June 5, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: National Running Day

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary 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 National Running Day.

National Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running.

Here are my 5 reasons to run:

1. JA is my running buddy. He cannot run, cannot walk, cannot go to school, cannot digest his food but he is my BIGGEST SUPPORTER.

2. There were times that I couldn’t – broken ankle, stress fracture, broken foot. There may be times in the future when I cannot. So when I CAN, I RUN. I will never take this gift for granted.

3. I am a goal-driven person. I want to get better. I also know if I don’t run often, then it will not happen. So I keep running and hope that my finish times reflect my efforts.

4. It’s no secret that I love ice cream. I would eat it every day especially soft ice cream in the summer. As I get older, my metabolism must be slowing down because I have to watch what I eat for the first time. If I run, I hope that I can watch it less.

5. I actually feel younger now than before I started running. People say that “I don’t look my age.” (I love those people.) But I respond that I don’t feel my age. I credit running for that. (I am 62 btw.)

Happy Running! How did you celebrate National Running Day?

June 2, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Breaks

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Running Breaks

There are many reasons to take a break from running.

Injuries

This is the worst. Injuries suck. There is nothing you can do about them. You just can’t run. And you always wonder if you will again.

I have had a few. Broken foot in 2013…

Stress fracture in late 2012…

Ankle surgery for 2 broken bones in early 2012…

Weather

When I first started running, I stopped in October and began again in April. Then I realized that I could run in the cold weather, even in the snow. Running in the rain and ice. Not for me!!

Living in the Northeast, there were many days like below when I did not run.

The same can be true if you live in a warm, humid climate. It is hard to run in those conditions.

doesn’t this look inviting?

Life

Yup, sometimes life gets in the way. I work full-time and I am not a morning runner. Evening and weekend work, family and friend obligations often make running impossible.

My hubby and my friends do not run so I try not to let running interfere with my relationships.

10405437_10153756637729428_6501356606667614072_n

dinners out with friends

boating with the hubby

tennis instead of running

Sometimes, I’d rather be running but I know I always can’t choose running.

Tapering or Recovering

Also we may not want to take a break, we know we have to. Before and after a long race, I usually take at least 2 days off. I like to be active and feel like a slug when I don’t run. But I that these old bones need a rest or there will be repercussions.

best post half recovery

Lack of Mojo

This is a tough one. It’s when you just don’t feel like running.

I’ve had this feeling many times but since I sign up for so many races, I know that if I don’t run, there will be consequences.

There are many reasons for lack of mojo:

Over training
Fatigue
Pain
Poor races results

We’ve all experienced these.

I have recently felt the last two. Since my half in April, my feet have bothered me on and off. It is not fun to run when something hurts.

ouch!!

I also have been disappointed in my finish times. I am getting slower. Especially for my April half which I trained for and the course was flat. I expected to do better and I was depressed for long time afterwards.

not happy here

As a result, May was a low mileage month for me… (even though I ran a half marathon!!)

Happy Running? Do you take breaks from running?

May 29, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five and May Runfessions

This week, the theme is Free Friday.so I have decided to link up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

Here are my 5 Runfessions:

1. I am impulsive. Some people think about what race to sign up for, weigh all the options, think some more. Me, I just sign up and think later.

So many months ago I heard about a new race and I signed up.

June 13, 2015 7:30 am

The USATF-certified, out-and-back course begins at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, located on the eastern banks of the Hudson River. The route continues southwest on the flat, tree-lined William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, which winds through the Dutchess County towns of Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls. The stunning views from the elevated Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park offer runners a wonderful mid-race pick-me-up as they head across the river and onto the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in the Ulster County town of Lloyd. A return trip across the Walkway, and a final downhill sprint brings participants back to Marist and the scenic waterfront.

It is only 1 1/2 hours away so it is driveable the morning of the race. It go overs the new bridge that I have been wanting to see.

Of course, that means leaving at 5 am. Ok, not fun but I can do that.

Here’s the bad part:

All runners must pick up their race numbers at the expo.

THERE WILL BE NO DAY OF PACKET PICK-UP.

Oops. I hadn’t thought of that. I just got back from a vacation so I don’t want to spend money on a hotel. I work on Friday and I can’t drive 3 hours to get my bib.

I posted messages on several running groups’ FB pages with no response.

Finally I noticed that someone posted on FB that she was running it. So I asked her to pick up my bib. I don’t really know her but she said yes. I am grateful.

Next time, maybe I’ll read the fine print.

2. Ignorance is bliss.

My clothes seemed to be getting tighter and tighter. It may have been all my birthday celebrations. But I decided to weigh myself. Yup, I had gained 5 lbs and was at my post-vacation weight before my vacation. (I still enjoyed my vacation with deserts and drinks!!)

I came home and went to weigh myself. My scale was dead. I think it needs a new battery.

But I haven’t replaced it.

For a while I won’t be depressed about how much I weigh…

3. Tennis won…

I ran a measly 13 miles during the 8 days I was in Naples, Florida.

it was pretty and I could have gotten up early every day…

I played tennis for about 13 hours (or more). And the first time in a year, I enjoyed tennis more than running.

Don’t worry. I’m back to normal. I haven’t played tennis since I got home and will go back to playing once a week and running 3-4 times a week.

4. I want new feet…

They are still an issue. I think I have solved the blister problem. I didn’t get any during my half marathon. But besides surgery, I have still googling solutions.

substitute RUN for WALK

I have two problems and they are related my inherited, poor shoe choice BUNION problem.

The barely noticeable one get inflamed and presses on a nerve so it hurts on and off (sometimes more on then off.)

The bigger one doesn’t hurt but makes my big toe turn inward. That makes the second toe hurt and puts pressure on the ball of my foot – burning pain on longer runs.

As a result, my speed has left me and my desire to run long races is disappearing, as well.

A smart person would just stop running for awhile.

But that is not going to happen…

Tentative summer schedule: (The ones in bold I have signed up for.)

6-07-15 – Betar Byway 5K & Moreau Mile
6-13-15 – Walkway Half Marathon
6-21-15 – Adirondack Distance 10m
7-12-15 – Saratoga Springs 5k
7-18-15 – Silks and Satins 5K
8-1-15 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
8-15-15 – Jailhouse Rock 5k

My fall schedule is even more full with a half marathon scheduled for Oct 10.

So now I am considering wrapping them with KTape or buying new shoes

thinking of these…. anyone?

or just biting my tongue and running in pain.

5. Too lazy.

I sit at work all day in front of a computer.

I eat at my desk.

I am not that busy that I couldn’t go for a walk. Sometimes I force myself. But most days I just sit.

Before and after work, I pass by a FREE gym. I would take 15 minutes to stop and use some of the machines to work on upper body strength. But I never do.

I always have clothes and shoes with me. Just can’t get myself motivated.

Well, that felt good…

Happy Running! Anything to runfess?

May 28, 2015 by Darlene

My Favorite Race Changes its Course

This Thursday is for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

I am thinking today, of course, about my upcoming 5K race…

This is the only race that I’ve run every year!

Due to construction, they are changing the course.

So it is even more exciting?

They say that this course will be faster…less congestion and less steep hill at the start.

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen…

Will I be on the first page of the sports section again?

Schenectady Gazette 2010

that’s me 2nd from left (2010) – Timesunon

me again in the purple (2012) – Timesunon

I should be recovering not running a 5K. I just race a half marathon last Sunday.

But how could I miss my 8th Freihofer’s Run for Women?

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

Yes, for the 8th time, I am running this race. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The Freihofer Run for Women is my favorite race:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it.
It feels so good to be a part of its excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
You always meet someone you know.
Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me proud.
2011 was my FRW PR year.
Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!
In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again…

This is the first time I trained with a running group.

5 pm group. There are 3 other groups

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up. Monday runs were always after a Sunday long run and I never attended the Saturday runs. But it will be fun to share the excitement of all the runners who will be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who will hopefully PR.

In such a crowded race, it is impossible to have time goal. But finishing under 30 minutes (AND NOT GETTING INJURED) would make me happy. A race PR (under 28:14) would make me super happy!

I would love at least to reverse the “run a 5k and get slower with each one” trend.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 27:56
Albany Law Day 5K – 29:16
Mother’s Day 5K – 30:16

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite race?

May 27, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run (a day late) – Compression Gear- Love it or Leave it?

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Compression Gear – Love it or leave it?

When I first started running, I didn’t know what compression gear was.

I bought my first pair of compression socks for my first half marathon because I heard that they would help.

I don’t know if they helped but I finished and feel good after. So who knows?

After that, I wore that same pair on long runs and for half marathons.

In 2012 after coming back from ankle surgery, I bought more pairs of compression socks and started to wear them for most of my races.

Now, I am addicted and wear them almost all of the time.

: Asbury Park Half Marathon

: FRW

: 3rd

So as you can see I wear them A LOT and I have quite a few pairs – I buy whatever is on sale.

Recently, I have worn compression sleeves to see if I can prevent those nasty blisters. (Didn’t make a difference.)

So why should you wear them?

Protection: They protect your legs from small scratches, abrasions and nasty things like poison ivy on a trail.
Swelling: Compression technology has been proven to limit swelling.
Dirt: Collects on your socks and not on your legs.
Warmth: Allows you to wear skirts on those iffy days when you’d reluctantly wear tights.
Coolness: No, they don’t keep you cool, but they look good when you color coordinate them with your outfit.

Happy Running? How do you feel about compression gear? What and when do you wear it

May 21, 2015 by Darlene

Marathon Relay (Half Marathon #13)

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

May 24, 2015

As I have mentioned, lucky AJH got us accepted in the VCM relay. I was surprised and excited but not exactly training for this one.

I asked AJH if I could do the first half. (I would be too nervous to wait around…)

She’s done the first half before:

hope she doesn’t mind borrowing her photo from 2011

So this will be my route:

Since this race was unplanned and I have another half marathon in 3 weeks, I plan to run it for fun – Try to enjoy the experience and scenery without the pressure of a PR.

And I developed a sore foot during my last half so my training has been not been spectacular.

I have been doing my short week day runs but the weekends…

April 18 – 13.1 painful miles
April 26 – 5k plus 6 more painful miles = 11
May 2 – 10k plus 4 more painful miles = 10.2
May 9-10 – two 5ks in 2 days = 6.2 (should have been 12)
May 16-17 – 3 miles in Florida (should have been 8)

Since I skipped my long run last weekend when I was on vacation in Florida, this will be my last long run, as well.

Speaking of last week, spending 8 days with 9 of your closest friends is exhausting – tennis, shopping, beach, restaurants, etc. but it also was fun.

AJH has been nice enough to let me stay with her the night before so I don’t have to do the long drive in the morning and can go to the expo.

Will I have enough energy to run? And my feet? Will they hurt LESS than my last half!! I hope so and not keep AJH waiting too many hours.

My post ankle injury half marathons have been between 2:35 and 2:09 but none has been really hilly. And then’s there the foot… and the lack of long runs. We’ll see.

So I guess my goal is to finish around 2:30… but if I have to walk a lot, it may be closer to 2:45.

I am hoping that this half will be less painful and more enjoyable than my last one. (Foot, be good, please!!)

Happy Running! Anyone running or have run the VCM?

May 12, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Hacks

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Running Hacks

Many of these are obvious and you probably do them….

Cut the Tangents – why run a longer race distance than you have to

Make your own arm sleeves – go to the dollar store or Target and buy a pair of knee socks. Then cut off the foot. If you don’t need them during a run, just toss them.

How do you wear those cute running skirts when it is cold? Wear tights or capris under them.

Sick of putting safety pins through your tech shirts? Attach your bib to your race belt. I bought one that had bib holdes that were removable and I add them to my SpiBelt. Love it!

Sore feet? Put a tennis ball in the freezer and then roll the bottom of your foot on it. Being a tennis player, I have plenty of tennis balls.

Want to ave money on running shoes? Buy an older model. Especially if you actually prefer the older model.

$49 rather than $115

Bored on the treadmill? Watch your favorite show while on the treadmill. It’s still painful but just less so.

Lay out your clothes the night before your run or race. That way you can sleep longer and you are less likely to forget something important.

Make the most of your free time and fit your runs in – before work, during your lunch break, after work…

during my lunch break

Run with a friend. It makes the miles easier.

If you’re doing an out-and-back run on a cold, windy day, run the first half into the wind and come back with it. Otherwise, you’ll be running the second half sweaty and into the wind.

Don’t run on empty. Eat before and during. Otherwise, you will be tempted to cut your runs short.

If you are flying to a race, pack your running stuff in your carry on. Don’t risk having it in your lost luggage.

Happy Running? Any other hacks that you can share?

May 8, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Ways to Share Running Love

This week, the theme is Five Ways to Share Running Love

1. Connect Online

Blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, DailyMile.

There are so many places. And you will meet new running friends.

I net Barbara through FB

I met AJH though blogging

2. Join a Group

FleetFeet has groups as well as USAFit and many races have training groups that you can join.

I recently joined the Freihofer Run for Women’s Training Group

3. Run with a friend.

We have run together many times and we chat about running, of course.

4. Racing

I run a lot of races so now I see so many familiar faces. We talk about the current races. We also chat about past and future races and running experiences.

2 racing friends

5. Point Out the Benefits.

Most of my friends don not run. And every time, they mention some study about how running is bad for you, I always talk about the positives.

one mah jongg friend who I convinced to start running

Happy Running! How do you share your running love?

May 7, 2015 by Darlene

My Birthday Race

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

And my birthday is Saturday.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

This race is a new one for me.

Normally I run my birthday race every year on Mother’s Day. I will be this year but as a running buddy for the GOTR program.

So this is my serious race and I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday.

This is how the course is described:

Both races start at the Cohoes Falls in a park named after a heroic Vietnam War Veteran – Colonel Robert Craner – Craner Park.

After that we take you:

Past the Historic Harmony Mills – now luxury loft apartments,

By the Restored Cohoes Music Hall which produces some of the best entertainment this side of Broadway!

By the business district, with great architecture

Past a historic Armory soon to be turned into a Brewery/Restaurant.

Next, you run through a park and on the old Erie Canal Towpath which brings you up to

The Mohawk Bike Trail (where the whole thing started!). The path is shaded this time of year, but don’t get comfortable because the hill that brought you to it is just the beginning.

Once you are off the path, you pass by wonderful schools, parks and neighborhoods but they come at a cost.

From there you run up 4 hills that hurt and lots of inclines along the way….don’t worry – we have 8 water stops and entertainment along the route to keep you going. From church groups to Boy Scouts and schoolchildren, to the High School Band… we are here to welcome you and make this as painless as possible. Our volunteers are at every corner and they are so excited you can’t help but appreciate their enthusiasm. Watch out for paper mache mastodons on the sidewalks!

Once you hit mile 7 and 8 you are golden! We take you back to the shade of the Bike Path and down a couple of hills with the mist from the Beautiful Cohoes Falls ahead of you.

Sweet.

Challenging.