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.

It’s just a few minutes from where I work (though not on my way home) and I’ll have more info on it when I actually go there.

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

March 21, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Local Race

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: Favorite Local Race

Image result for freihofer run 2017

This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 10th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

Here are some of the reasons why I love this race and why I run it every year:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. (Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years.)
It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
I always meet someone I know and someone new. Last year, I even met the mayor.
Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
2011 was my FRW PR year. Maybe I’ll PR again?
Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!
In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
In 2015 & 2016, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.
You run around Washington Park.
There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Everyone finishes with a smile.
They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread
Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)

I’m the 2nd one on the bottom left

This 5k race is held on the first Saturday in June. So if you live near Albany, NY, come run it with me and 3,000 other awesome women runners!

Image result for freihofer run for women

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

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite local race?

March 20, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.13.17-3.19.17

Last Week:

Monday – I had planned to run with Alyssa at the Crossings because I had to set up for a training nearby. The training got cancelled due to an impending snowstorm so we ran two loops of the UAlbany campus instead. Not as exciting but it was a great run. It’s always easier and faster with a buddy.

Tuesday – Believe it not, the blizzard was so bad that even my office closed. So a relaxing day with no running (I don’t own a treadmill so I had no choice.)

But after a whole day home, I was getting antsy so my hubby drove me to the gym.

Just used a few of the machines and the bike (in the EMPTY gym)

Wednesday -I had planned to run and then go out to dinner with the tennis ladies but work sent me off to do a training in Liverpool, NY. This time I brought workout clothes and hit the gym in the hotel before dinner.

Haven’t run on a treadmill in ages and it was just as torturous as I remember

Thursday – A long day of training and then a drive back afterwards. Pooped!!
Friday – With 2 feet of snow still on the ground, the only place to run was back at UAlbany. Some of the path was clear and when it wasn’t, I just ran in the road. It was nice to run with the sun shining.

Saturday – I proctored the MPREs (favor for a friend at the law school) and then spent the day doing those usual Saturday activities (laundry, cleaning, shopping…) and went to the movies.

loved it!

Sunday – I got back out there to get some mileage. It was a challenge to find a route without snow. But I did and ran with Judy. The weather was perfect and it was fun to catch up and have a nice easy run.

also had my first of many post-run soft ice cream cones 🙂

21 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles (first FRW training group run)
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Thursday – 4 miles with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – hot yoga, pizza (fundraiser for STEM)
Sunday – Shamrock Shuffle race (5 miles) + 4 more

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How is your running going? Are you training for a big race? How is your running weather? Are you anxious for spring like me?

March 17, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Running in the Spring

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 that I am choosing is: Five Reasons to Love Running in the Spring.

Ironically, we have TWO FEET of the snow on the ground and it looks far from spring. But it will melt …eventually…right?

And Spring is my favorite season to run.

1. More Hours of Daylight

I have a hard time getting out of bed early enough to run before work. In the spring, it is still light enough to run after work. I love it!!

winter

spring

2. Less Baggage

I usually run after work so I have to carry all my running gear to work. In the spring, my bag will be so much lighter. No gloves, no jackets, no vests, no tights, no extra layers, etc.

winter

spring

3. Prettier Scenery

Flowers, leaves on the trees. Need I say more?

winter

spring

4. Nicer Clothes

Skirts, tank tops. No jackets over my nice skirts.

winter

spring

5. More Racing Ops

In the spring, there are several races to choose from EVERY weekend.

winter virtual race

spring racing

Happy Running! Are you anxious for spring? What is your favorite season to run?

March 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 2.27.17-3.5.17 and 3.6.17-3.12.17

So since I was on vacation last Monday, this is a TWO week update.

Two Weeks Ago:

Monday – my legs were tired but rain was in the forecast for the next few days so I dragged them out for an after work run around campus

it was not a great one but as they say a bad run is better than no run & I listened to another podcast

Tuesday – It was supposed to rain but never did but I had scheduled a rest day anyway. After work, I played tennis and attended a STEM committee meeting
Wednesday -Warm, windy day. I met Alyssa for a run. We ran on the rail trail instead of our usual campus loop. It was a great run. Finally!

running with friends is the best!

Thursday – Winter temps returned. Snow flurries and insane winds. I had planned to run at lunch but decided against and then had a hair appt. after work. So resting for my big race began a day early.
Friday – 6 am flight to West Palm Beach. Arrived, picked up a rental car with my friend Fran. We met Fonda (whom I would be staying with) in Delray Beach. We had a nice lunch, walked around town and then decided to walk around Green Cay to do some bird watching. We went back into town to visit the art gallerys (First Friday event in Delray) and the shops and eventually enjoyed a light dinner. I finally dropped my friend Fran off at her hotel and then drove to Fonda’s to call it a (long) day.

Saturday – Started the day off with a walk around the golf course where Fonda lives, then headed to Wakodahatchee for more bird watching. Saw alligators, iguanas and tons of birds nesting. Even saw some newly hatched baby birds. After, I picked up Fran and we had lunch with some old friends in Delray Beach.

After lunch, Fran and I drove an hour to Hutchinson Island so I could pick up my race packet. Then we headed to Hobe Sound where we had dinner with Georgette and her husband (with whom I would be staying for the next two nights). After dinner, Georgette was nice enough to take Fran to her hotel in Stuart so I could hit the hay early.

Sunday – Today I ran the Treasure Coast Half Marathon. It was a beautiful course and I enjoyed it even though I felt my lack of training, it was insanely windy, I had stomach cramps the first half, and sore feet and lower back the second half. Yes. I am a crazy runner.

2:18:25 – Half Marathon #24

After the race, I drove to Fran’s hotel so I could shower and change and then off we went to a Mets vs Cardinals spring training game. The Mets lost 14-10 but we still had fun. After the game, we went out to dinner with Georgette and her husband. Another busy LONG day.

20 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

Last Week:

Monday – Georgette and I got up early to take her dog for a walk on the beach.

I am in my “happy place.”

Afterwards, I picked up Fran at her hotel and we drove to Stuart where we had a lovely lunch with an old friend and then we strolled through the shops in town.

Eventually we dropped of the car in West Palm Beach and prepared to fly home. As usual, it wasn’t without hassles and delays. I won’t go into details but I didn’t get home until 1 am. 😦

Tuesday – I did 2 webinars at work, rented a car and then drove to Liverpool, NY. A rest day but not a day of “rest.”
Wednesday -Trained all day and drove home from Liverpool. Another day without running and without any “rest.”
Thursday – Grateful to be back home and able to run with Alyssa. It was a great run. Wish they all could feel this good.

Friday – Day 4 of rest from running and an evening with my mah jongg friends.
Saturday – I ran the Runnin’ of the Green Race (4 miler). Winter returned with a vengeance. It was -9 with the wind chill…BRRRR!!! I have never been so cold.

37:48 – not fast but at least I didn’t get frost bite

I had planned to run some more miles after the race but it was just too cold.

I had a lovely evening catching up with a friend – wine, food, wine, dessert. Just what I needed after a tough week.

Sunday – Another rest day (without rest). Filled the day with unpacking, laundry, cleaning, shopping and lots of cooking (yes, you heard that right) …all the stuff that doesn’t get done when you are away

10 miles done with 2 runs and 5 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Tuesday – rest day, ~~work training~~
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner out with tennis ladies, travel to Liverpool, NY for work
Thursday – ~~6 miles~~, training, drive home from Liverpool
Friday – ~~rest day~~, 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – proctor MPRES
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? How is your running weather?

March 10, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Fitness Trends

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: Fitness Trends

Well, I tried to think of one that I do participate in but I could not.

I guess I am a pretty traditional runner.

So here are FIVE trends that I will most likely never participate in:

1. Ragnar Races

I know that they are popular and everyone says that they are so much fun. But…

I don’t want to run at night…by myself
I don’t enjoy sleeping in a van or a tent
I don’t think my body can handle all that mileage in one weekend

2. Challenges

They always seem like a good idea but I have a hard time motivating myself to run a few times a week never mind running or planking EVERYDAY!!

3. Color or Themed Runs

I am a competitive person by nature and when I run a race, I want to do my best. I know it sounds like fun to have color or foam thrown at you, but it’s just not something I want to pay to do.

4. Warrior or Spartan Races

I am way too old and too clumsy to do one of these races. I know for sure that I would get injured. Plus I am sure that I could not climb the wall, jump over fire and complete most of the obstacles.

5. Virtual Races

I know that it’s fun to get the bling. Plus they raise money for great causes. But if I spend the money, I want to compete in a race with other runners. What I enjoy most at a race is the competition and the camaraderie among the runners.

Happy Running? Which trends do you participate in? Are there any that you would not?

March 9, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Weather, Training, Racing, 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:

WEATHER:

Ok, the weather lately has been crazy!!

Not because I was just in Florida. In the NE, it has been warm enough to run in a tank top several times.

So look at the forecast for the next few days:

with the wind chill, it’s supposed to be below zero 😦

Last year at this time, it hit 80 degrees!!

RUNNING:

It’s just hard to fit in. Work will be getting in the way…more and more. I’m trying not to be a whiner but I’m going to run whenever I can. I am not that dedicated to get up at crazy hours or run late at night when I am exhausted. My health and my happiness are more important than running.

So this week, it may only be just once. And that’s ok.

And if that’s the way it’s going to be, I will re-adjust my expectations for my races. I love racing and I plan to continue racing even if I don’t have time to train. I know that if I don’t train, my finish times will suffer. As long as I stay healthy and can run, I’m happy.

Well, of course, I’d be happier if I could do all my runs during the week and improve my times. But we can’t always do what we want.

This is so much better than being injured, right?

happy to run with my buddy once a week

MY LAST HALF MARATHON:

I didn’t expect to run well. I didn’t train well.

I expected to love the race and the course and I did!!

I didn’t have an awful finish time but it was slower than the last 5 out 7 of my half marathons.

It was insanely windy but unfortunately it wasn’t only the wind.

My stomach cramped, then my back and feet ached. No injuries and I am grateful for that. I didn’t give up and pushed through the pain. I am proud of how tough I am!

enjoyed meeting other Skirt Sports ambassadors

UP NEXT?

I have a frigid four mile race this Saturday and races almost every weekend.

this same race two years ago.

I am also starting my training for my next half marathon which is in hilly Central Park, NYC on April 30.

That means that I will need to add extra miles onto my races. This weekend, I have 7 miles on the schedule.

This is not an optimal way to do your long runs but it makes me happy to race. Plus, I don’t have PR goals for any of my half marathons.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? How are you dealing with the crazy temps? How do you cope when life prevents you from running? Do you do your long runs in-interrupted?

March 7, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Spring Race Plans

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 I am going to share with you my Spring Race Plans.

I mean spring will be here soon. Although we have actually had spring temps this winter LOL

I’ve already run in a skirt several times!!

I hope that you don’t expect me to discuss ALL my spring racing plans…

3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL) – this past weekend
3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
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 (in NYC)

Tennis vacation in Naples, FL 5-03-17 to 5-10-17

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 (in Adams, MA)
6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run 5k
6-11-17 – Betar Byway 5k/Moreau Mile
6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k

Here are the highlights:

Treasure Coast Half Marathon – a Race-cation in Stuart, FL – 13.1 miles, visiting with 4 non-running friends who live nearby, my first Mets spring training game (recap coming soon!)

Delmar Dash – a local 5 miler (closest race to my house) and a popular one with the local runners

Bacon Hill Bonanza – a very scenic and well-run 5k or 10k in the country (great post-race food).

Shape Women’s Half Marathon – a girls weekend (so far there are 3 of us plus some STEM runners) in NYC and my first race in Central Park.

Steel Rail Half Marathon – in Mass and on the same course as the Ramblefest Half that I ran last October. It’s flat and scenic.

Freihofer Run for Women – I’ll join the training group again. This is my only racing streak. It’ll by the 10th year running this 5k race with 4,000 of my closest friends (ha ha).

Betar By-way 5k/Moreau Mile – another scenic 5k and 1 mile race.

So the scheduled topic is how do you create your race schedule.

I do race a lot and I am fortunate to have many to choose from between March and November. My only problem is that work and finances get in my way of running many destination races 😦

Here are some of the factors that I take into consideration when I make up my schedule: