January 22, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Why 13.1?

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!

start

My “free” topic for this Friday is Why Run Half Marathons.

It motivates you to get out the door to run several times each week and makes you increase your miles.

Before I started running half marathons, I skipped runs and sometimes I only ran for a mile or 2. Even without running much, I was able to complete a 5K race. Once I got committed to running 13.1, I ran more consistently and I followed a plan to increase my miles on the weekend gradually to 12 miles.

2. It gives you an excuse to plan a vacation around a race.

I most likely am not going to spent the money to fly somewhere to run a 5k but for a half marathon, yes, I would!! About half of my halfs have been part of vacations or “race-cations” as you can call them. I can travel, visit friends and run a race, all in the same trip. Wherever you want to go, you can find a half marathon there.

running with a good friend’s sister in CA

3. It is hard and it gives you tremendous satisfaction when you finish.

It should get easier but it doesn’t for me. Still after having completed 16 half marathons, I can”t believe that I’ve done it. Run 13.1 Miles!!! I feel like a rockstar every single time.

my first and I thought then it would be my only one

4. You get a medal.

Yes, most half marathons give you a medal. Why not? You deserve it! Who doesn’t love getting bling!!

Walkway Half Marathon

5. You don’t have to be fast.

For me, finishing a half marathon is winning. Everyone runs at their own pace. There will be runner faster and runners slower. Runners younger and runners older. Anyone who wants to complete a half marathon, I think can.

My slowest – I was recovering from a strained Achilles so I walked the last 6 miles.

And in 2 weeks, I will be running another half marathon. And I’m excited!!

Happy Running! What do you like about Half Marathons?

January 15, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Things I Won’t Run Without

My “favorite” topic for this Friday is My Favorite Running Items (things that I couldn’t run without.)

a Skirt

I never run in shorts and when it is too cold for a skirt, I wear one over capris or tights.

2. A race belt

I always carry my phone when I run and my belt holds it. I can also attach my bib to it so I don’t need safety pins.

Albany Last Run - December

bazu-7532702

3. GU

This is my race fuel of choice. I doesn’t bother my stomach so why switch. I don’t like their fruity flavors. I am partial to Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Rootbeer, etc.

Anyone try this one!?

4. Comfortable running shoes (with a wide toe box)

I tried them all and my favorite brand changes. It was Brooks Adrenaline at one point and then I loved Mizuno Wave Rider 18s. Now I’m wearing Nikes (AIR ZOOM VOMERO 10).

Run for the Roc - September

running on Nisky bike path

5. Garmin GPS Watch

I have the 205 – the old big one and I still love it – it shows everything I want on ONE screen. No hitting any buttons. I’ll be sad when it dies.

Hangover_Half-156-XL_edited

Happy Running! What are your favorite running items?

January 8, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Healthy Eating

My “food & drink” topic for this Friday is Five Healthy Items I have Everyday

I’m the first to admit that I don’t eat healthy. If there is a sweet around, I will eat it.

But here’s what I eat/drink everyday:

Oatmeal

I would prefer waffles, pancakes or French toast with syrup, butter and bacon!! But I do eat oatmeal everyday for breakfast. I add raisins, cinnamon and sometimes fruit or nuts.

2. Herbal Tea

I drink it in the morning and sometimes in the evening. I gave up caffeine so this was my alternative. (I am dying for a cup of coffee as I write this.) I buy leaves in many flavors and I also have tea bags (which don’t taste as good.) But yes, I still crave a vanilla latte. (I get decaf ones in Starbucks for a treat.)

3. Greek Yogurt

I have it for lunch. I usually add granola. Would I rather have pizza? YES!!

4. Water

I keep it at my desk. Do I drink as much as I should? Not at all. The only time I really get thirsty is when I’m on the treadmill. But I haven’t had soda in years and I don’t miss it at all.

5. Apple

Sometimes, I eat one for a snack at work but mostly I eat one in the evening. It’s my snack. I don’t keep cookies or chips in the house so this is what I grab when I am hungry.

Of course, there are other things that sneak into my diet that aren’t so healthy.

Happy Running! What healthy things do you eat on a daily basis?

January 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five & HMRRC Winter Series #2 Race Recap

My “fitness” topic for this Friday is Five Reasons I decided to start the year off with a race

I ate too many holiday treats. Didn’t you?
My New Year’s Eve was not that exciting. No partying this year. Barely stayed awake til midnight.
The race was free. It is for all HMRRC members.
I needed to get in a weekday run anyway.
I haven’t run a 3.5 mile race since 2010. This race could potentially be a PR?

That being said, I did race today… and here’s my recap:

January 1, 2016

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

Last year, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

This year, I wasn’t that crazy.

I decided to run only 3.5 miles.

For New Year’s Eve, my hubby and I had a quiet evening – just dinner out and a movie. We usually go Lake George on New Year’s Day and to a party but my hubby didn’t want to and I was fine with it (cuz I secretly wanted to do this race.)

We had been enjoying unseasonably warm winter weather. Well, that ended. But it still wasn’t that cold today. (I just wore a shirt, vest and NO jacket.)

I arrived at UAlbany early and was surprised at how many people were running on New Year’s Day. It helped that the race didn’t start until noon so even if you did party for New Year’s Eve, you could still race this one.

There were over 300 running the half marathon and a little less running the 3.5 miler.

I bumped into many runners that I knew from racing and my running friends, Judy & Barbara.

We hung out inside and chatted until the race began.

Judy went out to warm up and Barbara & I started the race together.

We wound up chatting with another runner that was doing her first half marathon. Not paying any attention, we started way in the back (and the race was not chip timed.)

at the beginning

I weaved in and out to get past the slower runners. I left Barbara behind (but not for long.)

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout.

I did pass Judy (who started in front) but she wasn’t paying attention to me when I waved at her.

I kept up a decent pace for the first 2 miles.

Barbara quickly passed me and got farther and farther ahead as the race progressed. But I did try to keep her in my sight.

There were no mile markers but I could hear my Garmin beep. I really didn’t pay attention to my pace or time.

By mile 3, I was losing steam. So I started to walk in order to maintain some kind of decent pace. I walked several times including up the last hill.

near the end

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that I only barely beat 35 minutes. (My PR was 33:08 on a flat course in May 2010.)

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:10
mile 2: 9:05
mile 3: 9:25
.75 – 9:42

Yes, the course was long!! 3.75 not 3.5 miles. My time according to my Garmin was 34:44.

I waited at the finish line for Judy.

I think she had a PR!! As you can see, they hand you a piece of paper and you write down your time.

Then we went inside where I found Barbara.

For a free race, they have great refreshments – vegetable soup, pizza, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above.

ws2

I waited around for awhile with some other runners. They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2. I think I was 6th.

Since I was dressed to run and not tired, I decided to do my usual campus loop.

Well, I usually run it in the dark. It is so different during the day.

never noticed this path & stripe

I found a new path – the Indian Lake trail (It’s not lit up at night.)

Then I continued on my normal path but it had started to snow.

I enjoyed running with the flakes falling on my head and finished up 3.5 more miles.

7 miles complete and off to do some grocery shopping before my weekly mah jongg game.

So a race and a run – what a perfect way to start off 2016!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, RUNNERS!!

Happy Running! Did you race today? If not, when is your first race of 2016?

December 25, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Christmas Gifts

This week, the theme is FREE so I am choosing – My FAVORITE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

I got this card in the mail 5 years ago from a blogger and I am re-posting:

This about sums it up for me. What about you?

2. I got these SkirtSports pants and capris (and I’ve already worn them)

both are from SkirtSports

3. I got a hanger for my race medals (and as with most of my gifts, I ordered them myself so of course, I love them.)

It looked like this on the website. I’ll post a pic when I actually put mine up.

4. Movie Tickets. I love going to the movies especially when I am on break.

this one is on my “to see” list – already saw Suffragette, Star Wars & Brooklyn

5. Time off from work.

This is the best gift – 11 days off – Woo Hoo! – Running at any time of day!!!!

70 degrees on my first day off – the warm temps won’t last

Last year, we ran together during my break. I work and Judy does not so it makes it hard to schedule runs together

Happy Running! What was your favorite gift this year?

December 11, 2015 by Darlene

Five Five: Holiday Wish List

This week’s theme is Holiday Wish List

Here are the top FIVE on my list:

a GPS Watch

I have a Garmin 205 which I love but it is 5 years old. (Someone at my last race commented: “I’ve never seen one that big!!”)

2. a Medal Rack

I have a DIY one. I hang my bibs, awards and medals. I have so many age group awards that I have most of them in a basket. I’d like to hang my half marathon medals separately. (Update: my DIY hanger broke 😦 )

3. Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rider 19s – aren’t they pretty?

You can never have too many pairs. I am hard on my shoes and my Hokas are almost worn out. I do have quite a few pairs of Mizunos but not in this pretty color.

4. Winter Gloves

I buy ones at the dollar store in case I lose them. These would be warmer and they also have touch-screen finger pads.

5. a Destination Race

Big Sur next November?

Yes, I do destination races with frequent flyer miles and staying with friends.

But a scenic race in California and staying in a nice hotel…. Woot Woot!

Happy Running! What tops your holiday wish list?

December 4, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Dream Vacations

This week, the theme is Five Dream Vacations:

Of course, all these vacations should include a race!!

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!

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What is your dream vacation?

November 27, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Gratitude

This week’s theme is GRATITUDE

This year (as in other years) I am thankful for…

MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY (my hubby & my kitties)

My hubby allows me the freedom to be me. That means patiently waiting for me to run or race before we go boating during the summer months and scheduling our activities around my running. I am grateful that he is there to support me.

My 4 cats give me unconditional love with their lap cuddles and purrs.

Jerry, the oldest (18 years old in March/April)

Honey & Billy, the youngest (10 years old)

Slater (about 12 or 13 years old)

2. MY HEALTH

Of course that means being healthy enough to do the activities I enjoy — RUNNING, tennis, walking/hiking, occasional yoga class. I don’t take it for granted. I have been NOT able to do it too many times. I am so grateful to be healthy all of 2015!!

3. MY FRIENDS

I am still in contact with a few friends from high school and college. It is great to connect with them and reminisce (about the good old days.) I have also made a bunch of GREAT friends as an older adult from the activities that I do…tennis friends, boating friends, quilting friends, mah jongg friends, running friends, etc. And I also have several from work (all 3 of my careers.) All of these people are precious to me and I am grateful to have them in my life.

4. SOCIAL NETWORKING – (Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, etc.)

The people I connect with are my virtual friends. I have met new people and can connect with ones that live too far away to see. I have learned a lot from Facebook and from my fellow Bloggers. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to meet them in the flesh. So I guess I am grateful for the Internet and those smart folks who have invented software that can connect people.

post race

5. RUNNING

Running has changed me. I discovered it late in life (at age 55). It has made me more confident, independent and I feel healthier and younger than ever. I am most grateful to this sport and what it has given me.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What are you most thankful for?

November 20, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

This week’s theme is Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

Starbucks Lattes

I prefer decaf and the holiday ones like Chestnut Praline, Eggnog, Peppermint Mocha. I know they cost a lot but I’m worth it (besides the more I buy, the more stars I get…)

Of course, they also have a lot of calories but I can ask for no whip, sugar-free syrup, soy or coconut milk, etc.

Do calories count if you run more than 10 miles??

2. Hot Cocoas

I don’t drink them a lot but they do taste good after a cold weather race. I like to add coffee to make them more mocha tasting.

3. Herbal Teas

I have recently become a big tea drinker. I love chai and flavored herbal teas….especially in the evening in front of the fire.

I do make it sometimes with tea bags but I prefer tea made from leaves.

4. Mulled Cider

This drink makes it seem like the holidays. So yummy!

5. Eggnog

I just love eggnog! I could drink it by the quart. But I try to drink it sparingly. There are low cal ones but they’re just not the same.

any recommendations?

Happy Running! What’s your favorite cold weather drink?

November 13, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Ways to stay healthy during the holidays

This week’s theme is WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

1. Bring healthy snacks to work. If you are hungry, you will be tempted to eat something unhealthy. This is what I always have in my lunch bag everyday.

2. Walk whenever you can. That means taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Eat a quick lunch and go for a walk. Take a walk after dinner.

3. Sign up for a race. If you do, you will be motivated to get out and run. Running burns calories, right?

4. Do some kind of cross-training activity that you enjoy– work out, do yoga, pilates, zumba, play tennis or whatever you can to stay active.

5.Get on the scale. I rarely get on the scale but I try to weigh myself more frequently during the holidays. Nothing like several lbs gained to make me lose my appetite.