November 28, 2015 by Darlene

Runfessions November

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

I runfess…

I can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs.

Things gotta change. I am missing those awesome sunrises and instead I am running in the dark.

my runs this year

I runfess…

I am a fair weather runner. I don’t care how tired I am or how many miles I’ve run the day before but if it is nice weather, I want to run.

Take yesterday. After having run 9.3 miles the day before, it was 65 degrees so I had to run. (It was a very short slow one.)

On the other hand, when it is COLD or cloudy or BOTH, I hate to run. If I didn’t have a race to train for, I don’t know how often I would get out there.

good thing I had company for this one

My first year of running, I quit running running from November to April. I didn’t want to run in the cold. Now I put up with it.

I runfess…

I hate to admit it but it is hard for me to run a race without trying to PR.

I did it TWICE recently.

For the GOTR 5k, I was pacing Kelly on her first 5k. Yes, it was rewarding and I enjoyed being part of it. But part of me wanted to see if I could PR on this fast course.

my just for fun 5k

Then on the Troy Turkey Trot 5k, I knew that I would be tired after the 10k and couldn’t really PR. Again, I wondered whether I should do it at all or maybe just run the 5k and try to PR.

my oh so slow 5k

Sometimes it sucks being so competitive.

I runfess…

And speaking of PRs…

Although Thursday was Thanksgiving and I had to remind myself many times about how thankful I was that I was not injured and could run, I still was disappointed in my 10K finish time.

almost 3 minutes slower than last year 😦

It was even more disappointing because I participated in the training group for this race and that I know I am capable of much more than I gave in this race.

I runfess…

I still drive by my FREE gym twice everyday. Every time I do, I say to myself “I should go!! It’s crazy not to.”

Yet, I do not! I think it’s because with exercising, the rewards are not tangible as they are with tennis or running.

I runfess…

I still have not bought the battery for my scale.

There was machine in the grocery store that took your weight, heart rate and BP and I used it the other night.

I was shocked at my weight but then again, I was wearing running shoes, and several layers of running clothes. They are heavy, right?

I runfess…

I am very vain…

I am picky about how I look when I run. I never just go out and run. I always plan my outfits. I think I have spent more time on thinking about what to wear for my next half than the race itself.

So which one should I wear?

Happy Running! Do you have something to Runfess?

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

November 27, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Gratitude

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!

This week’s theme is GRATITUDE

This year (as in other years) I am thankful for…

MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY (my hubby & my kitties)

My hubby allows me the freedom to be me. That means patiently waiting for me to run or race before we go boating during the summer months and scheduling our activities around my running. I am grateful that he is there to support me.

My 4 cats give me unconditional love with their lap cuddles and purrs.

Jerry, the oldest (18 years old in March/April)

Honey & Billy, the youngest (10 years old)

Slater (about 12 or 13 years old)

2. MY HEALTH

Of course that means being healthy enough to do the activities I enjoy — RUNNING, tennis, walking/hiking, occasional yoga class. I don’t take it for granted. I have been NOT able to do it too many times. I am so grateful to be healthy all of 2015!!

3. MY FRIENDS

I am still in contact with a few friends from high school and college. It is great to connect with them and reminisce (about the good old days.) I have also made a bunch of GREAT friends as an older adult from the activities that I do…tennis friends, boating friends, quilting friends, mah jongg friends, running friends, etc. And I also have several from work (all 3 of my careers.) All of these people are precious to me and I am grateful to have them in my life.

4. SOCIAL NETWORKING – (Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, etc.)

The people I connect with are my virtual friends. I have met new people and can connect with ones that live too far away to see. I have learned a lot from Facebook and from my fellow Bloggers. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to meet them in the flesh. So I guess I am grateful for the Internet and those smart folks who have invented software that can connect people.

post race

5. RUNNING

Running has changed me. I discovered it late in life (at age 55). It has made me more confident, independent and I feel healthier and younger than ever. I am most grateful to this sport and what it has given me.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What are you most thankful for?

November 26, 2015 by Darlene

Troy Turkey Trot 10K & 5K Races Recap

This was my 2nd time running this 10K and my second time being part of the Turkey Trot Challenge training group.

I really enjoyed this race last year (in spite of the snowstorm) so was looking forward to this year’s race.

happy because it was and still is my 10K PR (check out all the snow!)

The course was the same as last year:

I picked up by bib on Sunday so I didn’t have to rush on race morning.

A cotton tee shirt! what were they thinking?

But I did want to arrive early to get parking. I parked in the bowling alley parking as I did last year and walked a few blocks to the Atrium where I could wait for the race to begin.

I checked my jacket and pants since I wouldn’t need them until after the race.

At least this year, it hadn’t snowed the night before but as usual for this time of year, it was cold – in the 40’s. And of course, you had to be careful not to overdress because you will get too warm.

I chatted with members of my training group until it was time to brave the cold.

The 10K started at 8 am followed by the kid’s one mile race & a one mile walk and then at 10 am the most popular event, the 5K.

pic from a previous year

Last year, I had problems with my Garmin so I made sure to turn it on early. I squeezed in to the crowd at the 9 minute pace group with Stan, Nancy & Jackie from my training group even though I knew that I would lose them quickly.I just tried not to start out too fast and to run at an even pace and to save some for the last mile.

Jackie is in gray to the right

For some reason, this race seemed a lot more crowded. For my pace, it never thinned out. I was running in a crowd the whole race. My legs never seemed to get going. I just couldn’t run fast today. And for some reason, my skirt/capris kept falling down. This bugged me and I kept pulling them up. (I have run in them before but I think it was the race belt that kept pushing them down.) I’m not sure that this slowed me down but it sure was annoying.

near the beginning because I am smiling (& my half-zip is zipped up)

The course is pretty flat. You run over the Green Island bridge twice near the beginning and then run through Troy before you turn around and run back.

There was a lot of crowd support. There were even guys handing out bottles of beer.

I saw an old tennis friend who was volunteering and I high fived her. That was cool since I haven’t seen her in years.

There were quite a few water stops. I skipped the first one and even the second but I questioned my judgment because I was dying for a drink by the 3rd one.

Timing clocks were placed at every mile. I didn’t have to look at my watch to know that I was slow and had NO chance of a PR. I wasn’t sure that I could even finish under 1 hour.

Finally, I stopped to walk at the last water stop and take a GU. It was a little after mile 4. I walked for a while.

This walk gave me a second wind, I think.

must be toward the end (I am warm now)

As usual, it seemed to take forever to run the last mile….

But as soon as I saw the finish line, I gave it everything I had (which wasn’t much at this point) & I crossed under 1 hour!! (My chip time was 59:33.)

Not a PR but really not a decent time for me but I tried not to get too bummed about it.

10K Splits:

mile 1 – 9:18
mile 2 – 9:35
mile 3 – 9:25
mile 4 – 9:45
mile 5 – 10:02 (water & gu)
mile 6 – 9:32
.22 – 8:30

This year, unlike the previous year, I signed up to run a second race, the 5k about an hour later.

yes, that’s how they ran and faster than me

I got some refreshments but really wasn’t hungry so I just drink some chocolate milk. Then I went back to the Atrium to stay warm.

Boy, was it crowded… 5 thousand or more runners squeezed into a small building.

I wanted to find my friends and my hubby (who was running his FIRST 5k with a friend)….and rest my weary legs.

cotton shirt #2

I had already picked up my bib but I needed to get it from my checked bag. And I was so sweaty that I wanted to change my clothes.

I did find my tennis friend but I never found my hubby.

I got rid of my jacket and put a dry tee shirt under my sweaty shirt.

This was the first time that I had run the 5k race. But it was just an out and back course.

Finally it was time to squeeze into the starting area. I found someone from my training group in the “gray” bib area and we chatted until the race began.

pic from a previous year

Of course, my legs were tired from having already run 6.2 miles (at race pace) so all I wanted to do was finish. Of course, I was hoping to come in under 30 minutes but I wasn’t sure that was possible. I didn’t want to push it since I had a half marathon to run in a little over a week.

waving to the camera (already lost my hair scrunchie)

It was so crowded that I had no problem slowing down in the beginning. Like the previous race, it was crowded the whole race.

And my legs were not cooperating. They wanted to run slow. And so I did.

I crossed the finish line around 32 minutes which was 31:28 chip time.

I got some more chocolate milk and then went back to the finish line to wait for my hubby. Then I got a text that he pulled a muscle and quit the race. I didn’t say “I told you so.” (He never trained. In fact he had never even run before.) His running days are officially over.

5K Splits:

mile 1 – 9:58
mile 2 – 10:12
mile 3 – 10:08
.14 – 8:22

9.3 miles in the books!

last year 57:03

slowest 5k in years

So not to be a Debbie Downer…

The Good:

The weather – not too hot or too cold. If the sun came out, I would have been too warm. It was perfect running weather.
Race organization – considering the number of runners, it was very well organized.
Race location – place to stay warm indoors with indoor bathroom and bag check
Chocolate Milk at the finish
Medals for both the 10k and the 5k
15K PR – each of my race times were disappointing but if you add them together, it was 1:31:01 which is a slight PR.
Good preparation for my half marathon in 10 days
Running 9.3 miles lets me eat more Thanksgiving food
NO PAIN…no blisters…lower back and feet felt great. Thumbs up to my Nikes! (and I didn’t wear compression socks.)

The Bad:

my 10K time – considering I was in a training group for this race and I ran this course last year, I should have finished faster!!
post race refreshments – I would have liked pizza or bagels or cookies
same medal for both the 5k and the 10k (if you run both, you have 2 of the same medals)
cotton tee shirts (in my case, 2 cotton tee shirts)
my 5k time – the last 5k at the Stockeadathon 15k was faster and there were huge hills
my hubby’s racing is over before it began
for some reason, I didn’t push it…I was never out of breath..I never ran fast

Overall, I enjoyed the races. I am glad that I ran them. I think I will do both next year too.

After the race(s), I had to rush home. There was change in plans. Instead of going out to a restaurant, I was cooking dinner and BRINGING it to my MIL’s. (Hopefully for all my efforts, I will get to bring home some leftovers.)

Happy Thanksgiving To You and Your Family!!!

Happy Running! Did you run off that turkey?

November 24, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Runner’s Gift List

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Runner’s Gift List

Here are my recommendations:

a Watch

Forerunner 10

Forerunner 220

If you are a runner, you know how important it is to track your distance and pace especially during a race and training for an important race. I couldn’t survive without one. I have the Garmin 205 which is rather large and I am not sure how long it will last. I would love to have a new one, Santa!

Or maybe an Apple Watch!?

Running Shoes

Mizunos Wave Rider 19s – so pretty!!

“I have too many pairs of running shoes,” said no runner ever!

I loved my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s and now the 19s are coming out.

PR in black/blue 18s

PR in pink/white 18s

Running Skirts

I can’t believe that I ever ran in shorts. Skirts are so much more comfortable and they look so much better (especially if you don’t have a perfect body.) Those from Skirtsports are my favorite. I love their length and that they have 2 pockets. I have a few but never enough….

And now that it is getting colder, I need ones with tights…

Running Jewelry

Every girl likes bling! And how nice would a charm with a message or commemorating a race distance be…

I am wearing one that says ❤ Running

Socks

Having the right socks are almost as important as the right shoes. I love compression sock or sleeves. The only time I don’t wear compression is when is very hot or with capris. I get blisters so I heard that Feetures are a great low sock to buy. I also like Balegas.

For some inexpensive gift ideas, click here.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What is on your list?

November 23, 2015 by Darlene

3rd Annual Holiday Giveaway Hop

Several years ago, I got this watch.

Well, it’s still in the original box. I meant to try it but I use an app on my phone for everyday running and a Garmin for racing.

It’s a shame to just let it sit so I’m giving away this Timex watch to one of my blog readers.

According to the website, here are the good things the watch has to offer:

a powerful combination of innovative sport functionality and aerodynamic design for enhanced performance and comfort
tapscreen technology access advanced features without breaking stride
target time pacer gives distinct audible performance feedback when lap times are logged
lap management system allows easy access to dated training logs with lock capabilities
150 lap memory recall for effortless review after workout
100 hour chronograph with lap or split in large digits
199 lap counter
hydration & nutrition alarms reminds to refuel at regular intervals
large screen with large digits makes the display easy-to-read at a glance.
on-the-fly recall of lap or split
interval training is easy with 3 workout sessions with 16 labelled interval timers settable for up to 24 hours: countdown/stop (cs) and countdown/repeat (cr)
automatic interval repetition counter
3 customizable alarms: daily/weekday/weekend/weekly options
2 time zone settings makes travel easy
all-day white reflector display
built-in setting reminders to quickly and easily set your watch
forward/backward setting for ease of use
co-moulded dura-strength breathable strap minimizes skin contact and maximizes comfort
dependable water resistance to 100m
easy to view in low light conditions with indiglo night-light
turn on indiglo night-light with any button with night-mode feature

So if you need an extra watch or know someone who does, this is perfect for you!!

It costs nothing to enter and the deadline is midnight on December 6, 2015.

Click below to enter
my Timex Rafflecopter giveaway.

This is a Giveaway Hop, there are several other blogs participating, and lots of additional chances to win other great prizes too.

To see the full list, just click HERE, and you can start hopping around and entering all the other giveaways too.

Good Luck and Happy Running!

November 23, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 9th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We met at our new meeting spot, the State Office Campus. We had no coach tonite so the 4 of us did our speed drills (8 1 minute sprints) on our own. After the run, I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

3 miles with 8 -1 minute interval at the State Office Campus

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk and played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – Tonite was my last run with Kelly as she prepares for Saturday, her FIRST 5K. After the run, I rushed off to my hair appointment.

around the UAlbany campus

Thursday – Had a busy work day but it was raining & windy after work so I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. UGH!! Hated it!

Friday – Rest day so only a walk at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I participated in a 5k race. It was so exciting to see all the young girls from the GOTR program run their first 5k and the clients from the STEM program do the same. After the race, I dragged myself through 10 more miles (4 or which were with Barbara. Thanks Barbara!!)

Kelly & all the STEM runners did great!!

Sunday – REST day…just relaxing, errands and some cooking.

22 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (last one with the Turkey Trot Training group)
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – DAY OFF – rest
Thursday – 10K & 5K race, Thanksgiving dinner
Friday – DAY OFF – rest
Saturday or Sunday – 8 miles

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 ?

November 21, 2015 by Darlene

Girls on the Run 5K Race & Long Run Recap

November 21, 2015 – 9:30 am- Corning Preserve

I was running this race for many reasons:

1. GOTR is a great organization. I was a GOTR running buddy in the spring and I was happy to support them again.

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GOTR participants in a May 2015 5k

2. The STEM runners were running their first 5k. I volunteered to help Kelly train for this race.

STEM participants in a previous 5k

3. Several people where I work were also running their first 5k. They claim that I motivated them to run so of course, I had to be there.

4. My running friends Barbara & Judy are also running this race. It’s nice to know people to hang out with before & after a race.

with Barbara on the same course but back in May

with Judy in March

4. I love to race. This is a flat course and one where someone could PR. I have also gotten a AG award every time I’ve run on this course. But I guess it would be selfish of me to try.

Laurie on the right was also going to be at the race.

5. I had to run 12 miles today in preparation for my Dec 6 Half Marathon. The Corning Bike Path is a perfect place to extend my miles from 3 to 12.

nice river views

So I arrived early to a crowd of excited runners – young and old.

I parked in the parking lot that was farther away and walked to the start.

It was cold. I had better get used to this weather because it’s only going to get worse.

I wore layers which I shed before the race. I knew that I would be cold waiting to begin but fine once I started running.

I immediately bumped into Kelly who was, of course, nervous about her first 5K. As soon as I talked to her, I knew that I had to run with her and encourage her. This is what running is all about. Not PRs.

Every time, I turned around, I saw someone that I knew.

I chatted with Judy, Laurie & Barbara.

But unexpectedly, I saw 3 ladies from last fall’s STEM program They were still running and I was so happy to see them again. One runner, Kim, just ran the Stockadeathon and is thinking of a half marathon in the spring.

I also saw Judith who is GOTR running buddy, Elenora, a fellow SkirtSports ambassador and several others that I knew.

Kelly & moi

After we took lots of photos, it was time to line up.

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GOTR runners

The GOTR runners, their coaches and running buddies lined up first. Everyone followed.

Needless to say, it was very slow going for the first 1/2 mile.

But we had perfect weather. What seemed to cold at the beginning, warmed up. I shed my gloves & tied my jacket around my waist. (Overdressed again!)

Kelly, a few other STEM volunteers and I chatted the whole race. Kelly never walked or even seemed to struggle. We ran at around an 11 min pace which was faster than Kelly was used to. It was so great to see her run well and to be a part of it.

As soon as she saw the finish line, she took off. She finished at 34;XX and I know she was thrilled…so much faster than she expected.

on the front & back of our Mizuno jackets and these runner really ARE!

I am glad that I didn’t run ahead and try to PR. This experience was much more rewarding!!

After I was done, I hung out with Judy and Barbara and watched the others finish.

Everyone crossed the finish line so happy and so proud of themselves.

Finally my co-workers crossed….crying!! They had finished their first 5K…something they had thought was impossible. It brought me to tears, as well.

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posted on FB

I was so engrossed in the finishers that I forgot to get water or something to eat after the race. (I guess that was OK since I didn’t really expend a lot of energy during the race.)

Even though, this was one of my slowest finish times, I am glad that I participated in the race.

Afterwards, Barbara was nice enough to keep me company as I needed to get some more miles done.

as you see, I got rid of my gloves, jacket & hat

She is great to run with because she keeps me moving. The next four miles were definitely faster than the first 3 and much much faster than the solo miles to follow. We ran in the opposite direction from the race course and then turned around and followed the course again.

But after 4 miles, she left me to my own devices.

I decided to run back to my car, get my baseball cap, shed my half zip and add back the green windbreaker.

lots of geese

Then I ran the race course again but continued on beyond it before I turned around.

trees are so barren

These miles were TOUGH!! I was tired but I think my lack of energy was from my lack of food & water. What kept me going was the decision to turn back, cross the bridge and run into the city and go to Cider Belly Donuts. (They are supposedly the BEST and last time, I ran there, I didn’t have any money to buy one.)

So over the bridge, I dragged myself even though I already already completed my 5 miles (bringing me to my planned 12 mile total for the day.) And when I arrived…

Royal bummer!!!

What did I do? Settled for second best…

skinny peppermint mocha & sandwich)

Luckily, Starbucks was across the street.

When I was done, I was so chilled that I had to sprint the 1/2 mile back to my car.

Yes, 13 (broken up) miles for the day!!

Happy Running! Did you race or run this past weekend? Ever run a race just to help someone else?

November 20, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

This week’s theme is Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

Starbucks Lattes

I prefer decaf and the holiday ones like Chestnut Praline, Eggnog, Peppermint Mocha. I know they cost a lot but I’m worth it (besides the more I buy, the more stars I get…)

Of course, they also have a lot of calories but I can ask for no whip, sugar-free syrup, soy or coconut milk, etc.

Do calories count if you run more than 10 miles??

2. Hot Cocoas

I don’t drink them a lot but they do taste good after a cold weather race. I like to add coffee to make them more mocha tasting.

3. Herbal Teas

I have recently become a big tea drinker. I love chai and flavored herbal teas….especially in the evening in front of the fire.

I do make it sometimes with tea bags but I prefer tea made from leaves.

4. Mulled Cider

This drink makes it seem like the holidays. So yummy!

5. Eggnog

I just love eggnog! I could drink it by the quart. But I try to drink it sparingly. There are low cal ones but they’re just not the same.

any recommendations?

Happy Running! What’s your favorite cold weather drink?

November 19, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Races, Runs, Thanksgiving, etc.

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Two More Long Runs before my next half marathon (on Dec 6.)

It seems like I was just getting ready for run my last one (Oct 10) and now, my next one is almost here. How did that happen?

So this weekend, my run will be 12 miles! My longest distance before the race.

Although I’ve finished 15 half marathons, I still worry about completing the distance. I also struggle when I run alone. So I’m not looking forward to it.

Then next weekend, there’s just 8 miles.

Two More Races before my next half marathon

first annual – 11-21-15

I have a 5k this weekend. Normally, I would pass on this one because of the long run mentioned above. But I have been involved in this organization so I want to support them. The girl that I am training and all the others in the STEM program) are running their 1st 5k. Some of my co-workers are running their first 5k too.

Yup, I gotta do this race.

Do I race it?

Or swallow my pride and help the others finish?

I am looking forward to this 10k on Thanksgiving. Since I started running, I’ve almost always (except 2008 & 2012) run a race on Thanksgiving morning. It’s the best part of the holiday (and I love food!!)

I used to run the local 5ks but last year I joined a training group for the 10k. I enjoyed it so I joined the same group this year. I PRed at last year’s race but I don’t think I’ve been as dedicated to my training so we will see what happens.

yes, it snowed last year. Hopefully not this year.

I am also toying with running the 5k after the 10k race. The 10K is at 8 am and the 5k at 10 am. The 5k is the big race – thousands run it. I have friends running the 5k so it might be fun to run this one just for fun. I am already there and dressed to run.

What do you think?

Then there’s Thanksgiving...

I LOVE Thanksgiving food…

What I miss most is cooking my favorite recipes….squash leek soup, stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and homemade pumpkin pie.

yum!!

double yum

My husband’s family is complicated. Mine is non-existent. So this year, we’re on a wait and see what my MIL is planning. We may just go to a restaurant and then visit her or friends for dessert after.

What are you planning? Are you running a Turkey Trot? Are you cooking?

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Please Share.

November 18, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Cherish

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is CHERISH.

Of course, when I saw the word, this is all I could think of: