July 12, 2019 by Darlene

Summer Lovin’, I mean Runnin’

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. (This is a re-post with some updates.)

Summer is finally upon us. And I am loving it. (Really I am!)

Here are some of MY personal tips to enjoy it even more.

1. Stop complaining and posting about the temps and humidity.

Ok, I do it too. But it’s early in the summer and I am sick of reading about how the heat has affected your speed and stamina.

If the heat bothers you:

Don’t run.
Run earlier or later in the day.
Run indoors.
Run slower.
Run fewer miles.

victory for running in only a tank and skirt

Do you enjoy running in the summer or just do it because you have to?

2.Wear Compression Calf Sleeves.

I know it sounds crazy but it is so buggy in the summer. Besides protecting your legs from injury, it will help ward off ticks and mosquitoes. With all that rain, this summer, the bugs are insane.

the ice cream helped as well as the socks lol

Do you protect your legs from ticks and mosquitoes?

3. Wear a Baseball Cap.

It keeps you cool (if you have thick hair like me). It shields your face from the sun and most importantly, it protects your scalp from the sun. Most runners neglect to put sunscreen on their head and a visor will do zero for you there.

Image result for cap run hair don't care What do you wear on your head to protect it from the sun?

4. Plan your Hydration.

That doesn’t mean that you have to carry water. I don’t usually.

I mean, how much can you really carry during a hot weather run, anyway? An everyday runner does not have to purchase a hydration vest.

an old pic (I lost that water bottle 😦 )

But you need to drink even if you think that you are not a heavy sweater.

I usually plant water somewhere on my route or loop my runs so I pass my car (where I have water). I have even stopped a local convenience store during my run and bought a bottle of water.

Or you can buy the Long Haul skirt from Skirt Sports. It has two pockets in the back that each hold a small water bottle.

How do you make sure you drink enough water during your summer runs?

5. Sign up for Races.

You knew this one was coming.

The adrenaline of the race will make you forget about the heat. There will be water stops along the course and maybe even watermelon or ice cream at the end of the race.

Ok not as comfortable as sitting in your air-conditioned home or floating around a pool but better for you and much more fun.

at one of my favorite summer 5ks

Do you run a lot of races during the summertime?

Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying the summer run? Please share.

July 5, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five and Ultimate Coffee Date for July

It’s that time of the month…

honeymoon gifts from my stepson and his wife 🙂

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that on a whim, I signed up for a new 5k in Brooklyn.

June 11, 2019 7 pm

Yes it was hard to get up at 5:30 am, stand all day and after work take the subway, LIRR and another subway to get to the race on time and run a 5k. But I kinda enjoyed it. Esp the post race ice cream.

Now I am glad that I signed for this one in Brooklyn too:

August 14, 2019 7:10 pm

during last year’s Al Goldstein 5k

Ever run mid-week races?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am abandoning my winter race-cation in Florida (I haven’t broken the news to my Florida friends) in favor of a new adventure.

Feb 15-16, 2020

Yup a sunset 2 miler and the next day a half marathon. MCM Mama couldn’t have put it better. https://mcmmamaruns.com/5-reasons-to-run-zooma-bermuda/

Anyone else running this race? I’d love to meet up.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I feel like an empty-nester. I had FOUR half marathons and TWO 15k races from February-June.

: 2019

: 2019 – First H2H HM

Now NOTHING big – NADA – until September. Just a few 5k races in July and August.

I feel lost. Don’t be surprised if I find something longer to run.

Do you struggle with an off season and no big races on the horizon for several months or do you enjoy the down time?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I just zipped through Marathon Women by Kathrine Switzer. I knew so little about her other than she was technically the first to run the Boston Marathon and that she was fast.

What an amazing lady and runner!

I couldn’t put the book down..and now I want to know about the rest of her life (after 1984).

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I will never run a trail race (I am TOO competitive to slow down) but I am intrigued by trails (though mosquitoes and ticks are a turn off).

We have quite a few local group runs on trails but I always seem to be out of town when they are scheduled. I ran one and it was fun.

There’s still hope that I’ll get to do some trail running and I even bought a (cheap) pair of trail shoes. (they were $59 but got them free – since at the outlets, I bought my hubby two pairs of tennis shoes).

Do you enjoy running on trails? Have you run trail races?

It’s also 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!

June 28, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five Runfessions for June

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 ran THREE races in ONE week.

I almost ran FOUR (I came to my senses and did a long run with friends instead).

Anyone else run more than one race in the same week?

2. I runfess…

I went to NYC for work and I DID NOT RUN in Central Park or along the East or Hudson Rivers.

I know. Can you believe it?

I really wanted to run but instead I walked. I knew that I should rest the legs.

Anyone skip your favorite run locales and REST instead?

3.I runfess…

I’ve been ignoring a hip issue since it doesn’t hurt while I run.

The pain started the first day that I played tennis in Florida (May 3). It has bothered me repeatedly when I play tennis, sit or stand for a long time and sometimes after a run.

I have several friends who have undergone hip replacements? Kinda makes me wonder…

As soon as I made an appt to see my chiro, the pain stopped…of course.

She said it was my SI joint, did some painful stuff to it and now it feels great!!

Anyone ignore pain when it doesn’t occur during a race or a run?

4. I runfess…

A co-worker (a really fast runner) said that her hubby ran NYC without training and really enjoyed it.

Not what I wanted to hear…

My NYC marathon training starts Monday…

I already have social plans being scheduled that will conflict with my weekend 14,12 & 15 mile long runs (Tennis weekend Aug 24-25, Mah Jongg weekend Sept 21-22, Broadway Oct 5-6).

Do you ever dread having a training plan to follow?

5.I runfess…

My healthy eating (if you can call it healthy) goes right out the window in the summertime. Too many BBQs and outdoor restaurant dining

and

ICE CREAM!!

Good thing I don’t have a scale and can wear loose dresses to work.

Anyone else struggle with summer food temptations?

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? Please share.

June 21, 2019 by Darlene

Four Somethings – Belatedly for May and Early for June

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (which is NOT today LOL), Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

Something Loved.

My 12th Freihofer’s Run for Women. Yes, it was crowded. No, it’s wasn’t my fastest. But I just love the atmosphere of an all women’s race with women of all abilities and goals running in the same race.

Something Said.

This what I tell people when they say that they could never run a….

This is also what I believe will get me through my first marathon in November.

Something Learned.

My new kitten is the grandson that I don’t have yet. (Can’t wait to be a GRANDMA!!!!)

I worry about him and call my hubby to check in on him (and rightly so…one day, he let him out and he wound up atop a tree, then fell out of it and hid in the woods until I got home. Another day, he locked in the fridge, recently he almost locked him in the laundry closet for the weekend.. OY.)

I spoil him with special food and toys.

My hubby remarked the other day when I was carrying around like a baby “You really love this little guy!”

Something Read.

I did a lot of relaxing during my May tennis vacation in Florida. This is one of the several books that I read.

I think I found this book while running one day (in one of the neighborhood Free Libraries). After I finished reading it, I read some reviews and many were pretty negative. But I kinda liked it.

It’s about Maddie and her complex life. She is raising young children who are coping with the divorce of their parents. She is also dealing with the challenges of caring for an aging, ailing mother. As the novel progresses, her life just gets more complicated. Secrets are revealed that provide greater insight into her parents’ marriage and her childhood. All throughout is the presence of the plastic blue shoe that Maddie finds in her father’s old car.

I recommend reading it and let me know what you think.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup!

and I’ll make this post into FIVE somethings..

Something Photographed.

I just LOVE flowers. Besides running pics, many of my IG pics are of flowers. This was taken on a road along side the rail trail that I often run on.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.

June 14, 2019 by Darlene

Five Five – You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

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 have run 37 Half Marathons. You would think that I would know what I am doing, right?

Nope.

That why this post is called: “You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”

Here are some things that I personally have learned:

1. Less is More.

I used to think that I needed to do 10, 11 and 12 mile training runs. I would be worried that I would not have the endurance to complete 13.1 miles.

Mind you, some runners do or at least they think that they do need ALL these double digit runs.

You have to know you own body, the date of your previous half and most importantly, your goal for the race.

If your goal is to finish, you can skip those long runs and run the race accordingly.

In other words, you may be surprised how FRESH legs vs TIRED legs can affect how you run. You can OVER TRAIN!!

I ran faster and felt better during the half with 3 miles on the weekends than the one when I completed ALL my double digit runs.

Do you feel that you need long runs before a half marathon? Ever run one without?

2. Stability Shoes are Essential.

When I started running, I think I wore stability shoes. Maybe not the right ones because they became uncomfortable.

I discovered Nike ZOOM Vomeros which were LIGHT and had a wider toe box. I was happy. I ran faster too!! Win. Win.

Not really.

If I ran longer than 8 miles, I got blisters, my lower back started aching and the bottom of my left foot HURT!

None of the above was unbearable and stopped bothering me as soon as the race ended.

So I kept buying these shoes in many colors and endured the discomfort.

The turning point was my calf injury in February.

I don’t know if the shoe was the cause but it prompted me to switch to a more supportive shoe.

I bought Mizuno Wave Inspire 15s with some pricey Fleet Feet insoles. The shoes were heavier and felt clunky when I ran. I felt much slower.

No aching back! No blisters! No pain on the bottom of my foot!!!!!!!

I also tried Brook Ravennas – pain on the right side of my foot (bunion area).

Maybe I’ll never be fast again but I think I’d rather feel good during my races.

So I am sold on the Mizunos! I think than I better buy another pair before they change them.

Do you wear Stability or Neutral shoes? Does it matter to you?

3. Negatives Splits Should be our GOAL

We all know that. But often you always feel good at the beginning of a race so you run fast.

Maybe you know you always slow down so you may as well take advantage on your speed in the early miles.

You get caught up in the excitement and then it’s too late.

It happens to me practically all the time.

Then my friend Stan ran the Hot Chocolate 15k along side me. His goal was to get me to slow down in the beginning miles. We chatted until mile 8 (and then he left me in the dust.)

I used this approach during my last half marathon. Two of my friends sprinted ahead of me and I lost them until mile 10. I still had spring in my step and passed them and many others. My last few miles were as speedy as the beginning ones.

Do you try for negatives splits? Do you usually succeed?

4. Fuel More Often

I’m normally not a big drinker or eater during a long race. I don’t carry water and usually stop at each water stop. So I guess how much I drink depends on how often the water stops are.

I carry GUs and my plan is to eat one at mile 4 and one at mile 8 but usually I ignore the 12 mile one. Sometimes I only even eat one at mile 5-6.

During one recent half, I finished the race and felt very light-headed like I was going to pass out. I took a GU and immediately felt better. Under Fueled! Duh.

So during my last half, I changed the plan. I ate a GU at mile 2, mile 6 and mile 10. So much better!!

I didn’t wait until I was sooo hungry or energy deprived. I ate before I needed it.

Salted Caramel is my fave

How often do you fuel during your half marathons?

5. We need Friends at races.

At least one of my half marathons each year is during my winter vacation in Florida. I run it but I don’t know anyone. Of course, I enjoy the race but I so prefer having friends at the start and to chat with after my race. It makes a big difference. Racing is not just about finish times.

I always wait for my friends to finish and cheer them on (if they are slower) and they do the same for me. They will wait for me if I get an award and I would do the same for them.

So anyone running the new Zooma race in Bermuda this February ? I want company.

Feb 15-16, 2020

Do you often race solo?

Happy Running! What have you learned lately? Please share.

June 7, 2019 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for June

It’s that time of the month…

honeymoon gifts from my stepson and his wife

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that on a whim, I signed up for a new 5k in Brooklyn.

I must have amnesia on how hard it is get up at 5:30 am, stand all day and after work take the subway, LIRR and another subway to get to the race on time and run a 5k.

June 11, 2019 7 pm

and since I was on a roll, I signed for this one in Brooklyn too:

August 14, 2019 7:10 pm

Ever impulsively sign up for a race and then regret it?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran my 4th half marathon in FOUR months in May.

I’m not tired from training because honestly I did not train but I am tired of thinking that I should train.

My next one is not until September 8. And it will be a training run since I will be in the midst of marathon training at that time.

How many halfs do you run in a year? How far apart? Do you train for all of them?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that our new kitten, Chap (short for Champion) has finally warmed up to my hubby (though I think he still prefers me). Our older cat is still not a fan and Champ is afraid to go outside. Our cats have always been outdoor cats and I will have to buy all new furniture and rugs if he does not get over his fears.

Do your pets get along? Any advice to make my older cat hate the kitten less?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I registered for a local half marathon because I am nervous about completing a 20 mile training run.

Oct. 13, 2019

This way I will have company for the last 13 miles of it. I hope to run with some of my running friends.

My plan is to first run 7 miles near the finish, take the shuttle bus to start and end up back at my car.

Have you ever used a half marathon as a part of a training run for a longer race?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you I ran the Freihofer Run for Women for the 12th year in a row. It’s the only race that I have run EVERY year (no matter what.)

2008 – my first (and they still give you a box of cookies)

Is there one race that you always run each year?

It’s also 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!

May 31, 2019 by Darlene

Runfessions for May

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

1. I runfess…

Boating season has started and there’s running and racing…I want it ALL! It’s a challenge on the weekend. Fingers crossed for hubby’s tennis and the weather to coordinate with MY plans.

Ahhh…Lake George

Do you have other activities on the weekend that conflict with your running?

2. I runfess…

I have a red wine problem. I never was much of a drinker. For awhile it was Reisling. Then it was nothing. Now it’s Red Wine (I mean I’ve read many articles about its health values LOL).

I didn’t used to drink the night before a race, of course.

But that has gone by the wayside too …with no ill effects I might add.

Any wine drinkers out there? Or other food/drink addictions?

3.I runfess…

I’ve long been an anti-stretch, anti-foam roller, anti-massage, anti-chiro kind of runner. But I’ve now been making monthly chiropractor visits even though nothing hurts.

Just in case…

Still haven’t bought a foam roller or gone for a massage yet….

The chiropractor was a big step for me. My hubby even went to her and she cured his injured calf muscle and tennis elbow.

Do you see a chiropractor regularly?

4. I runfess…

I have already created my Marathon Training Plan (which starts July 1). It’s a variation on Hal Higdon’s for first-time marathoners.

those mid-week long runs will NOT happen no doubt but a girl can dream

Do you create training plans this far in advance?

5.I runfess…

Speaking of being type A, I am getting to register for a winter 2020 race. Many of the ones I’d like to run don’t fit into my schedule but I may sign up for:

January 26, 2020

Anyone else run or plan to run this half marathon?

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? Please share.

May 24, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Loving

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 time for a What Am I Loving post so that’s my topic this week:

1. Running in Skirts

Finally it is warm enough (most of the time) to run without tights and capris.

I wish the season was longer cuz I have TOO many skirts. The good thing about skirts, though, is that you can wear capris and tights under them in the other seasons whereas tights and capris cannot be worn when it is too hot.

2. New Running Friends

I love ALL my running friends but recently a local running club started a group called SOAR (Sisterhood Of Athletes and Runners). They meet at 6 pm every other Wed at a different location. The organizer always plans cute ice breaker activities. I plan to attend whenever I can.

Another runner has planned ice cream group runs – each time ending at a different ice cream establishment. I’m all over that!!!!!!!!!

3. Shorter Races

With 4 halfs and a 15k in FOUR months, I am enjoying spending less than an hour at a race on the weekends, (That will be short lived as I start Marathon training July 1).

4. More Daylight Hours

As a working runner, I can now run at different locations besides UAlbany since I don’t have to worry about lights!

5. Tennis

Due to work and finances, I did NOT play tennis all year. I thought that I didn’t miss it. But I played everyday (for 7 days) while on vacation in Florida.

Yup, I still enjoy it. I do miss it.

Running is #1.

But I hope to add in some tennis once a week this summer and maybe join the club again next fall so I can play twice a month.

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

May 17, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Running on a Non-Running Vacation

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.

I just returned from a vacation where the purpose was to play tennis and bond with my female tennis friends. Not one of them runs but I did FIVE out of 8 days!!

Here’s my topic today:

FIVE WAYS TO FIT IN RUNNING ON A NON-RUNNING VACATION:

1. Be prepared.

Pack clothes for all weather conditions. Cool, hot, rainy, etc. Pack enough clothes to run every day.

This trip was easy for me. It was sunny, warm and humid EVERY DAY. I was also able to re-wear my skirts but the tops got pretty sweaty (but I brought many and we also had a washing machine if necessary)

2. Schedule your runs.

If you leave it to chance, it won’t happen.

I chose not to run the day I arrived, the day before my 5k race and the day of our road trip.

All the other days, I took out my clothes the night before, set my alarm and got my run in between 7 and 8 am before I was scheduled to play tennis.

3. Be flexible.

Sometimes other persons’ needs or desires will come before your running.

It was a tennis vacation first and foremost. We only had 7 who could play. That meant I had to play twice every morning.

I ran fewer miles than I may have wanted. Some days, I just went for a walk.

one day I even had to run in my tennis outfit.

4. Find a scenic route.

Pretty views make all the difference. If you plan to run often, you need to vary your route.

Sometimes I ran around our community (World Tennis Center) and other days, I ran along the road outside the community (and even in other communities.)

5. Lower your expectations.

Distance & speed goals will probably not happen.

With the heat and humidity, my runs got shorter and slower. I walked more often. But it was better than staying in bed.

**Register for a race in the area, if possible.

This is not required but a short race does not take any training or much time out of the day. It is a fun way to get in a run.

Tropicool 5k

Happy Running! Do you run when you are on vacation (not a race-cation)?

May 3, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five & Ultimate Coffee Date for May

It’s that time of the month…

my daily breakfast in Paris (thinking about Notre Dame 😦 )

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that May is about as busy as April. 2 5ks and a 3.5 miler

The same ones that I did last year and the year before:

: 2018

: 5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5K

: 5-17-18 – Workforce Challenge 3.5 m

Racing season continues in the NE.

Does your racing pick up this time of year?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have my 4th half marathon of the year scheduled for this month.

With a 8 day Florida vacation in the middle and the short races above, it will be another…just get me through the finish line kind of race.

It’s an inaugural race…so no reviews but I think it will be HILLY!!

And the cut-off is 500 racers.

Do you train seriously for your big races? Do you like to run inaugural races? How have they been? Hilly, flat or downhill? What is your preference? Small or big races?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we our new kitten, Chap (short for Champion) has made himself at home in our house. He is very active and has even caught his first mouse (in our basement eek). Unfortunately, our older cat is not a fan.

Do your pets get along? Any advice to make my older cat hate the kitten less?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I always say that I am ONE and done when I run a half marathon. But I enjoyed my recent local half marathon so much, I think I will run it again in 2020. And even train for it LOL.

Do you repeat big races?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as we speak, I am in Naples, Florida on my annual tennis vacation – (with 9 other women that I used to play tennis with). We have gone here this week every year since 2005.

Yes, a tennis vacation and I no longer really play.

These women are my closest friends and we will do a lot more things than play tennis.

Do you like to go on girls vacations? Do they always involve running?

It’s also 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!