December 28, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five – Runfessions for December

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest for the last time in 2018 with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

My 2019 Racing Calendar is filling up. It is fuller than my social calendar.

01-01-19 –Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
01-13-19 – Winter Series #3 (10K or 3m)
01-27-19 – Winter Series #4 (15k or 3m)
02-02-19 – Polar Cap 4m
02-10-19 – Publix Florida Half Marathon
02-17-19 ~~-Winter Series #5 (4.5m)~~ volunteer
03-09-19 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
03-17-19 – NYC Half Marathon
3-22-19 – MY STEPSON’S WEDDING!!!!!
03-31-19 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
04-07-19 – Delmar Dash (5m)
04-13-19 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
04-20-19 -Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
04-27-19 – Hot Chocolate 15k (in Brooklyn)
05-05-19 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)
05-11-19 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
05-16-19 – Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)
05-19-19 – Great Sacandaga Half Marathon
06-01-19 – Freihofer Run for Women
06-29-19 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

2. I runfess…

I planned to run a Florida Half as I always do just to stay motivated to run during those frigid winter temps. Then I qualified for the NYC Half so, of course, I had to sign up for that one. I needed one to seriously train for and I picked a NEW local one in May. Then a new half was announced for April. It’s very nearby and is DOWNHILL.

April 13, 2019

And now I have FOUR half marathons scheduled in FOUR months. Oy!

3. I runfess…

I went to a medical appointment recently and they made me get on the scale. (I don’t have a scale at home.) I was wearing a coat and boots… My first thought was that they must have added ten extra lbs.

My second thought was about that 4P Mother-of-the Groom dress that I bought last summer…will it still fit?

My third thought: Maybe I should cut back on my desserts and post run rewards?

My fourth thought: Maybe I should put batteries in my home scale.

What do you think?

4. I runfess…

I am part of a FB group for the NYC Half Marathon. I think all 25,000 runners are posting in it daily. Anyway, the only reason I joined the group was to sign up for the bus from Manhattan to the start in Brooklyn. I did (good thing since the first bus filled up in 4 hours).

It would be rude to leave the group now, right?

5. I runfess…

I won the book Couch to Active in a recent blog giveaway. Well, I am pretty active, as you know. I entered the giveaway because I’d like to give it to someone else who has expressed interest in running.

bcouch

Would you be insulted if someone gave this book to you?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

December 26, 2018 by Darlene

2019 – What’s My Word?

Will You Take the One Word Challenge This Year?

Well, it’s that time of year.

Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year.

(If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

2014 was the first time that I tried it. My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

I picked in 2016:

In 2017, I chose the word:

And last year, it was:

So what will it be in 2019?

My first thought was skip the “word” thing. I tend to forget about it until it’s time to pick another word.

On the other hand, it’s a good way to look back on the past year and also look ahead to the coming year.

This is what I said I would try to do in 2018:

Change my attitude about my job. Be more positive. Stop whining. It is what it is.
Change my running preferences. That may mean running fewer miles or running at undesirable times (before work gulp) or even using the treadmill.
Change my expectations. This may include not participating in running groups or volunteer opportunities or even cutting back on race-cations.
Accept that sometimes “less is more.” Quality runs, quality races instead of quantity.
Accept that there may not be enough time to train adequately for longer distances or faster finish times.
Stop comparing myself to others who have more time, more flexible schedules, etc.

How did it go?

I have definitely adapted to the travel part of my job. It has allowed me to run in new places

Eisenhower Park

and connect with new people.

new running friend Liz

It has helped to afford to take race-cations by giving me access to free hotel rooms in NYC, Pelham and Montreal

I have run many fewer miles than in past years and I have adapted to it since I think it has helped me stay injury-free and maybe achieve many age group awards and even a few PRs.

Stockade-athon – 15K PR

Though I have run less races as well, I ran the ones that I enjoyed most

and some new ones.

I have reluctantly not volunteered with the STEM runners or GOTR and had to miss most of the Freihofer and Turkey Trot training group runs. If my traveling is less frequent in 2019, I will re-commit to these opportunities.

I am pretty content with how I ADAPTED in 2018.

So my word for this year is:

refocus

So let’s start with a definition:

to change priorities and concentrate on something different from before
to put more effort into particular activities, in the belief that you will be more successful
to change the emphasis or direction of
to change one’s priorities

It seems that “Re-Focusing” involves CHANGE and it involves PRIORITIES. It will also take EFFORT.

This is the first thing that I will change. It applies to running as well as life. Less STRESS in 2019. In other words, some runs won’t happen, some races will suck, PRs may be elusive. My job is just a job. It is what it is.

You can do anything, but not everything. Wise words to remember #thedailyshine #quote

So this one has to do with priorities. Trying to do it all means not doing some things well. The hard part will be deciding what is important. In the past year, I was trying to keep up with tennis, maintain decent speed on short races and complete a few half marathons. In the mix was traveling as part of my job, vacations, family events and seeing my friends, etc. There were days that I was just going through the motions. In 2019, I may just have to let some things go and concentrate on those things that matter most.

I admit that this past year, I may have been in a running rut. I got complacent with my training because I was still successful …enough. I feel like I need a change. I want to do something different and something that involves effort. Once I decide, there will be no excuses. It may be joining a gym or signing up for yoga classes or trying spinning or even playing on a tennis team. I may even start to quilt again. I could even start a new job.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Have you ever felt the need to “refocus?”

December 25, 2018 by Darlene

The Best of 2018

So today I’m linking up with Courtney to share my Year of Running in 2018! Be sure to check her site and see how everyone else did!

Warning. I’m not good at picking just one or even two. Lol

Best Race(s)

So what determines a “best” race? Fastest? Best Food? Most scenic course? Most organized? Best swag?

Well, I unexpectedly had THREE PRs this year. And they were at three of my favorite races. All three races deserve kudos for their organization, logistics, course, post-race food, etc. (Although no medals at any of these races.)

Bacon Hill Bonanza (5K)

Delmar Dash (5m)

Stockade-athon (15k)

But I loved all of my 30 races. Each one was special in a different way.

Best Run(s)

My runs are not usually very good or very exciting.

But I’d say that my best ones were done with my local running friends. We now call our group the “Sole Sisters.”

They have gotten me to run longer and faster and to walk less. The best part is being accountable during those long cold winter months.

I would be remiss not to mention that my job has allowed me run on some neat bike paths (Onondaga Lake State Park in Liverpool, Lake Ontario and Erie Canal Trail in Rochester and of course, Central Park and the river paths in Manhattan). That has been exciting (the running not the job or the traveling).

Best New Piece(s) of Running Gear

I have bought many pairs of running shoes but they are always the same (Nike Zoom Vomero). I have, of course, bought Skirt Sports running clothes.

The only thing new that I love are my Goodr sunglasses.

Most Inspirational Runner(s)

Well, there are quite a few.

First Des Linden who kicked a$$ and won the Boston marathon in those awful weather conditions.

Des Linden Marathon run Boston

Secondly, a blogger that I have met in person: Wendy from Taking the long way home who was diagnosed with RA but does not let it interfere with her running journey and a blogger that I have not met in person: Laurie from Meditations in Motion, who got injured and still completed the Marine Corps Marathon.

Finally my local running friend Judy from Chocolate Runs Judy who ran four long races in four months, one being an 18 miler. Now that’s impressive.

Favorite Picture from a Run or Race

Again there are a few:

Racing in Paris

Racing in Central Park, NYC

Race Experience(s) you would repeat in a heart beat

Well you know I love race-cations so there were several in 2018. A few of them, unfortunately, are on my “worst of 2018” list too. Stay tuned for that post next week.

Les 20Km de Paris

I mean it was running in Paris and I loved it even though it didn’t turn out to be one of my better “races.”

Rock n Roll Montreal Half Marathon

It turned out to be a bad year for the race itself but racing with friends is the best.

Brooklyn Half Marathon

Ending up on the beach in Coney Island? But again, not a good year for this race. It poured!

I doubt I will be able to repeat any of these but I would if I could.

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

Races…Vacations…Friends…Healthy

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Happy Running! What are some of the highlights of your year in running? Please share.

Happy Holidays to All My Running Friends

December 23, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.17.18-12.23.18

Last week –

Monday – A long work day but I was close to a place where I like to run so I planned to run. there before it got too dark. But it was drizzling and a coworker invited me out to dinner so I caved. Rest day.
Tuesday – Another long work day and originally I thought it would be a rest day since I was going to a holiday tennis dinner. But I had enough time to squeeze in a run (in freezing temps) and Christmas shopping before dinner.

Wednesday – Back to NYC for the last time this year. I got there early enough to get my run done (on the High Line) and a visit to the new Starbucks Roastery

before going to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden. I love him!!!!!!! And the concert did not disappoint.

Thursday – Tired after a late night but it was my last night in NYC (until Feb 2019) so I planned to go to Central Park to meet Cari for a run. Rain got in the way of our run but not our evening together.

We got plenty of steps and conversation in on the High Line, the Standard Hotel, Starbucks Roastery and Chelsea Market.

not your average Starbucks

Friday – Another rest day. The third this week. But no time to run since I had to take the train home after work. (Beside it rained ALL DAY.)
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Delmar Rail Trail. It was followed by brunch, of course.

Sherry & Jeri missing from the photo – I ran with Barbara (on the right)

Then in the evening I celebrated Christmas with a dinner out with my hubby, my stepson and his fiancee.

the happy couple – 3 mos till the wedding

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day around the house including errands. ~~and finishing my Christmas shopping.~~ Nope, my laptop died so I drowned my sorrows on wine with a friend.

This Coming Week –

Monday –3 miles
Tuesday – Day OFF, 3 miles, visit to my mentee & sons, Christmas dinner and movie
Wednesday – rest day, after work birthday dinner and movie with my BFF
Thursday – ~~rest day, hair appt.~~ 3 miles
Friday – ~~3 miles~~, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles with my Sole Sisters (time to start training for the Feb. 10 half marathon), hair appt.
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? What are your plans for Christmas? Please share.

December 21, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five: Winter Running Tips

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: Tips for Running in the Winter

I must say that I HATE the cold. I much prefer running in the heat but living in the Northeast, the cold arrives too soon and lasts too long.

I think that about sums things up.

Here are my Top Five:

1.Layers keep you warm but remember not to dress too warmly. If it is 20 degrees, dress for 40. The bottom layer should be breathable. You will sweat no matter how cold it is. My middle layer is usually a fleece vest and for the outside layer, I wear a windbreaker or light jacket.

The infographic below is very helpful:

or use this tool that will suggest what to wear, based on the info you input – http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

2. But wear enough to stay warm. I always wear tights with a skirt over them. I wear wool socks, gloves/mittens and a hat. My head, hands and feet are what gets cold first.

3. If you run when it is dark (yes it gets dark so early in the winter), wear light colors, carry a flashlight or wear a head lamp and run where there are lights.

4. If it is snowing, wear Yak Trax or put screws in your shoe bottoms, go slower and watch for icy patches.

5. Don’t worry about fashion.

I usually care what I wear in the warmer months. But in the winter, not so much. I try not to spend much money on winter running clothes. I wear race shirts and old windbreakers. I buy gloves at Walmart and tights at Target.

The important thing is to just get out and RUN!

Remember:

beasts

Happy Running! Do you like running during the cold weather months? Any other tips?

December 19, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #1 Race Recap

you get this hat if you run 4 races and volunteer at one – I’m in!!

Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races every year throughout the winter for its members ($15 to join). There are FIVE races and I try to run in as many as I can.

The course is pretty boring but free is free.

Winter Series #1 in 2011

And it’s like a reunion of all those runners who love to race. I bump into runners that I know from races, training groups, previous jobs, etc.

FRIENDS + FOOD + FREE = Perfect RACING Conditions

The food is catered by Bountiful Bread so there are always delicious breads, soups, etc. There’s a clock at the end, volunteers at each turn and the miles are marked. Plus there are even age group awards.

I love these races. They come at a perfect time of year. Not many other races are scheduled (unless you live in the South) and if you are racing, you can use these races as training runs.

This weekend, they offered distances of 3M and 15K.

Here I am in 2014 – look at all the snow!!

Normally I would have run the 15k and used it as a long run but I ran a 5K race the evening before so I opted for the 3 miler instead. (Plus the speedy ladies usually run the longer distances so I thought I might snag an age group award of a loaf of bread.)

I signed up for all the series races at once this year. Since they were free, I won’t mind a DNS if the weather is horrible. It just saves time when you arrive, not having to stand in line to register.

The temps were around 30 so I wore tights, two shirts, beanie and gloves. Though it was the same temps as the night before, it felt much colder due to the wind (always present on this campus.)

I left early to get parking since these races are often crowded and sometimes there are other events going on at UAlbany.

It turned out to be not as crowded as usual probably due the Last Run being the night before. Still there were over 100 for the 3 miler and 150 for the 15k.

I immediately bumped into some SRMs, some runners from the STEM group, from the Turkey Trot group, as well as other familiar faces from races. It was great to catch up with everyone.

We stayed indoors until the last second and then made our way outside.

Both the 3 milers and those running the 15k started together. I lined with some friends, some of whom were doing the 3 and some were running the 15k.

The race is very informal – no bibs, no starting mat, no timing chips, etc. There are also no clocks (until the end) and no water stops (maybe for the 15k??)

I just told myself that this was simply a training run and just do it. And if my legs were not tired from the 5k the night before, I could use the race a speed drill.

As I mentioned, the course is very boring but it also has hills. Not steep hills, just a few rolling hills throughout. This year, I have tried to be better about the hills and not walk up all of them. In fact, I didn’t walk at all!!

no pics posted yet for this year’s race so here’s one from last year

New addition – this year’s pic (in the same location):

I ran the whole thing. Not so impressive – it was ONLY 3 miles!! I have to admit, my legs did feel like they had run the night before. I had trouble getting up any speed at all.

But I did dress perfectly. I was warm & even took off my gloves toward the end.

Mile 1 – 9:22 – a steep hill near the start…at least it was short.

Mile 2 – 9:33 – just some slightly rolling hills

Mile 3 – 9:10 – a longish hill right before the end

Finally it was over and I sprinted across the finish line at 28:08

I ran this race last year and my time was 26:49!!!

Reality may be setting in. Am I getting slower??? Two days in a row where my time was significantly slower than other years on the same course. Or maybe it was a bad weekend? We’ll see what finish times 2019 brings in the shorter races.

I went inside to warm up and have some soup, bread, cookies, fruit, hot chocolate. Not a bad spread for a free race.

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 3rd in my age group. Two of the speedy old ladies did run the shorter distance…Darn!

Heidi with Alyssa who had just finished the 15k

Two of the other Sole Sisters were running the 15k so Sole Sister Heidi and I went back outside to cheer them on.

Judy finishing hers

Even though I hesitated, I am glad that I ran this race. I plan to run the other Winter Series races too. Maybe again as a speed drill, following a Saturday long run(ish) or if the distance is long enough as a half marathon training run.

After the race, I had to rush home for my annual tennis holiday party. And once again, though I ran 3 miles, I ate as if I ran a half marathon.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How you are enduring the weather? Cold yet? Did you run this weekend? How about races? Any planned for this winter?

December 18, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: 2018 Goals

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

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

So as we approach the end of the year, today’s topic is: Evaluate Your 2018 goals

I did not set any goals for the year. But instead, last January, I made some predictions.

Let’s see if any of them came true.

I will run more miles on the treadmill this year than any other year.

Um. I don’t think so. I think I ran twice on a hotel treadmill and not more than 3 miles each time.

I will run at least 25 races and one will be another Rock n Roll race.

YES! I think I ran about 30 races and I ran the RnR 5k and Half Marathon in Montreal.

: RnR Montreal Half

I will not get my hubby to run a race with me.

This is true. He did not run with me but I did get him to do ONE hike.

I will speak French at one of my races.

Oui. Oui. I ran the 20Km de Paris (and RNR Montreal).

I will win at least five age group awards.

I think so. LOL. At my age, it happens. I think I won over 20 AG awards.

I even won an AG award at 3 of my half marathons which is always a surprise.

Here are just a few:

: 2018

I will have run 1000 miles by the end of the year (unless I get injured.)

Nope! I was not injured. I just had too much fun, I guess. I shortened my weekend long runs and skipped some weekday runs. I ran over 900 so I’m still content.

I will not PR at any distance this year.

Wrong! 5k, 5 Mile and 15K PRs at age 65!!

: Bacon Hill – 5k PR

: Delmar Dash – 5 Mile PR

: Stockade-athon – 15K PR

So I accurately predicted 3 out of 6. 50-50. Not too bad.

Happy Running! How did you do on your 2018 Goals?

December 16, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.10.18-12.16.18 – New York, New York…

Last week –

Monday -I wasn’t planning on running today. I had to take the train to NYC and then to Queens to set up. I rushed back to my hotel to change just in case the High Line was still open. I had tickets to see the Warhol exhibit at the Whitney museum (which is near the High Line.) The entrance to the High Line was closed so I ran along the Hudson to the museum. I really enjoyed the Warhol paintings and walked home on the High Line. (It was open if you entered a different way.)

Tuesday – After work, I took the subway to Central Park, my preferred running location.

I ran a shorter version of my usual loop and walked back to my hotel (so I could see the tree at Bryant Park.)

Wednesday – A good dilemma is where to run in NYC when it is dark. I decided on Central Park again but entering around 81st rather than 59th. I ended my run with a trip to Knitty City and a very long back to my hotel.

Thursday – I signed up with SS sister Elizabeth for the ASICS run and holiday party. So I immediately headed to my hotel after work to change and rushed to the store. Well, Elizabeth had to work late but now I have a new running BFF, Anne and we had a great time.

Friday – Finally a rest day. No time (or energy) to run since I had to return home after work.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Crossings and we had perfect running weather (no coat or gloves needed..woo hoo!!). Having skipped my long run last weekend in favor of 2 5k races, I decided to shorten my 8 miler to 6. It was followed by brunch, of course.

Then in the evening I celebrated my mentee, Amanda’s birthday with our annual Canvas Corks and Forks painting extravaganza.

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day around the house including errands.

This Coming Week –

Monday –3 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis dinner out
Wednesday – train to NYC, 3 miles, Billy Joel concert
Thursday -NYC, 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – Long run with my Sole Sisters, dinner out with stepson & fiancee
Sunday -rest day, Christmas shopping!!

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Are you ready for Christmas? Please share.

December 14, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five – Bling 2018

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: My Favorite Bling for 2018

It’s all about the bling, right?

1.Age Group Award for Ice Cream Social 5k