nice, although cold, day.

Anyhoo, took to the mill for 4 miles easy and trying out my new kicks (Mizuno Wave Sky).

**That break in the ice is about where those mysterious foot prints were a few weeks ago**

Wednesday
My legs just weren’t having it. I was on the strugglebus from the moment I tried to pick up the pace, with each tempo mile getting progressively slower and maybe a bit more walking in the middle.

There are all sorts of reasons, the chief one probably being a night of very little sleep (no idea why, darn menopause). I tried hard not to beat myself up too much, I found the good in this run — like still no snow on the ground (which will change soon), the fact that I can run, yadda yadda.

Then I got home, and looked at some of last year’s tempo runs . . . where I struggled with pace . . . at about the same paces. Okey dokey then, I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought (but it did feel as bad!).

**If I’d known it was clear here, I would’ve gone this way in the first place!**

Friday
The snow was gently falling . . . an inch maybe less on the path . . . there I was, running along, thinking how peaceful it was . . . and suddenly I hit a patch of ice hidden by the snow and went sliding . . . thankfully remained upright. I had on my screw shoes but they’re not much good on ice.

I turned around, walking, and hit another patch of ice, but again, thankfully, remained upright. Had I started out the other way, the path had actually been cleared (usually it was cleared where I started out running) — when I got to the clear part I was able to pick up the pace again, toward the end of the run. Otherwise it was a super slow run so it took me much longer than normal.

I have two more long runs before I taper and wrap things up — but of course the snow is blowing in Sunday. It’s gonna be interesting.

**Everyone said it wasn’t that bad. I still thought it was darn cold & was thankful it was only 4 miles for me!**

Saturday
Brrr! Glad I only had 4 recovery miles today, it was definitely another cold day. Except for the last half mile I did get to run with friends, which is always nice.

**On my left arm my Garmin, unpictured on the right arm is a Momentum Sparklet**

Darlene and I were twinning (except for the color), and all three Skirt Sports Ambassadors chose the Toasty Cheeks skirt to brave the cold — it does help keep your butt warm! Use Code 522CRJ for 15% off.

Favorites of the week
I’m not sure that the Mizuno Wave Sky is actually a favorite. I really like how light it feels for a somewhat heavy shoe; what I don’t like is that big, built up heel. I like minimalist shoes for my speedwork/long runs and “regular” shoes for easy runs. They are very comfortable, but they run a bit short and I went up a half size — which makes them just a teensy bit large. They’ll be fine for short, easy runs.

Ok, he’s actually having an off day today; it happens once in a while. But just a few days ago he actually laid down and purred during his fluids (hasn’t happened since, of course, he’s a cat & he’s good at it).

**This was fairly early this morning. There’s been more.**

Of course the big snow storm was not a favorite. I’m at peak in my training, but at least it looks like I should be able to get a long run in next weekend (knocking on wood). I had to go out at about 6:30 this morning to shovel just so the dogs could get out! And have already had to shovel a few more times for them.

Let’s get the conversation started:

Are you now buried in snow?

Do you you like being buried in snow (me, definitely no)?

Are you a fan of recovery runs?
I never have been, but I actually do think it was helpful this week.