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 LovingNow post so that’s my topic this week.
1. Before Work Monday Runs
I am usually in the office on Mondays, getting ready to travel or train the rest of the week. So all of a sudden, I decided to drag myself out of bed before work and RUN.
It is cooler in the morning and it just makes my day a whole lot better. It also frees up evenings to do other things.
2. Wednesday Ice Cream Runs
Thanks to a running friend (and former tennis team member), on Wednesday evenings, there is an organized run each week, ending at a different ice cream shop.
Yes, run some miles and re-carb load. A no brainer!
3. Thursday Trail Runs
Our local running club (ARE) organizes runs on different local trails every week. Until recently, I was too nervous to partake.
Well, I didn’t fall and wasn’t last. Trail running IS fun!
4. Long Run Saturdays
I love ALL my running friends and they have gotten me through quite a few long runs.
But even better than the runs, are the conversations had over brunch afterward.
5. Boating Sundays
Because they follow Long Run Saturdays, there is nothing better for the legs than
relaxing on an island
or on the boat…
or at the marina.
Happy Running! What are you loving right now? Please share.
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.
As the days are getting shorter (sigh), it reminds that Fall is right around the corner. I am a planner. I mean, I already booked my half marathon hotel and flight for February months ago.
So what are my plans for the Fall?
1. NYCM Training
Nov. 3, 2019
11 weeks to go!!!
I have a loose plan and so far so good. 12 miles are scheduled for this weekend. But it’s doesn’t get crazy until September.
2. Weekday Runs with Friends
In addition to mileage getting crazy, work travel will be picking up this Fall. I will be traveling around NYS 6 weeks from August – October. So when I am in town, I hope to be able to coordinate after work runs with friends.
3. Weekend Boating
The marina does not close until after Columbus Day. So hopefully, the weather will cooperate so I can squeeze some fall weather boating on the weekend (when I am not running.)
4. Two Half Marathons as Training Runs
How can you make marathon training less painful?
Sign up for races!!
The first one will be in September for my 13 miler and the next one be in October for my 20 mile training run.
5. Spending Quality Time with Friends
Sometimes, you can forget that running is not the most important thing in your life. Especially when you are training for your first marathon.
So I made sure I scheduled time away with my friends.
I will be visiting my college roommate in RI in September.
I will be spending the weekend on the Schroon River with my mah jongg friends.
And I also will be going to NYC with my tennis friends.
Happy Running! Do you have exciting plans for the Fall? Please share.
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.
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 (NOT racing) on trails.
Obviously after five trail runs, I am not an expert but here are some of my tips to 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 love 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
Happy Running! Do run on trails? If so, any other tips? Please share.
to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I only ran ONE race in July.
But I’m making up for it in August.
I signed up for FOUR (almost 5) this month.
08-03-19 – Hudson River Ramble (8 m)
08-14-19 – Al Goldstein 5k (in Brooklyn)
08-17-19 – Jailhouse Rock 5k
08-19-19 – Saratoga Track Mile
I have run them all before (except the one mile race). The Hudson Ramble is slightly different – used to be Race the Train (same course) but there is no longer a train.
I have a hair appt. on August 21 and will miss the the Hump Day 5k. 😦
last year’s Hump Day 5k
Only two are on a weekend so it should not disrupt marathon training too much.
Do you run many races in the summer?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I made the hotel reservation right away but finally made my flight reservations for my February race in Bermuda. I know it’s still early but flights are expensive and it was nerve racking trying to decide which days to go to take advantage of the cheaper prices.
Cari and I finally settled on leaving late Wed and returning early Monday. Four days and 5 nights in paradise!!!
Feb 12-17, 2020 – 2 mile sunset race on Feb 15 and a half marathon on Feb 16.
Anyone else running this race? When will you be there? I’d love to meet up.
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that (not running-related sorry) that my new kitty become more manageable. He goes outside all the time but he comes home when I call him.
I mean, I am marathon training, I don’t have time for his shenanigans. lol
In fact, he came home just for this photo.
Does you pet interfere with your running?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I love my OLD Garmin 205.
People laugh when they see it but it’s great to be able to see all 4 screens of data on ONE screen.
I’m on my third one. The battery life eventually wears out and I order a new one.
Being that I will be running a full marathon that may take me 6 hours, I was nervous that my trusty Garmin battery may not last as long as my race.
So I ordered a (used) new one.
Garmin 230
Anyone else have the 230? If so, do you like it?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that actually the one I ordered was white. I am cheap and didn’t want to pay more for the purple one. So I bought the white one and then bought a (cheap) purple band.
Does color matter to you? If so, what’s your favorite color?
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!
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 almost went to a race without registering first. I always run the Silks and Satins 5K so I guess I thought I did register. I am not a last minute person so I would have registered a while ago.
So a few days before the race, I went to the website to see which of my friends were running it and I did NOT see my name.
Oops. Senior brain!
I registered that day. Phew.
Anyone else ever show up to a race without registering first?
2. I runfess…
I did not travel at all in July.
So it was a challenge to keep running interesting. I get bored easily and don’t like to run in the same places.
So I don’t. See below:
Rail Trail … Washington Park … UAlbany
Zim Smith Trail … Corning Bike Path … Nisky Bike Path
Anyone else try to vary where you run or do you run in the same places?
3.I runfess…
I ordered a new pair of Mizunos. Why??
My right foot all of sudden started having that annoying bunion pain that I had years ago. It’s fine until after 5-6 miles which is what I’ll be doing every weekend until Nov 3!!
I’m pretty sure it is not from running but job-related – ugh those dress shoes and standing for hours in them. (They are comfortable until the end of the day… and then they’re not.)
happy in my Nikes
The benefit of a blog is that I could look up when my foot stopped hurting. It seems to be the fall of 2015 when I bought my Nike Vomero running shoes. I recently stopped wearing them because I wanted to run in a stability shoe instead after a calf injury.
The Mizunos were super comfortable for THREE half marathons and now this pain…
Hmmm? Do I go back? To my Nikes?
Can I be happy again in my Mizunos?
So recently I ran the first 3 miles of my long run in my Nikes and the last 5 miles in my new Mizunos (but I forgot to put in the expensive insoles).
The Nikes felt more comfortable.
Dear Mizunos,
I’m not giving up on you yet.
Anyone else have the running shoe dilemma?
4. I runfess…
31 Days of Skirt was pretty exhausting. I do take a lot of pictures and post to Instagram often but not everyday and not following certain clues.
#patriotic
#BRFs
#street art/mural
Still it was fun to participate in this annual challenge but glad it’s ALMOST over LOL.
Did you participate in 31 days of skirt or any other similar challenge?
5.I runfess…
I was pretty proud that I had a training schedule for my first marathon. I actually planned to follow it.
But all I do is cross things out and re-write things.
That’s why, I rarely use a plan.
Anyone else have problem following a training plan?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 throughMarathon 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!
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?
the rain even stopped and this route along the Hudson R. was very tempting…
I really wanted to run but instead I walked. I knew that I should rest the legs.
walking the High Line and climbing to the top of the Vessel = rest??
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.
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….
26.2… I’m coming for you!!
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!”
so far he goes out on the porch where we hang out while I’m having my morning coffee and evening wine LOL
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! 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.
heading to the finish line with a smile – I trailed that guy the whole race
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!!!!!!!
pain-free tootsies!
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.
sprinting to the finish on fresh legs
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.
post race eating and debriefing
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.
What do you wear on your head to protect it from the sun?
My First 5K and More... 