July 23, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Returning to Racing

There was a LONG drought in racing due to COVID-19.

Some runners resorted to virtual racing. We know it was not the same but it helped with our mojo.

Others started back early when there were still restrictions.

Many waited until they got vaccinated.

Others still have have reservations about racing again.

I ran two in-person races in November and December of 2020.

: 2020

: Winter Classic 5k

and 8 more so far in 2021 (and a 5k this Sunday!)

: Feb 14 – Ft. Lauderdale HM

: Mar. 13 – Electric City 5m

: 2021- H2M HM (on a revised course)

: May 22 – 5k

: June 12 – 4m

: July 4 – 4m

I was never nervous about in-person racing and trusted that all the precautions in place would keep runners safe. But it is definitely more enjoyable now that restrictions have mostly been lifted. (Still I can’t wait until things are totally back to normal!!)

Here are some of my tips for getting back into racing:

1. Start by running with others.

For so long you were probably running alone. The first step is to reach out to friends and plan some group runs.

2. Do some consistent mileage during the week and a long run on the weekend.

Without any races on your schedule, you may have skipped some of your runs. Go out and run at least twice a week.

Add in a long run on Saturday or Sunday but it doesn’t even have to be very long. It should just be longer than your weekday run.

3. Talk your friends into joining you. FOMO is real.

Not all my friends are excited about racing. But I am lucky to have a few that I talk into my insanity.

4. Buy something new.

A new outfit or new shoes will perk up your racing mojo.

5. Do Your Research and Pick a Race that you are comfortable with. And SIGN UP!!

Some races still offer COVID-19 precautions. Some more than others.

Everyone that I know who has returned to racing has not regretted it!!!!

Happy Running! Have you returned to racing? If so, what tips do you have? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

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July 16, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Highlights of the Olympic Trials

Schedule and Results: 2021 US Olympic Track and Field Trials - LetsRun.com

Believe it or not, when the Olympics are on TV, I prefer to watch gymnastics and swimming.

But this year, as a runner, I decided to watch the track events on the Olympic Trials. (Even you go to bed early, you could have watched them all on YouTube.)

And they sure did not disappoint.

Now I am even more excited for the Olympics.

Revised) Tokyo 2020 Olympic Timetable for Track & Field, and the 400-200 Double

Here are some of the things that stood out for me:

1. The Heat.

Yikes. 100 degrees temps. Many events postponed to earlier when the temps were cooler.

Competitor Faints At Olympic Trials Due To Extreme Heat | The Daily Caller

However, the women’s 5000m final did go off in 94 degree heat.

Um, 50 degrees is my ideal temp for running.

Kudos to those runners for running in these temps and doing so well.

2. Longevity

Allyson Felix made her fifth Olympics team. What an amazing career she has had (and two kids along the way.)

She is an inspiring woman runner. Will she retire or go for #6?

What We Learned From Day 3 of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials - The New York Times

3. New Roles

Former 2008 and 2021 Olympian, Kara Goucher did not compete but instead she was a commentator for NBC.

Kara Goucher won't race U.S. Olympic Trials, report says - OlympicTalk | NBC Sports

And she was great. I really enjoyed her intelligent and knowledgeable remarks.

Olympics: NBC hires Goucher as distance analyst | Duluth News Tribune

4. Good/Bad

Rio 2016: 'Olympic spirit' illustrated by Nikki Hamblin, Abbey D'Agostino after fall on track - ABC News

The Good: Abby Cooper ran the Olympic Standard in 5000m in her comeback (Remember her 2016 collision and subsequent knee surgery.)
The Bad: The next day Abby only came in 4th and does not get an Olympic berth in the 5000m.

2021 Olympic Trials - Abbey Cooper Hits the 5,000-Meter Olympic Standard

5. Sad News.

Sha’Carri Richardson won the 100m.

2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials - Day 2

Then she failed a drug test (for marijuana) and will not be able to compete in the Olympics.

The Undefeated on Twitter: "Nike is sticking with its athlete, Sha'Carri Richardson, after she tests positive for cannabis and is disqualified from competing in the Tokyo Olympics' 100m race. (Via @aardodson)… https://t.co/7AfguC0OYJ"

One extra – Fashion:

Emily Sisson had to drop out of the Marathon trials but redeemed herself winning the 10,000m wearing a pair of her husband’s Goodrs. (My favorite sunglasses).

Christina Clemons made her first Olympic team in the 100m Hurdles and wore a pair of Doritos earrings. (I like Doritos too)

us olympic track and field team trials

Happy Running! Did you watch the Olympic Trials? If so, what did you enjoy most?? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

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July 9, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Trail Running

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am clumsy. I have fallen when running on the road and have fallen even during races.

check out the blood streaming down my leg

So who would have guessed that this summer, I am running on trails.

Obviously after only a few trail runs, I am not an expert but here are FIVE of my tips to help you enjoy your time running on the trails:

1. Wear Proper Running Shoes.

You can run with normal running shoes but wearing shoes made for trail running will give you more grip on the uneven rocky or muddy ground. It will also give you peace of mind.

we got muddy but no one fell

2. Use Bug Spray/Tick Repellent.

Yes, trails especially in the summertime are buggy. I even spray insect repellent on my clothes. I also wear compression calf sleeves to protect my legs from ticks.

sweaty but smiling because we had no bug bites

3. Never Run Alone.

Because on the trails there is a greater possibility of either getting lost or falling, I think it is always best to run with a buddy. If you are alone (or get separated from your friend), make sure you have a charged cell phone with you!

hanging with my buddy Deirdre at Lawson Lake

4. Run on Different Trails.

Even running on the SAME trails can get boring. If you are not fortunate to be part of group-organized trail runs, explore the Internet and the AllTrails app to find trails within driving distance of where you live or work. You’ll be surprised at how many hidden treasures you’ll discover.

at Five Rivers minutes from where I live

5. Slow Down and Enjoy the Scenery

In other words, look around. Listen to the different sounds. Don’t miss a distant lake or not stop at an overlook. Trail running definitely gives you the opportunity to appreciate nature more. It’s ok to walk. It’s not the time to work on speed. I recommend not even wearing a watch!!

stopping an an overlook in Thacher Park

enjoying the trails at Indian Ladder Farms

Happy Running! Do run on trails? If so, any other tips? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

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July 2, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for July ’21

It’s that time of the month…

time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.

I am very excited to go boating again on Lake George. If only the weather would be consistently warm on the weekends.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I start working in the office next week. BOO!!

I need to wear nice clothes, jewelry and make up, pack a lunch and bring the appropriate clothes (and snack) to run after work.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have NO races on my schedule this summer.

Very strange. I even ran several races during the Pandemic and many many virtual ones.

Since we now CAN race, I have no desire to do a virtual one.

(Late update: I lied. On a whim, I recently registered for a race this coming weekend.)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have been a Skirt Sports ambassador since the beginning. Last year they merged with ZOOMA. Now they have added Momentum jewelry. So now I represent all three brands.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been consistently running 10 miles each weekend until I have not…

I started to slack off in May when I was in Florida. Once you stop, it’s so easy not to continue. So in June, I haven’t as well.

only 4 miles!!

Until my friends and I have a half marathon to train for, I just may run less….

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I will going back to the office for work next week, I do not know when I will be travelling again. I miss running in different locations. I miss my hotel points!!!

I think this was my last NYC run, I mean work trip (Jan 2020)

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

June 25, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for June ’21

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

1. I runfess…

Unless I have company, I’ve gotten pretty lazy about walking.

In the beginning of the pandemic, I walked 2-3 times a day. Always alone.

hit the neighborhood or waterline everyday

Now I ~~rarely~~ never walk before work or during lunch.

Luckily I have friends to walk with at least twice a week after work.

former co-workers and now walking buds

Do you need friends to get you moving or do you get your steps in alone?

2. I runfess…

Due to my work schedule, I wind up running at the hottest time of the day – noon during my lunch break. As a result, my runs are short and sloooow.

lunch sweat fest

Does weather or schedule influence when and how long you run?

3.I runfess…

I am worried about how going back to office will affect my running (3 days a week starting July 6 and 5 days starting Sept 7).

I know, for years I worked and traveled and got in all my runs.

running while working in Buffalo

How did I do it? (I guess I got spoiled working from home and being flexible with running, dressing, eating, etc.)

Any tips for adjusting to going back to the office?

4. I runfess…

I have started participating on weekly group trail runs.

I love the trails but not for running.

I am clumsy and uncoordinated and I just don’t want to fall.

So why attend trails runs?

For purely social reasons. lol

Should I run at another time or do these trail run/walks count as runs?

5.I runfess…

I enjoyed my recent races more than I thought I would. I have not been training. I have not done any speed work. But I run better in a race. I guess you can say, my races are my speed work.

So I guess that I need to find some more races to sign up for before fall….

smiling even running in the pouring rain.

Are you racing? Have you found not racing has slowed down your pace?

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

June 11, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Upper Arm Exercises

It is tank top time of year. Either for running/racing or just hanging out.

Unfortunately if you have gained and then lost weight, you may find you have that unsightly upper arm flab. (I’ve heard it called “bingo wings.”)

Even if you’ve always been thin, as you age, your skin loses its elasticity. Same result as above.

These are Bingo Wings. : funny

I’m not sure if there is really anything you can do about it besides wearing long sleeves lol

But here are FIVE exercises that have been recommended (by others) to improve the look of your upper arms:

1.Bicep Curls.

Start with your arms by your sides. Hug your elbows in towards the side of your body, and then curl the weights up towards your shoulders.

5 exercises to tighten and tone your arms for summer

2. Tricep Kickbacks

Holding weights in both hands, lean forward with a flat back. Hug your elbows in towards your sides and pull them up towards the ceiling. Keeping your elbows still, kick the weight towards the back of the room by moving the lower half of your arm back and up towards the ceiling. Hold for a second, feeling the back of your arm tighten, and then release back to the starting position.

3. Hug a Tree

Hold the weights at shoulder height, parallel to the floor. Relax the shoulders down, and then hug the arms towards the front of your body as if you’re hugging a tree.

4. Serve the Platter.

Start with your arms at your side, bending your elbows at 90 degrees. Reach the arms forward, straightening them as if you’re serving a platter, then reach them out to the sides in a “T” position, back to center, and then pull them back in towards you.

5. V Exercises.

Hold your dumbbells down at your hips. Then reach the weights forward and up on an angle, drawing a V, and then release them back down towards your hips.

Try doing the exercises above three times a week with 3-5 pound weight. Do one set of 10 reps of each, and then repeat the whole circuit three times.

(FYI: I am not a coach, PT, chiro, medical professional or have any certifications in these areas.)

Photo Tip: your upper arms will look thinner if you bend your arm to your waist (Judy reminded me of this many years ago).

Happy Running! Anyone else self-conscious about their upper arms? Do you do any of these exercises? Any others to recommend? Please share.

runner-sig

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

June 4, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for June ’21

It’s that time of the month…

time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.

I am very excited to go boating again on Lake George. If only the weather would be consistently warm on the weekends. (This weekend, it may happen!!)

1. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I have run a few races this spring. But there seems to be a lag in available races this summer and then a cluster races for the fall.

It may be struggle to stay motivated to run with the heat and few races.

Will you be racing this summer? If not, does it affect your running mojo?

2.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I have been hiking every Sunday since last October. I really enjoy my fire tower climbs and waterfall views.

But boating on Lake George is one activity that the hubby and I share. Sunday is the day we go boating (because I do long runs on Saturday.)

Do you have to compromise with your significant other or can you do what YOU prefer?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I’m excited to have more opportunities to run with others. Until recently, I ran alone during the week and with others only on Saturdays.

In May, SOAR started group runs with women every other Wednesday. Also on Wednesdays, there will be Ice Cream group runs scheduled (You run with others at different locations located near ice cream shops.)

back after a year off

In June, on Thursdays, there will be Trail group runs hosted by our local running organization.

how well do you know me? which shoe is mine?

In July, the Freihofer race training challenge will also begin group runs.

Do you have the opportunity to run with others? Or do you usually run alone? Which do you prefer?

4.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that my fall race-cation weekend has been finalized. We are returning to Hampton Beach, NH and will be running the (in-person) Smuttynose 5k or half marathon. (There will 10 of us running the race.)

after last year’s virtual race (missing our sherpa in the pic)

Unfortunately, I was not quick enough and last year’s perfect house was already rented. But instead we rented another with 5 bedrooms and 7 beds (not on the beach but .8 miles away.)

Do you have any race-cations or big races planned for the Fall? Anyone planning on running this race or have run it?

5.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that the NYC Marathon will be held live in November. I know several runners who will be doing it. Yup, I’m having some FOMO.

I did time qualify for 2020 but did not want to run it two years in a row. Who knew that there would be a Pandemic and I could pick 2021, 2022 or 2023 to run it again.

Hey I’ll be 70 in 2023…so maybe things will be back to normal by 2024 and I’ll still be running half marathons?

Do you ever have second thoughts about a race that you did not sign up for?

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Any trips, races or fun summer activities planned? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

May 28, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for May ’21

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

1. I runfess…

I usually enjoy not wearing my Garmin during a race because I feel no pressure. So for the Prospect Mountain Road Race, I left it home and used my Apple Watch instead. But I didn’t start the Strava app. Obviously I don’t use the Apple app often. It showed the time and splits for the run. However, I was disappointed that it didn’t show an elevation map.

you would never know that there was over 1600 ft of elevation gain

I guess I need to wear my Garmin again for races (at least hilly ones.)

Do you like to see the elevation for your runs and/or races?

2. I runfess…

I used to love 5k races. I ran them a lot! I enjoyed them. I used to win my age group. Yadda Yadda.

Smiling – June 2019

Whether it’s due to age or the Pandemic, but any speed that I once had has disappeared.

They are now HARD! It’s such a struggle.

there was a frown under that mask lol – Dec 2020

I think I may want to only run longer races…..

Do you enjoy short races? Does your finish time matter?

3.I runfess…

I was complaining during the Pandemic that all events were cancelled so I had hike or run alone every evening.

Now things have opened up. Activities have been scheduled.

First on Thursday evenings, I started walking with two former co-workers. And I still do every week.

Soon, Thursday Trail group runs will be starting up again (after a year off).

Also the Freihofer Training Challenge is scheduled (after a year off). Instead of big groups, this year, there will be many small groups. So far, the Advanced group was been scheduled… You guess it. On Thursday!

Choices. Choices.

Anyone else now have scheduling conflicts?

4. I runfess…

My feet still hurt. They have not stopped me from running (just slowed me down,)

I thought zero drop shoes were the answer.

TOPOS Magnifly

No miracle cure.

So I decided to go back and try a higher drop shoe.

BROOKS Ghost

Now I am really confused, my feet felt the same. Still not a fair assessment since it wasn’t a half marathon.

Does anyone wear BOTH high drop and low drop running shoes?

5.I runfess…

As you know I love to race. So I’ve already signed up for fall races.

Malta 5k in-person this year – 9/11/2021

and for a fall race-cation:

Oct 3, 2021 – in-person half marathon!!

Have you signed up for any fall races or race-cations?

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

May 21, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Tips for Hiking Alone

Of course when I first starting hiking, I was nervous to go alone. What if I got lost? What if I got hurt? Would it be boring with no one to talk to?

But I conquered my fears and now I actually enjoy it.

I am a SLOW hiker and I also love to stop and take lots of pictures. It is so much easier when I am alone (instead of pulling up the rear in a group or listening to my hubby’s groans.)

Here’s FIVE Tips to use if you are gong to hike solo:

1.Do the Research. Read the Reviews.

Like when a RD says the route is flat and it isn’t. The same with trails. A “easy” trail is often not. Read what others have said about the hike. Make sure you read in the reviews from the season that you are hiking in. The Trails change with the weather.

an easy hike??

moderate??? No way- death defying steep slopes and river crossings!

2. Bring Your Phone and a Portable Charger.

You can call for help if you need it. You can track your location. You will feel safer and more relaxed. The ALLTrails app is an app that I depend on. But make sure you have back up power for your phone.

3. Save a copy of the Map on your Phone.

Even if you bring your phone, on trails, service will be spotty. Just go to the site when you do have a connection and save the map. If you have a printer, you can print the map at home (I do not.) I also recommend you do the same with directions to the site. Do not depend on your GPS connecting to a satellite to get you there or back home.

4. Wear the Right Clothes and Bring the Necessary Supplies.

Always bring water, food, a flashlight, Band-Aids. insect repellent, extra jacket and socks, etc. If it is dry, regular trail running shoes are fine. If the terrain is rugged, hiking boots are better. Of course, if the trail is snowy or icy, micro spikes are essential. (You can put screws in your shoes instead). For all my hikes that are not flat, I use hiking poles.

5. Relax. Take it all in. Enjoy the Experience.

In other words, if you are worried about getting lost, you will miss out on the peace and tranquility of being on the trail. If you think you may fall, you may skip the most beautiful parts of the trail.