December 20, 2012 by Darlene

Second Annual Secret Santa Sock Swap

Thanks to 3x A Charm Runner for organizing this. I was paired with Amanda from Run To The Finish (She will post what I sent) and Beatrice who got me the gifts below.

I got great holiday knee socks which I will wear next week on my run and next year when I do the Albany Last Run 5K. I also got a cute ornament (my first running one…I have lots of tennis, cats, teaching, French ones) as well as lots of treats including chocolate GU (which I will need as I train for a half marathon.)

Thanks Beatrice (I hope you see this) for the perfect gifts.

Happy Running! Did you participate in any holiday gift exchanges this year?

December 19, 2012 by Darlene

Wordless Wednesday – The Christmas Cookie Edition

Returned from vacation (where a lot of unhealthy eating went down) to a Cookie Party at work:

Plus – everyday someone else brings a plate of cookies into our office!!!!!!!

Next up:

Dinner with former colleagues tomorrow
End of the World Party on Friday at Work
Birthday dinner over the weekend

Give me strength!!

The good news is that I am running every other day:

3 miles on Sat
4 miles on Mon
hopefully 4 miles after work today
3 miles on Fri
hopefully 4 miles on Sun.

And I played tennis last night for the 1st time since Oct. 1!!!!!

Happy Running! Are you good about staying away from holdiay sweets?

National Blogging Day of Remembrance

December 15, 2012 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5K Report

This was my third time doing this race so I was prepared for the course, the darkness & the potholes. The fireworks were usually before the race and you have to get ready to run right after they ended. I remember that the race ended coming down a hill. I hoped that this year I wouldn’t trip on a pot hole and fall like last year!!.

I also knew that this race would be crowded so my plan was to just have fun with it.

The race started at 5 pm. It’s always a little tricky to run a race at night when you’re used to fueling in the morning. So I decided to carbload throughout the day: oatmeal…bagel…waffles… chicken lo mein.

I saved time in picking up my race packet yesterday during lunch.

This year’s windbreaker. I also have yellow & orange. I’d wear it if it were a holiday color.

It wasn’t too COLD…in the 30’s . There was no snow or ice…YAY!! I just wore layers… turtleneck, t-sheet, green windbreaker, skirt with capris, holiday knee socks, Santa hat, red gloves. My hubby has a parking pass for under the mall so he drove me. We planned to go out to dinner afterwards.

waiting inside before the race

As you know I have been recovering from another injury and haven’t been running much. I probably should have sat this one out but the park is beautiful with all the lights so I thought why not just run it slow.

Several of my friends that wanted to run the race got closed out…this race is very popular. But I did run into several runners that I knew. I was surprised to see my good tennis friend MaryPat. I didn’t know that she was running it until I saw her standing next to me while watching the fireworks outside before the race began.

MaryPat

The race started after the fireworks. There was supposed to be a starting mat but I didn’t see one. It was very crowded where I was standing and it took some time to get moving. It was very slow going for awhile but was perfect for me. I couldn’t run fast even if I wanted to. I spent most of the race looking at the ground. I was paranoid about falling again and I did see several runners who did just that.

(Some cute photos here: http://cms.dailygazette.com/photos/galleries/2012/dec/15/last-run-5k/)

I just ran at an easy pace taking in all the scenery and the runners in costumes. I passed the mile 1 marker at 12:xx but that was because it was so slow at the beginning.

I kept the same pace the whole race. I ran the whole time even up the hills. Mile 2 was around 22:xx which is more my speed. Finally we got the the downhill part and I was very careful not to fall (even though my shoe was untied but it was too dangerous to stop to tie it & I didn’t want to lose any more time.)

I did manage to sprint across the finish line around 35:20 (I think). Normally I would be depressed at such a slow time. But I was so happy to have run a race and to have run 3.1 miles without stopping.

What was really cool was that there were fireworks going off as the runners crossed the finish line. I watched for a little bit but I had to go inside and look for my hubby.

Inside there was a band and refreshments including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. I headed toward the ice cream and then located my hubby who was anxious to head to Applebees for dinner.

Albany’s Last Run was hopefully not my “last” run but it was my last and 12th RACE of 2012. It was the kind of race that you do for fun. And it was fun!

Happy Running! Anyone one else running a holiday race?

December 14, 2012 by Darlene

For Miss Zippy: My 2012

Ms. Zippy asked us to tell her about our 2012. As you know, it wasn’t a great year but here it is in a blog post:

1. Best race experience?

Freihofer’s Run for Women – I was recovering from a broken ankle and wasn’t supposed to run it. At the last moment I decided to walk it but then when the gun went off, I started running & didn’t stop until I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes.

Runners World 5K – This was a destination race and I was visiting my best friend from high school who was waiting at the finish line. Again, I was injured with a stress fracture but determined to run the race anyway. It was a really fun race and I hope to run it again (or even the 10K or the half) some day when I am healthy.

2. Best run?

Camp Chingachgook 10k – I would have to say this one because it was my longest run of the year, my first 10K and at my favorite summer destination – Lake George.

determined to break 30 minutes!!

MPBA 5K – Finally broke 30 minutes which I used to do easily.

3. Best new piece of gear?

Camp Chingachgook Challenge

Compression Socks – Now I have white (Saucony), black (runningskirts.com), blue, pink, green (procompression). They are really great to help recover from injuries.

me feeling short with the Running Skirts ladies

My Running Skirt – This new one is my favorite from runningskirts.com. I have worn it to many of my races this year.

4. Best piece of running advice you received?

From Runner’s World in January: “Injury is something that happens to you as an athlete. Others might tell you that you’re done. But if you keep at it, you might be able to get back…” –Abdi Abdirahman, third-place finisher in the men’s 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials.

5. Most inspirational runner?

AJH at Age Groups Rock – She is amazing. In her 50’s like me, she started doing triathlons this past year. She runs and bikes in all types of weather conditions. She is also a teacher which I know from experience is a tiring job. But she seems to have endless energy and enthusiasm. What an inspiration!!

Crista at Livin a Little Life – She lives with cancer (Stage 4) every day. Yet she doesn’t complain. She runs half marathons and 5ks. She even raises money for charity. She makes my health problems seem minor. She inspires me, too.

6. If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?

Injured, Frustrated but Grateful – Two injuries and sidelined for 5 months, then 2 months. Frustrated when not running and even more when I couldn’t run at the level I was used to. Grateful that I was able to run at all. Grateful for my friends and family.

Happy Running! Feel free to share your answers to Miss Zippy’s questions.

December 13, 2012 by Darlene

I’m Back!!

I am too exhausted to write much… but I am glad I went on this vacation!! The weather wasn’t great. However, the company was. I didn’t feel 100% …but good enough to do what I wanted which was laugh, eat, drink, relax, run, read, rest, walk…

Here are a few (not good quality) photos that were emailed to me. I’ll post more later.

Since I wasn’t sure if I was going, I didn’t pay attention that 2 of my friends cancelled. So it was just the 3 of us (not too good for tennis). Mary & Suzy arrived first & picked up the car rental. Then they got me and we headed for Blue Tree Resort. It turned out to be just like the brochures…all the comforts of home and more.

The first night, we headed to Downtown Disney which was minutes from our resort. We had a nice dinner outdoors at an Italian restaurant. Afterwards, we walked around and even had ice cream (the start of my unhealthy but fun eating vacation).

Downtown Disney…so pretty at night.

For our first full day (Sunday), we decided to sleep in and spend the day at the pool. It was warm and sunny. (Little did we know that this would be the last of the sunshine.)

I decided that I would go for a run. And it was wonderful….love the heat!! I ran/walked 3 miles around the resort and beyond.

This was taken in the courtyard below our room (on the 3rd fl).

Unfortunately my foot is still sore. Not in the same way as with the stress fracture (I have no problem walking or running) but there is discomfort on the top of my foot 😦

Before dinner, they surprised me with a makeshift menorah (tea lites from the dollar store) and we facetimed on my iPad with another friend to celebrate the 2nd night of Hanukkah.

Suzy insisted we cover our heads LOL

Then we went out to dinner in CityWalk in Universal Studios.

This is the view from our table at the Hard Rock Cafe.

The next day, we decided to go to the beach. The ocean is my most favorite place to be!! Lucky for me, it was only an hour ride.

Here were are at Cocoa Beach...the sunshine was short lived, though.

Here we are at Cocoa Beach…the sunshine was short lived, though.

Unfortunately, it was cloudy for most of the day but warm. I walked along the beach and did a lot of reading. So relaxing.

Message in the sand for Suzy whose birthday it was that day.

We went out to dinner at a great seafood restaurant with a view of the Banana River to celebrate Suzy’s birthday further.

The restaurant even gave her a cake.

If you are wondering where Mary is, she is taking the pictures cuz she hates to be in them. I think I got one of her, though.

No more photos for this post.

A brief summary of the rest of the trip:

Tuesday using our hopper pass: Animal Kingdom for most of the day, shuttle for a brief stay at Hollywood Studios, boat to Epcot, dinner and dessert there, our friend Fonda arrived that nite from Delray
Wednesday (my last day): 3 mile run, day at Winter Park – shopping, lunch, scenic boat ride, Tiffany museum

You see that we never played tennis but I did run TWICE!!

Happy Running! Happy Hanukkah to those runners who celebrate!

December 9, 2012 by Darlene

2013 Bucket List of Races

January

maybe a free HMRRC race (Albany)

February

Polar Cap 4 mi (Lake George)

March

First Watch Half Marathon (Sarasota, Fla.)

April

Delmar Dash 5 mi Race

May

Sean’s 5k Run (Chatham)
Mother’s Day Race (Schenectady)

June

Freihofer Run for Women (Albany)
Kinderhook Bank OK 5K
Adirondack Distance Challenge (Lake George-Bolton Landing)

July

Jingle Bell 5k (Lake George)
Silks & Satins 5K (Saratoga)

August

Camp Chingachgook 10k (Lake George)
Jailhouse Rock 5k (Ballston Spa)

September

5 for fiVe (Saratoga)
MBPK 5k (Malta)
Helper’s Fund 5K (Chestertown)

October

Susan Komen Race for the Cure (Albany)
Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon (Ponce Inlet, Fla.)

November

Fall Frun 10K (Clifton Park)
Stockade-athon 15K (Schenectady)
Bethlehem Towne Turkey Trot 5k (Delmar)

December

Albany Last Run 5K

Most of these races I’ve run before but there are a few news ones (in BOLD).

Of course, I hope to have a healthy year.

It’s good to have goals. It keeps you motivated. For me this year, it’s to cross the finish line and have fun!!!

Happy Running! What races are on your bucket list for 2013?

December 8, 2012 by Darlene

What’s on Your List?

Santa,

I want this:

On it is this runners version of the famous holiday poem:

Twas the night before the race and all through the state,
Runners were carb loading hoping for a great pace.
Their race day clothes were hung with care,
Along with the gels, watches and bibs all there.

The many weeks of training were not very fun,
Hill repeats, fartleks and long runs were done.
Hydration intake has all been perfected,
Thankfully no major pains were detected.

When race day arrives runners fill the streets,
And into their corrals they eagerly retreat.
Setting their watches as they run through the start,
We bid them all a good race admiring their dedication and heart.

As miles pass by they run with all their might,
Water and fuel stations were a very welcome site.
The crowds were all cheering and having a good time,
Giving the runners high fives all down the line.

When what to their wondering eyes should appear?
But the finish line with gleaming medals ever so near.
Endorphins are dancing all around in their heads,
It’s time for celebrations and then straight to bed.

May your running always be such a wonderful delight,
Happy running to all and to all a good night!

Of course, I wouldn’t mind another pair of running shoes and more running clothes…

All kidding aside, I don’t need any material things.

What this past year has shown me is that, it all means nothing if you aren’t healthy enough.

Happy Running! What running gift(s) do you want?

December 7, 2012 by Darlene

Vitamin D Part 1

I have debated over the last 4 weeks on whether or not I should go on a Florida vacation. I was hoping to find out what was wrong with my kidney. But that isn’t happening. I was worried about being sick and being far away from home.

My urologist said to go so I am.

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of my tennis friends won 8 days at a Orlando resort (Dec 8-15) and invited 3 of us to go.

Mary (in the green shirt), Ava (in black hat & outfit), Suzy (in pink hat) are going.

Unfortunately, it is a very busy time for me at work and I cannot go for the whole time. (Well, I feel too guilty to and unexpected dr appts used up some of my pto.)

We will be at the Blue Tree resort in Orlando Fla.

So I am leaving tomorrow and will return on Wednesday.

Here’s what the resort has to offer:

4 Swimming pools
Game room
BBQ Grills
2 Outdoor Jacuzzis
Miniature Golf
Shuffle Board
Fitness Center
Daily Activities
Lighted Tennis
Activity center
Free Parking
Free Schedule Transportation to Disney, Universal and Sea World
Free Schedule Transportation to the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Wireless Internet service – FREE
Many Restaurants within Walking Distance

Are you jealous?

I am hoping to play some tennis, maybe even run, relax and soak up some Vitamin D.

(Vitamin D Part 2 will be in Jan, Part 3 in Mar and part 4 in May.)

Happy Running! Please send healthy vibes my way.

December 5, 2012 by Darlene

My Last 4 Weeks

Date: 11/7/12

Symptoms: Blood in Urine

Tests/Procedures in the last 4 weeks:

Urinalysis to diagnose an infection (11/9)
CT scan: an X-ray but gives much better detail. (11/9)
Cystourethroscopy: a cystoscope (a thin, telescope-like tube with a light and tiny camera attached) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to view the bladder and kidneys (11/21)
Cystoscopy & Biopsy (under anesthesia): A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is passed through the urethra to visualize the right kidney. (11/28)
Ureteral stent: a thin tube inserted into the ureter to prevent obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney.Stent inserted (during above procedure) to reduce trauma (11/28)
Intravenous pyelogram, or IVP: X-ray of the urinary tract. A dye is first injected into your vein; the dye is filtered by your kidneys and provides contrast so the kidneys are easier to see. A series of X-rays is taken over a 30-minute period, looking for blockages or problems. (12/4)
Urinalysis. Stent removed. (12/5)

Results:

Negative – no infection
Negative – no tumors, no masses, no stones
Negative – normal bladder (no cancer), normal left kidney, blood source= right kidney
Negative – no biopsy needed – no polyps or abnormal cells found
…
Negative – nothing abnormal found – no malignant cells, no blockages
No infection. Antibiotics prescribed as a precaution

Next Steps:

There seems to be NO FOUND CAUSE for the bleeding.
Continue on as normal
Hopefully the bleeding will stop or be minimal.
Contact the doctor if the bleeding increases or there is pain.
Return for procedure #3 in 4 months.

So how does this relate to running?

For the most part, I was not in any physical pain during the first 3 procedures. When I went to my doctor for #1, the PA there told that I had bladder cancer & to go to the hospital for more tests. Test #3 revealed that the problem was not in the bladder. For test #4, the urologist was looking for evidence of kidney cancer. That has been ruled out for now.

So as you can see, it was pretty scary. And mentally, I could not focus on running…at all. (I was also very sore after test#4)

Running Post Stress Fracture:

11/11 – 1/2 mi
11/13 – 1/2 mi
11/15 – 1/2 mi
11/17 – 1 mi
11/19 – 1 mi
11/21 – 1 mi
11/23 – 1.5 mi
11/25 – 1.5 mi
11/27 – 1.5 mi
12/2 – 2 mi
12/4 – 3 mi

NO tennis yet. Yes, I am off my half marathon plan already. Not worried…

Here are some photos from my run/walk through the park yesterday. It definitely lifted my spirits.