blogging

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My 7 Links

This was very difficult.  With over 600 posts to scour through…
 
THE GOAL
To unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.

THE RULES
1) Blogger is nominated to take part
2) Blogger publishes his/her 7 links on his/her blog – 1 link for each category.
3) Blogger nominates up to 5 more bloggers to take part.
4) These bloggers publish their 7 links and nominate another 5 more bloggers
5) And so it goes on!

And here are my 7 links.

Most Beautiful: Tall Mom’s 3 High Fives Virtual Race – I ran around a park during its TulipFest and posted some beautiful tulip pics.

Most Popular: The 23 Runners Commandments by Joe Kelly – I stumbled on these and I and many others could really relate to them and enjoy the humor.

Most Helpful: My Guest Post – It was written for a Blogger Exchange and I wrote about something near and dear to my heart -“You’re Not Over the Hill…Why You  Should Run… Advice for women in their later years”

Surprise Success:  It’s Monday and My Birthday – The subject of the post is obvious and it was nice to get the birthday wishes.

Most Proud:  Naples Half Marathon Report – After several years of racing 5Ks, I decided to take the plunge and run a Half Marathon!

Most Controversial: Hmmm, I don’t think I’m controversial at all…

Not Enough Attention: All of them Ha ha! or Read This If Your Feet Hurt – I wrote this about how I was quoted in Good Housekeeping magazine. I was talking about getting bunions last fall but the irony of it is that the day the article came out was when I was starting to realize that I may have hurt my foot (my current achilles problem)!

I nominate:

  1. Dutch Girls Gets Healthy
  2. The Happy Runner
  3. Canadian Runner in Exile
  4. Running On My Time
  5. Age Groups Rock

Happy Running!

 

 

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Guest Blogger

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Bloggy Post Exchange as much as I have!  I’m happy to be posting Bobbi’s running story:

Hi, I am Bobbi and I blog at zeroto26point2.blogspot.com. It’s so great to be doing a guest post for Darlene! 

SO often when I talk about my running journey, I begin with where I started running most recently in March of 2010. But really, that March was the culmination of a long road of self discovery. It’s safe to say that I discovered the Bobbi I want to be that March, but it was after a ton of epic screw ups and toxic apathy along the way. 

As a kid, I was introverted and shy. We were pretty broke as a family. There were no sports teams for me, and at the time, I was ok with that. I spent much of my time with my head in a book anyhow – I had no interest in team sports. When I hit middle school, I actually was interested in trying out some sports, but my fear stood in my way. And by the time I actually got over that fear, everyone else had been playing for a while, and I felt like I wasn’t good enough to overcome the few years my classmates had on me in terms of playing time. 

So during my freshman year, I went out for track. I figured if I sucked at it (and oh, I did) it was only on me – I wasn’t letting anyone down. I hated meets. I was a terrible sprinter. But I loved practice. And I really loved the longer distances. I only ran track the one season, but the seed was planted. Looking back, I SHOULD have gone out for cross country. But I never made the connection at the time.

Throughout college, I ran on and off, as the only “working out” that I actually enjoyed. I met my first husband my senior year, and I promptly gained a bunch of weight. We ate. We ate a LOT. His family ate. I was so unhealthy. Our relationship was so unhealthy. After a year, I left him. And I started to take back my life again.

When I met my current hubs, I started that unhealthy cycle all over again. And then we got married and nearly immediately pregnant, and I used that as an excuse to be as foolish with my food choices as I wanted to. I could kick myself looking back, but you know what they say about hindsight, right? We have 4 great kids that I’d give my life for, but I lost myself in there again. I ran a bit on and off between pregnancies, but I never managed to stick with it. Or I’d get pregnant again and quit.

When James, my youngest, was nearly 3, I finally reached a point where I was disgusted with myself. I felt awful. I got sick all the time. My cholesterol was terrible. The yo-yo dieting would take the weight off so that I could put it back on again. I needed a big change. So I registered for the Chicago marathon to be run on 10-10-10. Without having run in years. I was TERRIFIED. But elated and excited and thrilled with the possibilities! Then I got down to training.

In those first few months, I ran because I had to. To get across the finish line, it was necessary. I followed my training plan mostly. I was slow, but that didn’t bother me. I ran my first half marathon in August – the Chicago Rock and Roll half. Looking back, I didn’t race it very smartly, and I didn’t recover well, and I spent the majority of August not able to run at all. And I MISSED IT.

Somewhere along the way, running changed me. And it changed for me. It became something I craved. This weekend, I’ll repeat running the Rock and Roll half. And I know I’ll do it better. Because now? I love the run. And running loves me right back.

Thanks Bobbi for sharing!

Good luck this weekend!

Happy Running!

 

 

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Plan B

Red Rock Bay #18

Plan A:

Three days on Lake George at Red Rock Bay #18.  Swimming, boating, bbqing with friends.

View from Sagamore running route

Running around the Sagamore in the morning before heading back to the island.

Well, the forecast for ALL 3 days was showers and thunderstorms!!!!!!!!! Normally we ignore the weather reports and do our own thing. For some reason, we listened to them!! And they were wrong!!

Plan B:

Spent Saturday with my tennis buddies on Schroon River.

 

No it did not rain.  My poor hubby had stayed home.

On Sunday, I got up early and ran a sucky 3 miles in my scenic neighborhood (NOT).  My heel felt fine, but the HUMIDITY almost killed me.

Then we headed up to the marina.  We didn’t take the boat out because we thought it would rain. I walked around beautiful Bolton Landing waiting for our friends to arrive.

When our friends arrived, we had a nice barbecue on the deck of our marina. Then on our way home, we stopped for ice cream (I know I said I would give it up) and to play miniature golf.

one of my better putts

No it did not rain.

So today again the forecast is for rain which I have yet to see.  I am obviously blogging, doing laundry, weeding and eventually plan to maybe go shopping and/or see a movie. (I’d love to run but I am obeying PT Guy #1.)

The morale of the story, do not  visit:  weather.com.

Happy Running!

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My Guest Post – You’re Not Over the Hill…Why You Should Run… Advice for women in their later years

This is really cool.  Below is my post on Adventure Is Out There.

I hope to have a Guest Blogger on my Blog this week!!  STAY TURNED!!

You’re Not Over the Hill…Why You  Should Run… Advice for women in their later years,…  (in no particular order):

  • Run with younger women; it makes you feel younger.

the running group and then some

All of these women could be my daughters but when I am part of the group, I feel like an equal.  We are runners and cheer each other on.  Age doesn’t seem to matter.

  • Run races, you will meet awesome people; some will even become your friends.

    Mary & I after a race

Mary asked me to take a photo after a race over a year ago and we became instant friends. We have entered races together…we have supported each other through injuries.  We found out that we have a lot in common, but running is how we first met.

  • Running gives you energy.

    running one morning

I am not a morning person.  I struggle to get out of bed.  I consider resetting the alarm clock every time.  But I have never regretted running before work.  Even after the worst runs, in the worst weather conditions, I always feel GOOD!  The rest of the day always goes better.  I have MORE energy on the days I run than on the ones I don’t.

  • Register for races, it will keep you running.

    Holding My Breath for the rain to stop

Whenever I feel that I don’t want to go out for a run, I register for a race.  Then I know that I MUST run. In the beginning, I was running all my races by myself.  I still enjoyed the experience.  Running races is motivating.  Running races adds to your shirt collection.  Running races gives you some cool gifts (water bottles, magnets, raffle prizes, etc.).  Running races gets you a free breakfast.  Running races gives you a goal for improving your  pace. Running races gets you out of bed early on weekends.  Running races is a good way to contribute to a charity!  Running races introduces you to others with the same interest – running. Running races is addicting (at least for me, it is)!!

  • You will get faster (to a point).

    Mother’s Day 5k Race ’11

I finished my first 5K (April 2008)  in around 37 minutes and I was thrilled.   It took me all summer that year to break 30 minutes. Of course, the next year, I wanted to break 30 minutes all the time.  Well, that didn’t happen but I found that if you run consistently, you will get faster.  Now I break 30 minutes most of the time.  I even have a PR of 27:30!!  I know I can be faster but not much.  Realistically, I will not run a 5k in 20 minutes!! I’m ok with that.

  • Age Groups awards are even more possible.

    lst in AG

So… most of the runners in a typical race are younger than you.  The odds are that you have a better shot at an award.  I am not real fast but I have won many age group awards.  Of course, this doesn’t always happen!  There are a lot of FAST runners in my age group.  Look at Joan Benoit Samuelson!!!!

  • You can run longer races.

    Half in Naples, Florida

I didn’t figure this one out right away.  I thought that since I was older, I could NOT do a long distance. Then I decided that I should try it.   Life is short and what did I have to lose.  So I ran my first half marathon this past January and crossing the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life. I ran my 2nd in April and I plan to continue running at least 1 or 2 a year.  What about a full marathon??  That I’m not sure about.  It’s not that I think I can’t.  It’s that the training is so time-consuming.

  • You may get injured and then you will start stretching.

When I was part of the No Boundaries program, they taught us to stretch before and after every run. On my own, did I follow this?? NO!!!!!!!! Why?  Laziness…no time…I don’t need to, etc.  Well, I have my first running injury and it SUCKS!!!  I am starting to heal and before I run, I stretch.  During my run, I stretch.  After my run, I stretch.  I think stretching is important and especially if you are older.  I hope I remember this and when I am un-injured, I continue to STRETCH!

  • Dress like a runner; wear those cute clothes.

I don’t care that I’m 58!  I’m wearing those cute tank tops and short running skirts!!  I always dress for the sport.  I have tennis outfits.  Golf outfits.  Yoga outfits! Workout outfits! So of course, as soon as I started running, I accumulated running outfits.  For me, I feel like I do better when I look better.

  • Read Blogs (or maybe start your own.)

    racing with fellow blogger AJH

As soon as I started running, I started a blog.  I thought it would keep me accountable to my running.  I would post my goals and write about my experiences.  I could also keep track of the races I had run and my mileage.  However, blogging is so much more.  I learn so much by reading other blogs.  They are motivating, entertaining  and part of my everyday life.  I feel like some of the bloggers are my friends and I think they are.  I have even met some (Felice, Suzy, Amanda, Andrea) at races.

  • Run all year round not just when the weather is perfect.

I HATE THE COLD!! When I first started running, I quit in October when the weather got cold. In the spring, I started up  running again and it took a while to get back to where I was. So the next year, I joined a gym and when it got cold, I ran on the treadmill.  I DO NOT enjoy running on the treadmill!! But it kept me in shape during those cold months.  This past winter, I decided to run outside no matter how cold.  And it wasn’t bad.  I definitely prefer it to the treadmill.  I still use the treadmill when it is raining, a blizzard or very icy.  But for the most part, I run outside all year long.

  • Use a Garmin.

I was resistant at first.  I didn’t think I needed one.  Then I got a Nike plus which tracked my distance and time.  I used it until this past January.  But it really was not accurate because it is not a GPS.  I used it to train for my first half and didn’t know the difference.  Now that I have a Garmin, I don’t know how I lived without one.   I know exactly how fast I am running at all times.  I know my overall pace.  I love to download my stats to the computer to see the whole picture.  When did I run the fastest, the slowest, where were the hills, when did I stop, etc.  I did run my 2nd half without it and felt lost the whole time.  Now I never run or walk without it!

  • Those who don’t run will think you’re awesome.

or as they say: Even if you’re slow, you’re faster than someone sitting on the couch.  Other runners know that it is mind over matter.  You can do it if you set your mind to it.  Those who have never tried think that I am a super hero for running  13.1 in freezing rain.  I know that I am not and they could do it too.  I was like them at one time —  Awestruck by anyone who could finish a 5k.

  • JUST DO IT!

    my proudest moment

You won’t regret it!

Happy Running (at any age)!

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(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Enough about my injured achilles!!!

Enough about my horrendous cold!

There’s good news on the running/blogger front…

Sweaty Emily, after becoming an IRONMAN!

Please check out her mom‘s spectator post as well as Emily‘s sweaty race report!
 
I’m sure it will bring tears to your eyes!
 
Happy Running!
 

 

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More PT and More Q & A

My second PT visit was just as enjoyable as the first.  (Maybe I should get injured more often?)

I had a different phyical therapist but he was just as nice and encouraging as the first.  This session started with heat, then more stretching exerices and then 10 minutes on the elliptical.  WOW!  I thought I would die – It felt like running a marathon. I haven’t done anything aerobic in quite awhile (how quickly our fitness level goes..).

Then he did the heat ultrasound and the massaging and then some electronic device – all to stimulate healing of the tendon.  It ended with ice.

Saturday was the Silks and Satin 5k that I have run 3 years in a row.  I was sad… but my hubby & I headed up to Lake George and spent a beautful day cooling off on our boat and then yesterday, we went to a birthday party in a park along the lake with good friends. (Unfortunately now I have a head cold…see what no running has done to my body!!!)

my hubby, the birthday boy & me

 

Darlene

Suzyasks:  What is your favorite food?

Hmmm… that’s a tough one…  warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

If you could live one day over again what would it be?

Right now, I’d say June 12 when my heel first hurt & I ignored it for a month.  It would have been healed by now & I could be training for my half marathon.


When you are better, do you think you’ll ever do a marathon?

Not sure about this. There are times that I think I should and there are other times that I think NO WAY!!  I’ll have to see when I heal and run another half  how I feel.

Bridget asks: How many countries have you traveled to?

Good question.  When I was a junior in college (long ago!) I visited France, Spain, Holland, Corsica, Germany, Italy, and Austria.  When I was a French teacher, I also visited Canada, France many times and England.  With my 1st husband, I visited Greece and Israel.  With my 2nd I visited Virgin Islands (is that a country?).  With friends, I visited Mexico and Dominican Republic.  During my last job, I visited Russia 3 times.  As you can see I LOVE TO TRAVEL.  I wish I had more  time and more money.

Happy Running!  You can still ask me questions…I have plenty of time!

 

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Q & A

Darlene

 

 Molly asks: “What would your last meal be?”

It depends on the meal…I’d say it would be for dinner – pizza and coffee ice cream, for lunch – cheese & apple on toasted raisin bread (or melted swiss and a home grown tomato on rye) with a chocolate egg cream and for breakfast – a vanilla latte with a chocolate filled croissant (pain au chocolat).

AJH asks: What is your favorite race?

My favorite race was the Naples News Half Marathon (1/11).  It was my FIRST half marathon.  It took place in Florida where the weather was perfect and the scenery awesome.  The Freihofer Run for Women is also a favorite of mine.  It attracts so many women – from first timers to elite runners from all of the world.

What got you started running?

I am not a natural athlete though I love sports.  Growing up, I did not participate in anything (which isn’t odd for my generation.) In my 40’s I started playing tennis.  I loved it esp the friendships that developed.  Again, it didn’t come easy.  In my 50’s, 2 of my tennis friends approached me about taking up running.  I had never run before.  We signed up for FleetFeet’s No Boundaries program.  After I ran one mile without stopping, I was hooked.  I signed up for a 5k, then another, and another… In 3 years, I think I ran about 50. What I liked about running (unlike tennis) is that there is no winner or loser.  You compete against yourself and your own goals. 

Who is your actor crush?

I’d say it’s Patrick Dempsey.  I also have a crush on Richard Gere.

 Felice asks: Where is your favorite place to run?

In the summertime, it’s in Bolton Landing around the Sagamore Hotel grounds (I go on our boat every weekend there).  I also like running around Washington Park in Albany and the Crossings in Colonie.

 Happy Running!  Ask me more questions!

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Ask Me Anything…

AJH at Age Groups Rock tagged me for the question/answer post that is spreading  through the bloggersphere.  You have time to ask me some questions in the comment section and then next week. I will answer them.  

Since I am not running,  it will give me something to talk about.   So ask my anything and I will promise try to answer.

Here are my 5 nominees: (They are all local from my area.)

  • Felice at The Happy Runner.  She had a baby 9 mos ago and you wouldn’t believe how FAST she runs!!!
  • Suzy at Running on my time.  She recently finished her Masters, is a stay at home mom to 2 kids and is training for her 1st marathon.
  • Heather at Then Heather Said.  Her blog is so inspiring and creative.  She is a runner but much more.
  • Jen at Jen is Green.  She took up running and lost a lot of weight.  She continues to run and eat healthy.
  • Bridget at Our Life, Our World…My Thoughts. She ran her 1st 5K a little over a year ago and is already training for her 2nd Half Marathon.

Happy Running!  Think up those questions!

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Thursday: Things I Do NOT Love

 Several weeks ago, I posted about things I LOVE.

Here are the things I hate (or do NOT love):

snakes - hate em!

 
 

being sick or injured!!! esp if I CANNOT RUN!

 

YUCK!

 
 

I know - I'm strange!

Happy Running! What do you HATE?

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A Motivational Post


Read this post– http://todayshealthrocks.blogspot.com/2011/06/oh-benefits-of-running.html and you will want to run and keep running.

Running is not about who can run the furthest and the fastest. It is a place where we can escape our problems and enter into a world where we are invincible!!!
Thanks Devin for reminding me.
 
Happy Running!  It’s good for your health!