June 25, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions June – a day late

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

I have more time than ever but I have to force myself to blog. I am running and racing. I just don’t feel like going on my computer at home.

I used to be on the computer all day at work. Whenever I got to work early or stayed late or even during a break, I would blog. I’ve blogged almost everyday for 8 years.

I still read your blogs on my iPad so I’m not ignoring you. And maybe soon I’ll get my blogging mojo back.

I runfess…

Speaking of having more time. I always said if I didn’t work, I would have time to workout or go to the gym.

Nope, haven’t been once. Haven’t planked nor done yoga nor done push-ups.

I’m an exercise slacker.

Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been home watching TV (or cleaning my house or even cooking).

I’ve been busy all day.

Tennis at least once a day, sometimes twice. Errands, catching up with friends, running, racing, walking, hiking.

For the first time since I got my FitBit (in Sept), I had over 10,000 steps for 7 days in a row.

I runfess…

For the first time since I started running, I am playing tennis as often as I run. Yup, 4 times a week. But I am sure that I am putting more time into tennis than running. I play doubles for at least 1 1/2 hours. My week day runs are only 3-4 miles. Definitely not running for 1 1/2 hours. And last weekend, I ran two 5k races. Less than one hour total for 2 days.

Sorry running. I am cheating on you.

Why?

Because tennis is scheduled at a certain time. Unless, I run with someone else, I can procrastinate and go whenever or not go at all. Plus, running is HARDER!!!!!!!!!! Especially in the summer when it is hot and humid.

I runfess…

I used to wear suits everyday for the job I had for 8 years before my last job. Now that I hoping to be going on interviews, I thought I might wear one.

Nothing fits!!

In 10 years, my body has failed me. The pants and skirts are too tight and the jackets are too big.

Does your weight move around? Or did they always fit like that?

Maybe I should put that battery in my scale (or go to the gym)?

And no, I don’t want to buy new boring clothes. (Odd that I never complain about having to buy new running clothes…)

I runfess…

They say things happen in threes.

So I lost my job. I lost my car key.

Now the ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon that I signed up for 7 months ago has been cancelled.

They never got a permit for the race so they decided to change it to a yoga weekend with a non-timed fun 5k or 10k group race.

For $100 race fee plus $300 for the hotel and 3 1/2 hours travel time & gas — I don’t think so. (They are giving refunds, Thank God.)

I actually wasn’t that disappointed though I’d love to run a race on Cape Cod someday.

Instead I have several possibilities where I can run 13.1 miles and sleep in my own bad.

There’s a hilly one on August 15 along Lake George, another on Sept. 18 in Saratoga and I already signed up for a new one in Adams, MA on Oct 9.

rfhm

Happy Running! Anything to runfess? Ever have a big race cancelled? Ever lose your running or blogging mojo?

May 28, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions May – the Vacation Edition

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

My Naples, Fl. vacation was wonderful but

I runfess…

I am usually good about resting and taking care of my body but I RAN 7 DAYS IN A ROW during my vacation. I couldn’t help it. The freedom of not having to rush off to work…. Everyday I ran (though slow and with walk breaks) at least 3 miles in a different Naples neighborhood. I got up earlier than I do when I go to work (and of course, went to bed late every night so I am currently suffering from a vacation hangover!!!)

I runfess…

I recently suffered from tennis elbow. The pain has left since I put new strings on my racquet but I was planning on being cautious. Still I played tennis (doubles) for at least one hour 7 DAYS IN A ROW and also took a tennis lesson 4 of those days after playing doubles. It was great. It made me remember why I love the game.

snapseed

I runfess…

All my healthy eating habits (did I have any??) went out the window. Breakfast was oatmeal & tea and lunch was yogurt and fruit but we went out to dinner every night. I had dessert…always. It was worth every calorie.

shrimp & crab roll

shrimp & grits!

best key lime pie ever!

chocolate martini – yum!

I runfess…

I love the SUN!!! I know it’s bad for your skin and ages you but I feel and look better with a tan. (And yes, I do use sunscreen but only 15 SPF.) At least I was blessed that I don’t burn easily. We went to the beach 6 times and the pool twice. So happy was I!!!!!!!

the water was 85 degrees – heavenly

I runfess…

I have a half marathon tomorrow. I did not do ANY long runs to train. 5 weeks ago I ran a half marathon and 3 weeks ago, I ran a 15k but that was it. And while on vacation, I didn’t care. I could have run. I had the time. It was hot & humid and I wanted to play tennis with my friends. I will probably regret my lack of training. Oh well. Sometimes other things trump running.

late night at the Monkees concert

another late night – dinner at a comedy club

dinner & drinks at the Ritz to watch the sun set – the best time!!

boat ride to see the dolphins and we saw so many!!!!

even though the movie starred Ryan Gosling, it was awful

Naples Botanical gardens – so beautiful!!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess? Do all your healthy routines vanish during vacations?

April 30, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions March

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

I STILL 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. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

When I am busy after work and I need to run, I have to run at lunch. It’s ok now because it is still cool out. That will change when it gets warm and I will be too sweaty to go back to work.

How do you early morning runners do it?

I runfess…

Last month, I couldn’t go to yoga or the gym because I had tennis elbow. Good excuse, right?

Now, my elbow feel fine…but I still haven’t gone… no time, no ambition, too lazy.

I need an intervention!!

I runfess…

I din’t taper for my last half marathon.

I usually run 8 miles the weekend before but I ran 11 miles on Sunday.

11 miles

Then I ran 4 miles on Monday, 5 miles on Wednesday, 2 miles on Thursday….

OOPS!

I ran my second fastest half so I guess it was okay and if it weren’t so f##in hilly, I might have PRed.

I runfess…

I also did not recover after my last half marathon.

half recover

My bad!

I ran 3 miles the next day and also on Wed & Thurs. Plus I have 10k on Saturday and a 5k on Sunday.

my legs were TIRED!!

I runfess…

I still have my Starbucks addiction. I stop on the way to the park. And I walk to the park everyday at lunch. (Darn, I wish they would close that store!!!)

I even walked there in the rain

However, I have discovered their Chocolate Banana Smoothie. Tell me it’s healthier than a frappuccino!

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

May 8 – HILLY!!!!!

May 29 – Hilly

I haven’t signed up yet but I probably will…

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

March 26, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions March

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. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

I did once this month and found it a great way to start the day but only ONCE it was…

I runfess…

Speaking of doing things only once. I went to the gym ONCE. And it wasn’t bad. It barely took any time out of my busy schedule. But I haven’t repeated the gym experience.

I runfess…I am injured. Not a running injury.It’s tennis elbow. But I treated it the same as a running injury.

I got my racket restrung. I knew from the first swing that something was wrong. I ignored it. It was sore and I ignored it and I continued playing each week. Eventually, it was more than sore, it hurt. So I wore an arm band and played. Now it really hurts so I am taking some time off and having my racket strung correctly.

Tennis is costly and I hate taking time off. Yes, I know that if I took care of it right away, it would be better by now. I am stubborn that way. (At least it doesn’t hurt when I run 🙂 )

on the sidelines now…hoping to be cured by my May tennis vacation

I runfess…I started caring more about my lack of sleep than my steps.

The first thing I do in the morning is check my FitBit to see how bad my night’s sleep was.

I usually get 5 hours…sometimes 6. Never enough!!!

I runfess…

So I’ve decided that I need to do 10,000 steps a day again. This is easy when I run but on the days that I don’t run, I am lazy. So I turned to walking around the mall.

This is great for my legs but not my pocketbook.

I wind up adding bills to my credit card in addition to steps on my FitBit.

But I only buy items ON SALE and/or with COUPONS.

I got it at the Gap in grey striped for $3.50

I got it at Macy’s for like $9.

And there was more but I’ll spare you.I runfess…

I used to do all my long runs alone.

But I got spoiled. Most of them lately have been run with Judy or Barbara. I have enjoyed the company and it made the miles much less painful.

However, today both of them were busy…

I was going to have to run alone. So I asked on FB and found someone that I have never met to run with me. I have no idea if we run at the same pace. So we’ll see how it goes. I’m pretty adaptable unless she runs at an 8 minute pace or a 14 minute pace.

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

Decal-13.1-Celebrate-Life-e1446773610315

Mar 13- the hillest EVER

April 9 – a quite hilly 10K

April 24 – rolling hills for all 13.1 miles

rolling hills – but I still have time to back out of this one…

So I should do some hill repeats or stop whining about the hills!!!Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

February 27, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions February (a day late)

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

I gave up coffee a few years ago. I was hoping that as a result, I would sleep better. (and that’s debatable.)

I still drink herbal tea every morning but mid morning, I started cheating. Now I can’t stop!!

I work across the street from Starbucks and from my app, I can order a coffee and it is ready before I get there. I don’t have to wait on that long line. Less than 5 minutes away from my desk.

#StarbucksAnonymous. I need you.

I runfess…

I bought a FitBit because I was sitting too much at work. I thought it would motivate me to get up and move around, And it did at the beginning.

Now I only check to see how much (or how little) I’ve slept.

The light blue is when I am awake at night. Yes, I am obviously very restless..

Does anyone really get 8 hours of sleep?

I runfess…

My drawers/closets are full. I need no more running clothes!!!

So why did I just buy another SkirtSports skirt?

It was a new print. I couldn’t help myself!

psyched for the psyched print!

The good news that I was tempted to order other things and I did not….

I runfess…

I signed up for a half marathon on March 13 and another on May 29.

Why am I thinking about another one in between?

April 24 – a different company runs this one than when I ran it in the freezing rain in 2011

May 15 – this one is new (but it maybe a double loop course which turns me off)

Someone just posted about this one:

12744456_909567269157654_1413706914027812621_n

May 14 – another new one and great cause

My Facebook friends are such enablers!!

Happy Running! What do you have to runfess?

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?

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!

September 26, 2015 by Darlene

Runfessions September – a day late

This month I’m linking up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

I runfess.

I haven’t put a new battery in my scale. That means I haven’t weighed myself since early May. I have upped my mileage as I train for my Oct 10 half marathon. And I wear dresses to work and anywhere else and running skirts to run.

So I am in weight lala land.

I runfess.

My FitBit is making me poor.

I get depressed if I don’t hit 10,000 steps each day. It’s easy if I run or play tennis but on those other days, when I sit at my computer work, it’s tough.

So I try to go for a walk every day. Unfortunately, I pass a Starbucks on the way to the park and I have no willpower.

An iced grande vanilla chai tea latte with soy is almost 6 bucks! Ouch!

but I do get to see beautiful flowers…

I runfess.

I love Fall food especially apple or pumpkin anything – the more calories the better.

pumpkin donuts

apple cider donut

I have eaten several of the above and fall started started on Wednesday. (Maybe I better buy a battery for that scale.)

I runfess.

I invited a college friend up for the weekend to go to a concert on Saturday and boating on Sunday. The concert starts at noon and I have a race in the morning. I would have to miss my last long run (12 miles) before my half in 2 weeks,

That means that I am definitely racing for fun not time.

I runfess.

I have not gone to the gym or a yoga class since …since I can’t remember.

this was taken in July

No surprise here. I am just not into strength or cross training.

Happy Running! Any Runfessions?

May 29, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five and May Runfessions

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 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?

March 28, 2015 by Darlene

Runfessions March

This month I’m linking up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions. This my third Runfessions post. I think will continue to do this monthly. Many of my Runfessions from last month repeated themselves… Here are this month’s Runfessions:

1. I did not go to the gym nor did I go to any yoga classes. I had good intentions. But I always seem to have something more important to do. Yeah, I know that’s not a good excuse. If I really wanted to, I could find the time.

2. Last month, I was good about not buying ice cream This month, not so much. I got addicted to this in California and it was on sale so I bought some more. I’ve also had soft ice cream. as well. Several times!!

3. I added 2 more races to my spring schedule.

May 7 – 6:30 pm

This was too tempting. I work at a law school and it is 2 days before a race so it will be a training run.

May 24

I got in the lottery so I had to do it, right? And I have been whining about not being able to do my long runs on the weekend because of too many races.

4. I bought more running clothes that I don’t need.

$9.99 at Marshalls and I can wear them for tennis

No more…my drawers are bulging!!

5. I’ve been skipping long runs. I am casual about my week day run distances but when I am training fora half marathon, I always have a schedule and try to keep to it. I increase my long runs every weekend by 1 mile until I get to 12 and then I taper to 8. It’s got me through so far and I even PRed on my 11th in January. My next one is April 18th.. week 7 – 8 miles – Nope – in California, too busy, too hot… only hiked week 8 – 9 miles – Nope – 4 mile race, too tired, rained…after ran/walked 3 more so only ran 7 week 9 – 10 miles – Sorta – 5 mile race and after ran/walked 5 more slow ones week 10 – 11 miles – Sorta – 5 mile race and after ???- hopefully 6 more