August 15, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: YOLO

Don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

This month’s topics are free so I’ve chosen: YOLO for Runners

What does it mean?

According to the dictionary:

YOLO is an acronym for “you only live once“. Similar to Latin “carpe diem” (“seize the day”), it implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks, as if there would not be another chance for it.

For a runner, YOLO means:

Running on a new path. We (or at least I do) tend to run on routes where we are comfortable. So to get out of this rut, you have to be adventurous.

: following this unknown 2.4 mi route

: eventually led me to bridges and waterfalls

Run a race even if no one else you know is running it. Yes, it is more fun with friends but we shouldn’t not run a race just because “no friends are going.”

: a long drive and my BRF cancelled

: but worth it for a PR

Run a new distance. If it’s a longer distance, that’s pretty scary. (I mean I won’t run a full marathon.) But instead of 5ks and 10ks, try a different one. Besides, if it’s the first one, it’s automatically a PR.

: my first 8K

: Race the Train – 2016

Be spontaneous. Be open to new experiences rather than over thinking and obsessing. Usually, I just sign up and plan later. But lately, I’ve been mulling races over more. Can I afford the race? Can I take the time off from work? Do I want to go that far? Mind you, they are all valid reasons not to run a race.

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

: I am positive this race will be memorable as well

I have two more halfs this fall that I am having a tough time making decisions about. I may just postpone one until next year. And the other – TBD

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup.

coachescorner

Happy Running! Are you a planner? Or a YOLO kind of runner?

July 25, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: July Report Card

Image result for goodbye july hello august

Summer has arrived. But actually it hasn’t been a hot one so far – just a few humid days and lots of rain!!

Here’s how July turned out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in NYC and in Rochester for work. My weekday runs are usually 3-4 miles.

: 4 miles in the park

: 3 miles in NYC

: along the Erie Canal in Rochester

: 3.5 miles downtown

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often. I also ran once with Judy. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

I can’t wait until my Turkey Trot running group starts up again in September.

Long Runs:

No half marathons to train for yet (but soon) so my weekend runs were not very long or very productive.

Total Mileage:

I have run 67 miles this month so far (with a goal of 84 by the end of the month.) Some skipped runs and no half marathon this month can be blamed for the low mileage. Still healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month but only ran 2 – both 5ks. The Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series was an evening 5K in Brooklyn, a unique experience where I won my age group. I also ran the Silks & Satins 5k for the 6th time, set a course PR and placed 3rd in my age group.

: Al Goldstein 5k – 27:52

: Silks & Satins 5k -27:37

Cross Training:

I can play tennis outdoors on Tuesdays. And this month, work got in the way EVERY week!!!! But I got to play two days in a row during a weekend on the Schroon River. (This made me realize how much I love playing tennis.)

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week but barely made it once.

I did walk occasionally at lunch – around the outdoor shopping mall or the nature trail. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk.

Other News:

I went to NYC for work once. Of course I ran twice and saw another Broadway show (Bandstand). With friends, I went to NYC (Bronx) to see the Chihuly exhibit at the NY Botanical Gardens.

: running along the East River

: NYBG

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends. I also convinced a friend to accompany me hiking on my day off.

: on the water

: on an island

: Pinnacle Pt & Thomas Mt.

If you remember from last summer’s blog posts, I have a good friend who has a house on the Schroon River. She has several gatherings there to play tennis, hike and play mah jongg. Of course, I did take advantage of the scenery while I was there to squeeze in a run.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

: mah jongg

: day trips

: dining out

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No more half marathons planned until October 1 in Corning, NY. (But you never know…)

I have quite a few shorter races planned. My race season has kicked into high gear. I am even planning another race in NYC!!

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

8-05-17 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
~~8-12-17 – Camp Chingachgook 10k~~ working instead
8-14-17 – Monday Night Mile??
8-20-17 – Paris Run 8K (in NYC)
9-09-17 – Malta 5k or 9-10-17 – Surftown Half Marathon (in RI) – still undecided
9-17-17 – Palio 5k
9-23-17 – Helper’s Fund 10k

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her July Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, fewer weekly miles, sporadic gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, easy lackluster weekday runs. I know I can do better.

As for my social life, I’d give myself an A. LOL

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

July 18, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Summer Running – Love it or Hate it?

Don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

This week’s Topic is: What do you love/hate about summer running?

Love:

Less Layers

My running bag seems practically empty. I can get changed in minutes.

I ran after work with just shoes, tank, skirt, cap. Easy Peasy.

Sunshine

I love the SUN!! It motivates me to get outside and get my dose of Vitamin D!!

Longer Days.

As a working runner, this is especially important to me. It is no fun running in the dark after work. When it is dark, it limits the places where I can run.

no lights on the rail trail so I can only run here after work in the summer.

More Racing Ops.

In the winter, there are very few if any races scheduled for the weekend. In the summer, there are many. I can choose by distance, location, type of course, etc. I am in my glory as a runner who loves to race.

Silks & Satins 5K -my next race on 7/22

No Training Runs

I run my half marathons in the other three seasons. So in the summer, I can just relax. I run when and where I what. I run whatever distance I want.

I could meet Judy for a run, run at her pace and not worry. Or I could have run a faster 3 miles. Running for fun is the BEST.

Hate:

Mosquitos/Ticks/Black Flies

I am very susceptible to insect bites so I need to always apply insect repellent. Sometimes I am lax and I pay the price with lots of itchy bites.

Humidity

Dry heat is great but when it is humid, it is tough to get the miles in and the speed.

this was a tough run

More Laundry

Less layers but they are sweaty. That means that I can’t wear items more than once like I do in the other seasons.

Competing Activities

In the summer, there’s hiking, tennis, boating, outdoor music and plays. It’s hard to fit it all in and sometimes, I just skip the run in favor of a summer-only activity.

can only go on our boat in the summer

So I think I LOVE summer running more than I hate it.

Does that mean I should move to a warmer, sunnier climate?

Happy Running! What do you love and/or hate about running?

July 11, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Running Items for Non-Running Activities

Don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

This week’s Topic is: What running items do you use for non-running activities?

Clothing –

I wear my running clothes esp. my skirts to play tennis. I wore skirts to play tennis long before I wore skirts to run. So it’s a no-brainer to wear them now to run, as well.

10639538_10153088604774428_3221385705580566204_n

Shoes –

I wear my running shoes when I take a walk. Comfort is key, as well as preserving my (old) feet.

Handheld Water Bottle –

I use my Nathan Handheld whenever I go for a hike. I usually do NOT use it to run because I can loop my runs and return to get a drink. You can’t do that when you are hiking nor are there drinking fountains on a mountain.

Food –

Of course, anytime I need a pick me up at work, I grab a bar (even if it is a rest day.)

Image result for nature's Bakery fig bars GPS Watch –

If I am not racing, I do not track my pace. However, I wear my Apple Watch all the time and it does come in handy if I want to track the distance when running a new route.

Running-Related Podcasts (on my iPhone) –

Of course, I have downloaded them to listen to when I am running alone. (My favorites are listed here.) But when I travel for work, I often listen to them while driving.

Happy Running! Do you use running items when not running?

June 27, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: June Report Card

So sporadic spring weather continued and even at times, it appeared to be summer-like. But there was also a lot of rainy days!!

Here’s how June turned out:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), at the Crossings, near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran 3 times while in NYC for work and once while in Liverpool, NY for work.

: 4 miles along the East River in NYC

: at the Crossings

: on the Corning bike path

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

My Freihofer training group runs ended and I had only one STEM volunteer run. So my running schedule was freed up which allowed me to run where, when and with whom I chose.

My co-workers decided to get together once a week to run after work – either Wednesday or Thursday. But for the most part, I was unavailable.

Long Runs:

No half marathons to train for so my long runs were not very long or very good.

: 5k + 4 = 7 miles for the day

: 5k + 5 = 8 miles

Total Mileage:

I ran 67 miles this month so far (will probably end up with 77-78). Some skipped runs and no half marathon this month can be blamed for the low mileage. Still healthy so all is good.

yes, a slacker even with a half in May and 10 mile race in June

Races:

I had four races on my schedule this month – three 5ks and a ten miler. The Freihofer 5k is my favorite race and I had fun and a course PR. I ran the Run for Help 5k to help a STEM runner complete his first 5K and it was such as rewarding experience. The Whipple City 5k was a new one that I enjoyed. As usual, the Adirondack Distance Run was a challenging 10 miler but a annual favorite and I had a course PR!!

: Freihofer 5K – 27:48

: Whipple City 5k – 27:30

: Adirondack Distance Run (10 m)- 1:39:35

Cross Training:

I now play tennis outdoors on Tuesdays (when I am able.)

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week, though. I didn’t quite achieve that.

I did walk several times a week at lunch – around the outdoor shopping mall or the nature trail. Not everyday like I used to.

Other News:

I went to NYC for work twice. I took advantage of the fantastic places to run while I was there. I also saw two Broadway shows (War Paint and Ground Hog Day).

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends. I even got to squeeze in hiking one day.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

yes, family and friends take priority!

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No more half marathons planned until October 1 in Corning, NY. (But you never know…)

I have quite a few shorter races planned. My race season has kicked into high gear. I am even planning on two new races in NYC!!

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

7-05-17 – PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series #4 5k (in NYC)
7-09-17 – Saratoga Strong to Serve 5k
7-22-17 – Silks n Satins 5k
8-05-17 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
~~8-12-17 – Camp Chingachgook 10k~~ working instead
8-14-17 – Monday Night Mile??
8-20-17 – Paris Run 8K (in NYC)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her June Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an B+.

You know, fewer weekly miles, sporadic gym attendance, slacking on those long runs, skipping weekday runs. I can do better.

What do you think?

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

June 20, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Scenes from My Run (Summer 2017)

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Summer Scenes From My Run

In the summer, I try to run in different places. Here are few of my favorites:

Peebles Island – there’s a park with a trail and lots of bridges to run over in the surrounding area.

Zim Smith Bike Path – a nice peaceful trail plus you can park in a bakery’s parking lot.

Along the Rivers in NYC – I have been in NYC quite frequently for work lately.

East River

Hudson River

Delmar Rail Trail – I run here the most often because it’s nearby.

Washington Park – a nearby park with a lake and some rolling hills. It is especially beautiful when the tulips are blooming.

Bolton Landing – I love running here in the summer especially for the views of Lake George (We keep our boat here so I only get to run here in the summer.)

The Crossings – another local park where I run.

Colonie Town Park – a park and a bike path

Corning Bike Path – nice flat route along the Hudson River

Chestertown/Brant Lake Along the Schroon River – another summer only spot (My friend has a house here and it’s not far from our boat.)

I am not really training for anything right now. My next half is on October 1. I have just been running short distances. Besides it’s hot and I am enjoying my scenery. But soon I will have to increase those weekend miles.

Happy Running! Where is your favorite spot to run in the summertime?

June 6, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: National Running Day

June 7, 2017

I wish I could run tomorrow but I’ll be working out of town plus it is supposed to rain (again!!)

What a better time to reflect on WHY I RUN!!

I RUN

because it makes me feel good.
because it makes me feel healthy.
because it makes me feel active.
because it makes feel younger.
because it’s a challenge.
because it gives me time to be alone.
because it makes me set goals.
because it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment.
because it makes my day start better.
because it makes a bad day end better.
because it helps me enjoy fresh air and scenic routes.
Because I get to travel to race in different places.
because I get to meet some awesome people who are runners (in person and virtually).
to inspire others to become runners
so that I can eat more desserts.
so I can listen to music I like as loud as I like.
as fast or slow as I want.
until I feel like stopping.
wherever I choose
alone or with thousands of others.
to support a cause.
to get a medal.
to a get a tech shirt and other swag.
because I can.
until I can’t.

FRW – 2017

2017

2016 – 5k

along the Hudson River, NYC

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Why do you run? Did you run today?

May 30, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: May Report Card

So spring arrived, left and then returned.

Here’s how my favorite month turned out:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), at the Crossings, near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran 4 times while on vacation in Florida.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

: at UAlbany

: my birthday 6.4K in Florida!!

: in Washington Park

I continued to attend some of the Monday sessions of the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. (I missed weeks 7 & 8.) Coach Patrick put us through those speed drills that I normally would never attempt on my own.

: oops. week 10

I continued my volunteering stint with the STEM runners this month. Unfortunately with vacation and work, I had to miss several sessions. This was our big month since the race is in early June.

After the Workforce Challenge, my co-workers decided to get together once a week to run after work – either Wednesday or Thursday. I plan to participate when I can.

Long Runs:

I had a half marathon during the month but I was lax about my long runs. I did not do one while on vacation. So I skipped my 12 miler but did run 8 miles on Mother’s Day.

Total Mileage:

I only ran 81 miles this month (as compared to 102 last month.) A slow month, considering I was training and ran a half marathon? I expect to continue as this rate throughout the summer. But I am still on track to reach 1000 for the year if I stay healthy. 🙂

Races:

I had four races on my schedule this month – two 5ks, a 3.5 miler and a half marathon.

The Tropicool 5K was lots of fun and I came in 3rd in my age group. It rained during the Summer Smith 5k but I won my age group. The Workforce Challenge was a very sweaty but fun experience. And I unexpectedly PR’d at the Steel Rail Half.

: 2017

: 27:26 (May 2016)

: 33:40

: Steel Rail HM – 2017

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but with work and other stuff, I only played once this month. However, while on vacation, I played for at least 2 hours on 5 separate days. It made me remember why I play tennis and how much fun it is.

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week, though. I didn’t quite achieve that.

: on a quiet Sunday

I did walk several times a week at lunch – around the outdoor shopping mall or the nature trail. Not everyday like I used. But more often since the weather has cooperated. During vacation, I walked to and from the tennis courts, on the beach and around the community on the days that I didn’t run.

Other News:

I had a fantastic 8-day vacation in Florida – lots of tennis, beach time and eating/drinking.

I also celebrated by birthday while in Florida and several times after.

: at my favorite restaurant with a view of the Gulf at sunset

: at my favorite place on Lake George

: at one of my favorite local restaurants

I went to a few movies: Zookeeper’s Wife, Boss Baby, A Quiet Passion. The hubby and I started up our boating on the weekends.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No more half marathons planned until October 1 in Corning, NY. (Although there’s one on Sept. 9 in VT that a friend is trying to talk me into.)

I have quite a few shorter races planned. My race season has kicked into high gear.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-11-17 – Run for Hope 5K (volunteer with STEM) or Betar Byway 5k & Moreau Mile??
6-17-17 – Good Karma 5k
6-25-17 – Adirondack Distance Run (10 m)
7-05-17 – PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series #4 5k (NYC)
7-09-17 – Saratoga Strong to Serve 5k
7-22-17 – Silks n Satins 5k

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her May Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an B+. Vacation derailed my eating, working out and training. My weekly mileage really decreased as well. I hope to improve all that next month.

What do you think?

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

May 16, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Mental Tips and Tricks

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Mental Tips and Tricks

I don’t pretend to have all the answers but here is some advice to make yourself a “happier” runner:

Don’t compare yourself to another runner.

Pace is such an individual thing. To some runners, I may appear fast and yet to others, I am a turtle. That’s one of the great things of running. You are competing with yourself.

not fast in this field by any means but faster than many who were running their first half.

Find something good in every race/run.

Let’s face it, some runs/races just suck. But either you got it done or the scenery was awesome or whatever. Focus on the good and try to forget about the bad.

they cancelled the race, police threatened to arrest me, I thought I might collapse from the heat, I had to fight for a medal… but the course was great and the crowd support even better.

Surround yourself with other runners. They get you.

It’s great to have non-running friends but they won’t sympathize with your positive split times, sore feet, hilly course experiences, stomach issues, DNSes, etc.

Every race will not be a PR.

Even if you run on the same course, you may finish 20 minutes slower. Just sayin’.

A bad run is better than no run.

Tough one to remember when we wanted or expected it to be a good one. More often than not, it isn’t.

Take rest days.

We feel lazy when we don’t run. We are tempted to run everyday. But our body needs time off. We often don’t realize it until it’s too late.

Stay active when you can’t run.

You will feel better about your fitness if you do something else besides running to keep moving…biking, walking, yoga, swimming, tennis, crossfit, dancing, etc.

You don’t have to look like a runner to be a runner.

Runners some in all sizes. All you have to do is run to be a runner.

I’m also linking with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner

Happy Running! Do you have any other Mental Tips and Tricks to share?

May 9, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Happy B-day to Me

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

For Today’s Topic, I’m choosing: How to Celebrate Your Birthday as a Runner

It’s an appropriate topic because today is my birthday.

And I happen to be celebrating on vacation in sunny Florida!!

So when it’s your b-day, here’s what I recommend:

Run a race.

Of course that depends on the time of year. You can always run a virtual race if none is scheduled.

Mastodon Challenge 5K

I ran the Mastodon Challenger two years on my birthday. I love the race and the photo. Yes, I fell (what else is new) but continued on to finish with blood dripping down my legs and arms and broken watch in my hand (I felt badass especially when I came in 2nd in my AG)