October 1, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 9.24.18-9.30.18 – Recovery Week

Post Race depression with a trip to Liverpool for work and another trip to NYC for a re-scheduled 5k.

Monday – I was surprised that my legs were not tired but my back was real achy. Took a slow run after arriving in Liverpool.

the sun was nice but boy was it windy

Tuesday – It rained all day but stopped by the time I was done with work. My lingering cold made me want to skip my run but again rain was predicted the next day too so I decided to seek out a new route. I entered Onondaga Lake State Park at a different entrance and ran from the opposite direction.

saw a red-tailed hawk and Christmas decorations but didn’t have enough energy to get my my planned 4 miles in (even with walking)

Wednesday – I decided on a rest day because it was raining but then it stopped so I decided to finish yesterday’s run and then drive home…in the rain (it started to rain again once I finished my short run.)

Thursday – Today was a rest day. Still hadn’t had time to unpack from trip to Montreal or my trip to Liverpool and then I had to re-pack for my short trip to NYC the following day…. Oy!
Friday – Rest day again since I had to hop the bus after work to get to NYC. I headed right to my hotel (I still had my bib from when the race was cancelled.)
Saturday – Race Day. Governors Island 5K –This time thunderstorms were not predicted and my hotel was close enough to walk to the ferry. It turned out to be a beautiful day to run and the race was so much fun. I got to spend a lot time in the island (in the sunshine) and even place FIRST in my age group.

might have had a 5K PR if I tried – tied my Gun time one with this Chip timed one – a big surprise!!!!

After the race, I headed back to Manhattan, checked out of my hotel and met Cari to stroll around the Village. We spent a few hours together and it was so nice to have the company.

met at Union Sq, walked around Washington Sq, visited Jefferson Market Library, AIDS Memorial and more…

Still had a few hours to kill before my bus home so I took in a movie (Crazy Rich Asians 🙂 )

Sunday – Still needed a long run for the weekend (another big race in 2 weeks!) so three of my running friends agreed to meet me.

Only had enough time for 7.. .it was nice catching up with Barbara & running part of the miles with Sherry. First time in capris – 40s at the start!! Is Fall here to stay?

Of course, It was also Boating Sunday. Sadly, since I am away the next two weekends, this was our LAST time on the lake. We went for a ride and then had lunch with friends.

By Bye Lake George. See you next May!

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day (probably skipping my Training Group run)
Tuesday – drive to Liverpool for work, 4 miles
Wednesday – 2 miles (in Liverpool), drive home
Thursday -rest day, hair appt
Friday – 3 miles, PACK
Saturday – 8 miles, drive to JFK and fly to Paris
Sunday – rest day, arrive in Paris, recover from jet lag

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

WWSki-Orange

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

September 28, 2018 by Darlene

RnR Montreal Runfessions

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest about my most recent race-cation in Montreal with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I signed up for the 5k only because if I ran both the 5k and the Half Marathon, I got THREE medals rather than ONE.

: 2:11:48

2. I runfess…

Even though I was planning to walk the 5k, I still carb loaded the night before the race…manicotti and an apple crepe. I ate more than before the half marathon.

This is Sunday’s dessert but Sat’s was similar

3. I runfess…

And after that 5k, I ate lunch as if I had just run an ultra -marathon….squash soup, bread and bagel & lox and salad.

This is Sunday’s soup too but you get the idea.

4. I runfess…

So as I said, I planned to walk that 5k. I didn’t wear even wear my Garmin but… I DID NOT walk the race. No surprise there.

I didn’t actually race the 5k. I ran it slowly non-stop taking in every bit of the scenery. Boy, is that the best way to race.

My pace was actually slower than for the half. (6:19 vs 6:16 – that’s kilometers).

5. I runfess…

During my half marathon, I planned to take a GU at one of the water stops but I ran past the water and there was only Gatorade. I hate Gatorade and I can’t take a GU without water. So I saw a guy holding two cups of waters. So I said “Are you going to drink both of those?” And he replied “No, take it.”

good but only with water!!!!

Yup, I drank someone else’s water. I didn’t even care if he drank out of the cup first. Don’t judge. LOL

And one more for good measure:

6. I runfess…

You know how I love getting age group awards. I mean it validates that “old ladies can still fun fast.” Well, I saw on the big screen that they were giving out awards to the older folks but decided that I was too tired to walk all the way to the stage to see if I got one.

And of course, I did place 2nd!

I hope the award wasn’t anything good.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

September 25, 2018 by Darlene

September Report Card

Bye September!

This month was a mixture of everything. Cool, rainy, hot, humid. The leaves have started to change and the days have gotten shorter. Fall has arrived.

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill. I traveled three out of five weeks.

I ran a few times while working in NYC and while on working in Rochester and Liverpool. Otherwise I ran locally. My weekday runs were usually around 3 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

: Peebles Is

: Colonie Town Pk

: Central Park, NYC

: Roosevelt Is

: Erie Canal

: Lake Ontario

: UAlbany

Long Runs:

I did my best to get my long runs in to prepare for my 32nd half marathon. It helped that I have great running friends.

Total Mileage:

I ran 88.5 miles so far this month. It was an improvement over last month. I am still behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I tentatively had several races on my schedule this month but I decided that my long runs were a priority. So I skipped some of my standards like the Malta 5k and the Teal Blue Ribbon 5k. I ran both the Rock n Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon. (Actually slogged the 5k) and surprisingly placed 2nd in my age group for the half. I also plan to run my re-scheduled Governors Island 5k in NYC this coming Saturday.

: RnR Montreal Half

Cross Training:

Due to my work schedule, I had cancelled my tennis club membership but I got asked to sub in my former contract so I did play tennis indoors twice.

I did not work out at the gym at all.

I did walk at lunch once or twice. Of course, I got a lot of steps in during my time in NYC.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend and hubby time.

The hubby and I took our boat out on the lake on the weekends that I was in town.

As you see in the photo above, I convinced/begged my hubby to go hiking with me. It was his first hike ever. I think that he enjoy the walk to the top of Pinnacle and the view of lake George but afterward, we continued on another trail that took us in the wrong direction. (He may never hike with me again LOL).

I went out to the movies and dinner with my tennis friends and spent the day at the Schroon River with my mah jongg friends.

: Mah Jongg with a view

: pre-movie tennis dinner

I also got to meet up with a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador, Elizabeth, while I was in NYC. We ran, talked, walked and had wine and dinner together. I can’t wait to do it again. I also got to chat with an ambassador (Kim) when I was working in Rochester.

: with Elizabeth

: with Kim

Although I went to Montreal to run a race, the best part of the weekend was the time spent with my running friends.

: Montreal

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My 20K is October 14 and Half Marathon #33 is November 24.

This is my tentative list so far for the next 2 months:

10-14-18 – Les 20km de Paris
10-28-18 – Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off (5M)
11-11-18 – Stockade-athon
11-17-18 – Girls on the Run 5K?
11-22-18 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
11-24-18 – Pelham Half Marathon

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her October Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a A-

Despite the work travel, I did my best to get in my weekday runs in. I actually completed all my weekend long runs. I did play tennis a few times but did not go to the gym at all. I ran my 32nd half marathon and a 5k race and even placed in the half.

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How did your September turn out? Anything exciting planned for October? What grade would you give your running month?

September 24, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 9.17.18-9.23.18: Race Time!!

An exciting week because I did not have to travel except for going to Montreal for my big race(s).

Monday – FOMO had me signing up for the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge. I cannot go every Monday (due to work) and will probably never go to the Saturday runs but I enjoy the drills when I do go and love my running pals. Last night was the first night and though it was humid and the run hilly. I loved it!!

Tuesday – I got scheduled to sub on my former tennis contract. I was hoping to also get in a short run in before (if the rain stopped.) Holy heat and humidity but I did get in a short one at the town park but I was as wet as if it rained (from sweat.)

Wednesday – Rest day due to my monthly tennis ladies meet up (of course, the weather was perfect for running.) This month we went to the movies followed by dinner. As usual, lots of laughs. Love these ladies!!

Thursday – Last run before my mini race-cation to Montreal and then rushed home to pack.

the uAlbany loop

Friday – Drive with 3 of my running buds to Montreal. No major problems besides the torrendous rain and getting lost LOL. We checked into the hotel, visited the expo and walked to Old City to have dinner. More rain so we ubered back to the hotel.
Saturday – I signed up for the 5k today and my roomie signed up for the 10k. Mine started at 8 am and hers at 8:30. But we walked to the start together. The weather was cool and absolutely perfect. I had planned to walk the 5k but instead I ran it slowly and took in the sights. The best way to run a race in a new city. I need to do this more often,

After I was done, we all got to cheer my roomie in. The rest of the day was spend having lunch, walking around town and then carb-loading in the evening with the whole group to get ready for big one.

Sunday – Race Day!! Another perfect weather day. We were all so excited to run this race. Unfortunately, the weather and friends were the only good things I could say about this race. But Half Marathon #32 is done. I actually won 2nd in my age group but was too tired to pick up my award.

Afterward, we had a delicious lunch in the Old City and then drove home. Another short race-cation has come to an end. And it was a fun one (even though the race experience was not what we hoped.)

This Coming Week –

Monday – drive to Liverpool for work, 3 recovery miles.
Tuesday – 3 miles, Liverpool
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, bus to NYC
Saturday – Governors Island 5k, bus home
Sunday – Boating Sunday

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

WWSki-Orange

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

September 21, 2018 by Darlene

Happy Birthday Skirt Sports

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Since this week, it happened to the Skirt Sports’ 14th birthday, this is my topic:

Five Reasons to Wear Skirt Sports

1.ALL women can wear them.

I mean it. They were designed for this reason. There is a skirt for all body shapes and all ages and all preferences.

2. They are practical.

Who doesn’t need pockets? I always carry ID, my phone, fuel, tissues etc. And if you wear a skirt, the pockets (or bulges) are hidden 🙂

spent the whole day walking around NYC in that my gym girl ultra skirt. Pockets full.

There are skirts for all temps. Cool It skirts for the summer, capris for the fall and spring, Wonder Wool and tights for the winter.

Lotta Breeze capris and Peek-a-Boo top

Go the Distance tights under my reflective skirt

Tough Girl skirt (built in tights)

3. They are not just for running.

You can wear them to work and to dress up. You can also wear them for hiking, biking, playing tennis, yoga, etc.

Lotta Breeze capris for hiking

Wonder Girl tank and Gym Girl Ultra skirt for tennis

Mod Quad skirt (and Wonder Girl tank) for a walk with my girl friends

Elizabeth is wearing her Take Five tank (under a blazer) and Wonder Wool skirt on an evening out

4. They sell not only skirts.

You can buy their dresses, jackets, capris, tights, shorts, caps and more!!

Wonder Girl dress

Wonder Wool jacket

5. They are cute and make us look good!!!

If you look good, you feel good. It’s just that simple.

Wonder Girl and Take Five tanks with Gym Girl Ultra skirts 🙂

Whenever I race, I always get compliments on my skirt.

Lioness skirt and Free Flow tank

It was hard limiting myself to FIVE reasons.

And Skirt Sport offers many sales. In fact there’s one that ends this weekend.

If you miss it, there will be another or you can use my code 128card for 15% off any item.

Happy Running! Do you wear Skirt Sports? If not, why not? If you do, what is your favorite item?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

September 18, 2018 by Darlene

Keeping Running Exciting

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Ways to Keep Running Exciting

Not that running is boring but we all need ways to just spice things up. Here are my tips:

Run on a New Route

Waterford/Cohoes and Peebles Island

We tend to run on those comfortable tried and true routes. You know the ones near our home or work. Though, it was a longer drive and the surface unknown, I enjoyed this run a lot.

Run a New Race

an exciting NEW 15K race

I have my favorite races. I know all the logistics and the course. Much more comforting but not as exciting as a new race.

Run with Friends

even if it is freezing

If you are a solo runner, you will definitely find running the miles with others to go so much more smoothly.

Reward Yourself with a New Post Run Food Treat

Leah’s Cakery

My running friends and I usually go to Baking You Crazy after our runs but it was fun to try a new locale.

Buy Something New to Wear

my newest Nikes

You know me, I don’t have a problem buying new running outfits or shoes. When I do, I usually can’t wait to try them out.

Listen to Something New While Running

Image result for run this world podcast

If you listen to music, create a new playlist. If you like podcasts, download a new one. One reason, I started listening to podcasts was because I got tired of my music and didn’t want to spend time downloading new tunes. On a podcast, each episode is different.

Train for a New Distance

Oct. 14, 2018

For many of you it may be a half marathon or even a marathon or an ultra. 20K is not my longest distance but it is a new distance for me. Automatic PR 🙂

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How do you keep your running exciting?

September 16, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 9.10.18-9.16.18: Travel and Tapering

Upstate driving (to Rochester, then to Liverpool) and getting in those post-work miles leading finally to a taper.

Monday – A long drive to Rochester and after setup, I was hoping to run along the Erie Canal. It was raining all day but it stopped when I was done. Lucky Me.

it was actually a little chilly – 60 degrees

I even got to meet up with a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador.

Tuesday – Day two in Rochester. Cloudy again and even was raining when I left work but I took a chance and drove up to Lake Ontario. And it was not raining there. I ran in the sand along the lake and on a trail and then drove to the lighthouse.

still chilly along the water but the humidity is returning

As I drove back to my hotel, it started raining. The weather Gods were on my side!

Wednesday – I left Rochester after work and drove to Liverpool. After I checked into my hotel, I headed out to Onondaga Lake State Park for a run. Another cloudy day but the sunset was my reward (and ice cream!)

Thursday – Before I headed home, I drove back at Onondaga Lake State Park. I was tired and coming down with a cold, but finally the sun came out so I dragged myself for a run/walk.

85 degrees – summer has returned

Friday – Rest Day and feeling sick 😦
Saturday – Our last long run before the big race next weekend. Feeling even worse than the day before but I knew that a run with friends would make me feel better. And it did. We chose the Corning Bike Path for our run and then went to our favorite place after for brunch.

It was supposed to be 10 miles but it was just too humid

Aftrwards, my hubby wanted me to go up to to the lake with him and I was tempted but I decided to stay home, do errands and stuff around the house and beat this cold.

Sunday – Again it was tempting to go to Saratoga and watch some friends in their race and then go on our boat but it was mah jongg weekend at my friend’s house on the Schroon River. So that’s where I went. And it actually was a fun time. We did some walking, a lot of eating and some playing of mah jongg.

This Coming Week – RACE WEEK!!

Monday – 3 miles (turkey trot challenge group)
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest day, dinner & movie with tennis friends
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day
Saturday – RnR Montreal 5k (walk)
Sunday – RnR Montreal Half Marathon

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

WWSki-Orange

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

September 14, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five: Loving/Not Loving

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic today is: Five Loving/Not Livings

Image result for loving

1.Cooler temps

There were a few days when I was actually chilly when running. I still wore a tank because I am stubborn like that but quickly added a jacket when I was done.

2. Running in different locations away from home.

I may not love my job but what I do enjoy about it is getting to see different places and running new routes away from home.

Roosevelt Island, NYC

along the beach of Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY

3. My 32nd Half Marathon is almost here.

My last half marathon was in the rain in May. It seems like forever ago. But finally next weekend I will be in Montreal. It’s my first Rock n Blogger event. And my first International Race.

I will be sharing the experience with 5 friends. Can’t wait!

Sherry and Christina behind her are two of my friends who are running it with me.

4.I am going to France!

I am beyond excited about this.

I haven’t been there since 2000 and as a former French teacher I used to go often. Of course, I wasn’t a runner then so now my trip will include a race.

Oct 14, 2018

5.Hiking

I was recently lamenting that the summer was almost over and I had not gone on a single hike.

But then I convinced a friend to go hiking with me.

Stewart Mountain in Chestertown, NY (overlooking Loon Lake)

And I begged my hubby to do the same.

Pinnacle Pt in Bolton Landing, NY (overlooking Lake George)

Image result for not loving

1. The days are getting shorter.

2.I have a cold!

Achoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.I have insomnia.

Just one of those weeks….no sleep!!!!!!!!

4.I have been skipping some of my favorite 5ks.

Having FOMO from all those IG and FB posts of the races that I usually run.

This race supports Ovarian cancer. My friend in the pic recently died form this disease.

5.I need a manicure!

No time!!! Maybe this weekend.

Happy Running! What are you Loving or Not Loving right now?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

September 11, 2018 by Darlene

How Do You Choose Your Races?

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: How Do You Choose Your Races

This topic came to mind because I may be deciding between two races on the same day, October 28:

Poland Spring Marathon Kick-off (5M) in Central Park

Image result for hAUNTED 5K rOOSEVELT iSLAND

Haunted 5K on Roosevelt Island

So how do I choose?

Distance

Run the shorter distance because it takes less time and less training? B

Run the longer distance because it is more of a challenge? A

Course

Run the flatter course so you have a better chance of a PR? B

Run the more scenic course? A and B

Run the more challenging course (the one with hills)? A

Logistics

Run the race that is easier to get to? A

Run the race that has day of race bib pick up? B

Size

Run the smaller race and have a better chance of an age group award? B

Run the more popular, exciting and larger race? A

Cost

Save $$ and run the cheaper race? A

Friends

Run the race where you may know another runner or two? A

Bling
Charity

Decisions…decisions.

I may not run either. It depends if I have enough points for a free hotel room the night before. I am going to see a Broadway show with 11 friends that same day so I figured why not run a race first……

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! How do you choose which race to run if there are more than one on the same day? If you were me, which one would you choose?

September 9, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 9.3.18-9.9.18 – Holiday Week and Back to You Know Where

A short work week. Yay! And my last trip to NYC until November. This time, I did run there.

Monday -Love me a holiday so I can run in the morning on a weekday!! I thought about a race but the Sefcu 5k started at 9 am which was too late so I opted to run with some newbie runners. They were training for their first half and did 1/4 mi intervals. Not the best scenario but nice not to run alone.

love running at Peebles

My hubby was nice enough to wait until I got back to head up to the lake. It was too hot to stay home. It was a quiet day since most of our friends had headed home.

views from our marina and Log Bay Island

Tuesday – The indoor tennis season has started. Although I decided not to join the tennis club, I got asked to sub and I happily accepted. Of course, I had to sneak in a short run nearby. The heat and humidity were back. I tried to find as much shade as possible. First I had to move off the path for the boys cross country meet and then later for the girls. Then I ran (slogged) out of time.

on the Colonie Town Park Bike Path

Wednesday – Back on the train to NYC. I debated where to run to avoid the heat. I decided to take the subway to Roosevelt Island and run around the whole island. It turned out to be a good choice. The route was shady for the most part and there was a slight breeze from the water.

The only negative besides the heat was that I was the only runner on the path. After my run, I took the tram back to Manhattan and then walked all the way back to my hotel.10 miles on the feet for the day!!

Thursday – After a long hot day of training, I hopped the subway to run in Central Park because I had planned to meet fellow Skirt Sports ambassador Elizabeth. I hadn’t seen her since the spring and we have never run together. As soon as we met, a big storm arrived. Luckily we were near a shopping mall to take cover and chat until the rain stopped. We did get in our run and it was great. The opposite of the day before…so many runners and running groups in the park.

After our run,we continued our conversation over dinner and drinks and then I walked back to my hotel. 10 miles covered again today

Friday – Rest Day. I had to catch the train home so no time to run. (Darn. Finally some cooler temps.)
Saturday – Last long run. 12 Miles with some of the Sole Sisters. And the weather was perfect. We chose to meet at Nisky Bike Path and pair up since everyone had different distances to cover. I ran a fast 3 miles with Judy and then the remaining 9 miles with Sherry and Chris. There were some hills thrown in that didn’t thrill me but we got it done and celebrated with brunch afterwards.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. The temps felt more like fall than summer. So I talked (begged) my hubby into going for a hike first. He enjoyed the view from Pinnacle Point but did get annoyed when I got us lost on the second trail.