May 3, 2017 by Darlene

I Need a Vacation and Some Vitamin D

This morning I left for the tennis ladies’ 12th trip together to Naples, Florida. (For some of us, this is our 20th tennis trip – 1 Palm Springs, 5 Las Vegas, 1 Dominican Republic, 1 Delray Beach.)

Naples Fla

There will 10 of us (two newbies) and we are renting 2 villas (from the same lady) in World Tennis Center.

This is my third trip to Florida in the past year. (Remember, my half marathon in Stuart in March and another last December where I had #holottafun). The purpose of this trip is to play tennis and do some female-bonding. (There are few races this time of year in Florida 😦 )

this year again our favorite tennis instructor Billy Bob will not be there 😦

We will have a new instructor again this year.

We will be playing tennis everyday from 8-11 am.

and then we will be busy the rest of the day with a variety of fun/relaxing activities.

lots of these views

and these

I am bringing my running clothes. Will I run??? I certainly hope so!!

these were my enthusiastic friends in 2008 – will I be able to get them to run with me??? Doubt it.

I need to run since I have a half marathon when I return.

view from one of my runs last year

and another – not too shabby but I wish we were staying closer to the Gulf.

I will post lots of pics in IG. So follow me (@dsc59)

Happy Running! I will miss you all! Stay healthy!

May 1, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 4.24.17-4.30.17

Last Week:

Monday – Our good weather continued for one more day. It was even warmer than Sunday. Tonight was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run and the plan called for 10 min. warm-up, 4-6 800m sprints at 5k pace, 400m recovery after each, cool down. The day after a 5k race plus 6 additional miles? Could I do it? Patrick allowed me to back off and do them at 10k pace. I actually felt stronger after each one. My first and last were my fastest at 4:10. (He let us stop after 4 repeats. 🙂 )

4 tough miles

Tuesday – A nasty rainy day. My run got replaced by (indoor) tennis. It was fun since I hadn’t played in weeks and of course, we went out to dinner afterwards.
Wednesday – Another dreary day but the rain stopped by afternoon and it warmed right up. I managed to squeeze in a quick sweaty run before meeting my tennis friends for our monthly dinner out. (Unfortunately I had to skip my STEM volunteering.)

The first tulips I’ve seen

Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run on the Corning Bike Path since we hadn’t been there in ages. As usual it was a good one.

Friday – I decided to stop at the gym then stay home and pack for my weekend in NYC. (I even skipped mah jongg 😦 )
Saturday – I headed to NYC with fellow runner Sue. I only knew her a little but we got along great. (Runners always seem to.) After leaving our bags at our hotel, we headed to the expo to get our race packets, had lunch and then went back to our hotel to check into our room. Yes, we walked over 11 miles the day before our race on a very warm day. We carbloaded at a nice Italian restaurant with another local runner and her daughters. Eventually we returned to the hotel to try to get some sleep before rising early the next day.

Sunday – Today I ran the Women’s Shape Half Marathon in Central Park, NYC. It was tough. Maybe my toughest half. Those hills are no joke but I finished and had a fun day.

poor training, sore throat, aching feet, stomach cramp – nevertheless, she persisted!!

24. 6 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest, fly to Florida
Thursday – Sunday – running, tennis, hanging out at the beach, dinner out and lots of fun.

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?

April 28, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – April

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

I runfess…

I STILL can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

This would have been definitely more pleasant at 6 am than 5 pm.

How do you early morning runners do it?

I runfess…

I did not do a single uninterrupted long run for this weekend’s half marathon. I think my longest run was 6 miles. I know that I should but racing is more fun.

5k + 6 mi = 9 mi

Anyone have success doing it my way? Am I crazy? (Don’t answer that. it was rhetorical.)

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. I could also use the treadmill or the bike.

at least the gym is near Starbucks

I should also take a class (spinning, boot camp, Zumba) before my free membership elapses, right?

I runfess…

I am actually enjoying my shorter races. I used to feel pressured when I ran them. I felt like I should try to PR. But now I am not even trying to run fast. I’m still having decent finish times and even winning some age group awards. In my most recent race, my slowest pace was the end of the race.

Once my May 21 half is over and I have a break in my training, I should consider trying for a 5K PR.

I runfess…

I am looking forward to 8 day vacation in Naples, FL with my tennis friends. It’s always a fun time to unwind, go to the beach and have some quality girl-time.

We are going 2 weeks early because one of the ladies is expecting a grandchild. This, however, means missing some of my favorite races. Serious FOMO will be happening.

I runfess…

My half marathon on May 21 is on a flat course and it is the same course where I did PR back in October. So I should train better than I have for this weekend’s fun one. Will I?

Well, there’s my Florida trip and then there’s a 5k on May 13 and another possible one on May 14.

Summer Smith Memorial 5k

As Brittany says; Oops, I’ve done it again.

I runfess…

I used almost always run by myself. I actually enjoyed the solitude and being alone with my thoughts. I even stopped listening to music.

Well lately, I’ve gotten spoiled. I have my training group peeps on Monday, STEM volunteers on Wed, Alyssa on Thurs and there are my races on the weekend.

It’s so much more fun running with someone else.

Now it feels weird when I am alone. I’ve started listening to podcasts. It’s my virtual running partner talking to me (and I don’t have to talk back…but I can..).

Anyone else prefer to run with a friend than solo?

I runfess…

I am planning to wear a top to this weekend’s half marathon that I have not worn before. Judy says it is comfortable so I will believe her. (But I do plan to wear a sports bra underneath!!)

Anyone wear new unworn items to a big race??

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

April 27, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: It’s Half Time, Vacation Time, 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:

Half Time:

And I’m not talking about football. This weekend I am heading to NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon.

I am, of course, weather stalking:

Glad the race isn’t Sat…

My preference would be weather like this past weekend – sunny and cool but as long as it doesn’t rain, I’ll be happy.

What to wear is pretty easy since I always wear a SkirtSports skirt and tank. I’m going purple for this race.

The logistics and weekend events are still up in the air and it’s Thursday. I may be going and staying in a hotel room with two other women or maybe only one. One is injured and can’t decide if she wants to walk or stay home. We may be driving 1 1/2hrs and taking the train to the city or taking the train from Albany and taking the bus back. I’m thinking the first option since it is cheaper.

We are staying in a hotel in Harlem on 124th St. Tentative plans are drop off bags, bib pick up (57th), hotel check in, new Whitney museum (13th St) and dinner. We are having dinner with another local runner. There’s another STEM graduate who running the race. I need to try to plan a meet-up with her as well as another blogger.

Race-cations are always exciting even if they are short.

Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge:

This is the 7th year of this program and my third year participating. I signed up for the Advanced group again and we already had 6 weeks of training. We have a great group of new and returning runners. I only go on Mondays but I actually like the speed drills this year. They seem to be less painful than previous years (or maybe I’m just more relaxed and not trying to be the fastest.)

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. However, I am able to ask him questions and he gives me useful advice (that I may or may not follow LOL).

Upcoming Florida Vacation:

With work and this weekend in NYC, I’m not ready. We leave on a 6am flight next Wednesday. I’m away this weekend, have my running group Monday evening and tennis Tuesday evening. Yikes! When do I pack for 8 days away??

But looking forward to sunsets and fun times on the tennis courts and soaking up the sun on the beach.

If you know me, you know that although there are very few races this time of year in Florida, since we are there 2 weeks earlier than usual, I thought I’d take a look.

May 7 – 7:30 am

I found one – two loops around Old Naples. We have tickets for a show the night before so I don’t know if I can talk someone with a car into getting up early to drive me. We’ll see.

Happy Running! What’s new with you today? Tell me in the comments.

April 25, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: April Report Card

So spring finally did arrive. Although it did waver back and forth throughout most of the month.

Here’s how April turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Although we had quite a bit of rain. 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.

The good news is that it stays light out longer so I don’t have to run in the dark and can run longer after work. Since the snow has melted, I also have more choices of places to run.

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

I continued to attend the Monday sessions of the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. Coach Patrick put us through those speed drills that I normally would never attempt on my own.

: week 5

I also started my volunteering stint with the STEM runners this month. The clients run three time each week. I attended two Wednesday sessions. May will be our big month since the race is in early June.

: week 1, day 2

Long Runs:

I will end the month with a half marathon and so I tried to squeeze in some miles on the weekends to prepare for it. There were no uninterrupted long runs so my training definitely was lacking.

: 5 mi + 5 mi = 10 mi

: 5k + 7 mi = 10 mi

: 8k + 6 mi = 11 mi

: 5k + 6 mi = 9 mi

Total Mileage:

I ran 102 miles this month. I am pleased since I increased my mileage from last month (thanks to running a half this month) and it’s my highest mileage in a long time.

April Miles

Races:

I had five races on my schedule this month – two 5ks, a 8k and a half marathon but I DNSed on one (a 5 miler)

I was sad that a backache forced me to DNS at the Delmar Dash (one of my favorite local races). However, I was generally happy with how the other races went. The Bacon Hill 5k was cold and windy which helped me run fast. The Code Blue race was quite hilly and my first 8k. I really enjoyed this race and did better than I expected. The Lake George 5k was also hilly but one of the most scenic places to run and I won my age group. The Shape Half was one of my toughest halfs to date but I finished so I was very pleased and the weekend in NYC was fun.

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

: 27:32 – course PR & 1st AG

: 27:53 – 1st in AG

: 2:20:49

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.

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

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall. Not everyday like I used. But more often since the weather has cooperated.

Other News:

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 also got to hear the amazing Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speak.

: dinner with the hubby

: seder with my mah jongg buddies

: dessert with an old friend

: movie & dinner with tennis friends

: lunch with boating friend

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 May 21 in Adams, Mass. It is flat and on the same course as my PR (Ramblefest in October).

My annual tennis vacation in Naples, Fla is coming up. Lots of girl-time scheduled.

And it’s my BIRTHDAY month!! (May 9)

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

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

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

5-6-17 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)?
5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K?
5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5m)
5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon
6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-11-17 – Run for Hope (volunteer with STEM) or Betar Byway 5k & Moreau Mile??
6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k* or Good Karma 5k*??
6-25-17 – Adirondack Distance Run

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her April 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 A-. I think that I improved from last month – more miles, some drills, some gym time. Still room to grow.

What do you think?

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

April 24, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 4.17.17-4.23.17

Last Week:

Monday – Today was a hellish day. A good friend’s 23 year son took his own life and I went to a memorial service. Then my MIL had a mini stroke and ended up in the hospital. Thank God, it was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run and I could clear my head with a run and friends. The plan tonight was warm-up, 6-8 400m sprints at 5k pace, 200m recovery, cool down. The weather was perfect though a little too windy. Patrick said I got the consistently award for running all 6 sprints at 1:53 (We quit after 6 repeats.)

notice that our coach is wearing Skirt Sports.

Afterwards I met my BFF at the mall for a walk and a chat.

Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I ran some miles at UAlbany. Another perfect weather day.

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work, followed by a stop at the gym after work.

It was also my day for volunteering with the STEM runners – Couch to 5k and being week 2 and day 2, we only ran for 1 1/2 minutes and walked for 2 minutes. It was fun and so rewarding to work with these new runners even in the damp cold drizzling weather.

Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run on the Nisky Bike Path since Alyssa had the day off and lives nearby. I joined her for the first 6 of her 13 mile run. Another run trying to beat the rain. And we did.

Friday – I had planned a quick run before mah jongg but it was raining so I went to the gym to use the machines instead. Of course, the rain had stopped by the time I was done but I lost my mojo.
Saturday – A scheduled rest day. I got a lot done around the house. Then I went to the movies with friends…

it was excellent!!

followed by dinner out.

Sunday – Today I ran the Lake George 5k. I’ve run it before so the uphill was no surprise. The weather couldn’t have been nicer. The race felt effortless and I even won my age group.

Not a PR but a decent 27:53 finish

Afterward, I ran 4 more miles on a nearby bike path …

Uphill on the way out but a delightful downhill back

and then drove up to our marina and ran 2 more miles. I felt strong enough to run more but I had plans for lunch with a friend.

Mimosa and feta shrimp tomato omelet with corn bread & fresh fruit salad

1 more week to go!! Taper time!

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles),
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – gym, STEM group run (week 3 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – drive/train to NYC, packet pick up, etc.
Sunday – Shape Women’s Half Marathon

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 21, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Pampering

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 Pampering.

I don’t get massages or pedicures like many runners do but here’s how I ~~spend money~~ pamper myself or make myself feel good.

1. Hair

Every 5 weeks without fail, I cut and color my hair. I also get highlights once a year.

no, I will NEVER let my gray hair show

2. Nails

I also have my fingernails done about as frequently as my hair. Always a French manicure (so it doesn’t show if I let it go.) I also always have my toes polished (a dark color) but I do them myself.

I mean my nails have to look good when I take pics of my medals LOL

you see why I don’t waste money on these pretty babies

3. Starbucks

I don’t buy them as often as I used to but I do indulge every now and then. They just taste so good!

4. Drinks and Dinners Out

I’m not a homebody and when a friend or my hubby suggests going out for a drink or a bite to eat, I never hesitate to accept the invitation.

5. Ice Cream

Ice cream cones, root beer floats, whatever. They get me through many of my long runs. I don’t feel a bit guilty about the calories.

Happy Running! How do you pamper yourself? Do you get the runner traditional massage and pedicure?

April 18, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Foolish Running Mistakes

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: Foolish Running Mistakes

I could write the book on these. So here’s just of few of my big goofs:

Running without my phone.

I’ve only done it on rare occasions but I couldn’t have died on that frigid day when I fell and broke my ankle. I’ll never do it again!! You never know what may happen when you are out on a run.

before the fall

A Long Run Without Fuel

I’m one of those runners who needs to eat before, during and after my runs if they are longer than 4 miles. I’ve had a few miserable ones where I left my Gu in my car and one that I can remember where it must of fallen out of my pockets.

Over-Dressed for a Run or Race

I would rather be cold than hot when I run. If I am cold, I just run faster. Being overdressed makes me grumpy and nauseous.

having my jacket tied around my waist makes me annoyed too…

Running Fast on a Trail

It’s pretty obvious that you have to run slower when there is loose dirt and rocks. I discovered that the hard way this past weekend.

not happy but all bandaged up

Not Charging Your Watch Before a Race

Yup, I’ve run several races where I had no idea what mile I was on nor my pace. The first inconvenience bothered me the most. It influenced fueling as well as my finish time.

a naked half marathon. I felt like the runner next to me.

Poor Pre-Race Meal Choice

At home, I’m ok. But when I am traveling especially if I am staying with someone who is cooking for me, it’s often difficult to eat the right thing. Of course, then you pay during the race.

That face may be been from my upset stomach, the first 3 miles (spicy rice & beans the night before)

Blisters or Chafing from Clothing or Shoes in a Race

We all know not to wear new items of clothing or new shoes in a race. I am pretty good about it or maybe it’s that I have been lucky in that area. But I have run without the proper moleskin protecting my feet. The results were not pretty.

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

Happy Running! What running mistakes have you made? Any of the same ones as I have? Do you learn from your mistakes or do you repeat some them?

April 17, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 4.10.17-4.16.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was week 4 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run. The plan tonight was 10 minute warm-up, then run 4-6 400m @ 5k pace w/200 m rest, then cool-down. It was tough especially since the temps hit 80 degrees today. Though I was one of the slowest of the group, I did 5 repeats each in 1:53 (That’s fast for me).

3 sweaty miles with some needed speed work

Afterwards, I rushed off (without stretching and sweaty) to our mah jongg seder to celebrate the first night of Passover.

Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I planned to stop at the Crossings (since I was nearby) to run. But had to go back to work so I ran at Ualbany instead. Another very warm day but I’m not complaining.

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work. It was also my first day volunteering with the STEM runners. They are doing the Couch to 5k and being week 1 and day 2, we only ran for 1 minute and walked for 1.5 minutes. It was fun and great to meet the new group. I hope they stick with it.

week 1, day 2

Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run in Washington Park since neither of us had been there in ages. Even though Alyssa didn’t feel great, it was still a decent effort. Better than running alone.

cloudy and chilly…spring is fickle here

Friday – Another scheduled rest day due to an after work hair appointment. (I’ve got my priorities.)

Saturday – Today I ran the Code Blue 8k. It was a new race for me and I knew that it would be hilly (and it was.) But it was sunny and that made all the difference and I loved the course.

4th in my AG but happy with 46:26 (GT) 46:01 (garmin)

After chatting with my friend Judith for awhile, I decided to continue my run at Saratoga Spa State Park. It had warmed to the 60s and it made for a perfect running day except for a fall about 2 miles in on a trail. With the help of some strangers (tissues & band-aids) and the spring water, I was able to continue my run but settled for 6 more miles rather than the planned 7.

I even washed my blood soaked socks in the spring LOL

This helped forget about my wounds.

Sunday – Rest day again but a busy day around the house.

Then we went to my mother-in-law’s for Easter dinner with the family.

Gym was closed so went for a walk instead. Can’t beat the views.

2 more weeks to go!!

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – STEM group run (week 2 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, gym
Sunday – Lake George 5K + 5-7 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?