February 13, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: What I Love Most About Running

Since today is Tuesday, 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 appropriately is What I Love Most About Running.

Image result for love running

I could go on and on but I will limit it… (they are not in order of importance… they are actually listed in reverse order.)

Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

: Sarasota, FL

: Palm Springs, CA

: Burlington, VT

Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

: Winter Series 10k

: 2016

: France Run 8K

Running Friends

They are the best….

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4/30 – 10k

Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

Blogging

If I didn’t run, I probably wouldn’t blog and I would have missed out on meeting some fabulous ladies.

: 2017

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else. You can.

How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, confident, empowered, young(er)…

RD-IloveRun-500x500

Happy Running! What do you LOVE the most about running.

February 12, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.5.18-2.11.18 – Decision Time

Do I continue training for a March 17 Half Marathon (check out my Ultimate Coffee Date post for an update on my situation) in case I find a substitute one in Florida on the same date or do I just run whatever until spring (when I will start training for my May 19 Half Marathon)?

Last week –

Monday – Snow returned. Wind and cold temps, as well. We can’t catch a break this winter. Not knowing what the busy week would bring, I forced myself to run in town (and I froze!)

Afterward I met a former coworker at the gym. You heard that right. I went to the gym.

Tuesday – Off to Buffalo for work. I arrived early in hopes that I could find somewhere to run especially with a snowstorm on the way. It was cold and windy but I got it done.

I squeezed in 3 miles but the most interesting part of the run was when a lady stopped me whom I thought wanted money but she really just wanted to know how to start running. I told her about the couch to 5k app and she was so grateful.

Wednesday – A long day at work. Too dark, too cold, and too much snow to run on the streets. I could not bear to run on the hotel treadmill so nada for today.

Thursday – Another day similar to the day before. But I decided to take on the cold, wind and snowy-covered pavement.

3.5 miles and I didn’t fall. At least there was no ice. Accidentally found the Shark Girl statue that I had heard about.

Friday -I was planning on a rest day because of the long drive but another snowstorm kept me in Buffalo for an extra night. Out of boredom I took to the treadmill before dinner.

3 boring slow miles

Saturday – Almost 30 degrees!!! Of course not even the snowy sidewalks could not stop me from running before checking out of my hotel and driving 5 hours home.

so no long run today but throughly enjoyed my run even if the pace was 15 mm.

Sunday – My original plan called for Hot Yoga. But since I didn’t get home Friday as expected, there was too much to do. Instead, a rest day to catch up before I take off for 5 days of work in Queens. (It rained all day so I wasn’t even tempted to pound the pavement.) But at least I went out with the hubby for an early Valentine’s Day dinner.

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC for work, 4 miles??
Tuesday – work in Queens, 3 miles?
Wednesday – work in Queens, 3 miles?
Thursday – work in Queens, rest day, evening webinar
Friday – rest day, train home from NYC
Saturday – 10 mile run?
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #5 (4.5 m)

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? Please share.

February 9, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Getting Older Rocks

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 for today is: Ways Getting Older is a Good Thing

Just recently I realized that today I can sign up for Medicare…

Yikes. That means that I am OLD!

As they say: The Alternative is Worse.

So I’m going to embrace the Old Age thing (and try to ignore the gray hair, wrinkles, sagging skin, memory lapses, etc.)

And here’s why:

1. Discounts

My movie tickets are cheaper and so are my plane/train/bus tickets.

Even some races have senior discounts.

For example, NYRR has a senior membership that give you discounts to many of their races.

2. Age Group Awards

As I may be mentioned many times before, the pool gets smaller for the older age groups so your chances of winning are greater. I have even been the only one in my age group.

still counts, right?

3. Qualifying For Big Races

Let’s face it, the qualifying times go down as we age because they assume that we get slower as we age. How fast our speed declines depends on a lot of variables but probably most importantly – how long we’ve been running and if we have any chronic injuries.

for the NYC Half Marathon (what a difference!)

4. Role Models for Younger Runners

One of the most satisfying things about running is inspiring others. I did not have any role models in this area growing up. My parents did not participate in any physical fitness activities. If they did, maybe I would have turned to running earlier than in my 50s.

We run together all the time. I met her mother at this race (who is older than me)..

5. Fewer Expectations, Accomplishments are More Meaningful and Better Self Care

I know that’s three not one.

In other words, we are easier on ourselves. At my age, I really mean: Finishing = Winning. I don’t expect a PR. I run for FUN!!

half marathon PR at age 64. Whoa!!!

And when I do do better than expected, I am more than thrilled. I don’t take good runs or races for granted.

I try to eat healthier, pay more attention to any aches and pains. I get my needed tests and preventive vaccines.

just embracing life (as a senior citizen)

Here are some articles/posts about running and getting older:

Happy Running! How about you… how do you feel about getting older?

February 6, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: Favorite Fuel of Choice

Since today is Tuesday, 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 Fuel of Choice

Here is what I eat before and during a race or long run:

Hot Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

I eat this for breakfast before every race (or morning run). Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff. My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon. I usually add raisins.

H20

Just plain water…nothing added. And usually from the tap.

However, I plan to try adding Nuun to my water.

what is your favorite flavor?

I usually take one gel every 4 miles or so during a race or long run.

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage, Campfire Smores
without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

Here are some of the new flavors:

: haven’t tried

: love this one

: not a fan

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry. Since I usually run after work and before dinner, these bars give me the energy I need to get through my run.

Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

I will eat one as an afternoon snack on days when I run after work.

Chocolate milk

Not fuel but refuel.

at my race last Saturday. I was sure happy.

For some reason, after a race or a long run, this is the only thing I can eat/drink right away. It doesn’t upset my stomach.

Happy Running! What are your favorite fuel?

February 5, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.29.18-2.4.18: Let the training begin

When I first started running half marathons, I used to start “training” 12 weeks before the race. My next one is my 30th half marathon and it is in 6 weeks (I think – check out my Ultimate Coffee Date post for an update on my situation) so I guess I need to start increasing my long run distance. (That is what I now call “training.”)

Last week –

Monday – Another day in the high 30s with no snow or rain. I decided to check out my favorite path to see if the ice had melted and I was very excited that it had. I even had enough time before it got dark to squeeze in a run.

love the extra hour of daylight

Tuesday – Since I was not travelling, I was able to play in my tennis group. As in previous weeks, I took advantage of the fact that there is a treadmill there and ~~ran~~ struggled through a few miles on it.

only 2 miles but I did sweat…why do they keep these rooms so hot?

Wednesday – We can’t get a break with the weather … cold and windy again but I did get in a run before meeting my BFF for a walk around the mall.

campus + pond loop

Thursday – Finally a deserved rest day. Instead did some errands after work and then went out to dinner with a friend.
Friday – Rest day #2 and mah jongg at my house.
Saturday – Today my third race of 2018 (and my first serious one), the Polar Cap Run, a 4-miler. And a cold one it was. Though it was not a fast one for me, I still managed to snag 2nd in my age group. (Recap will be coming soon…)

Afterward I ran 4 more miles (2 while waiting for AJH to finish and 2 around town).

Sunday – Another rest day and my first visit to Hot Yoga. I have been meaning to start back at yoga and with these cold temps, hot yoga seemed perfect.

Afterward, we went out to lunch to celebrate my stepson’s engagement!!

an April wedding is planned 🙂

I’m not a big football fan but wasn’t that a great game?

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – drive to Buffalo, rest day
Wednesday – 3-4 miles?
Thursday – 3-4 miles?
Friday – rest day, drive home
Saturday – 9 mile run
Sunday – rest day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are dealing with winter? Please share.

February 4, 2018 by Darlene

I’m Baaack

Yes, for the fourth year, I have been selected as a Skirt Sport Ambassador.

Let me tell you why I choose to represent this company:

Their clothes are made for women of ALL sizes from XS to XXL and they fit ALL women.
They offer a variety of active wear items in addition to skirts – capris, tights, dresses, jackets, and more.
Let’s face it, we all want to look good and their clothes, in addition to being comfortable, make us look good.

4. Their clothes are practical...Can we say “Pockets?” I mean lots of pockets!!

5. They sponsor challenges, programs, podcasts and retreats that promote healthy living and fitness for women of ALL ages.

that’s me 2nd from left

awesome weekly podcast

6. They empower women to follow their dreams. I mean, what is more empowering that a company founded by a woman (Nicole DeBoom) and managed by another women (Noelle Wilson.)

Noelle & Nicole at a retreat – photo by Jenn Allen

7. The community of women who wear Skirt Sports is the most inspiring and supportive group of women I have met. Although most I have only met virtually, I feel a strong bond with all of them.

I met Elenora at a local race because I was wearing a Skirt Sports skirt.

You read more about Skirt Sports on these other blog posts:

So if you are still not convinced, you should order one to try Skirt Sports out for yourself. Use my code 128Card for 15% off.

Happy Running! Do you wear Skirt Sports? If so, what is your favorite product?

February 3, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Confessions of a Mother Runner

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am bummed. One of my favorite local races has been discontinued. The one that you run 10 miles along Lake George and end up next to the marina where we keep our boat.

my first Adirondack Distance Run (that’s my hubby who is always at the finish line of this race)

My last Adirondack Distance Run

Ever have a race that you love cancelled?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that they replaced the above race with a 15K that begins at a college, goes on the bike path instead of along the lake and ends up at the Battle Field.

My friend Sue is one of the race directors so yes, I signed up (reluctantly).

I hope I don’t regret my decision.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was very hesitant about signing up to run the Brooklyn Half Marathon for many reasons (date, location, work schedule, hubby’s b-day, boating, etc.)

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

I was tempted to just run a new local race (Jog for Jugs Half Marathon).

But Carpe Diem hit me and at noon on January 31st, I clicked “Register” (secretly hoping that I wouldn’t get in.)

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

Of course I GOT IN!!! And so did my friend Sue who will be sharing a hotel room with me.

together again!

Anyone else running this race? I’d love to meet up.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that for my fourth year in a row, I was selected as a Skirt Sport Ambassador Captain. I love this company, its ambassador network as well as its products. So I am very proud to represent and promote them.

Anyone else love Skirt Sports like me? Are you an ambassador too?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I have so many of their skirts that I really need no more. So I will refrain from buying ALL the new prints. Help me out and you buy some them!! LOL.

Use the code 128Card for 15% off at http://www.skirtsports.com

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my first half marathon of 2018 that is in 6 weeks has been CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Image result for singer island half marathon 2018

March 17, 2018

I was supposed to run across this beautiful bridge 4 times (miles 1,2,11,12).

Related image

So I am going to reluctantly continue my training…

Ever have a race as part of a race-cation cancelled?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this race was supposed to be my 30th half marathon and that was pretty exciting. I am escaping the polar vortex and visiting some good friends who live in Florida as well as some who are visiting at the same time.

I hope to have similar adventures to last year:

Yes, the race was going to be secondary and having fun is always my primary goal.

But seriously, this SUCKS!!

Happy Running!Got anything to spill? Share it here!

February 2, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Giving Back

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 for today is: Ways to Give Back (to Running)

When I think about what running has given to me, I am overwhelmed.

When I think about how much money I spend on running and there are people who have very little or are too sick to run, I feel guilty or even greedy.

Maybe it’s because when I work in NYC or Buffalo, I see so many homeless people on the street (and it’s winter!).

But rather than buy another running outfit, shouldn’t I give that money to someone less fortunate or contribute that money to a charity??

Maybe I am the only one who feels this way but if I am not, here’s my FIVE suggestions on how you can give back to running:

1. Donate your extra running clothes or shoes.

Check out your local store store or running club to find out where you can do this.

2. Volunteer at a race rather than run in it.

These races cannot happen without volunteers. We often take that for granted.

I bet he doesn’t want to be doing this in freezing temps.

3. When you register for a race, donate extra money to the charity it supports.

I know that races are expensive enough and we don’t feel like adding more money to the fee. So register for one less race and donate that money to a charity.

Buy one less running outfit or pair of shoes and donate to runners in need.

This is a great cause – http://stemrunning.com

Or raise money for a charity in order to run a race that you didn’t qualify for or didn’t get into the lottery for.

Image result for register for a race and add money for a charity

4. Mentor a Runner

Everyone of us was once a beginning runner. I am also aware of the fact that some of us have coaches and want to get faster. So just find a time in your schedule when you are not training for an important race and help someone else.

GOTR is one of the many opportunities out there.

5. Push someone who cannot run for themselves.

Organizations like Team Hoyt and Ainsley’s Angels provide the opportunity for runners to pair with an rider and work together to cross the finish line.

several of my friends are part of this group

Happy Running! How about you… do you give back to running? Any other ideas to add?

January 31, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #4 Race Recap

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members and this weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 15K and 30K.

Since I have a half marathon in 7 weeks, I probably should have chosen to run the 15K but I ran 7 miles the day before so I decided to run the 3 Miler as a recovery run instead.

during the 15k in 2015

and again

in 2017

These Winter Series races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. Barbara decided at the last minute to run the race with me so we drove together. I always leave early to get parking since these races are often crowded and there may be other events going on at UAlbany at the same time. Well, I guess I didn’t leave early enough since the lot was already full when we arrived. So I dropped Barbara off to register and I parked in another lot and walked over.

The weather was perfect for racing. It was in the 40s and less windy than the day before. I wore something similiar to what I wore the day before but wound up taking off my jacket, vest and gloves.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And since the weather was so nice (and warmer than the last race), the numbers were significantly higher.

2015 meet up with Judy & Barbara (I ran the 15k that year too.)

And I immediately bumped into many different running friends. We chatted. Some were running the 3 miler and others the 15k. I even spotted Patrick, my coach from the Turkey Trot & Freihofer running groups.

Anyway we hung indoors until the last minute and then made our way outside.

the start (pic from Winter Series #1)

All three distances started at the same location this week. As usual, I started not too far away from the front (since it is not chip timed) and let the speedy runners pass me by.

Right away, the 3 milers split from the 15kers and 30kers but the speedy longer distance runners eventually will pass you by midway.

not that it matters ’cause I just follow the other runners but the 3 miler is basically a loop

For most of the race, I felt perfectly dressed (for a change). I unzipped my shirt and pushed up my sleeves (many runners were even in shorts!) when the wind was at my back but then it got chilly when you were running into the wind.

This time, I was familiar with the course since I just ran it in December. I remembered the hill at the beginning and then some rolling hills in the middle, ending with a slight hill. Nothing too challenging.

I am usually pretty bored by this course because it is just a road and office buildings. But I ran and chatted with different friends throughout the race. First Nancy, then Anne, then Mona, etc. Each one after a short period ran ahead and left me behind.

running with Nancy.

It didn’t bother me at all. I tried to run at my own relaxed pace. Of course, I’m not sure what exactly that is (since I don’t look at my Garmin until I’m done).

I was very happy that my legs didn’t feel tired at all and I couldn’t even tell that I had run the day before.

Eventually as we neared the finish line, I took off and tried to cross under 27 minutes.

Nope, I did not – 27:02 (slower than the last time which was at 26:49).

After Barbara finished, we went inside had some refreshments. There was pumpkin apple chili, bread, fruit, cookies and hot cocoa. Free race..free good food. Win-win.

The awards were for 10 year age groups and just top 2.

Although my finish time was slower than the last time, obviously the speedy runners in my age group ran the 15k so I won my age group (as did Nancy.)

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a recovery run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR and not even a course PR. But I am pretty thrilled to have a pace of under 9 mm for each mile. Maybe a 5k PR is in my future….

Race splits:

mile 1 – 8:50
mile 2 – 8:57
mile 3 – 8:54
.06

Finish Time – 27:02

Next Saturday, I signed up for a 4 mile race in Lake George. Fingers crossed for no ice or snow.

AJH (from VT) & I at this race in 2015. We try to do this one together every year.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run or race this past weekend?

January 30, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Hometown Race

Since today is Tuesday, 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 Hometown Race

Image result for freihofer run 2017

This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 11th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

FRW – 2017

Here are some of the reasons why I love this race and why I run it every year:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years. In 2017, Sara Hall also ran it and WON.

It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
I always meet someone I know and someone new. I have even met the mayor and last year, a blogger friend from VT.

with the mayor

Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
2011 was my first FRW PR year. There was a drought and then I course PR’d last year.

Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!

In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
In 2015 & 2016 & 2017, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.

You run around Washington Park.

There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Everyone finishes with a smile.
They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread (and chocolate milk)