October 19, 2018 by Darlene

Running in a Foreign Country – Part 2

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Since I just returned from my trip to France (where I did do some running), my topic for today is again: Five Tips for Running in a Foreign Country

Image result for running in France

1. Bring a running belt.

At home, I could get away with running naked (just clothes LOL) or with just my phone in my pocket. In a foreign country, I wanted to make sure I had metro tix, ID, money and a credit card. Even with my pockets, I was glad that I had my running belt with me.

2. Don’t depend on weather forecasts. Bring clothes for ALL running temperatures.

At home, you can just change your clothes if it is warmer or colder than predicted. And yes, in a foreign country, you can buy what you need but you’d be surprised how hard it is to find running clothes. So yes, I brought tanks, short and long sleeved tops, a jacket, DIY arm warmers, gloves, skirts and capris. The weather varied. It was cooler in Paris than in Sanguinet (which is located south of Paris) but when I returned to Paris, there was a heat wave!!

the weather the first day was cool but it didn’t stay that way for long

7 days later

3.Schedule your runs.

This is the same as if you are at home. If you don’t schedule your runs, they may never happen. However, when in a foreign country, there are so many other things to do besides running. It is soooo tempting to skip your run. So you need to make running a priority and pick a time to get it done. This may just involve getting up earlier than you would like to. I guarantee that you will never regret your run. And besides, while running you will get to see some interesting sites in the city that you are visiting.

so excited to run along this lake

4.Don’t forget to have rest days.

Again, if you run everyday at home, you may be wanting to run everyday while in a foreign country. But you will find that you don’t need to because you will likely be more tired (hello jetlag) and you’ll be surprised at how many steps you’ll get in while visiting this new city without taking a single running step.

boat ride + wine = 🙂

5.Make sure you are safe.

At home, you know where you can run safely and where you should not run at all or should not run alone. But in a foreign country, don’t assume that you can run anywhere. Don’t assume that it is safe where you want to run. So ask around and do your research and find out which places are safe to run. And depending on what country you are in, you may have to change how you normally dress when you run. I would recommend dressing modestly, just in case. (maybe not just in your running bra and short shorts.)

proudly showing off my recent race shirt

Happy Running! Have you eve run in a foreign country? If so, any other tips that you can add?

October 12, 2018 by Darlene

Running in a Foreign Country – Part 1

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Since I am currently in France (and hopefully doing some running), my topic for today is: Five Tips for Running in a Foreign Country

Image result for running in France

1.Download maps.me
maps.me allows you to download maps for offline use – perfect for those trips where your phone stays has to stay in airplane mode. You can even mark places on the map and pull up directions to them later while you’re offline. On the map, note street names surrounding where you’re staying and major landmarks nearby so you can get back to where you started even if your language skills are limited.

Image result for mapsme

In addition to maps.me, you can take screen shots of the map itself to save to your phone, and step-by-step directions of the route you’re trying to run – just in case the app won’t open or in case something else goes wrong with it or especially if WiFi access is limited.

2.Carry something with the address of where you’re staying on it.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel or an AirBNB, grab a card or key that’s imprinted with the building’s name and address. (Or just add this info to your phone). Even if you’re limited in your foreign language capability, you can show this to a friendly passer-by so that they can help you if you’re lost.

Image result for French hotel room key address on it

hopefully you don’t have to carry around this old-fashioned key

3.Follow an out and back route
Keep it simple. An out and back route leaves little room to get lost, since you’re following a straight line. I don’t know about you but I am directionally-challenged so I easily get lost (even on an out and bar route. LOL)

Image result for map my run paris

4.Do your research beforehand.
Chances are, runners before you have been to the city you’re staying in and have suggestions for running routes. Do a little Googling before you leave the your home or check out routes on Map My Run, and bookmark any routes that you want to try.

Image result for running tours in europe

You may also want to ask locals or the hotel staff about good running routes. Take their suggestions, and then back them up with your own maps, step-by-step directions, and screenshots.

I also recommend taking a professionally-led running tour. There usually several companies that offer them in larger cities. They may be expensive but I think they are totally worth it. You get to run and learn about the city while you are running.

Image result for running tours in europe

5.Run without headphones … but take cash and a credit card with you.
Not only is it a safety practice to run without headphones (you can hear cars and horns, etc.) but it also helps you pay more attention to your surroundings.

Image result for running tours in europe

You should also have some local currency on you in case you need to hail a taxi. If you need to stop and purchase food or water, you may want to use your credit card instead of cash.

I will probably have a lot more suggestions when I return from my vacation…so stay tuned.

Happy Running! Have you eve run in a foreign country? If so, any other tips that you can add?

October 5, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – October

It’s that time of the month…

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

The leaves are changing but the temps are erratic…

Since it is Friday, here are five things that I’d like to share…

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I will be away SIX weekends in a row (bet Sept 22 & Oct 28) !!! FOUR out of SIX include races.

5k & Half in Montreal,
5k in NYC,
Paris,
20K in Paris,
Bridal Shower in MA
5M in NYC (& Broadway Show)

Then I’m homebound for several months!! Hooray!

Are you a homebody or do you enjoy traveling?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I normally plan my big races way in advance but I haven’t signed up for any half marathons in 2019. I have a few on my radar…a Feb. Florida race, a March NYC race and a May local race.

Feb 10, 2019 (Melbourne, FL)

March 17, 2019 – if I get in??

Do you know which big races you are running in 2019?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am easily tempted by any race in NYC. My tennis friends & I go to a Broadway show every October. This year we are going to see Pretty Woman on Oct. 28.

Of course, I found a race in Central Park that morning and signed up to run it.

Image result for poland springs marathon kick off

Anyone running or have run this race?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that speaking of NYC races, a Hot Chocolate 15K has always been on my bucket. I like the distance and you get a sweatshirt and other cool swag.

April 27, 2019

So as soon as I heard that one was coming to Brooklyn, I immediately signed up. I am hoping that I can convince some of my local running friends to join me.

Anyone else ever run a Hot Chocolate race? Want to join me?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am leaving tomorrow for France. The beginning of my vacation will be at my friend’s friends’ house in Sanguinet (near Bordeaux). I have no idea if I will get any running in but…

I am very excited to run a race in Paris on Oct. 14. It’s a dream come true!!

running past all the monuments and famous sights of Paris with over 30,000 other runners

Ever run in Paris?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

September 28, 2018 by Darlene

RnR Montreal Runfessions

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest about my most recent race-cation in Montreal with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I signed up for the 5k only because if I ran both the 5k and the Half Marathon, I got THREE medals rather than ONE.

: 2:11:48

2. I runfess…

Even though I was planning to walk the 5k, I still carb loaded the night before the race…manicotti and an apple crepe. I ate more than before the half marathon.

This is Sunday’s dessert but Sat’s was similar

3. I runfess…

And after that 5k, I ate lunch as if I had just run an ultra -marathon….squash soup, bread and bagel & lox and salad.

This is Sunday’s soup too but you get the idea.

4. I runfess…

So as I said, I planned to walk that 5k. I didn’t wear even wear my Garmin but… I DID NOT walk the race. No surprise there.

I didn’t actually race the 5k. I ran it slowly non-stop taking in every bit of the scenery. Boy, is that the best way to race.

My pace was actually slower than for the half. (6:19 vs 6:16 – that’s kilometers).

5. I runfess…

During my half marathon, I planned to take a GU at one of the water stops but I ran past the water and there was only Gatorade. I hate Gatorade and I can’t take a GU without water. So I saw a guy holding two cups of waters. So I said “Are you going to drink both of those?” And he replied “No, take it.”

good but only with water!!!!

Yup, I drank someone else’s water. I didn’t even care if he drank out of the cup first. Don’t judge. LOL

And one more for good measure:

6. I runfess…

You know how I love getting age group awards. I mean it validates that “old ladies can still fun fast.” Well, I saw on the big screen that they were giving out awards to the older folks but decided that I was too tired to walk all the way to the stage to see if I got one.

And of course, I did place 2nd!

I hope the award wasn’t anything good.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

September 21, 2018 by Darlene

Happy Birthday Skirt Sports

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Since this week, it happened to the Skirt Sports’ 14th birthday, this is my topic:

Five Reasons to Wear Skirt Sports

1.ALL women can wear them.

I mean it. They were designed for this reason. There is a skirt for all body shapes and all ages and all preferences.

2. They are practical.

Who doesn’t need pockets? I always carry ID, my phone, fuel, tissues etc. And if you wear a skirt, the pockets (or bulges) are hidden 🙂

spent the whole day walking around NYC in that my gym girl ultra skirt. Pockets full.

There are skirts for all temps. Cool It skirts for the summer, capris for the fall and spring, Wonder Wool and tights for the winter.

Lotta Breeze capris and Peek-a-Boo top

Go the Distance tights under my reflective skirt

Tough Girl skirt (built in tights)

3. They are not just for running.

You can wear them to work and to dress up. You can also wear them for hiking, biking, playing tennis, yoga, etc.

Lotta Breeze capris for hiking

Wonder Girl tank and Gym Girl Ultra skirt for tennis

Mod Quad skirt (and Wonder Girl tank) for a walk with my girl friends

Elizabeth is wearing her Take Five tank (under a blazer) and Wonder Wool skirt on an evening out

4. They sell not only skirts.

You can buy their dresses, jackets, capris, tights, shorts, caps and more!!

Wonder Girl dress

Wonder Wool jacket

5. They are cute and make us look good!!!

If you look good, you feel good. It’s just that simple.

Wonder Girl and Take Five tanks with Gym Girl Ultra skirts 🙂

Whenever I race, I always get compliments on my skirt.

Lioness skirt and Free Flow tank

It was hard limiting myself to FIVE reasons.

And Skirt Sport offers many sales. In fact there’s one that ends this weekend.

If you miss it, there will be another or you can use my code 128card for 15% off any item.

Happy Running! Do you wear Skirt Sports? If not, why not? If you do, what is your favorite item?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

September 14, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five: Loving/Not Loving

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic today is: Five Loving/Not Livings

Image result for loving

1.Cooler temps

There were a few days when I was actually chilly when running. I still wore a tank because I am stubborn like that but quickly added a jacket when I was done.

2. Running in different locations away from home.

I may not love my job but what I do enjoy about it is getting to see different places and running new routes away from home.

Roosevelt Island, NYC

along the beach of Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY

3. My 32nd Half Marathon is almost here.

My last half marathon was in the rain in May. It seems like forever ago. But finally next weekend I will be in Montreal. It’s my first Rock n Blogger event. And my first International Race.

I will be sharing the experience with 5 friends. Can’t wait!

Sherry and Christina behind her are two of my friends who are running it with me.

4.I am going to France!

I am beyond excited about this.

I haven’t been there since 2000 and as a former French teacher I used to go often. Of course, I wasn’t a runner then so now my trip will include a race.

Oct 14, 2018

5.Hiking

I was recently lamenting that the summer was almost over and I had not gone on a single hike.

But then I convinced a friend to go hiking with me.

Stewart Mountain in Chestertown, NY (overlooking Loon Lake)

And I begged my hubby to do the same.

Pinnacle Pt in Bolton Landing, NY (overlooking Lake George)

Image result for not loving

1. The days are getting shorter.

2.I have a cold!

Achoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.I have insomnia.

Just one of those weeks….no sleep!!!!!!!!

4.I have been skipping some of my favorite 5ks.

Having FOMO from all those IG and FB posts of the races that I usually run.

This race supports Ovarian cancer. My friend in the pic recently died form this disease.

5.I need a manicure!

No time!!! Maybe this weekend.

Happy Running! What are you Loving or Not Loving right now?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

September 7, 2018 by Darlene

Five Reasons to Run RnR Montreal

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My next half marathon is right around the corner so …

My topic today is: Five Reasons Why You Should Run Rock N Roll Montreal

There are multiple races happening over one weekend. You can run a 5k, 10k, or challenge yourself with a half or full marathon. In other words, there is a race for everyone. There’s even a 1K for kids.
You can go for multiple distances (and medals) over the course of the weekend. If you run one on Saturday and one on Sunday, you get an extra medal. If you run another RnR in the US or another country, you get another special medal (Darn it. I ran Vegas last year and Brooklyn was canceled!!)

: 5k

: Half

: race on Sat & one on Sun

: a RnR race in the US

3. Music every step of the way! Mile markers with live bands, DJ’s, Drum Lines, and more. I ran Vegas and the music kept me going. it was awesome.

Image result for rock n roll marathon music

4. You are running in an International race without any trans Atlantic travel. How cool is that? No worries if you don’t speak French, signs are in BOTH languages.

Image result for montreal signs

5. The course(s) take you through the sites of the beautiful city of Montreal – the Montreal Biosphere, Notre Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, La Fontaine Park, and more.

Image result for montreal botanical garden 2018

Botanical Gardens

If you are still not convinced, watch this video:

Happy Running! Anyone else have run or will run RnR Montreal?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

August 17, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – I’m Don’t Feel Like Running But I Run….

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

We are runners and that doesn’t mean that we always feel like running.

But why do we run on those days that we don’t feel like it?

My topic today is: Five Reasons Why You Are Running Today

1.You are training for a race and it’s on your plan.

2.Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and the day after…

3. You had a stressful day at work or at home.

4. You need to burn off what you ate last night or what you are going to eat today.

5. Social Media — You need to post about your run.

There are even more reasons. I could go on and on…

Go for that run today… because

You'll Never Regret a Run

Happy Running! Why are you running today? Any other reasons why you run even though you don’t feel like it?

August 10, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Cherries!!

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic today is: My favorite Summer Fruit

Image result for cherries

It’s Cherries because they taste good and …

they are good for you.

Here’s five reasons why:

1.Antioxidant Protection (superior to Vitamin E)

2.Cancer-Preventive Compounds

3.Reduce Inflammation and Post-Exercise Muscle Pain

4.Support Healthy Sleep (Contain Melatonin)

5.Reduce Belly Fat

‘Tis the season to buy those cherries.

And after the Cherry season, how do I get my dose of cherries?

Yogurt

the only brand I eat LOL

Juice

R.W. Knudsen Family Organic Just Tart Cherry Juice - 32 fl oz Glass Bottle - image 1 of 1

Dried Cherries

Kirkland Signature Dried Cherries, 20 Ounce

Cherry Pie

How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie

So not all of the above are healthy. LOL

Happy Running! What was your favorite “healthy” fruit? Do you eat a lot of cherries in the summer? Do you eat cherries after the summer?

August 4, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee date – August

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

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

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was wavering on running a summer half marathon. I usually run the 10k each year and many of my friends will be there. But as my running buddy said, for the half you only run the hills once rather than the same ones twice. (Just more different hills!!)

Image result for camp chingachgook half

However, my friend Anna from Russia saved the day. She is coming to the US and I will be going to NYC to see her that weekend.

Anyone running a half marathon in the heat of summer??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that you wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not a race, would you? Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine.

August 11, 2018 – 9 AM

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there.

Anyone running this race or have run it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that my favorite “healthy” Starbucks drink has been discontinued…chocolate banana smoothie. They told me that they don’t have protein powder or bananas anymore. Very bummed.