February 26, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.19.18-2.25.18: Home Sweet Home

I felt like I was on vacation. Day off. No travel for work. No races. Woo Hoo!

Last week –

Monday – Presidents Day. Boy did I need a day off!! I procrastinated on my run and missed the sunshine. But I did get in a short windy run before the rain.

after all my weekend miles, my legs were feeling it so 2.5 miles was all I could muster

Tuesday – 60 degrees! Woo Hoo! Another quick run after work. And I finally got to play tennis. It had been weeks and it was fun getting out there.

only had time for 2.5 miles but couldn’t resist running in capris and short sleeves

Wednesday – 70 degrees in February!!! It was supposed to be a rest day but with snow predicted for Thursday and rain for Friday, what’s a runner to do? So I went for a run after my dentist appt. In a tank and a skirt!!!

3 miles, an ice cream cone and a mall walk with my BFF

Thursday – Well, winter returned. It snowed today!! Good thing it was finally a rest day! I did have to celebrate National Margarita Day!!

Friday – Rest day #2. Rain, rain. rain. Needed the rest anyway and finally got to play mah jongg.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Not excited about the distance nor trying to find a clear road but always look forward to bonding with the Wineglass ladies. Our group was smaller than usual and we all ran or walked different distances. Barbara, this week, was nice enough to run slower and keep me company for 9 miles (I ran 2 before we met.)

we all met up for breakfast where we planned our next girls weekend adventure – in Montreal – in September!!

Sunday – Rest Day Sunday. Don’t worry I wasn’t stuck in the hose all day. Had dinner out with my tennis friends (we do this monthly).

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 miles, haircut, nails, errands
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 you dealing with winter? Has your weather been psycho too? Please share.

February 24, 2018 by Darlene

Runfessions – February

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

When I get depressed about the weather, I sign up for spring/summer races. It makes me feel like spring is almost here even though I know that it’s a long way away.

3-31-18 – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K
4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon
6-02-18 – Freihofer Run for Women 5K
6-30-18 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

Runners at the start of the Cherry Blossom 5K run for ALS research. The evnt was held at Congregation Gates of Heaven, located on Ashmore Ave. on Sunday, April 26, 2015.

Has anyone else already registered for spring/summer races?

I runfess…

I bought my race outfit for my March half marathon before I even signed up for the race.

Skirt Sports of course – use the code 128Card for 15% off

Am I the only one who does this?

I runfess…

I was kinda glad that I got snowed Friday night when I was working in Buffalo. It meant that I could get up later the next morning and run at my leisure instead of driving 5 hours home (in a snowstorm).

So it was supposed to be a long run of 9 miles but…. 5 slow ones was better than nothing.

Anyone else had it with this winter?

I runfess…

I signed up for the Superman, Squats, Russian Twist challenge to motivate myself to do some strength training. And it worked for a while. But I suck at challenges. The rarely did the Supermans because they are too hard for me and then I lost interest when you had to do more than 50. I break them up and I always ran out of time or forgot. And yes, I did some, some of the time which was better than none, never.

Do I look happy?

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

February 23, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – The Socks Post

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: My Favorite Socks

First, Five Reasons I Wear Legend Compression Wear

1. I’m an Ambassador.

I applied because this brand came highly recommended so I wanted to promote their socks. Happily they accepted me.

To get $15 off, click here

2. My ankle enjoys compression wear.

When I had ankle surgery a few years back, they put a plate and screws in. I want to run for a long time so I am careful and don’t run over 4 miles without compression socks or sleeves.

So far, so good. Zero problems with my ankle.

3. They are easier to get on and off.

I have tried other compression socks and sleeves and I’m sure you know what I mean. They are HARD to get on!!!! Legend Compression Wear are supportive enough but you don’t have to watch a video on how to put them on or break a nail doing so.

They are just as easy to get off even if you are sweaty.

4. Their socks offer graduated compression.

“Graduated Compression has been widely proven to improve symptoms of discomfort, swelling, fatigue and aching of the feet and legs. Graduated compression puts revitalizing pressure on the veins to improve blood flow and circulation. Medical professionals have long recommended compression hosiery to patients to improve blood circulation and overall health of their legs.”

This means that your legs will perform better and recover faster.

As a runner and tennis player, this is important to me.

5. Legend sells a variety of products (and in pretty colors).

There are socks for sports compression (as pictured above) as well as everyday compression. They even make a hiking specific sock called Tuff made of Merino wool

I look forward to wearing my Legend Compression Wear more often once the temps warm up and I can wear a running skirt again!!

Because I usually wear compression sleeves instead of compression socks, I can also wear My Soxy Feet socks.

Secondly, Five Reasons Why I Wear My Soxy Feet Socks

1, I am an Ambassador.

This year, I am lucky to represent another super sock company.

Use code SOXYCARDILLO to get 10% off your purchase

My Soxy Feet is a small, family owned and operated business. They developed this product in hopes of bringing “smiles to athletes of all shapes, sizes and ages and encourage a positive attitude towards health, fitness and a joyful life style.”

Since the founders/owners are avid runners, they understand the challenge of running and how difficult it is some days to stay motivated.

2. They have the cutest and most colorful (mismatched) socks.

My Soxy Feet Sock Rainbow! www.mysoxyfeet.com

3. They have styles for all sports.

I wear these to play tennis.

4. The are so comfortable.

The moisture wicking coolmax fibers keep your feet dry. They are made from nylon and lycra which secure the socks in place. The ventilation mesh enhances breathability. The socks contain targeted cushioning in high impact zones. The toe is seamless and hand-linked to prevent irritation.

5. They motivate and make you smile!

I need to buy both of these!

Happy Running! What are favorite brand of socks? Do you wear compression? Do you like your socks to look cute?

February 20, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Least Favorite Part(s) of 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 is My Least Favorite Part(s) of Running

Well, at least my list isn’t as long as the one for what I LOVE about running.

Injuries

Unfortunately they happen. Knock on wood, I have been blessed the past few years to be injury-free.

broken foot – June 2013 – my last running injury

Cost

Compared to other sports like skiing, tennis, etc, running is fairly inexpensive. But racing fees, running shoes, etc can put a drain on your wallet.

RnR races are not cheap!

When things don’t go right.

You can train and train and do everything right and your race tanks. These are so many variables (health, weather) that interact to make a race NOT go as hoped. Many of these are out of your control and many are in your control.

not thrilled with how I felt during this half (my fault!)

Scheduling Runs

If you don’t train, you can get injured, not get the results you want at a race, etc. (Unless you are one of the lucky few who can just go out and run a fast half marathon with no training.) And yet, it is sometimes so difficult to get in those runs. Family, friends, work, health, weather… they can all put a crimp on your running schedule.

in the hotel after work…before dinner

And that’s it!!!

Happy Running! What do you like least about running?

February 19, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.12.18-2.24.18 – New York, New York….

Another travel work week but at least, I didn’t have to drive and it wasn’t as cold and snowy as Buffalo. And the best part, there are lighted paths to run.

Yes, “New York, New York. It’s a wonderful town…”

Last week –

Monday – Off to NYC for work and set up in Queens. As soon as I was done and back in Manhattan, I headed to the East River to do some running.

5.5 miles – 4 of which were to and from the river on the crowded streets of the city

Tuesday – As soon as I got back to Manhattan after work in Queens, I changed my clothes and took off to run. This time it was along the Hudson River. I got a late start and missed the sunset but still a decent run away from home.

4 miles (2 miles to and from the river). Chillier than Monday so I added gloves, vest & beanie but not complaining – warmer than last week.

Wednesday – Of course, I could not be in NYC and not run in Central Park. To save time (and my legs), I took the subway to Columbus Circle and ran around the park. I was really dragging but got in my steps by walking back to my hotel.

so tired but got 2.5 miles in (barely)

sights along my walk (the top pic is Rockefeller Center)

Thursday – Unfortunately, I had to stay in the hotel to do a webinar and could not get out to run or walk. Instead, I met with a Skirt Sports ambassador. We chatted and had drinks. Hopefully the next time I come to NYC, we can meet in Central Park to run together.

after almost 2 hours, we felt like we had know each other for years…or maybe it was the 2 glasses of wine

Friday – Another scheduled rest day since I had to take the train home after work. Totally exhausted because I get up every morning at 5:30 am and stay up late watching the Olympics. Plus even if I don’t run, I walk 5 miles (train, subway, work, lunch) each day.
Saturday – Finally reunited with my running friends for an early morning run. I really didn’t feel like getting up to run but as usual, I was glad that I did. I ran 2 miles at home and then drove with Barbara to meet the others. I ran with Barbara for about 3 miles but decided to let her go ahead because she was running faster than I wanted to. So I ran the remaining 5ish by myself. Afterwards, we all met for breakfast.

lots of sunshine, clear path in one direction on the Nisky Bike Path

Sunday – The last Winter Series race was scheduled for today. Even though, I ran yesterday, I couldn’t turn down a free race. I woke up to snow which did make me nervous but Barbara and I decided to go anyway. I didn’t plan to race and the wind was insane. The good news – I met a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador and won my age group. Yup, another good day for this runner.

4.5 miles and a course PR

This Coming Week –

Monday – Day OFF from work, 3 miles
Tuesday – 2 TM miles before tennis
Wednesday – 4 miles, mall walk with BFF
Thursday – rest day, dinner with an old friend
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 11 miles
Sunday – rest day, dinner out with tennis ladies

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 16, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Am I up for a challenge?

Superman – Lie face down with arms out in front of you. Lift your arms, chest, and legs simultaneously.

Squat – Stand with feet slightly wider than your hips with toes and knees pointing forward. Raise your arms in front of you, parallel to the ground. Squat down like you would be sitting in a chair until your knees are bent at a 90˚ angle. Rise up and return to standing position.

Russian Twist – In a seated position. Lean back until you feel your abs engage so you’re in a V-position. Clasp your hands in front. Twist to the right side and return to center. Repeat to the left side.

I am not one for doing ANY type of exercise.

Let’s face it. I am LAZY!!

But I decided to give this one a try.

Why?

1.FOMO

Everyone else is doing them!! Check it out on IG! Just want to be part of the “cool” crowd. lol

2. You don’t have to go to a gym.

I don’t have a gym membership. I don’t have the time to go and I travel for work.

3. You don’t need any equipment.

I don’t own any exercise equipment. If I did, it would be a waste of money, anyway.

4. Protecting my back.

I sit all day at a computer at work. I also drive for hours at times.

My back is one part of my body that aches when I sit in a certain chair/seat (at the movies, in some cars).

5. Strengthening my core.

Yes, I’ve heard it a zillion times that for runner, it is important to a have a strong core. But also as I age, I know that I need to have a stronger core to help with posture and balance.

***************************

So I’m on the third week.

And yes, I find them very difficult. Especially the squats because of the hardware in my left ankle. And Superman? I can barely get my arms & legs off the ground.

And I don’t do them in one shot. But I do them most of the time.

Thanks to Rachel @Running on Happy for setting up the challenge.

And since 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! Anyone else participating in this challenge? Which exercise is the hardest for you?

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….

14976488_773584866112521_935004535777035098_o

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.