March 20, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: Spring Racing Plans

A great topic because I love SPRING and I love RACING.

I race often and hopefully my training miles will be filled with views like below:

in Washington Park

So here are some of the races I am planning to run:

3-25-18 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m) – I’ve done this race several times and it’s a nice local race (with some hills). I also like the 5 mile distance.

3-31-18 – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K – This race is on the bike path that I often run on so it is familiar territory and that makes it easy to add on miles before or after.

4-14-18 – Code Blue 8K and/or 4-15-18 – Delmar Dash (5m)

I ran Code Blue last year for the first time and enjoyed it but it is the same weekend as Delmar Dash, the race closest to my house. What should I do??

4-21-18 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k and/or 4-22-18 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run 5k

I usually run Bacon Hill because of the refreshments and that you win a pie as an AG award.

But I know the organizer of Sasha’s Super Hero Run so I may run this one instead and even run both.

this would be a fun one to dress up as Wonder Woman

4-28-18 – Spring Run Off 5k /10k and/or 4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k

Decisions. Decisions. I hate that these races are on the same weekend. We have very few 10ks so I like to run them but the Cherry Blossom raises money for ALS. Not sure if I will run one or both.

5-05-18 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)

I ran this race while on a tennis vacation in Florida last year. I’d love to do it again.

5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

This 5k is important because it is organized by the mother of a STEM runner who died. I knew her from my first volunteering with STEM.

5-17-18- Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)

This is not really a competitive race but a way to connect with your co-workers. There are about 10,000 who participate in my area. It was 98 degrees last year so I hope for a cooler day this May.

5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon

This half marathon has always been on my bucket list and my friend Sue has agreed to run it with me. With the huge crowd that it attracts, my goal for this half is to finish injury-free on the boardwalk of Coney Island.

Image result for brooklyn half finish

6-02-18 – Freihofer’s Run for Women

As I have mentioned so many times, this race is the only race that I have run every year since I started running (even with injuries.) This will be my 11th FRW.

6-09-18 – OK 5k or Betar Byway 5k and/or 6-10-18 – Run for Help (volunteer with STEM)

Several years ago, I ran the OK 5k because it was flat and a popular local race. Then I switched to the Betar Byway 5k because it was more scenic. Even if I run one of those, I may still volunteer in the Run for Help.

6-16-18 – Whipple City 5K

I ran this 5k for the first time last year because of peer pressure. I was not too impressed so this is only a maybe.

All these races may not happen or they may or I may even decide on different ones.

But I do know is that this spring, there will be a #holottaracing going on.

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

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

Happy Running! Which spring races are you looking forward to? Please share.

March 13, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: I Feel Lucky!

Do I feel LUCKY to be a RUNNER?

Hell, yeah!

And of course, there are the obvious health benefits. I feel stronger, fitter, younger, more confident, etc.

I’m not Irish but I always pretend to be for those St Patrick’s Day races

But today, I am going to focus on how else I feel lucky to be runner.

I’ve Seen New Places

The non-runner me, when I traveled for work, hung out in my hotel room and watched TV in the evenings.

As a runner, I search out places to run. No matter how tired I am after work, I RUN!

Liverpool, NY (Onondaga Lake)

I’ve Participated in Healthy Activities While on Vacation

The non-runner me, when I went on vacation, visited museums, sat on the beach and basically relaxed.

As a runner, I RUN and I search out a RACE and sign up.

5k during my tennis vacation in Naples, FL

I’ve Won Awards.

The non-runner me would never win an award for an athletic event. Even when I played tennis, I was far from the top player and rarely won my matches.

As I runner, I have won so many AGE GROUP AWARDS!!! And yes, due to my advanced age, it is mostly luck.

I’ve Gotten to Try New Products.

Thanks to several companies and ambassadorships, as a runner, I’ve had the opportunity to test new products. Sometimes for free and other times with a discount. Almost of all them, I’ve continued to use.

I’ve Inspired/Helped Others.

Even as a non-runner, I’ve always felt it was important to give back. I’ve adopted families at holiday times and mentored a young mother.

But as a runner, there have been so many more opportunities. I’ve tried to take advantage of many of them.

starting the Strong Running Mamas (their first 5k in 2010)

I’ve Met Some Awesome Inspiring People.

It is amazing how great runners are. They are encouraging, selfless, strong, forgiving, supportive… I could go on and on. And I couldn’t possibility put photos of all those that I’ve become friends with – both virtually and in person.

now known as the Wineglass ladies

having a #holottafun in Panama Beach and then in Las Vegas

So it seems fitting to end with an edited version of the Irish Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind always be at your back,
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your ~~home~~ face,
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

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

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

Happy Running! How does running make YOU feel lucky? Please share.

March 6, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: Say “No” to Treadmill Running

Image result for treadmill meme

Some like it and some hate it. I’m sure that runners can all list the benefits of running on the treadmill i.e. you can run when the conditions outside are less than desirable.

I am one of the haters. I don’t own one and I run on one very very rarely.

So here are my reasons why you should NOT run on a treadmill.

Lack of air resistance

When running on the treadmill, it is obvious that you are not running through the air. When running outdoors, the wind raises resistance. The quicker you run, the more you feel the air resistance over you. To me, running seems so much harder when there is wind. And we to prepare for such conditions.

I struggled running into the wind during this race

Less front slope

Some studies have shown that runners run with less forward inclination of the body when they train on the treadmill. Leaning forward is essential as it maximizes the runner’s ability (and energy) to move forward. Of course, we want this when we race.

Unrealistic Running surface

The treadmill surface is obviously uniformly level and soft. This offers a significant disadvantage. When running outdoors, the surface is mixed: stones, soft and hard surfaces, wet or dry points, and combinations of all these. Running on these varied surfaces is a challenge but it is an important aspect of training as these different surfaces have impact on the muscles, joints and affect balance. And it is rare that we race on a flat, straight (no curves), soft surface.

Lack of visual perception

When running outdoors, you move between trees, buildings, cars and other people. When you’re on the treadmill, you are not actually moving so you do not have all this visual experience that gives you the feeling of running. If you are lucky, you can look through a window or at a computer/TV screen. Not the same!!

Shorter Length of Stride

The limited physical size of the treadmill can give you the impression that either you will step off the treadmill or that you will fall. This usually leads to smaller and/or more perpendicular strides. I know that I run at a slower pace on the treadmill because when I up the speed, I feel like I will fall off. I can only comfortably sprint in a race or at the end of a training run outdoors.

Running on a limited space

You may feel claustrophobic when running on a treadmill because you are usually in close and restrained space. There’s nothing like the feeling of the great outdoors (even when it is 0 degrees.)

Lack of Confidence

Many runners who do their training runs on the treadmill do not feel properly trained for races (for many of the reasons I mentioned above.)

Boring and monotonous

Running “in the same spot” aka the “dreadmill” can be very boring and very monotonous. No matter what I try…podcasts, music, TV…. 3 miles feels like 13 miles!!

Related image

So there you have it. If you avoid the treadmill like I do, you now have reasons to justify your decision to run outdoors…no matter what.

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

Happy Running!! How do you feel about the treadmill? Please share.

February 27, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: February Report Card

Well, it looks like February came in like a lion, turned into a lamb, then a lion and then again a lamb. Global warming???

Anyhow, here’s how February worked 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. As I mentioned February was a crazy weather month. We had temps anywhere from the single digits to the 70s.

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home. Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights but the good news is that it is staying light longer. I did run while working in NYC and in Buffalo. The best thing about my job is running in different places. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

Long Runs:

Work and the weather has made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. I skipped one since I was snowed in in Buffalo and for the others, I got in the mileage but none was done without a break – meaning I added some miles before or after the run. Not ideal but better than not doing them at all.

: 4 miles post 4 mi race = 8 miles

: 5 instead of 9 miles

Total Mileage:

I have run 76 miles this month so far. Still a little behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal but I have lots of time. And I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Polar Cap Race which was a 4 miler and an annual favorite for me. I also ran the last free Winter Series Race, a 4.5 miler. Both were fun and I met up with several friends at each. I also won my age group in both races. A nice perk!

Cross Training:

I only played tennis once indoors. It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing. I wish I could play more but …WORK WORK WORK!!!

I actually did work out at the gym once but only because I was meeting a friend there before going out to dinner.

I went to my FIRST hot yoga class. I loved it and planned to go again but did not. I will be less motivated to go once the weather warms up.

I did walk-occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps.

Other News:

I loved watching the Olympics…especially the figure skating.

I can relate. Things don’t always go the way you had hoped.

Image result for ice dance olympics 2018 sib

Then sometimes they do!

I met two new Skirt Sports ambassadors – Bethany, local and Elizabeth in NYC. I hope to run with each one in the future.

I tried my hand at a Challenge. I wasn’t successful but at least I tried.

Image result for squats suprmans twist challenge

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #30 in March.

It’s not the one I planned on running but it’s a race during my vacation in Florida. I will do my best to enjoy the experience.

I have some shorter races planned as well. My racing schedule starts to pick up in the spring.

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

3-17-18 – Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon (in Fl)
3-25-18 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
3-31-18 – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K
4-14-18 – Code Blue 8K and/or 4-15-18 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-21-18 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k and/or 4-22-18 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run 5k
4-28-18 – Spring Run Off 5k /10k and/or 4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k

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

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

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 overall a A-

Despite the work travel and crazy winter weather, I did my best to get in my runs. Strength training just never happens so I’ve decided not to beat myself up about it.

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner.

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

Happy Running! How did your February turn out? Anything exciting planned for March?

What grade would you give your running month?

February 20, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Least Favorite Part(s) of Running

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 My Least Favorite Part(s) of Running

Well, at least my list isn’t as long as the one for what I LOVE about running.

Injuries

Unfortunately they happen. Knock on wood, I have been blessed the past few years to be injury-free.

broken foot – June 2013 – my last running injury

Cost

Compared to other sports like skiing, tennis, etc, running is fairly inexpensive. But racing fees, running shoes, etc can put a drain on your wallet.

RnR races are not cheap!

When things don’t go right.

You can train and train and do everything right and your race tanks. These are so many variables (health, weather) that interact to make a race NOT go as hoped. Many of these are out of your control and many are in your control.

not thrilled with how I felt during this half (my fault!)

Scheduling Runs

If you don’t train, you can get injured, not get the results you want at a race, etc. (Unless you are one of the lucky few who can just go out and run a fast half marathon with no training.) And yet, it is sometimes so difficult to get in those runs. Family, friends, work, health, weather… they can all put a crimp on your running schedule.

in the hotel after work…before dinner

And that’s it!!!

Happy Running! What do you like least about running?

February 13, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: What I Love Most About Running

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 appropriately is What I Love Most About Running.

Image result for love running

I could go on and on but I will limit it… (they are not in order of importance… they are actually listed in reverse order.)

Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

: Sarasota, FL

: Palm Springs, CA

: Burlington, VT

Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

: Winter Series 10k

: 2016

: France Run 8K

Running Friends

They are the best….

14976488_773584866112521_935004535777035098_o

4/30 – 10k

Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

Blogging

If I didn’t run, I probably wouldn’t blog and I would have missed out on meeting some fabulous ladies.

: 2017

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

Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else. You can.

How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, confident, empowered, young(er)…

RD-IloveRun-500x500

Happy Running! What do you LOVE the most about running.

February 6, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: Favorite Fuel of Choice

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 Fuel of Choice

Here is what I eat before and during a race or long run:

Hot Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

I eat this for breakfast before every race (or morning run). Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff. My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon. I usually add raisins.

H20

Just plain water…nothing added. And usually from the tap.

However, I plan to try adding Nuun to my water.

what is your favorite flavor?

I usually take one gel every 4 miles or so during a race or long run.

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage, Campfire Smores
without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

Here are some of the new flavors:

: haven’t tried

: love this one

: not a fan

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry. Since I usually run after work and before dinner, these bars give me the energy I need to get through my run.

Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

I will eat one as an afternoon snack on days when I run after work.

Chocolate milk

Not fuel but refuel.

at my race last Saturday. I was sure happy.

For some reason, after a race or a long run, this is the only thing I can eat/drink right away. It doesn’t upset my stomach.

Happy Running! What are your favorite fuel?

January 30, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Hometown Race

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 Hometown Race

Image result for freihofer run 2017

This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 11th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

FRW – 2017

Here are some of the reasons why I love this race and why I run it every year:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years. In 2017, Sara Hall also ran it and WON.

It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
I always meet someone I know and someone new. I have even met the mayor and last year, a blogger friend from VT.

with the mayor

Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
2011 was my first FRW PR year. There was a drought and then I course PR’d last year.

Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!

In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
In 2015 & 2016 & 2017, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.

You run around Washington Park.

There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Everyone finishes with a smile.
They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread (and chocolate milk)

Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)

I’m the 2nd one on the bottom left

This 5k race is held on the first Saturday in June. So if you live near Albany, NY, come run it with me and 3,000 other awesome women runners!

Image result for freihofer run for women

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite hometown race?

January 23, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: The Shoe Post

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: Show Us Your Shoes

It’s no secret that I have problem feet. I have tried almost every brand and finally I’ve found the almost perfectshoe.

These are Nike ZOOM Vomero 10s. They are light, have a roomy toe box and come in many pretty colors.

I didn’t like the 11s but the Nike ZOOM Vomero 12s are just the 10s. Me Likee.

So I gave away my Hokas, Mizunos, New Balance, Sauconys, Brooks and I only have my Nikes.

Advantages of wearing the same shoe:

I know they will be comfortable.
I don’t have to break them in.
I can buy them cheaper online.

Disadvantages

Boring.
Limiting.
There may be a better shoe out there for me (that I don’t know about).

How many pairs do I have?

I may be hoarder because I keep them all and wear the older ones for short distances. Then again, I only have the Nikes so none are that old or worn. So I have about 9 pairs.

I usually buy about 3 new pairs a year and wear the newer ones for my half marathons.

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

Happy Running! Are you boring like me and buy the same running shoe over and over or do you like variety? How many pairs of shoes do you have? How often do you buy new shoes?

January 16, 2018 by Darlene

Bill Hogan 3.5 Mile Race Recap

originally scheduled for January 1, 2018 but rescheduled to January 14, 2018

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

In 2016 and 2017, I wasn’t that crazy and I only ran the 3.5 Miler.

Hangover_Half-156-XL_edited
It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again.

This year, I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve out because due to the cold temps, this race was re-scheduled to Sunday, January 14 instead of on New Year’s Day.

So this past Sunday, I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that more runners would run on this date than on New Year’s. Instead of at noon though, the race was to begin at 10 am.

The weather was cold!! Not as cold as on January 1st but cold. And windy! The saving grace was that at least it was sunny.

I was tempted to stay in bed when I checked the weather app.

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc. The cold weather did not hold back the “die hard” runners. There were even some guys who were wearing shorts!!

So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into Sue (my roommate from the Shape half), then Carolyn (my age group competition), Elisa, a SRM and Alyssa’s friend, Karen. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.

everyone hesitating to go out the door into the freezing cold (Note the guy in shorts)

Eventually we did and had to climb down a bunch of icy, snow covered stairs. The freezing windy temp wasn’t bothering me. It was the worry that the course would be icy and I would fall. (I have a history of falling LoL)

Karen heading to the start. I accidentally again caught another guy in shorts. 5 degrees!!!

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid if it were icy.

the re-scheduled version began at 10 am.

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired (at mile 3).

There was a little ice and snow at the beginning and the end when you ran on the UAlbany campus. But once you entered the State Office campus, you ran on the road and it was completely clear.

I won’t lie. It was cold. I wore what I had been wearing during those short sub-zero runs – two shirts under my jacket, gloves and hand warmers under my mittens, fleeced lined tights and wool socks. The only thing that was cold were my toes and I was warm enough to unzip coat (only one shirt was necessary not 2) at times.

There were about 120 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 100 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.

I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too since I rarely do that during my weekday training runs.

My neck gaiter kept annoying me because it made my sunglasses fog up. So I took off the glasses and then the wind bothered my contacts so I put the glasses back on and pulled down the gaiter. I can’t wait for warm weather so not to have to deal with these first world running problems.

There were no mile markers on the course but I could hear my Garmin beep. I couldn’t pay attention to my pace or time because my Garmin was buried under several layers. (Probably a good thing.)

runners are heading back into UAlbany from the State Office campsu

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read almost 35:XX minutes. I knew that it would be one of my slowest times but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.

I wanted to sprint but I saw some ice and snow and didn’t want a repeat of my last race.

These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time. I wrote down 35:45 (since I thought that was about the time I crossed.)

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:38
mile 2: 9:21
mile 3: 9:37
.75 – 9:42

Again this year, the course was long!! Not a surprise that I was slower than last year and the year before (a course PW). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I usually walk during this race (which makes me have a faster finish time) but I ran the whole thing. I never felt tired. (Still not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles in this weather.)

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – vegetable soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile to chat and for some other runners to finish.

They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Last year, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. The runner who won 2nd just turned 60 (darn!)