January 6, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – 2017

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.

This week, the theme is your goals, resolutions, or other things you’re looking forward to in the new year!

Well, since I don’t set any goals, I’ll post about what I’m looking forward to in 2017.

1. Running Healthy.

I have been lucky to have no injuries since 2013. So I hope this trend continues. I think the key is to not overdo and take your rest days.

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2. Destination Races.

I love to travel but working doesn’t allow me to do it as often as I’d like. So I really appreciate any opportunity I get. Of course, I try to tie each trip into a half marathon.

Sarasota Music Half - Feb

So far, I only have one big one planned for 2017. I will running this race alone but plan to meet up with a few non-running friends.

March 5, 2017 in Stuart, FL.

: 2 tennis friends who live in nearly Hobe Sound and Delray Beach

: 2 former co-workers who live in nearby Jensen Beach and Delray Beach

I hope to get in another destination race in the late fall too.

3. Annual Tennis Vacation.

A group of 10 of us have been traveling together since 2002. And we have been going to Naples, FL for a week in May since 2006. We even rent the same two villas.

Every morning we take tennis lessons and then play doubles. In the afternoon, we go to the beach. And then in the evenings, we go out. Tough life!

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4. Girls Racing Weekends.

My first one was in Philly in 2014. It was fun but last December’s was even more fun.

walks on the beach

I have one planned for April 30 in NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon and another for October 1 to run the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY. (Anyone else running these races??)

Fingers crossed that we can fit in a blogger’s weekend again with the #holottafun ladies.

5. Time with Family and Friends.

Ultimately this is the most important. I plan to spend a lot time with them. I know I can schedule my runs and races around those gatherings.

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Happy Running! What are you looking forward to in 2017?

December 30, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Winter Running

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.

This week, the theme is FREE so I chose: 5 Things I Like About Running in the Winter

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So I decided to point out what I like about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

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not a fan of rain!!

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

happier here

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge LOL).

3. It’s pretty outside.

Well, at least most of the time.

4. There are free races.

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 6 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after.

5. There’s not a lot to do and it’s get me outside.

In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

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But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

so they say…

Happy Running! What do you like about running in the winter?

December 23, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Races

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.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Races

I run the same Holiday race (Albany Last Run) every year so I’ll change this post’s topic to December Races I’ve run or would like to run:

1. Albany Last Run

Mid-December every year in Albany, NY. The race starts off with fireworks at the Capitol building and then you run around the lights in Washington Park ending with a downhill near where you began. Lots of costumes and holiday spirit. This is the race that I run every year.

2. EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in West Palm Beach, Fl. I ran it in 2015 and enjoyed the course and ocean views. I’d love to do it again.

I especially liked the champagne that you receive after you cross the finish line.

3. Panama City Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in Panama City Beach, Fl. I ran it this year and enjoyed the FLAT course and gulf views. If I got invited again, this one would be one to repeat.

Free gumbo and beer at Margaritaville after the race is a nice perk.

4. Hot Chocolate Run

5k in Northampton, MA. It raises money for an organization addressing domestic violence. I’ve never run this race but I know a few runners who have and they say good things about it.

Of course, there’s hot chocolate after the race.

5. First Night Saratoga 5k

New Year’s Eve in Saratoga Springs, NY. Again I have not run this race but it is very popular locally. It starts and ends on the Skidmore campus and is moderately hilly. You receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

Afterwards you can attend the annual First Night activities in beautiful downtown Saratoga.

Happy Running? What races do you like to run during the holidays?

December 16, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Holiday Gifts

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.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Gifts

Here’s what I’d like. What about you?

1. Gift Card for a new pair of running shoes

Does any runner have enough running shoes?

Nike Vomero 10s – I hate the 11s so need more of these.

2. New Socks

I know you all love new socks!!

3. A Race Entry (particularly a destination one)

Some place with water views….

4. Some winter accessories

5. A New GPS Watch

I still have the big clunky Garmin 205 . What about a newer cool one?

Happy Running? What’s on your gift list this year?

December 2, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Girls Weekend Race-cation

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 and Vermont to run a half marathon with one friend. I have also spent a weekend in Philly with 4 other women to run a half marathon and it was so much fun.

Spoiler Alert: I am currently in Panama City Beach with 7 other awesome women and tomorrow we will be running a half marathon together!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

1. Training Support

Heidi, Adrienne & 1 training together for March 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.

sharing some miles with Judy

In addition to local blogger Judy, I have connected with and supported my other partners in crime for this weekend’s race through blogging, Instagram and FB.

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.

This time, Holly has graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person. Thank you Holly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. Visiting New Places

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

I love to travel and explore new cities. I have never been to Panama City Beach or this part of Florida. I am especially looking forward to beach views and sunsets.

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4. Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

the Philly group – Andrea, Adrienne, Lisa, Heidi, me (& Heidi’s hubby)

I have raced most of my half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the one in Philly (in spite of the rain). We went to the expo together, carb loaded the night before, lined up at the start and met after the race to debrief.

I am sure the same will be true this weekend and I expect it to be totally awesome!!

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 can’t wait to share everything that happens with my NEW FRIENDS this weekend in Panama City Beach!!!

( Maybe not everything – What happens in Panama City Beach stays in Panama City Beach, right?)

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation?

November 25, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Being a Running Mentor

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
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Today’s topic is a free one so I am choosing: Five Reasons To Mentor New Runners

1. Finding New Places To Run

When I volunteered in the STEM program last year, I ran at UAlbany because the group chose to run there. Now that I changed jobs, it has become my go to place to run. It’s safe and lit up at night. And in the winter, they keep the sidewalks clean.

2. Meeting New People

The other mentors in the STEM program are awesome. It’s always fun to meet other runners. We bond instantly. I always look forward to meeting the new mentors each year.

last June – runners & mentors

I haven’t had as much contact with the running buddies in GOTR but the ones I have met were very nice.

3. Fits into your Running Schedule

I run after work anyway. So my STEM runs fit right in. Yes, they are walk/run but often, I get there early and run a few miles or I stay afterward to run. It causes no lapses in my training.

4. Making a Difference in Someone Else’s Life

I can’t explain how it feels to watch women who have suffered so much in their lives be successful.

And to see the joy young girls get from participating in their first race.

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I actually did so little but hopefully me being at their practices and races did make a difference.

5. It’s motivating.

New runners’ enthusiasm for running is contagious. It actually makes me want to run more!!

FRW - 2010

The picture above was from my first mentoring experience in 2010. They were a bunch of young mothers running their first 5k. These ladies actually are responsible for me pushing myself to try a half marathon.

Recently my friend from Russia decided to become a runner (because of me). I guess I mentored her from afar without even realizing it. She even hired a coach back in Moscow. We got to run together for the first time recently when she flew to NYC to run a 5k.

along the Hudson River, NYC

Happy Running! Have you ever mentored a new runner? If so, how did you benefit?

November 18, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Foods

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.

Today’s topic is Favorite Holiday Foods.

Warning. None of these are healthy.

1. Eggnog –Preferably with rum.

2. Starbucks Snowmen Cookies

3. Squash Soup – I make it with leeks and apples. YUM!

4. Pumpkin pie

5. Sweet Potatoes – With marshmallows, of course.

So now you know why I race so much.

Happy Running? What are your favorite holiday foods?

November 11, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: If only I had more time…

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
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Today’s topic is: Five Activities You Wish You Had Time For:

This is a tough one. Running is my preferred activity. I am glad that I can squeeze it in. With work and family/social activities, there’s not much time left for anything else.

So these are things that I enjoy but don’t have enough time for…

1. Reading

I love to read. So I try to read before I go to bed. But it’s always too late so I only get a few pages done.

2. Watching TV

Again, I am rarely home enough to watch TV. I DVR a few shows (This is US, Grey’s Anatomy, Call the Midwife) but finding the time to watch them is a struggle. I know there a lot of great shows out there. Who has the time?

3. Fitness Classes such as Yoga, Zumba, Spinning, etc.

I never seem to find the time for yoga and I would love to try some other classes, as well.

4. Quilting

Before running, I used to quilt. I belonged to a quilt guild and went on retreats. I haven’t touched it in years. My artistic side enjoyed picking out the materials and assembling the squares.

my quilt guild buddies

5. Tennis

Also before running, I played tennis everyday. I was part of several teams as well. Now, I play only several times a month.

my 2010 team which went on to compete in Regionals

Happy Running! Which other activities do you wish you had time for?

November 4, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Things You May Not Know About Me

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🙂

Today’s topic is: Five Things That You Don’t Know About Me:

I used to sew my own clothes.

It was at first to save money but then because I enjoyed it. Next, I did needlework like crewel and cross-stitch. But my favorite sewing activity is quilting. I have made quite a collection of quilts. (They’re all over my house.)

: at a quilt retreat

Now I’m onto knitting.

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2. I was a Math major in college until I found out that I could spend my junior year abroad if I majored in French.

I love the French language and anything French (food, wine, art, music) so I am glad that I made that switch.

creme brulee

3. I played the violin in grade school but I always wanted to learn to play the piano.

I know, there’s still time but I don’t own a piano.

4. I’ve won a few photography contests (years ago – before digital).

One was in our local newspaper of two spiders mating. Another was of an organ grinder in Paris.

5. I’ve never eaten peanut butter or avocado.

They just don’t interest me.

Happy Running! Tell me one thing that I didn’t know about you.

October 21, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0

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 🙂

1. It’s Friday! Such a long week… Ever have one those work weeks that drag on….?

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2. It was 85 degrees two days ago. Now they are saying 40 degrees and maybe snowflakes for tomorrow. I am not ready!!! Are you also having this schizophrenic fall weather?

3. I have a 5k race tomorrow night. What do I wear? I forgot how to dress for cooler weather. Anyone else have this problem?

4. I have such a busy weekend planned that I did my long run on Wednesday after work. 8 miles during the week. This rarely happens.

5. I will be in NYC for 5 days next week for work. All I can think about is where can I run? And when? My hotel (on 6th & 26th) is one mile from the Hudson River and one mile from the East River. If anyone lives in NYC and can give me advice, please do!

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6. Cuz I couldn’t stop at 5. I put my name in for the NYC Half Marathon lottery AGAIN! I’ll keep trying but if I wait 2 more years, I can qualify with a time of 2:12:00. There are perks to getting older.