November 8, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Blogging Changes

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: How are you different from when you started blogging?

I’ve been blogging since March 25, 2008. That was the DAY that I decided to become a runner.

I’ll start with what has remained the same:

Blogging Goals

My goals haven’t really changed. I blog to motivate myself to continue running, to keep track of my running and racing and to connect with others who do the same.

Posting

I’ve always posted several times a week. Some weeks it’s everyday. Other weeks it’s less often. It depends on my schedule.

Blogger Meetups

I have been fortunate to connect with many bloggers. Many were local and have become my friends even though they no longer blog.

: Adirondack Half – 2011

: me, Suzy, Amanda, Tami, Janis, Bridget

Race Reviews

I recap each of my races almost as soon as they are over (so I don’t forget the details. ) These recaps are mostly for myself but I have heard that others read them too.

What has changed:

Content

I post more photos. It helps that I abandoned the camera and got a smartphone so it’s easier. Plus with the apps available, you can edit, make collages and be as creative as you have time for.

Link-ups

When I first started, there were very few. I used to write posts called Two for Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Three Things Thursday and Foto Friday.

Now they are a bunch of fabulous link-ups. (WW, TOTR, Wednesday Word, TOLT, Friday Five 2.0, etc.) These help attract readers to your blog as well as, connect you with new blogs.

Product Reviews

I used to get asked to review products pretty frequently. Not much anymore. Probably because there are more bloggers out there (with bigger readerships than me).

reviewing Yak Trax

Sponsorships

I am a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. So I get discounts from my favorite company.

love my SS outfits

My Running

Now I don’t just run 5ks. I used to (hence the title of my blog. )

I have run 22 half marathons and many many 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.

finishing #21

I am more confident as a runner and though I don’t know it all, I know a lot more about running than when I started blogging.

Other Bloggers

I don’t follow many blogs. I am selective. Basically because I don’t have the time.

The ones that I do read and comment on are more than fellow bloggers. They are really my virtual friends.

and sometimes you get to meet them in the flesh.

This brings me to why I can’t wait to run (and party) with 6 other virtual friends (Wendy, Holly, Tricia, Marybeth, Marcia & Karen) on Dec 3 in Panama City, FL!!!!!

Happy Running! How long have you been blogging? Have you changed since you started?

November 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Winter Cross-Training

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 Cross-Training

It’s EATING!! LOL.

No seriously, I hate winter, the cold, being outside…ugh! I don’t ski, ice skate, snow shoe or snowmobile.

If I didn’t sign up for winter races, I wouldn’t run either.

At least we had a mild winter last year. Hoping for more of the same this winter.

This Half Marathon will motivate me to get out there and run:

Stuart, FL

I’d have to say that my favorite cross-training activity is tennis. I play doubles once a week.

indoors, of course

I also enjoy yoga (though I suck at it) and hope to take some classes this winter.

Happy Running! What is your favorite way to cross-train in the winter?

October 25, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Rewind

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: Race Rewind. What race do you want a do-over on? Either to train/race differently or to relive the awesome.

My half marathons are the most memorable so I’ll talk about them.

I have THREE races that I would love to Relive the Awesome.

Naples Half Marathon

It was my first. The course was gorgeous and it took place in my favorite city in Florida. I couldn’t enjoy as much I’d like because I was worried that I wouldn’t finish. (I hadn’t run any race longer than a 5k at that point.) Plus the time limit was 2:45 and I wanted to be sure to get that medal. I would love to run it again.

: Naples, Florida

: Naples -Jan 2011

West Palm Half Marathon

Another beautiful course exactly 4 years after my first and almost 20 minutes faster. It was my PR until recently. I enjoyed every minute of the race.

: West Palm – Jan 2015

Ramblefest Half Marathon

This was my most recent half marathon and my current PR. I loved this course and I would love to re-run it in nicer weather. It was cold and rainy. Still the foliage and views were awesome.

: previous 13.1

There are also FIVE Do-Overs where I would like the chance to run them better:

Santa Clarita Half Marathon.

I was hoping that this would be a PR. I trained well. But maybe over-trained? And I flew all the way to California to run it with my friend’s sister. It rained for 6 miles and then I gave up on it when I realized that I wouldn’t have the time I wanted. I was very disappointed in myself after that race.

: HS/College BFF’s sister in LA

: getting ready to head out into the rain

: at least I got a medal!

EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon

Another one where I expected to have a good finish time. After all, it was a similar course to the West Palm race. Except that I finished 20 minutes slower. Yup, I’d like a redo.

: E

: Eau Palm Beach – Dec 2015

Asbury Park Half Marathon

Running along the Atlantic Ocean. What could be better? Except that my feet hurt the WHOLE race. It was hard to enjoy the views amid the pain. Do over, please!

: Asbury Park Half Marathon

: Asbury Park Half Marathon

Love Run

This was my first race-cation with friends. I was so looking forward to this weekend. But it rained ALL weekend. Not just rained but poured…a MONSOON…record rainfall during the race. I have never seen such mud!! Philadelphia is a beautiful city. I want to run this race again and see the sites we ran past.

Adirondack Half Marathon

Another race where I signed up with friends. But I had a strained Achilles over the summer and was unable to train for this fall race. With my longest run only being 6 miles, I decided to do the race, run the first 7 miles but walk the last 6 miles. I finished with at 2:45 – my slowest half marathon time. I would love to run it again healthy.

: Adirondack Half – 2011

: Adirondack Half Marathon

I have run 22 half marathons. I have not repeated any and I don’t plan to but if I did, the ones mentioned in this post I’d love to run again.

Happy Running! Which races would you like a do-over?

October 18, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: 2016 Goals

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: Remaining Goals for 2016

Well, for the first time in my running career, I didn’t set any goals.

I just listed some hopes (and dreams) for 2016:

To improve my running

I believe that I am a stronger and more confident runner. I have run a lot of races both long and short. And I have even attempted new ones and some hilly ones. Plus, I achieved a half marathon PR (bear with me if I keep repeating this…)

the hilliest course I’ve ever run

What is left is to have more quality training runs. Fewer garbage miles – you know the ones where you just walk/run/take photos and get it done. And to continue running well in races – not necessarily PRs but just decent finish times.

10k PR??

To run with others

I have improved in this department too. I ran with the Freihofer Training group in the spring and signed up with the Turkey Trot group recently. With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. Alyssa has become my new weekly partner. I am lucky that Barbara has continued to accept my invitations.

In the future, when there are no training groups, I should look for other opportunities to run with others such as Fleet Feet, ARE, etc.

To volunteer and give back

I volunteered with GOTR last spring and again, it failed to offer any satisfaction. But running with the STEM clients is one that is so rewarding that I plan to volunteer with them each season.

I get to do this again on Nov 19.

My special needs buddy is still awesome. I need to post more often on FB to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often. I’ve been delinquent there.

I haven’t seen them since May but I am planning a day together this Sat. It’s tough because she works on Sundays and some Saturdays.

To eat healthier

I am still addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I need to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. I do eat a banana almost every day and an apple for an evening snack. But the problem is when I am out of the house NO SELF CONTROL!

And I rarely drink any water. I use the water bottle on my desk to water my plants My Bad!!

To get physically on track

I still do not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

the last time I went to the gym was in July

I walked more during my last job because I had more time and a walking buddy. I also had started going to the gym but I need to resume that.

To spend quality time with family and friends

Rather than skipping a run, I have been squeezing them in but there will be skipping involved soon. And I realize that it’s ok. Running is important but not more important than those I care about.

a run before cocktails

Happy Running! Any more goals for 2016 that you are still working on?

September 13, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Post Race Rituals

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

This week’s topic is Post Race Rewards/Rituals:

Here are my top 3:

Food

Chocolate Milk is my favorite post race reward. Next comes Bagels, Danishes, Donuts or some kind of Carb. Finally, there can be Fruit such as Bananas. (Of course, pizza and ice cream would be great but you don’t see them too often.)

Now this is perfect!

Results and Awards

with Holly & Jackie from the training groups

Of course, I always check the race results. Then I’ll wait for awards if I think I or a friend is getting one. Lately it’s been ME!!

Run More

Usually my races (except for half marathons) are part of a long training run so I either stay and run some more miles there OR drive to another location.

: Sept 10

Happy Running! What do you usually do after a race?

September 6, 2016 by Darlene

Sefcu 5K Race Recap & TOTR

Hundreds of runners and walkers participated in the 27th annual ...

Last year’s pic from the Gazette

I had no intention of running this race. But FOMO got to me and it was only $15 so I signed up.

I had to run today anyway so now I would have company. After having run 12 miles on Saturday and having another 5k this Saturday, I had no plans to do anything but run.

Since I am usually on Lake George for the holiday (and I did spend the whole day there on Sunday), the only time I ran this race was in 2008, my first year running. My time was a not very impressive 33:03. So I thought that at least I could have a course PR for the day.

I am familiar with part of this course having trained for the Turkey Troy Trot on it and many of the HMRRC Winter Series races are also run here.

All I can say is that it is a boring course. You don’t run it for the scenery. It’s just office buildings and parking lots with a view of the highway.

photo from the Gazette 2015

I spent Sunday like this:

After a long day in the sun, dinner out and fireworks on the lake, I didn’t get home until 11:30 pm. And believe me, I was regretting my decision to run this race knowing all our friends would be out on the lake the next day.

But I dragged myself out of bed and drove to the race which was only 15 minutes away. I immediately ran into Holly, my friend Tom, a former student and so many more runners whom I knew.

I hung around talking to people that I hadn’t seen in a while.

another cotton shirt – ugh!

Many runners were doing their warm-up runs but I just walked around (my pre-race warm-up).

Soon it was time to begin (and I noticed the battery was low on my Garmin but it did last the 3.1 miles 🙂 ) and I lined up with Holly and Jackie (from the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s running groups).

Holly who is in my age group and faster than me, took off and vanished. I tried to start at a decent pace but my legs felt like lead from my 12 miles 2 days before.

The course, though boring, is fairly flat – just some uphills and downhills but nothing challenging.

Though it was perfect running in temps (in the 60’s), the sun was very strong and I was HOT. I willed myself not to walk until the first water stop a little past the 1 mile mark. It helped but I still felt like I was running a lot slower.

I walked again at the second water stop for an even longer time – but it was needed. I wanted to finish strong but I was dragging.

All of sudden, I saw Holly. She had slowed down and I was able to pass her in the last half mile.

Eventually, I approached the finish line with not much left but I gave it my best shot and a even passed a guy at the last minute.

28:34 officially. A minute slower than my last 5k which I thought was a disaster. Still a course PR and lots of runners to chat with while waiting for the awards.

sefcu5k

And I won 1st in my age group, Holly second and Jackie third (in a younger age group).

I guess it pays to be old – this my fourth age group 1st place win in a row.

I was having FOMO looking at the FB pictures of my friends and hubby picnicking on Lake George but I am happy with my race.

Splits:

mile 1: 8:50
mile 2: 9:06
mile 3: 9:39
.14: 7:59

28:30 (Garmin time)

Since it Tuesday and it a “free” topic day, I’m linking up with

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

Happy Running!

August 30, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Fall Races

This week’s TOTR topic is Fall Race Schedule

Here’s what I have planned so far…

9-10-16 – Malta 5k

I’ve run this 5k several times. It’s pretty flat and I usually win an AG award.

malta5k

9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon

2008 Saratoga Palio Poster (Palio!) Tags: race poster memorial compassion run promotional legacy scholarship palio halfmarathon 5k fund mentalhealthcare melaniemerolaodonnell

This a first for me. I’ve heard good things about it so we’ll see. I am using it as a training run for my next half.

10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K

This is a fun local race with good swag.

10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon

facebook_event_236824593361349

Another new race. It follows the same course of the Steel Rail Half which had favorable reviews.

10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

I have run this race a few times. There will be many runners there that I know so it should be fun. Plus running around the park is beautiful this time of year.

11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K (in NYC)

My second time running through the NYC Marathon finish line. What can I say? You know I love NYC.

11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K

There aren’t many 15ks so I like to run them. This one is a very popular and lots of fun.

11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k

This is the 2nd year for this race. Most likely I won’t be running the race for myself but volunteering and helping one of the STEM runners finish her first 5k.

11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k

70th this year

I plan to participate in the training group for this race. It’s the most popular race in our area and a great way to start Thanksgiving Day.

11-24 -16 –Troy Turkey Trot 5k

This race happens right after the 10k. I’m dressed to run so why not do it too??

12-03-16 – Panama City Half Marathon (in FL)

the Half!

A race-cation!! Can’t wait!! In addition I get to meet my favorite fellow bloggers! This will just be a fun one!!

I’m linking up with

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

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

August 23, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Memorabilia

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

This week’s topic is Race Memorabilia

So I’ve run over 200 races. That’s a lot of stuff!!

Bibs:

I have them ALL shoved away somewhere – not on display cuz I have too many. My favorite ones are in a basket near my medals.

Medals:

this rack has 2 rows and holds 20 medals on each. The outer row has my half medals. Now what will I do with #21?

Again. I save them all. I have too many to display. I display ALL my half marathon medals and some others. Most again are in that basket.

Awards:

Some I’ve eaten (the food ones LOL). Some I wear (hats, socks gloves, etc.) Some I use (bottles, bowls, glasses, mugs, etc.) Most are on the desk below the rack above or in that basket.

Other Stuff:

I give away the shirts that don’t fit. I had some old ones made into a blanket. I usually just toss bags and heat sheets.

My Favorites:

a tough half and unexpected AG award – love this bridge too

This is a Rock and it is my 5k PR

Happy Running! What do you do with your race bling?

August 9, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Mishaps

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

This week’s topic is Race Mishaps

The more races you run, the more likely there will be mishaps.

That means I’ve had quire a few.

If you read my blog regularly, you’ve probably heard all about these:

There was the time that I thought it would be 60 degrees and sunny (like the day before the race) and it turned out to be 30 degrees and sleeting. Yes, I nearly froze to death.

Lake George Half – 2011

There was the time that we had a power failure so my alarm clock didn’t go off and I got up late. I drove 90 mile like a crazy lady and the race started late due to a traffic jam.

I felt like the lady next to me looked – Walkway Half 2015

There was the time that I postponed going to a doctor about a sore foot because I was visiting my best friend from high school/college and running a race. It turned out that I had a stress fracture in my foot.

Runners World 5K 2012 (smiling through the pain)

Of course, there was the time that I broke my foot at the mile 1 water stop but finished the race anyway.

post Freihofer’s 5k 2013

And then there was the time when I waited 3 hours to run the 2nd half of a marathon relay and it got cancelled due to the heat when I was only at mile 4.

heading (unoffically) to the finish line of the VCM Relay 2016

There was the one mile race where I thought it started in the same place as the 5k. It didn’t. So I had to sprint a mile to start and got there after it started (and still got an age group award.)

Moreau Mile -2015

I could go on and on. There were many rainy races, hot races, cold races, windy races, races too short, races too long, race where my chip was not recorded (and I would have gotten an age group award), race that had me in the wrong age group (and I would have gotten an award), etc etc etc.

Happy Running! What was your worst race mishap?

July 26, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Summer Runs

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.

Central Park in NYC – only ran there once unfortunately

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

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 September 18. 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. Very soon!

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