Friday Five

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Friday Five – Stress-free Race-cations

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 topic for today is: Five Tips for Taking a Stress-free Race-cation

If you follow my blog, you know that right now, I am on a Race-cation – in Florida!!!

You may also know that I love to travel and when I do, I make sure that a race is included. I am fortunate to able to fit one into my schedule at least twice a year.

So here are some tips to avoid the stress:

1. Plan early.

Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends/family’s place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, Uber, friend?)

It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.

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trained for this race together and/or roomed together – Love Run in Philly

I actually booked my flight for my current race-cation way back in October so I could use my FF miles. My sister-in-law lives about 30 minutes from the start so I am staying with her the night before and after the race. I rented a car so I don’t have to depend on anyone to drive me to the race start that early in the morning.

2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.

I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And every time I think of something to bring, I put it in the pile. You can’t do it all in advance because as we know, the weather forecasts will change. And the forecast is not always accurate. So bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes for race day.

getting ready to head out into the rain

I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.

I am hoping that it won’t rain but it may and in Florida this time of year, it can be cold and it can be hot.  This vacation was not tough to pack for… since I plan to be only running or hanging out at the pool or beach.  (though often I have over-packed but still not have had the right clothes.)

3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.

I never count on that a friend/relative or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.) I also pack energy bars in case I need a snack the day before.

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4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me twice.) And you will have time to get used to the weather or altitude by doing a test run.

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From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!

I planned to arrive Thursday afternoon (if everything goes as planned), rent a car and drive south to Delray Beach to visit with friends. Then I’ll drive north to Hobe Sound Friday night and visit with other friends.  Saturday, I’ll head further north to get my race packet in Melbourne and then back south to Sebastien to stay overnight with my sister-in-law.  My race is on Sunday and I fly home on Monday.

5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.

Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Red Rock Canyon trip during RnR Vegas Race-cation

During a recent race-cation in Florida, I went to a NY Mets spring training game, visited a bird sanctuary and met up of with different friends for various lunches and dinners.

For this trip, I’m sure I’ll explore and find something different to do and see.

and why should you??

Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations?

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Friday Five – Ultimate Coffee Date for February

It’s that time of the month…

Starbucks Coffee City Mug Collection- Florida, 16 Oz Cup

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

Where I live, we’re in the middle of a polar vortex so it’s HOT coffee in the morning before work and red wine in front of the fireplace at night.

1. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I actually for the first time ever maybe, I did ALL my long runs!!! (And the temps got colder with each one!) Do I hear the applause?

Thanks to my running friends…. I feel prepared to run 13.1 miles on February 10.

Do you have to have company to run your long runs or are you able to do them solo?

2.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I can’t wait to skip town.  My last hotel stay (for work) was Dec 20 and my last vacation stay was Paris in October.

We haven’t had a really bad winter (until recently) but still I am looking forward to feeling the sand beneath my toes.

last March

I am not weather stalking (well, maybe a little). It may not be warm but I know that it will be warmer than it is in NY.

Anyone else have a warm weather race-cation planned?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that after this coming half marathon on Feb. 10, I have another TWO halfs (NYC, Helderberg to Hudson), a 15k (Hot Chocolate Brooklyn) , a third half (Great Sacandaga), a 15k (Adirondack Lakes) this spring and then a fourth half marathon (Surftown RI).  That will keep me from obsessing about my first FULL marathon….

United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon

I promise not to count down and panic until after September 8 (when I start my 13+ mile long runs…)

Nov 3, 2019… 26.2 miles …OMG!!

Do you have a lot of big races on your schedule?  Or do you train for one at a time?

4.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that that I’ve already looked into half marathons for next winter (and I haven’t even run this year’s yet.)

in Vero Beach

OR  perhaps…

Picture

Feb 18, 2020

Are you a planner or do you sign up for your races at the last minute?

5.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I’ve become a Nike Zoom Vomero hoarder.  Even when I need new ones, I have a hard time giving up the old ones.  I rotate them and keep the older ones for shorter runs and races. The problem is that I don’t keep track of the number of miles on the shoes. I seem to need new ones frequently (my feet and lower back tell me when) and especially when running a half marathon.

Nov 2018 – my latest pair

another in Oct 2018?

another in Sept 2018?

I’m on the verge of buying a black version of the new 14s.  Please stop me!

Anyone else have too many pairs of the same shoe?

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! What are you drinking to stay warm?
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Friday Five – Runfessions for January

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest for the first time in 2019 with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I don’t sweat much when it is cold and I also don’t take as many running selfies. So I sometimes re-wear the same running outfit several days in a row.

Yup, same outfit for both of these runs – two days in a row.

Do you ever wear the same running clothes two days in a row?

2. I runfess…

It has been cold but I am still craving ice cream.  I parked at Stewarts for both those runs above and yes, I had ice cream afterwards.

Anyone else eat ice cream in the winter?

3. I runfess…

I was up in the air about running a full marathon but FOMO took over and I hit the register button. I know some NYC runners doing it but I hope some of my local running friends and other bloggers get into the lottery. I was lucky enough to have a guaranteed entry.

TCS New York City Marathon Route Map

Anyone else joining me in NYC on Nov 3? I’ll need all the the support I can get.

4. I runfess…

If I plan to run 26.2 miles, I need to make my feet feel better. I ordered these and hope they work.  I don’t plan on bunion surgery any time soon.

Anyone try these to correct foot pain caused by a bunion’s pressure on the metatarsals?

5. I runfess…

Running has been going pretty well, even with the colder temps but strength training…not so much. I played tennis twice but zero trips to the gym, and haven’t taken that yoga class yet.  Still 11 months to go, though.  Anything can happen.

I’m getting an A+ for eating out with friends though not a goal

How are you doing on your 2019 goals?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 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.

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Friday Five – Publix Florida 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.

I have my first half marathon of 2019 in THREE weeks – the Publix Florida Half Marathon.  Though I have run 8 halfs in Florida, this is the first time for this particular race.

So my Topic this week is: Five Things I’d Love to Happen During This RACE

1.Good Weather

Not too hot and not too cold. No wind or rain.  It’s in Florida so I’m not sure what I can do about the humidity.

don’t let the pic fool you…I FROZE during this one.

2. No pain.

No foot pain or lower back pain. Or any new aches or injuries.

ouch on new lower back pain during RnR Brooklyn

3. Ocean Views

Sometimes, they say there will be water views but you can never see the ocean or it is for such a short period of time. This is the main reason why I love Florida races.

it does look like I’ll see the water

4.Age Group Award

At my age, this is always a possibility and welcome reward.

won last year at Brew2Brew Half

5. Finish under 2:15.

Not expecting a PR (under 2:06:52) since I did not train for one. I’d like a respectable finish time although with crossing big TWO bridges, this may be a dream.

Happy Running!  Do you have any goals for your first BIG race or any race in 2019? Please share.

 

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Friday Five – What’s Ahead For 2019?

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 this week is: Looking Ahead to 2019

So last week, I assessed my running in 2018 in hopes of planning out 2019.

This was my 2018 Assessment:

STRENGTHS:

Healthy Miles, Quality and Successful Racing, Consistency

NEEDS TO WORK ON:

Goals, Strength Training, Speed, Leaving my Comfort Zone

Well, change is not easy.

Here’s what I have planned:

1. Run 1000 miles.

It’s just a number.  But that number means two things to me.  I have been running consistently all year and that I have not been injured.
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2. Take some yoga classes.

I’m not good at yoga. I have zero flexibility. But it is relaxing and my life is not. So I think it will help me both mentally and physically.

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3. Do some strength or cross training.

I hope to play more tennis starting in June but I do have access to a local free gym. I’d like to get there on some of my rest days.
4. Train seriously for One Race.

Not sure which one but I have already registered for five half marathons so maybe the local one. Or maybe a 5k.

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5. And finally…. Finish a 26.2 mile race.

Yes, you heard that right. I haven’t registered yet (next week) but it seems crazy not to take advantage of qualifying for this year’s NYC Marathon.

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I hope that I can convince some local runners to help me train and some other runners (yes, you bloggers) to meet me in NYC on Nov. 3).

I have also considered registering and then deferring until 2020.

set goals to achieve what's possible

So there you have it. My plans for 2019 are written.  Now I have to execute them.  Stay tuned for periodic progress reports.

Happy Running!  Any goals or plans for 2019? Please share.

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Friday Five -Assessing 2018

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 this week is: My Assessment of 2018

I’m a teacher at heart. (once a teacher, always a teacher.)

And you can’t grow in the future unless you assess the past. 

Yes, it was a good year meaning lots of bling, miles and races.  You’ve seen my pictures but do they really tell the story?

Here’s my story:

1. I ran 894.5 miles.

I didn’t have a goal of 1000 miles but it was a number than I wanted to meet and I have the past two years.

2017 – 1041.5 miles
2016 – 1046 miles
2015 – 969 miles
2014 – 911 miles

not this year

Why did my mileage drop?

I am happy to report that it was not because of an injury. Everything felt fine all year and I never stretched, taped or used a foam roller.

I did not train hard for any race. I shortened or skipped runs and long runs. Those miles add up.

I do not think any of my race times suffered. It’s just a number anyway.

2. I ran 30 races. 13 were 5k races. Ten were new races. Four of the new ones were half marathons (& one 20k).

Again fewer than previous years. I have run 40 or close to it in the past.

But it was a conscious choice not because I was injured.

I’m a social runner and racing to me is a way to run and meet up with other runners. But with the ability to run with runner friends on the weekends, I didn’t feel the need to sign up for as many races.

my BRFs

The ones I did run, I enjoyed and I always try to run different races each year. These tended to be halfs but at least 2 others were new local ones.

I ran 6 halfs in 2017, and 7 in 2016 and 2015.  If you count the Paris 20k then I was close this year (with 5), as well.

3. I continued to win my age group in most of the races I entered.

This happens when you are in an old lady’s age group. But still, it makes me happy.  I am most proud of winning in longer races such as RnR Montreal Half, Brew 2 Brew Half, Pelham Half and in NYC races (Brooklyn Speed Series 5ks, Ice Cream Social 5k, Governor’s Is 5k and Poland Spring 5m)

very surprised to do well on this hard course

4. Although I did have THREE PRs (5k. 5m, 15k), more important were the COURSE PRs.

I know I am slowing down.  I’m not sure how much or how often.  It just feels harder every time I go out there.

But I had many course PRs at races that I have run multiple times – Cherry Blossom 5k, Freihofers 5k, Stockade-athon 15k, Bacon Hill 5k, Summer Smith 5k, Delmar Dash, Shamrock Shuffle, among others.

5. My Finish times were for the most part consistent (at least for the shorter distances).

Considering my lack of training, (I run but don’t follow a plan per se nor do I do any speed drills), I did ok.

I didn’t break any speed records. But I finished 9 of my 5ks under 28 minutes. That elusive sub 27 still stands (and may stand forever.)

My half times were:

Brew 2 Brew -2:19:56
Brooklyn -2:11:23
Montreal -2:11:48
Pelham -2:20:09

Not close to my PR (2:06:52) but the important time (under 2:12:00) was Brooklyn which qualified me for NYC Half and NYC Marathon.

13.1 miles in Brooklyn

So my assessment for 2018 is:

STRENGTHS:

Healthy Miles, Quality and Successful Racing, Consistency

NEEDS TO WORK ON:

Goals, Strength Training, Speed, Leaving my Comfort Zone

Stay turned for next week when I’ll look ahead to 2019.

Happy Running!  Do you assess your year of running? If so, how did you do?

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Friday Five – Runfessions for December

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest for the last time in 2018 with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

My 2019 Racing Calendar is filling up. It is fuller than my social calendar.

01-01-19 –Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
01-13-19 – Winter Series #3 (10K or 3m)
01-27-19 – Winter Series #4 (15k or 3m)
02-02-19 – Polar Cap 4m
02-10-19 – Publix Florida Half Marathon
02-17-19 -Winter Series #5 (4.5m) volunteer
03-09-19 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
03-17-19 – NYC Half Marathon
3-22-19 – MY STEPSON’S WEDDING!!!!!
03-31-19 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
04-07-19 – Delmar Dash (5m)
04-13-19 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
04-20-19 -Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
04-27-19 – Hot Chocolate 15k (in Brooklyn)
05-05-19 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)
05-11-19 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
05-16-19 – Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)
05-19-19 – Great Sacandaga Half Marathon
06-01-19 – Freihofer Run for Women
06-29-19 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

2. I runfess…

I planned to run a Florida Half as I always do just to stay motivated to run during those frigid winter temps.  Then I qualified for the NYC Half so, of course, I had to sign up for that one.  I needed one to seriously train for and I picked a NEW local one in May.  Then a new half was announced for April. It’s very nearby and is DOWNHILL.

April 13, 2019

And now I have FOUR half marathons scheduled in FOUR months. Oy!

3. I runfess…

I went to a medical appointment recently and they made me get on the scale.  (I don’t have a scale at home.) I was wearing a coat and boots… My first thought was that they must have added ten extra lbs.

My second thought was about that 4P Mother-of-the Groom dress that I bought last summer…will it still fit?

My third thought: Maybe I should cut back on my desserts and post run rewards?

My fourth thought: Maybe I should put batteries in my home scale.

What do you think?

4. I runfess…

I am part of a FB group for the NYC Half Marathon.  I think all 25,000 runners are posting in it daily. Anyway, the only reason I joined the group was to sign up for the bus from Manhattan to the start in Brooklyn. I did  (good thing since the first bus filled up in 4 hours).

It would be rude to leave the group now, right?

5. I runfess…

I won the book Couch to Active in a recent blog giveaway. Well, I am pretty active, as you know. I entered the giveaway because I’d like to give it to someone else who has expressed interest in running.

bcouch

Would you be insulted if someone gave this book to you?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 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.

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Friday Five: Winter Running Tips

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 this week is: Tips for Running in the Winter

I must say that I HATE the cold.  I much prefer running in the heat but living in the Northeast, the cold arrives too soon and lasts too long.

I think that about sums things up.

Here are my Top Five:

1.Layers keep you warm but remember not to dress too warmly.  If it is 20 degrees, dress for 40. The bottom layer should be breathable.  You will sweat no matter how cold it is. My middle layer is usually a fleece vest and for the outside layer, I wear a windbreaker or light jacket.

The infographic below is very helpful:

or use this tool that will suggest what to wear, based on the info you input – http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

2. But wear enough to stay warm. I always wear tights with a skirt over them. I wear wool socks, gloves/mittens and a hat.  My head, hands and feet are what gets cold first.

3. If you run when it is dark (yes it gets dark so early in the winter), wear light colors, carry a flashlight or wear a head lamp and run where there are lights.


4. If it is snowing, wear Yak Trax or put screws in your shoe bottoms, go slower and watch for icy patches.

5. Don’t worry about fashion.

I usually care what I wear in the warmer months. But in the winter, not so much. I try not to spend much money on winter running clothes. I wear race shirts and old windbreakers.  I buy gloves at Walmart and tights at Target.

The important thing is to just get out and RUN!

Remember:

beasts

Happy Running!  Do you like running during the cold weather months? Any other tips?

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Friday Five – Bling 2018

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 this week is: My Favorite Bling for 2018

It’s all about the bling, right?

1.Age Group Award for Ice Cream Social 5k

2. Medal from the 20km de Paris

3. Mug from Tropicool 5k

4. Necklace from 40th Anniversary Freihofer Run for Women

5. Car Magnet from the Race to the Lakes 15K

Honorable Mention to the Pint Glass from Shamrock Shuffle

Happy Running!  What is your favorite bling from this year of running?

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Friday Five – Holiday Gifts

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 this week is: Holiday Gifts

These are what I’d like for Christmas/Hanukah.  Perhaps these are are on your list as well.

1.Gift card for Running Shoes

2.Sunglasses

If you’re like me, I always either lose them or break them.

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Love Goodr glasses

3.Socks

Yes, I often lose one and only my good ones.

Image result for balega socks

4.Entry fee to a big race

Yes, these are expensive.

Image result for race entry fee

5.A new GPS Watch

I still use a Garmin 205 LOL

Introducing the Garmin Forerunner 645 and 645 Music. (Photo: Business Wire)Happy Running!  Are any of these on your list? What else would you like?