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.

11427277_1459351304375641_7649287839768108936_o

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.

14002247934_c17e330207_z

13978706176_630de8b7c5_z

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.

late night at the Monkees concert

another late night – dinner at a comedy club

dinner & drinks at the Ritz to watch the sun set – the best time!!

boat ride to see the dolphins and we saw so many!!!!

even though the movie starred Ryan Gosling, it was awful

Naples Botanical gardens – so beautiful!!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess? Do all your healthy routines vanish during vacations?

May 26, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Every Picture Tells a Story

Every time, I run a half marathon, I like to look back at my previous half marathon races.

All 13.1 miles, yet all are so different.

I can’t believe that this will be my 20th. And 15th after my ankle surgery. (So Dr. Ortho, I will run again!!)

naples 1-11

#1 – My first and BEST was the Naples Half Marathon in January of 2011. My goal was just to finish and I did. It is one of my proudest moments. Plus it was on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there.

lg4

#2 – I immediately registered for the 1st annual Lake George Half Marathon in April of that year. Unfortunately, I had to run in sleet & freezing rain for 13.1 miles & without my Garmin. I was happy to survive and my time was a PR until 2014.

# 3 – Out with strained Achilles for 6 weeks during the summer of 2011 delayed my training for the Adirondack Half Marathon (so I walked the 2nd half of the race.) It was still fun because I was running it with lots of friends and you got run into the lake after crossing the finish line.

my 4th Half Marathon 10-23-11

# 4 – Again impulsively, I decided to sign up for the inaugural Fall Foliage Half Marathon as a training run. This was my hilliest half but I finished injury-free. All was good.

Ellen & I with our bibs

# 5- My goal race of that year (2011) was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon that I was running with a friend in California. This time it only poured for half the race and I finished with a disappointing time. So did my friend and we lamented over Bloody Marys.

After 5 half marathons in 2011, there were NONE in 2012. (The year of the broken ankle & foot stress fracture.)

finish

#6 – My next Half Marathon, the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla, came in 2013 16 months after serious ankle surgery and 5 months after a foot stress fracture. I was just glad to be running again. The course was beautiful, my friends were waiting at the end and I was so happy.

finish

#7 – The Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon in the fall of 2013 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would have liked, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” And I did. I enjoyed it since it was my first half where I slept in my own bed the night before. My hubby was waiting at the finish line and we headed right up to the lake afterwards.

# 8 – For the Love Run Half Marathon in the Spring of 2014, I was injury-free for the whole training but I trained during an awfully cold, snowy winter. Despite running in monsoon rains, I managed to PR. I made new running friends and we had a lot of fun during our weekend in “wet” Philly. We plan to re-unite in Cape Cod this September.

#9 – That summer, after running a 10 mile race, I impulsively registered for the Saratoga Springs Half Marathon. This taught me to never run one in the summer. It was very humid, I felt sick and for the first time, I struggled to finish upright.

hangover-059

#10 – Impromptu and free. I registered for the Hangover Half Marathon for New Year’s Day 2015 and ran it as a training run on a cold, windy, lonely, boring course. And it was my fastest. Go figure?

1st

#11 – Training in frigid temps and running in Florida in January I thought would give me problems but the stars were aligned and I had the BEST.HALF.EVER in West Palm Beach. Beautiful weather, awesome scenery, a big PR and age group win.

Asbury Park Half Marathon

#12 – I had awesome aspirations for the Asbury Park Half Marathon in April 2015. But foot pain ended that and I had a disappointing finish time. Still, it was fun running along the ocean in Bruce Springsteen’s hometown.

VCM Relay

#13 – The Vermont City Marathon Relay on Memorial Day weekend was an unplanned race. Although, my finish time was slow, I thoroughly enjoyed this race in beautiful Burlington, VT and sharing it with AJH.

#14 – The Walkway Half Marathon was my 5th of 2015. I was looking forward to running this inaugural race and especially to seeing this new and highly publicized bridge. I had not trained much since April, overslept and ran without my Garmin so I was not disappointed with my slowish time. And I enjoyed the course. I have since returned to walk it with friends.

#15 – I had really been looking forward to running a RNR race. Unfortunately, the first annual RNR Brooklyn Half Marathon in October 2015 was very poorly organized plus I had a painful backache during the last half of the race. Still I unexpectedly met a former student of mine and enjoyed sightseeing during my weekend in Brooklyn.

bazu-7526591

#16 – Another race-cation in Florida for the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon in December 2015. It rained the whole time I was there except for during the race. But it was so warm and humid that I wished that it had. I was disappointed in that I was hoping for a great finish time like the last time I ran there. Moral: you can’t control the weather.

shme1

#17 – I decided to try Florida again in February 2016. This time it was for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. This is, so far, my favorite race, despite the cold windy weather. If I ever repeat a half marathon, it will be this one!!

Celebrate Life HM

#18 – I ran the Celebrate Life Half Marathon in March because the money went to victims of cancer and their families. The course were horribly hilly but the weather was perfect. It was fun taking a bus to the race with other local runners.

#19 – The Lake George Half Marathon in April was almost a repeat race except that the finish was different and it was run by a different company. So I expected the hills. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed Barbara’s company.

#20…. Vermont Marathon City Marathon Relay

I’m excited to run this race again. I will be running the second half of the marathon course instead of the first (like last year.). I don’t feel prepared at all to run 13.1 miles so we’ll see how I do. Just hoping for good weather, no injuries and I’m sure I’ll have a fun weekend in Burlington.

thinking out loud

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

Happy Running! What are thinking about today? Please share.

May 25, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Freedom

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 FREEDOM.

Isn’t that what running gives us?

Freedom to run WHEREVER we choose.
Freedom to run ALONE or with a GROUP.
Freedom to run WHENEVER we can.
Freedom to run for FUN or in a RACE.
Freedom to do DRILLS or just run.
Freedom to run SLOW or FAST.
Freedom to run to RUN/WALK or RUN or WALK.
Freedom to run LONG or SHORT.
Freedom to run on ROADS or TRAILS or TRACKS or TREADMILLS.
Freedom to run with MUSIC or our THOUGHTS.
Freedom to run in any WEATHER.
Freedom to run in COSTUMES.
Freedom to run in FASHIONABLE running attire.
Freedom to run for a CHARITY.
Freedom to run for a PR.
Freedom to run …..

13248563_10153573244986074_671826626102940317_o

may8-4

I think you can substitute “Running” for “Freedom.” What do you think?

Happy Running!

May 24, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Ideal Racing Conditions

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

This week’s topic is: Racing window of comfort. What are your ideal temperature/conditions for race day?

Sunshine
No Wind
50 degrees
Awesome Scenery and minimal hills

Celebrate Life HM
Perfect weather conditions…but those HILLS!!

bazu-7532702

Great course but TOO HOT and TOO HUMID!!

Happy Running! What are your perfect racing conditions?

May 19, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today…

img_8393-1

Happy Running! I am not. I am ON VACATION! Woo Hoo!

May 18, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Encourage

Today’s word is ENCOURAGE.

What does it mean to “encourage?”

to give support, confidence, or hope to (someone).
to give support and advice to (someone) so that they will do or continue to do something.
to help or stimulate (an activity) to develop.

This easily applies to running. We can encourage others to become runners, to complete their first 5k, to run faster or to run farther.

I am always looking for opportunities to encourage/mentors other runners. It may be due to the fact that I was a teacher for so many years and that I think running is a great thing.

There’s the STEM (domestic violence survivors) program which I have been active in.

and GOTR (for girls in grades 3-5) where I have been a running buddy.

10917256_361783967363595_7880664523982825473_o

I’ve also mentored SRMs (Strong Running Mamas), a beginning runner’s group.

FRW - 2010

Even when I run with a friend, I try to be encouraging.

However, I think encouraging others is easier than encouraging yourself.

I think we tend to expect a lot of ourselves and we are also over critical of our performances….

“I should have run faster.”
“Why did I start out so fast”
Why did I walk up all those hills?”
What can’t I finish under XXX?
“I’ll never be that fast.”
“I’m so slow. No one will want to run with me.”
“Why am I always injured?”
Will I ever win an age group award?”

Have you ever said to yourself any of the above?

Happy Running! How do you encourage others? Do you encourage yourself?

May 17, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Picking your races

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

This week’s topic is: Racing. Are you a one-and done type? Or do you run the same ones over and over?

Well, both.

For half marathons, I have decided not to repeat. There are so many to choose from. I don’t feel the need even though I am tempted to re-do the ones I’ve loved. There are still many local ones that I haven’t run.

my favorite destination race

my favorite local race

For other distances, if I like a race, I do run it every year. I won’t list them all since as you know, I run a lot of races. The ones below, I try to put on my racing calendar every year.

I will be running the Freihofer’s 5k for the 9th time this year.

the Spring Run Off is my favorite 10k

I love the Stockadeathon 15K

Delmar Dash wins for a 5 mile race

and the Polar Cap for 4 milers

My favorite 10 mile race is the Adirondack Distance Run

Happy Running! Do you repeat races?

May 13, 2016 by Darlene

Albany Law Day 5K Against Domestic Violence Race Recap & FF

I had seen this race on the schedule each year and have been tempted. It makes sense since I do work at Albany Law School.

But it is an evening race. It’s hard to get there after work and it’s not an ideal time to race for me. And how does one fuel for a race that starts at 6:30 pm?

Anyway, a FB running friend proposed a team and I got sucked in last year.

It was hot and humid and I didn’t really enjoy the race. I didn’t run well and though I came in 2nd in my age group, they only gave awards for first. I had decided that I probably wouldn’t run this race again.

Fast forward to this year. The place I work has been focusing all year on healthy challenges. They proposed that we do a 5k together. I suggested this one because is was during the week and raised money for an important cause. Everyone was enthusiastic about the race until it came time to sign up.

You got it – they all had excuses except me, 2 other staff members, 2 students and a husband & child. So out of 400 or so, we have a team of 7!!!

The weather cooperated in that it was sunny and no wind but it seemed like summer had arrived and we skipped spring. It was around 80 degrees. (I was wearing my winter jacket just on Sunday!!)

The race took place in the Crossings, a beautiful park.

This is where I go for my Freihofer training group runs. I have done a few races here as well.

I like it. There are hills and roads and trails.

There’s a pond.

I got there early so I could find parking. This year, I even knew where to park and where the race started.

10683416_918563664833643_1690260642637624472_o

I wore a similar outfit to last year (Purple is the color that represents the fight against Domestic Violence. I’ll be wearing it again at Saturday’s race.)

I immediately bumped into a bunch of volunteers and clients from STEM (the survivors of Domestic Violence). I also saw some lawyers, co-workers and running friends.

If my race sucked last year, this year, it felt even worse.

It was hot. I immediately got a stitch in my side (maybe from eating a fig bar right before the race) and it stuck with me the WHOLE race.

Of course, I started out fast and then I could barely breathe – it was like I had asthma. Then I was coughing and sneezing. I attribute it to the pollen and grass (I used to have terrible hay fever when I was younger.) It was really tough to run when you are gasping for air. The only time this has happened was during this same race last year.

I made it about 1 1/2 miles before I started to walk.

I was also REALLY thirsty and the only water stop was at the 2 mile point. I walked then and several more times before the end of the race. I’ve never walked that much in a 5k but I just couldn’t catch my breath.

The result – 29:31 finish time – even slower than last year.

ald5k2

Well, that’s how it goes sometimes.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:02
mile 2- 9:46
mile 3 – 9:36
.2 – ?? (didn’t stop my watch)

I hung around watching the other STEM runners finish and the coordinator’s 7 year old daughter who ran her first 5k.

Then I had some refreshments which were awesome – bananas, brownies, pizza and Cider Belly donuts!!

They only gave out awards for 1st in 10-year age groups.

I came in third

I’ll have to remember next year that I should skip this race.

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 Reasons I Ran this Race:

The Charity

Domestic Abuse is a horrible thing. It affects so many women. If you met them, you would never know what they’ve been through.

2. The Distance

It’s a 5k race so it would only take 30 minutes. Even if I am tired, I can muster my way through 3.1 miles. It shouldn’t affect my 5k /long run on Saturday. In fact, I would be running at least 3 miles today anyway.

3. The Challenge

Yes, it’s only a 5k but that means that you feel like you should run fast. That’s the challenge. The course is fairly flat. Could I PR??? (Obviously not.)

4. The Runners

It’s always fun to know people when you arrive at a race. You stand and around and chat. I love runners!!

5. Motivating Others

I want to set an example at work. I think running is great and it has helped me immensely physically, socially and emotionally. I am older than most people that I work with and I want to show them that if I can run so can they.

Happy Running! How do you feel about night races? Do you do them? Has it gotten warm where you live?