September 12, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Blogs to love

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 Blogs to Love.

This is a tough one. My morning routine is to open BlogLovin’ on my iPad and to read running blogs. It is so hard to just pick FIVE but know that even if your blog is not listed here, I still enjoy catching up on your running life.

1. Shut Up and Run.

suar

Beth’s blog always makes me laugh. She is open and honest and discusses EVERYTHING related to her running. She is also an incredible athlete who completes in Ironman competitions and runs faster than women half her age. You should definitely subscribe to her blog if you don’t already.

2. My Journey to Fit.

I enjoy Shelly’s candid approach to running and staying fit. She is also a knitter so I love seeing her latest projects. I can identify as an older runner with her training and desire to have more speed.

3. Age Groups Rock.

agr

We are the same age, so I can relate to Andrea and the things that she discusses on her blog. I have also met her and have really enjoyed running several races with her. Believe it or not, at age 60, she started competing in triathlons. She is inspiring!

4. We Run Disney

Pam, who is also my age, and her daughter write this blog. Obviously they love Disney races but they also run other races. In fact, they just ran in Ireland. So I follow their racing with envy. Even though, Pam is over 60, she is still running marathons and has BQed!!

5. Ali on the Run.

aotr

Although Ali is young, she has endured incredible setbacks due to having Crohn’s disease. However, her attitude is amazing and she keeps rebounding. If I am not feeling well, I think about the pain that she has suffered through and I go out and run. I also LOVE her pictures of New York City!

Happy Running! Which blogs do you love to read?

September 9, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Fall race plans

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: Fall Race Plans

For the first time in recent years that I have been healthy, I am NOT running a Half Marathon!

Yes, I thought about it … a lot…but it is hard to train in the hot weather and I am busy with boating on the weekends. So I decided to skip it this fall.

Instead, I am running for enjoyment and doing short races except for two longer ones:

The Perfect 10 miler on Oct 26.

Oct 26, 2014

It is a new race for me and supposedly flat. I am going to combine it with a visit to a former college roommate in New Jersey. The race is all-women and in addition to a medal, you get a hoodie.

and

The Stockadeathon 15K on Nov. 9.

Nov. 9, 2014

This race is the oldest 15k in the country. I’ve done it twice before. It is challenging but lots of fun. This year they changed the course. I’m going to miss the big fireplace in the park to warm up. The start and finish activities will now be indoors.

Now here are some of the shorter races that I plan to run:

Run for the Roc 5k on Sept 28.

This is a new one for me but it’s at the race track in Saratoga and sounds like fun.

Burnt Hills Apple Run 5K on Oct 4.

This 5k was recommended to me by a runner from Conn. and her friend. I hope to see them again at the race.

Falling Leaves 5K on Oct. 11

I ran this one several years ago and liked it. It was my first age group win, I think.

Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k on Oct 18.

I have signed up for this race but never run it. This is the year! It takes place in Saratoga National Park which is a very pretty place to run.

Troy Turkey Trot 10K on Nov 27.

ttt

This is the most popular race in my area. I have always avoided it because it is so crowded. The local 5k that I usually run has changed to be non-timed so I think I’ll give this one a shot this year.

These are the races that I have signed up for so far.

But you know me, I may even add a few more.

Happy Running! What are your fall racing plans?

September 5, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: race day rituals

This week, the theme is Race Day Rituals.

Here are the 5 things that I do before every race:

1. Check the weather forecast over and over.

I look at weather.com, accuweather.com and many more to try to figure out what to wear. Of course, although I can’t change the weather, I keep checking for a better forecast.

sept6a septw

2. Plan my outfit the night before.

I need to make sure I don’t forget anything. I always include my Garmin, my RoadID and my race belt.

3. Eat a Pre-Race meal.

I always eat hot oatmeal or cream of wheat. I used to drink coffee. Now I drink tea. When I’m not at home, I bring my breakfast with me.

4. Bring fuel and water to the race.

Even at short races, I eat a GU before I start. I also bring water to water before the race since sometimes it is not available. For longer races, I bring one GU for each 4 miles.

5. Bring extra clothes for before and after.

I may need a jacket and pants for before and/or after the race when it is cool out. Or I may need dry clothes if I am sweaty or rained on.

Happy Running! What are your race day rituals?

September 2, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Dressing in Costume

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: Racing in Costume. Yay or Nay?

I’d say: It depends on the race and if you are racing with someone who is dressing up.

For me, it’s mostly a “No.”

I haven’t done any Disney races but even so I’m not sure if I would make the effort.

Also I also always go to races alone (although I usually know people at the race.)

I did dress up for a Halloween-themed race and most runners did not.

I am a “parrot head”

I’ve added some holiday-related accessories to my racing outfits from time to time.

I do, however, love seeing other racers who dress up. I admire their enthusiasm and creativity.

Are they the cutest? from http://littlefruitfly.blogspot.com

Tips on Racing in Costume:

Try out your costume before the race. In other words, make sure that it is comfortable to run in. Wear breathable material. Avoid masks & hats that fall off.
Wear what you are comfortable wearing. Wear a costume because you really want to not because you think everyone else will be.
If possible, coordinate your costume with a friend. It’s more fun that way.
Be prepared to sacrifice PRs for racing costumes. You’ll want to take advantage of those photo ops.

Happy Running! Do you race in costume?

August 29, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fall Preview

This week, the theme is Fall Preview.

Here are the 5 things that I am looking forward to this fall:

1. Fall Foliage and Cooler Temps

along the Schroon River

along Lake George

The fall colors are beautiful in the Northeast. I hope to get to do some running in the Adirondacks and some on the local bike paths and trails.

Washington Park

Nisky Bike path

2. The Perfect 10 race.

on Oct 26 in NJ

10 miles is less to train for than a half marathon. It is a new race for me and supposedly flat. I am going to combine it with a visit to a former college roommate. The race is all-women and in addition to a medal, you get a hoodie. YAY!

3. Fall activities with my mentee and her sons

2013

Ellm Family Farms is one of our favorite places to go with the kids. There’s a lot of things to do there – rides, ziplines, mazes, pumpkin picking, etc. Plus they have great cider donuts.

2012

4. Stockade-athon 15K

This race is the oldest 15k in the country. I’ve done it twice before. It is challenging but lots of fun. This year they changed the course. Hope it is easier.

The new course generally follows the course layout of the previous few years in a clockwise loop versus counter clockwise as in years past. The new course, adds approximately 1.5 miles of new sections, including a short section in Riverside Park in the Historic Stockade, and two new residential loops.

I’m going to miss the big fireplace in the park to warm up. The start and finish activities will now be indoors.

5. A new 5K & 10K

It’s no secret that I love to race and I love trying new races. As the cold weather approaches, I will try to run as many as possible.

Burnt Hills Apple Run 5K on Oct 4. was recommended to me.

Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k and 10k on Oct 18. was one that I have signed up for but never run. This is the year!

Happy Running! What are you looking forward to this fall?

August 26, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Cross-Training

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: Cross-Training

What is Cross-Training?

According to Acefitness.org, “Cross training is typically defined as an exercise regimen that uses several modes of training to develop a specific component of fitness.”

All half marathon and marathon training schedules include at least one day of cross-training.

What are the benefits of cross-training?

Reduced risk of injury – People who are particularly prone to lower-leg problems from running long distances should consider incorporating low-impact activities such as elliptical training, cycling and swimming into their regimens.
Enhanced weight loss – people who need to lose weight can effectively achieve a reduction in body weight and fat stores by combining two or more physical activities in a cross-training regimen. They can, for example, exercise on an elliptical trainer for 20 to 30 minutes and then cycle for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
Improved total fitness – Cross-training can include activities that develop muscular fitness, as well as aerobic conditioning.
Enhanced exercise adherence – Cross-training is a safe and relatively easy way to add variety to an exercise program.

Another benefit of Cross-Training is that you can explore different kinds of sports. Although, you are a runner, you may find that you enjoy biking or swimming. Also when you cannot run due to an injury, you can still cross-train. When I broke my ankle, I could not run but I was able to bike and use the elliptical.

What activities are considered cross-training?

1. Cycling – According to scientific studies, runners benefit the most from cycling.

(I have only biked when I was UNABLE to run. I should do it more but who has the time.)

2. Resistance Training – Recent studies have linked resistance training with improvement in running, reducing heart rates while doing so, and improving race times at distances from shorter runs to marathons. It also protects runners against lower body injuries, and circuit training provides a great cardiovascular workout, and increasing muscle power. The gym is the best place to do this, with the help of Personal Trainers.

Unfortunately I do not belong to a gym and the closest thing I have done is using these resistance bands (when I was recovering from an injury.)

3. Swimming – It is an activity that is easy on the joints, supports your weight, builds muscular strength and endurance, improves cardiovascular health. It is also good for the lungs because of the breathing exercises you have to do while performing the activity. For runners who have sore legs, this is most recommended since it’s low impact, and it surprisingly burns a lot of calories.

I wish I were a better swimmer but I am not (and I do not have access to a pool.)

my version of lake swimming

4 . Aerobic Exercises – It provides an outstanding cardiovascular workout, boosts quadriceps and hamstring strength, improves coordination, and can make runners quicker on their feet. In addition, the upper-body movements used in aerobic dance may even tone up runners’ torsos a bit. Zumba is pretty popular and there are many videos with aerobic exercises/dancing.

When I was younger, aerobics classes were popular & used go to them. Zumba is something I want to try.

5. Other sports like Tennis, Soccer, or even Golf can also be considered as Cross-Training activities, as long as it benefits you in burning calories, toning muscles, building stamina, endurance.

I love to play tennis (tried golf but I stink at it.) and play doubles at least once per week.

Tips for Cross-Training:

1. Choose what you like – Try several things to decide what’s beneficial and best for you. Also consider your resources like time, money and energy.

2. Start slow – Even if you are an experienced runner it doesn’t mean that you are already good at another activity or sport. Start at the beginner’s level of any sport or activity that you will engage into.

3. Do not strain yourself – Try to stick with your training days but use a cross-training activity as an alternative on some days not allotted for running.

4. Chose the ones that will not use the muscles that you use during running – that is why I do not play tennis and run on the same day (they both can strain your calf muscles) but I may do yoga after running.

5. Hydrate & Eat Well – Always make sure you hydrate yourself well especially if you sweat too much. Always eat healthy food. Avoid junk food and foods that are high in salt and fats. Try to eat more carbohydrates before exercise and protein after.

5. Have Fun! – You should always enjoy what you do because if not, you will not keep it up.

Happy Running! Do you Cross-train? What do you do as Cross-training?

August 12, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Mantras

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: Mantras

Original artwork of Runners Feed Freelance Writer- Amanda Winslow

My favorite mantra is: FINISHING=WINNING!

I have it printed on my RoadID and on the bottom of a shirt.

When I am running and have an off day, I have to remind myself of this.

Below are many quotes that I like:

“Me and running don’t always see eye to eye. Some days it hurts more than others. But that doesn’t mean I don’t do it. I deal with it and I keep running because not everything that is good for you always feels good for you. Every day is the day.”

“The gun goes off and everything changes… the world changes… and nothing else really matters.” – Patti Sue Plummer

“Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?”– Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian

“I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart.” – Mike Fanelli

“I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.” –Jesse Owens

“In running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.” –Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

“Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.” –Oprah Winfrey

“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.” –PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.” –John Bingham, running speaker and writer

“You also need to look back, not just at the people who are running behind you but especially at those who don’t run and never will… those who run but don’t race…those who started training for a race but didn’t carry through…those who got to the starting line but didn’t in the finish line…those who once raced better than you but no longer run at all. You’re still here. Take pride in wherever you finish. Look at all the people you’ve outlasted.” – Joe Henderson

“Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you’re probably right.” -Henry Ford

“Running should be a lifelong activity. Approach it patiently and intelligently, and it will reward you for a long, long time.” -Michael Sargent

“Remember the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.” -Sarah Condor

“Running is not, as it so often seems, only about what you did in your last race or about how many miles you ran last week. It is, in a much more important way, about community, about appreciating all the miles run by other runners, too.” – Richard O’Brien

Happy Running! What is your mantra?

August 8, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Race Memories

This week, the theme is Race Memories:

I have run 124 races so that’s a lot of race memories. (And blogging helps keep them alive.)

Here are my top five (in no particular order):

1. My first Half Marathon. I didn’t tell my friends that I was running a half marathon. I had only raced 5Ks up to that point and they wouldn’t have understood. The race also took place in Naples, Fla, my favorite vacation spot (where I go annually with my tennis friends.) It took place on my wedding anniversary and my hubby was there waiting for me at the finish line. When I finished, I couldn’t believe that I had run 13.1 miles and I couldn’t wait to sign up for another.

January 2011

2. The SRM’s First 5K – Strong Running Mamas (SRM) started as a small group by The Happy Runner who wanted to encourage some friends to start running. We met once a month and ran as a group and it culminated with their first 5K. I was just as excited for them as they were.

The initial SRM group – June 5, 2010

These runners continued on to run 10ks, 15ks, half marathons and marathons. In fact, they are what motivated me to run my first half marathon. The group now has a Facebook page and has over 140 members.

more SRMs in October 2013

3. My First Race After My Ankle Surgery. I fell avoiding an ice patch in December 2011 while out running and broke my ankle in several places. I had a plate and 8 screws put in. It was a very long recovery. The doctor said that I probably would not be able to run. I didn’t for 5 months but I went to the Freihofer’s Run For Women intending to try to walk it. But when the gun went off I started running and didn’t stop until the I crossed the finish line.

I even made the first page of the local newspaper

4. My First 10 Mile and Most Scenic Race – My running buddy Mary moved away to La Quinta, CA and I really missed her so I signed up for a 10 mile race in Palm Springs and we ran it together.

January 11, 2014

The views on the course were awesome. I can’t wait to go back.

loved it here

5. My Wettest But Most Fun Half Marathon. This race was planned by a new runner friend, Heidi. She then invited her local friend Adrienne. Both Heidi and Adrienne brought their husbands (Heidi’s hubby even ran it.) It was Heidi & Adrienne’s FIRST half marathon. Heidi also invited 2 high school friends, Lisa & Andrea, who were experienced half marathoners.

Adrienne, Lisa, me & Andrea

the night before the race

We had so much fun at the expo, exploring the sites of Philly and at dinner.

the morning before the race -March 30, 2014

Unfortunately, there was a record rainfall during the whole 13.1 miles. I have never ever been so wet in my life. (Except for my 2nd half marathon in Lake George.)

don’t I look happy?

Oh and this half marathon is my PR.

Happy Running! What are some of your race memories?

August 6, 2014 by Darlene

I guess I’m “inspiring”

I’ve been tagged by Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete. Thanks Tiffany.

The Rules:

Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
List the rules and display the award.
Share seven facts about yourself.
Nominate 15 other blogs you enjoy, then comment on their posts to let them know that you have nominated them.

I have been blogging for a while so if you read my blog, you probably know everything about me already but if you are new, here are
Seven Things About Me:

1. I started running in April 2008 at the age of 55!! Since then I have run 124 races. In January 2011, I ran my first of 9 half marathons.

my first half in Naples, Fla.

my 9th in Saratoga, NY

2. Second to running is my love for tennis. I started playing seriously about 15 years ago. The best thing about tennis is the friends that I have made. Now we do lots of things together that doesn’t even involve playing tennis.

group photo with our instructor Billy Bob

at a Broadway show

3. My first profession was that of a French teacher. I did that for 22 years. I spent my junior year of college in Nice, France. I love anything and everything French – art (Monet), music (Celine Dion), food (pain au chocolat), drinks (kir), cafe au lait, Les Miz, etc.

4. I play mah jongg once a week with a great group of ladies. My favorite game, however, is still Scrabble.

playing mah jongg by the Schroon River

5. I love to travel. I would do it more if I had the time and the money. I have been to most countries in Europe (except Ireland) & Israel, Greece & Russia. China and an African safari are on my bucket list as well as Alaska.

3rd trip to Kursk, Russia

6. I’m a computer geek. Luckily I went back to school and got another Masters and I have been working as an Instructional Technologist for the past 16 yrs. Digital photography is my passion. I never leave the house without a camera.

7. Finally, Dec 29, 2011 was one of the worst days in my life. I fell avoiding an ice patch while out running and broke my ankle in several places. I had a plate and 8 screws put in. It was a very long recovery. The doctor said that I may play tennis again but probably would not be able to run. But I proved him wrong!! I started running after 5 months and starting playing tennis after 8 months.

then

now

Here are some “inspiring” bloggers (in no particular order):

Happy Running! Please tag yourself if you are reading this post & I haven’t tagged you.

August 5, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Safety

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: Safety on the Run

Source: http://www.runnersworld.com/the-starting-line/11-tips-staying-safe-roads

Leave word. Tell somebody or leave a note at home about where you plan to go and how long you plan to be out. That way your loved ones will know to come look for you if needed.

I always carry my cell phone so I can be contacted by my hubby. I usually tell him that I am running & on the weekend where I am running.

phone in my SPiBelt

Identify yourself. Run with proper ID, and carry a cell phone with emergency contacts taped to its back.

I usually wear my RoadID and carry my cellphone which has ICE as a contact.

pink RoadID

Pretend you’re invisible. Don’t assume a driver sees you. In fact, imagine that a driver can’t see you, and behave accordingly.

Face traffic. It’s easier to see, and react to, oncoming cars. And cars will see you more clearly too.

I always run facing traffic and if possible on the sidewalk.

nice sidewalk here

Make room. If traffic gets heavy, or the road narrows, be prepared to move onto the sidewalk or shoulder of the road.

Yes, have to do this a lot since most roads in my neighborhood do not have sidewalks or a wide shoulder.

and a wide shoulder

Be seen. Wear high-visibility, brightly colored clothing. When out near or after sunset, reflective materials are a must. (If you don’t own reflective clothing, a lightweight reflective vest is a great option.) And use a headlamp or handheld light so you can see where you’re going, and drivers can see you. The light should have a bright LED (drivers see blinking red as a hazard).

When it is dark, I wear bright colors and carry a flashlight. I also run on the sidewalk or on under street lamps. I never run on street that have no lights.

my favorite nighttime jacket

Unplug your ears. Avoid using iPods or wearing headphones—you need to be able to hear approaching vehicles. If you do use headphones, run with the volume low and just one earbud in.

I do wear earplugs but I keep the volume low.

Watch the hills. When they crest hills, drivers’ vision can suddenly be impaired by factors like sun glare or backdrops.

Beware of high-risk drivers. Steer clear of potential problem areas like entrances to parking lots, bars, and restaurants, where there may be heavy traffic.

Watch for early birds and night owls. At odd hours be extra careful. Early in the morning and very late at night, people may be overtired and not as attentive.

Mind your manners. At a stop sign or light, wait for the driver to wave you through—then acknowledge with your own polite wave. That acknowledgement will make the driver feel more inclined to do it again for the next walker or runner. Use hand signals (as you would on a bicycle) to show which way you plan to turn.

You can never assume that a driver sees you. I always wait at a driveway or corner to be waved on.

_____________

I’d like to add:

Do not run in isolated places where there are no other runners or shady people hang out.

I love to run on the bike trails but I would never run on the one along the Hudson in the evening or even in the middle of the day in the winter when no one else is running, walking or biking.