January 19, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Expo Buys

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Best Expo Finds.

I haven’t been to a lot of expos and even fewer BIG expos but still I’ve managed to buy a few things:

Hoodie at the NYC Marathon Expo

when it was closing & it was on sale

Tank at the RNR Brooklyn Expo

I got $10 off any Brooks item by test driving a Toyota

Cap & Shirt at VCM Expo

I’m wearing the cap

and the shirt

Race Belt at Adirondack Marathon Expo
Gloves, Headband & Gel at Adirondack Marathon Expo

just love these flavors

Cool Shirt at Adirondack Marathon Expo

they had the racers names on the back and a star next to your own

So nothing too exciting!

I’m sure if I ever run a marathon or a bucket list half, there will be more shopping!

Happy Running! Are you a big Expo shopper? What have you bought?

January 12, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Dreams

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Running Dreams.

Do I have dreams…. (dreams as in bucket list items!)

DESTINATION RACES:

I would love to run a half marathon in California such as:

And in a National Park such as:

As a former French teacher, my dream is to run a race in France such as:

A Sub 2:00 Half Marathon

Maybe someday, I’ll wake up and be fast. As you know, dreams don’t always come true so if we’re still dreaming…

Run a race in all 50 states.

I am currently working and don’t have the time or money…. But a girl can dream.

So far: NY, NJ, PA, CA, FL, VT (44 more to go.)

Run a Marathon.

I’m not ready to commit that much time to training for one but if I were younger, stronger, faster, retired…

Happy Running! What are you dreams? Which ones if any do you think will come true?

January 5, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: 2016 – The Year of No Goals

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is GOALS FOR 2016.

What NO GOALS!!

Who me?

The person who has individual race goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and yearly goals.

Well, no more! You will no longer see that G word.

Goals are like checking off a to-do list.

Yes, I did it.

No, I did not.

It really doesn’t change you.

I want to impact lifestyle changes and setting goals, I don’t think will help me.

I don’t even think about my goals until at the end of week or the month or the year when I write about how I achieved some and failed at others.

I also want this blog to be less about me and more about running.

Of course, I will recap my races, my week, my month, etc.

Hopefully by posting about my running experiences (both successes and failures), I will motivate other runners (especially us older ones) to run and keep running.

That being said, I do have hopes and dreams (not goals) for 2016:

I hope to…

To improve my running

For me, it’s to get stronger and be a more confident runner. To have more quality training runs. To maintain my current speed and if I am very lucky PR at some distance. To run lots of races (both long ones and short ones.)

To run with others

With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. I often shy away from running groups (like Fleet Feet, ARE, etc) because I feel that I am too slow. I hope to take advantage of more group running opportunities.

To volunteer and give back

I had great experiences with this in 2015 and I hope to continue with STEM, GOTR and any others opportunities that present itself. My specials needs buddy is awesome. I hope to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often.

To eat healthier

I am addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.

To get physically on track

I may 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.

To spend quality time with family and friends

Running is important but not more important than those I care about. Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.

Happy Running! Are you goal setter? What do you hope for in 2016?

December 29, 2015 by Darlene

TOTR: 2015 in Pictures & My Bling

2015 was such a good year that I am still sharing my memories.

I promise this is my last 2015 Running Year Summary post!! This one is photos organized by the month.

January: PR & AG award at the West Palm Half

February: Running with a friend & an AG award at the Polar Cap 4 miler

March: DNS in a 5k but making up for it on the trails of Palm Desert

April: despite foot issues finishing a half marathon on the boardwalk of Asbury Park, NJ

May: met Deena Kastor and in VT, ran my first marathon relay

June: took a running tour of the mile high city (Denver)

July: lots of running, sweating & ice cream sodas

August: running in scenic places like along Lake George & the Schroon River

September: long runs in training for 2 fall half marathons

October: post-race run in Central Park, NYC

November: a busy Thanksgiving Day – a 10k followed by a 5k

December: champagne to celebrate finishing half #16 (my toughest to date)

and soon I’ll be collecting photos of my running in 2016…

I am linking up with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life .

This Tuesday’s topic is BLING.

Here are pics of my favorite medals for the year:

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Happy Running! What is your fondest memory of 2015?

December 22, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Highlights of the Year

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Highlights of your Running Year

Here are a few of mine:

Racing in NYC

This was on my bucket list for years and I finally got to do it.

I ran the Dash to the Finish 5k and crossed the NYC Marathon finish line. I loved this race!!

PRing in a Half Marathon

This was totally unexpected but it turned out to be such a perfect race…great weather, scenic course….

As a bonus, I came in first in my age group.

Meeting Frank Shorter

I met him at bib pick up for the Stockadeathon 15K.

And he signed my bib for luck.

15K PR

Frank Shorter did bring me luck.

A 2 minute PR at the Stockadeathon in November.

Other PRs

I had 4 mile PR at the Runnin’ of the Green in March.

and a 5 mile PR at the Delmar Dash, also in March.

It’s always exciting at my age to have a fast race.

Running a Trail in Palm Desert, CA.

I never expected to enjoy it so much. My friend, Mary (who lives there) & I did it twice.

I hope to be able to visit her again someday.

Running Over the Walkway Bridge

This was part of an inaugural half marathon in Poughkeepsie, NY. The bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.

I even won an age group award, though my finish time wasn’t exceptional.

Running the VCM Relay with AJH

This is another race that I’ve wanted to do but I don’t run marathons. I was excited when AJH applied and we got into the lottery for the relay.

we met Deena Kastor at the expo

The course is great and it is much more enjoyable to do a race with a friend.

Taking a Running Tour of Denver, CO

I was at a conference and had some free time, so why not?

It was so much fun. I can’t wait to do another one.

Mentoring Other Runners

I was a Running Buddy in the Girls on the Run program in the spring.

And for the second time this fall, I participated in the STEM program.

I was paired with a 5th grader in the first one and in the 2nd, a 29 year-old unwed mom who was a victim of domestic violence. It was so rewarding to share my love of running with someone else and hopefully positively influence them.

Being part of a Running Group

Although I’ve run the Freihofer’s Run For Women every year since 2008, this was my first year participating in their Training Challenge.

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one of the group runs where we ran with the mayor

For the 2nd year in a row, I joined the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge.

I can’t say for a fact that it improved my running but running with a group is certainly more fun and I’ve met a lot of great people through these 2 groups.

I could go on and on. I had a great running year.

Any year where you can run for 12 months (38 races) with NO INJURIES is a great year.

Happy Running! What was the highlight of your running year?

December 15, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: The Agony of DNF, DNS

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is the Agony of DNF, DNS

I am been lucky. I have never had a DNF.

I have finished a race with a stress fracture, a broken foot and bloody knees.

But I have had several cases of DNS.

Travel-Related

This past March, my flight was cancelled and I missed a 5K race in Palm Springs, CA.

I was angry and disappointed. But things were out of my control. I felt bad for my friend Mary but it turned out that she wasn’t feeling well anyway and didn’t run the race.

I didn’t get to race but I did get to run with Mary several times during my trip.

This past June, my flight was cancelled on my way back from Colorado. So I missed a 10 mile race. The race is one of my favorites and I was bummed.

I ran the next day in a scenic area instead. It helped mentally (may be a little).

Injury-Related

These are the worst.

Luckily I didn’t miss any big races while I had a strained achilles, a broken ankle, a stress fracture or a broken foot.

But I did DNS at just a few races that I signed up for early.

Not running because of an injury bothered me a lot more than missing a race.

Weather-Related

I think I skipped one or two 5k races where it was pouring. I’m a weather whimp when it comes to rain.

Happy Running! Have you has any DNS or DNF races?

November 24, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Runner’s Gift List

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Runner’s Gift List

Here are my recommendations:

a Watch

Forerunner 10

Forerunner 220

If you are a runner, you know how important it is to track your distance and pace especially during a race and training for an important race. I couldn’t survive without one. I have the Garmin 205 which is rather large and I am not sure how long it will last. I would love to have a new one, Santa!

Or maybe an Apple Watch!?

Running Shoes

Mizunos Wave Rider 19s – so pretty!!

“I have too many pairs of running shoes,” said no runner ever!

I loved my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s and now the 19s are coming out.

PR in black/blue 18s

PR in pink/white 18s

Running Skirts

I can’t believe that I ever ran in shorts. Skirts are so much more comfortable and they look so much better (especially if you don’t have a perfect body.) Those from Skirtsports are my favorite. I love their length and that they have 2 pockets. I have a few but never enough….

And now that it is getting colder, I need ones with tights…

Running Jewelry

Every girl likes bling! And how nice would a charm with a message or commemorating a race distance be…

I am wearing one that says ❤ Running

Socks

Having the right socks are almost as important as the right shoes. I love compression sock or sleeves. The only time I don’t wear compression is when is very hot or with capris. I get blisters so I heard that Feetures are a great low sock to buy. I also like Balegas.

For some inexpensive gift ideas, click here.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Happy Running! What is on your list?

November 10, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Post Race Celebrations

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Post Race Celebrations

I really haven’t run any BIG BIG races so I haven’t participated in the infamous post race events.

But one of the important things that I consider when I review a race is its post-race food.

We pay enough to race. There should be a decent selection of post race refreshments.

Here’s what I like to see after a race:

Chocolate Milk

(Walkway Half)

Pizza

Soup in the winter

HMRRC Winter Series

Ice cream in the summer

(Schenectady ARC Challenge)

(Sean’s Run)

Carbs (bagels & home made baked goods)

Bacon Hill Bonanza)

(Helper’s Fund 5k/10k)

Fruit

chocolate fountain with pretzels and fruit for dipping

preferably with a chocolate fountain (Mother’s Day bRUNch)

My most recent post-race nourishment:

just perfect… there were also bagels, yogurt, fruit, etc. (Stockadeathon)

One of favorites is this barbecue:

(Camp Chingachgook Challenge)

However if the post-race food is lacking, I just go out with a friend…

After all, I have put back those calories that I burned!!

Happy Running! Are post-race refreshments important to you?

October 27, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Tips for Night Races

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Tips for Night Races

I am definitely not an expert since I only run one night race a year…

Albany’s Last Run

Wear bright colors

at least I wore a white hat & shoes & lights around my neck

Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp if there aren’t lights

This shouldn’t be a problem because most races should be on roads that are well lit.

Be prepared for a slower finish time

You have to look out for cracks, potholes and things in the road that you can’t see when it is dark. No doubt, this will make you run slower. I didn’t one year and I fell.

Shift your meals.

You don’t want to run on a full stomach (dinner) and you don’t want to run on an empty stomach. I usually eat my breakfast 2 hours before the race.

Happy Running! Do you run night races? Any other tips?

October 13, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Balancing Running/Training with Work/Life/Family

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Balancing Running/Training with Work/Life/Family

I struggle with this …a lot.

I work full-time. I don’t have a big family but I do have a lot of friends.

How do you create a balance?

Be Flexible.

There have been times that I have wanted and preferred to run but things got in the way. I’ve had to run before work

or run during work

or sometimes not run at all.

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at a family event

missed a race for this concert with my hubby

I’ve had to split my long runs into 2 parts or even 2 days.

day 2 of the long run

Prioritize.

If you are training for a big race, then you may have to miss events with your family and/or friends. Of even take a day off from work. (I have.)

there were many times that I wanted to be on our boat, but stayed home to run instead

I did not play tennis with them. I ran instead.

Be organized.

Schedule every run. Think ahead about all events and appointments that you cannot miss. If you have a busy life, runs are never last minute or on the fly.