February 3, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Where do you work out?

It’s Friday and 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.

This week, the topic is: Gym/Workout Space

You have heard whine about how I DO NOT work out. So you are probably wondering why or how I was going to write this post.

I do not have a workout space at home. My basement is a unfinished cellar full of my hubby’s junk. None of the other rooms are large enough to work out in (except for maybe the family room where my hubby’s hand is permanently attached to the remote.)

At my last job, there was a bike, treadmill and elliptical available behind the stage in the gym. And when the weather was so terrible that I could not possibly run, I did go there. and use them.

I have to pay to use the machines in the gym where I work now. But I do have access to a free gym.

workouts

So here’s what there is:

Treadmill

2. Exercise Bikes and Elliptical Machines

3. Machines to work on your arms

4. Machines to work on your legs

5. Weights and all other kinds of cools things:

KettleBells

But here’s the problem:

Happy Running? Do you belong to a gym? Or do you work out at home?

January 27, 2017 by Darlene

Friday 2.0 – Slower Running Partners

It’s Friday and 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.

This week, the theme is FREE so I chose How to Run With a Slower Partner

It’s no secret that Judy, a frequent running partner, is slower than me. She runs about 2 minutes per mile slower. I don’t think she will be upset that I say this because she mentions it all the time.

after one of our summer runs together

But that doesn’t mean that I don’t run with her. I do and here’s what I recommend:

1. Run Slower

and it is easy to run slower when there’s snow on the ground…

It seems like a no-brainer. If you run with someone who runs slower, you have to run slower. Just consider it an easy run or a recovery run.

2. Split up the Run

I ran 2 more miles after our recent run together.

You can start earlier and get some faster miles done. Or you add some speedy ones afterwards.

3. Enjoy the scenery

Running with a slower runners is relaxing. You can walk and take photos and then sprint to catch up.

4. Make it the Exception not the Rule

If you run with a slower runner all the time, you will probably get slower yourself. So do your own thing most of the time. Do your strides, intervals or whatever you need to do improve your speed when you run by yourself.

5. Add a run with someone faster

Running with someone faster is always a challenge. But running with a faster runner helps you get faster.

So don’t give up your slower running friends. After all, they are your FRIENDS!

Happy Running! Do you ever run with a slower runner?

January 20, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Winter Actvities

It’s Friday and 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.

This week, the theme is Favorite Winter Activities

I’ll say it up front. I hate the cold!!

If I didn’t run, I would never go outside.

I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, sled, snow shoe…nada!

Keeping that in mind, here are my favorites:

1. Running (only cuz I sign up for races & winter half marathons to make me get out there)

winter4-172

2. Tennis (Indoors) – I play doubles once a week.

3. Knitting – I am not very experienced but I have made socks, hats & scarfs.

IMG_4256-0

sock1

4. Cooking (on the weekends) – I love to make soups & chili.

5. Reading – I always read every night before I go to sleep.

These two are recent favorites:

Image result for man called Ove

I just started this one:

Happy Running! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

January 13, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Where would I love to go this winter? Where do I dream about racing?

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 Dream Vacations or Winter Destinations

For a Winter Destination, of course, it would have to be someplace warm and a place that has a half marathon:

1. Key West, FL.

I have always wanted to go to Key West. (I mean, I am a Parrothead lol) and I’ve heard that this January Half has a beautiful course.

2. New Orleans, LA

I was in NOLA years ago for a conference and loved it – the food, the language, the atmosphere and it would be cool to go back and run this race. (I did sign up for this March race but just can’t afford it this year.)

3. Bermuda

Blue skies, blue water, white sands…ahhh!

4. San Diego, CA

sdhm

I also visited San Diego for a conference and thought it was the perfect city to live.

5. Puerto Rico

Image result for divas half peurto rico

Who doesn’t like an all women’s race where it is warm?

Now for Dream Vacations, that would involve more travel (and again, there would have to be a race involved):

1. Paris

This is my favorite city in the world and I haven’t been there in many years. I love everything about the French culture.

2. Alaska

I’d love to take a cruise there. I’ve heard wonderful things about Alaska.

3. Hawaii

Another place that seems so beautiful that I want to experience it in person.

4. African Safari

I love animals!!! Lions, Tigers, Giraffes….oh my!

5. Iceland or Vietnam

I’d love to visit either or both.

Iceland

Vietnam

I’m not sure I’ll get to any of these places but a girl can DREAM!

Happy Running! So where do you dream about going this winter or anytime?

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.

untitled

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!

img_9732-1

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.

12038295_10154200672904428_74479307881338828_n

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.

13662262_10153694932756074_56283901147261787_o

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.

Winter_4-145

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

raceaddict
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.

source

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!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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.

10917256_361783967363595_7880664523982825473_o

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.