June 2, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Favorite Vacation

Since it’s Friday, 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.

Today’s topic is FIVE REASONS WHY I ENJOY MY ANNUAL TENNIS VACATION:

1. It’s affordable.

Every year, I go to Naples, Fla. in May. It’s off-season so the flights are not expensive. We rent two villas that sleep 5 each. (It’s costs us about $250 each for 8 days.) We leave our chairs, umbrellas and beach stuff in the garage from year to year. We rent 2 vans and split the cost. We eat breakfast in the villa, bring our lunch to beach so we only eat dinner out.

2. The weather is warm and dry.

It rarely rains and if it does, it is only for a short time. It is warm (and at that time of year, usually still cool in the NE.) The sunsets on the Gulf are amazing, too.

3. I run.

This is one of the best things, of course. I can run around the private communities or on the sidewalk along the main road. The only downside is that it is not close enough to the beach to run with water views. And you have to get up early since it is warm and humid.

4. I play tennis and take lessons.

The 10 of us (and the make-up of the group can vary) met playing tennis although we no longer play together at home. So every morning we play doubles and take lessons with a tennis pro.

5. I go to the beach every day.

Love the sand…the sun…the water…ahhhh!

Bonus:

I eat and drink whatever pleases me!!

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite vacation?

June 1, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: My Favorite 5K

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

My Favorite Local 5K

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 10th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

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 elite runners in it. (Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years.)

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. Last year, I even met 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 FRW PR year. Maybe I’ll PR again?
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, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I did again this year.) It is fun being part of a running group.

You run around Washington Park. Love this 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

Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)

I’m the 2nd one on the bottom left

This 5k race is held on the first Saturday in June. So if you live near Albany, NY, come run it with me and 4,000 other awesome women runners! (Too late for this year? Think about signing up for next year.)

Image result for freihofer run for women

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite local race?

May 30, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: May Report Card

So spring arrived, left and then returned.

Here’s how my favorite month turned out:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), at the Crossings, near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran 4 times while on vacation in Florida.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

: at UAlbany

: my birthday 6.4K in Florida!!

: in Washington Park

I continued to attend some of the Monday sessions of the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. (I missed weeks 7 & 8.) Coach Patrick put us through those speed drills that I normally would never attempt on my own.

: oops. week 10

I continued my volunteering stint with the STEM runners this month. Unfortunately with vacation and work, I had to miss several sessions. This was our big month since the race is in early June.

After the Workforce Challenge, my co-workers decided to get together once a week to run after work – either Wednesday or Thursday. I plan to participate when I can.

Long Runs:

I had a half marathon during the month but I was lax about my long runs. I did not do one while on vacation. So I skipped my 12 miler but did run 8 miles on Mother’s Day.

Total Mileage:

I only ran 81 miles this month (as compared to 102 last month.) A slow month, considering I was training and ran a half marathon? I expect to continue as this rate throughout the summer. But I am still on track to reach 1000 for the year if I stay healthy. 🙂

Races:

I had four races on my schedule this month – two 5ks, a 3.5 miler and a half marathon.

The Tropicool 5K was lots of fun and I came in 3rd in my age group. It rained during the Summer Smith 5k but I won my age group. The Workforce Challenge was a very sweaty but fun experience. And I unexpectedly PR’d at the Steel Rail Half.

: 2017

: 27:26 (May 2016)

: 33:40

: Steel Rail HM – 2017

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but with work and other stuff, I only played once this month. However, while on vacation, I played for at least 2 hours on 5 separate days. It made me remember why I play tennis and how much fun it is.

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week, though. I didn’t quite achieve that.

: on a quiet Sunday

I did walk several times a week at lunch – around the outdoor shopping mall or the nature trail. Not everyday like I used. But more often since the weather has cooperated. During vacation, I walked to and from the tennis courts, on the beach and around the community on the days that I didn’t run.

Other News:

I had a fantastic 8-day vacation in Florida – lots of tennis, beach time and eating/drinking.

I also celebrated by birthday while in Florida and several times after.

: at my favorite restaurant with a view of the Gulf at sunset

: at my favorite place on Lake George

: at one of my favorite local restaurants

I went to a few movies: Zookeeper’s Wife, Boss Baby, A Quiet Passion. The hubby and I started up our boating on the weekends.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No more half marathons planned until October 1 in Corning, NY. (Although there’s one on Sept. 9 in VT that a friend is trying to talk me into.)

I have quite a few shorter races planned. My race season has kicked into high gear.

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

6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-11-17 – Run for Hope 5K (volunteer with STEM) or Betar Byway 5k & Moreau Mile??
6-17-17 – Good Karma 5k
6-25-17 – Adirondack Distance Run (10 m)
7-05-17 – PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series #4 5k (NYC)
7-09-17 – Saratoga Strong to Serve 5k
7-22-17 – Silks n Satins 5k

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

No monthly goals.

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

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also 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: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an B+. Vacation derailed my eating, working out and training. My weekly mileage really decreased as well. I hope to improve all that next month.

What do you think?

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

coachescorner

May 29, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 5.22.17-5.28.17

Last Week:

Monday – a chilly rainy day so I went to the gym after work. But the rain stopped so I headed to my last Freihofer training challenge group run. I opted out of the advanced workout and ran with the beginner group. Instead of 800s, I ran 3.5 easy miles.

this run felt harder than my half

Tuesday – a scheduled rest day where I went out to dinner and a movie to celebrate my b-day with my bff.

: about Emily Dickinson who had a sad life

: at one of my favorite local restaurants

Wednesday – A perfect running day. I ran the 3 mile loop with Alyssa before my volunteer stint with STEM.

Alyssa ran her FIRST marathon on Sunday.

we did the same 3 mile loop but I hung back with the slower run/walkers

Thursday – A rainy rest day and another birthday dinner. This time with someone that I used to teach with. The food was great and so was the company.
Friday – Another rainy day but the rain stopped by late afternoon. As soon as I started running, it started to pour again. So I just squeezed in a quick wet one before hosting Mah Jongg at my house. (Who has time to clean when you can run…)

Saturday – My hubby decided to play tennis so I took an unscheduled run.
someone left some donuts…just when I needed them 🙂

Afterwards I headed up to the lake with the hubby and we reunited with some of our summer boating friends. An awesome day even though it was a little cloudy and cool.

Sunday – Another fun day on the lake with our friends.

When my hubby left to go play tennis, I took the opportunity to go for a short 2 mile run. So I was supposed to run 6 miles today and I did. It just took me two days. LOL

I was tired but the scenery was worth it

18.5 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days

This Week:

Monday – Day off – rest, gym, errands
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – travel to NYC for work, 3 mile run (in CP?)
Thursday – NYC, 3 mile run (at lunch time?)
Friday – rest, travel home from NYC
Saturday – Freihofer 5K + 5k (virtual Zooma 10k)
Sunday – rest, boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?

May 27, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – May

It’s that time again (or at least yesterday was). Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

Still no before work runs. One morning I did see a women running by my house around 6 am. That’s as close as I have gotten. Maybe when it gets warm and my FRW Challenge and STEM runs are over. Or maybe not.

I runfess…

I did not do a single uninterrupted long run for this weekend’s half marathon and I still got a PR. Now how will I motivate myself to train for future halfs??

didn’t even break a sweat

I runfess…

I have been going to the gym at least once a week but I just rush in, do all the machines and rush out. This week, I specifically went there to get my FREE birthday smoothie.

I runfess…

Now that I’m on a training break (ha ha, as if I ever trained?), I am thinking about maybe trying for a 5k PR. Especially since without realizing it, my last 5k (at 27:26) was only 16 seconds short. Of course, I want it to come accidentally and without speed workouts. It probably won’t. Sigh.

maybe it was the rain that got me to the finish line faster

I runfess…

My non-racing tennis vacation in Florida did include a race. I played tennis almost every morning but I managed to find a 5k in town on the weekend. I admit it was nice not planning a vacation around a race, though.

I even bumped into an old tennis teammate

I runfess…

Now that the Half Marathon PR pressure is off, I may sign up for some challenging races.

Make-A-Wish Vermont Maple Leaf Half Marathon

a very hilly one in Sept. Tempting but I haven’t signed up … yet.

I runfess…

I have lost track of how many times, I have celebrated my birthday. It only comes once a year, right?

this one was in Florida on my actual birthday

I runfess…

I have given into the Keurig hype. I bought a cheaper brand (Bella) and I can use regular Starbucks ground coffee (so the environment is safe with me.)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

May 26, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Fashion

Today’s topic is Misc. so I am choosing last week’s topic of Fashion.

I’m an adult late onset athlete.

I started playing tennis in my 40’s. I always maintained that if I didn’t pay “good,” at least I looked “good.”

I have the same philosophy when it comes to running (which I started in my 50’s.). I like to look “good.”

Here are FIVE REASONS WHY FASHION MATTERS TO ME:

1. Self Esteem.

Simply put: If I dress like a runner, I feel like a runner.

2. Practicality

I wear SkirtSports because they have pockets. I can carry my car key, my phone, fuel, etc. when I run. Plus, the pockets are hidden under the skirt.

I have tissues, Gu and car key in those pockets.

3. Motivation.

If I’m in a slump and don’t feel like running, I put on a new outfit. It’s puts zip in my step and gets me out the door.

a cold day but a new skirt!

4. Comfort.

I wear skirts because they are more comfortable to me than shorts. They cover my thighs and the shorts underneath don’t ride up.

5. Safety.

Wearing bright colors can help you be seen on a dark, rainy or foggy day/night.

So I may be partial to Skirt Sports but many other brands accomplish the same thing. (You can save 20% on Skirt Sports items with the code SPRINGCPT20).

Take my advice: Wear what makes you look good, makes you feel good and makes you want to get out there and run.

Don’t worry. My Runfessions are coming tomorrow.

Happy Running! Do you think fashion is important? Do you care about what you wear when you run?

May 25, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: My Last Half

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

My Last Half Marathon

What else?

Did you know that I PR‘d?? LOL

There was one at my March half but not at this one unfortunately 😦

And I didn’t expect to…

Why?

My last half marathon time was 2:20:49.
I struggled to finish that race.
I ran a 5k race the past two weekends (instead of my 12 & 10 mile scheduled long runs.)
I didn’t do any LONG training runs (besides that half 3 weeks ago or any during the previous training cycle.)
I lazily did not run four days during the week preceding the race.
But I ran a 3.5 race just three days before the race.
I did not feel mentally prepared to run a fast race.
My Garmin keeps re-setting to zero after 6 miles so I would have no watch to gauge my pace.
I always walk at all the water stops.

Image result for half marathon race PR ecard

in this case, it was free beer

So insanely, I set out to run my 26th half marathon (on my hubby’s birthday no less)

It turned out to be my easiest half marathon and my fastest.

Why?

Cool weather conditions
No expectations
Ran by feel rather than staring at my watch
Paced myself behind a lady in a pink shirt
Flat course
Lot’s of rest so fresh legs
Just a fluke?

It was so effortless that….

Maybe this is my fastest time (2:06:52) or maybe not.

Time will tell.

I have a few shorter races planned for the summer.

I would love to PR in a 5K (before I’m too old to.) Unfortunately my current PR race doesn’t exist anymore so I have to find another one.

: 5k – 27:11 – PR (Sept. 2014)

: 27:26 (May 2016)

I have registered for two more half marathons before the end of the year (Girls Weekends away for both):

October 1 – Wineglass
November 12 – Las Vegas

I may squeeze in one or two more. Who knows?

For now, I’m treasuring this memory:

Happy Running! Ever wonder how you got your PR?

May 22, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 5.15.17-5.22.17

Last Week:

Monday – My legs were tired from running 2 days in a row but this might have been my last FRW Challenge group run so I went. It was great to be back after missing 2 weeks. On the schedule was a 1 mile warm-up, 2 x 2 miles at race pace, jog cool down after each one, final cool down. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to do it but I did the first one (3 laps on the trail) and didn’t die and on the 2nd one, I only ran race pace for the 3rd lap. It was tough but I survived!!

5 miles for the evening

Tuesday – Today I had to drive to Buffalo (5 hrs) for tomorrow’s training. No exercise at all.

Wednesday -After 8 hours of training, I had to drive home from Buffalo. Again no exercise whatsoever.
Thursday – Summer arrived after an abbreviated spring. After work, I participated in the Workforce Challenge – a 3.5 mile race as part of my work team (along with 10,000 other runners.) It was 98 degrees with the humidity just as high. I slogged along with everyone else and enjoyed meeting some new co-worker/runners.

33:40 (with lots of walking) 5th in my AG

Friday – Another rest day during my taper week and an hair appt. before mah jongg.
Saturday – Rest day #4 with some gardening, an nail appt, our first day on the lake and then out to dinner to celebrate belatedly my birthday and my hubby’s birthday (which was the next day.)

Sunday – Today I ran the Steel Rail Half Marathon in Mass. The course was flat, the weather was cool and my legs felt super rested. (It didn’t seem to matter that my Garmin keeps resetting after 6.2 miles.) The result: a shiny new PR!! I loved the course and enjoyed the race. Now for a training break!!

2:06:52 – PR!!!

21.5 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Challenge (4 miles) or solo 3 mile recovery run
Tuesday – rest, b-day dinner out & movie
Wednesday – 3 miles with Alyssa, STEM volunteer run
Thursday – rest, b-day dinner out
Friday – 3 miles, mah Jong chez moi
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – rest day, boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Did you race this weekend?

May 19, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Speed Drills

Today’s topic is Misc. so I am choosing Five Drills to Get You Faster

I’m not a fan of workouts or any drills but when I participate in the Freihofer or Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge, on Monday nights, coach Patrick has us do drills. Why? To run a faster 5k or 10k.

I always protest and he knows that, plus sometimes they come the day after my legs have been tired out from a long run or half marathon.

However, begrudgingly I do them.

The result: the first year (2014-5), I PRed at every distance.

So here’s some of the speed drills that we do:

1. One minute strides (5 of them)

These are my favorites. After a warm up, you run as fast as you can for one minute. Then recover. As Patrick says, “You can do anything for one minute.”

2. 400 m @ 5k pace followed by 200m recovery (4-6 of them)

It’s hard to not to run these fast but you realize that you can’t halfway through the first set and then you slow down to a 5k pace (which is still fast.)

3. Hill Repeats. Incline for at least 200m.

there is a long hill in this park…but I didn’t get a picture on it.

4. 800 m @ 5k pace followed by 400 m recovery. (4-6 of them)

These are my least favorite. 800 m running fast seems like forever.

5. Race a 5k.

This one is not recommended but it’s the one I enjoy the most. Even if it is a fun run, I always try to run well and for me, it’s the best speed drill.

Happy Running! Do you do speed work? What drills do you do?

May 18, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Half Marathons. What else?

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

My Last Half Marathon.

If you read my race post, you know that it was a difficult race for me. Some things were out of my control but as I prepare for my next one, I am also thinking about things I can control.

Things you cannot control:

Weather – temperature, wind, humidity, etc.
Course – hills, loops, etc.
Injuries – unforeseen
Porta Potty stops

Things you can control:

Clothing – do not wear new items
Training – doing the work (drills, long runs, etc.)
Food – before and during
Pacing (don’t go out too fast)

Things you could control but can’t:

Clothing – when you have to wear a new item (for many reasons)
Training – when work, family, illness, vacation interrupts your training
Food – when you cannot eat what you want to eat (for whatever reason)
Pacing – when you run with a slower friend or with an injury or lack of training

The important point to remember and I have to remind myself of this often is that even if things go wrong and you don’t have the race that you want for a variety of reasons (things that you can or cannot control), you still can enjoy the experience and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.

My Next Half Marathon.

I’d love to say that I learned from all my recent pre-race snafus. But not quite. I think I have the outfit and pre-race meal under control. We’ll see about the weather. And the course is pretty flat.

mostly on the bike path

But my training is even worse. I missed my 12 mile run while on vacation in Florida. I ran a rushed 5k and spent the rest of the day like this: driving to Cape Haze, lunch on the river, driving to Fort Myers, visiting the Ford & Edison Winter Estates, dinner & drinks during sunset at the Ritz back in Naples.