December 10, 2015 by Darlene

TOLT: EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon Pre-Race Report

So I’ll keep you in suspense about my recent half marathon a few days longer….

Last Friday, I left the not so frigid Northeast and hoped for smooth flights to West Palm Beach, Fla.

And the weather cooperated. I left Albany at 5:30 am for DC (my co-worker’s daughter was on the same flight) and then took another flight which arrived in West Palm at around 11:30 am. Both flights were on-time. (This isn’t normal for me.)

I packed very light for this trip and only had a carry on and a back pack. (My hubby couldn’t believe it.)

As soon as I arrived, I found my friend F who was picking me up.

It has been raining all night and all morning (and was predicted to do the same for my 4 days in Fla.) but miraculously, the rain had stopped.

We immediately headed to the expo so I could pick up my bib.

It was outdoors. There wasn’t much to buy but a lot of health-related booths with freebies & raffles – rain poncho, sunglasses, band aids, tape measure, etc.

loved that we got champagne and a gender-specific tech shirt

I was tempted to buy a race cap but it was $25 and I decided to wait to see if I had a good race. (Spoiler alert: I DID NOT!!)

Since it still hadn’t started raining yet, we went to the beach. This is a priority with me when I go to Florida.

wearing my new free glasses & my travel clothes

It was warm but cloudy so I just walked along the beach with the feet in the water while F collected shells.

Next stop was to have lunch. We drove back to Delray Beach where F lives and chose a restaurant with a view of the water where we could eat outside.

we shared fish tacos & flatbreads

Our meal was delicious. I loved being outdoors watching the big boats go by.

After lunch, we walked around the town of Delray Beach and eventually returned to F’s condo where I would be spending the night.

F had dinner plans but that was perfect because I wanted to visit with another good friend who lived nearby.

The rain finally arrived (and lasted all night) but I didn’t care at this point.

My friend M picked me up and took me to her house. We ordered pizza & salad and spent the whole evening chatting. Since M has retired, she has taken up jewelry making and she is really good. (I just had to buy 3 bracelets!!)

I got up early the next morning and it was only drizzling. I took advantage and went for a long walk around her community. F lives on a golf course and it is a very pretty place to walk.

foreboding skies

some friendly ducks…there are swans too.

As soon as I finished my walk, the skies open up and it continued to rain all day.

What did we decide to do?

Shop, what else?

F lives near a huge flea market.

yay! mah jongg store!

We spent hours there walking around. And I only bought one thing.

It was still raining when we left and we were starved (I am supposed to be carb loading, right?) so we found (an indoor) restaurant. It was about 3 pm when we actually had lunch.

All of sudden, the rain stopped.

I love animals and the wildlife sanctuaries are also on my list of things to do while in Fla so we quickly headed to at Wakodahatchee Wetlands.

umbrella in hand, just in case

photographer extraordinaire

We saw lots of birds but apparently the alligators and turtles like the sun. And we didn’t see any. My friend F has a great camera and took really nice photos:

Since it still wasn’t raining (though it looked like it would at any moment), we headed to wildlife refuge #2 – Green Cay. More birds!!

another one of F’s photos

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an iguana in a tree – how cool!

We had to leave since the sun was setting and it was getting dark.

As soon as we were done, it started to pour again. I was very lucky. And I really enjoyed walking through both parks.

Off to West Palm we went so I could check into my hotel.

Hotel Biba

I picked this hotel because it was very cheap. No sense paying for a hotel that I would only sleep in.

It was a very old hotel that was completely redone – ultra modern on the inside. But it had all the basics – clean, shower, wifi, TV, free breakfast, pool, etc.

lobby

I had the hotel call me a cab for 5:15 am the next morning. (I could have walked but in the dark not knowing where I was going made it seem like a bad idea.)

My room was small so I hung out in the lounge for a while. Since I had a late lunch, I wasn’t hungry at all. So I made some oatmeal and then went to bed early.

Stay tuned for the race recap…

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? Any interesting pre-race-cation experiences to share?

December 9, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Celebrate

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 CELEBRATE.

I love this song!!

There’s a lot of reasons to celebrate..

Special occasions

my MIL turns 90!

7 years playing mah jongg together

my mentee’s 21st birthday

some of my tenis friends & me before the wedding

a wedding

Holidays

New Year’s Eve

Passover

Accomplishments

I am not athletic. I never played any sports growing up.

In my late 40’s & early 50’s, tennis was my biggest accomplishment and a reason to celebrate. Playing, forging great friendships and of course, winning.

3rd place at 2002 Nationals

1st place 2010 Regionals

But my biggest reason to celebrate *(and my biggest accomplishment) has been being able to RUN. Finishing Races. Winning the occasional age group award. Making friends – virtual and face-to-face. Most importantly, being healthy to experience it all.

this was a horribly difficult race and yet I am still smiling.

Happy Running! What do you celebrate?

December 4, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Dream Vacations

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!

This week, the theme is Five Dream Vacations:

Of course, all these vacations should include a race!!

1 Paris

This is my favorite city in the world and I haven’t been there in many years. I love everything about the French culture.

2. Alaska

I’d love to take a cruise there. I’ve heard wonderful things about Alaska.

3. Hawaii

Another place that seems so beautiful that I want to experience it in person.

4. African Safari

I love animals!!! Lions, Tigers, Giraffes….oh my!

5. Iceland or Vietnam

I’d love to visit either or both.

Iceland

Vietnam

I’m not sure I’ll get to any of these places but a girl can DREAM!

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What is your dream vacation?

December 3, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking out Loud Thursday: Half Marathon #16

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

The only thing on my mind is my half marathon on Sunday!!!

Of course, there are many things to worry about…

Travel delays… (and I’ve had my share.)

I leave tomorrow at 5:30 am and arrive in West Palm around 11:30 am. My friend F. will meet me at the airport. We’ll go to the expo and pick up my bib. Then we’ll drive back to her place in Delray. I’ll spend Friday & Saturday in Delray relaxing.

last January in Delray but I relaxed POST race which is much more desirable

bird watching at Wakodahatchee

On Saturday evening, I am meeting my friend M. & her hubby for dinner and they’ll drive me to my hotel in West Palm.

at dinner last January

Logistics of getting to the race

My hotel is 1.6 miles from the race. I’m not sure if I am walking or catching a cab. The race begins at 6:30 am. I am excited that someone I know is also running this race. I’ll be glad to see a friendly face, Judith. (At least before & after. During. Nope. She will smoke me if though she’s just doing it as a training run for her upcoming marathon.)

Weather on Race Day

I was very lucky on my 3 previous Florida races. For all 3, the weather was PERFECT (dry, cool & sunny). Usually Florida is very humid and it could be warm. Or it could be rainy and windy. It’s out of my control. Fingers crossed on this.

However, so far, it’s looking like WARM, HUMID, WINDY & WET!!!! (for all 4 days that I’m there 😦 )

In fact, I was listening to the weather today and they said that there would a front stalled over the east coast of Florida and would drop as much rain there this weekend as they normally get in the whole month. Lovely thought!

My friends here say DON’T GO!! Would you bail?

What to wear?

First World Problem, right?

Well, it depends on the weather.

I’ll be checking a jacket (& umbrella) from before the race. Most likely, I’ll wear a tank & skirt. No Hokas this time but my Nikes.

tough decision but chose exotic print & peekaboo skirt from Skirtsports (for the next one in Feb, I’ll wear the tantrum print)

How I feel during the race itself

Will my lower back hurt? How long will it take for my feet to hurt?

I will try to relax and enjoy the race no matter what how long it takes me to finish.

My friend G. will meet me after the race at the finish line or hotel and we’ll drive to her place in Jupiter. I will spend the rest of Sunday & then Monday recuperating in Jupiter.

last January walking along the beach in Jupiter

G. will drive me to the airport in West Palm. My flight leaves around 5 pm on Monday. (If it is cancelled, I will not be sad.)

Race Goals?

I won’t go into my past half marathon experiences again. You can read about them HERE.

This race was a spur of the moment decision. I got an email and it fit into my 15k training schedule.

And now the time has arrived. So here’s what I hope for:

A. Finish under 2:18
B. Finish faster than Brooklyn (2:25:47)
C. Finish under 2:30
D. Finish upright and wanting to do another.

I hope that I am this happy when I am done 🙂

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

Have a nice weekend. I’ll be back posting again on Tuesday.

December 2, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Tradition

This week’s Word is TRADITION.

Of course, a song comes to mind (from Fiddler on the Roof):

I could talk about family traditions…

Holiday dinners, birthday celebrations.

my MIL’s 90th birthday

There are also religious/holiday traditions.

I am Jewish and my hubby is Catholic so I get to celebrate both if I wish.

I love to decorate the house each year with snowmen

the lighting of the candles at Chanukah

opening gifts every Christmas morning with my mentee and sons

I have traditions that I share with my friends.

our annual Broadway show

our annual vacation

our annual holiday party with a Chinese auction/grab bag

annual weekend at the Schroon River house

But since this is a running blog, what are my running traditions?

a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

a Holiday Lights Race

a race on my Birthday

a race-cation in the winter somewhere warm

the Freihofer’s Run for Women

this is the only race that I have run every year

Happy Running! Any traditions?

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

November 28, 2015 by Darlene

Runfessions November

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.

Things gotta change. I am missing those awesome sunrises and instead I am running in the dark.

my runs this year

I runfess…

I am a fair weather runner. I don’t care how tired I am or how many miles I’ve run the day before but if it is nice weather, I want to run.

Take yesterday. After having run 9.3 miles the day before, it was 65 degrees so I had to run. (It was a very short slow one.)

On the other hand, when it is COLD or cloudy or BOTH, I hate to run. If I didn’t have a race to train for, I don’t know how often I would get out there.

good thing I had company for this one

My first year of running, I quit running running from November to April. I didn’t want to run in the cold. Now I put up with it.

I runfess…

I hate to admit it but it is hard for me to run a race without trying to PR.

I did it TWICE recently.

For the GOTR 5k, I was pacing Kelly on her first 5k. Yes, it was rewarding and I enjoyed being part of it. But part of me wanted to see if I could PR on this fast course.

my just for fun 5k

Then on the Troy Turkey Trot 5k, I knew that I would be tired after the 10k and couldn’t really PR. Again, I wondered whether I should do it at all or maybe just run the 5k and try to PR.

my oh so slow 5k

Sometimes it sucks being so competitive.

I runfess…

And speaking of PRs…

Although Thursday was Thanksgiving and I had to remind myself many times about how thankful I was that I was not injured and could run, I still was disappointed in my 10K finish time.

almost 3 minutes slower than last year 😦

It was even more disappointing because I participated in the training group for this race and that I know I am capable of much more than I gave in this race.

I runfess…

I still drive by my FREE gym twice everyday. Every time I do, I say to myself “I should go!! It’s crazy not to.”

Yet, I do not! I think it’s because with exercising, the rewards are not tangible as they are with tennis or running.

I runfess…

I still have not bought the battery for my scale.

There was machine in the grocery store that took your weight, heart rate and BP and I used it the other night.

I was shocked at my weight but then again, I was wearing running shoes, and several layers of running clothes. They are heavy, right?

I runfess…

I am very vain…

I am picky about how I look when I run. I never just go out and run. I always plan my outfits. I think I have spent more time on thinking about what to wear for my next half than the race itself.

So which one should I wear?

Happy Running! Do you have something to Runfess?

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

November 27, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Gratitude

This week’s theme is GRATITUDE

This year (as in other years) I am thankful for…

MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY (my hubby & my kitties)

My hubby allows me the freedom to be me. That means patiently waiting for me to run or race before we go boating during the summer months and scheduling our activities around my running. I am grateful that he is there to support me.

My 4 cats give me unconditional love with their lap cuddles and purrs.

Jerry, the oldest (18 years old in March/April)

Honey & Billy, the youngest (10 years old)

Slater (about 12 or 13 years old)

2. MY HEALTH

Of course that means being healthy enough to do the activities I enjoy — RUNNING, tennis, walking/hiking, occasional yoga class. I don’t take it for granted. I have been NOT able to do it too many times. I am so grateful to be healthy all of 2015!!

3. MY FRIENDS

I am still in contact with a few friends from high school and college. It is great to connect with them and reminisce (about the good old days.) I have also made a bunch of GREAT friends as an older adult from the activities that I do…tennis friends, boating friends, quilting friends, mah jongg friends, running friends, etc. And I also have several from work (all 3 of my careers.) All of these people are precious to me and I am grateful to have them in my life.

4. SOCIAL NETWORKING – (Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, etc.)

The people I connect with are my virtual friends. I have met new people and can connect with ones that live too far away to see. I have learned a lot from Facebook and from my fellow Bloggers. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to meet them in the flesh. So I guess I am grateful for the Internet and those smart folks who have invented software that can connect people.

post race

5. RUNNING

Running has changed me. I discovered it late in life (at age 55). It has made me more confident, independent and I feel healthier and younger than ever. I am most grateful to this sport and what it has given me.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What are you most thankful for?

November 24, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Runner’s Gift List

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: Runner’s Gift List

Here are my recommendations:

a Watch

Forerunner 10

Forerunner 220

If you are a runner, you know how important it is to track your distance and pace especially during a race and training for an important race. I couldn’t survive without one. I have the Garmin 205 which is rather large and I am not sure how long it will last. I would love to have a new one, Santa!

Or maybe an Apple Watch!?

Running Shoes

Mizunos Wave Rider 19s – so pretty!!

“I have too many pairs of running shoes,” said no runner ever!

I loved my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s and now the 19s are coming out.

PR in black/blue 18s

PR in pink/white 18s

Running Skirts

I can’t believe that I ever ran in shorts. Skirts are so much more comfortable and they look so much better (especially if you don’t have a perfect body.) Those from Skirtsports are my favorite. I love their length and that they have 2 pockets. I have a few but never enough….

And now that it is getting colder, I need ones with tights…

Running Jewelry

Every girl likes bling! And how nice would a charm with a message or commemorating a race distance be…

I am wearing one that says ❤ Running

Socks

Having the right socks are almost as important as the right shoes. I love compression sock or sleeves. The only time I don’t wear compression is when is very hot or with capris. I get blisters so I heard that Feetures are a great low sock to buy. I also like Balegas.

For some inexpensive gift ideas, click here.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What is on your list?

November 20, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

This week’s theme is Favorite Cool Weather Drinks

Starbucks Lattes

I prefer decaf and the holiday ones like Chestnut Praline, Eggnog, Peppermint Mocha. I know they cost a lot but I’m worth it (besides the more I buy, the more stars I get…)

Of course, they also have a lot of calories but I can ask for no whip, sugar-free syrup, soy or coconut milk, etc.

Do calories count if you run more than 10 miles??

2. Hot Cocoas

I don’t drink them a lot but they do taste good after a cold weather race. I like to add coffee to make them more mocha tasting.

3. Herbal Teas

I have recently become a big tea drinker. I love chai and flavored herbal teas….especially in the evening in front of the fire.

I do make it sometimes with tea bags but I prefer tea made from leaves.

4. Mulled Cider

This drink makes it seem like the holidays. So yummy!

5. Eggnog

I just love eggnog! I could drink it by the quart. But I try to drink it sparingly. There are low cal ones but they’re just not the same.

any recommendations?

Happy Running! What’s your favorite cold weather drink?

November 19, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Races, Runs, Thanksgiving, etc.

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Two More Long Runs before my next half marathon (on Dec 6.)

It seems like I was just getting ready for run my last one (Oct 10) and now, my next one is almost here. How did that happen?

So this weekend, my run will be 12 miles! My longest distance before the race.

Although I’ve finished 15 half marathons, I still worry about completing the distance. I also struggle when I run alone. So I’m not looking forward to it.

Then next weekend, there’s just 8 miles.

Two More Races before my next half marathon

first annual – 11-21-15

I have a 5k this weekend. Normally, I would pass on this one because of the long run mentioned above. But I have been involved in this organization so I want to support them. The girl that I am training and all the others in the STEM program) are running their 1st 5k. Some of my co-workers are running their first 5k too.

Yup, I gotta do this race.

Do I race it?

Or swallow my pride and help the others finish?

I am looking forward to this 10k on Thanksgiving. Since I started running, I’ve almost always (except 2008 & 2012) run a race on Thanksgiving morning. It’s the best part of the holiday (and I love food!!)

I used to run the local 5ks but last year I joined a training group for the 10k. I enjoyed it so I joined the same group this year. I PRed at last year’s race but I don’t think I’ve been as dedicated to my training so we will see what happens.

yes, it snowed last year. Hopefully not this year.

I am also toying with running the 5k after the 10k race. The 10K is at 8 am and the 5k at 10 am. The 5k is the big race – thousands run it. I have friends running the 5k so it might be fun to run this one just for fun. I am already there and dressed to run.

What do you think?

Then there’s Thanksgiving...

I LOVE Thanksgiving food…

What I miss most is cooking my favorite recipes….squash leek soup, stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and homemade pumpkin pie.

yum!!

double yum

My husband’s family is complicated. Mine is non-existent. So this year, we’re on a wait and see what my MIL is planning. We may just go to a restaurant and then visit her or friends for dessert after.

What are you planning? Are you running a Turkey Trot? Are you cooking?

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Please Share.