January 3, 2014 by Darlene

Foto Friday

There’s no better way to look back on the good things that happened than by looking through your blog photos.

So here’s a month by month look at the highlights of 2013:

January:

running over a bridge while on vacation in Daytona Beach, Florida

February:

winning an AG award with AJH at the Polar Cap 4 mile race

March:

finishing the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, FL.

April:

running Sean’s Run 5K with Mary

May:

running the Mother’s Day 5K with my tennis buddy, MaryPat and winning lst place in my new AG.

June:

not a good month but this was taken BEFORE the Freihofer’s Run for Women (the race where I broke my foot)

July:

recovered enough to complete the Biggest Loser 5K

August:

no races this month but several trips to scenic Chestertown to play tennis and run

September:

winning an AG award at the Helper’s Fund 10k where I met a new running partner, Heidi

October:

finishing the Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon and seeing a lot of familiar faces

November:

running the Stockade-athon 15K

December:

running the Last Run 5k in a snowstorm (just for fun)

It was definitely hard to choose just one memory from each month. I feel very fortunate.

Happy Running! What were some of your highlights of 2013?

January 2, 2014 by Darlene

2014 Running Goals

14 Goals for 2014:

Do not get injured.
Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.
Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.
Finish most of my 5K races under 30 minutes.
Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.
Run a race in another state or even a NEW state.
Run at least 10 NEW races.
Run in NYC.
Get an Age Group award.
Run a 10 mile race.
Run at least one half marathon.
PR in a half marathon.
Run over 800 miles.
Continue to blog almost everyday.

I think my goals are pretty conservative. I think they are ALL achievable.

The toughest will be #12. The most important will be #1. If #1 happens, then #3 and #13 can follow.

Happy Running. Happy New Year! What is your biggest goal for 2014?

January 1, 2014 by Darlene

2013 is in the books…

I must say that things were looking up until June 1 and then I broke my foot. I started getting back on track in August and the year ended pretty well.

Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR (use the treadmill when it is too cold or slippery or raining outside)- YES, except for June & July.

even ran 3 times while on vacation in May

Continue fitting in tennis and yoga at least once a week (as cross-training) – YES, until June 1. I started tennis again in Sept. I didn’t start yoga again until late Oct.

Finish my 5K races under 30 minutes and not stress about a PR (though getting one would be super!) – YES. Sure I stressed but finished Ice Breaker, Lake George, Mother’s Day, and Freihofer’s – all under 30 min. Post broken foot, I finished the Malta 5K, Race for the Cure, Delmar Turkey Trot and Stuff the Sleigh under 30. NO PR this year!! (I think my 5K PR days are over.)

Ice breaker 5k – 28:47

Get an Age Group award (in May I will be entering a new AG!!) – YES. 3rd at the Polar Cap 4m, in the correct AG I finished 1st at Lake George 5K and 1st in my new AG at the Mother’s Day 5K, 2nd in the Biggest Loser 5K & Helper’s Fund 10k, and 1st in the Race for Hope 5K, the Monster Scramble 10K and Stuff the Sleigh 5K. Getting older rocks!

Polar Cap 4m – 3rd in 50-59

Lake George 5K – 1st in 50-59

Mother’s Day 5K – 1st in 60-69

Helper’s Fund 10K – 2nd in 60-69

Race for Hope 5K – 1st in 60-69

Monster Scramble 10K – 1st in 60-69

Stuff the Sleigh 5k – 1st in 50+

PR in a 10K race (I have only one injured 10K under my belt.) – YES, both of my 10ks were faster. My PR was at the Helper’s Fund.

Helper’s Fund 10k

Run a 10 mile race (the one from Lake George to Bolton Landing is on my bucket List) – NO (broke my foot). I hope to run my first in January.
Run at least one half marathon (a spring and/or a fall one) – YES, I ran 2 – the Sarasota Half Marathon in March and the Mohawk Hudson in October.

Sarasota Half Marathon 3/17/13

Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon – 10/13/13

Run at least 12 races (one per month, if possible) – YES, 22 total races – at least one per month except for August (when I decided to cautiously recover from my broken foot.)

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

one of 3 April races

one of 3 September races

one of 3 November races

Run a race in another state – YES, I ran in Florida and Vermont.

Florida racing

Register for The Biggest Loser RunWalk at www.biggestloser.com/runwalk

running in Vermont

Run a NEW race (hopefully one in NYC) – YES, 11 out of 22 were new ones – Hmrrc #3 & #5, Sarasota Half, Ice Breaker 5K, Lake George 5K, Mother’s Day 5k, Biggest Loser 5k, Helper’s Fund 10K, Mohawk Hudson Half, Monster Scramble 10K and Stuff the Sleigh 5k. (NYC hopefully next year)

Mother’s Day 5K in Schenectady

The Biggest Loser RunWalk (including a ride on a chair lift)

Listen to my body and slow down when necessary (In other words, do not get injured…) – YES. I broke my foot but I cannot blame overuse on that one.
Continue blogging regularly (to keep track of miles, as a motivator, to meet new runners…) – YES!

So I think I did pretty well during my 10 healthy months.

Happy Running! How was your 2013? Do you set goals?

December 11, 2013 by Darlene

National Running Challenge

Do you like FREE things and do you like to run RACES? Then you need to check out the National Running Challenge!

The National Running Challenge is a challenge for runners who run races. Each challenge series runs for several months. All you have to do is after each race, enter your stats to earn points. Your finishing time does not matter! The longer the race, the more points you get. However, there needs to be an official results page. (Unfortunately, several of my races did not have official results like the Delmar Turkey Trot and the Stuff the Sleigh 5k).)

The Fall series is now running, with races from September 14th to December 31st.

Well, as you can see, I’m in 48th place BUT in my age group I am FIRST (out of 2)!

If you are leading in the standings, whether it is overall or age group, you may win prizes! The prizes can be anything from gift cards to running related items!

So you may win a prize even if you are not fast. That is cool!

So when you sign up, be sure to put me down as your referral, Darlene Cardillo! (That’ll give me 5 more points!)

Happy Running! Did you sign up? How many points did you earn?

February 2, 2013 by Darlene

Polar Cap 4m Race Report

I ran this race with blogger AJH 2 years ago and it was a tough hilly one but still fun.

Here we are winning AG awards

AJH is running it again and I was looking forward to seeing her.

Racing and training are difficult to coordinate. This weekend should be 8 miles for me. So I can add on 4 after the race (which is doubtful) or do 8 tomorrow (Hmmm 2 days in a row???)

I had no expectations for this race. It is my 3rd time racing 4 miles but I am in no way as good a shape as the two previous times (40:11 & 38:02). So I just wanted to have fun and feel good. An AG award would be a bonus!

It was about 18 degrees and sunny when I left the house. I had about an hour drive. As I drove north, the temps dropped and the clouds rolled in.

I got there early and was surprised at how crowded the parking lot was. I immediately found a spot in the cafeteria to leave ALL my stuff, picked up my bib & headed to the restroom (a real one) and there behind me on line was AJH.

It was nice to run a race with a familiar face. AJH brought her hubby which was convenient for taking photos.

Here we are indoors before the race

The race is pretty informal…no timing chips. The sun came out as we started so I decided to take the sleeves off my jacket and wear a windbreaker over it and my turtleneck. (I was actually perfectly dressed, the only things that were cold were my feet & I was wearing smart wool socks.)

We are starting (I am wearing that blue windbreaker)

The race is starting (I am wearing that blue windbreaker) – taken by AJH’s hubby

The race started with a hill right off the bat. I was discouraged cause it was tough but then things got better. I tried to run a consistent slow pace and if possible NOT WALK.

the course (after the race...the lake is on the right

part of the course (taken after the race…the lake is on the bottom right

I know that from the last time, there was a long hill between miles 3 & 4 and I had to walk.

This time, it didn’t seem as bad and I ran the whole time. I even had enough gas to sprint through the finish line.

There I go… (taken by AJH’s hubby)

According to my Garmin, I crossed at 41:37. Officially 41:40.

And it was good enough for 3rd place in my Age Group 🙂

AJH got 2nd place…we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

AJH also won a Road ID as a raffle prize.

The food was pretty good – chocolate milk, soup and lots of homemade desserts. I will definitely do this race again next year (& try to keep the AG award streak going… in a new AG)

As far as the race, I was happy with my performance.

Mile 1: 10:24
Mile 2: 10:29
Mile 3: 10:38 (the hill)
Mile 4: 10:16

I was under 11 min miles but of course, when I was running my best, I was under 10 minutes.

It was not even close to a PR but then again I didn’t expect one.

I didn’t run 4 more miles. I changed my clothes and headed out on the road. I drove north along the lake to Bolton Landing.

the marina where we keep our boat

Then I headed back to village to see some friends who were working at the Winter Carnival.

finishing up the ice sculpture

There were outhouse races on the ice, pony rides (not on the ice), chili cook-off, etc.

people hanging out on the frozen lake

I was too cold to hang around long. The wind had picked up and it seemed a lot colder than in the morning.

obviously the cold does not bother the ducks

So I left and on my way home, I made a quick stop at the outlets. I only bought 2 baseball caps that were on sale at the Reebok store.

Tomorrow there is another free race. I may do the 4 miler or I may just run on my own.. We’ll see how these old legs feel.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?

October 9, 2012 by Darlene

Liebster Blog Award

My fellow blogger, I Run For Wine has nominated me for a Liebster Blog Award! Thanks to Gayle for the recognition. This award is a way for bloggers with less than 200 followers who deserve some recognition and support to keep on blogging.

The rules are as follows:

So here goes:

I am an avid Mets fan (even when they are losing which is most of the time). I listen to their games whenever I can
I have been mentoring a young unwed mom for the past 4 1/2 years. Her 5 year old son Richard is a joy! I love Amanda like a daughter. (She also now has a one year old.)
I have NEVER eaten peanut butter. (That means I’ve never had a P & J sandwich. I don’t even eat Reese’s.)
I love to play tennis although I don’t play it as much since I started running 4 1/2 yrs ago. I used to play everyday now it’s only a once or twice a week. I may even enjoy running more!? But some of my best friends are ones that I met through playing tennis.
I spent my junior year of college in Nice, France and taught French for many many years (until I discovered the world of technology – now I’m a geek). I still love anything French and would move to Paris in a heart beat.
I am addicted to Mah Jongg. I have played it for almost 4 years on Friday evenings. It’s a game my mother used to play & no one wants to be like their mother but it’s a lot of fun and it keeps your mind young (I hope).
I have seen Les Miserables (the show) at least 12 times and would see it again if it came to town. I have also read the book & seen the movies but it’s the music that I love!
I am a certified “cat lady.” I have 5 cats: Jerry, Slater, Spooky, Billy, Honey. Honey is the only female. Jerry is my fav but my hubby adores Slater.
I am obsessed with photos. I take my camera almost everywhere I go. I post them all online in Shutterfly and a selected number on Facebook.
I love desserts. I would skip dinner and just have dessert. Once I even went to the Mariott’s (in NYC) all you can eat dessert buffet instead of having dinner. Apple pie and creme brulee are among my favorites.
I hardly ever watch TV… I am never am home. I detest reality shows, too. I do DVR Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, The Good Wife (but struggle to find the time to watch.) However, my hubby would do nothing else but watch TV if he could.

11 Questions I Need to Answer from I Run for Wine:

1. What is your dream job? Working with kids and teachers on using the computer to enhance learning (my last job)

2. Vacation at the beach or city? Definitely the beach

3. What is your favorite food? Ice cream

4. Red or white wine? Mostly white but red with Italian food

5. What is one thing you have accomplished on your bucket list? Running a Half Marathon

6. Morning person or night owl? Morning

7. If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be? Paris

8. Favorite holiday and why? July 4th. I love summertime and I love fireworks.

9. Favorite TV show? The Good Wife

10. How do you relax? With a good book

11. Who are you closest to in life? My husband

11 Questions My Nominees Need to Answer:

Running, Biking, Swimming or Other?
Dog or Cats?
Favorite Racing Distance?
One Goal for 2012 that you have accomplished?
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?
Favorite Race?
Marathon: Done It, Someday or Never?
Favorite Book?
Favorite Movie?
If you won the lottery, what would you buy first?
Worst Fear?

Blogs I am Nominating for a Liebster Award:

Happy Running! Happy Blogging!

February 18, 2012 by Darlene

Why I Love Running

I meant to write this on Valentine’s Day but for the last 7 weeks I have been kinda depressed. I can’t run and I don’t know if I will again. But I did run and I do ❤ running so here’s my list (in no particular order):

the new friends I have made
guilt-free carb-loading (before & after a run or race)
the best way to end a bad day (or start off a tough day)
an excuse to shop – buy new running clothes, shoes, gear, etc.
setting your own goals (run your “own” race)
how you feel when crossing the finish line in a race
feeling healthy & active & alive
sense of pride & accomplishment (I’m 58 and running half marathons!!)
being alone and getting lost in one’s own thoughts
the bling 🙂

Happy Running! Anything to add about why you love running?

December 23, 2011 by Darlene

2011 Goals – How did I do?

Here are the GOALS that I set for 2011:

I was doing REALLY well until June 11 when I hurt my heel… then I rebounded!!

Lower my 5K PR – No, it still stands at 27:30 but I did have 3 races under 28 minutes and 2 just over 28!

√ Run 5ks under 28 minutes – 3 out of 9 under 28 (all 5ks under 30 minutes except for the one where I fell)

√ Win my age group – 2nd for the LG Half, (50-59), 2nd for Polar Cap 4m (55-59), 2nd for Firefighters 5K (55-59), 1st SPAC 5k(55-59) – only got prizes for the lst 2

: Polar Cap – 2nd place in AG

√ Run new races – 14 new races (Polar Cap 4m, Firefighters 5k, Naples Half, LG Half, Delmar Dash 5m, Sean’s Run 5k, Workforce Challenge 3.5m, Runnin of the Green 4m, Adirondack Half, Fall Foliage Half, Santa Clarita Half, Stockade-athon, Run Off That Turkey 5K. Hmrrc Winter Series #1 3m)

Runnin of the Green 4 miler

Run at least one race each month – 1 in Jan, 1 in Feb, 2 in Mar, 2 in Apr, 4 in May, 2 in Jun, 0 in July, 0 in August, 1 in Sept, 2 in Oct, 4 in Nov & 2 in Dec. (injured in July & August 😦 )

: Sean’s Run in May

√ Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR (use the treadmill when it is too cold or slippery or raining outside) – over 800 miles for the year. (It would have been more if I had not been injured in July & August.)

Running outside in January

√ Run a longer race than 5k (4 mi, 5 mi or 10K) – 5 Half Marathons, a 15K, 2 – 4 mile races, 1 -5 mile race

: Delmar Dash 5 miler

√ Run a half marathon race – 5 Half Marathons!! Woo Hoo!

LG Half Marathon 4-11

√ Run at least 15 races – 21 races (It would have been more if I had not been injured in July & Aug. I DNS for about 6 races.)

Mother’s Day Race ’11

√ Run a race in another state – 2 – a Half Marathon in Florida and a Half Marathon in California

Half in Naples, Florida

Volunteer at a race – Nope

√ Take running pics & post on FB & this blog – I have taken lots of photos (even use the timer on my camera) & post on this blog & on facebook

√ Keep track of how many miles I run this year – I record every mile I run on this blog, dailymile.com & on a tickerfactory.com ticker

Happy Running! Did you accomplish your 2011 running goals?

July 19, 2011 by Darlene

Ask Me Anything…

AJH at Age Groups Rock tagged me for the question/answer post that is spreading through the bloggersphere. You have time to ask me some questions in the comment section and then next week. I will answer them.

Since I am not running, it will give me something to talk about. So ask my anything and I will ~~promise~~ try to answer.

Here are my 5 nominees: (They are all local from my area.)

Felice at The Happy Runner. She had a baby 9 mos ago and you wouldn’t believe how FAST she runs!!!
Suzy at Running on my time. She recently finished her Masters, is a stay at home mom to 2 kids and is training for her 1st marathon.
Heather at Then Heather Said. Her blog is so inspiring and creative. She is a runner but much more.
Jen at Jen is Green. She took up running and lost a lot of weight. She continues to run and eat healthy.
Bridget at Our Life, Our World…My Thoughts. She ran her 1st 5K a little over a year ago and is already training for her 2nd Half Marathon.

Happy Running! Think up those questions!

February 5, 2011 by Darlene

Polar Cap 4 Mi. Race Report

A new race and a new distance for me. I love Lake George (in the summer!) But it is hilly. And it’s cold and snowy!!

What the heck, it’s a PR.

So I got up early on a Saturday morning to run a race!

My husband remarked, “You’re gonna drive over an hour for a race!?” I replied that I know someone who drove 3 hours for a race.

It was a beautiful morning. The predicted snowstorm was postponed until the afternoon. It was about 15 degrees, sunny, very little wind. I was very tired because I went to bed too late. (Friday is Mah Jongg night.)

I was almost there when fellow blogger, AJH, texted me that she was there! I didn’t know she was going to run it but I know she has run this race several times before. I was thrilled to have the company. (My friend Mary has a hip stress fracture 😦 )

I thought it was going to be cold so I dressed in 3 top layers, hat, gloves, tights shorts, wool socks.

AJH & me before the race

I was wrong. It was sunny. I was overdressed. I immediately took off my gloves & unzipped my jacket.

pic taken by AJH

The course was very scenic. There were views of the snow covered mountains as well as the lake.

It was not an easy course. At first there were some small hills. I was running well. Under 10 min/mi. That was until the last killer unending hill. I walked and then I walked again and then I walked. I hate that! Until my half marathon, I never walked during a race.

heading for the finish

happy to be almost done

All of a sudden, I became competitive and regained my strength and sprinted through the finish line. The walking killed my time but I at least made up some at the end and crossed at 40:09. (Official results say: 40:11)

AJH took this of me finishing

(I didn’t take any pics during the race but I snapped a few after.)

AJH at the finish line

It was my first 4 mile race so I have a PR. I love racing so I am happy! I will do better at the next one.

my split times

I was so sweaty that I quickly got chilled so we went inside to change clothes and wait for the awards. (There were under 200 people in this race so the chance for an award was pretty good.)

The refreshments consisted of chicken soup and lots of baked goods but I really wasn’t hungry.

Guess what? AJH & I both won Age Group awards (We are in the same group.) Although AJH finished way ahead of me, she won 2nd and I won 3rd. Cool!

We won soup bowls with spoons

AJH left & I stayed in Lake George for a while. I hope that we get a chance to race together again. I think we will because she’s the one I was referring to when I said I “I know someone she drives 3 hours for a race.”

I headed into town because there was a lot going on. It’s the first weekend of the 50th Lake George Winter Carnival.

But first, I had my running reward:

vanilla latte & apple scone

Then I met my friends (who are chairpersons of the Carnival) and watched some of the events – skydiving, dogsled races, etc.

I stopped off at the outlets on my way home but my wallet was saved by the snowstorm. It started to snow hard and I left. As I drove south, the snow turned to sleet, then to freezing rain and then to just rain. (At least the salt got washed off my car.)

So now it’s back to training. I don’t have a race planned until March & I think it’s another 4 miler 🙂

Happy Running!