April 5, 2017 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Victory

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

The first Wednesday of each month, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

Today’s word is Victory.

There are so many ways to approach this word in relation to running.

We rarely run a race to win it. But we do measure our victories against our own personal goals. Did we run without walking? Did we set a course PR? Did we have a distance PR? Did we tackle the hills? Did we have a consistent pace? Did we have negative splits? Did we run without pain when coming back from an injury? Did we cross the finish line? Did we have fun?

finishing my first race after not running for 5 months (post ankle surgery) = victory

These are all victories.

substitute “victory” for “success”

Yes, there are those of us who are natural runners and are fast without any effort. But most of us need to work at it. We need put in those training runs. We need to do those drills. We need to rest when injured. We need to stretch. We need to cross-train.

occasionally I do stretch after a run

These are some of the steps that a runner needs to take in order to succeed (or be victorious.)

Sure, it’s easier to just run 5ks. And to many, running a 5k is a challenge. But if you are successful in completing 3.1 miles, why not challenge yourself – 10K, 15K, half marathon, marathon, ultra?

The challenge will be different for each runner. For me, 13.1 miles is still a challenge even after 24 of them.

I will never forget that “exhilarating” feeling when I was heading toward the finish line of my first half marathon. It took me years to attempt that challenge but I’m so glad I did.

This is my favorite one:

It says it all!! No explanation needed.

we earned our medals!

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

Happy Running! What does “victory” mean to you?

April 4, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Hydration

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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Hydration

This will not be an exciting post. I am pretty lax about hydrating.

Races

Before a race:

Tea

TRADER JOE'S CHOCOLATE MINT FLAVORED BLACK TEA 20 BAGS

my new fave

During a race:

Plain Water. Gatorade makes me gag and I have been afraid to try anything new. My stomach is irritable at best.

I never carry water. I depend on the water stops. So far I’ve been lucky.

waterstop

After a race:

Chocolate milk. My favorite races have it or sometimes I bring it or stop on the way home.

Training Runs

Before and After:

Plain water. I use the bottles from races and fill with tap water.

During:

I don’t sweat a lot so unless it is warm, I do not need to drink until I am done running (if then.)

When it is hot, I usually plant water and loop around to drink.

reusable water bottle

If it is a very long run or I cannot loop, I will carry water in a Nathan Handheld (but I don’t like to carry something in my hand.

I won it at a race years ago

Happy Running! What do you drink when you run?

April 3, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.27.17-4.2.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was the second Freihofer Challenge Group run. It rained all day but luckily it stopped by the time of our workout.

Nice 5 mile run with friends.

Tuesday – Another rainy day but it was a rest day. I did play tennis after work and of course, went out to dinner afterwards.
Wednesday – I took the day off and caught up on things at home that I have been neglecting and as soon I saw a bit of sunshine, I took off to squeeze in a short run and then hit the “free” gym. I needed it since that evening I had my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies (and we went Italian!!)

it was only in the 40s but was tired of waiting to wear a skirt.

Thursday – Again this week, I met Alyssa for a run at the Crossings. She had already run 10 miles by the time I got there so we were only able to run 4 together and then I ran 2 solo. Not one of my better runs but got it done before the predicted storm.

did you notice how Alyssa’s shirt matches my socks?

After the run, I met my BFF who has been on vacation for a few walking laps around the mall to catch up.

Friday – Again a rest day (and a snowy/rainy one, yes, I said snow!!) since I was hosting mah jongg and I needed to shop and clean.
Saturday – I had planned to go to the gym twice a week but this was my first time this week at this gym. I worked out on the machines and it was pretty painless.

I wanted a spring cup 😦

Then I did some retail therapy and picked up my bib for Sunday’s race.

And of course I had to carb load.

Sunday – I planned to race the Delmar Dash today. It’s one of my favorite local races because it’s near my house and I know so many of the runners. But my lower back had been achy for 2 days so I made the tough decision to DNS. I ran the course slowly after the race had started, visited with friends, ate cake and then ran 5 more miles. I was solo so it was not much fun. But the weather was perfect. My back is still sore but not worse, I hope.

sometimes you have to listen to your body….

4 more weeks to go!!

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, gym?, Judge Sotomayor event
Wednesday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, gym?, mah jongg
Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k + 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, gym?

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? How is your running weather?

April 1, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in April, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I signed up for my free 6 month gym membership. My goal of using the machines twice a week hasn’t happened yet but I did go last Saturday and I plan to go today. It’s a start.

6 mos free gym – but their selection of classes is lacking and my membership does not include the pool, hot tub & sauna 😦

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the gym mentioned above offered a free fitness analysis (E3) so I signed up for it. They test for strengths and weaknesses, etc. Well, I have weak hip flexors. No surprise. But I have a strong core. They were surprised that I could plank for one minute. LOL.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that that part of the E3 analysis was a body analysis. Green is normal so I guess I should be happy there.

But here’s the bad part, I got WEIGHED! My scale has not had a battery for a very long time so I can’t weigh myself. I like it this way. Ignorance is bliss.

But now I know. And I don’t like it!!! I’ve never weighed this much!

The guy who weighed me said that I don’t look like I weigh that much. It must be muscle. He was being nice.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I was a little upset about my weight gain.

Don’t worry. It didn’t last long. That same day, I had popcorn at the movies and went out for pizza.

I went out the next night (for shrimp & hard cider). Tuesday after tennis, I went out and had salad & pizza and then on Wednesday, I went out and ate pasta and birthday cake.

Life’s too short. A girl’s gotta have fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I have a race scheduled for EVERY weekend. I know I am supposed to be training for a half marathon on April 30. But I can’t help myself.

It’s not a good way to get in those long training runs.

Tomorrow and next weekend, I am running two of my favorite races – Delmar Dash (5 miles) and Bacon Hill Bonanza (5k) instead of 10 and 11 mile long runs. So I just have to add more miles after the race (and eating and standing around). Not ideal, coach!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I almost left April 15 open for a long run and to do my taxes but I found a new race – an 8k.

its a challenging hilly race and automatic PR 🙂

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

March 31, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – March

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

And it’s Friday so here’s FIVE runfessions:

1. I runfess…

I impulsively applied for several ambassadorships.

I didn’t get accepted to this one 😦

But I did get selected for this one:

The problem is that I’m not sure if I can run any of their races!!

June 3 – ZOOMA Annapolis – nope – but can do the virtual 10K
October 6 – ZOOMA Cape Cod – a week after Wineglass but maybe since I can drive there and if I get a roommate.
October 22 – ZOOMA Amelia Island – nope – too expensive for flight & hotel
March 10 – ZOOMA Austin – doubtful, too far, too hilly, too expensive

I do intend to promote these races. Here is my discount code:

It’s DARLENE2017 to get 10% any race registration.

2. I runfess…

Speaking of impulsiveness… remember how I wanted one more late fall half marathon and another reunion with the #holottafun ladies?

Well, I registered for a big race!

Nov 11-12, 2017

This is my first BIG half marathon and I am pretty excited.

LV-16-Remix-Medal-layers_v2

I also registered for the 5k the day before. (I do not plan to race it – just finish and claim my bling.)

I already have a roommate, hotel and flight. This is real!!

So stay tuned…we’re reuniting and even adding more cool bloggers.

3. I runfess…

I planned to take a Hot Yoga class last Saturday. I registered and paid. Plus it was a fundraiser for STEM. I went to the gym and then my friend asked me to help her with her computer. It took longer than expected. She offered me a Peruvian lunch…. Well, I didn’t make it to yoga (at least they got my money.) and then I went to the movies and had popcorn (which I never do!!) After the movie, we went out for pizza. Another fundraiser. I had to do it. So much for my healthy Saturday.

4. I runfess…

Speaking of unhealthy eating… I fell off the wagon at work. Well, maybe I was never on it. But work has been such a bore so this happened:

And yes, they were good!!! Ever try any of the new flavors?

5. I runfess…
That being said … I’ve also been so sick of this cold weather that I have tried to pretend that despite the cold, wind and snow, it is SPRING:

post run treat on a cold day (we still have snow!)

or maybe it’s that a lot of blogger friends have been on vacation and enjoying warm weather. Serious FOMO.

Since it’s also 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.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess? Spill…

March 28, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: March Report Card

A long month with crazy weather!

So here’s how March turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Until this month, we’ve been lucky and it hasn’t been too cold or snowy of a winter. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

But during this month, I had to travel for work, we had the coldest temps of the winter, and we got a HUGE snowstorm.

Both made me miss several weekday runs. The month, in other words, did not me the mileage that I had hoped. At least, I was healthy!!

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. But I’ve been getting bored and have been also running in the town where I live (at least before the snowstorm, that is.)

The good news is that it stays light out longer and I don’t have to run in the dark and can run longer after work.

I ran alone some of the time. (Barbara, I miss you!) But Alyssa was able to accompany me once a week. I also ran once with Judy!! It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

And the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge began on March 20. We meet on Mondays and Saturdays. (I only go on Mondays.) It’s very enjoyable because of the camaraderie of the ladies who are part of this group.

Long Runs:

I began the month with a half marathon and then tried to squeeze in some miles on the weekend to begin preparing for my April 30 half marathon.

But the cold, the snowstorm, and racing got in the way of some of my long runs.

: 13.1

: 6.5 instead of 7

: 8

: 5 mi race+ 4 mi = 9 mi

Total Mileage:

I ran 87 miles this month. Not as many as I had hoped to run but at least more than last month.

Races:

I ran three races this month – a half marathon, a four miler and a five miler.

I was generally happy with how they went. The Treasure Coast Half Marathon was insanely windy, the Runnin’ of the Run was unbelievably cold and I had a course PR in the Shamrock Shuffle.

Did not expect any PRs and I didn’t get them.

: 2:18:25

: 37:48

: 46:09 (3rd in AG)

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month and even with work and vacation, I did play twice.

I went to work out at the gym 3 times (a shocker, I know).

: the free gym

: hotel gym

: 6 mos free gym

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall. Not everyday like I used. Been slacking off.

Other News:

I had a pretty busy 4 day vacation in Florida. I visited several good friends, had a lot of good food, walked on the beach, visited two bird sanctuaries, saw a spring training game…and more.

I’ve gone out to dinner quite a few times with different friends (maybe too many times LOL). It seems to be how we make time to catch up when our lives are so busy. You have to eat, right? I have also seen two movies: Beauty and the Beast and Get Out – enjoyed them both (though they were very different.)

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:

My next half marathon is April 30 in NYC. I love the city and am looking forward to running in Central Park (even with those killer hills).

I have quite a few races coming up. My race season has obviously begun.

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

4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-15-17 – Code Blue 8K
4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (NYC)

(tennis trip to Florida 5/3-5/10)

5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K
5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5)
5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her March 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 a B+. I think that I improved from last month – more miles, some workouts. Still room to grow.

What do you think?

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

March 27, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.20.17-3.26.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was my first Freihofer Challenge Group run. It was fun to see everyone from last year’s advanced group. We hugged and chatted and then just ran 30 minutes easy.

Tuesday – I don’t usually run three days in a row, but an arctic chill was forecast so I ran a quick one near work before tennis 🎾

Wednesday – Spring but felt like winter…9 windchill!!!

Yeah, I took a rest day and went out to dinner with a former co-worker.

Thursday – I met Alyssa for a run at the Crossings. As usual it was good one.

Friday – I had planned on a short run but it was damp and rainy so I went to the gym and activated my free 6 month membership.
Saturday – I went to the gym for an evaluation, had an orientation and actually used the machines. I have no elaborate plans for working out but I am going to try to use the machine 2x a week. We’ll see.

In the afternoon, I went to the movies with friends (instead of the Hot Yoga fundraiser for STEM.)

it’s a thriller but I liked it.

Afterward, we got pizza (another fundraiser for STEM.)

carb loading for my friends running a half marathon LOL

Sunday – I ran the Shamrock Shuffle race today. The rain held off until after the race:) and it was a fun 5 miler. I even won 3rd in my age group.

a medal & Irish soda bread was the prize 🙂

After the race, though I didn’t feel like it, I ran 4 more miles so I could get in 9 for the day. And in the rain.

I celebrated my successful running day with some wine out with a friend. (No need for a reason for wine actually.)

5 more weeks to go!!

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner with the tennis ladies
Thursday – 6 miles (with Alyssa?)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day, gym?
Sunday – Delmar Dash race + 5 more miles

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? How is your running weather?

March 25, 2017 by Darlene

My Blogoversary

I’ve been blogging since March 25, 2008. That was the DAY that I decided to become a runner.

NINE YEARS!!

I’ll start with what has remained the same:

Blogging Goals

My goals haven’t really changed. I blog to motivate myself to continue running, to keep track of my running and racing and to connect with others who do the same.

Posting

I’ve always posted several times a week (except for 2008-9 when I didn’t run or blog between November and March.) Some weeks it’s everyday. Other weeks it’s less often. It depends on my schedule.

Blogger Meetups

I have been fortunate to connect with many bloggers. Many were local and have become my friends even though they no longer blog.

: Adirondack Half – 2011

: me, Suzy, Amanda, Tami, Janis, Bridget

Race Reviews

I recap each of my races almost as soon as they are over (so I don’t forget the details. ) These recaps are mostly for myself but I have heard that others read them too.

What has changed:

Content

Check out my first ever blog post: http://wp.me/pel7R-3

I now post photos. It helps that I abandoned the camera and got a smartphone so it’s easier. Plus with the apps available, you can edit, make collages and be as creative as you have time for.

Link-ups

When I first started, there were very few. I used to write posts called Two for Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Three Things Thursday and Foto Friday, etc.

Now they are a bunch of fabulous link-ups. (Weekly Wrap, TOTR, Wednesday Word, TOLT, Friday Five 2.0, Runfessions, Ultimate Coffee Date, etc.) These help attract readers to your blog as well as, connect you with new blogs.

Product Reviews

I used to get asked to review products pretty frequently. Not much anymore. Probably because there are more bloggers out there (with bigger readerships than me).

reviewing Yak Trax

Sponsorships

I am a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain for the third year. So I get discounts from my favorite company.

love my SS outfits

I was recently selected as a ZOOMA Race Ambassador.

Once I have more information to share with you on the upcoming ZOOMA Women’s Race Series, I will post on this blog

I am also a Sweat Pink and FitFluential ambassador.

My Running

Now I don’t just run 5ks. I used to (hence the title of my blog. )

I have run 24 half marathons and many many 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.

: 2016

: Half marathon #23

I am more confident as a runner and though I don’t know it all, I know a lot more about running than when I started blogging.

Other Bloggers

I don’t follow many blogs. I am selective. Basically because I don’t have the time.

The ones that I do read and comment on are more than fellow bloggers. They are really my virtual friends.

and sometimes you get to meet them in the flesh.

or spend a whole weekend with them

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

Happy Running! How long have you been blogging? When is your blogoversary? Have you changed since you started?

March 24, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Food for Running

It’s Friday and 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.

This week, the topic is: Food.

So what would someone who doesn’t cook much and whose post-run fuel is usually ice cream write about??

I am going to share what I use for energy before or during my runs:

1. GU

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
without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

2. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry.

They are made with 0g of trans fat, all natural, whole wheat , and are Non GMO, Kosher, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors are even gluten-free.

3. 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.

4. Starbucks Chocolate Banana Smoothie

I am sure it must be heathier than a Latte or a Frappuccino, right? (This is obviously a pre or post run treat.)

It contains: A nourishing blend of mocha flavored sauce, a whole banana, milk, whey protein and fiber powder, and ice.

5. Larabar Bites

Are they healthy? Not sure but they do taste good. Here’s what their website says:

All 4 indulgent flavors are made from just 5-6 simple ingredients and are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and dairy free.

Happy Running! What do you eat for energy?

March 23, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: News, Training, Racing, Weather, etc.

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:

Good/Bad News:

I am 0 for 2 in lotteries. I did not get into Beach to Beacon:

Aug 5 in Maine (Joan Samuelson’s race)

I was not as disappointed as with the NYC Half. I just entered this one as a whim not even considering the date, the location, etc. I am sometimes pretty impulsive but I do want to run this 10K at some point.

I also did not selected as a RNR Run/Blogger. I was not surprised as my blog does not have big following. But I did get picked as a ZOOMA Race Ambassador.

I will run Annapolis as a virtual race but not sure which ones if any of the other races I can fit in or afford.

Who’s going to any of these? Cape Cod (Oct 7), Amelia Is, FL (Oct 21) or Austin (Mar 10). If I go, I will need a roommate.

This is an exciting opportunity. It’s always fun to run new races and meet new runners.

Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge:

This is the 7th year of this program and my third year participating. It has expanded and grown and offers many times and locations for women to train with others or become a first time runner.

I signed up for the Advanced group again. Our first meeting was this past Monday. It was so much fun to catch up with all of last year’s returning runners (though many did the Troy Turkey Training too so I saw them in November).

Patrick, who is young and cute, is still one of our coaches. He is constantly scolding me for not running as fast as he thinks I am able and mostly for racing every weekend. In fact, he mentioned that in a interview about the program. He didn’t mention me by name but everyone knew whom he was talking about.

Again he told me that I won’t get faster if I race every weekend but he knows that I will anyway. He says that I should pick a few goal races and the other ones just use as training runs. In fact, he said to run my extra miles before the race so I run on tired legs and don’t run fast during the race.

It makes sense but I don’t know if I can run a race and not do my best. What do you think?

Weather:

Spring has officially arrived. But you wouldn’t know it. We still have lots of snow and Wednesday the wind chill was around 0 degrees.

the only sign of spring is that the soft ice cream places are open

Treadmill.

I am pretty proud of myself. I ran my first (and hopefully last) time on the treadmill this year. I was traveling for work and used the one at the hotel. It was awful but I did it.

Because I signed up early for the Freihofer Run for Women, I have a free 6 month membership to a gym.