April 5, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: My Running is______

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

This week’s topic is What one word describes your running lately?

Hmmmm. That’s a tough one.

But I would say Hopeful.

I don’t train well or do I train?

Since I don’t run any drills or do any speed work, my runs have been pretty slow!!

Plus I hadn’t done many short races all winter or fall.

a 15k in November

a 10K and 5k on Thanksgiving Day

And I seemed to be always training for half marathons. That means slow long runs on the weekend and easy weekday runs for fear of an injury messing up my big race.

an awfully sweaty half in December

January long run

a windy half in February

another long training run

a hilly half in March

Racing season in the Northeast has officially begun. There are many races scheduled each weekend. Since I love to race, it’s hard for me to keep myself from registering for them.

The first one was a 5 mile race. I was worried because I hadn’t run fast in so long….

Shamrock Shuffle

I was surprised with the results. A 46:28 finish and 3rd place AG award made me hopeful.

A week later, I ran a 5K. 5k races are even harder. Again, it had been many months since I ran one so I didn’t know what to expect.

But I finished in 27:55 with a 1st place AG award.

Neither of these races were close to a PR and I may never get there again. Also, I walked during both races. I used to be able to run without walking. My endurance is gone and since I am still training for those half marathons, I don’t think it will return any time soon.

However, I am injury-free and I am hopeful for decent results in my spring races.

Alert: this post was written before my race last Sunday. I was not pleased with how it went 😦

But I am still hopeful.

Happy Running! How would you describe your running lately?

April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Since today is the first Saturday in April, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date. It seems like I was just writing about March. Time is flying by…

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that even though we’ve had a warm winter with no snow, I am more than ready for spring.

This is from last April. I want to wear my skirts again!

Instead, we may have snow on Sunday and gusty winds AND I have to run 11 miles!

we may have 3 inches on the ground

I am not looking forward to running in this. Be prepared because if the roads look slippery, I’m bailing. Not worth an injury.

I’ll probably be dressed like this but with gloves!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that these star offers for Starbucks are still killing me. I can’t stop myself. But at least I earned a free drink this week.

Plus they keep adding new flavors. The latest is Caramelized Honey Latte. Have you tried it yet?

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am happy that where I work is health conscious.

Last month, I participated in the Heart Healthy Challenge. You got 50 points for completing 2 surveys and each week, you got 40 pts if you exercised for 45 min 3 times and 1 pt for each 10 minutes extra.

Anyway, I came in 2nd. 1st place got a $50 gift card to Dicks & $50 worth of Field Goods. NO PRIZE for 2nd place but at least, it kept me moving.

This month, I am participating in Million Mile Month. You just log your miles & other activities to win prizes. My miles will automatically sync from my FitBit and I can add in other non-walking/running activities.

We had an Obstacle Course set up today as the kick-off event. It was fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that although, tennis gets in the way of my running and many times while I am playing, I wish I were running, now that I can’t play (tennis elbow), I really miss it.

Isn’t that the way?

I have been doing my exercises and even taped it but it seems the same. My brain knows that I should skip another week but my heart says…

I miss my friends, the competition and our dinners out after

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that you bloggers are enablers. You guys make me want to run a half marathon every weekend (You know who you are!!)

I am trying to control myself…

Dec 2015 – EAU West Palm – check
Feb 2016 – Sarasota Music – check
Mar 2016 – Celebrate Life – check
April 2016 Lake George – signed up
May 2016 – Vermont City Relay – signed up
Aug 2016 – Camp Chingachgook – possibly but it’s so hilly
Sept 2016 – ZOOMA Cape Cod – signed up
Nov 2016 – Myaaka (in FL) – tempting (to visit friends)
Dec 2015 – Panama City – definitely
Mar 2017 – Treasure Coast (in FL) – maybe (to visit friends)

Happy Running! Anything to spill?

April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Mentoring New Runners

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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 Reasons To Mentor New Runners

Finding New Places To Run

When I volunteered in the STEM program in 2014, I ran around Union College in Schenectady. I have run at UAlbany but Union College was a nice change of scenery.

interesting area to run especially the surrounding neighborhood

The second time, last fall, I discovered the Schuyler Flats park. (The group also ran on the Schenectady Bike Path)

a very pretty park – great for a short run

For the GOTR practice 5k, I ran in a new local neighborhood. I have since gone back to run there.

2. Meeting New People

The other mentors in the STEM program are awesome. It’s always fun to meet other runners. We bonded instantly.I am looking forward to meet this year’s 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.

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

March 30, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word – Adventurous

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 ADVENTUROUS.

What does it mean?

Willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences.

Am I adventurous?

To some, not at all.

I don’t do warrior races or mud runs or even trail races. I don’t jump out of airplanes or even ride scary roller coasters.

But to many of my friends, I am adventurous.

To me, adventurous is not backing down from a challenge.

I have run many 5K, 10K, 15k, and 10 mile races. And I never ran at all before age 55.

I have run 18 half marathons. I never thought I would or I could.

Eau Palm Beach Half

I have run after serious ankle surgery even though I was told that I couldn’t.

finish

Adventurous is also not being afraid to explore new places and even take risks.

And I guess leaving a marriage of almost 20 years and a teaching career after 22 years is pretty adventurous. Of course it was scary to go back to school and learn something new. As they say, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” And now, I am remarried (for 17 years) and an Instructional Technologist (for 18 years.)

My hubby used to own a little float plane. We would fly often together. Many found it too scary. I loved it!!

unfortunately it got wrecked when the hangar collapsed during an ice storm

I have traveled to many places (many by myself) and have benefited greatly from every trip.

3rd trip to Kursk, Russia

I have flown by myself to run many a race. Races where I didn’t know a soul.

I have stayed in AirBnb apartments by myself in NYC. My friends shuddered at the thought.

So whatever form your dream takes…a triathlon, a marathon, an ultra or a 5k, don’t hesitate. Take that adventure!!

Happy Running! Are you adventurous?

March 29, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Sponsorships

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

This week’s topic is Dream sponsor? Brand ambassadorship? What’s yours?

I am already a Skirt Sports Ambassador and I am very happy with that. I love their clothes.

Celebrate Life HM
So what else do I spend a lot of money on??

Race Fees

Rock N Roll Race ambassador. That would be nice. I’ve only run one of their races but I would run more if they chose me.

welcome image

I love racing so I would accept a sponsorship from other races, as well.

Running Shoes

Yeah, I buy a lot of these. Nike, Mizuno, Brooks, anyone??

Nike: My feet love you!!!

Fuel

Gu is my fuel of choice for during my long runs and half marathons.

I also eat energy bars before and after running. My favorite brands include:

Socks

For long runs and racing, I love ProCompression.

stockafeathon13b

I also wear Balegas and Smart Wool.

Bras

Handful is my preferred bra but they discontinued the one I like.

I’d like to try the new ones but they are $50!

Other Apparel Items

And if Lululemon, or Athleta offered me a sponsorship, I’d accept.

Lululemon

Athleta

Happy Running! Who is your Dream Sponsor?

March 26, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions March

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

I runfess…

I can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

I did once this month and found it a great way to start the day but only ONCE it was…

I runfess…

Speaking of doing things only once. I went to the gym ONCE. And it wasn’t bad. It barely took any time out of my busy schedule. But I haven’t repeated the gym experience.

I runfess…I am injured. Not a running injury.It’s tennis elbow. But I treated it the same as a running injury.

I got my racket restrung. I knew from the first swing that something was wrong. I ignored it. It was sore and I ignored it and I continued playing each week. Eventually, it was more than sore, it hurt. So I wore an arm band and played. Now it really hurts so I am taking some time off and having my racket strung correctly.

Tennis is costly and I hate taking time off. Yes, I know that if I took care of it right away, it would be better by now. I am stubborn that way. (At least it doesn’t hurt when I run 🙂 )

on the sidelines now…hoping to be cured by my May tennis vacation

I runfess…I started caring more about my lack of sleep than my steps.

The first thing I do in the morning is check my FitBit to see how bad my night’s sleep was.

I usually get 5 hours…sometimes 6. Never enough!!!

I runfess…

So I’ve decided that I need to do 10,000 steps a day again. This is easy when I run but on the days that I don’t run, I am lazy. So I turned to walking around the mall.

This is great for my legs but not my pocketbook.

I wind up adding bills to my credit card in addition to steps on my FitBit.

But I only buy items ON SALE and/or with COUPONS.

I got it at the Gap in grey striped for $3.50

I got it at Macy’s for like $9.

And there was more but I’ll spare you.I runfess…

I used to do all my long runs alone.

But I got spoiled. Most of them lately have been run with Judy or Barbara. I have enjoyed the company and it made the miles much less painful.

However, today both of them were busy…

I was going to have to run alone. So I asked on FB and found someone that I have never met to run with me. I have no idea if we run at the same pace. So we’ll see how it goes. I’m pretty adaptable unless she runs at an 8 minute pace or a 14 minute pace.

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

Decal-13.1-Celebrate-Life-e1446773610315

Mar 13- the hillest EVER

April 9 – a quite hilly 10K

April 24 – rolling hills for all 13.1 miles

rolling hills – but I still have time to back out of this one…

So I should do some hill repeats or stop whining about the hills!!!Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

March 25, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Blogging

March 25, 2008 = my first post

Today is my BLOGOVERSARY!!!

I started writing this blog on the day that I signed up for No Boundaries and decided to become a runner.

I’ve been blogging for EIGHT YEARS!! 2,046 posts. That means I’ve been running for EIGHT Years!

Year 1 – starting to run for the first time and completing many 5ks (although my weekday runs were about 1 mile each)
Year 2 – after taking the winter off, running again and completing even more 5ks
Year 3 – running through the winter for the 1st time, completing 5ks (and a 5k PR), 4 milers and my first Half Marathon
Year 4 – completing some 5ks, a 5 miler, my first 15k and FOUR more half marathons(plus an Achilles injury and a broken ankle 😦 )
Year 5 – recovering from a broken ankle, running my first 10k and some 5Ks, suffering a foot stress fracture, running my 6th Half Marathon
Year 6 – a few 5ks, then a broken 5th metatarsal, then more 5ks, several 10Ks, my 7th Half Marathon and a 15K
Year 7 – a very good year, NO INJURIES!!!!! so lots of races (5ks, 10Ks, 15Ks, 4 half marathons), PRs for 5k, 10k, 15k, 4m, 5m, 10m, and Half Marathon, joining 2 training groups, volunteering in another, meeting some new running buddies, becoming a Skirt Sports ambassador captain
Year 8 – another good year, NO INJURIES!!! so even more races and 7 more half marathons, PRs for 5m and 15k, continuing in the training groups and with volunteering activities, also running more with friends
Year 9 – starts today….

My Friday Five topic is: 5 Reasons Why I Blog

To motivate myself to run

You can’t write about running unless you run, right? I post my planned running schedule for the week and I feel guilty if I don’t do those runs (well, only a little guilty.)

2. To track my progress toward my goals

This was more important when I first started. My goal was to run a 5k. And I did. Then it was to finish a 5k under 30 minutes and I did. Sometimes my goals are more lofty than others. Several years later, I wanted to run a half marathon and I succeeded. Of course, then I added other distances. Sometimes my goals are to PR, of course, but mostly now it is to finish each race with a decent time and to remain healthy.

3. To review my races to help plan each year’s schedule.

I love to run races. I can’t always remember when happened at each race. So I recap the race on my blog and then I can look back at my review. It helps me plan for the race by knowing the logistics, the difficulty of the course and often, it helps me decide whether or not to run the race again.

4. To connect with other runners

Most of the time, it is only virtually. But the runners who read my blog are now my running friends. They cheer me on. They offer sympathy after a poor race or run. They have lifted my spirits when I have been injured. They are the ones I turn to when I need advice.

5. To inspire others to run

Of course, I want everyone to want to run. It has greatly improved my life. My wish is that by reading my blog, an older lady starts to run, continues to run and reaps the same rewards from running as I have.

Happy Running! Why do you blog? How long have you been blogging?

March 23, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Faithful

Vocabulary Word: faithful

Today’s word is FAITHFUL.

What does it mean?

Steadfast in affection or allegiance, loyal.

What am I faithful to?

I bet you thought that I would say RUNNING.

Nope.

Well, yes I am faithful or loyal to running. But it is easy. I know that in order to keep up my speed and endurance, I have to run at least 2-3 times each week and on the weekend, I either run a race or a long run or both. I am always training for something and that makes it easy to be faithful to running.

But what I am faithful to is TENNIS.

I have been playing for over 15 years. That still means that I was an adult onset tennis player. Like running, when I started, I gave it 150%. I took lessons, practiced everyday, and played on several teams. I bought numerous tennis outfits. I was obsessed with the sport.

Since I discovered my passion for running, things have changed. I don’t take tennis lessons or play on any teams and rarely buy anything tennis-related. But I still play and will always play (for as long as I am able)

Why is it difficult to be faithful?

It takes time away from running. It’s frustrating especially when the weather is perfect to run.
It’s expensive. You can’t just play. You have to join a club $$$. You have pay for a contract. $$ You have to keep up your equipment $ (racket, strings, shoes)
You can’t just do it when you want. I play doubles so I need 3 others. And court time, etc.
You can’t just do it anywhere. I have to drive in the traffic after work to play because that’s when and where my contract is.
You can’t just play with anyone. You need to play with someone at your level or it’s not fun.
There’s always a score. It can be fun but you have to keep score and there’s always a loser.
How you do depends on your partner and your opponents. You can play well but if your partner doesn’t, well you won’t win the points and vice versa. You can play well and your opponents are better, the same thing will occur.

So why will I always be faithful?

It’s was the first athletic thing I’ve ever done in my life.
It got me through the most difficult period in my life
My closest friends are the ones I have made on the tennis court.
I have so many great memories of tennis competitions and victories.
It is very social. There’s a lot conversation that takes place on the tennis courts.
Mindfulness. You can’t daydream. You must keep your mind in the game.
Exercise. It’s aerobic. You run and there’s some upper body movements going on (I hope.)
Variety. There’s serving, net play, lobbing, ground strokes, baseline play, overheads, etc.
There’s more to it than the score. Working on your strokes, setting up your partner, coming back from a deficit, holding a lead, etc.
It’s challenging. It’s always good to challenge yourself.
I love to watch the pros play (Roger Federer <3)
I love my annual tennis vacations in Florida.
I look forward to parties and dinner outings with my tennis friends throughout the year.
I get to wear cute tennis skirts.

I could go on and on but I’ll stop. You get the idea.

hanging out with my tennis friends one summer

during one of our Florida vacations

playing during 2010 USTA sectional game

first time back at tennis after ankle surgery (2012)

3rd place in the nation (2002)

got to watch him practice from up close (Palm Springs)

tennis friends at a Broadway show

2015 – still happily playing tennis

So I only play tennis 3 times a month. I’m not as good as I used to be. But I am faithful to tennis and hope to be for a long time.

Happy Running! Are you faithful to another activity besides running?

March 22, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: When To Wear Your Race Shirt

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

This week’s topic is Race shirt controversy: Wear TO the race or only AFTER the race?

AFTER!!!

They say it’s bad luck but it’s not that. First of all, most of the time I don’t get my race shirt until the day of the race. If it’s a destination race, even if I get it the day before, I have already planned my outfit. Plus I wouldn’t know whether it is comfortable to run in or not. Believe it or not, I still sometimes get cotton shirts. And many are unisex and even the small is too big.

After a big race, however, I usually can’t wait to wear my shirt.

after my Oct 2013 half while at the lake

hanging out in Sarasota after my Feb 2016 half

after my Sarasota half in March 2013

Many times, I wear them on runs after the race.

my Walkway half shirt

I also wear race shirts from a previous race at another race.

Bacon Hill Bonanza

stock3

And those cotton shirts. I give them away and use the long sleeved ones as throw aways in races.

Nope. I’ve never worn my race shirt TO a race.

Happy Running! What about you?

March 18, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Clothes

My Friday Five topic is: Five Favorite Clothing Items

Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra Running Skirt

: Celebrate Life HM

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016

: running at the Crossings

The Gym Girl Ultra is long enough to cover but not too long. The shorts underneath don’t ride up and the waist band is tight enough so the skirt doesn’t fall down (even with stuff in the pockets.) No chafing either. It has 2 pockets – one on each side. They are hidden under the skirt. And they are big enough to fit your phone, key, fuel, etc. Plus, if you like to listen to music on the run, there is music port that allows you to run your headphone cord from your skirt pocket. And, it looks GOOD!

2. Skirts Sports Eclipse Tank Top

: Eau Palm Beach – Dec 2015

The Eclipse tank is loose-fitting but not too loose. It is long enough so it doesn’t ride up. It is very light and breathable.

3. Pro Compression Compression Socks or Calf Sleeves

: FRW

Pro Compression socks are tight but not so tight that you can’t get them on. They protect your legs from small scratches, abrasions and nasty things like poison ivy on a trail. Compression technology has been proven to limit swelling. They allow you to wear skirts on those iffy days when you’d reluctantly wear tights or capris.

4. Nike Zoom Vomero 10 Running Shoes

These Nikes are light but they still seem supportive. They have a soft wide toe box which is what sold them to me. And the most important thing, they are comfortable for both long and short runs. My feet do not hurt when I wear them.

5. Any Brand Baseball Cap