February 1, 2017 by Darlene

Wednesday Word is back: Derail

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.

This week’s word is DERAIL.

So what does the word mean?

to cause to be deflected from a purpose or direction, permanently or temporarily

What can derail your running?

Weather

Especially if you live in an area where there is ice and snow all winter or in an area where it is too hot or humid to run all summer.

winter5-384

Health

It’s no fun running with a cold, the flu or a fever.

Time Commitments

Work, family and other important things can get in the way of you getting out there to run. Sometimes it may even be impossible to run under these conditions.

Overuse Injuries

These are the aches and pains that you caused by too many or too frequent runs and they keep you out of commission for several days or weeks.

Serious Injuries

These are broken bones or surgeries that could possibly end your running.

The things mentioned above are out of your control. You have to accept them and move on.

Image result for derail quotes

But there are many excuses that derail a runner but should NOT:

Too busy.

Prioritize things. Make a schedule. Be creative. Fit it in anytime of day. You know, before work, at lunch, after work, etc.

Too tired.

Getting out there is the hardest part. You’d be surprised that after a run, you have more energy than before.

No place to run.

Again be creative. Look for bike paths. Ask other runners. Use a treadmill in a gym.

bike trail on the Hudson River

No running partner.

Try social networking venues to find someone to run with. Sign up for races. You may find a partner there. Join a local running group.

10422515_10152728634751618_2533787278118590781_n

Not enough money to race often.

Be selective about the races you do run. Look for race entry give-aways. And not every runner has to run a lot of races. Do a “virtual” race.

Too slow.

As they say “you are lapping those on the couch.” No one is too slow to be a runner. Your pace is your pace.

A bad race.

Everyone has them. Quickly sign up for another race and another after that. You will soon forget about that bad one.

You are not getting any PRs.

Not every race can be a PR.

If you haven’t been running a long time, you may need to train differently or even get a coach.

Eventually as we age, we will slow down. Our running goals will no longer be PRs.

Happy Running. Have you had to deal with any of the above running derailments?

January 31, 2017 by Darlene

January Recap (& TOTR)

Image result for january

Cannot believe that the first month of 2017 is over already (and that Donald Trump is now the President)!!

Anyway, here’s how January went:

Weekday Runs:

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

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.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was still injured. Alyssa was busy until the last half of the month.

: in Delmar

: at the Corning Bike Path on a day off

: at UAlbany

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

Long Runs:

They have begun. They are not double digits yet but it’s coming.

: + 3.5 miles = 6.5 (at Ualbany)

: on the Zim Smith Bike Path

Total Mileage:

I ran 85 miles so far this month – an improvement over last month (69). .Although last January, I ran 101.

jan17

Races:

I ran three races this month – 3.5, 10k, 15k. They were all free and part of the HMRRC Winter Series.

I was generally happy with how they all went. I won my age group in the 3.5 miler and the 10K and 15K were just fun training runs.

Cross Training:

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

I NEVER went at all to work out at the gym but I did plank a few times at home!

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 signed up for three more Half Marathons – April and October are with other ladies (Girls Weekend!!). We even have our hotel rooms booked.

Shape Women’s Half Marathon – April 30 in NYC
Steel Rail Half Marathon – May 21 in Adams, MA
Wineglass Half Marathon – October 1 in Corning, NY

January was not an especially busy month.

I attended a post-inauguration march where I live. It was a great experience. Though, I wish that I had gone to NYC or Washington.

We had a surprise 70th birthday party for one of my tennis friends.

I got to see a few more movies – Lion, LaLa Land, Hidden Figures and Twentieth Century Century Women. I loved Lion and Hidden Figures. All the good ones seem to come out before Oscar time.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is 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 in the winter.

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

2-04-17 – Polar Cap 4m
2-12-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 10m
3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL)
3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)

No monthly goals.

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

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: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say a B+

What do you think?

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

January 30, 2017 by Darlene

Race Link-Up – January

Race Linkup is a linkup hosted by Deb Runs to help facilitate runners finding each other at races.

A new Race Linkup will open on the last Monday of every month and run for four weeks. You can link up your race schedule every month or only when you register for an additional race – you choose how often you want to get your schedule out there for other runners to see. The goal is for everyone to see who else will be your next race so you can arrange meet-ups with other bloggers and our readers.

What a cool idea?

Speaking of cool or “cold,” remember I live in Upstate New York. Come visit if you like to ski or snowshoe.

Anyway here is my February racing schedule:

2-04-17 – Polar Cap (4 mile) Race in Lake George, NY

16386867_10209312575151580_5775870643794532034_n

2-12-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 4M, 10M, 20M and Marathon options (I’m running the 10 miler) in Albany, NY

So my schedule is wide-open.

Feel free if you live in a warmer climate to invite me to come run with you in February 2018. LOL.

Here is also a link to the rest of my 2017 planned races – https://myfirst5k.wordpress.com/my-races/

Happy Running! Anyone running either of these two races?

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.