July 16, 2015 by Darlene

GuestInstagrammer & SkirtSports

As an Ambassador Captain for SkirtSports, I was asked to be a GuestInstagrammer for July 14 as part of their July Challenge.

I was a little intimidated but it was actually fun and it motivated me to be active ALL day!

I started my day in my SkirtSports Ambassador tank

Then I went for a before work run in a Gym Girl Ultra skirt

Unfortunately, I had to do to work but I did wear a SkirtSports bra

I was able to sneak out for an afternoon break with Starbucks and a walk in the park in my Eclipse top

After work, I played tennis in another Eclipse top

And after tennis, we all went out for dinner & drinks (I wore a SkirtSports headband.)

After long, active day, I read & watched TV in another Ambassador tank.

I love all the SkirtSports clothes that I have. They are super comfortable and stylish.

I would wear them even if I weren’t an Ambassador.

And wait until you see the new fall colors:

I can’t wait!! .

If you want to buy any SkirtSports items, please use this code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.

Happy Running! Do you wear SkirtSports?

July 15, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Modest

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 MODEST

I looked up the definition of MODEST and this it what I found:

unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities or achievements
not too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
not showing or feeling great or excessive pride

I am most definitely modest. In fact, I may be too modest.

When someones says: “Boy, you’re fast.” I always respond: “Not really. Many runners are much faster than I am.”

When someone says: “You’re amazing. You run half marathons.” I respond: “It’s hard but anyone can too. You just have to want to and train for it.”

When someone says: “You’re always winning awards.” I respond: “That’s because I am old. Less competition at my age.”

I hate to boast and I don’t really think I am doing anything extraordinary.

Of course, I am proud of what I achieve, but I never wear my medals in public. I take a photo and then put them away.

In fact, my friends who do not run do not even know about most of my races and they have no idea that I have a blog or a FB page. Not even my husband knows about my blog.

I am always surprised when I PR or have a fast time in a race. I am just not confident that I can run fast.

shocked at my half marathon PR??

Until recently, I never joined a running group because I was “modest” about my running abilities. I didn’t think I was fast enough and didn’t want to run alone.

I will run with a slower runner. I don’t mind at all. I would hate for someone to say that “I was too slow” to run with.

Judy thinks that I am too fast for her but it is not true.

Happy Running! Are you modest?

July 14, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Where I Run

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Show Us Where You Run

It depends on the time of day, where I am and the distance I am planning to run:

Short run after work near work:

Washington Park

Short run after work near home:

rail trail

Running with a friend after work:

The Crossings

Short Run during work:

ACP Track

Long runs:

Nisky Bike Path

Corning Bike Path

On the weekends when I am boating:

nature trail at the Sagamore Hotel along Lake George

early morning run along the lake

When I go on my annual tennis vacation:

Naples, FL (in the tennis community)

outside the community

Happy Running. Where do you run?

July 13, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- 3 mile run

Tuesday – walk at work, ~~tennis~~ (rain), nails, gym

my usual 15 minute workout

Wednesday – 3 3.5 mile run

Thursday – 3 mile run with Judy after work

Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race, boating, dinner out

Sunday – 5 mile run, breakfast out, boating

deck overlooking the lake

This Week:

Monday- rest, walk at work, gym
Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, tennis (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)
Wednesday – rest, walk at work, dinner out, movie
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – 3 mile run after work, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday – 6 mile run, boating

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

July 12, 2015 by Darlene

TEAM Sarcoma 5K Race and Weekend Recap

I wasn’t planning on racing this weekend.

But my runs have been so sluggish lately that I thought I needed a pick me up and I signed up on a whim.

The weather was predicted to be good (but maybe a little too warm). I had never run this race but have done several in this park. And more importantly, it took place in Saratoga which is halfway to the marina.

I almost signed up for one on Sunday but it was at the same time as a half marathon (so would be more crowded).

It was really tough to set any goals. I had not run a 5K in about 6 weeks but if I wanted to push myself, this would be this:

Finish under 29 minutes.
Run all splits under 10 minutes.

But with the heat and my unpredictable feet, it was this:

Finish under 30 minutes.
Total pace under 10 minutes.

I got up and had my usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea and headed north for my 45 minute ride. The start was at the Warming Hut in Saratoga State Park. It is a big park and always confusing on where to enter.

There was a sign luckily and I found a parking spot in a lot not far from the start. I got there about 8:15 and the race was to start at 9 am. Just the right amount of time to get my race packet, hit the restrooms and look for familiar or unfamiliar faces to chat with.

waiting…

I immediately bumped into Jackie who I knew from the Troy Turkey Trot and Freihofers training groups. We hung out and lined up together.

the start area

It was a small race – about 400 runners, many of which were walking for the cause.

I’ve run over a 100 races and I still get nervous before each one. Will I suck? Will I get injured? Once the race starts, I relax and enjoy it.

The start line was confusing. It was just a mass of runners on the grass. So the race started and we were running on the grass. The grass was very wet so it was slow going. I tried to keep up with Jackie but she is faster. So I just tried to keep her in my sight up ahead.

Next we were running through a gravel trail. You know how clumsy I am especially with wet feet so I was very careful here.

Finally we were on concrete and the crowd finally thinned out.

I haven’t run fast in quite a while and my legs felt like lead. But I just trudged along and decided that I wouldn’t stop until the first water stop.

I made it. It was a little past the 1 mile point. It was quite warm and in the 70s already. So I drank the water and walked and then tried to make up time.

I still was dragging but willed myself not to walk until mile 2. Luckily, running through the park was mostly shady and I was enjoying the course.

The last mile went on forever and I really wanted to walk again but I didn’t and managed to sprint across the finish line. I was happy to finish under 29 minutes.

In fact, it was 28:38 (and really a little less since it wasn’t chip timed.)

The race was exactly what I needed.

I never pushed myself and I know I could have run faster.

It was very warm and humid and my time was not a PR but it was still faster than my last few 5ks! Happy. Happy.

Jackie and I hung around for awhile. We were hoping that they would give out awards. But they did not…only for the top teams who raised money.

Yup. I would have won my AG

Oh well. We don’t race for bling, do we?

My Positive Splits:

mile 1 – 9:06
mile 2 – 9:23
mile 3 – 9:34
.14 – 8:03

So my next 5k is in two weeks – it will be hillier and there will be more runners. Hopefully, I will be more confident.

After the race, I headed up to the marina and spent the rest of the day on our boat tied up to our friends’ boats.

We spent the whole day relaxing in the sun and then went out to dinner.

The next morning, I got up early and went for a hilly 5 mile run. It was perfect. I felt great.

Then I returned to the marina, everyone wanted to take our boats out fro breakfast. I had already eaten but a 5 mile run deserves a 2nd breakfast, right?

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Then we spent the rest of the day on an island where we hung out in the shad and grilled an early dinner.

After we left the island, we rode around the lake for a while and then headed back to put our boat away until next weekend. I ended my weekend with a homemade soft ice cream sandwich (I ate it too fast for a photo.)

I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

I am also linking up with Jessica from The Silvah Lining for the Race Recap Link Up.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race?

July 11, 2015 by Darlene

I’ve Been Tagged!

Holly of HoHo Runs tagged me to answer a few questions.

So here goes nothing:

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I guess it is my age. I’m not bragging but most people think I am younger than I am.

They say you are “as old as you feel” or “age is a state of mind.”

I feel younger than I am and in my mind, I am not 62. (Plus I color my hair LOL)

Have you ever met someone famous?

I’ve met a few famous runners. Deena Kastor and Joan Benoit Samuelson.

I’ve also met a famous tennis player.

with Cici Bellis

What is something you hope will never come back in style?

Midi skirts. I am not tall enough to look good in long skirts and I no longer wear high heels.

What is one thing on your travel must-see bucket list.

I don’t think I can pick one thing.

I’d like to go on an African safari
I’d like to return to France.
I’d like to go on an Alaskan cruise.
I’d like to go to the Orient
I’d like to visit Iceland.

I think I need to win the lottery!!!

Who would you want to play in a movie of your life?

No clue. Demi Moore?? I had very long dark hair growing up.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess?

Only had 2 stepsons who were already too old for Disney when I married their father. So I’d have to say Belle. When I taught French, we used to read and watch La Belle et La Bete.

What would you sing at karaoke night?

I wouldn’t. I don’t have a good voice and I am way too shy to do it. I might do it with a bunch of friends and it would probably be Carole King’s “You’ve got a friend.”

Who would you want to be stranded on a desert island with?

My friend, Mary Pat. She always makes me laugh. She also does not stress out about anything. She is my only tennis friend who gets my running and love of anything techie.

What clothing item/accessory/shoes do you have way too many of in your closet?

It used to be tennis clothes but now it is definitely running clothes. My stepsons have moved out and I have taken over the closets and dressers in both of their rooms.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I hate when people talk really load on their cell phones. I really don’t want to hear their personal conversations. So annoying. They do it in the supermarket, in the nail salon, at the airport, etc.

I’m tagging just a few of my favorite bloggers (there are so many!) to answer these same questions. If you’ve already done this, please accept my apology:

Happy Running! Pick one question & let me know the answer!

July 10, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fitness Trends I’ll Never Try

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary 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, the theme is Fitness Trends I’ll Never Try

Here are my 5:

1. Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian or any other restricted food Diet

I like carbs. I like meat. I like sweets. I like to eat what I want to eat.

That doesn’t mean that I won’t eat healthy. I will when I want to.

2. Boxing.

I have no hand eye coordination. And I don’t like bruises. Nope, count me out.

3. Lifting Weights

I have no upper body strength. Yes, I would like to have more. And I do want toned upper arms but no muscles, please.

4. Juice Cleanses

I can’t imagine not having solid food for several days.

5. Triathlons

Running is great. Biking is ok when I can’t run but I don’t love it. Swimming – definitely NOT. I don’t like to swim and I am not a strong swimmer. Drowning might happen if I had to swim under pressure.

Actually I do admire those who do tris. It just won’t be me.

Happy Running! What fitness trend won’t you ever try?

July 9, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: That Elusive Speed

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

I have been thinking about running goals and speed.

I was getting faster for awhile..

and then things slowed down for whatever reason.

Of course as we age, we slow down.

But what if we started running when we were old. Do we still slow down?

So it seems that if we don’t slow down then it’s a Win-Win.

After a few months of running, my 5k finish times went down to a consistent 29-30 minutes.

Then all of a sudden, I was able to run 27-28 minute 5ks.

Now, I am back to finishing at 29-30 minutes.

Did I slow down or is that where I should be for my age??

Am I going to get even slower? If so, I need to adjust my goals!!

The same thing happened with Half Marathons.

I finished my first one in around 2:26.

Of course, eventually I got faster and finished one in 2:09

Now, I am back to finishing close to 2:26.

So will I continue to run at this speed? Or can I get faster? Or as I age will I get even slower?

Just food for thought.

On another related topic….

I decided to run some 5ks this summer.

TEAM Sarcoma 5k on July 11 (this Saturday)
Silks & Satins 5k on July 24 (in 2 weeks)

Both take place in Saratoga – the first one in the park and the second in town starting at the race track.

How fast will I be? Who knows?

Happy Running! Do you struggle with race goals related to speed?

July 8, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Humble

This week’s Word is HUMBLE

I looked up the definition of HUMBLING and this it what I found:

causing awareness of your shortcomings
making you realize that you are not as good as you thought

I have not found anything as humbling as running!!!

RUNNING IS HARD!!

Running up hills is humbling!

This was at the beginning of my last half marathon (and at the end)!!

Running injured is humbling!

I hadn’t been diagnosed yet but I was in pain and it turned out to be a stress fracture in my right foot. I ran 2 races with that injury. I have also run with a broken foot in addition to other less serious injuries.

Running in adverse temps (cold, hot, rain, etc.) is humbling!

I ran the Love Run Half Marathon in Philly in cold monsoon-like rain. I also ran 2 other halfs in the rain, one in the freezing temps of January and one in the heat and humidity of July. All were very tough, to say the least.

Running after a long layoff is humbling!

This photo was taken after finishing a half marathon in March 2013. It was 16 months after serious ankle surgery. My previous half had been in November 2011. It was definitely harder than I thought it would be.