April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Mentoring New Runners

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 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.

hf10kc

Happy Running! Do you run a lot of races? If so, why?

March 4, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: The Long Run

Since tomorrow I am finishing up my training for my next half marathon, my “fitness” topic for this Friday is appropriately Five Ways to Survive the Long Run.

Here are the things that have gotten me through the last few weekends:

Find a Scenic Route

It’s so much more enjoyable if you run some place with great views. I personally wished I lived along the ocean but I don’t. So I either run along the river or some place with trees or bridges.

on the Delmar Rail Trail

2. Plan Ahead.

You need to decide when based on your schedule and more importantly the weather forecast, you are going to do your long run. Then the night before, I don’t plan to go out drinking with friends, stay up too late or skip dinner.

This was not the night before a long run.

3. Do it with a Friend.

The miles and time also go faster when you run with someone else, even if it is just for a few miles. My friend, Judy, is often on a different training schedule. So I may start my run first and then meet her for the last few miles or vice versa.

Dec - running with a new friend

4. Run for Distance not Time.

When I am running longer distances, I try to focus on how far I am running and not how fast. I find that when I focus on time, it makes the run seem longer than it really is. Plus, I am checking my watch or phone instead of enjoying the run.

Winter_4-145

5. Reward yourself when you’re done.

After the accomplishment of a long run, I like to treat myself. In fact, it is a motivator and I look forward to it the whole time that I am out there. In the warmer temps, it is often ice cream. In the winter, a Starbucks mocha latte.

ice_cream_cone_from_stewarts

Happy Running! Any other tips for surviving the long run?

February 26, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Enjoying a Race-cation

I love racing and I love traveling so my “misc.” topic for this Friday is Five Ways to Enjoy a Race-cation.

Well, I do do this several times a year and I just got back from one, so here are my tips:

Throw Your Diet Out the Window

I know you want to eat healthy and you have a race planned. But limiting what you can eat and/or drink is NO FUN!

martini #1

martini #2

I am not a big drinker. I rarely drink except for special occasions. But isn’t a race-cation a special occasion?

Homemade rum raisin ice cream = JOY

best bread pudding ever!!! so worth the calories!

I don’t eat sweets at home but on vacations, I like to splurge. I did run 131. miles, right?

2. Squeeze in a run or two.

Yes, you are tapering. But you’ll be testing out the weather conditions and it will help you relax.

I pretended that it was warm enough to wear a tank during my race…I was wrong.

I also like to take a short run as a recovery.

It’s also an excuse to wear your race shirt.

3. Take lots of walks to explore the area and enjoy your new scenery.

You can’t run all the time. Especially if you with others who do not share your love of running. So I like to find places to visit where I can walk, such as beaches.

walking along the beach in Boca Grande

walking along the beach in Anna Maria Island

walking tour of downtown Sarasota

walking through the Ringling Museum grounds

Or I just get up early and go for a walk by myself.

walk to the grocery store

4. Plan activities that you enjoy.

It’s not just a race. It’s also a vacation. I love art, animals, gardens, lighthouses, beaches and sunsets. Luckily my hosts usually like these things too.

It’s even beautiful when it’s windy & cold.

Chihuly exhibit – perfect for a rainy day.

millennial tree path at the Ringling grounds

visiting the Boca Grande lighthouse

lots of bird watching ops

sunset over the Gulf – awesome

5. Be flexible.

Plans often go awry.

There’s the weather, of course. Schedule changes. Transportation problems. I’ve encountered them all.

Bring something to do during down time such as knitting or a book to read.

Pack an umbrella…

Unexpected guests arrive – so you go out to lunch…

Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying race-cations?

February 19, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Race-cation Tips

lh5k

I love racing and I love traveling so my “fitness” topic for this Friday is Five Tips for Taking a Race-cation

Well, I do do this several times a year so here are my tips:

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?

February 12, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Races for Food

I love racing and I love food so my “food” topic for this Friday is Five Races With the Best Food

Sarasota Music Half Marathon

This race had the best post-race brunch ever: egg casserole, sausage, bacon, french toast, pastries, fruit and more.

And yes, I sampled it all.

my first plate…

2. Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10K/Half Marathon

This race ended with a big barbecue: chicken, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, fresh fruit, etc. YUM!!

3. Perfect 10 Miler (NJ)

This race boasted of having “Healthy Clean Eats.” There were pretzels, grilled zucchini, peppers, asparagus and chicken. I would have preferred a little of the unhealthy stuff too.

4. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K/10K

I loved the food at this race. They had the the usual food (fruit, yogurt, bars, bagels)but also chili, pizza, rice & veggies, and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

And the best chocolate milk (milk straight from a local farm):

5. Mother’s Day bRUNch 5k

There was an awesome post race food display. In addition to cookies, bagels, bars, pastries, bananas, chocolate milk, etc, there was:

mimosas (minus the champagne)

chocolate fountain with pretzels and fruit for dipping

chocolate fountain with pretzels, cake and fruit for dipping

I also had this:

chocolate fountain with pretzels, cake and fruit for dipping

Happy Running! What race(s) have you had the best food?

February 5, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Races for 2016

frwme

My “fitness” topic for this Friday is Five Races I am looking forward to in 2016.

Sarasota Music Half Marathon

Feb 7, 2016

Florida in the winter, visiting friends…another race-cation!! Just perfect!

Susan, me & Robin at Lido Key beach...can you guess which one of us does not live in Florida??

with Susan & Robin in Sarasota, 2013

2. Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13, 2016

It’s a hilly one but I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time. I will run 13.1 miles for her.

signs honoring those who are survivors – I bought one for my friend

3. Vermont City Marathon Relay

I ran this race last year with AJH and loved it. I ran the first leg so this year I’m looking forward to running the 2nd 13.1 miles (and crossing the marathon finish line.)

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

4. Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 5, 2016

Of course, I have my race streak race – #9 this year. It’s a great course and it’s all women. Plus you get cookies!!

I love the energy in this all women’s 5k.

I also signed up for the Training Challenge again this year.

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I’m there somewhere?

5. ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon

Sept 24, 2016

I love running with ocean views. This also will be a mini reunion with 2 runners (Lisa & Andrea) that I ran the Love Run with in 2014 in Philly.

Inspite of the rain, we had a blast.

There’s still a few more out there I’m considering besides my usual 30 or so 5ks.

Wouldn’t a Blogger Meet-Up Half be cool? Who wants to plan one?

Happy Running! What race(s) are you looking forward to in 2016?

January 29, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

It’s that time again. The last Friday of the month. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

You how they say don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Well, don’t go to Target after a long run when you are half frozen.

puffer jacket with hood

Well, at least it was on clearance and I had a cartwheel coupon.

2. I runfess…

Remember how I said I loved my FitBit because it made me walk more. I used to try to get to 10,000 steps everyday.

last week

Well, the newness has worn off and now I pretty much only get 10,000 steps when I do a long run (like on Sat.). I even forgot to put it on on Sunday but I didn’t move much anyway.

3. I runfess…

After all those holiday parties and Christmas cookies, I vowed to cut back and eat healthier (and save $) in January. Besides when I go to Florida in a week, there will be a lot of eating and drinking going on with friends (and I will be going all out.)

monthly tennis ladies night out

I went out to dinner this past week three nights in a row. My bad.

4. I runfess…

I work several Saturdays during the year proctoring law school entrance exams. Though I hate to work 6 days a week, I justify it by using this extra money for race entry fees.

Dates for 2015-16:

December 5, 2015 – EAU Palm Beach Half weekend
February 6, 2016 – Sarasota Music Half weekend
June 6, 2016.
September 24, 2016.
December 3, 2016

I just signed up for a fall half marathon.

Guess when? Yup. September 24, 2016. At least, I had a 10% coupon code.

5. I runfess…

I have gotten spoiled by either running a race or having a running partner for part of all my long runs. Thanks Judy!

This part Saturday was no exception. I ran 6 miles by myself then Judy came to run the final 6 with me. I usually run slower the second half of my runs so it works out fine. However, it was so cold and windy and we were running uphill that I couldn’t hold the slower pace. I wound up running the last 3 miles by myself. Sorry Judy!

I looked back at one point and couldn’t see Judy.

And for extra measure…

6. I runfess…
I can’t wait to leave the frigid Northeast and run in Florida. I am excited for my half marathon…

new Nike shoes & skirt & top from SkirtSports

or maybe it’s because I want to wear my latest running purchases? (Yes, Sunshine State, please warm up!)

Since it is also Friday, I am linking up with the three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC for their Friday Five linkup.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?