Tuesdays on the run

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TOTR: Scenes From My Run (Winter 2017)

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 Scenes from my run.

It’s no secret that I love to run in the warm weather.  My preferred scenery is an ocean or a lake.

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Memories…

But since it is winter, I have to make do with what’s in my area.

Here are my favorite places to run:

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Corning Bike Path along the Hudson River

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UAlbany esp. the Indian Pond Trail

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Colonie Town Park

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Zim Smith Trail

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Nisky Bike Path along the Mohawk River

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Delmar Rail Trail

Now only if the winter would cooperate and we would have a dry winter.  Otherwise all the trails above will look like this:

Happy Running! Where do you like to run?

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January Recap (& TOTR)

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Cannot believe that the first month of 2017 is over already (and that Donald Trump is now the President)!!

Anyway, here’s how January went:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a January or a winter. So 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 mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. But I’ve been getting bored and have been also running in the town where I live.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was still injured. Alyssa was busy until the last half of the month.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

They have begun.  They are not double digits yet but it’s coming.

Total Mileage:

I ran 85 miles so far this month – an improvement over last month (69).  .Although last January, I ran 101.

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Races:

I ran three races this month – 3.5, 10k, 15k. They were all free and part of the HMRRC Winter Series.

I was generally happy with how they all went. I won my age group in the 3.5 miler and the 10K and 15K were just fun training runs.

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Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I NEVER went at all to work out at the gym but I did plank a few times at home!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall or to get a Starbucks coffee.

Other News:

I signed up for three more Half Marathons – April and October are with other ladies (Girls Weekend!!).  We even have our hotel rooms booked.

  • Shape Women’s Half Marathon – April 30 in NYC
  • Steel Rail Half Marathon – May 21 in Adams, MA
  • Wineglass Half Marathon – October 1 in Corning, NY

January was not an especially busy month.

I attended a post-inauguration march where I live.  It was a great experience. Though, I wish that I had gone to NYC or Washington. 

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We had a surprise 70th birthday party for one of my tennis friends.

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I got to see a few more movies – Lion, LaLa Land, Hidden Figures and Twentieth Century Century Women.  I loved Lion and Hidden Figures.   All the good ones seem to come out before Oscar time.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here in the winter.

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

  • 2-04-17 – Polar Cap 4m
  • 2-12-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 10m
  • 3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL)
  • 3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
  • 3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)

No monthly goals.

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

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: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say a B+

What do you think?

Happy Running! How did your January turn out? Anything exciting planned for February?  What grade would you give your running month?

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TOTR: Affording Races

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: What’s your limit on what you’ll spend on a race?

I have never done a Disney race or a marathon so I don’t usually have to spend a lot on race fees.  Maybe $100 has been for the most and it was for a half marathon.

But it is not the race fees that add to the cost of the race. It’s lodging and transportation.

Here are what I do to save money:

  • Race Local.

Obviously.  You can drive to a race and you can sleep in your own bed.  I feel lucky to live in an area with an active running community.  I always (except in the winter) have many choices of races.

Three of my recent local favorites – Ramblefest Half, Saratoga Palio Half, Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler):

  • Register Early.

As you know, the closer to the race date, the more money the race will cost.

I try to register for a race at the earliest cost.  Of course, doing this, you run the risk of a possible DNS.  So far, I have been fortunate and have had very few and no big races.

  • Collect Frequent Flier Miles or Hotel Points

If you travel a lot, these can add up and you can use them for your race-cations.

I only have ONE credit card which gives me miles. I try to charge everything on this card so that I can get a free flight and use it for a race-cation.

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free flight to West Palm Beach, FL for this race!!

  • Visit Friends While Running A Race

Combine a trip to visit a friend or multiple friends with a race. This works really well for me (especially to visit those friends who live in warmer winter climates. LOL)

Just remember to spend time with your friends in addition to doing your race.

  • Take Advantage of Social Networking

Meeting runners through Facebook or Blogging can lead to a free place to stay as well as an awesome race experience.

Happy Running! Do you spend a lot of money of racing?  Any other suggestions on how to save?

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TOTR: Favorite Winter Running Gear

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: Favorite Winter Running Gear

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Sometimes I feel like the photo above.

But as they say:

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So these items are what gets me through the winter:

  • Wool socks – SmartWool are my favorites. If I wear capris, I wear the SmartWool compression sleeves to stay warm.
  • Warm Hat and gloves  – any brand will do – I often wear Under Armour.

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  • Light Jacket with layers – I hate to get over heated. I’m a fan of Target running clothes (C9 brand).

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  • Running skirt with tights – the tights keep me warm enough and the skirt adds an extra layer – Skirt Sports is my preferred brand.

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  • YakTrax if it is very snowy.  They keep you from slipping and sliding.

Happy Running! And you?  What is your favorite winter running gear? Please share…

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TOTR: Do you travel for races?

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: Weekend Warrior or Racecation? Do you travel for races or like to stay local?

Definitely BOTH!

So I would define a race-cation as any race where you need to stay over night in a hotel.

Since I am not independently wealthy and work, I cannot take as many race-cations as I’d like.

In 2016, I traveled for 4 races: Sarasota, FL, Vermont, NYC and Panama City, FL. I had planned one more but ZOOMA Cape Cod Half got cancelled (and I settled for 2 local halfs instead.)

This year, it will probably be much of the same. So far, I have plans to travel to Stuart, FL, NYC, and Corning, NY. I’d love to add one more trip in late fall.

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If you need some convincing or tips, here are some posts on the subject:

However, the majority of my races are local – that is, less than an hour away.  I am fortunate that from April-October, there so many to choose from each weekend.

Even half marathons.  I haven’t run one twice yet I haven’t exhausted the list of local ones.

I do repeat the short distance races – the ones that I’ve enjoyed.  Believe it or not, I have not run all the local ones either.

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Plus, when you run local, you become part of the local running community.  You recognize those familiar faces at each race.  Besides being just another runner, they actually can become your friends.  The conversation becomes “What’s your next race?”  “Have you ever run…?” And they cheer when you win an age group award.

Here are just a few of my faves:

Oh so many races..so little time…

Happy Running! And you?  Travel or stay local for your races?

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Looking Ahead to 2017

In 2016, I did not have any GOALS.  No yearly goals. No monthly or weekly goals. Not even any race goals.

But I still had hopes and dreams and those morphed into thinking about speed.  I often whined about my finish times and lamented that I could have done better in many of the races where I didn’t PR.

But in truth, I am not one of those runners who thinks that “they have a faster race in them.” I really have NO IDEA.  I may.  I may not.  That doesn’t mean that I won’t try. And I will give each race my best efforts.

It means that I don’t want to obsess about it.  I don’t want to be disappointed with my speed. It is what it is.  I am neither fast nor slow.  I am a MIDDLE OF THE PACKER (MOTP).

In 2017, I want to enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one.  I mean running is a gift, right?

We take it for granted until we can’t.

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I want to run as long as possible and even when I am a “back of the packer.”

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just switch the gender… and this would be me and my hbby

So again I am going to pick ONE word.

The My One Word approach is popular every year. If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.

2014 was the first time that I tried it. My word was:

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In 2015, the word that I chose was:

Las year, I picked:

This year, I am choosing the word:

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I wanted to choose stress-free but it is actually TWO words.

Why did I choose “Relax?

2016 was a stressful year. I was unemployed for 12 weeks and wondered during that time how we would be able to pay our bills.

Then I did get a job, but it is the most stressful job I’ve ever had.  Lots to learn and eventually, a lot of travel. Not what I enjoy but it is a job. Could be worse (I think).

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truth??

Running can and should be relaxing.

But not when you put pressure on yourself to be fast.

As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.

Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on RELAXING and enjoy our runs.

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How will I focus on my word?

  • Be more positive.
  • Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
  • Run & race happy.
  • Run more with others (and not only chat about our finish times & PRs!!)
  • Leave that watch home!

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I should add that this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to get faster. I do. I will try to.  I hope I will.  Who knows I may even do some drills… Go to the gym? Get a coach????

But what I am saying is that if I don’t finish a race with the time that I’d like, I won’t get down on myself.  If I have a bad race, I will just sign up for another.

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I am also  I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose?  Do you have any goals for 2017? Do you put pressure on yourself to get faster?

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My Award Picks for 2016 (& TOTR)


Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran.  It was fun so I decided to do it again.

Since I ran 43 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Gulf while running the Music Half Marathon (in Sarasota, FL).

It was also awesome to run with views of the fall foliage and the river during the Ramblefest Half Marathon (in Adams, MA).

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

this is the trail we ran on (but in the rain)

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was Celebrate Life Half Marathon (in the Catskill Mountains).

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There were quite a few rolling hills in the Lake George Half Marathon too.

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Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers even during the heart wave. (There were literally life savers for me and others running this race.)

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

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Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

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Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was the handmade wood one from the Camp Chingachgook Challenge.

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I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a Fitbit & $25 gift card to LL Bean at the LL Bean Bright Night 5k and $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant and champagne  at the Malta 5k.

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I also like to get practical things. So winning this baseball hat at the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

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Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

But the Sarasota Music Half Marathon also had an amazing breakfast buffet.

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the sweatshirt that we received at the Celebrate Life Half Marathon.

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Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year.

I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC with three Russian ladies and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

And of course, the Panama City Beach Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with seven blogger/friends was amazing and #HoLottaFun.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

But I would have to say that I am proud that I finished the Vermont City Marathon Relay because of how difficult the weather conditions were.

crossing the finish line even though the race had been cancelled & I had to fight to get a medal.

And the Ramblefest Half Marathon because it my only PR this year and it was cold, raining and totally unexpected.

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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

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2016?

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TOTR: My Running Year in Pictures

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: Your year in pictures:

I’ve run 43 races and over 1000 miles. How can I limit myself??

But I’ll and only post one racing picture per month:

January:

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lots of free races with friends as part of the HMRRC’s Winter Series

February:

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windy and cold but I completed an awesome half marathon (Sarasota Music) in Florida while visiting friends

March:

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perfect weather for the hilliest half marathon (Celebrate Life) and a fun time on the bus road trip

April:

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another nice day for a half marathon along my favorite lake (Lake George) and with my running buddy Barbara

May:

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loved getting to see fellow blogger AJH and survived this heat cancelled marathon relay (VCM)

June:

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one of my favorite races (Adirondack Distance 10 Miler) that finishes next door to the marina where we keep our boat

July:

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not all races have had good weather but still a good time in this wet 5k (Saratoga Springs)

August:

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this 8.4 mile race was on my bucket list and happy to be able to run this hilly one and win my AG

September:

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Another local half marathon completed on a beautiful course (Saratoga Palio) followed by free beer and bar food

October:

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Half Marathon #22 and a PR!!! Loved this race!! (Ramblefest)

November:

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sharing 3 Russian young women’s first NYC racing experience was the best! (Dash to the Finish 5k)

December:

Sharing half marathon #23 with 7 amazing ladies #holottafun

Phew! That was tough!  I could have posted at least 10 pics for each month.  I also ignored all those running experiences that were not part of a race.

Here’s just a few:

I’ve enjoyed a great 2016 and feel so fortunate to have had zero injuries and to have been able to race often and with so many wonderful runners.

Happy Running! What is your favorite memory of 2016?

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TOTR: What I learned in 2016

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: Tell us something new you learned about running in 2016

Well, I learned a few things.

  • Carpe Diem

Yes, Seize the Day.  I got spoiled with the amount of time off (and the salary) that was afforded me with my last job.

I am glad that I took those race-cations because they won’t be as frequent in the future.

You have to take advantage of those opportunities because you don’t know when they will disappear.  (This applies to good health as well as free time.)

  • I can still get faster.

That 5k PR still stands from 2014 but I shocked myself with a half marathon PR.  So I’m not giving up the idea of getting one for the 5k, 10k and 15k …YET.

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  • Running is better with others.

It is easier to schedule your running when you run alone. I did that for most of my week day runs last year. However, you run better/faster if you run with someone else and it’s more enjoyable so you may run longer.

I guess that’s why I race so much but this year, in addition to Judy, I have found two more running partners.

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Thanks Alyssa and Barbara

Happy Running! What did you learn about running this past year?

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TOTR: Runner’s Holiday Wish List

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: Holiday Gift List:

I got this card from a fellow blogger about 7 years ago and it still applies:

Other things that you can buy me:

  • Socks (Balega is my preference)
  • Fuel (specifically Salted Caramel GU)
  • Gloves (I lose them so usually wear ones from the $1 store)
  • Tops (most of mine have race logos on them)
  • GARMIN (I have an Apple Watch but still wear my 205 for races and its battery life is waning)
  • Treadmill (just in case we have a snowy icy winter)
  • $$$$ so I can sign up for more races

Happy Running! What’s on your list for this year?

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