September 28, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Wisdom

Deb Runs

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: Wisdom.

In other words, wisdom doesn’t come from reading something in a book or listening to someone else.

It comes from experience.

Running Wisdom…How do we get that?

I’ve read running magazines. I’ve attended lectures about running. I read running blogs and I talk to my running friends.

Even with all that, I’ve done stupid things:

running with pain
running too much
running too often
running not often enough
running too fast
running too slow
walking too much
not walking enough
not stretching
not doing strength training
not taking enough rest days
not doing speed drills
not doing hill repeats
starting out a race too fast
racing too often
racing not often enough

I could go on and on.

Have you done any of the above?

running with a stress fracture = not wise

So how do we get wise?

We run and make mistakes and hopefully learn from our mistakes. We say: “Next time, I’ll…” If we don’t try, we’ll never learn.

We’ll never be done learning. It’s on-going.

That’s what great about running. We can always improve.

Happy Running! Are you a “wise” runner? What have you learned in the course of your running?

September 21, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Accomplish

Deb Runs

This week’s word is:

These are some of things we may want to ACCOMPLISH or “succeed in doing” by RUNNING (in no particular order):

Lose weight.
Get toned.
Get fitter.
Get stronger.
Be healthier.
Meet people.
Get rid of stress.
Relax.
Be able to eat/drink whatever we want
Earn medals.
Win prizes.
Be a role model.
Inspire others.
Visit new places.
Take risks.
Be one with nature.
Sleep better.
Enter races.
Cross finish lines.
Challenge ourselves.
Improve our mood.
Get some alone time.
Feel younger.
Look younger.
Live longer.
Wear cute outfits.
Get sponsorships.
Blog.
Brag.
Be awesome.

Happy Running! What do you hope to “accomplish” by running?

September 15, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Half Marathon, Work, Group Runs, etc.

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Half Marathon #21:

2008 Saratoga Palio Poster (Palio!) Tags: race poster memorial compassion run promotional legacy scholarship palio halfmarathon 5k fund mentalhealthcare melaniemerolaodonnell

Still clueless on how to train for and run one of these. I’ve run 20 – some well, some not so well, some injured, some healthy, some flat, some hilly, some in the heat, some in the rain, some in the cold and wind.

: VCM Relay

: Celebrate Life HM

: Sarasota Music Half

: Eau Palm Beach Half

: Walkway Half Marathon

So what will happen for this one? No clue. I don’t even know the course.

I plan to enjoy. Stay healthy for my October 9 half marathon. Hopefully finish under 2 hours 30 (or not).

I do know that my long runs have been miserable. I ran them alone and the weather was hot & humid but I’m not a good training runner. That’s why I race so much.

And I’m better at the short distance. Maybe I should stick to 5ks. Nah. And miss out on race-cations and that finisher medal…

New Job:

The good news is that I am employed. As with any new job, there is a learning curve. This one is pretty steep. Hopefully, my brain isn’t too old to learn it all.

7.5 hours of this view

The bad news – less $, fewer vacation days (1/2), eventually a lot of travel and long hours.

This doesn’t look good for running and race-cations.

Image result for running vacations ecards

Trying to Fit it All In.

Run 4 days a week… tennis once a week…occasionally go to the gym…mah jongg on Fridays…spend time with friends and family.

Now on Wednesdays I volunteer with the STEM runners (victims of domestic violence.) It just started this week. It doesn’t start until 6:15 pm so I will have time to run before.

On Mondays, I will be running with the Troy Turkey Trot Training Group.

That leaves Thursdays for running and the weekend for a long run or race or both. OY!

I Think I’ve Created a Monster.

Guess who signed up for the Dash to the Finish Line 5k in NYC?

Yes, Anna, my Russian friend. She is flying in from Moscow!!!

Of course, I had plans to run this race with Judy and also meet up with Karen who is running the marathon… This should be an interesting weekend.

Happy Running! What’s going on in your life ?

September 14, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Teach

Deb Runs

This week’s word is:

I’ve been a Teacher my whole adult life.

I’ve taught high school French. Then I taught K-12 teachers how to use technology in the class room. After that, I taught law school professors how to use various technology tools. Now in career #4, I am to learning so I can teach CPS caseworkers how to use a required a software-application in their job.

I have also been a Student.

Running has been my Teacher for the past few years.

What has running taught me??

Who would have imagined that a clumsy lady in her 60’s could run 13.1 miles!!

sshm5

I have run in monsoon rains, sweltering heat and with broken bones. I have learned to never quit!

first half after left ankle surgery & right foot stress fracture – pretty painful

Some of my proudest moments are my slowest races. Because I finished! I learned that in those difficult races, finishing=winning.

finished that cancelled VCM relay

4. Image result for age is only a number

When I run and I don’t notice the wrinkles, bags under my eyes and the sagging skin. I feel younger than ever. I credit running.

untitled

Since I started running, I have done things I would have never attempted before. I’ve taken race-cations alone. I started hiking and done most of my hikes solo. Running has made me a more confident person. I have learned that life is short and to take some risks.

race-cation in Brooklyn

It’s not about pace with you run with a friend. It’s about sharing your common interest – running. I have learned that running with friends even if they are faster or slower is always more enjoyable than running alone.

with Alyssa

Happy Running! What has running taught you?

September 13, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Post Race Rituals

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

This week’s topic is Post Race Rewards/Rituals:

Here are my top 3:

Food

Chocolate Milk is my favorite post race reward. Next comes Bagels, Danishes, Donuts or some kind of Carb. Finally, there can be Fruit such as Bananas. (Of course, pizza and ice cream would be great but you don’t see them too often.)

Now this is perfect!

Results and Awards

with Holly & Jackie from the training groups

Of course, I always check the race results. Then I’ll wait for awards if I think I or a friend is getting one. Lately it’s been ME!!

Run More

Usually my races (except for half marathons) are part of a long training run so I either stay and run some more miles there OR drive to another location.

: Sept 10

Happy Running! What do you usually do after a race?

September 8, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: NYC, Inspiring, Working, Etc.

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

NYC

Image result for I love nY

I was lucky to have gone to the city for my 4th time this summer on Tuesday.

Unfortunately I was only there for 5 hours and my only reason was to see my dear Russian friend, Anna.

She was my host when I first visited Russia 14 years ago.

in 2006, my 3rd visit to Russia

We have stayed in touch and she visits as often as she can. The last time was 3 years ago. This time she flew to the US for a wedding in Maine and decided to stop in NYC on her way back so I could see her.

So I took the bus down and we spent the day together. It was wonderful.

lunch on the North River Lobster boat

walk along the High Line

went to the rooftop of the Standard Hotel

and had dessert and drinks

Inspiring

I should mention that Anna is very much into fashion. Until this visit, I have only seen her in nice clothes and nice shoes. (In fact one year, she got blisters from walking around NYC in those shoes so she had to borrow my sneakers. She made me crop them out of every photo.)

In 2012, when she came to visit, she watched me in a race. Everyone got an medal and she seemed intrigued.

Now 4 years later, she tells me that she is a runner!!!!!!!!!! I was shocked!!

And she ran 2 days in a row in Central Park!! I feel like a proud parent!!!

She even mentioned that she wants to run a race and get a medal. Maybe even come back to the US and run one with me…

Work

Yup, I have a job. I’ve only worked 2 days so I can’t say much about it. I do feel like I am in a college class where I need to work hard to learn the material and then perform at a certain level. Let’s hope my “old” brain can absorb all this new stuff.

Racing

A lot of that. Coming up is a 5k, a half marathon, 2 5ks, a half marathon…

this Saturday

Fall

There’s pumpkin everything out but today the heat index was 90 degrees!?

Image result for pumpkin latte

I am have love-hate relationship with Fall. I love the pretty colors of the leaves and running in the cooler temps.

the rail trail where I run often

But it means the days are shorter and winter will be arriving. I HATE WINTER!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Have you ever inspired someone to start running? Do you like Fall?

September 6, 2016 by Darlene

Sefcu 5K Race Recap & TOTR

Hundreds of runners and walkers participated in the 27th annual ...

Last year’s pic from the Gazette

I had no intention of running this race. But FOMO got to me and it was only $15 so I signed up.

I had to run today anyway so now I would have company. After having run 12 miles on Saturday and having another 5k this Saturday, I had no plans to do anything but run.

Since I am usually on Lake George for the holiday (and I did spend the whole day there on Sunday), the only time I ran this race was in 2008, my first year running. My time was a not very impressive 33:03. So I thought that at least I could have a course PR for the day.

I am familiar with part of this course having trained for the Turkey Troy Trot on it and many of the HMRRC Winter Series races are also run here.

All I can say is that it is a boring course. You don’t run it for the scenery. It’s just office buildings and parking lots with a view of the highway.

photo from the Gazette 2015

I spent Sunday like this:

After a long day in the sun, dinner out and fireworks on the lake, I didn’t get home until 11:30 pm. And believe me, I was regretting my decision to run this race knowing all our friends would be out on the lake the next day.

But I dragged myself out of bed and drove to the race which was only 15 minutes away. I immediately ran into Holly, my friend Tom, a former student and so many more runners whom I knew.

I hung around talking to people that I hadn’t seen in a while.

another cotton shirt – ugh!

Many runners were doing their warm-up runs but I just walked around (my pre-race warm-up).

Soon it was time to begin (and I noticed the battery was low on my Garmin but it did last the 3.1 miles 🙂 ) and I lined up with Holly and Jackie (from the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s running groups).

Holly who is in my age group and faster than me, took off and vanished. I tried to start at a decent pace but my legs felt like lead from my 12 miles 2 days before.

The course, though boring, is fairly flat – just some uphills and downhills but nothing challenging.

Though it was perfect running in temps (in the 60’s), the sun was very strong and I was HOT. I willed myself not to walk until the first water stop a little past the 1 mile mark. It helped but I still felt like I was running a lot slower.

I walked again at the second water stop for an even longer time – but it was needed. I wanted to finish strong but I was dragging.

All of sudden, I saw Holly. She had slowed down and I was able to pass her in the last half mile.

Eventually, I approached the finish line with not much left but I gave it my best shot and a even passed a guy at the last minute.

28:34 officially. A minute slower than my last 5k which I thought was a disaster. Still a course PR and lots of runners to chat with while waiting for the awards.

sefcu5k

And I won 1st in my age group, Holly second and Jackie third (in a younger age group).

I guess it pays to be old – this my fourth age group 1st place win in a row.

I was having FOMO looking at the FB pictures of my friends and hubby picnicking on Lake George but I am happy with my race.

Splits:

mile 1: 8:50
mile 2: 9:06
mile 3: 9:39
.14: 7:59

28:30 (Garmin time)

Since it Tuesday and it a “free” topic day, I’m linking up with

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

Happy Running!

September 5, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. I started later than I should have. I drove to run on the Zim Smith Bike Path because I love to have a post run treat at Leah’s Cakery. Well, it is closed on Mondays. 😦 So it was hot, I was tired from the weekend and the run was pretty awful.

But I got it done and found a great place to eat afterwards only 3.5 miles away.

best apple pie!

YAY! Done!

I went to a STEM (training domestic violence survivors for a 5k) training/meeting in the evening at FleetFeet and I am excited that my volunteering starts Sept 12.

Tuesday – Decided to rest and skip my AM tennis. Got my nails done, played tennis in the evening and then went out to dinner (to celebrate the end of our summer Tuesday tennis).

Wednesday -The tennis round robin got cancelled so I went to the gym.

Ran with Alyssa in the evening. She had to get home so we had to rush. It meant that we were done before the rain (But boy was it humid!!)

Thursday – I played tennis in the am. Met Barbara for a run at UAlbany. Another friend was supposed to come along but we confused the times. It was a decent run since the temps have cooled down.

Afterwards I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Friday – I went to the gym in the am and then mah jongg in the evening. Enjoyed my last day of leisure!!

Saturday – My second long run this week and I really didn’t want to do it. So I took a new route … The unpaved part of the rail trail. It was a nice route and I can’t wait until they pave it.

Then my friend and I decided to go up to the Saratoga track for a few races (It closes this weekend) and then go to the casino.

showing my $40 winning ticket – won 4 out of 5 races so a very good day!! was not lucky at the casino

Sunday – I got up very early to head up to the lake. It’s the annual Christmas party and the bay gets crowded early. Lots of boats, food, entertainment and FUN!! The weather was absolutely perfect.

The day ended with dinner out and fireworks over the lake.

30 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 5K race
Tuesday – NYC!!
Wednesday – First day of my new job, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – Work, 3 mile run with a friend, hubby’s tennis party?
Friday – Work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 5-7 more miles
Sunday – boating

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? Any races?

September 2, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Summer Highlights

It’s Friday so I am linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

I had my first Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and I go back to working next Wednesday so it feels like summer is over.

My Friday Topic is Five Best Things About This Summer.

I won’t say “Not Working” because it is very stressful being unemployed with no idea when your next paycheck will arrive not to mention health care…

1. Rediscovering Tennis

Once I started running, I pretty much lost interest in tennis. I played only once a week and on tennis vacations. Well, this summer, I played outdoors a lot. My tennis improved. But the best thing was that I played in four different groups and met some awesome ladies.

near my house with Ellie and Stella

2. Discovering Hiking

I never really hiked before. I didn’t have the time nor the confidence to do so. But this summer I fought my fears and did a few solo hikes. The more hikes I did, the more confident I got and the more I enjoyed it.

Thomas Mountain

Stewart Mountain

Pinnacle Point

3. Finding a New Running Friend

I used to run mostly alone. Sometimes Judy & I could fit in a run together (but mostly in the winter) and occasionally I would run with Barbara. Well, I met Alyssa on FB and since she is new the area, she was glad to have a running partner. Since we met in June, we have run once a week together.

with Alyssa

4. Visiting NYC

Love love love NYC. I have been fortunate to find different people to help me feed my addiction.

Central Park with Judy

Food Tour with Eileen & Mary Pat

13872902_10155034524484428_5890876133543335688_n

Metropolitan Museum of Art with Catalina and Fran

My last summer trip will be on Tuesday to see Anna (from Russia.)

brunch at Gordon Ransey’s The Maze restaurant – May 2012

5. Running and Boating along and on Lake George

Said to be the “Queen” of all lakes. I love Lake George. I’ve run one race on either side of the lake and one in the village.

Adirondack 10 Miler

Firemen 5K

Camp Chingachgook 10K

I am also lucky enough to have a boat so I can hang out on the lake with my hubby and our boating friends.

in Shelving Rock Bay

Honorable Mention: Watching the Olympics

Image result for highlights of olympics 2016

Happy Running! What did you like best about this summer?

September 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: August Recap

Image result for august

Wow, the summer is flying by… Pumpkin lattes will be here before you know it…

So here’s how August went…

Weekday Runs:

Like July, August was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain. I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were mostly slow sweaty ones.

Because I was not working, I was able to run wherever. I was not forced to run near home or near work. So I tried to do my runs in many different places – Chestertown, Crossings, Corning Trail, Colonie Town Park, Nisky Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Rail Trail, UAlbany, etc.

I also ran with Alyssa 4 times. I met her on FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster . Win-Win.

I re-connected with Barbara and Judy and ran with them each once. It’s more fun running with friends.

: with Judy

Long Runs:

There were TWO!!!. I ran races or went boating on the weekends. So I managed to move these runs to Monday.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – finally some improvement.

aug

Races:

I ran three races this month – a 8.4 miler, a 10K and a 5K.

: Aug 20

: Aug 13

: 2016

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. I won age group awards in all three. That’s an achievement. The 8.4 and 10k races were very HILLY! The only one I felt could be better was the 5k. We are, though, our own toughest critics.

Cross Training:

I was STILL unemployed and I played tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I promise.

lheartspaceogo

I did workout at the gym at least three times. I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walked to the tennis courts when I played nearby and occasionally did go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked. I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) made up for it, though.

my favorite place to walk – rail trail

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and with some friends. Love it. Once to Pinnacle Point in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends. We listened to Broadway tunes in Bryant Park and then walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Costume Institute. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track with a friend. We had breakfast, watched and bet on the races and then stopped by the Casino (where I won $77).

I spent two wonderful weekends with my knitting and mah jongg friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis, knit or played mah jongg and ate.