February 26, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Enjoying a Race-cation

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!

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.

10422515_10152728634751618_2533787278118590781_n

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?

January 22, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Why 13.1?

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?

My First 5K and More…

An "Older" Runner's Blog

Friday Five

Friday Five: Enjoying a Race-cation

Friday Five: Race-cation Tips

Friday Five: Favorite Races for Food

Friday Five: Races for 2016

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

Friday Five: Why 13.1?

Friday Five: Things I Won’t Run Without

Friday Five: Healthy Eating

Friday Five & HMRRC Winter Series #2 Race Recap

Friday Five: Christmas Gifts

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