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

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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.

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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.

Superman Lift

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.

Buns GIF

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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

  • Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

  • Running Friends

They are the best….

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.

  • 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)…

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

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Weekly Wrap for 2.5.18-2.11.18 – Decision Time

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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.

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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.

Image result for senior discounts meme

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)

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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

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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.

Image result for nuun

what is your favorite flavor?

  • GU

gu

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:

  • 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.

Image result for natures fig bars

  • 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?

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Weekly Wrap for 1.29.18-2.4.18: Let the training begin

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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.

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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:

  1. Their clothes are made for women of ALL sizes from XS to XXL and they fit ALL women.
  2. They offer a variety of active wear items in addition to skirts – capris, tights, dresses, jackets, and more.
  3. 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

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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?

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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!
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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.

Image result for donate running shoes

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

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

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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.

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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?