March 23, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Getting Over a Bad Race

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 for today is: Tips for Getting Over a Bad Race

I just returned from Florida where I ran a half marathon (and no, it wasn’t really a “bad” race.)

We have all had races that didn’t go as planned, what should we do?

Analyze what happened BEFORE the race.

Was it your training? Were you injured or sick? Did you walk too much the day before the race? Was it what you ate?

If you can figure what went wrong before, you can avoid some of these mistakes during the next race. (Though I think I have repeated my mistakes LOL)

13 miles walked the day before = not a good idea

2. Analyze what went on DURING the race.

Was it your shoes or your outfit (over or under dressed)? Was it the weather? Was it the course? Did you go out too fast? Did you not hydrate or eat enough?

Some of things cannot be fixed. But if you can’t control these variables, such as the weather or the course, you should feel better about your race results.

unexplained foot pain and blisters… the whole race

3. Focus on what was GOOD about the race.

Did you meet some new runners? Did you race with friends? Was the medal awesome? Was there amazing post race refreshments? Was the course scenic?

great medals, fun course, friends…

4. Sign up for Another Race.

The quickest way to forget about a bad race is to train for another.

my PR came 2 weeks after one of my worst races.

5. Vent to your Running Friends.

Face to face and virtually. They can relate. Your spouse or non-running friends will not understand your disappointment. But your running friends have all been there and will say the “right” thing.

Happy Running! Any other tips for recovering (mentally) from a bad race? Please Share.

March 16, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Healthy Activities for a Race-cation

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 for today is: Healthy Activities for a Race-cation

I am currently in Florida and my half marathon is scheduled for tomorrow!!!

During a race-cation, it is tempting to just eat, drink and sit on the beach. (Yes, very tempting…) But there are many other activities that I recommend, as well:

Visiting a Museum.

Why is this healthy? Walking and lots of it. I especially like museums that have outdoor gardens.

at the Ringling Brothers Museum

2. Swimming.

In the hotel pool or if you are lucky in a lake or the gulf or the ocean. I prefer the ocean!!!! (You get a lot of exercise fighting the waves and the undertow.)

11203122_10204050010521064_4214761515489463940_n

in the Gulf of Mexico

3. Walking

The best way to take in the sights and to get in your steps is to go for a walk. I love to walk on the golf course (which you can do usually before 8 am). I also love to walk on the beach and at nature sanctuaries.

on the golf course

beautiful even on a cloudy day

4. Hiking or Stair Climbing

Check out the area to see if there is anywhere to go for a hike. If not, try climbing to the top of a lighthouse.

in Palm Springs

in FL

5. Biking

Many places allow you to rent a bike. It’s great exercise and another good way to get around, avoid traffic and see the sights. I especially enjoy riding along the boardwalk.

our rental in Naples has bikes 🙂

and of course – Running Leisurely

Obviously, you are either tapering for the big race or recovering from the big race. So when you put on those running shoes, take it slow. Just enjoy your surroundings.

And there are even more….find a gym and exercise, take a yoga class, etc.

Happy Running! Any other tips for healthy activities on race-vacations? Please Share.

March 9, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Race-cation Tips

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.

The Topic for today is: Oldie But Goodie (Re-Purpose an old Friday Five Post)

So here’s an old one for you:

lh5k

Plan early.

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

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 everything I think of something to bring, I put 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.

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

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

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee/tea. (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!

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!!

Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.

and why should you??

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

March 2, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Girls Weekend 2018

Today I am 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.

I have traveled to California (2011, 2013, 2014) and Vermont (2015, 2016) to run races with one friend. I have also spent a weekend in Philly (2014), Panama City Beach (2016), Corning, NY (2017) and Las Vegas (2108) with several other women to run a half marathon. Each of these weekends was So.Much.Fun!!!

So what will it be for 2018?

September 23-24, 2018

It’s early but we’re getting the party started…

raceaddict
My topic for today is Five Reasons to Take a Girls Weekend Race-cation.

1. Training Support

Heidi, Adrienne & I training together for 2014 race weekend in Philly

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

preparing for the Wineglass Half in 2017

2. Cost Savings

Lisa & Andrea – my roommates whom I had never met before the weekend in Philly

It is definitely cheaper to share a room with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

Holly graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person for the Panama Beach Half in 2016

Marcia was my roomie in LV.

3. Visiting New Places

even in the rain, we visited all the sites of Philly

I love to travel and explore new cities. I had never been to Panama City Beach or Corning, NY before my weekend there for a race. I am especially looking forward to Montreal to experience their French culture (and since I haven’t been there in many many years.).

awesome sunsets in Panama City Beach

sightseeing on the way to Corning

4. Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

I have raced most of my 29 half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the ones in Philly (in spite of the rain), Panama Beach, Corning and Vegas. And none of these were PRs!!!

All 10 of us at the Wineglass expo

I am sure the same will be true for our Montreal girls weekend (we have 6 definites so far).

5. Forging New Friendships

Andrea & I at VCM relay

The Philly group has kept in touch on Facebook. I have bumped into Andrea at several races. We had planned another race-cation with Lisa but ZOOMA Cape Cod got cancelled. We still hope that another will happen in the future.

I also keep in touch virtually with my Panama City Beach buddies. Some of us repeated this racing experience in Vegas. I hope to run another one with them in the future.

Many of us going to Montreal also ran the Wineglass race in Corning last year. But we always encourage newbies to join the group.

Don’t eating and racing go together?

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation? Do you have one planned for this year?

February 23, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – The Socks Post

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 for today is: My Favorite Socks

First, Five Reasons I Wear Legend Compression Wear

1. I’m an Ambassador.

I applied because this brand came highly recommended so I wanted to promote their socks. Happily they accepted me.

To get $15 off, click here

2. My ankle enjoys compression wear.

When I had ankle surgery a few years back, they put a plate and screws in. I want to run for a long time so I am careful and don’t run over 4 miles without compression socks or sleeves.

So far, so good. Zero problems with my ankle.

3. They are easier to get on and off.

I have tried other compression socks and sleeves and I’m sure you know what I mean. They are HARD to get on!!!! Legend Compression Wear are supportive enough but you don’t have to watch a video on how to put them on or break a nail doing so.

They are just as easy to get off even if you are sweaty.

4. Their socks offer graduated compression.

“Graduated Compression has been widely proven to improve symptoms of discomfort, swelling, fatigue and aching of the feet and legs. Graduated compression puts revitalizing pressure on the veins to improve blood flow and circulation. Medical professionals have long recommended compression hosiery to patients to improve blood circulation and overall health of their legs.”

This means that your legs will perform better and recover faster.

As a runner and tennis player, this is important to me.

5. Legend sells a variety of products (and in pretty colors).

There are socks for sports compression (as pictured above) as well as everyday compression. They even make a hiking specific sock called Tuff made of Merino wool

I look forward to wearing my Legend Compression Wear more often once the temps warm up and I can wear a running skirt again!!

Because I usually wear compression sleeves instead of compression socks, I can also wear My Soxy Feet socks.

Secondly, Five Reasons Why I Wear My Soxy Feet Socks

1, I am an Ambassador.

This year, I am lucky to represent another super sock company.

Use code SOXYCARDILLO to get 10% off your purchase

My Soxy Feet is a small, family owned and operated business. They developed this product in hopes of bringing “smiles to athletes of all shapes, sizes and ages and encourage a positive attitude towards health, fitness and a joyful life style.”

Since the founders/owners are avid runners, they understand the challenge of running and how difficult it is some days to stay motivated.

2. They have the cutest and most colorful (mismatched) socks.

My Soxy Feet Sock Rainbow! www.mysoxyfeet.com

3. They have styles for all sports.

I wear these to play tennis.

4. The are so comfortable.

The moisture wicking coolmax fibers keep your feet dry. They are made from nylon and lycra which secure the socks in place. The ventilation mesh enhances breathability. The socks contain targeted cushioning in high impact zones. The toe is seamless and hand-linked to prevent irritation.

5. They motivate and make you smile!

I need to buy both of these!

Happy Running! What are favorite brand of socks? Do you wear compression? Do you like your socks to look cute?

February 16, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Am I up for a challenge?

Superman – Lie face down with arms out in front of you. Lift your arms, chest, and legs simultaneously.

Squat – Stand with feet slightly wider than your hips with toes and knees pointing forward. Raise your arms in front of you, parallel to the ground. Squat down like you would be sitting in a chair until your knees are bent at a 90˚ angle. Rise up and return to standing position.

Russian Twist – In a seated position. Lean back until you feel your abs engage so you’re in a V-position. Clasp your hands in front. Twist to the right side and return to center. Repeat to the left side.

I am not one for doing ANY type of exercise.

Let’s face it. I am LAZY!!

But I decided to give this one a try.

Why?

1.FOMO

Everyone else is doing them!! Check it out on IG! Just want to be part of the “cool” crowd. lol

2. You don’t have to go to a gym.

I don’t have a gym membership. I don’t have the time to go and I travel for work.

3. You don’t need any equipment.

I don’t own any exercise equipment. If I did, it would be a waste of money, anyway.

4. Protecting my back.

I sit all day at a computer at work. I also drive for hours at times.

My back is one part of my body that aches when I sit in a certain chair/seat (at the movies, in some cars).

5. Strengthening my core.

Yes, I’ve heard it a zillion times that for runner, it is important to a have a strong core. But also as I age, I know that I need to have a stronger core to help with posture and balance.

***************************

So I’m on the third week.

And yes, I find them very difficult. Especially the squats because of the hardware in my left ankle. And Superman? I can barely get my arms & legs off the ground.

And I don’t do them in one shot. But I do them most of the time.

Thanks to Rachel @Running on Happy for setting up the challenge.

And since 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! Anyone else participating in this challenge? Which exercise is the hardest for you?

February 9, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Getting Older Rocks

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 for today is: Ways Getting Older is a Good Thing

Just recently I realized that today I can sign up for Medicare…

Yikes. That means that I am OLD!

As they say: The Alternative is Worse.

So I’m going to embrace the Old Age thing (and try to ignore the gray hair, wrinkles, sagging skin, memory lapses, etc.)

And here’s why:

1. Discounts

My movie tickets are cheaper and so are my plane/train/bus tickets.

Even some races have senior discounts.

For example, NYRR has a senior membership that give you discounts to many of their races.

2. Age Group Awards

As I may be mentioned many times before, the pool gets smaller for the older age groups so your chances of winning are greater. I have even been the only one in my age group.

still counts, right?

3. Qualifying For Big Races

Let’s face it, the qualifying times go down as we age because they assume that we get slower as we age. How fast our speed declines depends on a lot of variables but probably most importantly – how long we’ve been running and if we have any chronic injuries.

for the NYC Half Marathon (what a difference!)

4. Role Models for Younger Runners

One of the most satisfying things about running is inspiring others. I did not have any role models in this area growing up. My parents did not participate in any physical fitness activities. If they did, maybe I would have turned to running earlier than in my 50s.

We run together all the time. I met her mother at this race (who is older than me)..

5. Fewer Expectations, Accomplishments are More Meaningful and Better Self Care

I know that’s three not one.

In other words, we are easier on ourselves. At my age, I really mean: Finishing = Winning. I don’t expect a PR. I run for FUN!!

half marathon PR at age 64. Whoa!!!

And when I do do better than expected, I am more than thrilled. I don’t take good runs or races for granted.

I try to eat healthier, pay more attention to any aches and pains. I get my needed tests and preventive vaccines.

just embracing life (as a senior citizen)

Here are some articles/posts about running and getting older:

Happy Running! How about you… how do you feel about getting older?

February 2, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Giving Back

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 for today is: Ways to Give Back (to Running)

When I think about what running has given to me, I am overwhelmed.

When I think about how much money I spend on running and there are people who have very little or are too sick to run, I feel guilty or even greedy.

Maybe it’s because when I work in NYC or Buffalo, I see so many homeless people on the street (and it’s winter!).

But rather than buy another running outfit, shouldn’t I give that money to someone less fortunate or contribute that money to a charity??

Maybe I am the only one who feels this way but if I am not, here’s my FIVE suggestions on how you can give back to running:

1. Donate your extra running clothes or shoes.

Check out your local store store or running club to find out where you can do this.

2. Volunteer at a race rather than run in it.

These races cannot happen without volunteers. We often take that for granted.

I bet he doesn’t want to be doing this in freezing temps.

3. When you register for a race, donate extra money to the charity it supports.

I know that races are expensive enough and we don’t feel like adding more money to the fee. So register for one less race and donate that money to a charity.

Buy one less running outfit or pair of shoes and donate to runners in need.

This is a great cause – http://stemrunning.com

Or raise money for a charity in order to run a race that you didn’t qualify for or didn’t get into the lottery for.

Image result for register for a race and add money for a charity

4. Mentor a Runner

Everyone of us was once a beginning runner. I am also aware of the fact that some of us have coaches and want to get faster. So just find a time in your schedule when you are not training for an important race and help someone else.

GOTR is one of the many opportunities out there.

5. Push someone who cannot run for themselves.

Organizations like Team Hoyt and Ainsley’s Angels provide the opportunity for runners to pair with an rider and work together to cross the finish line.

several of my friends are part of this group

Happy Running! How about you… do you give back to running? Any other ideas to add?

January 26, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Do Not Say That You Are “Slow”

Illustration: Christoph Hitz

I hope none of you take this personally. We (including me) have all been guilty of saying some of the statements below when talking to other runners whom we know finish races at faster times than we do:

“I’m slow.”
“You can run ahead. I’ll catch up.”
“I need to start earlier because I’ll finish later than everyone else.”
“I just want to be faster.”
“Why am I so slow? Do I need a coach?”
“I can’t run a marathon. It’ll take me forever.”
“I have no one to run with because I am too slow.”
“Will I ever get faster?”
“I am getting older so I guess I will get slower.”
“My PR days are over.”
“I guess I need to do some speed drills.”
“I wonder if there’ll be any food left when I’m done?”
“I’m too slow to be in this running group.”
“I hope I’m not DFL in this race.”

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 for today is: Five Reasons Not to Label Ourselves According to Our Speediness

We are comparing ourselves to others.

How do we know whether or not we are slow? When we say that we are slow, we must be comparing ourselves to someone who is faster.

We all know that comparing ourselves to others, while natural, is unhealthy.

2. It makes it harder to find a running buddy.

When we say “I’m slow” to a faster runner, we’re are putting the faster runner in an awkward position. Do they decline our offer to run together? Do they just run slower? Or do they push us to run faster?

Yes, I know if two runners run at different speeds, the run may not be ideal. But an easy run for one runner may be ideal as a training run for another.

3. We are giving ourselves an excuse for our performance.

Are we satisfied with less because “we are slow?” Do we start in the back because we think we will be in the way of the faster runners? Do we not sign up for a certain race because the faster runners usually are there?

Our speed should not stand in the way of what we want to or are capable of doing.

4. We set ourselves up for failure.

Countless studies have proven that thinking negatively can inhibit your performance. No matter what our speed is, lack of confidence is going to affect our running.

Positive thoughts can help any runner. I bet that a PR for a 12 min/mi runner feels just as great as for a 7 min/mi runner.

5. No one cares if we are slow!

If we are out there running, it does not matter what pace is; WE ARE A RUNNERS.

We don’t like faster runners more than we do slower runners.

I know what you are thinking…

“That’s easy for me to say. I am not slow!”

“I can’t relate. I win age group awards!!”

Yes, I do sometimes, But I run lots of races…at least 30 a year. And in my age group, the pool of runners is significantly smaller.

And sure, I’ve felt SLOW!

I join the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s Training Groups each year and because I’m not a beginner, I’m in the “Advanced Group.”

The other runners in this group for the most part are faster than me. It depends on who shows up but sometimes I am the slowest runner there.

Would I like to be faster?

Of course.

Will I continue to run with these groups even if I am one of the slowest?

YES!!!! I like the women in these groups and enjoy their company (even if I can’t keep up with them).

Is it easy for me to find a running partner?

Sometimes but I think it is because I am pretty flexible and will run intervals if my partner does (even though I hate them) or run without walking (even though that is not my preference either).

The bottom line is this:

No matter how fast we run, someone will always run faster than us and someone will always run slower than us. Fast or slow, we’re all still runners together.

We need to focus on what we have in common rather than that we run at different speeds. We need to stop saying that we are “slow.”

(And sorry if I have offended anyone… I just needed to vent.)

That being said… here are some inspiring posts:

Happy Running! Anyone agree with me or disagree??

January 19, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Ambassadorships 2018

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 for today is: Ambassadorships 2018

I don’t have a big following. I mostly blog for myself and hopefully someone will read my posts and be inspired enough to start or continue running.

As a result, companies are not banging down my door to offer me ambassadorships.

I also feel strongly about only pursuing ones whose products are beneficial to me.

So here are my FIVE for 2018:

1. Rock n Blog

I ran the Vegas Rock n Roll 5k and Half Marathon and was so impressed about how the races were organized. I am very excited to promote these races and with any luck even race a few.

2. Legend Compression

To get $15 off, click here

If you’ve read my blog, you know that I am a big fan of compression wear. I rarely race without compression socks or sleeves. I had heard great things about this brand and can’t wait to race in their compression sleeves. (My first pair is black but brighter colors will be ordered, for sure.)

3. NUUN

I am, admittedly, lousy about hydration. I do not drink enough water. Well, that is about to change. My biggest rpobelm now is to decide which flavors I like best.

4. My Soxy Feet

Use code SOXYCARDILLO to get 10% off your purchase

Ok, I have a thing for socks. I can’t have enough. Well, this company has the cutest socks! They are mismatched and they are not just for running.

Image result for my soxy feet tennis socks

tennis – my second favorite sport

5. Skirt Sports

use code FALL20WIN to get 20% off your purchase

I have been an Ambassador Caption for 3 years already. They haven’t announced the 2018 ambassadors yet but my fingers are crossed that I am selected. I mean, I ONLY wear Skirt Sports skirts, capris and tights!!