January 10, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Do you travel for 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: Weekend Warrior or Racecation? Do you travel for races or like to stay local?

Definitely BOTH!

So I would define a race-cation as any race where you need to stay over night in a hotel.

Since I am not independently wealthy and work, I cannot take as many race-cations as I’d like.

In 2016, I traveled for 4 races: Sarasota, FL, Vermont, NYC and Panama City, FL. I had planned one more but ZOOMA Cape Cod Half got cancelled (and I settled for 2 local halfs instead.)

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016

: VCM Relay – 2016

: Dash to the Finish

: PCB Half – Dec 2016

This year, it will probably be much of the same. So far, I have plans to travel to Stuart, FL, NYC, and Corning, NY. I’d love to add one more trip in late fall.

Image result for ecards running race vacations weekends

If you need some convincing or tips, here are some posts on the subject:

However, the majority of my races are local – that is, less than an hour away. I am fortunate that from April-October, there so many to choose from each weekend.

Even half marathons. I haven’t run one twice yet I haven’t exhausted the list of local ones.

I do repeat the short distance races – the ones that I’ve enjoyed. Believe it or not, I have not run all the local ones either.

Image result for ecards running race vacations weekends

Plus, when you run local, you become part of the local running community. You recognize those familiar faces at each race. Besides being just another runner, they actually can become your friends. The conversation becomes “What’s your next race?” “Have you ever run…?” And they cheer when you win an age group award.

Here are just a few of my faves:

Oh so many races..so little time…

Happy Running! And you? Travel or stay local for your races?

January 7, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – January

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m over my Starbucks addiction. Well, not quite but it’s cold and I haven’t been walking much at lunch. Instead, I just use the Keurig at work to get my fix. No stars, though 😦

my shelf at work

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am enjoying not stressing out about long runs. With my half marathon being March 5, I don’t have to run double digits until February. Yay!

6 is the max that I run on these cold weekends

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel lucky that we do have local races and that they are free. You know how I much I love to race. There’s a 10k next weekend.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the ice and snow limits my places to run. I am getting bored. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone shoveled all the bike paths so I don’t have to run in circles around UAlbany.

this loop is getting old

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I already registered for 3 destination Half Marathons for 2017 – Florida, NYC & Corning. The last two will be with other runners. I ran 7 halfs in 2016. So I am still looking for at least 2 more. Any suggestions?

wine + 13.1 = fun girls weekend

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel a little guilty that I’ve haven’t set any goals or resolutions for 2017. It’s not that it is depressing when I don’t meet or keep them. It’s just that I never look at them until the end of the year. So why bother?

But if I had to, it would be to:

lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water, work out, do planks, go to a yoga class, stretch after running, clean out my closets, read more books, spend less time on phone/computer.

There you go. Those are things that I will probably ignore until the end of the year. LOL

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

January 6, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – 2017

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 your goals, resolutions, or other things you’re looking forward to in the new year!

Well, since I don’t set any goals, I’ll post about what I’m looking forward to in 2017.

1. Running Healthy.

I have been lucky to have no injuries since 2013. So I hope this trend continues. I think the key is to not overdo and take your rest days.

untitled

2. Destination Races.

I love to travel but working doesn’t allow me to do it as often as I’d like. So I really appreciate any opportunity I get. Of course, I try to tie each trip into a half marathon.

Sarasota Music Half - Feb

So far, I only have one big one planned for 2017. I will running this race alone but plan to meet up with a few non-running friends.

March 5, 2017 in Stuart, FL.

: 2 tennis friends who live in nearly Hobe Sound and Delray Beach

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

I hope to get in another destination race in the late fall too.

3. Annual Tennis Vacation.

A group of 10 of us have been traveling together since 2002. And we have been going to Naples, FL for a week in May since 2006. We even rent the same two villas.

Every morning we take tennis lessons and then play doubles. In the afternoon, we go to the beach. And then in the evenings, we go out. Tough life!

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4. Girls Racing Weekends.

My first one was in Philly in 2014. It was fun but last December’s was even more fun.

walks on the beach

I have one planned for April 30 in NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon and another for October 1 to run the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY. (Anyone else running these races??)

Fingers crossed that we can fit in a blogger’s weekend again with the #holottafun ladies.

5. Time with Family and Friends.

Ultimately this is the most important. I plan to spend a lot time with them. I know I can schedule my runs and races around those gatherings.

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Happy Running! What are you looking forward to in 2017?

January 4, 2017 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Involvement

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

Every Wednesday, 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.

This week’s word is INVOLVEMENT.

I love this quote (as well as, the tennis player Martina Navratilova who wrote it).

So with regards to running, are you a pig or a chicken?

In other words, are you involved?

You run alone. You run with others. Sometimes you run fast. Sometimes you don’t. You race short distances. You race long ones. You have good races and you have not so good races. You provide support to other runners. You may even volunteer at races.

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It is a good thing to be involved in something you enjoy. In addition to the obvious health benefits, involvement with running leads to making friends and inspiring others.

But are you committed to running?

Is it a priority in your life? Do you plan things around your running? Do you run with an injury? Do you never skip a run? Do you always have a plan? Do you always run with a watch? Do you record every run?

Does it rule your life (and maybe others close to you think you should be committed)?

this “committed” runner ran this race with a stress fracture

So that running doesn’t kill me (like the pig), I need to be involved with running because I love it but be committed to a healthy degree.

this runner walked half of this race due to a recent Achilles injury & still enjoyed the time with her friends

Hopefully, this makes sense to some of you runners.

It’s just a reflection. Not meant to be a criticism of you “committed” runners.

Happy Running! Any thoughts on involvement and running? What does it mean to you?

January 3, 2017 by Darlene

New Year for a New You

Thanks to Tricia from Missisippi Piddlin’ for pointing out a series from Lisa Jacobs. From Dec 27 to Jan. 2. Lisa had daily prompts with questions to think about in order to reflect on the past year.

Although it’s over, I recommend checking out her blog and looking at the prompts. They are really thought provoking.

Here are the ones from Day #1:

What was time very well spent this year?

My 12 weeks of unemployment.

Yes, it was stressful but I was able to play tennis most mornings and met a lot of neat ladies. I was able to run whenever and wherever I wanted. And most importantly, I discovered hiking and enjoyed doing it by myself.

What was money very well spent this year?

Every single race fee.

I love racing. I don’t regret any race that I paid for (even $50 for a NYC 5k.).

What are your favorite memories of 2016?

I have quite a few but the most memorable experiences of 2016 were running in NYC with my Russian friend Anna and the girls weekend in Panama City Beach that I spent with 7 other bloggers.

What did you accomplish or complete this year?

Found a new job. Ran many races of varying distances and in a variety of locations. Completed a hiking challenge. Most importantly, had a healthy year (no illnesses or injures).

Did you make any progress on long-term goals?

I hadn’t set any official long-term goals. But if I did, they would be to remain active and healthy (as I age) and to be financially able to retire someday.

So yes, I did have a active and healthy year. I ran 1046 miles.

On the retirement front, I am employed but I am not progressing as much I would have liked on the financial front.

What felt successful about the year, as a whole?

Probably my running.

I mean I ran 43 races including 7 half marathons and had zero injuries. I won many age group awards. Over 20!

Almost there!

Did you overcome any obstacles or mental blocks this year?

I had resigned myself to getting older and slower but I did PR at the half marathon distance. A happy surprise. Under 2:09!!!

What did you learn about yourself after all that happened in 2016?

I learned that you have to be patient. And that I’m generally not a patient person.

I also learned that sometimes you have to accept that “things happen for a reason.”

I learned, as well, that I’m not ready to retire. I like having an active (outside the home) life.

Who nurtured or supported you most this year?

My hubby, of course, and all my friends.

They listened to me during the trying times and were there to share my successes, as well.

Who did you enjoy nurturing and supporting?

That would definitely be the STEM runners and my mentee Amanda. I hope that I made a difference in their lives.

Happy Running! Feel free to answer any of these questions in the comments.

January 2, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 12.26.16-1.1.17

Last Week:

Monday – I was supposed to go out to dinner & movie after work but instead I went shopping to check out the after Christmas sales at the mall. Didn’t spent a lot but got some steps in.

Tuesday – I squeezed in a run before tennis. It was 40 degrees – felt like a heat wave.

After tennis, the tennis ladies celebrated with a dinner out (yes another.)

Wednesday – Decided to go for another after work run due to the impending snowstorm.

Ran in town where I used to run all the time before there was the rail trail.

Thursday– A hair appointment was the only activity I had today. Snow hit us again. But at least we didn’t get as much as predicted.

Friday – Despite yesterday’s snow, the roads were clear enough and I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game.

Alyssa had to cancel so I was back running in town

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house, and rest up for New Year’s Eve. A quiet evening of a movie and dinner with the hubby.

sad but good

Sunday – I ran my first HMRRC winter series run of the season and my first race of 2017. Th e weather was perfect for running (though a little windy). I loved starting the year off with a “relaxing” free race.

lucky for me that the speedy ladies ran the half marathon option so I won 2nd in my AG 🙂

After lots of refreshments, I dragged myself out for a little over 3 more miles.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, dinner & a movie with BFF
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 7 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 1, 2017 by Darlene

Looking Ahead to 2017

In 2016, I did not have any GOALS. No yearly goals. No monthly or weekly goals. Not even any race goals.

But I still had hopes and dreams and those morphed into thinking about speed. I often whined about my finish times and lamented that I could have done better in many of the races where I didn’t PR.

But in truth, I am not one of those runners who thinks that “they have a faster race in them.” I really have NO IDEA. I may. I may not. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try. And I will give each race my best efforts.

It means that I don’t want to obsess about it. I don’t want to be disappointed with my speed. It is what it is. I am neither fast nor slow. I am a MIDDLE OF THE PACKER (MOTP).

In 2017, I want to enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one. I mean running is a gift, right?

We take it for granted until we can’t.

I want to run as long as possible and even when I am a “back of the packer.”

just switch the gender… and this would be me and my hbby

So again I am going to pick ONE word.

The My One Word approach is popular every year. If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.

2014 was the first time that I tried it. My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

Las year, I picked:

This year, I am choosing the word:

I wanted to choose stress-free but it is actually TWO words.

Why did I choose “Relax?

2016 was a stressful year. I was unemployed for 12 weeks and wondered during that time how we would be able to pay our bills.

Then I did get a job, but it is the most stressful job I’ve ever had. Lots to learn and eventually, a lot of travel. Not what I enjoy but it is a job. Could be worse (I think).

truth??

Running can and should be relaxing.

But not when you put pressure on yourself to be fast.

As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.

Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on RELAXING and enjoy our runs.

How will I focus on my word?

Be more positive.
Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
Run & race happy.
Run more with others (and not only chat about our finish times & PRs!!)
Leave that watch home!

I should add that this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to get faster. I do. I will try to. I hope I will. Who knows I may even do some drills… Go to the gym? Get a coach????

But what I am saying is that if I don’t finish a race with the time that I’d like, I won’t get down on myself. If I have a bad race, I will just sign up for another.

Image result for OM and relax

I am also I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Do you have any goals for 2017? Do you put pressure on yourself to get faster?

December 31, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap

10 Things We Love The Most About December

Where has the time gone?. I can’t believe that it is almost 2017. Wasn’t it just December 1?.

Anyway, here’s how December went down:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a December. 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.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s now dark when I get out of work.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was injured. Alyssa was busy and I was in Florida for 5 days.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

There were none! Just a half marathon!! Taking a break until mid-January.

Total Mileage:

I ran 69 miles this month – My lowest monthly total of the year. But I did run over 1000 miles for the year!! Woo Hoo! For the first time ever.

Started out the year with my highest monthly total and ended with the lowest. LOL

2016

Races:

I only ran two races this month – a half marathon and a 5k.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

I was generally happy with how they buth went. I won my age group in the half marathon and the 5k was just pure fun.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors now.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I actually went to workout at the gym ONCE!! Just I know – shocker!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall or to get a Starbucks coffee.

Other News:

I went on the most awesome Girls Weekend Race-cation. #HoLottaFun

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

: karaoke & laughs

I also spend a day in NYC taking in all the holiday sights.

I spent time with Amanda (my mentee).

There was a lot of holiday partying and eating but I won’t get into that.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is not until March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here when it gets cold.

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

01-01-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
01-15-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 10K
01-29-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
02-05-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M

All these races are FREE!!

No monthly goals.

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

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

December 30, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Winter Running

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 FREE so I chose: 5 Things I Like About Running in the Winter

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So I decided to point out what I like about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

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not a fan of rain!!

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

happier here

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge LOL).

3. It’s pretty outside.

Well, at least most of the time.

4. There are free races.

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 6 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after.

5. There’s not a lot to do and it’s get me outside.

In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

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But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

so they say…

Happy Running! What do you like about running in the winter?

December 29, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Looking Back on 2016

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:

Last January, I decided to have a year of NO Goals.

Instead of goals, I listed hopes and dreams for 2016.

Let’s see how I did. Did any of them come true?

I hope to…

To improve my running

For me, it’s to get stronger and be a more confident runner. To have more quality training runs. To maintain my current speed and if I am very lucky PR at some distance. To run lots of races (both long ones and short ones.)

Well, I think I am a stronger runner and more confident at times. Though I didn’t have many PRs, most of my race finish times were close. I did PR at the half marathon distance which I am very happy about. I did run a lot of races – 43 to be exact and 17 of them were long ones. I still think that I may be able to get even better. That may involve improving the quality of my training runs and doing some drills to increase my speed and endurance.

: Panama City Beach Half

: Dash to the Finish

: Valley Cats Homerun 5k

To run with others

With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. I often shy away from running groups (like Fleet Feet, ARE, etc) because I feel that I am too slow. I hope to take advantage of more group running opportunities.

I still haven’t had enough guts to run with the HMRRC or ARE folks but I participated again in the advanced group of both the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge and the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. This gave me the opportunity to run with faster runners. I also ran with Barbara and new running friend Alyssa – both of whom challenge me.

: with Alyssa

: with Holly & Jackie from the training groups

: with Barbara

To volunteer and give back

I had great experiences with this in 2015 and I hope to continue with STEM, GOTR and any others opportunities that present itself. My specials needs buddy (IRUN4) is awesome. I hope to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often.

JA, my IRUN4 running buddy, is still awesome but I have been slacking on the posting pictures front. I have continued to send him race shirts and medals. I volunteered as a running buddy with GOTR last spring and my experience was not that rewarding. However, mentoring the STEM clients was amazing. I will continue to do this twice a year and hopefully become even more involved in this program. I still see Amanda and her kids throughout the year. Since she works a lot, I am not able to as often as I’d like.

To eat healthier

I am addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.

This is a work in progress. I eat healthy at home. I have granola in yogurt and fruit for lunch at work. But when the temptation is there, I am weak. And I do go out often. I love my desserts!! And I never drink H20 (my bad!)

To get physically on track

I may not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

Total failure here!!! At my new job, I sit more. There’s no treadmill or track and no one to walk with. I have hardly worked out at all in my “free” gym nor have I done any exercises at home. I don’t want to know what I weigh. It is more important to feel and look good. And as you get older, your metabolism slows down… I need to start movin’ and shakin’ in 2017.

To spend quality time with family and friends

Running is important but not more important than those I care about. Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.

I have successfully fit almost everything in. Now that I work until 4 pm, I run after work and still can meet friends to go out. I was able to race during the summer months and still spend time on our boat. You can do it. Just gotta be organized and prioritize.