March 22, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – What Happened at the NYC 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.

Two weeks ago, I posted about how all FIVE things that I hoped for at the Publix Florida Half Marathon DID NOT happen.

Last Friday, I wrote about Five Things that I hoped would happen during the NYC Half Marathon.

In case you are in suspense…

My topic for today is: What happened at the NYC Half Marathon

March 17, 2019

If you follow my blog, you know that after many lottery attempts, I got an guaranteed entry to the NYC Half Marathon. The Brooklyn Half in May 2018 was a miserable experience – weather-wise but my finish time (2:11:23) was good enough.

I did not set goals for the race but as I did with my previous half marathon, I wrote about hopes and “hoped” that I would be more successful for this race.

1. I hope that it doesn’t rain.

CHECK.

It was cold (colder than predicted) and windy but it did not rain (and the sun came out by the end.)

2. I hope to meet up with running friends and/or make new friends.

Check.

I rode down on the bus to NYC and sat next to someone I had never met and she was running the race. Lots of great conversation.

I spent time with Cari at the expo and after the race. We had fun, as usual.

I knew 3 local runners doing it and waved to one of them during the race.

3. I hope to run relatively pain-free.

Check.

Zero pain from the calf. YAY!!

Of course, my legs were toast by mile 10 (and the last 2 miles in the park were torture) because I was very undertrained.

4. I hope to beat my last half marathon time (of 2:20:29).

Check.

It was a very tough course and I was recovering from an injury so I was very happy!! (The course was long, as well).

5. I hope to enjoy the race and the day.

Check.

I ran around Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, over the Manhattan Bridge, through Manhattan (and Tines Square) and ending in Central Park. – lots of sights to view – the atmosphere was electric and the crowd support amazing. It was even better than I could have imagined. NYC rocks.

Thanks Cari for the pic. I had tears in my eyes running here.

Happy Running!

March 15, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five: NYC 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.

My topic for today is: Five Hopes for the NYC Half Marathon

Image result for nyc half marathon 2019

I never set goals for my races but I do wish/hope for certain things. Maybe I will be more successful for this race than the last.

1. I hope that it doesn’t rain.

Yes, I am sick of being wet and getting blisters. October weather would be ideal. See below:

Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off

2. I hope to meet up with running friends and/or make new friends.

I know a few runners doing it. With over 30,000 runners signed up, I am sure to meet some others. I am taking the bus from Manhattan to the start line (and my wave starts an hour after the first wave) so there will be plenty of time to bond and chat.

3. I hope to run relatively pain-free.

This is an important one. No fun to run with pain. Plus, I have several more big races in the coming months.

are you listening, Calf?

4. I hope to beat my last half marathon time.

It’s a tough course and I am recovering from an injury so I will be ok if I don’t.

2:20:28 or bust LOL

5. I hope to enjoy the race and the day.

Running around Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, over the Manhattan Bridge, through Manhattan and ending in Central Park. – lots of sights to view – can’t beat this NYC skyline.

See the source image .

Happy Running! Anyone else running the NYC Half Marathon? If so, let’s plan a meet-up.

March 8, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five: What didn’t happen during my last 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 ran my first half marathon of 2019 last month- the Publix Florida Half Marathon. (Read my review HERE.)

Before the race I posted about 5 things that I wanted to happen. This is a follow-up on that post.

So my Topic this week is: Five Things That Did Not Happen During This RACE

1. Good Weather

Nope. Pouring rain, heat, wind, 99% humidity. UGH!!!

On a positive note, it was the only day of my vacation that I did not enjoy great weather.

2. No pain.

Around mile 5, I started getting a blister on one foot and shortly after, the bottom of the other foot started to ache. And as you know, if you read my blog, the day after, my calf got injured while walking along the beach (could be related to the race … or not)

wet crazed runner in pain with her race belt falling off the whole race

3. Ocean Views

Well, I think there were ocean views. At least there was water but too cloudy, foggy to see a single thing!!

At least I got a closer look after the race until it started to downpour again.

4. Age Group Award

At my age, this is always a possibility. If I didn’t give up during the second half of the race (6 minutes slower than the first half), I could have won an award. Coming in 4th is frustrating.

5. Finish under 2:15.

Not expecting a PR (under 2:06:52) since I did not train for one. But 2:15 was doable. Believe it or not, my finish time was slower than my super hilly half in November. How is that possible?

Of course there were lessons learned like with every race/experience:

You can’t control the weather. Just deal with it.
Wear compression sleeves even it is hot because you always do.
Not all races are scenic. At least there was lots of music and good food at the end.
Anything can and will happen during a race. Can’t predict finish times even on the same course.
You can’t win them all. Even if you run a great race, awards depend on who shows up. If you run a bad race, you may even win.

Next up:

United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon

Happy Running! Do you have any goals for your first BIG race or any race in 2019? If you raced already, did you meet all or any of your goals? What did you learn from the experience? Please share.

March 1, 2019 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for March & Friday Five

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 winter so it’s HOT coffee in the morning before work and red wine in front of the fireplace at night. I am still savoring the memory of the warm weather from when I was in Florida last month (hence the mug lol).

1. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that my award from my October 28 race recently arrived. Better later than never! AG awards always brighten up my day. I put it on my desk at work.

Do you get excited about age group awards? Do you display them somewhere visible?

2. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I am honored to be selected for this list:

Be sure to check the site out to see which other blogs are listed and if your blog fits the criteria (you are a runner over 50 years old), submit your blog’s URL:

https://blog.feedspot.com/senior_running_blogs/

Have you heard of this list? Are you listed or will you submit your blog (if you are senior enough) to it?

3. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I have used Daily Mile to track my miles since I started running in 2008. As of March 20, they are shutting down!!!

as of Feb 20, 2019 – love the donut stat

I am looking into other sites/apps so I don’t have to manually put my miles into Excel. I don’t wear a watch except when I race so I can’t just sync it all.

I’m thinking of using RunningAHEAD or Strava. Both are free and easy to use.

Anyone else use Daily Mile? How do you keep track of your miles?

4. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I am VERY nervous about my next Half Marathon. It’s my 35th but it will be the first one without much running going into it due to resting my leg because of a possible injury. (Actually my 2nd, I walked most of one in 2011 for the same reason.)

Image result for racing with an injury meme

Have you run a half marathon with a injury or recent injury?

5. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that yesterday they announced the lottery winners for the NYC Marathon. I know of 3 local runners who got in. Sad that my neighbor and my running pal, Sherry, did not.

Of the 117,709 applicants who registered for entry, ONLY 10,510 were accepted. So glad that I made the decision to accept my guaranteed entry.

Who else got in yesterday?

Though it’s not until November, I have started getting excited about my first marathon.

Any other recommendations for things to purchase on Amazon? lol

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?

February 15, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – NYCM 2019

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 Reasons Why I Signed Up to Run the NYC Marathon

If you follow my blog, you know that I said that I was going to register for the NYC Marathon … Well, I did!

It’s my first marathon and if you wondering, here’s why:

1. I had a guaranteed entry.

So many runners have to enter the lottery and I didn’t. The Brooklyn Half 2018 was a miserable experience – weather-wise but my finish time (2:11:23) was good enough.

glad that I was 65 not 59

2. FOMO

I have three NYC running friends who are running it. So I won’t be alone.

: Elizabeth

: with Cari

: Anne

There are also several local running friends and fellow bloggers who have entered the lottery too. I hope they get in!!!!

3. I am a New Yorker.

I mean. I plan to only run ONE marathon ever (I mean it!). Why not run the biggest one in my home state?

4. Perfect time of year to train.

NYC Marathon is November 3. That means to me, that I don’t have to train in the cold, ice or snow. I hate running in the cold weather.

If I am lucky, my longest runs will be in the fall when hot temps of summer are over and the foliage is at peak colors.

running in Oct.

5. Getting out of my comfort zone.

It’s one of the things that I said that I needed to do. After 38 half marathons, it’s probably time.

As Deena Kastor said: “…My fastest days are behind me and my best days are ahead”

my slowest yet best race

Happy Running! Any other crazy runners running NYC Marathon or have entered the lottery?

February 8, 2019 by Darlene

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.

: March 2018

: RnR Montreal Half

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

February 1, 2019 by Darlene

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.

: delray beach

: melbourne

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…

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?

January 25, 2019 by Darlene

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.

January 18, 2019 by Darlene

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.

: Naples -Jan 2011

: First Watch Sarasota – Mar 2013

: West Palm – Jan 2015

: Eau Palm Beach – Dec 2015

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016

: PCB Half – Dec 2016

: Treasure Coast Half (Jupiter)- Mar 2017

: Brew2Brew Half (Vero Beach) – Mar 2018

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.

: 2:11:23

: 2:11:48

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

January 11, 2019 by Darlene

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.
See the source image

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.

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.