June 3, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: FRW

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons to Run the Freihofer’s Run Fort Women(Again)

Why am I running this race for the 9th time?

It’s an all women’s race.

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Young and old. Fast and Slow. 4,000 women with one thing in common – running.

2. It attracts elite runners.

Very cool to see the really FAST and famous runners like Joan Samuelson and this year, Sara Hall.

3. I trained with a group for the race.

This is my 2nd year training with this group of women. It’s the culmination of 10 weeks of hard work.

4. I run into so many people that I know.

My boss and another law professor

I am always surprised at how many women I know there. It’s a reunion of sorts.

5. It has become a tradition.

There are other races on the same day but I feel like I have to do it and I want to.

even when I shouldn’t have (1st run after ankle surgery)

Happy Running! Do you have a race that you run EVERY year?

May 13, 2016 by Darlene

Albany Law Day 5K Against Domestic Violence Race Recap & FF

I had seen this race on the schedule each year and have been tempted. It makes sense since I do work at Albany Law School.

But it is an evening race. It’s hard to get there after work and it’s not an ideal time to race for me. And how does one fuel for a race that starts at 6:30 pm?

Anyway, a FB running friend proposed a team and I got sucked in last year.

It was hot and humid and I didn’t really enjoy the race. I didn’t run well and though I came in 2nd in my age group, they only gave awards for first. I had decided that I probably wouldn’t run this race again.

Fast forward to this year. The place I work has been focusing all year on healthy challenges. They proposed that we do a 5k together. I suggested this one because is was during the week and raised money for an important cause. Everyone was enthusiastic about the race until it came time to sign up.

You got it – they all had excuses except me, 2 other staff members, 2 students and a husband & child. So out of 400 or so, we have a team of 7!!!

The weather cooperated in that it was sunny and no wind but it seemed like summer had arrived and we skipped spring. It was around 80 degrees. (I was wearing my winter jacket just on Sunday!!)

The race took place in the Crossings, a beautiful park.

This is where I go for my Freihofer training group runs. I have done a few races here as well.

I like it. There are hills and roads and trails.

There’s a pond.

I got there early so I could find parking. This year, I even knew where to park and where the race started.

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I wore a similar outfit to last year (Purple is the color that represents the fight against Domestic Violence. I’ll be wearing it again at Saturday’s race.)

I immediately bumped into a bunch of volunteers and clients from STEM (the survivors of Domestic Violence). I also saw some lawyers, co-workers and running friends.

If my race sucked last year, this year, it felt even worse.

It was hot. I immediately got a stitch in my side (maybe from eating a fig bar right before the race) and it stuck with me the WHOLE race.

Of course, I started out fast and then I could barely breathe – it was like I had asthma. Then I was coughing and sneezing. I attribute it to the pollen and grass (I used to have terrible hay fever when I was younger.) It was really tough to run when you are gasping for air. The only time this has happened was during this same race last year.

I made it about 1 1/2 miles before I started to walk.

I was also REALLY thirsty and the only water stop was at the 2 mile point. I walked then and several more times before the end of the race. I’ve never walked that much in a 5k but I just couldn’t catch my breath.

The result – 29:31 finish time – even slower than last year.

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Well, that’s how it goes sometimes.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:02
mile 2- 9:46
mile 3 – 9:36
.2 – ?? (didn’t stop my watch)

I hung around watching the other STEM runners finish and the coordinator’s 7 year old daughter who ran her first 5k.

Then I had some refreshments which were awesome – bananas, brownies, pizza and Cider Belly donuts!!

They only gave out awards for 1st in 10-year age groups.

I came in third

I’ll have to remember next year that I should skip this race.

My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons I Ran this Race:

The Charity

Domestic Abuse is a horrible thing. It affects so many women. If you met them, you would never know what they’ve been through.

2. The Distance

It’s a 5k race so it would only take 30 minutes. Even if I am tired, I can muster my way through 3.1 miles. It shouldn’t affect my 5k /long run on Saturday. In fact, I would be running at least 3 miles today anyway.

3. The Challenge

Yes, it’s only a 5k but that means that you feel like you should run fast. That’s the challenge. The course is fairly flat. Could I PR??? (Obviously not.)

4. The Runners

It’s always fun to know people when you arrive at a race. You stand and around and chat. I love runners!!

5. Motivating Others

I want to set an example at work. I think running is great and it has helped me immensely physically, socially and emotionally. I am older than most people that I work with and I want to show them that if I can run so can they.

Happy Running! How do you feel about night races? Do you do them? Has it gotten warm where you live?

April 29, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Running in the Spring

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons to Love Spring Running.

It’s no secret. Spring is my favorite season to run.

1. More Hours of Daylight

I have a hard time getting out of bed early enough to run before work. Now, it is still light enough to run after work. I love it!!

winter

spring

2. Less Baggage

I usually run after work so I have to carry all my running gear to work. Now my bag is so much lighter. No gloves, no jackets, no vests, no tights, no extra layers, etc.

winter

spring

3. Prettier Scenery

Flowers, leaves on the trees. Need I say more?

winter

spring

4. Nicer Clothes

Skirts, tank tops. No jackets over my nice shirts.

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spring

5. More Racing Ops

In the spring, there are several races to choose from EVERY weekend.

winter virtual race

spring racing

Happy Running! What is your favorite season to run?

April 22, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Earth Day

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Five Ways to Celebrate Earth Day (as a Runner).

1. Avoid Using Bottled Water.

Carry a re-fillable water bottle or re-fill a plastic used one.

At work, I have a bottle like pictured above and I just keep it filled with water. I get lots of bottled water at races. I save the bottles and just re-fill them.

2. Don’t use K-Cups or Tea Bags

Make your coffee the old fashioned way. Buy teas leafs instead of tea bags.

I know those K-Cups are so fast and easy but I haven’t broken down and bought a Keurig. If I make coffee, I use my espresso machine. I also prefer making herbal teas using leaves. They taste so much better and you can use as much as you need.

3. Walk or Run rather than Drive

If you can walk, do it! Better yet, run to your location.

I wish I lived near stores so I could run & shop. But I do try to not drive when it is feasible. I always park at work and then walk to races located in downtown Albany instead of adding more pollution to the crowded area. Yesterday, I went out to eat with 2 co-workers and they drove but I walked to and from the restaurant (it was only a mile.)

4. Bring your own Bags when you shop.

If you race, you are lucky, many give out re-usable bags as swag. Plus, you can buy them at most stores for $1.

I am the official bag lady. My trunk is full of them.

5. Use less water at home.

That means, don’t wash your hair everyday. Even if you have oily hair, there’s dry shampoo. You may not need to shower every day either. I know I’m going out on a limb here (but I am not a sweater.)

I have thick dry unruly hair. I only wash it once a week. I shower on most days. But not all, especially if I didn’t run or work out.

Happy Running! How are you celebrating Earth Day?

April 15, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite 5Ks

My Friday Five topic is My Five Favorite 5Ks.

Lately, I’ve been thinking speed (even though I am always in the middle of training for a half marathon). So here are the 5Ks that I love and try to run each year. (Believe me, it is tough for me to pick just 5).

1. Bacon Hill Bonanza

Small race in the country to support a local church held in April. Scenic course, great post race refreshments and pies as age group prizes. What more could you ask for?

2. Freihofer Run for Women

A big race held in the city of Albany at the end of May/beginning of June. All women, attracts the elites, the newbies and everyone in between. Course goes through and city and the park. There is a fitness expo held the day. Your race swag includes a box of cookies and a loaf of bread.

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AB-3069-XL

3. Dash to the Finish

An even bigger race held in a bigger city – New York City. It takes place the day before the NYC Marathon and you run from the UN, through Manhattan and end by crossing the marathon finish line. The day before, you get to go to the marathon expo, too.

4. Last Run

This race in held in Albany again like the Freihofer’s but in the middle of December. The race starts off with fireworks and then you run through the lights in the park. And everyone is in such a very festive mood.

Tie: 5. Sean’s Run, Spring Run-Off and Silks and Satins

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Unfortunately, this one often conflicts with another race but I love this community run. There is so much crowd support and great post-race eats.

best cone ever!

This 5k is held along the Hudson River. It’s a place where I run often and there’s a free pasta dinner the night before (yes, food is a recurring theme.)

pasta dinner before the race above

Saratoga is the place to be in the summer – for the horse races! This race starts and finishes near the flat track and you run around the neighborhoods of Saratoga.

I could go on and on about 5ks that I love but I’ll stop here.

Happy Running! Which is your favorite 5k? And why?

April 8, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Splitting Up Your Long Runs

If you run 5 miles, stop and then 6 miles for your 11 mile long run, yes it counts as a 11 mile run. At least it does in my book because that’s what I often do.

5 mile race + 6 = 11 miles

So My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons to Split Up Your Long Runs

1. Weather or Scheduling Issues

Sometimes, it is raining or snowing so you start your run on the treadmill. You don’t want to run 12 miles on the treadmill (At least I don’t) so when the weather improves, you continue your run outside.

So you don’t have time to run all 12 miles. You may run 6 miles before work and then 6 miles after work. (I don’t do it often but I have done it.)

2. Vary the Scenery

I’ve run a 5 mile race in the neighborhood or a city

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and then continued my run on the rail trail or bike path.

What a nice way to break it up.

You can also start on a hilly course (like I will do tomorrow) and finish on a flat course.

Your legs will be happy that you did.

3. Practice Different Paces

If you start your run with a race and even if you say that it is just part of a long run, you will still run fast.

2nd

So when you continue your run, your pace will no doubt be slower. For me, these races are my speed drills.

post race miles

4. Run with a Partner

It’s no secret that I enjoy running with someone else. It’s not easy when you run at different paces or if you live in different locations or if I have signed up for a race.

So if I split up the run, I can run at least part of it with a friend.

And if it’s the second part of your run, you may even enjoy a post run snack together.

5. It’s easier and more fun.

Running 6 miles, taking a break and running 6 miles is much easier than running 12 miles in one shot.

Will your endurance suffer? How will it affect your finish times?

Not sure. I have never trained for a half marathon without a few split up long runs.

But I wouldn’t do all my training this way. And it is better than skipping a long run.

5k race + 7.4 = 10.5 miles

Happy Running! Do you ever split up your long runs?

April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Mentoring New Runners

My Friday Five topic is: Five Reasons To Mentor New Runners

Finding New Places To Run

When I volunteered in the STEM program in 2014, I ran around Union College in Schenectady. I have run at UAlbany but Union College was a nice change of scenery.

interesting area to run especially the surrounding neighborhood

The second time, last fall, I discovered the Schuyler Flats park. (The group also ran on the Schenectady Bike Path)

a very pretty park – great for a short run

For the GOTR practice 5k, I ran in a new local neighborhood. I have since gone back to run there.

2. Meeting New People

The other mentors in the STEM program are awesome. It’s always fun to meet other runners. We bonded instantly.I am looking forward to meet this year’s 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.

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

March 25, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Blogging

March 25, 2008 = my first post

Today is my BLOGOVERSARY!!!

I started writing this blog on the day that I signed up for No Boundaries and decided to become a runner.

I’ve been blogging for EIGHT YEARS!! 2,046 posts. That means I’ve been running for EIGHT Years!

Year 1 – starting to run for the first time and completing many 5ks (although my weekday runs were about 1 mile each)
Year 2 – after taking the winter off, running again and completing even more 5ks
Year 3 – running through the winter for the 1st time, completing 5ks (and a 5k PR), 4 milers and my first Half Marathon
Year 4 – completing some 5ks, a 5 miler, my first 15k and FOUR more half marathons(plus an Achilles injury and a broken ankle 😦 )
Year 5 – recovering from a broken ankle, running my first 10k and some 5Ks, suffering a foot stress fracture, running my 6th Half Marathon
Year 6 – a few 5ks, then a broken 5th metatarsal, then more 5ks, several 10Ks, my 7th Half Marathon and a 15K
Year 7 – a very good year, NO INJURIES!!!!! so lots of races (5ks, 10Ks, 15Ks, 4 half marathons), PRs for 5k, 10k, 15k, 4m, 5m, 10m, and Half Marathon, joining 2 training groups, volunteering in another, meeting some new running buddies, becoming a Skirt Sports ambassador captain
Year 8 – another good year, NO INJURIES!!! so even more races and 7 more half marathons, PRs for 5m and 15k, continuing in the training groups and with volunteering activities, also running more with friends
Year 9 – starts today….

My Friday Five topic is: 5 Reasons Why I Blog

To motivate myself to run

You can’t write about running unless you run, right? I post my planned running schedule for the week and I feel guilty if I don’t do those runs (well, only a little guilty.)

2. To track my progress toward my goals

This was more important when I first started. My goal was to run a 5k. And I did. Then it was to finish a 5k under 30 minutes and I did. Sometimes my goals are more lofty than others. Several years later, I wanted to run a half marathon and I succeeded. Of course, then I added other distances. Sometimes my goals are to PR, of course, but mostly now it is to finish each race with a decent time and to remain healthy.

3. To review my races to help plan each year’s schedule.

I love to run races. I can’t always remember when happened at each race. So I recap the race on my blog and then I can look back at my review. It helps me plan for the race by knowing the logistics, the difficulty of the course and often, it helps me decide whether or not to run the race again.

4. To connect with other runners

Most of the time, it is only virtually. But the runners who read my blog are now my running friends. They cheer me on. They offer sympathy after a poor race or run. They have lifted my spirits when I have been injured. They are the ones I turn to when I need advice.

5. To inspire others to run

Of course, I want everyone to want to run. It has greatly improved my life. My wish is that by reading my blog, an older lady starts to run, continues to run and reaps the same rewards from running as I have.

Happy Running! Why do you blog? How long have you been blogging?

March 18, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Clothes

My Friday Five topic is: Five Favorite Clothing Items

Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra Running Skirt

: Celebrate Life HM

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016

: running at the Crossings

The Gym Girl Ultra is long enough to cover but not too long. The shorts underneath don’t ride up and the waist band is tight enough so the skirt doesn’t fall down (even with stuff in the pockets.) No chafing either. It has 2 pockets – one on each side. They are hidden under the skirt. And they are big enough to fit your phone, key, fuel, etc. Plus, if you like to listen to music on the run, there is music port that allows you to run your headphone cord from your skirt pocket. And, it looks GOOD!

2. Skirts Sports Eclipse Tank Top

: Eau Palm Beach – Dec 2015

The Eclipse tank is loose-fitting but not too loose. It is long enough so it doesn’t ride up. It is very light and breathable.

3. Pro Compression Compression Socks or Calf Sleeves

: FRW

Pro Compression socks are tight but not so tight that you can’t get them on. They protect your legs from small scratches, abrasions and nasty things like poison ivy on a trail. Compression technology has been proven to limit swelling. They allow you to wear skirts on those iffy days when you’d reluctantly wear tights or capris.

4. Nike Zoom Vomero 10 Running Shoes

These Nikes are light but they still seem supportive. They have a soft wide toe box which is what sold them to me. And the most important thing, they are comfortable for both long and short runs. My feet do not hurt when I wear them.

5. Any Brand Baseball Cap

Hats keep my unruly hair out of the way. They keep the sun off my face and keep me dry when it is raining.

Happy Running! What are you favorite clothing items for running?

March 11, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Racing

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Since I am racing this weekend and many weekends to come and I don’t cook much or eat healthy, my Friday Five topic is: Five Reasons to Race A Lot.

Here ‘s why I run so many races:

1. Cool Swag

Sometimes, it’s just a shirt but lots of times, it is a bag, water bottle, food samples, key chain, and other running-related goodies.

2. Free Food

I love to eat especially to replenish the calories burned during running.

Sean's Run with Mary

3. Gets you out there during the week.

When it is cold, windy and just plain nasty and I don’t feel like running, if I have a race scheduled for the weekend, I will make myself get out there and run. I know if I don’t run during the week, then my finish time will suffer, I may get injured and/or the race will be unpleasant. It takes a long time to get in shape and such a short time to feel out of shape.

4. Meet new and old running friends.

Many of my running friends, I have met at races. It is so fun to see a familiar face at a race and chat…about running, of course.

5. Replaces Speed Workouts.

I am the first to admit it. I know that I should, but I don’t do speed drills, tempos, intervals, hill repeats, strides, etc. So for me, I guess my workout happens during a race. I’ll do those hills, run sprints and then, if I am scheduled for a long run, I’l continue my miles after the race at a slower pace.

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