July 15, 2010 by Darlene

Running…I’m Back!

Tennis has taken over my life lately.

Sunday we left early for the lake and returned late. I ran 5 miles on Saturday so it was my rest day, anyway.

My USTA team was in the playoffs on Monday so I didn’t run so I could be rested. It was worth it since I won & so did my team.

Tuesday am I was too tired to run and then Tuesday evening I went to see Martina Hingis and John Mc Enroe play WTT tennis. Martina played great and the NYBuzz won its first match of the season. Johnny Mac did not.

John Mc Enroe playing for the NYSportimes

Wed am it rained and then Wed evening I played tennis with friends. No running for day number 4!!!

This morning I was scheduled to play tennis before work. I needed to play since the 2nd round of playoff is Monday and I am going to be playing. We are leaving for 4 days on Lake George tomorrow so it will be my last opportunity to practice.

The runner in me said “You haven’t run since Sunday…you have to get out there again!!!” And I did. I dragged my husband out of bed at 6 am and had him play tennis in my spot and I went out and ran 3.5 miles. (Hopefully I don’t regret this next Monday when I playing tennis in the playoffs!!!)

There was 95% humidity but it was not too warm yet and there was a slight breeze. It felt great to be running again though my lungs felt out of shape after only a 4 day layoff. When I was done, I had more energy than I’ve had in days!!

Tonight I’m off to see a play in Washington Park with folks I used to work with. We go every year and it’s always fun!

This weekend, it supposed to be hot and humid again…so I was be…

floating on Lake George

Happy Running! Stay cool!

July 13, 2010 by Darlene

Tennis Victory but a Rained Out AM Run

My team (Aces Wild) won 4-1 so we advance to next round and play again next Monday. YAY!

My doubles partner & I won too. Not easily…my partner was very nervous and playing very poorly!!! We were down 1-5 in the lst set and about to lose. It was my job to boost her confidence & get her to relax. I told her to just think about making ONE POINT not winning the match. We joked around each time we made one point. Eventually, one by one we won the next 6 games or 24 points! In the 2^nd set, we were playing much better. We were up 5-2 & I was serving for the match. My head took over and I started to think about winning and guess what, they won the next 3 games and we were tied at 5-5. They were now the confident ones and we had to return to our original plan – just win points. So we won the next 8 points and it was over. The other team cried. We were incredulous. We couldn’t believe that being so close to defeat that we won!!!!!!

Tennis is sometimes in addition to skill such a “mind game.”

Back to running. I was mentally and physically drained after my match last night so I didn’t sleep well. I set my alarm to get up and run. IT WAS RAINING!!! Reprieve…we’ll see if I have time to get a run when I get home and before I go see:

and

John McEnroe’s team is playing the NYBuzz (Martinis Hingis plays for our team) tonight in Albany.

Happy Running!

July 12, 2010 by Darlene

The Morning Run that wasn’t

another day in paradise

I spent Saturday cleaning, shopping, doing laundry & running so yesterday, I deserved a break! Not really but our friends booked the site above….so we had to go to Lake George.

fun times with friends

We got home late and I had all the intentions in the world to run this morning. When the alarm went off, I procrastinated and then it was too late!!! I was really pissed that it was beautiful outside – no humidity, cool and the heat and humidity is returning!!!

Tonight my tennis team is playing in the playoffs. It’s really important so maybe that’s why I chose not to run. Hope we win….

and tomorrow morning, I’m getting up to run!!!!

Happy Running!

July 12, 2010 by Darlene

Brain Exchange #16 & Monday Running Goals

Topic: Pre-Race Rituals

Question: Do you have pre-race rituals? Bizarre OCD’s? If so, what are they?

The night before: I try to go to bed early. I do not drink any alcohol. I try to eat carbs (pasta, if possible) & drink water.
The morning of: I eat 2 hours before the start of the race. I have hot cereal and coffee. I drink water on the way. My clothes have to be comfortable and be color coordinated. I wear my best sneakers. I bring my iPod for music.

Nothing too bizarre!

Recap of last week:
My weekly goal was 16 miles. I did 16!!! YAY!
IT WAS HOT!!!!!!!!!!!

This week’s schedule:
Monday – USTA tennis playoffs after work
Tuesday – seeing John McEnroe playing NYBuzz (WTT tennis)
Wed – tennis after work
Thurs – theatre in the park w/ friends after work
Friday, Saturday & Sunday- boating on Lake George island

This week’s running :
Monday or Tues – 3 miles before work
Wed or Thursday – 3 miles before work
Saturday – 4 miles at the marina
Sunday – 4 miles at the marina

Weekly Running Goal = 14 miles
Monthly Running Goal = 55 miles
Yearly Running Goal = 300 miles ( I passed it!!)

Happy Running and enjoy the weather!

July 10, 2010 by Darlene

Reprieve from the Heat

If you’ve been listening to the news, the Northeast has had the hottest weather in the country. It’s been over 95 degrees (over 100 heat index) all week. It was still in the 90’s in the evening and in the 80s in the morning.

I ran 4 miles at the lake on Sun, Mon, Tues. At home, I got up early on Thursday to run. It was still hot and I could only muster 3 miles. It was raining this morning when I got up. At last a cool down!! When it stopped around noon, it was in the 70s so I decided to attempt a 5 mile run. Yes, it was cooler but the humidity was so high, it felt like a sauna. I walked a lot but finished it at a slow pace in 59 minutes. I’m obviously not ready for a 10 k yet.

My evenings are busy all week so I’m going to try to get up and run several mornings before work.

Happy Running!

July 8, 2010 by Darlene

Running, the Heat & My Vacation

As predicted, it was hazy, hot and humid during my four days on Lake George and hotter each day. I love hot weather but this was a little much!

We arrived on Saturday morning and set out for our island spot (Log Bay #3). Five of our friends arrived on their boat and we spent the day, swimming, eating, drinking and socializing.

our boat(s) at the dock

eating at our site

staying cool

At the end of the day, we headed back to sleep at the marina and went to our friends who live in Lake George to play cards.

heading back to Bolton Landing

Sunday morning, I got up and had coffee and breakfast and then headed out for my 4 mile run. It was hot. I should have left earlier but this is vacation. Anyway, it is definitely cooler near the water and it is SO beautiful here.

When I got back, 4 friends had arrived and we headed back to our island site. Two of our friends arrived also with 8 more people. What a crowd and so much fun! I floated on the lake, went on dinghy rides and tried to stay cool.

our friends arrive on their pontoon

still staying cool

Again at the end of the day, we headed back to the marina so we could all watch the Bolton Landing fireworks. Our boating friends headed back to their marinas in Lake George and then drove up to ours.

Bolton Landing fireworks

even the dog enjoyed them

Monday was started exactly like Sunday except it was even hotter. I got in my 4 mile run. YAY! This time we only had 10 people on our site. Our activities were staying cool, of course.

our dinghy pulling tube riders

I was glad that I had decided to take an extra day off on Tuesday. It was very quiet. Everyone else went back to work. The heat was incredible so I only ran 3 miles and my hubby was getting impatient at the marina, sitting in the heat. Today we spent a peaceful day riding around in the boat and reading at the site.

saying good-bye to our site

Unfortunately, we finally had to leave and put our boat away. We ended the day with dinner at our favorite lakeside restaurant.

Happy Running and Stay Cool!

July 5, 2010 by Darlene

Brain Exchange #15 and Monday Goals

Click HERE to participate.

Topic: Favorite Athletes

Question: Who are your Top 5 favorite athletes? And why? They can be famous or infamous, to do with your sport or be in a completely different sport.

Kim Clisters – Tennis – I really admire her comeback after taking time off to have a baby and then winning the US Open. ( I just to see her play at the US Open that year, too)

Roger Federer – Tennis – I love to watch him – he makes it look so easy – and he’s not afraid to show his emotions

John McEnroe – Tennis – he’s from my era – he’s so much fun to watch – a great commentator (& still a great double player) – I’m going to see him play on July 13.

Chris Evert – Tennis – she’s from my era – she’s such a class act – she still looks amazing (I watched her play at a charity event last November)

Kara Goucher – Running – I read about her in Runner’s World magazine & began a fan

Joan Benoit Samuelson – Running – another oldie – I saw her at the Freihofer’s Run recently & WOW she can run

I have only recently become a runner so most of my favs are tennis players.

Recap of last week:
My weekly goal was 15 miles. I did 14!!! Close enough!!
I won a giveaway!!! Ryders Sunglasses! YAY!

This week’s schedule:
Monday & Tuesday – boating (on vacation)
Wed – Census job or tennis
Friday – tennis before work, mah jong after work
Saturday & Sunday- boating on Lake George island

This week’s running :
Monday – 4.5 miles at the marina
Thursday – 4 miles after work
Friday – 3.5 miles
Sunday – 4 miles at the marina

Weekly Running Goal = 16 miles
Monthly Running Goal = 55 miles
Yearly Running Goal = 300 miles

Happy Running & hope you had a great 4th!

July 3, 2010 by Darlene

July 4th Weekend and Boating (and a little running)

We are leaving this morning for FOUR days on our boat. The weather is supposed to be hot and sunny EVERY DAY! I am psyched! We booked a site on Log Bay Island and we have friends coming to party every day.

I am glad that I already ran 3 mornings this week just in case we can’t get a dock at our marina. You can’t run on these islands!!

Happy Running and Happy Independence Day!

July 2, 2010 by Darlene

Great Run & Long Weekend Ahead

For the third time this week, I’ve gotten up early to go for a run. Each time, my runs have gotten better so has the weather. I guess there must be a message there. I love hot weather but I realize it’s not the best for running.

Today, I got up a little late so could only squeeze in 3 miles before going to work. It was sunny and in the low 50s. I hardly stopped at all and felt like I could run forever!!! Darn job!!!

My next race is not until July 24. It’s one of my favorites – Silks and Satins 5K. This race marks the opening of the Saratoga Race Track. It’ll my 3rd time running in it. I may even have company running this race!!!

That’s a month between races which is a lot for me. There’s one on July 11 but the age groups are under 14 and over 14. That’s doesn’t motivate me.

Anyway, we have a lot of Lake George boating planned: July 3-6, July 16-19 and July 31-Aug 2.

In August and September, I have so many 5k races planned on Saturdays so boating will be limited to Sundays. (Please understand, Hubby!)

Happy Running!