February 5, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Races for 2016

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!

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My “fitness” topic for this Friday is Five Races I am looking forward to in 2016.

Sarasota Music Half Marathon

Feb 7, 2016

Florida in the winter, visiting friends…another race-cation!! Just perfect!

Susan, me & Robin at Lido Key beach...can you guess which one of us does not live in Florida??

with Susan & Robin in Sarasota, 2013

2. Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13, 2016

It’s a hilly one but I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time. I will run 13.1 miles for her.

signs honoring those who are survivors – I bought one for my friend

3. Vermont City Marathon Relay

I ran this race last year with AJH and loved it. I ran the first leg so this year I’m looking forward to running the 2nd 13.1 miles (and crossing the marathon finish line.)

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

4. Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 5, 2016

Of course, I have my race streak race – #9 this year. It’s a great course and it’s all women. Plus you get cookies!!

I love the energy in this all women’s 5k.

I also signed up for the Training Challenge again this year.

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I’m there somewhere?

5. ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon

Sept 24, 2016

I love running with ocean views. This also will be a mini reunion with 2 runners (Lisa & Andrea) that I ran the Love Run with in 2014 in Philly.

Inspite of the rain, we had a blast.

There’s still a few more out there I’m considering besides my usual 30 or so 5ks.

Wouldn’t a Blogger Meet-Up Half be cool? Who wants to plan one?

Happy Running! What race(s) are you looking forward to in 2016?

February 4, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Sarasota Music Half Marathon

My Next Race:

I am really looking forward to this race. In fact, I planned this race-cation and registered for this race way before my last half marathon.

Because that race didn’t go as well as planned, I could now use this one as redemption.

But since this half marathon takes place in Florida, as well, the heat, wind and humidity could impact my race in the same way.

This time, though, my goals are not as lofty.

In fact, I don’t even have a time goal.

I just want to run a little faster and not fall apart the last half of the race.

How will I do that?

Push myself more (walk less) and hope that I won’t collapse??

I already ran the First Watch Half Marathon here in March 2013. It was my first half after a year off due to ankle surgery and then a foot stress fracture. Though my ortho said I couldn’t run long distances, I decided to train for it anyway. (I’m stubborn like that!)

I ran over that humongous bridge twice and

I’m in turquoise

finished the race joyfully in 2:34.

so happy to be running!!!

Now three years and 10 half marathons later, I am still worried about finishing and hoping to have a decent finish time. (Does it ever get easier?)

The course below is similar to First Watch Half Marathon but after running over the bridge twice, you run a different loop back to the start/finish line.

you pass music 42 times on this race course

Hopefully, the next time I post, I will be wearing this medal…

Logistics:

This is always nerve-wracking when you have to fly to the race’s location. I fly out on Thursday so I’m worried about the weather in the NE at this time of year. (I think I got lucky here.) The race is not until Sunday. I am traveling with and staying with two non-runners. So most likely, my last run will have been on the Tuesday before the race.

with Pat in 2013

The friend that I am staying with lives an hour from the race location (Sarasota) so I rented a car and will be staying with another friend who lives there. I will go to Sarasota on Saturday to pick up my race packet and stay with her that night (and maybe Sunday.) I also may meet up with 2 other tennis friends who spend the winter in Sarasota.

my race hosts in 2013 and 2016

I don’t fly home until Tuesday so I will drive back to my other friend’s and stay there until I leave.

Weather:

I don’t want any rain and or humidity or wind. (fussy, huh?)

It would be wonderful to be cool and dry and sunny during the race.

But I can’t control the weather…and here’s the forecast:

yup… not ideal and the 81% humidity is what worries me.

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

Happy Running! What are you thinking about this Thursday? Do you have a big race on the horizon?

February 3, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Run With Your Heart

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 Heart.

But of course. It is February and Valentine’s Day is around the corner.

So how do you run with your heart?

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Run for someone else.

JA is a great kid who always has a smile on his face. He cannot run but he is always appreciate of my running and sends me encouraging emails. (This is his latest FB post: Thanks Darlene for being the world’s best runner buddy and a great source of support!)

thumbs up on my race.

Run for how it makes YOU feel (not for a finish time or pace.)

Eau Palm Beach Half

I had one of my slowest times in this race but I still felt good about my run. It was hot. It was humid. It was windy. But I finished!!!!

Run without a watch or mobile tracking device.

a park near where I work

Sometimes you just have to run and not pay attention to pace. Pick a place where you like to run and leave the technology behind. Just enjoy!!

Give the run or race your best effort.

I really did try to beat that 10 year old. I did not but I tried!! Sometimes you will succeed and most times you won’t. But always give it your all.

Believe that you are stronger and capable of MORE than you think.

nhm finish

From 3.1 to 13.1. Yes, I never ran more than a 5k race when I attempted a half marathon. I was in disbelief when I completed my first half marathon. And I was almost 57 years old.

If you run with your heart, you can do anything!

Happy Running! How do you run with your heart?

February 2, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Favorite Routes

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Scenes From My Run.

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I love to run in places where there is no traffic. That being said, here are my favorites. (Of course, I wish I lived somewhere were there were ocean views…)

Corning Bike Path

along the Hudson R.

Nisky Bike path

along the Mohawk R.

The Crossings

a park with lots of paths

Delmar Rail Trail

3 miles of it is now paved

UAlbany

3 mile loop always clear and. well lit

Washington Park, Albany

a lake and lots of paths (and hills)

Colonie Town Park

trails and a bike path

Unfortunately during my work week, I often don’t get to run on my favorite routes. But there’s always the weekend!

Happy Running! What is your favorite place to run?

January 29, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

It’s that time again. The last Friday of the month. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

You how they say don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Well, don’t go to Target after a long run when you are half frozen.

puffer jacket with hood

Well, at least it was on clearance and I had a cartwheel coupon.

2. I runfess…

Remember how I said I loved my FitBit because it made me walk more. I used to try to get to 10,000 steps everyday.

last week

Well, the newness has worn off and now I pretty much only get 10,000 steps when I do a long run (like on Sat.). I even forgot to put it on on Sunday but I didn’t move much anyway.

3. I runfess…

After all those holiday parties and Christmas cookies, I vowed to cut back and eat healthier (and save $) in January. Besides when I go to Florida in a week, there will be a lot of eating and drinking going on with friends (and I will be going all out.)

monthly tennis ladies night out

I went out to dinner this past week three nights in a row. My bad.

4. I runfess…

I work several Saturdays during the year proctoring law school entrance exams. Though I hate to work 6 days a week, I justify it by using this extra money for race entry fees.

Dates for 2015-16:

December 5, 2015 – EAU Palm Beach Half weekend
February 6, 2016 – Sarasota Music Half weekend
June 6, 2016.
September 24, 2016.
December 3, 2016

I just signed up for a fall half marathon.

Guess when? Yup. September 24, 2016. At least, I had a 10% coupon code.

5. I runfess…

I have gotten spoiled by either running a race or having a running partner for part of all my long runs. Thanks Judy!

This part Saturday was no exception. I ran 6 miles by myself then Judy came to run the final 6 with me. I usually run slower the second half of my runs so it works out fine. However, it was so cold and windy and we were running uphill that I couldn’t hold the slower pace. I wound up running the last 3 miles by myself. Sorry Judy!

I looked back at one point and couldn’t see Judy.

And for extra measure…

6. I runfess…
I can’t wait to leave the frigid Northeast and run in Florida. I am excited for my half marathon…

new Nike shoes & skirt & top from SkirtSports

or maybe it’s because I want to wear my latest running purchases? (Yes, Sunshine State, please warm up!)

Since it is also Friday, I am linking up with the three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC for their Friday Five linkup.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

January 28, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday – Caffeine and Sunshine

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

CAFFEINE…

In August 2013, I decided to give up alcohol and caffeine. Crazy, right?

The story is that I am a terrible sleeper – it’s has to be dark, quiet, comfortable & I need a book. Even then, I sometimes can’t sleep. Somewhere I read that it would help to eliminate caffeine and alcohol.

It was really difficult to give up coffee. I LOVE COFFEE.

Then there’s energy gels. Most have caffeine, right? So I had to limit myself to rootbeer & peanut butter GUs.

Did my running suffer? Not that I noticed.

Did my sleeping improve?? Hard to say. Sometimes yes and sometimes no.

Little by little, I have been cheating by having decaf Starbucks lattes and an occasional glass of wine or mixed drink. I have even bought salted caramel and caramel macchiato GUs.

But for some reason, this week I have been feeling the need for CAFFEINE!!! I mean like I crave it. I feel so sluggish at work.

So twice, I’ve gone to Starbucks and bought a Flat White. (Today could make it 3 times.)

It was great. I started to feel better and I felt so much more energetic after work. And I had great runs.

Am I going back to caffeine?

Not yet… but maybe soon.

I NEED SUNSHINE!!!

Maybe it’s not the caffeine that I need but the sun!! It’s been cloudy for weeks and even if it is sunny, I work inside and it’s dark when I go out to run.

I went for a short walk today…because the sky was blue and the sun was out. It was cold and windy but you can’t have everything.

And then after work when I run, it will look like above ….dark!! But at least I did get to feel the sun on my face for a few moments today.

ONE WEEK!

Yes, one week from day, I will be flying to Florida!! It’s too soon to trust the weather forecasts.

half marathon on Feb 7.

I am just hoping for SUNSHINE!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

January 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Being an Optimistic Runner

This week’s Word is Optimism.

Optimism is defined as “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something” or this definition which I like better:

For the most part, I think runners are optimists. We wouldn’t be out there day after day if we weren’t.

As runners, how can we be more optimistic?

Take risks.

Run in a place where you’ve never run before. Don’t use excuses such as “I may get lost,” “I’m not good on hills, “It’s too far,” “Trails are too hard,”I’m too slow to run with them,” “Tracks are boring,”etc. Take a chance. This new place could become your new favorite route. An optimistic runner will seize new opportunities with an open mind.

Don’t be afraid to fail.

Sign up for a new distance. Join a running group. Try a new race. You never know how you’ll do until you try. Running is hard. So yes, you may fail. An optimistic runner will try and expect to cross that finish line.

Focus on the positive in a run or race.

Runners will have bad runs. There will be awful races. We will get injured. But an optimistic runner will see value in each running experience and is able find something positive:

-I ran my fastest mile
-I didn’t get injured
-I crossed the finish line
-It was faster than my last race
-I had negative splits
-I ran at an even pace
-I ran up the hills
-I did it inspite of….
-I had fun
-I made a new friend
-Great bling.
-Pretty course

Make new goals.

Don’t give up if you don’t succeed. You’re not too slow.Maybe the course was hard. Maybe the weather was the culprit. If you didn’t meet your goal, just sign up for another race. Keep trying.

Am I an optimistic runner?

Sometimes I am not. I whine about how I wish I could run faster. I complain that I didn’t have the race time that I wanted. I sulk when my training runs suck. I don’t like to run when it’s too cold, too hot, too humid, too windy, etc. I hate the treadmill. Blah blah blah.

So this post is therapeutic.

I have a half marathon in 11 days!!

I am going to be an optimist:

I will have fun.
I will enjoy the beautiful course.
I will cross the finish line with smile.
I will give it my best shot.
If it is not up to my expectations, I will still look at its positive outcomes.
I will continue running half marathons as long as I can.

this race is going to be a blast!!

Happy Running! Are you an optimist?

January 22, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Why 13.1?

start

My “free” topic for this Friday is Why Run Half Marathons.

It motivates you to get out the door to run several times each week and makes you increase your miles.

Before I started running half marathons, I skipped runs and sometimes I only ran for a mile or 2. Even without running much, I was able to complete a 5K race. Once I got committed to running 13.1, I ran more consistently and I followed a plan to increase my miles on the weekend gradually to 12 miles.

2. It gives you an excuse to plan a vacation around a race.

I most likely am not going to spent the money to fly somewhere to run a 5k but for a half marathon, yes, I would!! About half of my halfs have been part of vacations or “race-cations” as you can call them. I can travel, visit friends and run a race, all in the same trip. Wherever you want to go, you can find a half marathon there.

running with a good friend’s sister in CA

3. It is hard and it gives you tremendous satisfaction when you finish.

It should get easier but it doesn’t for me. Still after having completed 16 half marathons, I can”t believe that I’ve done it. Run 13.1 Miles!!! I feel like a rockstar every single time.

my first and I thought then it would be my only one

4. You get a medal.

Yes, most half marathons give you a medal. Why not? You deserve it! Who doesn’t love getting bling!!

Walkway Half Marathon

5. You don’t have to be fast.

For me, finishing a half marathon is winning. Everyone runs at their own pace. There will be runner faster and runners slower. Runners younger and runners older. Anyone who wants to complete a half marathon, I think can.

My slowest – I was recovering from a strained Achilles so I walked the last 6 miles.

And in 2 weeks, I will be running another half marathon. And I’m excited!!

Happy Running! What do you like about Half Marathons?

January 21, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Winter, Shoes, Photos and more

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

Here’s what I am thinking about today:

How cold is too cold?

I pride myself is not being a wuss. If it’s cold, I run outside. It’s basically because I hate the treadmill and I’ve never had a good run on it.

So I check the weather and keep my fingers crossed that it is warmer as the day goes on and that the wind dies down when it gets dark.

So far, I”ve been able to run outside almost all the time. But then again, we have not gotten any snow..yet!

When it is raining or icy, I draw the line. I won’t run in it!!

What conditions force you to skip a run or stay indoors?

New shoes.

I haven’t bought a pair since September. So I needed a new pair. Not really, since I alternate my shoes and have quite a few pairs.

But won’t I run better in my half marathon in a few weeks in a new pair of running shoes?

Besides, they were a good deal!

How often do yo buy running shoes?

Packing for a trip

I started packing for my trip to Florida. I mean, I gathered together everything I need for my race. That’s the most important, right?

I”ll probably have to throw in a pair or shorts, capris and bathing suit. I’m not worried about those items.

Running Photos should be FREE!

I hate to pay for photos. Every now and then, they are free and I think that’s great.

Register for The Biggest Loser RunWalk at www.biggestloser.com/runwalk

free!

Unfortunately some of my best photos are not.

not free

Do you buy your race photos?

I have splurged and bought the photo for an important race.

Happy Running! What are your thoughts today?

January 20, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word – Qualities of a Runner

This week’s Word is Quality

or according the dictionary “a distinctive characteristic possessed by someone.”

Well, for runners, there are several important ones:

Confidence.

We runners may not have started out confident. And we may not be confident all the time. But if we didn’t have the confidence to start running, then we never would have. With each step, we become more confident. We enter 5ks and then 10ks. Eventually we may become confident enough to run a half marathon. Some of us even attempt marathons and ultras. When we lose our confidence is when we have problems. (90% of running is mental so they say.)

Sense of humor.

This means rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff. Let’s face it, sometimes running sucks. Sometimes it’s cold or too hot or raining. Sometimes we forget to pack our socks. Sometimes we are off pace. Sometimes we have intestinal issues or chafing. A sense of humor comes in handy in all these situations! There is always tomorrow, and after all, not every run is going to be a good one. Knowing that things happen that are out of our control, helps us to stay focused, laugh it off, and move on.

Commitment.

In running, you must be committed. You get out of running what you put into running. In theory, if you do those drills and weekly training runs, you will get stronger and/or faster.

Consistency.

Consistency is key to any workout routine. If you want to be a better runner, you need to establish a routine and avoid deviating too much from it. We all know what happens when we skip runs and let our training slide … poor results or even worse, an injury.

Flexibility.

Runners need to go with the flow, and often. Maybe you were looking to do your long run on Saturday and now realize you can’t. It may be the weather or work or family obligations. Maybe you planned to run 10 miles but only have time for five. Runners need to be flexible for many reasons. I could go on and on about this because often it is frustrating.

Enthusiasm.

Being an enthusiastic runner is contagious! If you’re enthusiastic, you will inspire those around you to embrace running. It feels great when someone says that they started running “because of you.”

Happy Running! Any other qualities of a runner that you can add?