May 6, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Mother’s Day Gifts

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Five Gifts for a Runner on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is Sunday. So what would you like?

1. Gift Card for a new running shoes

Does any runner have enough running shoes?

11s are out of my favorite shoe – Nike zoom vomero 10

2. New Socks

I know you all love new socks!!

SOS socks – cute?

3. A Race Entry (particularly a destination one)

Some place with water views….

4. A New Running Outfit

from Skirt Sports, of course

5. A New GPS Watch

I still have the big clunky Garmin 205 so…

I wouldn’t mind one of these (Garmin 235)

Happy Running! What’s on your Mother’s Gift List?

May 5, 2016 by Darlene

Cherry Blossom 5K Race Recap & TOLT

May 1, 2016 10:15 am

This was the third year that I have run this race. I really like it plus I have come in 2nd in my age group each year.

2014 – 27:51

2015 – 27:56

The course is very winding. Someone last year said that there were 20 turns. But it is also pretty flat except for the last mile which is uphill.

As you can see, my times in this race have been pretty speedy (at least speedy for me!!). Could I beat that??

And should I try? After all, I just ran a 10K the day before and a half marathon the week before.

Nevertheless, I was determined to give it my best shot and not to be disappointed if I sucked.

I woke today with a sore throat. (That usually means that I am coming down with a cold…no!! No time for this!!)

And it was RAINING!!!

I really felt like staying in bed.

But I didn’t. I planned on a similar outfit to one that I wore at my race the day before but decided to add a long-sleeved shirt and capris (since there would be NO sunshine to warm things up.)

wearing last year’s race shirt (which I love)

The race started at 10:15 and I got there around 9:15 and parked a few blocks away on the street. It was pretty crowded even in this inclement weather (about 400 racers and many walkers.) I stayed in my car until about 9:45. It was drizzling then raining and then drizzling.

Again I bumped in many people that I knew: Jan and her friends and some from “Team BadAss.” I was chilly so decided to wear a windbreaker (in case it started to pour.)

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Unfortunately at this Cherry Blossom race each year, there are never any cherry blossoms. (Maybe next year!) There is also usually a Cherry Blossom Festival, as well. I didn’t even check it out this year.

2015 but similar to this year

I wound up starting with Team BadAss and Benita Zahn (a local TV reporter.). We moved toward the front but not too close since it was chip-timed.

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a dreary wet day

I usually have a pretty fast first 2 miles and then slow down but I was tired even during the first mile. (Yup, those 6.2 miles from the day before were having an effect.)

two members of Team BadAss

It was a pretty interesting course – you just wind your way around the neighborhoods. I tried to run the tangents as much as possible.

I stopped to walk and catch my breath at the water stop (around mile 1.5) even though I wasn’t thirsty and then tried to run non-stop to the finish.

Nope, I had to walk again and again!! The third mile was uphill… Boo!!

Plus, my windbreaker was suffocating me. It was warmer and more humid that I thought. I wanted to take it off but it was too complicated with my watch and my race belt. So I just unzipped it.

Finally I saw the finish line. I should have been looking at my watch. They had been calling out times at each mile but they seemed to be off. So I was surprised that it was already over 28 minutes.

I sprinted and Team BadAss cheered me on (they are all much speedier than me) and I crossed at 28:24. (chip time)

I was slower than my last two times on this course and it was slowest 5k of the year 😦

At least the refreshments were decent – fruit, yogurt, granola, bagels, cupcakes and chocolate milk.

I had 2 milks and 2 cupcakes 🙂

I hung out with Team BadAss to see if we won any awards.

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Nope! No award this year! I came in 5th.

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Tom & Benita

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Sherry came in 2nd in her age group and Pam got a PR!!

As I remarked in my 10K race recap from the previous day, I cannot expect to win an age group award. Especially if I am not prepared to run my best.

I ran the best race I could given the circumstances. For that, I am happy. And I am NOT injured. No aches or pains!!!! End of my whining!!

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:58
mile 2 – 9:16
mile 3 – 9:13
.14 – 7:30

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Plus I ran with friends and got chocolate milk!

And no, I didn’t run more miles after the race. (If it were sunny, you know I would have been tempted.)

Instead I drove home to cooking, laundry and cleaning.

Since it is Thursday, I’m also linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

So in addition to last weekend’s race, this is what I am thinking about:

Upcoming Races –

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I signed up for two races again this coming weekend.

This one is on Saturday. I signed up for the 15K even though I know it is very hilly. Last year, I ran the 5k (and fell.)

Mastodon Challenge 5K

I thought of changing to the 5k but after yesterday’s GOTR Practice 5k, I decided to stay with the 15k.

finishing 12 laps around the school

On Tuesday, I ran a practice 5K race with my running buddy. She is so cute and it was so much fun. Of course, she ran the first 4 laps as fast as she could and then, thank God, she ran out of steam. We had to take walk breaks during the remaining 8 laps.

So on Sunday, I will be running a 5K with her.

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Last year, my GOTR girl was a runner and she had run 5ks before so I needed to be on my game. This year, I am sure we will be running just for fun.

post-race 2015

My Birthday –

It’s on Monday, May 9. It always get mixed in with the annual Tulip Fest and Mother’s Day.

I plan to go to the Tulip Fest with Amanda and her kids after my Saturday 15k.

Then on Sunday, we’ll go out to lunch or dinner to celebrate Mother’s Day with my stepsons, MIL and SIL.

I am going out to a movie & dinner tonight with my BFF to celebrate and maybe a celebration at mah jongg??

Usually I go out on my birthday with a former co-worker but she is in France.

So on my birthday, I could go to my running group instead and then next weekend go out for a special dinner with the hubby. We’ll see…

Upcoming Vacation –

12th trip to Naples, Florida + 1 Palm Springs, 5 Las Vegas, 1 Dominican Republic, 1 Delray Beach = tennis vacation #20 for me!!! (We started traveling together in 2002 and only 2 of us haven’t missed one.)

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I leave on May 18 and return on May 25 (4 days before my next half marathon). Can’t wait!!

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any races or runs? Any races coming up? What are you thinking about today? Please share.

May 4, 2016 by Darlene

Spring Run Off 10K Race Report & Being Fearless

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I almost didn’t sign up for this race since I had already signed up for a 5k the next day. Normally these two races are not on the same weekend.

But I have run this race twice before and I have enjoyed it.

2014 at the 10K

Plus I’ve always won an award.

: 3rd

: 1st

I am familiar with the course. It is where I do a lot of my long training runs.

running here with Denise a few weeks ago

I tossed around the idea of running the 5k but in the end, I decided to do the 10K (even though it meant that at the race the next day I would not be in top form.) Basically because even if I am NOT doing my long runs, I need to keep my mileage up for my May 29 half marathon – the VCM Relay.

No goals for the race but since it was my third time, I expected something like the past two years:

2015: 58:19
2014: 1:00:51

My 10K PR is 57:03

The night before the race, there was a free pasta dinner at packet pick up.

another unisex tech shirt that it is big!

The food was really good. It was catered by D’Raymonds, a local Italian restaurant. There was salad, bread, pasta, wine, and lots of homemade desserts. It wasn’t a buffet. They actually served you. I ate A LOT!!

Two years ago I got invited to sit with two lovely older runners. We had some great discussions….about running, of course and have seen each other several times since.

pasta dinner before the race above

This year, these ladies couldn’t come so I sat with some runners that I know since we run many of the same races. It was fun.

I may have over indulged

After dinner, I rushed off to play mah jongg (and stayed out later than I should have.)

I was tired when I got up the next morning (and with an upset stomach) but happy that again I lucked out with the weather – sunny, no wind and cool (40s to start and 50s later). I wore a short-sleeved top, skirt, compression socks and brought a jacket just in case.

cloudy & chilly when I first arrived

I arrived early to make sure I got parking and to look for people whom I knew. I found parking in the closer lot and then walked over to the start.

I immediately ran into Lara, a former tennis teammate but now running friend.

I decided to run without my jacket and I was so glad that I did

We hung out and chatted. What was great about this race was how many runners were there that I knew. Some I hadn’t seen since last year. It was like a reunion.

This race included a 5k and a 10k. This year for the first time, both races started at the same time.

I started toward the front but not too near the fast runners.

the sun came out once the race started but it was breezy near the water

I went out fast of course because I knew that I would slow down – bad attitude, right?

The course is lovely. You run along the Hudson River.

But I was already walking through the water stop at 1.25 miles.

This was a sign that the race would be going downhill. I actually felt nauseous the whole race. And my legs were telling me that they were not ready yet for speed.

Nevertheless, I willed myself to keep up an even pace until the turn around of this out and back course. (In fact, I was at 28:xx minutes at the 3.1 mile mark but I knew that I was tired and as usual, would slow down.)

You would think that there would be water then but nope not again until about mile 4.75. It was warm and I was VERY thirsty. I complained to the volunteers like I did last year.

I wanted to eat some Gu to get more energy around mile 4 but decided against it with no water (plus my stomach was unhappy.)

I got 2 blisters during my half on Sunday. I thought they were both healed and didn’t put anything on them. Wrong! One was healed but the one on the bottom of my leg foot started to hurt…with every step.

So I dragged myself/limped to the end (which always seem to have annoying inclines.)

Lara & I run af the same pace. Sometimes I beat her and sometimes she beats me. She was behind me the whole the race until the last mile. Then she passed me by. I tried to catch her to no avail.

As I approached the finish line, I sprinted in hopes of finishing under 59 minutes but did not.

I crossed at 59:11 (gun time).

sro

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 9:02
mile 2- 9:21
mile 3 – 9:31
mile 4 – 9:41
mile 5 – 10:02 (check out those positive splits!!)
mile 6 – 9:41
.2 – 8:29

59:06 – Garmin Time

I had some refreshments and waited for the results. Homemade cookies, brownies and cakes – YUM!

My inaugural Team Badass photo

I also began to feel better about my race. My time wasn’t bad. I beat my time from my last 10K (Troy Turkey Trot) and my legs hadn’t recovered yet from last Sunday’s hilly half.

I cheered on some friends who got age group awards. This year, I did not!!

some old ladies are still speedy

So I really enjoyed the race. Although I didn’t expect to PR, I probably thought I would win an age group award. I need to adjust my expectations.

The weather was so perfect that I hung out with some older ladies for a while and went for a walk. (Especially since rain was in the forecast for the next day.)

I wound up walking 4 more miles. That was 10 miles for the day so far. (Probably not too smart with another race scheduled for the next day.)

My legs felt better as the day wore on… I even went grocery shopping and did lots of errands. Also picked up my race packet for the race the next day.

one more disappointing unisex shirt

Since it is Wednesday, I am also linking to Deb from Deb Runs‘ Wednesday Word.

This week’s word is FEARLESS.

Just look at Katherine Switzer – the first woman to run the Boston Marathon (in 1967.)

and Bobbi Gibb who crashed the Boston Marathon in 1966.

What about Harriette Thompson who ran a marathon at age 92?

Now these women are FEARLESS.

Moi?

I try to not let fear get in my way. I am a risk taker, to some degree. (At least with my running.)

Run only 5ks and then train for a half marathon? No problem.
Run a 5k as your first run after serious ankle surgery? No problem.
Run a race with a foot stress fracture? No problem.
Finish a race after breaking your foot? No problem.
Race a hilly half marathon without training on hills? No problem.
Run 2 races in one weekend? No problem.

And yes, I am running 2 races (a 15 and a 5k) again this weekend.
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race? Are you fearless?

May 3, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Where to Buy Running Gear

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Where do you buy your gear?

Since I am a Skirt Sports Ambassador, I buy my skirts online at www.skirtsports.com (Use the code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.)

skirt & top from Skirt Sports

I love a bargain so I buy the majority of my running stuff at TJ Max, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory or Target.

jacket & hat from Target

For running shoes, I buy a new pair at FleetFeet and if I like them, I buy additional pairs online (where ever it is the cheapest.)

finishline.com – 1/2 the price of Fleet Feet

I buy most of my Compression socks online from procompression.com. They have monthly sales. I have also bought some from Target and at expos.

pro compression socks

Here are some other places to check out:

shoekicker.com – just put in the name of the shoe and size and they will email you where to get the lowest price
6pm.com – they have cheaper prices and older styles that are no longer sold online.
amazon.com – same as above
Clearance on any of the name sites including Lululemon.com – click on “We made too much.”
Old Navy has good deals.
So does Kohls.

Happy Running! Where do yo buy your running gear?

May 2, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – A cool, cloudy day. I managed to take my Starbucks walk to the park. I hope you are not tired of tulips pics because they are just beginning to bloom (and I will probably post pics everyday.)

I was secretly hoping that it might rain so I didn’t have to go to my group training run. But it didn’t rain until much later. On the schedule was 4-6 800m at 5k pace. I talked to my coach and he said not to do that but to run with the Intermediate group. Phew!!! So I did and the 8:1 intervals were perfect. I spent the first half of the run talking to one of the mentors who is also a Skirt Sports ambassador and the second half to another runner that I met during one of the Troy Turkey Trot training groups. And actually after that recovery run, my legs felt better. I even continued my walk in the mall.

Tuesday – A cold nasty day. It also poured most of the day. I was glad that a rest was on my schedule. And that I play tennis indoors.

Still went for my walk to the park. The tulips were even prettier in the rain.

Wednesday – The day started out poorly. My car battery died. Luckily my hubby could drive me to work and my friend could drive me home. Instead of my walk to the park today, I ran near work.

After work, my tennis friends scheduled a visit to the “Mystery Room” in the mall. We had a blast. Then afterwards, we went out to dinner (what else?)

we even solved the mystery!

Thursday – To celebrate Million Mile Month, my co-workers took a walk to the park at lunch. (Not so exciting for me, since I do it everyday but they enjoyed viewing the tulips.)

I went for a run after work before walking the mall with my BFF.

tired legs but ran into an old tennis friend

Friday – No running today and of course, I walked to the park to gaze at the tulips.

After work, I went to the free pasta dinner given to runners in Saturday’s race. Chatted with some nice people and ate way too much.

Played mah jongg afterwards.

Saturday – Perfect weather for a race. Unfortunately due to stomach issues, a blister and tired legs, I didn’t have my A game. Knowing so many runners at this race made it one of my favorites (despite my 4th place AG finish.)

Afterwards, I took advantage of the weather and went for a long walk.

Then drove to pick up my bib for my 5k the next day, went grocery shopping, did some errands, etc.. After a soak in the hot tub, went out to dinner with the hubby.

Sunday – I woke up to rain and contemplated bailing on the race. But I didn’t and I’m glad I didn’t. My legs were even more tired than yesterday. I gave it my best shot (but only finished 5th in my AG – those darn speedy old people!). Again, seeing familiar faces made the race much more enjoyable.

19 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – Practice GOTR 5K
Wednesday – 3 miles, STEM Run
Thursday – rest, b-day dinner & movie with BFF
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 15K race, Tulip Fest with mentee & sons
Sunday – 5K race (GOTR), dinner out for Mother’s Day

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

May 1, 2016 by Darlene

April Recap

I can’t believe April is over already… Time is flying by!!

So here’s how things went:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.

Long Runs:

There were a few races with extra miles added on. Then I ran a half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

: 5 mile race + 6 = 11 miles

: 5K + 3 + 6 = 12 miles

: 11 miles

Total Mileage:

100 miles this month!

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I was pleased that my mileage is back up because next month, there will be a lot fewer miles run.

Races:

I ran FOUR races this month – a 5 miler, a 5K, a half marathon and a 10K.

: Bacon Hill Bonanza – 27:44 – 1st in my AG

: Lake George Half- 2:16:56 – 2nd in my AG

: Spring Run Off 10K

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for. The 10K was the week after the half.

Cross Training:

I had taken a few weeks off from tennis to heal my sore elbow. I started back playing once a week and now it feels FINE!! Yay!!

happy to back on the court with my friends – played 3 times this month.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I said that last month and the month before!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.

My Starbucks addiction continues!!

I did not go to the gym at all. My elbow is healed so I have NO excuses…just lazy (or have other priorities).

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I ran 4 times with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. We started out the month with snow, then there was rain and we ended with sunshine. I enjoy running with my “advanced” group friends and coach Patrick. He has had us running 400m intervals. These are tough for me because they often come on the day after a long run.

I’ve also started my volunteering with STEM. These year’s group is so enthusiastic. It makes it even more fun. I am paired up with a lady who is very speedy, as well. No goofing off here.

The place where I work participated in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I changed my original goal of completing 100 miles to 300. And I did it!!!!

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I’m reading a new book that I am enjoying.

I finally got together with my mentee and her 2 sons. I hadn’t seen them in months. We went to the Firefigher’s Museum and had a blast.

After missing a monthly gathering with my tennis friends, we did get together this month.

lots of laughs and we did solve the mystery.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am not training for my next half marathon in May. It’s another hilly but scenic course. I am looking forward to spending time with AJH and visiting the Burlington VT area again.