May 8, 2013 by Darlene

Yoga for a Runner

I think I have gone to yoga 7 weeks in a row.

Wed Yoga at HeartSpace with Lisa

Each week since I have time to kill between work and yoga, I run 2-3 miles around the park.

wed

I have talked my friend into going to some of the yoga classes with me. The evenings with Cheryl always ends up with this:

cheese board at The Point restaurant

and a glass of wine (and sometimes dessert!)

How has yoga helped me?

I don’t stretch after running. Yoga for me is an excellent cooldown. (I always run before the yoga class.)

Even after months of physical therapy, my screwed together ankle is still stiff. Yoga has helped a lot (though it still is not as flexible as the other ankle.)

I have very tight hip flexors. Some of the poses such as this one really feel good:

“Pigeon”

In yoga, we practice diaphragmatic breathing or “belly” breathing (your belly—not your chest—rises and falls as you inhale and exhale). Diaphragmatic breathing allows for deeper, fuller breaths and better oxygen delivery so this type of breathing is supposed to help you during running (it is easy to do when lying down but hard when running).

I also have to be careful about my achilles having had a strain before. Many of the yoga poses such as this really stretch out your achilles and hamstrings:

downward facing dog

I also like poses that help strengthen your knees like this one:

triangle pose

Most importantly, it is very relaxing. No worries about time, distance, pace…

so for now, I will continue to fit yoga into my post-running schedule

I have heard that it is also a good warm-up before running (my pre-run routine is throw on clothes and run out the door…)

I’ll leave you with my favorite yoga pose:

Happy Running! Any other benefits of yoga?

May 7, 2013 by Darlene

Running Apps For Your iPhone

I was recently contacted by Jessica Clark asking me to share her blog post “10 iPhone apps to help you train for your first marathon (http://www.kenneymyers.com/blog/10-iphone-apps-to-help-you-train-for-your-first-marathon/) on my site.

listening to tunes on my iPhone

“Of course,” I replied.

I use my iPhone for music and my Garmin 205 for distance and pace but I have downloaded many running apps* that I am been meaning to try. (My problem is that I am not good about keeping my phone charged & the GPS on it uses a lot of battery power.)

my beloved Garmin

Here are the 10 iPhone apps recommended in her post. Please go to the post directly for more details on each app.

Here are a few more that I have heard of:

And some more that I have found:

Happy Running! Do you use any of these apps?

May 6, 2013 by Darlene

Huma Chia Energy Gel Review

As previously discussed, energy gels are my preferred choice of fuel when I run. I usually take one before any run that is longer than 40 minutes. If I am running a half marathon, I carry them with me to take during the race.

During my first 5 half marathons & training runs, I only bought GU (vanilla or chocolate). During my 6th half marathon & trainings, I tried Power Bar gel and Cliff Shot gel and although they are more liquidy, I do like them too.

Recently, I read about Huma Chia Energy gel on a blog but could not find it in a store. So I contacted the company. They sent me samples and asked me to write a review.

First a little background on how Huma Chia Energy Gel is different than the others.

GREAT-TASTING

ALL-NATURAL

TRADITION

So Huma sent me 2 samples. I tried the Strawberries first before a 4 mile run and then the Apple-Cinnamon during a 5 mile run.

I liked them both. They tasted good. I preferred the Apple-Cinnamon. But I had no digestion problems with either of them.

It is hard to say if they gave me more or less energy. I would have to do the same run at the same time. Every run feels different (so many factors figure into a good or bad run.)

POSITIVES:

all natural ingredients (this is an important one)
the taste
no caffeine (if using later in the day)

NEGATIVES:

cost – more expensive than the others
availability – not available in all states so you have to order online (& pay $4.99 shipping)
flavors – only 2 (and not my favorites)
does not contain caffeine (which I often need in the am before a race)

So if you are looking for a healthy alternative to your current energy gel, I would advise you to try Huma!!

Happy Running! Have you tried these gels? If so, what do you think?

_____________________
**Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. I contacted Huma and they provided me with two samples of Huma chia energy gel to try for my honest opinion.

May 5, 2013 by Darlene

Literacy 5K Race Report

I need to run long.

I love to race.

I shouldn’t spend the money.

Races make me run better.

I could sleep late.

I won’t have to run alone.

These are the thoughts that run through my brain every weekend.

So I had decided that since I raced 3 Sundays in a row and I have a race next Sunday that I would skip this one.

Then someone posted in Fb asking if anyone was running this race.

And you can guess the rest of the story.

I ran this race 3 years but don’t remember much about it other than it was a little hilly (and a very hot, humid day) and I finished in 30:45 (despite walking many times).

My goal for this race was to reverse this trend:

28:49
29:17
30:31

That means I hope to finish faster than 30:31 and then maybe run some more miles after on the bike trail.

The weather was perfect …warm and sunny. I didn’t have any Mexican looking outfit but I wore what I could find with red, white & green (the shirt from my Santa Clarita Half in Calif.)

The race started at 10 am but I arrived early to get parking and my bib. I was also hoping to see someone I knew. None of my friends were there but I did see a few familiar faces. It was a little chilly but I knew I would warm up as soon as the race began (and I was right.)

There were about 200 runners and the course was quite winding – in and out of the cul-de-sacs of the Rensselaer Tech Park. It started with a downhill but after that it seemed that you were running up hill – not steep hills – just long ones.

There was one water stop but though tempting I passed it by. I barely glanced at my Garmin but I knew that my first mile was too fast and that I was slowing down.

I finally looked at my watch when it beeped for mile 3 and saw that my time was really good… so I sped up.

The problem was that it took longer than I thought to cross the finish line. I am sure the clock said 29:58 when I crossed and I stopped my Garmin which said 29:59.

But the course was long – 3.22 miles. Everyone agreed. Most of the runners were complaining. My time was posted as 30:01.

I was still pleased and felt I ran a good race.

After the race, they gave out those ugly cotton tee-shirts and the only refreshments were orange slices.

Although I am still 4 days away from the next age group, that’s where I was put and this time I did better in this group. I came in 2nd (missed first by 1 second.)

They, however, only gave out awards for 1st in each AG.

Oh well, at least I met my goal of finishing faster than my last race and at the correct distance I did finish under 30 minutes.

Race Stats:

finished 80 out 195
2nd in AG (6th in correct AG)

Splits:

mile 1: 9:01
mile 2: 9:56
mile 3: 9:33
.2: 8:30

As always, I love to race and am glad I did but I don’t think I’ll do this one again.

I had hoped to run more miles afterward but I was tired and I had plans to spend the rest of the rest with my mentee and her sons.

Happy Running! Do you have the Run vs Race dilemma?

May 4, 2013 by Darlene

Spring has Sprung

Although spring officially began March 20, it has seemed more like winter here.

freezing on April 21

Finally some temps in the 70’s and the flowers are starting to bloom.

ice cream on April 28

I love seeing this when I run.

these have bloomed early, most are not open yet

Washington Park

still not in bloom yet

except for one

now I can blame my slow running & walking stops on the beautiful scenery

Happy Running! How is the weather where you live? Does it affect your running?

May 3, 2013 by Darlene

A-Z is Over … Back to Whining … I Mean Running

I loved doing the A-Z Challenge – so much fun trying to think of something to post about each day. Most of the time I naturally related the post to running. But sometimes not.

So now it’s back to race goals, training updates, 2 for Tuesday, 3 things Thursday, etc.

This is what I currently need:

In December, I finished a post-injury 5k in 35:25. Then in March, I shocked myself (and my new Newtons) in finishing a 5k in 28:49!! (A confidence booster for sure.)

So in my mind I was back and I would be getting faster with each race.

WRONG!

I finished the Lake George 5k in 29:17 (ok, it was hiller) and then Sean’s Run in 30:31 (ok, I had a nose bleed).

So my 5K times has gotten SLOWER not faster:

28:49
29:17
30:31

I know I said that my times wouldn’t matter as long as I could run again. But they do!!

Happy Running! Are you speed-obsessed?

May 3, 2013 by Darlene

New Year New Gear April Reveal Day

Today is the 4th New Year New Gear Reveal but the first for me. (I contemplated joining before but never got around to signing up.)

So the idea behind this program came from Nicole at Apples and Arteries. Motivate a friend to stay active with a New Workout Item and at the same time receive an item that would inspire me – what a great idea! It is also another way to meet a fellow blogger and runner.

I sent some New Gear to Dawn at The Rushing Herd. (I had fun searching for bargains & the perfect “pink” items – shorts, tank, 2 headbands & a necklace. I hope she liked them!) Her goal is to run 30 half marathons before she turns 30 in November 2014!! Good luck to her!!

I received my New Gear from Kimmie at Barking Mad about Running. I had already been following her blog so this was cool.

Here’s what she sent me to keep me motivated:

Green tech shirt – really comfortable…I will wear it to yoga, tennis and of course, to run
Starbucks gift card – obviously she has read my blog and knows that I go there often (esp. after running)
Running girl decal – really cool
Honey stinger waffle – always wondered what these taste like
Nuun -definitely will try this in my water (esp since it is getting warmer out)

Thank you for a super fun stash of New Year New Gear! You really spoiled me. Good luck with your training and half marathons (including Dopey in 2014!!) I cannot wait to wear & use these items.

The New Year New Gear exchange program is open to readers and bloggers and below is all the information if you’re interested in joining up for next month’s exchange.

Here’s How it Works!

Sign up with Nicole at Apples and Arteries, her email is applesandarteries@gmail.com . You will then be paired up and exchange information. You then Shop around and put together a fun package keeping to a limit of $15. Maybe it’s a new workout top, running socks, hairbands, a pair of shorts. You’d be amazed at the goods you can find at the outlets (Nike), TJ Maxx and Marshall’s and department stores. Be sure to include a gift receipt (when available).

Ship the package by prearranged date and Please be so kind as to include a Note of Motivation.

If you’re a blogger, please write a blog post about the program/gear to post on prearranged reveal date, and link-up post to Nicole’s New Year New Gear post on the designated date. If you’re matched with a reader, please ask them to include text that you can put on your blog.

Here’s the Link to the April 3rd post, and all the participants link ups. This link will guide you through all the participants blogs, and the fun of the New Year New Gear exchange.

Happy Running! Are you interested in participating?

May 2, 2013 by Darlene

Running is About Community

I am fortunate to be part a Running Group (Strong Running Mamas).

It started as a small group by The Happy Runner who wanted to encourage some friends to start running.

Janis, Jen, Bridget, Jen, Felice, Lisa & me after the run

May 2010

Boy did she! They started running for 1 minute and 2 years later they completed a marathon!!! (They even motivated me to run a half marathon!)

June 2011

The group keeps growing! Now it is on Facebook and I think there are about 120 members. Women in this local running community seek advice, plan runs together, etc. But more importantly, they support each other.

When I broke my ankle last year, they chipped in and sent me a gift card. I was so touched!

with Amanda – June 2010

Recently, a group of us all pooled money together to pay for one of the SRM’s entry into the NYC Marathon. This runner has had some physical & emotional setbacks this past year which had prevented her from running.

ours will be black with pink letters

We hope to all be wearing the above shirt at the Mohawk-Hudson Half and Full Marathons on October 13!

Thanks Felice (in the center) for starting the SRMs!!

Happy Running! Are you part of a running group/community?

May 1, 2013 by Darlene

April Update & May Goals

GOALS

Start back at weekly yoga (now that half marathon training is over) – YES, I went every Wednesday!

I even talked a friend into accompanying me

Play tennis once a week – YES, I played every Monday and on 2 Tuesdays.

first half of the month was indoors and this place closed so then it was outdoors at UAlbany

Try to eat healthy (now that half marathon training is over, there is no need to eat a lot and eat often) – YES, I had fruit & yogurt for lunches and salads most nights, even cut back on my nightly ice cream addiction.

Do Planks (I hate to exercise so maybe I can do this for one minute everyday.) – Yes, I did a plank for ONE MINUTE almost eveyday.

Lose some weight. (not a lot – 5-8 lbs – my clothes are tight and it is bugging me.) Even signed up for this challenge from Slowing Tri-ing. YES, I lost 5 lbs but will probably gain it back during my May vacation.

talked my friend into just sharing a cheese board after yoga

Run at least 3 times per week. (at least 3 miles for each run) – YES, I ran three times each week, 3 miles and once a week (if outdoors) even 4 miles.

66 total miles for April

love my Newtons!

Run longer on the weekend (4-6 miles) – YES, I ran at least 5 miles on most weekends (which was difficult with 2 5ks scheduled.)

Spring is finally here! Got to see flowers on my runs.

even wore shorts once or twice

Try to get some speed back in my upcoming races (have 2-3 planned: 5 miler & 2 5Ks). YES, I tried … finished the Lake George 5k in 29:17, Sean’s Run in 30:31 and the Delmar Dash 5 miler in 47:38 (still not as fast I had I hoped.)

crossing the finish line at the Lake George 5K

at least I am smiling! (J. Berkeley photo)

while running the Delmar Dash 5 miler (J. Berkeley photo)

celebrating after Sean’s Run

Do the A-Z Blogging Challenge (it seems pretty easy since you can schedule posts in advance….) – YES, I did not miss a day!! (You can read them all HERE)
Pay attention to my body and do not get injured. (That means not running if there is a sign of injury) – YES, I am still healthy (just a little twinge in the left knee and right heel).

GOALS

Continue to run regularly (outdoors unless it is raining then on the treadmill at work).

this park is near work

Continue to fit in tennis & yoga in my schedule (once per week).
Take a lunch break – we get an hour but I eat at my desk – now that the weather is nice I should go for a walk.

last year, we had a walking contest so I did do it.

Get up early and do some runs before work.

this was a few years ago so I know I can do it.

Eat healthy & keep a reasonable weight.

Soft Serve Ice Cream (esp. coffee) with sprinkles

limit the number of soft ice cream cones consumed

Don’t let my running schedule take over – make time for family and friends (and mentees).

hang out in the park with these guys

Add longer runs on the weekend with the goal being a 10 mile race in June.

the bike paths are the best place to do longer runs

Run at least one race.

this will be my first 5k in a new age group

Run several times during my tennis vacation in Florida.

I did several years ago (last year I was injured) while on vacation in Naples

De-clutter the running gear – go through clothes and get rid of those tops & shorts that don’t fit or I don’t wear.

Yes, I still own that cotton tank & shorts from 2008! I didn’t know what wicking was back then nor can I fit into those shorts.

Happy Running! How was your April? Any interesting goals set for May?

April 30, 2013 by Darlene

April Foodie Pen Pal Reveal Day

The Foodie Pen Pal program is organized by Lindsey over at The Lean Green Bean. In case you’ve never heard of this program, here’s what it’s all about:

On the 5th of every month, you will receive your pen pal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your pen pal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail.
On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your pen pal!
The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
Foodie Pen pals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your pen pal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
Foodie Pen pals is open to US & Canadian residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only.

It seemed like fun and maybe another way to meet new bloggers and to focus on healthy eating. I actually like to do the shopping as much as the eating.

This is my fourth Foodie PenPal. (I enjoyed the first & second, but for the 3rd one, I never got my food so I stopped for 3 months & now I decided to try once more.)

I was assigned Nikki from The Pink Lady. I bought most of her goodies at Trader Joe’s. Head over to her blog to check out what I sent her! (According her e-mail, I choose the perfect food goodies!)

I received my package from Rochelle at Aprons and Stilettos. (Check out her blog…she has some AMAZING recipes!!!)

Look what I got:

never heard of these before but what a great snack!

you know I love good coffee and this is good!

didn’t think I’d like this but it tastes good on pizza, in chili – but just a little LOL

French roast, my fav

perfect for energy before & during a run

A big thanks to Rochelle for the goodies. It was great to try foods that I wouldn’t have otherwise bought! All were delicious! (The hardest part was keeping my hubby away from them!!)

If you’re interested in participating, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form! The deadline to sign up will be May 4th.

Happy Running! Happy Eating! Anyone else participate?

My First 5K and More…

An "Older" Runner's Blog

Author: Darlene

Yoga for a Runner

Running Apps For Your iPhone

Huma Chia Energy Gel Review

Literacy 5K Race Report

Spring has Sprung

A-Z is Over … Back to Whining … I Mean Running

New Year New Gear April Reveal Day

Running is About Community

April Update & May Goals

GOALS

GOALS

April Foodie Pen Pal Reveal Day

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GOALS

GOALS

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