June 22, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Lost (Opportunities)

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.

Today’s word is LOST.

My first thoughts about this word is that lately, I have been feeling “lost.” For the past 40 years, work has been my purpose or my direction in life. Without a job and an uncertain future, I feel lost.

But instead of writing a depressing post, I will describe THREE opportunities that were recently NOT lost. I decided that life is short and to leave my comfort zone.

As you know I play tennis. It is now pretty social and I always play with my friends. We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. There’s a lot of chatting and laughing. It’s never about winning but about getting exercise and going out to dinner afterwards.

With a lot of extra free time, I decided to join a new tennis group. I didn’t really know anyone and also didn’t know their level of play. But they are mostly retired and I fit in right away.

Then one day, they asked for volunteers to play in an inter-club league. No one in the group really wanted to. But I volunteered.

Well, I could see why. The players were younger and played regularly with other country club stay at home moms. Their level of play was a lot more serious.

Was I uncomfortable? Of course. Was everyone friendly? Not really. Am I glad that I seized the opportunity?

Well, I signed up to play again!!

2. My husband and I have a boat that we keep at a marina on Lake George. The boat is big enough to sleep on (even has AC) and we do stay overnight often. Last Sunday night, everyone left because they had to work on Monday morning. I normally would go home, as well.

But Monday promised to be a beautiful day so I hesitated but I stayed…by myself. No big deal but I have never stayed there alone. I wasn’t planning to drive the boat but there are so many buzzers that could go off which I wouldn’t have the slightest idea what to do.

But again, I seized the opportunity and saw this:

And then in the morning, ate breakfast here:

Then instead of running in my boring neighborhood, I ran 7 miles…. with these views:

Totally worth it.

3. With a whole day ahead of me, I decided to go hiking. I am not a hiker. I am clumsy and have no sense of direction. But I asked for info and got some recommendations for a few easy hikes.

And I hiked up to Thomas Mountain cabin…by myself!!

marker signs the whole way – even I couldn’t get lost

It wasn’t difficult but it was 1.4 miles UPHILL. Very sunny and hot but worth it!!!

lots of daisies and butterflies along the trail – ❤ both

inside the cabin at the top

a young guy who RAN up took this pic and then he RAN down

I enjoyed my hike so much that I decided to do a second one. This one was called Amy’s Park.

again the trail was well-marked

It was quite shady and wet but also quite enjoyable.

Sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone.

I hope I get more opportunities like these…but you never know….

Happy Running! Are you a risk taker? What daring tasks have you tackled?

June 21, 2016 by Darlene

Firemen’s 5k Race Recap

Sunday, June 19 9 am

Yes, I did run a 5k the day before.

But if you know me, it’s not odd for me to run 2 races in 1 weekend.

This is a new race so I knew nothing about it. I only chose it because it was being held in Lake George.

wcbw

I LOVE Lake George and I had planned to join my hubby on our boat so the race was on the way.

I arrived early and found a place to park on a side street.

I hung out by the water for a while because NO ONE was there yet. Finally the volunteers arrived and were setting up raffle prizes…

The start/finish line was right along the lake.

It was getting pretty warm but at least there was a breeze from the water.

it was cool watching a float plane land

Soon it was time to start the race. And yes, there were runners…but not many!!!

I chatted with a few older women and we wondered where everyone was and would they hold a race with so few people.

Yes, they did.

We started on the road and then turned into the bike path.

I didn’t know that there was a bike path here and I definitely plan to return and run it.

It was very pretty. It looks shady but it didn’t feel as shady as it looks.

With a small race (of about 20 runners), you often run alone. And I did the all race. The course wasn’t marked and at mile 1, I stopped and wondered which way to go. I decided to go left and continue on the bike path. I was correct and soon I came upon the water stop.

The important thing to mention about this course was that it was an out and back but out was UPHILL…long gradual uphill for 1.6 miles. I walked at the water stop and then a few times more but for the most part I ran. I wasn’t running fast. My legs were tired from the previous day’s 5k race and it was HOT!!!

Soon it was time to turn around and then hooray, it was all DOWNHILL!

I arrived at the finish line and gave it all I had to finish at 29:00! Phew, not over 29 minutes for the 2nd day in a row.

I hung around chatting with the older ladies waiting for everyone to finish and for the awards.

I finished as SECOND WOMAN overall!

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Okay so there were only 10 women!

Then I also won my age group.

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So it was a 2 medal kind of a day!

The refreshments were bananas, apples and water. I wish I had brought money for the raffles because your chances to win were pretty good.

Would I run this race again?

Maybe. I liked the course and the location. But there are many other races with more perks.

After the race, I raced up to our marina. My hubby and friends had reserved 4 docks on one of the islands. We spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water and eating. So much fun!

Eventually, everyone had to leave because they had to go to work the next day.

Not moi!

I decided to stay and sleep on our boat and spend a Me day in Bolton Landing: a long run and 2 hikes. It was fabulous. (More about that in another post).

Because it’s Tuesday, I’m linking with:

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

Happy Running! Anyone else run 2 races in one weekend?

June 14, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Scenes Along the Roadside

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

This week’s topic is Interesting stuff you find along the roadside,

Well, I must say that other than a rabbit or too, nothing too exciting has been spotted during my runs.

So instead, I’ll show you interesting views along the roadside.

a new bench to rest on

a new sign on my favorite route ( a paved rail trail)

the Hudson River

Lake George

Saratoga National Park

Peebles Park

Schroon River

Five Rivers Park

Zim Smith Trail

Washington Park

The Crossings

Nisky Bike Path

Colonie Town Park Trail

Mohawk Towpath Byway

Happy Racing! What interesting things have you seen on your runs?

June 10, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Healthy Starbucks

Since it’s Friday, I’m 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!

My Friday Five topic is Five Ways to Make Starbucks Healthier

Since I rarely cook or bake anything healthy or exciting, I decided to write about Starbucks. I’m experienced in this area..

Healthy Starbucks sounds like an oxymoron but believe it is not, you can get your daily fix and not go out on a limb calorie-wise.

1. Order online using the App.

When you order using the app, besides not having to wait online, you can more easily customize what exactly you want. There are customizations that you wouldn’t even know exist. Less caffeine, less ice, sugar-free options, milk options, etc.

2. Skip the Whipped Cream.

I know that frappuccinos and lattes look and taste better but you can save 100 calories. Instead add some cinnamon, chocolate or cinnamon powder on top.

foam, no whip

3. Skip the Sugar.

You can easily add the calorie-free syrups or artificial sweeteners. I like to carry my own Truvia or Stevia with me.

light mocha

4. Substitute Soy or Coconut Milk.

iced chai tea latte with coconut milk

5. Add Protein Powder.

I love the chocolate banana smoothies. I often have them before or after a run. But you can add protein powder to any Starbucks drink. You can also add a banana.

I’m addicted to these.

Okay, you may be saying that that it is costly and everything you add costs extra. True.

But keep your eye out for afternoon half price specials and days when you get double stars, etc. Eventually you will earn a FREE drink. (That’s when I go for the Venti size!!)

FYI:

Happy Running! Anyone else a Starbucks addict? Any other suggestions?

June 8, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Consistent

Today’s word is CONSISTENT.

I am NOT consistent with strength training, stretching, planking, yoga, going to the gym, bike riding, etc… In fact, running is my one consistent activity.

However, that wasn’t always the case.

When I first started running in 2008, I was NOT consistent. I ran whenever I had the time. I ran 1 – 1 1/2 miles and then I ran a 5k on the weekend. I didn’t run between October and March because it was too cold.

I only ran 5ks and I wasn’t horrible but I didn’t really improve until I ran more consistently.

That started in 2010 when I decided to train for a half marathon.

I ran a half marathon or 5… but other good things happened too. I got faster in my short races!!

Running at 3 times a week with a long run on the weekend for me was the consistency that I need to be a better runner.

hf10k-4

I started winning age group awards and I even ran a 5k under 28 minutes in Nov 2010.

Of course, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were years filled with injuries. It is hard to be consistent when you are injured.

It is easy to give up when things gets tough. Especially after those awful runs and disappointing races or when you have one injury after another.

good thing I kept those critches

Thankfully, I have been injury-free for the last few years. I have been running consistently. I think I have had more good runs than bad and more successful races than not.

I have also realized that as you age, consistency is even more important. And I won’t get results if I don’t put in the time.

Happy Running! How is consistency important to your running?

June 7, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Gear – How much is too much?

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

This week’s topic is: Are you a race gear hoarder or a minimalist?

Hmmm…my hubby would probably say that I am a hoarder but when I read other blogs & FB posts, I realize that many of you (and I don’t need to mention names) have many more running clothes than I do.

So yes, I have a lot of running outfits. Almost all have been bought on sale or at Target, Marshalls or with my Skirt Sports discount.

I run 4 times a week. I don’t do laundry often and I have this thing about being matchy matchy!!

: FRW – 2016

: VCM Relay – 2016

My essentials are skirts (or tights & capris with skirts), tops (tech tanks, short & long sleeved), socks (compression & not), jackets for cooler weather and baseball caps & winter hats.

: Apple Run 2015

Since I have run almost 200 races, you can imagine how many race shirts I have. I’ve made some into a blanket and given many many away but I still have quite a few (only tech ones are worn now.)

I also have many pairs of running shoes. Of course, I’ve thrown some away but I have ones that I am attached to even though I don’t race in them. Right now I race in Nike Zoom Vomeros and I have 4 pairs of those.

As far as other running gear, I am more a minimalist.

I have my original Garmin 205 watch. It works fine and I only wear it for races.

Almost there!

I don’t own any sticks or foam rollers or head lamps or any other gadgets. I don’t even own a treadmill or belong to a gym.

So I’m a clothes hoarder but minimalist with the other running stuff.

Happy Running! What about you? Do you hoard running gear?

June 3, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: FRW

My Friday Five topic is Five Reasons to Run the Freihofer’s Run Fort Women(Again)

Why am I running this race for the 9th time?

It’s an all women’s race.

frw3

Young and old. Fast and Slow. 4,000 women with one thing in common – running.

2. It attracts elite runners.

Very cool to see the really FAST and famous runners like Joan Samuelson and this year, Sara Hall.

3. I trained with a group for the race.

This is my 2nd year training with this group of women. It’s the culmination of 10 weeks of hard work.

4. I run into so many people that I know.

My boss and another law professor

I am always surprised at how many women I know there. It’s a reunion of sorts.

5. It has become a tradition.

There are other races on the same day but I feel like I have to do it and I want to.

even when I shouldn’t have (1st run after ankle surgery)

Happy Running! Do you have a race that you run EVERY year?

June 1, 2016 by Darlene

Empowerment & Global Running Day

Hey, runners! Today is a holiday just for us!

I am linking up with Kristin at Jonesin’ for a run with a look into my miles and my second blog post of the day.

Why do I run ?

I started running because 2 friends talked me into it. But I continue to run because I enjoy it. It makes me feel younger, stronger and empowered.

vcm3

How do I plan to celebrate National Running Day ?

I hope to run with the Freihofer Training Challenge group after work and I signed up for big race, of course.

13.1 in Stuart, FL – March 2017

How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?

I hope to hit 1000 miles for the first time.

466 miles so far

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb

: Celebrate Life Half- Mar.

: Lake George Half – Apr

: VCM Relay May

: Zooma Cape Cod Half – Sept.

: Panama City Half – Dec.

Before I leave for a run, I must have…

My iphone. I use the Runkeeper app for distance and I like to take photos with it. Sometimes I even listen to music on it. Of course, I have it in case of an emergency.

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?

Yes, I record all my runs on Daily Mile and I use my Garmin 205 for races.

Who is your favorite running partner?

I usually run alone but I also enjoy sharing my runs with Barbara & Judy.

clhm

What races have you run so far this year?

1-01-16 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
1-17-16 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
1-31 -16 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M
2-07-16 – Sarasota Music Half Marathon (in FL)
3-13-16 – Celebrate Life Half Marathon
3-20-16 – Shamrock Shuffle 5m
3-26-16 – Ice Breaker 5k Challenge
4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5m
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K
4-24-16 – Lake George Half Marathon
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 10K
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day 5k Against Domestic Violence
5-14-16 – Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?

Do it! You don’t have to be young or thin or fast. Join a group and start to run and then sign up for a race. You won’t regret it!!!

Describe your relationship with running in one word:

Empowerment.

So that’s why I am also linking up with Deb from Deb Runs for her Wednesday Word post prompt.

Today’s word is EMPOWERMENT.

This is running for me!

Almost there!
I especially felt it during my last half marathon.

Happy Running! How did you celebrate Global Running Day? What empowers you?

May 31, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Best Local Races

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

This week’s topic is: Be our running concierge! Tell us the best races in your area/state. Any distance, any time of year.

Well, this is a real tough one for me. I love racing. I have run 195 races!!!

So I’ll just pick one at each distance and tell you when and where. You can contact me if you want more details.

Half Marathon

Walkway Half Marathon in Poughkeepsie, NY (mid June). You run over the largest pedestrian bridge, along a bike path and get a cool medal.

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Walkway Half Marathon

10 Miler:

Adirondack Distance Run in Lake George, NY (Late June). – You run along Lake George and end in Bolton Landing in a park on the lake.

15k:

Stockade-athon in Schenectady, NY (Early November). – You run through the oldest parts of the city, through the park, bike path, etc. and finish with a downhill.

Stockadeathon-1049 unedited

10K:

Spring Run-Off in Albany, NY (Late April/Early May). You run on a flat course along the Hudson River.

5 miler:

Delmar Dash in Delmar, NY ( Early April). You run through the neighborhoods on a very flat course.

delmar dash2

4 Miler:

Polar Cap in Lake George, NY (Early February). You run a pretty but hilly course with views of the lake.

Large 5k:

Freihofer Run for Women in Albany, NY (Late May/Early June). You run with all women in the city and around the park, ending with a downhill.

frw3

AB-3066-XL

Small 5k:

Bacon Hill Bonanza in Bacon Hill, NY (April). – You run a beautiful course in the country with great post-race refreshments.

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Happy Running! What are some of the races that you recommend in your area??

May 28, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions May – the Vacation Edition

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

My Naples, Fl. vacation was wonderful but

I runfess…

I am usually good about resting and taking care of my body but I RAN 7 DAYS IN A ROW during my vacation. I couldn’t help it. The freedom of not having to rush off to work…. Everyday I ran (though slow and with walk breaks) at least 3 miles in a different Naples neighborhood. I got up earlier than I do when I go to work (and of course, went to bed late every night so I am currently suffering from a vacation hangover!!!)

I runfess…

I recently suffered from tennis elbow. The pain has left since I put new strings on my racquet but I was planning on being cautious. Still I played tennis (doubles) for at least one hour 7 DAYS IN A ROW and also took a tennis lesson 4 of those days after playing doubles. It was great. It made me remember why I love the game.

snapseed

I runfess…

All my healthy eating habits (did I have any??) went out the window. Breakfast was oatmeal & tea and lunch was yogurt and fruit but we went out to dinner every night. I had dessert…always. It was worth every calorie.

shrimp & crab roll

shrimp & grits!

best key lime pie ever!

chocolate martini – yum!

I runfess…

I love the SUN!!! I know it’s bad for your skin and ages you but I feel and look better with a tan. (And yes, I do use sunscreen but only 15 SPF.) At least I was blessed that I don’t burn easily. We went to the beach 6 times and the pool twice. So happy was I!!!!!!!

the water was 85 degrees – heavenly

I runfess…

I have a half marathon tomorrow. I did not do ANY long runs to train. 5 weeks ago I ran a half marathon and 3 weeks ago, I ran a 15k but that was it. And while on vacation, I didn’t care. I could have run. I had the time. It was hot & humid and I wanted to play tennis with my friends. I will probably regret my lack of training. Oh well. Sometimes other things trump running.