April 27, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Run. Not 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 use the new FIVE MINUTE format, link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Last Friday I wrote about why I race a lot. This week, I’ll look at the other side of the coin:

FIVE REASONS NOT TO RACE OFTEN

MONEY

2. INJURIES

3. SCHEDULING (TIME)

4. LONG RUNS

5. DRILLS AND WORKOUTS AND TESTING NEW THINGS

Happy Running! Do you run a lot of races? If not, why not? Please share.

April 20, 2018 by Darlene

Five Five 2.0: Racing. A Lot.

I will be racing a lot. Like every weekend. I could go on and on about why I love to race but with this new Friday Five (5 Minute) format I’ll get right to it:

COOL SWAG

2. MEET NEW AND OLD FRIENDS

3. FREE FOOD

4. REPLACES SPEED WORKOUTS

5. GETS YOU OUT THERE DURING THE WEEK

Happy Running! Do you run a lot of races? If not, why not? Any other reasons to share if you do?

April 6, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Florida Vacation Highlights

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.

I recently went to Florida for several days. I could go on and on about the trip but the new Friday Five format is great for this so I can jump right to the Highlights from my Florida Vacation

SUNSHINE AND WARM TEMPS

Remember I live in upstate New York and we got blasted in March with lots of snow. It is often rainy and cool when I go to Florida but not this time. I was blessed with blue skies and warmth EVERY single day.

2. THE BEACH

Again, I do get to swim in a lake in the summer but I much prefer the beach for relaxing in the sun and watching the ocean. My friends know this about me and although they were not healthy enough to go in the ocean, I was and they gladly accommodated me.

3. FRIEND MEET-UPS

I’m at that age when my friends (and family) are retiring. When they do, they either winter in Florida or move to Florida. This is when I get to see and hang out with them.

4. FOOD AND DRINK

Yes I love to eat out in restaurants especially those with ocean views. I also enjoy fresh shrimp, grits, key lime pie and many other Florida specialties.

5. RUNNING AND RACING

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Darlene vacation without several runs and a race. I ran most days and did complete my 30th half marathon.

: Brew2Brew Half (Vero Beach) – Mar 2018

Happy Running! What were some of the highlights of your last vacation? Please Share.

March 30, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions for March

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

1.I runfess…

It’s been a hard adjustment from 80 degree Florida temps back to NE winter temps. It was so easy just to put on a skirt and tank and go for a run. Now I’m constantly packing to go away for work and I have weather amnesia. It was almost 50 degrees in Liverpool, NY and I packed for winter. Duh!

overdressed!

2.I runfess…

Someone commented on my blog that I could just NOT race when I go on vacation. Ha ha. Like that’s going to happen. My next vacation is in May and it’s to Naples, FL to play tennis and… yes, I just registered to run a race during my vacation.

3.I runfess…

I have another half marathon that I should be training for…on May 19. I complained that all my long runs were broken up while training for my most recent half. Well, things have not changed. I have a 5k tomorrow and plan to run 4 more miles afterward. So I’m starting my training plan with 7 broken up miles….again.

I’m a sucker for races.

4.I runfess…

As you may have read in my last post, I enjoyed my last half marathon because I helped someone else finish her FIRST. However, the competitive me was disappointed in my finish time. I know. I shouldn’t be. But I wonder how fast I could have finished since the weather was perfect and the course was flat… How often do we get racing conditions like this?

celebrate finish lines NOT finish times, right?

5.I runfess…

I met up with a friend at my 5 mile race last weekend. She has not been running and only signed up for the race because of me. She struggled to finish. Maybe because of Runfession #4, I did not stay with her. I ran my own race and I RACED it!! I guess I kinda wanted redemption and wanted to see if my legs still had any speed.

Unofficial ONE second PR…with gun time 17 seconds slower, though

and since it’s Friday, 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! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

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?