Friday Five

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Racing During COVID-19 Times

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

I haven’t run a race since February 2020.

smiling even in the pouring cold rain

Like most of you, I have hesitated to race even once real (in-person) races were offered.

But enough is enough.

I am running a race on November 15.

My Friday Five topic this week is Why You Should (or can) Run a Real (In-Person) Race Now

  1. Precautions are in place.

Staggered starts. Masks wearing when not racing.  No water stops. No spectators. Altered post-race food options. Wide running routes.

STEVE SCHALLENKAMP: Region is returning to a new normal in running | Sports | dailyfreeman.com

Race Directors have put a lot of thought into making sure that EVERYONE is safe.  They do want to continue offering races and they do not want anyone getting sick.

2. Staying Connected with the Running Community.

Most runners are either running alone or with a small group of friends.

Runners who race are social. We need our peeps.

I miss seeing those runners that I know but only see at races.  I have made friends with runners that I have met at races.

I also miss that support that you only get from other runners before and after a race.

3. Supporting the Racing Organizations.

Yes, it is a business like any other.  They need money to stay in business.

You can support them by signing up for virtual races but I am sure they do not make nearly as much income that way.

unfortunately for this race, my only choice was to run it “virtually”

Once the pandemic is over, we will want these organizations in business so we have a nice selection of races to choose from (and at affordable prices).

4. Paying for and Earning Swag.

If you like swag, you do not have to run an in-person race.  You can pay the $$ and run it virtually.

But it is costly.  I just paid $90 for a race that went virtual (with no refund or referral option.)

sure, we had fun but no one was racing it.

If I am not running on that particular course (and I just choose an easier one), I do not feel that I deserve that swag.  I do not even consider it a “race”. It is just a run with swag that you paid $$ for.

yes it would have been a more difficult race in NYC

5. Training and Running Mojo.

Does anyone really follow a training plan if they are not going to be running a “real” race???

Maybe loosely because we are runners and do not want to lose our endurance.

It is very difficult to stay motivated.

I am a runner that gets her mojo from racing.  Not having raced since Feb, has me still running but very casually and very slowly.

just going through the motions while my friends are walking

As I have often said, my opinions are my own.  I am not being critical of those who disagree.  Feel free to comment but not about personal issues, politics or beliefs.

I have a pregnant daughter-in-law, friend with cancer, 95 year-old mother-in-law. I am not being reckless around them IMO because I choose to run an in-person race.

This is about running not COVID.

Happy Running! Have you run a real race yet?  Are you planning to? Why or Why not? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for November

It’s that time of the month…

Only The Best Grandmas Go Running Aqua T-Shirt Front

ETA: 5-25-21

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that, in case you don’t know yet, I’m going to be a grandma in May.  We’re very excited.  It is a surprise since my daughter-in-law was told that she most likely couldn’t get pregnant and they have been trying for awhile.

And it’s a BOY so I guess I can start quilting/knitting and shopping.

may have to buy this!!

Any running grandmas out there??

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have a new challenge.  It’s actually one that I thought of when the pandemic started but now it’s a real one:

Before it was announced, I had already visited 17 out of 20.  The 3 left were just not nearby. And I just finished!!!

#20

Are you participating in any challenges?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I also participated in the RGB Challenge.

It was only 78 miles between Sept 20, 2020 and Nov. 3 2020Feb. 1, 2021.  Since I finished in a few weeks, I continued logging my running and walking miles.  My goal was to see how many miles I could accumulate and maybe finish in the top 20 out of over 8,000. (Just call me an Overachiever).  And I did pretty well.  I decided to stop posting on Nov. 2.

17th out of 8078.

Did anyone else Run for Ruth?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you I said that I was over virtual races.  And I meant PAYING for them  There are quite a few FREE NYRR races.  And so I did sign up for them (2 in Oct, 3 in Nov, 1 in Dec).

Most are 5ks (and I do get a medal if I do 3 out 5 and record them on Strava).

Dash to the Finish 5k is done!

This is the only longer one.

Virtual NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K

between Nov 30 & Dec 6.

Any more virtual races on your schedule? Free or for money? Anyone want to join me on the Free NYRR races?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I miss NYC big time.  I used to go there several times a month for work

Dec 2019

and several times a year with friends…

Oct 2019

and then there were the races…

Jan 2020

So on a whim, I registered for a NYC race on Dec 6.  Most likely it won’t be safe to go…but a girl can dream.

**6. And I forgot to announce here that I am now (in addition to Skirt Sports), a ZOOMA Ambassador.

I am very excited because I LOVED my ZOOMA Bermuda experience.  I hope to participate in ZOOMA Cape Cod next fall.

Any ZOOMA ambassadors out there?  Anyone planning on any ZOOMA races?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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Runfessions for October ’20

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 signed up for a series of 8 fall virtual 5k races. They were free and I thought that they would motivate to improve my pace and get more serious about running.

They did not.  I grew more disinterested with each one and my pace got slower and I walked more.

Obviously virtual races are not races in my eyes.

2. I runfess…

I also signed up for a virtual half marathon because it was ZOOMA race, the ZOOMA director bought Skirt Sports (I have been, as you know, a Skirt Sports ambassador for many years) and there was great swag.

AmeliaNoMedal_Mockup_Social.jpg

I am so over paying for virtual races.  I feel bad for the racing companies and charities but no more!!

last one!!

3.I runfess…

I’m struggling with the fact several of my running friends have become walking friends (and my consistent partner is wintering in Florida).  I know it’s selfish but I like company when I run.  And although there are no races, I still want to keep up with my long runs.

I miss the races we used to run together.

4. I runfess…

I want this pandemic to end so I can travel again.  I have a trip tentatively planned in February but Florida is a hot spot and even if there race happens, I wonder if my Florida friends will let me stay with them.

View of the beach in Fort Lauderdale from Florida's A1A. (Photo by Jared/flickr)

I know this is where I will want to be in Feb!!

5.I runfess…

I’m pretty nervous about my upcoming “real” half marathon.  I forgot what it was like to race.  I’m pretty sure that it will my slowest one ever.  I don’t really care about that. I just hope it will be still fun and won’t taint my vision of racing.

STEVE SCHALLENKAMP: Region is returning to a new normal in running | Sports | dailyfreeman.com

the new normal – staggered starts, no water stops, no bag check – masks

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? So glad to get mine out in the open? Can you identify with any of them? Please share.

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So you want to hike?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Friday Five topic this week is What you need to be a successful hiker

But just like running, if you don’t have the right stuff, it could be a nightmare.

  1. Shoes.

It depends on if you just walking a flat trail or climbing up a rocky one.

Until recently, I just wore my trail running shoes and they worked fine.

proud to have crossed a creek on that log

But waterproof boots are helpful when it is muddy or you have to cross water.  They also offer more support on a rocky or steep trail.

new boots, cheap poles, orange hat and swag bag

2. Support.

Your legs are going up and down. Over rocks and trees.  I usually just use I stick from a tree.  It’s the perfect height and weight for me.

getting to the top with my trusty stick

Hiking poles also work great.  I bought a cheap pair and they broke the first hike.  I did order a new pair.

3. Clothes.

Just like running, wear layers.  You will be cold at first and then warm up.

started out with gloves and a jacket…capris are my favorite since you can add socks for warmth

Wear orange or pink during hunting season.

my shirt is orange

4. Connectivity.

Always bring your cell phone.  Download the ALLTRAILS app so you can track your route. But know that you may not have cell service. So be prepared.

Download the trail map before you go!!!

5. Supplies.

Obviously you need water and a treat for the top of your climb (or end of your trek.)  Also bring toilet paper, bug spray, sunscreen, extra pair of socks, windbreaker.

snack break

You can carry everything in a light back pack.  I actually use ones I’ve gotten as swag from races (as you see in the photo above).

**6. Companions

Obviously it’s more fun to go hiking with someone else.  Make sure you all have the same expectations, ability and endurance. Otherwise it is not fun.

for my running friends, 3 miles with moderate climbs is enjoyable for everyone

I am sure that dogs make the best companions.  I have seen so many hikers with their furry friends that I get FOMO.

if you look closely, you’ll see some small dogs with colorful vests

Happy Running! Do you like to hike? Do you hike often? Any other helpful hiking tips?

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Take a Hike

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Friday Five topic this week is Why I Like To Hike.

By hiking, I don’t only mean climbing mountains (though they are fun too). I mean doing walking trails especially ones with a view at the end.

  1. No Pace or Distance To Worry About. 

You can go slow or fast.  Run or Walk.  You can go as far as you want and then go back to where you started.  Pretty simple.

You can do it alone or with friends. Anytime, anywhere.

2. It’s Great Exercise.

Your legs are going up and down. Over rocks and trees.  You also use your arms to help you climb or hold onto trees. It’s a workout!

3. You Get To See Nature At Its Finest.

Trees, flowers, birds, animals.  Butterflies are my favorite.

4. It’s Peaceful.

I spent quite some time on a hike just looking out. You can forget about all the problems in the world.

5. It’s FREE.

Most hiking trails are well-marked, have parking and don’t cost a thing. And there are so many to choose from.  Just download the AllTrails app and take a look.

**6. It can be Challenging.

If you are competitive, there are hiking challenges – The Fire Tower Challenge (Complete 18 in Adirondacks and 5 in Catskills) or be a 46er (climb all the high peaks in the Adirondacks).

Or climb to the top of a mountain. The feeling of reaching the top is just as gratifying as a PR.

Happy Running! Do you like to hike? Do you prefer the challenging ones or just trail walks?

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Ouch! My Achy SI Joint

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, If you are experiencing similar problems, please consult with a doctor.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

So, my foot stopped hurting and I was running 10-13 miles every weekend pain-free.

Time for a new injury…not funny!

I guess my topic this week is: SI Joint Inflammation or Dysfunction

1. What is the SI Joint?

  • Its full name is the sacroiliac joint.
  • There are two of them in your lower back, and they sit on each side of your spine.
  • Their main job is to carry the weight of your upper body when you stand or walk and shift that load to your legs.

See the source image

2. How do you know your have it?

  • Dull or sharp pain on one side of your lower back or buttocks
  • Increased pain when standing up from a sitting position
  • Hurts to bend over
  • More painful in the morning

3. What causes it?

  • You take uneven strides when you walk or run
  • Injury from a fall
  • Too much sitting
  • Arthritis
  • Worn cartilage
  • Pregnancy

Except for the last one, I could justify this injury for all of the above. I have weakness in the left leg due to hardware in my ankle and recent neuroma pain.  Since March for my job, I sit ALL DAY!  I fell recently on a trail when running and who knows, I’m OLD so it could be arthritis and/or worn cartilage.

4. How do you treat it?

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Heat
  • Naproxen or ibuprofen
  • Massage or trigger point therapy
  • Visit a chiropractor for re-alignment
  • PT exercises

so lucky to have this outside on my deck

I immediately saw my chiropractor in addition to all of the above.

trail walk instead of a run

I walked a lot since it didn’t hurt to do so. I took time off from running and started back slowly.

Amazon.com: Muscle Massage Gun Deep Tissue for Athletes, Pokehome Deep Tissue Massage Gun Percussion Muscle Massager Handheld Deep Tissue Massage Gun, 11 Speed High Intensity Vibration, 6 Heads Included: Health & Personal

my new BRF (that I bought for my hubby’s tennis elbow – which he never used lol)

5. What can you do to avoid it?

  • See your chiropractor regularly
  • Warm up and cool down before and after your runs
  • Use a foam roller or Theragun after exercise
  • Avoid sitting for long periods of time

2 weeks later – no pain

I was lucky that my SI pain did not last long. I have heard that it can last from weeks to months (and it can re-appear). Little by little I was able to bend with less pain. I think seeing my chiro right away helped and by moving more and sitting less. But who knows?

Happy Running! Have you ever suffered by SI joint pain or back pain? If so, what did you do to get rid of the pain? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for October

It’s that time of the month…

Starbucks BEEN THERE Series BTS--New Hampshire (NH) 14oz Mug NIB

where I am right now!!

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I said that I was over Virtual races after May’s 5k.

I didn’t run any ALL summer.

Then I signed up for this October Half Marathon one:

ZOOMA merged with Skirt Sports and I’m an ambassador

and this September 5k and 10K:

to support this local organization

and this Fall series of 8 5ks:

it was free because I ran the Steel Rail half marathon (virtually)

and of course, my budget list NH half marathon that went virtual.

and this Oct. one:

to support the Lake George Conservancy

My problem, I don’t even consider them races so I run/walk them. I don’t even want swag (unless it’s for a real race.)

I will have run at least 5 virtual halfs in 2020. Do they even count??

I think NOT.

Do you actually race your “virtual” races? What do you do with swag that you didn’t really earn? Do you count virtual half marathons as half marathons??

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my friends and I decided to go to NH this weekend even though our race has been cancelled.

our rented house with ocean view – 9 beds, 3.5 baths

Don’t tell anyone in NH but if we are from NYS, we are supposed to self-quarantine for 14 days.  We debated about not going because of this but then decided to pretend that we didn’t know the rules.  Ignorance is bliss.

Would you travel to a state and ignore the pandemic restrictions?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the weather was perfect for running 2 weeks ago and I was injured.  As you can guess, it was hard NOT to run.  I even thought that I should not walk or hike. But if you know me, I couldn’t handle that amount of inactivity.

So I did walk a lot. I did hike.

It seemed to get better the more I moved.  By last Sunday, I was even able to run.

🙂

Have you ever ignored an injury and hoped it will just get better?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I HATE Fall.

I miss summer already!

I want to get up, throw on a skirt/tank and go for a walk and at lunch, the same, and after work the same.

too cold in the am, too warm in the pm ???

It’s too cold for that in the morning. I have to find layers or even remember what to wear in this cooler weather. And then after work, I have to rush to avoid getting caught in complete darkness.

Yes, I know it will just get colder in the winter but by then I’ll be used to it.

How do you feel about Fall?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I realized that my running mojo is tied to racing.

I love the excitement of a race and all it entails, even the training.

my last race … sigh

In the beginning of the pandemic, I ran because I thought I would eventually race. Races got cancelled one by one but there was still hope.

Now I’ve run out of hope. I don’t know when I’ll race again.

As a result, I prefer walking and hiking.  I wasn’t even that disappointed in my SI joint injury (besides the pain) when I figured out that I could still walk and hike.

I do still run but it’s slow and less often than when I was preparing to race.

this is more fun now

Do you retain your running mojo when there’s no race?

6. (sorry I’m an overachiever) Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I think I’ve inspired my young friend, Anna, from Moscow.

In 2012, she came to visit and watched me run a race. She was intrigued. She had never seen a race before.

Then in 2016, she came to NYC to visit and told me that she wanted to run a race with me. I was surprised because she never mentioned that she ran. So we ran the Dash to the Finish 5k – her first race.

I could tell that she may get hooked.  And I was right. She came back in 2018 to run another 5k. Unfortunately it got cancelled due to a thunderstorm.

Fast forward to 2020. Here she is running a 10k in Moscow.

running in a skirt, compression socks, spi belt, baseball cap – I may have influenced her outfit too

I hope that she can come back again some day so we can race together.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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Runfessions for September ’20

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

I cannot believe that it is Fall.  Where did the summer go??

1. I runfess…

I signed up for a series of 8 fall virtual 5k races.  I don’t normally wear a watch but you have to post your times in order for it to count.

Instead of my Garmin, I used my Apple watch.

The problem is that I am so out of shape, that I stop and catch my breath every 30-45 sec (no exaggeration).

A bigger problem is that my watch may be on auto-pause. (actually sometimes it stops when I stop and then sometimes it does not. I never manually pause it.)

You get my drift?

2. I runfess…

I also signed up for another virtual 5k and 10k.

And I actually won my age group in each.

sign of the times…no shirt but a mask instead

At least this time, the faster runners did not run the race so I don’t feel as guilty about my awards.

3.I runfess…

I intended to run last Saturday but three of my friends had decided to walk instead of run. I gladly joined them

Who am I? Choosing to walk rather than run??

at least it was 6 miles so I could earn brunch from Leah’s

4. I runfess…

I am very comfortable running intervals at 13-14 min pace.

30:30 intervals but so enjoyable to run slow and with friends

Though I know that if I raced, this would make me very unhappy.  But it doesn’t bother me enough to run alone and try to regain some of of former speed.

5.I runfess…

I’m an amateur biker… so amateur I’m not even sure that I use the gears correctly and….. I don’t have a helmet (I know, I know, I will get one soon!!)

first bike road trip – 7 flat miles

Don’t worry.  You won’t ever see me and Big Red in a duathlon.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? So glad to get mine out in the open? Can you identify with any of them? Please share.

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Fall Lovings

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

It’s almost Fall 2020 and time for a What Am I Loving Now post so that’s my topic this week.

Some things are probably the same as previous Falls but one big thing that has changed… NO FALL RACES!!

2018:

and no BIG RACE to train for 😦

2019:

1. Cooler Temps

Of course even I, who love sunshine and flowers, appreciate that it is easier to run when it is cooler.

a run too cool for a skirt and tank…

2. My Deep Tissue Massage Gun (cheap version of the Theragun)

It’s advertised to “rejuvenate sore muscles and aching joints, greatly reduce your recovery time after sports and improve your health condition. It has 11 Speeds and 6 Heads to be used on “different muscle groups and provides targeted treatment for fast recovery.”

Amazon.com: Muscle Massage Gun Deep Tissue for Athletes, Pokehome Deep Tissue Massage Gun Percussion Muscle Massager Handheld Deep Tissue Massage Gun, 11 Speed High Intensity Vibration, 6 Heads Included: Health & Personal

I’ve used it on my calves and my lower back. My hubby has used it for his tennis elbow. Thumbs up so far.

3. A New Starbucks Flavor

it’s Medium-roasted coffee with:

  • Turmeric
  • Ginger
  • Black Pepper
  • Cinnamon

Starbucks® Golden Turmeric | Starbucks® Coffee At Home

I like it.  The Turmeric taste is not as strong as you think. And Turmeric  (anti-inflammatory qualities, and antioxidant qualities) is healthy, right? .

4. Our Weekly Trail Walks

Our local running club (ARE) in non-pandemic times organized runs on different local trails every week.

As a substitute, my running friends (the Sole Sisters) and I decided instead to walk on a different trail each week.  These will continue as long as it stays light long enough.  Then we may have to switch to the weekend.

5. My Long Run Saturdays

I love ALL my running friends and they have gotten me through all my long runs. I used to find these a struggle but I haven’t run fewer than 10 miles since last August.  It’s my favorite run of the week and one I never miss. Who knew this 5k runner would prefer the longer distance?

last year’s pic but the same partners in crime plus Debbie

But even better than the long runs, are the conversations had over brunch afterward. We are still able to do take-out and sit outdoors … apart. Not sure what will happen when the weather gets cold.

the good ole days – pre-pandemic

6. (because I can’t stick with 5). Hiking the Mountains

I’ve been hiking all summer and wish I had more time…

but I can’t wait until the leaves change color. It will be even more awesome.

view from Prospect Mt.

Happy Running! What are you loving right now?  Please share.

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Remembering 9-11

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic for this week appropriately is: Remembering 9-11

1.World Trade Center

1991

I had the luxury of visiting the Twin Towers before 9-11-01.  I brought foreign students there to visit several times. So glad I did. I even saved the ticket stubs (and I am not a saver.)

The World Trade Center opened in 1973

2. September 11, 2001

I remember the day it happened and actually watched on TV live when the second tower was hit. It was shocking. I’ll never forget what I saw.

9/11: Second plane hits South Tower - YouTube

3. January 2002

My hubby and I visited NYC 4 months later and there was still smoke in the air. We visited the Ground Zero. It was very sad.

4. Recent NYC Visits

Since then I have visited the Memorial and often run near the Freedom Tower.

Every time I see the new tower, I think about what used to be there.

5. Remember and honor today as runner

  • Run or Walk a Virtual Race:

https://www.thevirtualrunchallenge.com/virtual-race-event/2020-9-11-memorial-virtual-run-walk/

  • Run or walk at 8:46, 9:03, 9:38 or 10:03 am EST.

At 8:46 am on September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and crashed a passenger jet into the north tower of New York City’s World Trade Center. A second plane slammed into the south tower at 9:03 am.  At 9:38, a third airliner dove into the Pentagon right outside the capital. At 10:03, fourth jet, bound for Washington D.C., crashed in Pennsylvania.

  • Run or Walk 9.11 kms or 9.11 miles.

I plan to walk 9.11k.

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Do you remember 9/11? How do you commemorate the day? Please share.