March 6, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorites

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary 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!

This week, the theme is Friday Favorites:

1. Favorite Race:

West Palm Half Marathon. The year is still young but so far this is my favorite…great views…flat course..perfect running weather and I got a PR and Age Group award.

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2. Favorite Running Apparel

Champion Jacket – I bought it at Target. It is light weight but warm enough with layers…zippered pockets…cheap. I have it in 3 colors.

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Polar Cap 2014

3. Favorite Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rider 18s – I got them last fall to review. I loved them so much that I bought them in another color. They are supportive but light with a wide toe box.

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4. Favorite Food

Granola with yogurt. I eat it everyday for lunch. Preferably granola with flax seed and/or chia and Greek yogurt.

5. Favorite place to run

UAlbany campus – lately this is the only place that is clear. We’ve had a tough winter with lots of ice and snow. There is a road that goes around the perimeter of the campus that is 3 miles and it is easily to add on a mile with a variety of additional loops. It is also well-lit at night.

Happy Running! What are some of your favorites?

February 27, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What I Like About Running in the Winter

This week, the theme is FREE so I chose: 5 Things I Like About Running in the Winter

All I have been doing on this blog is complaining about how cold it is and how I hate it!

So I decided to point out what I like about winter running:

1. It doesn’t rain.

not a fan

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. I don’t sweat.

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

And I can sneak out at work and go for a run and not be sweaty for the rest of the day.

lunch break run

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 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.

Polar Cap 2015

But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

Happy Running! What do you like about running in the winter?

February 20, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Races to Run in 2015

This week, the theme is Races to Run in 2015.

I run so many races (33 last year) that I am listing 5 NEW races that I am looking forward to running in the first 6 months of 2015:

West Palm Beach Half Marathon – Ocean Views and in Florida in the winter .YAY! and visiting 4 friends too!

January 17, 2015

This one would have been #1 but I already did it!!

1. Shamrock 5K – I would have liked to run a longer race like I did last year but this one fit. I am so excited to be running this race with my friend Mary in CA and also get to watch some of the qualifying matches at the BNP Paribas Open Tennis Championships (and maybe see some of the stars practicing.)

shamrock5k

2. Shamrock Shuffle – This is a new one. I love new races and it is 5 miles.

3. I didn’t get into the NYC Half Marathon so I instead registered for the Asbury Park Half Marathon to keep me running through the winter. I have a friend that lives an hour from this race and it’s supposed to be the “Best Half in New Jersey – One of Best in the Country.” The best part, I will be running along the ocean!!!!!

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4. Mastodon Challenge– It is hilly so it will be a challenge and it is on my birthday. How could I not race on my birthday?

May 9, 2015

5. I also did not get into the Covered Bridges Half Marathon on June 7 (sold out in 24 min.) so instead I registered for the first annual Walkway Half Marathon. It’s in Poughkeepsie which is about 1.5 hours away. The course will include the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson as well as Marist College and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. (It is hilly – the only negative.)

HALF MARATHON – June 13, 2015

Happy Running! What are some of your favorite 2015 races? Are you running any new ones?

February 13, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Love

This week’s theme is:

1. My hubby – he 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.

lh5k

2. My Cats

I used to have 5 but now I have four. They are each so very different. I never had a pet growing up but now I couldn’t imagine life with a cat to cuddle with.

Jerry – my fav – laid back and lovable

Honey & Billy – Honey is sweet & friendly, Billy is aloof & love Slater- they are from the same litter

Slater – my hubby’s fav – he goes out the door but comes in through the window on the 2nd floor.

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.

my friends from my junior year of college in France

my friend from my teaching job

my mah jongg friends

we always take a picture outside this restaurant each year

my tennis friends

my boating friends

me, Linda, Don, Sue, Joyce & Nancy 20 years later

my friends from high school

my work buddy who motivates me to walk every day

I met Judy through FB

I met Andrea through blogging

I met Elisa through FB

I met Jen & Felice through FB & blogging

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. Yes, I love running!.

2014

2012

2010

2008

Happy Running! What do you love?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Don’t forget to enter my Runner’s Choice giveaway HERE.)

February 6, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fitness Snapshots

This week, the theme is: Fitness Snapshots

1. Tennis – 1 1/2 hours of doubles this week (inside)

2. Walking – 9 1/2 laps of the building – it is still too cold to go outside.

still indoors

3. Treadmill – still too cold & icy sometimes to run outside. I ran on the treadmill TWICE this week.

this podcast is getting me through the runs

4. Yoga – I didn’t actually go to a yoga class but I am doing a few poses each day.

5. Running – yes, I did run outside in the cold too. Brrr!

Happy Running! How did you keep active this week?

January 16, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What’s in my gym bag?!

This week, the theme is: What’s in my gym bag?!

I am the bag lady. I always bring a gym bag to work – for tennis, running, yoga or sometimes 2 or 3 bags.

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These are the things that are always in my bag:

1. Food – Most of the time I run, play tennis or work out after work but before dinner. So I am hungry. I always carry a variety of bars with me.

2. Water – I always carry an empty bottle to fill with just plain water.

3. Hat – My hair is unruly and bugs me if I don’t wear a hat. If it is cold, I carry a cap and if it is not, a baseball cap.

4. Clothes – Shoes, shirt, socks, gloves, pants or skirt, jacket and many layers this time of year for running outside. Sometimes it is tough squeezing it all in.

5. Phone – I use my iPhone to stay in touch in case of an emergency, for music, to track my distance (when not racing) and to take photos.

Happy Running! What’s in your gym bag?

January 2, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Blogging or Fitness Resolutions/Goals

This week, the theme is Blogging or Fitness Resolutions/Goals.

I will post in a few days all my 2015 goals but here are FIVE:

1. Walk Everyday

I used to be really good about this. A co-worker and I walked everyday at 11 am. Then it got cold. It’s not as much fun to walk indoors. Then it got busy at work. My co-worker still walked but I slacked off.

2. Exercise

I am good at getting out to run at least 3 times each week and playing tennis once a week. But that’s it. I have weights and a free gym where I can use the machines. I also can do yoga at home. There are so many video programs. My upper body needs help!

3. Eat Fewer Sweets

It’s no secret that I have a sweet tooth and prefer desserts to a meal.

I need to get more of this when I am hungry:

and less of these:

christmas cookie exchange at work

4. Do Speed Drills or Hill Repeats

When I was part of a running group, I had no choice but to do the drills. I plan to join again in March but on my own. They don’t happen.

5. Be more positive and confident.

In work, life and running, I do not always believe in myself. In 2015,I will try to be more optimistic. I will accept my flaws but not dwell on them. In other words, a happier 2015. Of course, let the PRs keep coming!!

Runners World 5K

Happy Running! What are some of your resolutions?

December 12, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Winter Activities

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)

Polar Cap - February

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

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

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sock1

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

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

I think this one is her best – I read it in one day!

loved this one – can’t wait to see the movie!

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

December 5, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five – Favorites

This week, the theme is Friday Favorites:

Here are my five of my running-related favorites – the cold weather version: (the last time I did this theme was in July)

1. Favorite Race(s) –

Stockade-athon – this a is a very popular local 15k race. I liked it a lot but now that it changed its course, I like it even more. The course is varied… running through a park, cemetery, bike path, historic parts of town. It is challenging but you don’t have to train as much as for a half marathon.

Troy Turkey Trot 10K – this is also a very popular local race. I’ve only run it once but it is already one of my favorites. I liked participating in a training group for the race. It is well-organized with a lot of support from the town.

10K - 57:03 - PR

2. Favorite Apparel –

Compression Socks – Still. I wear them to insure that my legs don’t get tired but now that it’s colder, I have worn them with skirts on shorter runs to keep warm and with capris so I can hold off wearing tights as long as possible.

Stockadeathon - November

Hats – in the warmer months, I wear baseball caps to keep my unruly hair off my neck and the sun off my face. Now I wear them to keep warm. And I have already had to switch to beanie hats.

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3. Favorite Shoes – it’s no secret that I am fickle when it comes to shoe brands. I have worn them all. Currently my New Balance are second to my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s. It helps that I have recently run several PRs in them.

4. Favorite Fuel –

Gu – still my favorite for before and during – peanut butter, salted caramel or root beer. It doesn’t mess with my stomach so why change.

Chocolate Milk – for after. I bring some with me to have after a long run or a race.

5. Favorite Place(s) to Run –

Nisky Bike Path is my new favorite place to run on the weekend. It is scenic with river views, flat and you usually see many walkers, bikers and runners on it.

Washington Park is my go to place after work. It has hills and scenic views of the lake. I love the gardens in the spring and the Christmas Lights right now.

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Happy Running! What are some of your favorites?

November 28, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Gratitude

This week’s theme is: Gratitude

I am thankful for…

lh5k

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 2014!!

first race after breaking my foot (July 2013)

This was taken in the courtyard below our room (on the 3rd fl).

first run after foot stress fracture (Dec 2012)

first race after ankle surgery (June 2012)

first race after strained achilles (walked half of it) – Sept. 2011

my friends from my junior year of college in France

my friend from my teaching job

my mah jongg friends

my tennis friends

my boating friends

my friends from high school

my work buddy who motivates me to walk every day

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.

I met Judy through FB

I met Andrea through blogging

I met Elisa through FB

I met Jen & Felice through FB & blogging

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.

2014

2012

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