November 25, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Being a Running Mentor

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.

Today’s topic is a free one so I am choosing: Five Reasons To Mentor New Runners

1. Finding New Places To Run

When I volunteered in the STEM program last year, I ran at UAlbany because the group chose to run there. Now that I changed jobs, it has become my go to place to run. It’s safe and lit up at night. And in the winter, they keep the sidewalks clean.

2. Meeting New People

The other mentors in the STEM program are awesome. It’s always fun to meet other runners. We bond instantly. I always look forward to meeting the new mentors each year.

last June – runners & mentors

I haven’t had as much contact with the running buddies in GOTR but the ones I have met were very nice.

3. Fits into your Running Schedule

I run after work anyway. So my STEM runs fit right in. Yes, they are walk/run but often, I get there early and run a few miles or I stay afterward to run. It causes no lapses in my training.

4. Making a Difference in Someone Else’s Life

I can’t explain how it feels to watch women who have suffered so much in their lives be successful.

And to see the joy young girls get from participating in their first race.

10917256_361783967363595_7880664523982825473_o

I actually did so little but hopefully me being at their practices and races did make a difference.

5. It’s motivating.

New runners’ enthusiasm for running is contagious. It actually makes me want to run more!!

FRW - 2010

The picture above was from my first mentoring experience in 2010. They were a bunch of young mothers running their first 5k. These ladies actually are responsible for me pushing myself to try a half marathon.

Recently my friend from Russia decided to become a runner (because of me). I guess I mentored her from afar without even realizing it. She even hired a coach back in Moscow. We got to run together for the first time recently when she flew to NYC to run a 5k.

along the Hudson River, NYC

Happy Running! Have you ever mentored a new runner? If so, how did you benefit?

November 23, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Gratitude

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 GRATITUDE

Image result for gratitude quotes

This year (as in other years) I am grateful for…

MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY (my hubby & my kitties)

My hubby allows me the freedom to be me. That means patiently waiting for me to run or race before we go boating during the summer months and scheduling our activities around my running. I am grateful that he is there to support me.

Jun - 10m bucket list race

My 4 cats give me unconditional love with their lap cuddles and purrs.

Jerry, the oldest (19 years old) & my personal favorite

Honey & Billy, the youngest (11 years old)

Slater (about 12 years old) and my hubby’s favorite

MY HEALTH

Of course that means being healthy enough to do the activities I enjoy — RUNNING, tennis, walking/hiking, boating. I don’t take it for granted. I have been NOT able to do it too many times. I am so grateful to be healthy all of 2016!!

snapseed

MY FRIENDS

I am still in contact with a few friends from high school and college. It is great to connect with them and reminisce (about the good old days.) I have also made a bunch of GREAT friends as an older adult from the activities that I do…tennis friends, boating friends, quilting friends, mah jongg friends, running friends, etc. And I also have several from work (all 3 of my careers.) All of these people are precious to me and I am grateful to have them in my life.

college

tennis

teaching

junior year in France

mah jongg

12189094_10154552852579428_1160339341903973636_n

boating

SOCIAL NETWORKING – (Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, etc.)

The people I connect with are my virtual friends. I have met new people and can connect with ones that live too far away to see. I have learned a lot from Facebook and from my fellow Bloggers. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to meet them in the flesh. So I guess I am grateful for the Internet and those smart folks who have invented software that can connect people.

Alyssa and Barbara from FB

former blogger Andrea

bloggers Judy and Karen

RUNNING

Running has changed me. I discovered it late in life (at age 55). It has made me more confident, independent and I feel healthier and younger than ever. I am most grateful to this sport and what it has given me.

Image result for gratitude quotes

Happy Running! What are you most grateful for?

November 21, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I arrived in NYC this afternoon for work. As soon as I checked into my hotel, I took off for a run. I headed toward the Hudson River. I planned on 3 miles but with all the stopping for lights and photo ops, it was 5 slow ones.

After dinner, since it was a warm evening, I went for a walk to Bryant Park and hung out there for awhile.

Tuesday – It was pouring during my long walk to work. But it stopped so I could take a stroll during lunch.

This cup brightened my wet morning walk

That evening, I went out to dinner with some other trainers.

view from my hotel room. Different color every night.

Wednesday – I had left my work clothes at work the day before so that I could get up early and run along the East River before work. And it was amazing. I could have run forever but I had to return to work by 8 am 😦 )

After dinner (NYC pizza – yummy!), I walked to Times Square. I wanted to get cheap tix to The Big Comet, but when I found out that Josh Groban called in sick, I went next door and got tix for Dear Evan Hansen which was in previews. Great decision! The show as awesome (and tix were more than 50% off.)

adding to my red cup collection when killing time before the show

Thursday – Today I decided to bring running clothes to work so I could run during lunch. I ran the same place as Wednesday morning but a shorter route since I didn’t need to run as far to get to the river and I ran in the opposite direction.

I had still hopes of seeing Josh Groban but he was still sick. So I walked around Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park… Taking in this warm weather and walking ops. (Returning to normal life soon! 😦 )

Friday – Last day of work in NYC. No running today but a walk to/from work and a long one during lunch.

Then that evening, I took the train back home.

Saturday – Today I went to a 5k that I would not be racing. Instead I would be helping a STEM runner complete her first 5k. Much more rewarding than any PR I’ve ever had.

When I was done, though I didn’t feel like it, I ran some more miles so this could count as a long run. Thanks Judy for the company on 7 of those miles.

Sunday – Rest day and catching up after being away for 5 days. Good thing since it seems like winter arrived. That afternoon, I played mah jongg and int he evening, we all went out to dinner (Chinese of course) to celebrate out 8th anniversary of playing mah jongg together.

the whole gang minus 2

25.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – last Troy Training Challenge Group Run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest, mall walk with bff
Thursday – 10K race followed by a 5K race
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – last long run (8-10 miles), hair appt
Sunday – rest

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?

November 18, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Foods

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.

Today’s topic is Favorite Holiday Foods.

Warning. None of these are healthy.

1. Eggnog –Preferably with rum.

2. Starbucks Snowmen Cookies

3. Squash Soup – I make it with leeks and apples. YUM!

4. Pumpkin pie

5. Sweet Potatoes – With marshmallows, of course.

So now you know why I race so much.

Happy Running? What are your favorite holiday foods?

November 17, 2016 by Darlene

The Ultimate Runner’s Acronym List

Ted Spiker recently wrote an article in RW about funny running acronyms. His instructions are to edit the answers to reflect your running life.

My answers are below. Feel free to re-post or answer in a comment.

DNS: Did Not Start—yes

Unfortunately most were injury-related and a few were weather-related.

DNF: Did Not Finish—no

I’ve always finished (even when I shouldn’t have).

even with a metatarsal stress fracture

DNRTAL: Did Not Remember To Apply Lube—no

Don’t hate me but I don’t chafe.

DFL: Dead Freaking Last—no

Not yet. Hopefully never.

FFF: Finished Freaking First—no

No way. No How. Most likely never.

BQ: Boston Qualified—no

I’ve never run a marathon and if I did, I still would not BQ.

DQ: Didn’t Quit—yes

As I said about DNF, I always finish races.

even when I broke my foot at mile 1 of a 5k.

POPOPOP: Pancake on Pancake on Pancake on Pancake—yes

Love my carbs.

LYORP: Liked Your Own Race Photo—yes

There have been quite a few that I have liked.

: Biggest Loser 5k

: Eau Palm Beach Half

WAMTD: Wore a Medal to Dinner—no

I am usually with non-runners or I don’t eat in a restaurant after a half marathon. (I would have last weekend if they gave medal for the 5k.)

BTW: Bemoaned the Weather—yes

Often. I’ve run in too many races where it has rained!

13662262_10153694932756074_56283901147261787_o

SSP: Shared Shoe Photos—yes

shoe2

TBT: Threw-up By Track—no

No, Thank God. I did feel like it a few times including my last 5k.

PR: Personal Record—yes

They are harder to come by but I did this year in the half and last year in the 4m, 5m and 15K.

heading for a 15k PR

PB: Personal Bartie—no

But I’ve taken a pic with Frank Shorter, Joan Samuelson and Deena Kastor.

CRAP: Certifiably Ruined a Porta-Potty—no
LOL: Leaked On Leg—no
OMG: Ordered Many GUs—no

But I have bought many many GUs. I don’t order them online because I like to eat only certain flavors and a variety of them.

5 vanilla Gu & 5 chocolate Gu - my favorites

caramel machiatto & salted caramel are my faces. – my favorites

BFF: Blessed with Fast Feet—no

I wish! I have to work at it!

LMAO: Lunged My Ass Off—no

Who does lunges?? LOL.

LMFAO: Lunged My Fat Ass Off—no
BRB: Blisters Rubbed Bloody—yes

Unfortunately during a few half marathons.

WTF: Waddled Through Finish—no

I’m sure that I would if I ran 26.2 miles.

IDK: Injured Damn Knee—no

Knock on wood. My knees are fine. (Hear that you non-runners!)

EAT: Eulogized a Toenail—no

I have bruised one but so far have never lost one. I attribute it to buying large enough running shoes. (I wear a size 7 shoe and 8.5 running shoe.)

GPBAJ: Got Passed By a Joggler—no

Not sure. I did get passed by someone carrying a pizza box.

Happy Running! Feel free to answer any of the above.

November 16, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Hullabaloo

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

This week’s word is: Hullabaloo

I am sure that I am the only one who remembers this TV show

The simple definition of Hullabaloo is “a very noisy and confused situation.”

For the most part, I do NOT like big, noisy, crowded races. You won’t see me at a Color Run, a Tough Mudder, a Warrior Dash, an Inflatable Race or other such races.

I’d be happier if I had a PR.

I know that they are fun but for me, if I am spending money on a race, I want to actually be able to “race.”

I have never run a Disney race or the likes of the Chicago, Boston or NYC marathons. I have run a few crowded races however 10,000 runners is probably the largest for me. In addition to all the Hullabaloo, there is so much excitement in the air and it is very addicting.

The RNR Brooklyn Half (pic on the left below) was not well organized (so not so much fun) but the Dash to the Finish was. Guess which one, I repeated?

: Dash to the Finish

My favorite races have been smaller ones (under 1500 runners). A more personal feel, easier to access, more of chance for an AG award, etc. Less Hullabaloo!!!

: previous 13.1

I recommend that everyone experience a BIG, crowded, noisy race. Then make your own decision.

Remember I suffer from FOMO so you may see me registering for a race…big or small… calm or with Hullabaloo…

Happy Running! What kind of races do you prefer? Small ones or ones with “hullabaloo”?

November 15, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Runner’s Holiday Wish List

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: Holiday Gift List:

I got this card from a fellow blogger about 7 years ago and it still applies:

Other things that you can buy me:

Socks (Balega is my preference)
Fuel (specifically Salted Caramel GU)
Gloves (I lose them so usually wear ones from the $1 store)
Tops (most of mine have race logos on them)
GARMIN (I have an Apple Watch but still wear my 205 for races and its battery life is waning)
Treadmill (just in case we have a snowy icy winter)
$$$$ so I can sign up for more races

Happy Running! What’s on your list for this year?

November 11, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: If only I had more time…

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

Today’s topic is: Five Activities You Wish You Had Time For:

This is a tough one. Running is my preferred activity. I am glad that I can squeeze it in. With work and family/social activities, there’s not much time left for anything else.

So these are things that I enjoy but don’t have enough time for…

1. Reading

I love to read. So I try to read before I go to bed. But it’s always too late so I only get a few pages done.

2. Watching TV

Again, I am rarely home enough to watch TV. I DVR a few shows (This is US, Grey’s Anatomy, Call the Midwife) but finding the time to watch them is a struggle. I know there a lot of great shows out there. Who has the time?

3. Fitness Classes such as Yoga, Zumba, Spinning, etc.

I never seem to find the time for yoga and I would love to try some other classes, as well.

4. Quilting

Before running, I used to quilt. I belonged to a quilt guild and went on retreats. I haven’t touched it in years. My artistic side enjoyed picking out the materials and assembling the squares.

my quilt guild buddies

5. Tennis

Also before running, I played tennis everyday. I was part of several teams as well. Now, I play only several times a month.

my 2010 team which went on to compete in Regionals

Happy Running! Which other activities do you wish you had time for?

November 9, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Determination

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

This week’s word is: Determination.

This quote especially rings true after watching the NYC Marathon.

Anyone who finished possessed a hell of a lot of determination.

As they say:

Right now I don’t have that kind of determination. Maybe someday but likely not ever.

But I do know what it feels like to have the determination to do something that at one time seemed impossible.

Running my first race
Completing my first half marathon.
Finishing a race with an injury.
Coming back to running after an injury.

Happy Running! What have you been or are you “determined” to do?

November 8, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Blogging Changes

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: How are you different from when you started blogging?

I’ve been blogging since March 25, 2008. That was the DAY that I decided to become a runner.

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. 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

I post more 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.

Now they are a bunch of fabulous link-ups. (WW, TOTR, Wednesday Word, TOLT, Friday Five 2.0, 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. So I get discounts from my favorite company.

love my SS outfits

My Running

Now I don’t just run 5ks. I used to (hence the title of my blog. )

I have run 22 half marathons and many many 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.

finishing #21

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.

This brings me to why I can’t wait to run (and party) with 6 other virtual friends (Wendy, Holly, Tricia, Marybeth, Marcia & Karen) on Dec 3 in Panama City, FL!!!!!

Happy Running! How long have you been blogging? Have you changed since you started?