July 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Kerfuffle

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

Today’s word is kerfuffle.

What a funny sounding word. So what does it mean?

A commotion or mess, especially one caused by conflicting views

So how does this relate to my running? Have I experienced any kerfuffles? You bet!!

The Weather Kerfuffle

The Lake George Half in 2011.

The day before, the weather was 60 degrees and sunny.

The day of the race, it was 30 degrees, snow on the ground, sleeting and hailing the whole race.

I was not at home and could not prepare for unexpected weather.

The Short Course Kerfuffle

Strawberry Fest 5k in 2014.

Strawberry fest 5K

I started to speed up during the 3rd mile and then… it was over!!!

Apparently, the police had blocked off part of the course so it was NOT 3.1 miles. It was more like 2.25 or so. I was on a PR pace too.

The Alarm Clock/ Packet Pickup Kerfuffle

Walkway Half Marathon in 2015.

It was held about 1 1/2 hrs from where I live but there was no day of race packet pick up. I contacted them and they said that I would have to get someone else to pick it up. I put out a frantic call on FB and got someone to do it.

Then we had a power outage the night before so my alarm clock did not go off. I scrambled and ran out of the house and arrived at the race to find that there was ONE entrance to college where it started. Lots of traffic so I was late meeting the runner with my bib (did find her on the porta potty line). To make matters worse, they delayed the start of the race due to the traffic and they were handing out bibs the day of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

at least I got chocolate milk and a cool medal.

The Broken Foot Kerfuffle

Freihofer’s Run for Women 2013.

After being out most of 2012 with ankle surgery and a foot stress fracture, I was excited to be healthy again. At the mile 1 water stop, I hesitated on the slippery ground and turned my weak ankle and felt something scary.

Of course, I did what every smart runner does. Stop so I don’t make it worse.

NOT!

I continued to run…my gait was way off and my foot hurt with every step but I ran on….. until I crossed the finish line (and I had a fast time!)

After I finished, I headed to the Medic tent to ice my foot. The doctor there suggested I get an xray.

So I limped 1.5 miles back to my car.

I was still in denial but my foot was starting to turn purple and I knew what that meant.

Xray results: clean break of the fifth metatarsal

No Signs on the Course Kerfuffle

Monster Scramble 10K

This was a small race and a 5k plus a 10k. Even fewer runners were running the 10K and both races started at the same time. Things started out well. Everyone was in costume and the volunteers were handing out candy. However, they must have forgotten that there were runners doing the 10k. The volunteers disappeared and we had no idea where to run. So we made our own course and eventually found our way back to the finish line.

done!

Poorly Organized Half Marathon Kerfuffle

RNR Brooklyn 2015

A Rock N Roll Race should be fun, right?

Not this one.

It started with a pathetic expo but then I can live with that. But they over sold the parking so many runners had to miss the race (luckily that was not me.)

The pre-race details include: poor signage, miles of walking to check bags, more miles of walking to enter corrals, inadequate number of security guards (lines to enter took forever so they eventually discontinued it), 1 port a potty per thousand runners (one in each corral), late start.

The race itself had no music except at the end. Yes, this was a RNR race. The post race refreshments were blah (No bagels. hey, we’re in NYC!!)

And then more miles of walking to get out of the park to get to the subway (no signage = lots of clueless tired wandering runners).

The Canceled Race Kerfuffle

Vermont City Marathon 2016

I ran the relay. But I ran the second leg so I didn’t start until around 11 am. Due to the heat and humidity, the race started at Red alert. (The highest before they had to cancel.)

waiting to begin

So by the time I had run 4 miles, the race was cancelled.

I didn’t have a problem with that but the race officials were encouraging runners to quit and get on buses by lying to them. We were being told that there were be no water, no medical support, no timing, no photos, no finish line and to quit would be the only way to get your medal.

I and many others kept running and found none of what they said to be true. Except that I had to walk a significant distance to the buses to get my medal.

But if you run as many races as I do, you are bound to experiences some kerfuffles.

Happy Running! How about you? Any racing snafus?

July 20, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Pragmatic

Today’s word is PRAGMATIC.

This is how the word is defined:

Pragmatic people have their feet on the ground and their heads there, too. No time for dreaming! They’re realistic. A pragmatic approach to something is the sensible one.

In life and with my running, I am NOT very pragmatic.

I am impulsive!

That’s not to say I do not plan. I do. A Lot.

But I make decisions and afterward, plan and think about them.

Is that good for a runner? Probably not.

But I am 63, still running and winning age group awards so here is my take on the benefits of NOT being pragmatic.

You take risks and find out that you are capable of more than you thought.

2f1c4-napleshm

After only running 5k races, I signed up for a half marathon. I didn’t tell anyone because I wasn’t sure I was could do it. Best decision ever. I can say that now after running 19 more halfs.

You meet super people that you never would have.

I agreed to help 2 runners whom I barely knew run their first half in Philly (I met one during a race running up a long hill) and I roomed someone else that I had never met before. We had a great time and I have stayed in touch with them ever since.

You create memorable experiences.

frw12tu

I had ankle surgery and hadn’t run in 5 months. I had signed up for the race and planned to walk it but when the gun went off, I started to run and didn’t stop until the end. This photo made the cover of the local newspaper. Yes, it was stupid and I could have experienced a serious set back but I will never forget crossing the finish line with tears running down my face. The ortho told me that I wouldn’t run again and this meant that I would.

Things never turn how how you plan anyway.

I ran a half in April and then ran some 5ks and went on vacation to Florida. So I never got around to training for this May half marathon. I decided to run it anyway and it turned out fine. The race got canceled due to the heat. And the non-pragmatic me ran the 13.1 miles rather than getting the bus.

You face your fears and become more confident.

I signed up for the RNR Brooklyn without any idea about the logistics. I didn’t have a place to stay, the hotels were too expensive and I hadn’t been to Brooklyn since I was 5. I wound up staying in a AirBNB, navigating the subways and being a solo tourist in a new place. It was scary at first but since then I have run a 5K in NYC and plan to do it again in November. The subways don’t scare me anymore nor do walking the streets alone.

Being spontaneous is more fun.

denver2

I was in Denver at a conference. I wanted to run. I also wanted to see the city. So I skipped the workshops on the last day and signed up for a City Running Tour. I had never done one. It was about 100 degrees and my guide was young and fast. But it was awesome. Who knew?

Many of you will think me crazy. And I urge you to continue stretching, planning and doing whatever has made you a successful runner.

Happy Running! Are you a Pragmatic runner?

June 22, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Lost (Opportunities)

Today’s word is LOST.

My first thoughts about this word is that lately, I have been feeling “lost.” For the past 40 years, work has been my purpose or my direction in life. Without a job and an uncertain future, I feel lost.

But instead of writing a depressing post, I will describe THREE opportunities that were recently NOT lost. I decided that life is short and to leave my comfort zone.

As you know I play tennis. It is now pretty social and I always play with my friends. We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. There’s a lot of chatting and laughing. It’s never about winning but about getting exercise and going out to dinner afterwards.

With a lot of extra free time, I decided to join a new tennis group. I didn’t really know anyone and also didn’t know their level of play. But they are mostly retired and I fit in right away.

Then one day, they asked for volunteers to play in an inter-club league. No one in the group really wanted to. But I volunteered.

Well, I could see why. The players were younger and played regularly with other country club stay at home moms. Their level of play was a lot more serious.

Was I uncomfortable? Of course. Was everyone friendly? Not really. Am I glad that I seized the opportunity?

Well, I signed up to play again!!

2. My husband and I have a boat that we keep at a marina on Lake George. The boat is big enough to sleep on (even has AC) and we do stay overnight often. Last Sunday night, everyone left because they had to work on Monday morning. I normally would go home, as well.

But Monday promised to be a beautiful day so I hesitated but I stayed…by myself. No big deal but I have never stayed there alone. I wasn’t planning to drive the boat but there are so many buzzers that could go off which I wouldn’t have the slightest idea what to do.

But again, I seized the opportunity and saw this:

And then in the morning, ate breakfast here:

Then instead of running in my boring neighborhood, I ran 7 miles…. with these views:

Totally worth it.

3. With a whole day ahead of me, I decided to go hiking. I am not a hiker. I am clumsy and have no sense of direction. But I asked for info and got some recommendations for a few easy hikes.

And I hiked up to Thomas Mountain cabin…by myself!!

marker signs the whole way – even I couldn’t get lost

It wasn’t difficult but it was 1.4 miles UPHILL. Very sunny and hot but worth it!!!

lots of daisies and butterflies along the trail – ❤ both

inside the cabin at the top

a young guy who RAN up took this pic and then he RAN down

I enjoyed my hike so much that I decided to do a second one. This one was called Amy’s Park.

again the trail was well-marked

It was quite shady and wet but also quite enjoyable.

Sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone.

I hope I get more opportunities like these…but you never know….

Happy Running! Are you a risk taker? What daring tasks have you tackled?

June 8, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Consistent

Today’s word is CONSISTENT.

I am NOT consistent with strength training, stretching, planking, yoga, going to the gym, bike riding, etc… In fact, running is my one consistent activity.

However, that wasn’t always the case.

When I first started running in 2008, I was NOT consistent. I ran whenever I had the time. I ran 1 – 1 1/2 miles and then I ran a 5k on the weekend. I didn’t run between October and March because it was too cold.

I only ran 5ks and I wasn’t horrible but I didn’t really improve until I ran more consistently.

That started in 2010 when I decided to train for a half marathon.

I ran a half marathon or 5… but other good things happened too. I got faster in my short races!!

Running at 3 times a week with a long run on the weekend for me was the consistency that I need to be a better runner.

hf10k-4

I started winning age group awards and I even ran a 5k under 28 minutes in Nov 2010.

Of course, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were years filled with injuries. It is hard to be consistent when you are injured.

It is easy to give up when things gets tough. Especially after those awful runs and disappointing races or when you have one injury after another.

good thing I kept those critches

Thankfully, I have been injury-free for the last few years. I have been running consistently. I think I have had more good runs than bad and more successful races than not.

I have also realized that as you age, consistency is even more important. And I won’t get results if I don’t put in the time.

Happy Running! How is consistency important to your running?

June 1, 2016 by Darlene

Empowerment & Global Running Day

Hey, runners! Today is a holiday just for us!

I am linking up with Kristin at Jonesin’ for a run with a look into my miles and my second blog post of the day.

Why do I run ?

I started running because 2 friends talked me into it. But I continue to run because I enjoy it. It makes me feel younger, stronger and empowered.

vcm3

How do I plan to celebrate National Running Day ?

I hope to run with the Freihofer Training Challenge group after work and I signed up for big race, of course.

13.1 in Stuart, FL – March 2017

How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?

I hope to hit 1000 miles for the first time.

466 miles so far

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb

: Celebrate Life Half- Mar.

: Lake George Half – Apr

: VCM Relay May

: Zooma Cape Cod Half – Sept.

: Panama City Half – Dec.

Before I leave for a run, I must have…

My iphone. I use the Runkeeper app for distance and I like to take photos with it. Sometimes I even listen to music on it. Of course, I have it in case of an emergency.

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?

Yes, I record all my runs on Daily Mile and I use my Garmin 205 for races.

Who is your favorite running partner?

I usually run alone but I also enjoy sharing my runs with Barbara & Judy.

clhm

What races have you run so far this year?

1-01-16 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
1-17-16 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
1-31 -16 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M
2-07-16 – Sarasota Music Half Marathon (in FL)
3-13-16 – Celebrate Life Half Marathon
3-20-16 – Shamrock Shuffle 5m
3-26-16 – Ice Breaker 5k Challenge
4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5m
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K
4-24-16 – Lake George Half Marathon
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 10K
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day 5k Against Domestic Violence
5-14-16 – Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?

Do it! You don’t have to be young or thin or fast. Join a group and start to run and then sign up for a race. You won’t regret it!!!

Describe your relationship with running in one word:

Empowerment.

So that’s why I am also linking up with Deb from Deb Runs for her Wednesday Word post prompt.

Today’s word is EMPOWERMENT.

This is running for me!

Almost there!
I especially felt it during my last half marathon.

Happy Running! How did you celebrate Global Running Day? What empowers you?

May 25, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Freedom

Today’s word is FREEDOM.

Isn’t that what running gives us?

Freedom to run WHEREVER we choose.
Freedom to run ALONE or with a GROUP.
Freedom to run WHENEVER we can.
Freedom to run for FUN or in a RACE.
Freedom to do DRILLS or just run.
Freedom to run SLOW or FAST.
Freedom to run to RUN/WALK or RUN or WALK.
Freedom to run LONG or SHORT.
Freedom to run on ROADS or TRAILS or TRACKS or TREADMILLS.
Freedom to run with MUSIC or our THOUGHTS.
Freedom to run in any WEATHER.
Freedom to run in COSTUMES.
Freedom to run in FASHIONABLE running attire.
Freedom to run for a CHARITY.
Freedom to run for a PR.
Freedom to run …..

13248563_10153573244986074_671826626102940317_o

may8-4

I think you can substitute “Running” for “Freedom.” What do you think?

Happy Running!

May 18, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Encourage

Today’s word is ENCOURAGE.

What does it mean to “encourage?”

to give support, confidence, or hope to (someone).
to give support and advice to (someone) so that they will do or continue to do something.
to help or stimulate (an activity) to develop.

This easily applies to running. We can encourage others to become runners, to complete their first 5k, to run faster or to run farther.

I am always looking for opportunities to encourage/mentors other runners. It may be due to the fact that I was a teacher for so many years and that I think running is a great thing.

There’s the STEM (domestic violence survivors) program which I have been active in.

and GOTR (for girls in grades 3-5) where I have been a running buddy.

10917256_361783967363595_7880664523982825473_o

I’ve also mentored SRMs (Strong Running Mamas), a beginning runner’s group.

FRW - 2010

Even when I run with a friend, I try to be encouraging.

However, I think encouraging others is easier than encouraging yourself.

I think we tend to expect a lot of ourselves and we are also over critical of our performances….

“I should have run faster.”
“Why did I start out so fast”
Why did I walk up all those hills?”
What can’t I finish under XXX?
“I’ll never be that fast.”
“I’m so slow. No one will want to run with me.”
“Why am I always injured?”
Will I ever win an age group award?”

Have you ever said to yourself any of the above?

Happy Running! How do you encourage others? Do you encourage yourself?

May 11, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Dilemmas

Today’s word is DILEMMA.

What is a dilemma?

It’s a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two different things you could do.

Yes, runners, or at least I do, have lots of dilemmas:

Do I train to run long or do I train to run fast?

This a constant struggle for me. I love half marathons but then when I run a 5K, my pace sucks. Anyone have a way to do both?

Do I sign up to run a race or do I do a training run?

Another dilemma for me. I love to race but it doesn’t help me build endurance and improve my half marathon times.

Do I race for fun or for a PR?

Too bad, PRs are so hard to come by that I can’t do both!

Do I run alone or with a group?

Running with another runner is more fun but you just can’t run your own pace. You either run too fast to keep up or too slow to go at theirs.

I could go on and on..

Do I run before work, during lunch or after work? Do I run on the treadmill or outside? Do I run on a flat course or a hilly one? Do I take a rest day or do I not? …

But it all comes down to…

Yup. Change is tough.

Happy Running! Any dilemmas to share?

May 4, 2016 by Darlene

Spring Run Off 10K Race Report & Being Fearless

sro16

I almost didn’t sign up for this race since I had already signed up for a 5k the next day. Normally these two races are not on the same weekend.

But I have run this race twice before and I have enjoyed it.

2014 at the 10K

Plus I’ve always won an award.

: 3rd

: 1st

I am familiar with the course. It is where I do a lot of my long training runs.

running here with Denise a few weeks ago

I tossed around the idea of running the 5k but in the end, I decided to do the 10K (even though it meant that at the race the next day I would not be in top form.) Basically because even if I am NOT doing my long runs, I need to keep my mileage up for my May 29 half marathon – the VCM Relay.

No goals for the race but since it was my third time, I expected something like the past two years:

2015: 58:19
2014: 1:00:51

My 10K PR is 57:03

The night before the race, there was a free pasta dinner at packet pick up.

another unisex tech shirt that it is big!

The food was really good. It was catered by D’Raymonds, a local Italian restaurant. There was salad, bread, pasta, wine, and lots of homemade desserts. It wasn’t a buffet. They actually served you. I ate A LOT!!

Two years ago I got invited to sit with two lovely older runners. We had some great discussions….about running, of course and have seen each other several times since.

pasta dinner before the race above

This year, these ladies couldn’t come so I sat with some runners that I know since we run many of the same races. It was fun.

I may have over indulged

After dinner, I rushed off to play mah jongg (and stayed out later than I should have.)

I was tired when I got up the next morning (and with an upset stomach) but happy that again I lucked out with the weather – sunny, no wind and cool (40s to start and 50s later). I wore a short-sleeved top, skirt, compression socks and brought a jacket just in case.

cloudy & chilly when I first arrived

I arrived early to make sure I got parking and to look for people whom I knew. I found parking in the closer lot and then walked over to the start.

I immediately ran into Lara, a former tennis teammate but now running friend.

I decided to run without my jacket and I was so glad that I did

We hung out and chatted. What was great about this race was how many runners were there that I knew. Some I hadn’t seen since last year. It was like a reunion.

This race included a 5k and a 10k. This year for the first time, both races started at the same time.

I started toward the front but not too near the fast runners.

the sun came out once the race started but it was breezy near the water

I went out fast of course because I knew that I would slow down – bad attitude, right?

The course is lovely. You run along the Hudson River.

But I was already walking through the water stop at 1.25 miles.

This was a sign that the race would be going downhill. I actually felt nauseous the whole race. And my legs were telling me that they were not ready yet for speed.

Nevertheless, I willed myself to keep up an even pace until the turn around of this out and back course. (In fact, I was at 28:xx minutes at the 3.1 mile mark but I knew that I was tired and as usual, would slow down.)

You would think that there would be water then but nope not again until about mile 4.75. It was warm and I was VERY thirsty. I complained to the volunteers like I did last year.

I wanted to eat some Gu to get more energy around mile 4 but decided against it with no water (plus my stomach was unhappy.)

I got 2 blisters during my half on Sunday. I thought they were both healed and didn’t put anything on them. Wrong! One was healed but the one on the bottom of my leg foot started to hurt…with every step.

So I dragged myself/limped to the end (which always seem to have annoying inclines.)

Lara & I run af the same pace. Sometimes I beat her and sometimes she beats me. She was behind me the whole the race until the last mile. Then she passed me by. I tried to catch her to no avail.

As I approached the finish line, I sprinted in hopes of finishing under 59 minutes but did not.

I crossed at 59:11 (gun time).

sro

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 9:02
mile 2- 9:21
mile 3 – 9:31
mile 4 – 9:41
mile 5 – 10:02 (check out those positive splits!!)
mile 6 – 9:41
.2 – 8:29

59:06 – Garmin Time

I had some refreshments and waited for the results. Homemade cookies, brownies and cakes – YUM!

My inaugural Team Badass photo

I also began to feel better about my race. My time wasn’t bad. I beat my time from my last 10K (Troy Turkey Trot) and my legs hadn’t recovered yet from last Sunday’s hilly half.

I cheered on some friends who got age group awards. This year, I did not!!

some old ladies are still speedy

So I really enjoyed the race. Although I didn’t expect to PR, I probably thought I would win an age group award. I need to adjust my expectations.

The weather was so perfect that I hung out with some older ladies for a while and went for a walk. (Especially since rain was in the forecast for the next day.)

I wound up walking 4 more miles. That was 10 miles for the day so far. (Probably not too smart with another race scheduled for the next day.)

My legs felt better as the day wore on… I even went grocery shopping and did lots of errands. Also picked up my race packet for the race the next day.

one more disappointing unisex shirt

Since it is Wednesday, I am also linking to Deb from Deb Runs‘ Wednesday Word.

This week’s word is FEARLESS.

Just look at Katherine Switzer – the first woman to run the Boston Marathon (in 1967.)

and Bobbi Gibb who crashed the Boston Marathon in 1966.

What about Harriette Thompson who ran a marathon at age 92?

Now these women are FEARLESS.

Moi?

I try to not let fear get in my way. I am a risk taker, to some degree. (At least with my running.)

Run only 5ks and then train for a half marathon? No problem.
Run a 5k as your first run after serious ankle surgery? No problem.
Run a race with a foot stress fracture? No problem.
Finish a race after breaking your foot? No problem.
Race a hilly half marathon without training on hills? No problem.
Run 2 races in one weekend? No problem.

And yes, I am running 2 races (a 15 and a 5k) again this weekend.
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race? Are you fearless?

April 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Dreamer

Today’s word is DREAMER.

The first thing that comes to mind, of course, is John Lennon’s song, right?

I don’t think of myself as a “dreamer.”

a person whose ideas and plans are not practical or based in reality

I think I know my body’s limitations.

Sub 8 minute miles? Sub 27 minute 5K? Sub 2 hour half marathon?

I don’t think so.

I want to run for a long time. I don’t want to risk getting injured. I am realistic about my abilities.

That doesn’t mean that I won’t give it my best shot in every race I run.

I WILL!

Now this would be dreaming:

But seriously, before I was a runner, I used to read about the Freihofer Run for Women. I used to think that it was an awesome feat to be able to run 3 miles.

freihofesrace