January 28, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – January

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

I runfess…

My running routes are influenced by my post race food options Aren’t yours?

I ran here:

I am very sad that I won’t be able to run here until spring

because of this:

Leah’s Cakery

I ran here:

because of this:

Cider Belly Donuts

I need all the motivation I can get. But do I really burn off all those calories?

I runfess…

I participated in a march last Saturday. It was for what I believe in. But why did it happen on such as perfect running weather day?

50 degrees and blue skies (the weather was awful the next day (when I did run)

As I walked, I kept thinking that it was a similar route (reverse direction) as for the Freihofer’s Run.

I runfess…

I really wanted to participate in Kim’s plank challenge. But I only did it once and for 1 minute.

Sorry. I am such a slacker when it comes to working out.

I runfess…

I schedule my blog posts. That means that sometimes they are not accurate or current. Like “loving that we’ve had good weather for running.” By the time I posted that, we had two days of ice and snow. Blogger fail.

This may be why many bloggers take a respite from blogging. It takes up so much time!!

I’m not even talking about inspiring, creative posts. Just posting running updates and race reviews…

Maybe I need to join the blogging vacationers and just post on Instagram?? But who can get out more than a hashtag using your phone keyboard??

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

January 27, 2017 by Darlene

Friday 2.0 – Slower Running Partners

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 theme is FREE so I chose How to Run With a Slower Partner

It’s no secret that Judy, a frequent running partner, is slower than me. She runs about 2 minutes per mile slower. I don’t think she will be upset that I say this because she mentions it all the time.

after one of our summer runs together

But that doesn’t mean that I don’t run with her. I do and here’s what I recommend:

1. Run Slower

and it is easy to run slower when there’s snow on the ground…

It seems like a no-brainer. If you run with someone who runs slower, you have to run slower. Just consider it an easy run or a recovery run.

2. Split up the Run

I ran 2 more miles after our recent run together.

You can start earlier and get some faster miles done. Or you add some speedy ones afterwards.

3. Enjoy the scenery

Running with a slower runners is relaxing. You can walk and take photos and then sprint to catch up.

4. Make it the Exception not the Rule

If you run with a slower runner all the time, you will probably get slower yourself. So do your own thing most of the time. Do your strides, intervals or whatever you need to do improve your speed when you run by yourself.

5. Add a run with someone faster

Running with someone faster is always a challenge. But running with a faster runner helps you get faster.

So don’t give up your slower running friends. After all, they are your FRIENDS!

Happy Running! Do you ever run with a slower runner?

January 26, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Stupid Studies, Missing Summer, Half Marathon Training

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

thinking out loud

Simple Sitting Test Predicts How Long You’ll Live.

This study has been mentioned in many fitness-related articles. Basically it says if you (as an adult aged 50 and over) can’t do the following without using you arms, legs or hands, you would be more likely to die in the next 6 years.

So like many of us who saw this, I tried it.

Well, I couldn’t do it. Not even close…

Should I be worried? Will I die soon???

Then I read many of the comments on the articles referencing this study and then I also thought about it logically.

There are so many more important factors that influence longevity:

weight
lifestyle
fitness-related activities
stress
genetics
and more

Some people are naturally flexible (even if they have never done yoga.) So they may be able to do pass this sitting test and still not be healthy.

Then others may have knee, back, ankle, foot issues that prevent them from being able to stand and sit without using their other body parts. These folks who are not over weight and are physically active will most likely live longer.

So, it’s great if you can pass the Sitting Test but if you can’t, I wouldn’t worry about your shortened lifespan.

Ice Cream in Winter

I miss summer – the sunshine, the warm temps, the longer days. The one thing I can control is what I eat.

Image result for walmart key lime ice cream sandwiches

they have salted caramel too!!

I eat ONE every night and it puts a smile on my face. Don’t judge!

Training has begun.

If you can call it training. I don’t have a plan but I do worry about my long runs on the weekend so I guess I am training for my March 5 Half Marathon in Florida.

– Jan 8 – 6 miles
– Jan 15 – 7 miles (Winter Series 10K race + .8)
– Jan 22 – 8 miles
– Jan 29 – 9 miles (Winter Series 15K race)
-Feb 5 – 11 miles or Feb 4 Polar Cap 4 mile race + 6
– Feb 12 – Winter Series 10 mile race
– Feb 19 – 12 miles
– Feb 26 – 10 miles
– March 5 – RACE DAY

My weekdays are using 2 or 3 runs of 3 or 4 miles.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? Can you pass the Sitting Test? Do you use an official training plan for your races? Do you eat ice cream in the winter?

January 25, 2017 by Darlene

Loving/Not Loving

l-nl

I haven’t done this in awhile so here it goes:

Loving: Noosa Yogurt ( I also add granola -usually gluten-free)

Not Loving: It’s expensive. The cheapest place to buy is Walmart. Not a fan. I prefer Target. But it is $.40 more there.

Loving: Getting out of work at 4 pm and it is still light outside. Soon I will be able to get my whole after work run in. I used to work until 5 pm in my old job (So I ran in the dark most of the winter).

Not Loving – My Job. It is what it is. And It’s not my cup of tea. But it pays the bills. Soon I will be traveling…ugh!! So far only scheduled for once or twice a month…

Loving – Our lack of snow. Sorry if you are a skier. But it’s great for us runners.

hooray for clear paths

Not Loving: My lack of motivation to work out. I haven’t gone to gym or done any strength training at home. I need a workout buddy. Plus the clothing. It’s cold out (when I run) and then it’s warm in the gym. How many outfits can I bring to work???

this photo was taken back in July

Loving: My Running Buddies. Alyssa had been busy for awhile so I was solo. Judy usually does not train in the winter. But they’re both back. I do short runs with Alyssa during the week and long runs with Judy on some weekends. Running is better with friends!!

: at UAlbany

Not Loving: Having to skip runs. If I’m not training for a big race, it really doesn’t matter but if I am (like for March 5 half marathon), I like to run 3 times during the week. This will be complicated with work responsibilities.

Today is Wednesday so I’m linking up with Coaches Corner–Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! What are you loving or not loving right now?

January 24, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Affording Races

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: What’s your limit on what you’ll spend on a race?

I have never done a Disney race or a marathon so I don’t usually have to spend a lot on race fees. Maybe $100 has been for the most and it was for a half marathon.

But it is not the race fees that add to the cost of the race. It’s lodging and transportation.

Here are what I do to save money:

Race Local.

Obviously. You can drive to a race and you can sleep in your own bed. I feel lucky to live in an area with an active running community. I always (except in the winter) have many choices of races.

Three of my recent local favorites – Ramblefest Half, Saratoga Palio Half, Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler):

Register Early.

As you know, the closer to the race date, the more money the race will cost.

I try to register for a race at the earliest cost. Of course, doing this, you run the risk of a possible DNS. So far, I have been fortunate and have had very few and no big races.

Collect Frequent Flier Miles or Hotel Points

If you travel a lot, these can add up and you can use them for your race-cations.

I only have ONE credit card which gives me miles. I try to charge everything on this card so that I can get a free flight and use it for a race-cation.

free flight to West Palm Beach, FL for this race!!

Visit Friends While Running A Race

Combine a trip to visit a friend or multiple friends with a race. This works really well for me (especially to visit those friends who live in warmer winter climates. LOL)

Just remember to spend time with your friends in addition to doing your race.

: HS/College BFF’s sister in LA

: 2 former co-workers who live in nearby Jensen Beach and Delray Beach

: running friend in Palm Springs

: Mah Jongg friends in Sarasota, FL

Take Advantage of Social Networking

Meeting runners through Facebook or Blogging can lead to a free place to stay as well as an awesome race experience.

: PCB Half – Dec 2016

: VCM relay with host/blogger Andrea

Happy Running! Do you spend a lot of money of racing? Any other suggestions on how to save?

January 20, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Winter Actvities

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 theme is Favorite Winter Activities

I’ll say it up front. I hate the cold!!

If I didn’t run, I would never go outside.

I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, sled, snow shoe…nada!

Keeping that in mind, here are my favorites:

1. Running (only cuz I sign up for races & winter half marathons to make me get out there)

winter4-172

2. Tennis (Indoors) – I play doubles once a week.

3. Knitting – I am not very experienced but I have made socks, hats & scarfs.

IMG_4256-0

sock1

4. Cooking (on the weekends) – I love to make soups & chili.

5. Reading – I always read every night before I go to sleep.

These two are recent favorites:

Image result for man called Ove

I just started this one:

Happy Running! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

January 17, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Favorite Winter Running Gear

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 Winter Running Gear

Related image

Sometimes I feel like the photo above.

But as they say:

Image result for no cold weather just the correct clothes

So these items are what gets me through the winter:

Wool socks – SmartWool are my favorites. If I wear capris, I wear the SmartWool compression sleeves to stay warm.
Warm Hat and gloves – any brand will do – I often wear Under Armour.

Light Jacket with layers – I hate to get over heated. I’m a fan of Target running clothes (C9 brand).

Running skirt with tights – the tights keep me warm enough and the skirt adds an extra layer – Skirt Sports is my preferred brand.

Hangover_Half-156-XL_edited

YakTrax if it is very snowy. They keep you from slipping and sliding.

Happy Running! And you? What is your favorite winter running gear? Please share…

January 16, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.9.17-1.15.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another frigid day. But I sucked it up and went for a run.

brrrr – it was 20 not 15 (like Sunday) but felt colder

I decided to get a sub for tennis since I was scheduled to play the next night (Don’t want to overwork this “old” body.)

Tuesday – A rest day for me. A quick lunchtime walk and tennis after work (followed by dinner out.)
Wednesday – Things started warming up so I gladly took a neighborhood run.

It was 52 degrees at lunch time?! Love this weather!

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. 50 degrees with rain. Crazy weather.

Friday – I did go for a 4 mile run before my evening mah jongg game. Cold windy weather was back. Not a fan!

the good news – more daylight, no ice, no snow

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. The hubby and I did go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary.
Sunday – Today I ran the Winter Series #3 10K race. No Garmin! No mile markers! Truly a naked race. Not a fast one, obviously, but still had fun.

Judy also ran this race and I waited for her at the finish line

Of course, I had to run .8 miles to make it 7 miles for the day.

After the race, Judy hosted a brunch at her house. There were 8 of us – all runners for good food and great conversation.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Day off from work, 5 mile run with Judy
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, mall walk with bff
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, March
Sunday – 8 mile run

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?

January 13, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Where would I love to go this winter? Where do I dream about racing?

I am 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 theme is Dream Vacations or Winter Destinations

For a Winter Destination, of course, it would have to be someplace warm and a place that has a half marathon:

1. Key West, FL.

I have always wanted to go to Key West. (I mean, I am a Parrothead lol) and I’ve heard that this January Half has a beautiful course.

2. New Orleans, LA

I was in NOLA years ago for a conference and loved it – the food, the language, the atmosphere and it would be cool to go back and run this race. (I did sign up for this March race but just can’t afford it this year.)

3. Bermuda

Blue skies, blue water, white sands…ahhh!

4. San Diego, CA

sdhm

I also visited San Diego for a conference and thought it was the perfect city to live.

5. Puerto Rico

Image result for divas half peurto rico

Who doesn’t like an all women’s race where it is warm?

Now for Dream Vacations, that would involve more travel (and again, there would have to be a race involved):

1. Paris

This is my favorite city in the world and I haven’t been there in many years. I love everything about the French culture.

2. Alaska

I’d love to take a cruise there. I’ve heard wonderful things about Alaska.

3. Hawaii

Another place that seems so beautiful that I want to experience it in person.

4. African Safari

I love animals!!! Lions, Tigers, Giraffes….oh my!

5. Iceland or Vietnam

I’d love to visit either or both.

Iceland

Vietnam

I’m not sure I’ll get to any of these places but a girl can DREAM!

Happy Running! So where do you dream about going this winter or anytime?

January 11, 2017 by Darlene

A Non-Running Survey

Thanks to Ali from Ali on the Run for her silly little survey. And it isn’t about running but I’m sure I’ll add something about that in one or two of the answers.

Here you go:

Favorite iPhone app:

Instagram is my favorite. I love to take photos (but most of them do relate to running.)

this is my most recent – you can follow me @dsc59

My second favorite is Facebook. I do not to post about EVERTHING I do but I love to share the interesting things (and they are not usually running-related) that I do such as going to the movies. friend gatherings and trips to NYC. It’s a way great to share and interact with friends that you don’t see often.

movies

Most-used emoji:

Probably the thumbs up one. It shows agreement, encouragement, etc. I use it a lot.

And then there are my personal bit emojis. I use them frequently in texting.

Last song you sang in the shower:

I don’t usually sing in the shower so I’ll share the last song I sang along with while running. Lady Gaga, Madonna & Shania Twain get me moving.

What is your greatest fear:

Snakes, mice…EEK!!

Somewhere you haven’t been that you’d like to go:

Alaska, Iceland, African Safari, China, Vietnam, Hawaii

Image result for northern lights in iceland

I want to see the Northern Lights

What would you want as your last meal on earth:

Pizza and ice cream or a fancy French meal.

yes, please

The TV show you’re binge-watching now:

My favorite show now is This is Us. I DVR it. I still watch Grey’s Anatomy. I am also waiting to catch Nashville (not sure if I get this channel…)

Deacon ❤ crush

Last person you kissed:

I hope it’s my hubby but it may be my cat, Jerry.

who wouldn’t want to kiss this furry face?

Which living person do you most admire?

Michelle Obama. She’s such a class act. I will miss her in the White House.

Image result for Michelle Obama exercise

of course I found a pic of her running

Three words that best describe you:

loyal, driven, runner

What’s the craziest thing someone’s said to you on social media?

“Love your Michelle Obama arms” I wish I had her arms. I laughed.

who me?

Favorite time of the week:

Saturday or Sunday morning (depending on which day I do not run or race). No work to rush off to. Can relax at breakfast and have a second cup.

Childhood crush:

Paul McCartney of the Beatles. David Cassidy of the Partridge Family. David McCallum (Ilya Kuryakin) in the Man from Uncle. (Ok, I’m old if you don’t know who they are?)

Image result for partridge family