February 6, 2016 by Darlene

Unltimate Coffee Date – February

Since today is the first Saturday in February, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am in Florida right now. I am visiting my friend Pat who lives in Placida (on the Gulf coast between Ft. Myers & Sarasota) with another friend Fran.

Two of my other tennis friends just happened to be in Naples so we planned a meet up for yesterday.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that my 17th half marathon is tomorrow. (You probably know that.) I am nervous as usual.. The usual stuff – weather, parking, unexpected injuries… But most of all, I am excited to be running and to have escaped the frigid temps of the NE for a few days.

20+ bands (most you’ll pass twice!)
Gourmet post-race brunch provided by Mattison’s
Selby Gardens Spectator Zone
Girl Scout Cookie Aid Station™
Beautiful neighborhoods and lawn parties
Wicked cool participation Medal and T-shirts
Rockin Music, crowds and tons of fun!

It should be fun!!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I love being healthy enough to run 13.1 mile races. My next race is for an important cause and I am running it for a friend who has had breast cancer.

But I wish I had more time between races. With only 5 weeks apart means that I don’t have a break from double digit long runs. 10, 11, 12, 8, and then 13.1

Living in the NE, it is tough doing the miles. We have escaped snow so far but who knows…

It snowed during last year’s race.

Over coffee or tea…

I would tell you that I am excited to be running the VCM Relay again with AJH. It used to be a lottery but this year for the first time, it was first come, first served so I clicked in at 5:59 on Feb 1 and GOT IN!!

vcm

Over coffee or tea…

I am planning my spring race schedule (I’ll post about it on Tuesday.) There are so many races to choose from…. I love to race and I am tempted to run one every weekend. But this makes it hard to train for half marathons? Decisions…Decisions…

Bacon Hill Bonanza

Happy Running! What would you tell me over coffee or tea?

January 29, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

It’s that time again. The last Friday of the month. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

You how they say don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Well, don’t go to Target after a long run when you are half frozen.

puffer jacket with hood

Well, at least it was on clearance and I had a cartwheel coupon.

2. I runfess…

Remember how I said I loved my FitBit because it made me walk more. I used to try to get to 10,000 steps everyday.

last week

Well, the newness has worn off and now I pretty much only get 10,000 steps when I do a long run (like on Sat.). I even forgot to put it on on Sunday but I didn’t move much anyway.

3. I runfess…

After all those holiday parties and Christmas cookies, I vowed to cut back and eat healthier (and save $) in January. Besides when I go to Florida in a week, there will be a lot of eating and drinking going on with friends (and I will be going all out.)

monthly tennis ladies night out

I went out to dinner this past week three nights in a row. My bad.

4. I runfess…

I work several Saturdays during the year proctoring law school entrance exams. Though I hate to work 6 days a week, I justify it by using this extra money for race entry fees.

Dates for 2015-16:

December 5, 2015 – EAU Palm Beach Half weekend
February 6, 2016 – Sarasota Music Half weekend
June 6, 2016.
September 24, 2016.
December 3, 2016

I just signed up for a fall half marathon.

Guess when? Yup. September 24, 2016. At least, I had a 10% coupon code.

5. I runfess…

I have gotten spoiled by either running a race or having a running partner for part of all my long runs. Thanks Judy!

This part Saturday was no exception. I ran 6 miles by myself then Judy came to run the final 6 with me. I usually run slower the second half of my runs so it works out fine. However, it was so cold and windy and we were running uphill that I couldn’t hold the slower pace. I wound up running the last 3 miles by myself. Sorry Judy!

I looked back at one point and couldn’t see Judy.

And for extra measure…

6. I runfess…
I can’t wait to leave the frigid Northeast and run in Florida. I am excited for my half marathon…

new Nike shoes & skirt & top from SkirtSports

or maybe it’s because I want to wear my latest running purchases? (Yes, Sunshine State, please warm up!)

Since it is also Friday, I am linking up with the three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC for their Friday Five linkup.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

January 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Had the day off from work so it would have been nice to go for a run but it was so windy and COLD!! Instead, I went to the dentist, did some errands and played tennis in the evening.

Tuesday – Took my morning walk around work. I intended to run outside but the wind turned me into a wuss. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill instead and then met my BFF for a movie (Carol).

2 episodes of Modern Family

Wednesday – A short run after work before yoga. Cold but not as windy as Monday & Tuesday.

photos when Lisa was the teacher. Now I have Maria.

Thursday – Another after work run. It was cold and windier than Wednesday but I just couldn’t face the treadmill.
Friday – Rest day and an evening of mah jongg.
Saturday – The dreaded 12 mile long run. Today was the day! And the snowstorm hit south and missed us. YAY!!! I like to pick a new location for each of my runs so I chose Colonie Town Park. Judy was again nice enough to keep me company on my last 6 miles. And it was freezing but we survived.

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K race

Sunday – Rest Day. Did a whole bunch of cooking!! Finished my scarf. Finished my puzzle. Watched ice skating on TV. Yes, I stayed home which I NEVER do.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #17 )

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out with tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 mile run, dinner out with a co-worker
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday -rest, hair appt
Sunday – HMRRC #5 – 10 mile race

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

January 23, 2016 by Darlene

Phew! It Missed Us!

Snow is pretty. Don’t get me wrong. I love to LOOK at it.

my driveway during a previous snowstorm

But I panic when I have a long run scheduled and a snowstorm is forecast.

I bought this flag in Florida (because of the cats)

What would I had done?

YakTrax to the rescue.

I don’t love to run in them but I would have had it snowed.

Find a clear path and run multiple loops.

one of my favorite places to run (from a previous winter)

Again not an ideal for a long run but doable.

Run in the road.

Sidewalks are never consistently shoveled. You have to be wary of cars but it would be the only place to cover those miles.

Run slowly and carefully.

What would I have NOT done?

Run on the Treadmill

nothing I could do would make 12 miles bearable

Skip it!

a long run when you have a half marathon in TWO weeks!

But the storm hit south of us. Hip Hip Hooray!

My pleasant challenge was to choose a new location to run. I’ve run on the Delmar Rail Trail, Corning Bike Path and the Nisky Bike Path. So I decided on Colonie Town Park which also includes a bike path.

We didn’t get any snow but boy was it cold!!! 16 degrees when I arrived but in the single digits with the windchill.

First I ran 6.2 miles as part of the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10k Race.

I’ll recap it in my race report tomorrow but basically I ran around the park for 2 miles and then toward the Nisky bike path for 2 more and then turned around (made a wrong turn) and finally finished with 2.2 miles back to my car.

I took a lot of pics and my fingers were numb but otherwise I survived the frigid temps.

wearing my $.01 SmartWool compression calf sleeves – love them! and my new shoes – love them too!

Again I was lucky that Judy agreed to keep me company on my last 6 miles.

We ran in the opposite direction on the bike path heading toward Cohoes for 3 miles and then turned around (uphill on the way back 😦 )

I was too cold now to take many pics. When we started out, we took it very slow since there were several icy patches on the path.

Luckily the path became clearer for the rest of our run but the wind picked up..Brrrr!

I ran with Judy for the first 3 miles. It was nice to run and have someone to talk to. It made the miles go by faster.

However, on the way back, it uphill and windy. I had a hard time running at her speed so I didn’t. I just ran ahead and stopped and waited for her several times and then ran ahead again.

This was too funny. Either it meant that we didn’t get snow or that we didn’t freeze to death.

Both were true.

If it were summertime, I would have stopped at Guptills for an ice cream cone. Instead, I stopped at Target for a Starbucks hot mocha and to pick up a few food items but as usual spend over $200.

I also stopped at Norstrom Rack to buy another pair of those penny smartwool compression calf sleeves.

12 miles today!! So my last long run is done!!! Two weeks until the BIG DAY!!

smhm16

Happy Running! Did you get hit with the snowstorm? How do you cope with running in the snow or cold?

January 21, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Winter, Shoes, Photos and more

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I am thinking about today:

How cold is too cold?

I pride myself is not being a wuss. If it’s cold, I run outside. It’s basically because I hate the treadmill and I’ve never had a good run on it.

So I check the weather and keep my fingers crossed that it is warmer as the day goes on and that the wind dies down when it gets dark.

So far, I”ve been able to run outside almost all the time. But then again, we have not gotten any snow..yet!

When it is raining or icy, I draw the line. I won’t run in it!!

What conditions force you to skip a run or stay indoors?

New shoes.

I haven’t bought a pair since September. So I needed a new pair. Not really, since I alternate my shoes and have quite a few pairs.

But won’t I run better in my half marathon in a few weeks in a new pair of running shoes?

Besides, they were a good deal!

How often do yo buy running shoes?

Packing for a trip

I started packing for my trip to Florida. I mean, I gathered together everything I need for my race. That’s the most important, right?

I”ll probably have to throw in a pair or shorts, capris and bathing suit. I’m not worried about those items.

Running Photos should be FREE!

I hate to pay for photos. Every now and then, they are free and I think that’s great.

Register for The Biggest Loser RunWalk at www.biggestloser.com/runwalk

free!

Unfortunately some of my best photos are not.

not free

Do you buy your race photos?

I have splurged and bought the photo for an important race.

Happy Running! What are your thoughts today?

January 18, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Took my morning walk around work and then knit on the exercise bike. After work, it was cold and windy but still ventured out for a run before visiting a friend (the one who just had a mastectomy.)

Tuesday – We had a huge holiday brunch for the whole school. Took my afternoon walk around work. After work, I played tennis and went out to dinner after.

Wednesday – Today we had another holiday lunch with my dept at work. The weather was even colder and windy. I still got out to run after work but my hands were frozen and I stopped after 3 miles.

Thursday – Just work today – truly a rest day.

Friday – Warmed up to the 30’s (heat wave!) so did my after work run followed by an evening of mah jongg games.

Saturday – Rain & sleet in the am so glad to be enjoying a rest day. After lots of housework, got bored so went out to do some retail therapy – bought stuff that I didn’t really need but got GREAT deals.

I have a sock obsession – notice that the $40 socks cost a penny and I saved $73.63.

Sunday – Another free race – I ran the 15K and followed it with a few more miles.

course PR for the race

Celebrated our anniversary (which was Saturday) with a dinner at our favorite restaurant.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – DAY OFF – dentist, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run, movie with BFF
Wednesday – rest, yoga
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – rest

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

January 16, 2016 by Darlene

Loving/Not Loving

Welcome to the winter edition of Loving/Not Loving

Loving: HMMRC, a local running club, offers a winter racing series. The races are on Sundays and free. Each race has 3 distance options.
Not Loving: The distances don’t coincide with the long runs that I need to do to prepare for my half marathon. This weekend is a 15k and I need to run 11 miles. On 1/31, there is a 10 miler and I need to run only 8.

3.5 mile race

Loving: SkirtSports has come out with a new print.
Not Loving: Now I want to order it in everything style. I don’t need any more running outfits!!

free love print

Loving: In the cold weather, I don’t have to worry about my feet sweating and getting blisters after a long run.
Not Loving: Shoes and boots aggravate my bunions and now my foot hurts again. (And it’s a long time until sandal/flip flop season!!!)

feb

Loving: I have found new ways to relax – coloring books, knitting and jigsaw puzzles.
Not Loving: These are all sedentary activities. I found that I can knit and ride the exercise bike but the others, NOPE (gotta sit!).

Loving: You get a free Starbucks item after you get 12 stars. I then always order the most expensive thing on the menu.
Not Loving: I forgot that I used my two “free” items and ordered a venti coconut milk cinnamon vanilla chai latte. (ouch!)

Loving: My FitBit tracks my steps. It makes me take the stairs rather than the elevator.
Not Loving: It’s not accurate on the treadmill and does not record steps while on the bike.

Loving: The days are getting longer. When I leave work to run, it’s still light (for about 15 min.)
Not Loving: The cold weather has just arrived and will be around for awhile.

Loving: Downton Abbey is back on TV.
Not Loving: This is its last season.

Loving: It’s so easy to shop online and find what you what cheaper.
Not Loving: It’s too easy and you may buy what you don’t need.

my current Nikes in a new color – $20 less & no tax or shipping – had to buy, right?

Loving: When you are dragging at work around 4 pm, the cold crisp air (while running) certainly wakes you up.
Not Loving: My hands almost froze off. How can I keep them warm?

Happy Running! What are you Loving or Not Loving today?

January 11, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – First day back at work after 11 days off. And it was freezing!! No running for me, just 1 1/2 hours of doubles tennis after work

Tuesday – Another freezing day (the coldest of the winter so far) but I bundled up and ran outside after work.

Wednesday – A lot warmer today (30 vs 10). I took a quick run after work before going to a yoga class.

my legs felt great yesterday but today, very sluggish!!

lheartspaceogo

Thursday – Rode the exercise bike at work during lunch. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it (and I was able to KNIT while on it 🙂 ). Went out to dinner with an old friend.

Friday – I had planned to run today but the iffy weekend weather made me skip it. I actually walked for 15 min in the morning and rode the exercise bike for 1/2 hr (while knitting) at lunch.

just walked in circle around the lst floor with a co-worker

Saturday – I had hoped for a relaxing day but since rain was forecast for Sunday, I needed to do my long run instead. I ran 5 by myself and then Judy arrived to run the last 6. Thanks Judy.

The rest of the day was filled with housework and taking doing those holiday decorations finally.

Sunday – Another free race – I had planned to run the 10K and follow it with 3.8 more miles to complete my 10 mile long run. But I had done my long run on Saturday and since it was pouring, I DNSed.

cross-training??

17 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (9 miles less than last weeks. Oops)

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, holiday brunch at work, tennis
Wednesday – holiday lunch at work, 4 mile run after work
Thursday – rest
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K race + 1.7 more miles

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

January 7, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: One Word , a New Half, Winter & Long Runs

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

What I am thinking about today is…

My One Word for 2016.

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:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

This year, I am picking:

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is “a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation.”

Why did I choose Gratitude?

Expectations lead to disappointments.

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 being thankful that we CAN run.

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.
Forget those PR and pace goals.
Volunteer more.
Thank those who make races possible.

Half Marathon #18

I am also thinking about a dear friend who had a mastectomy on Tuesday. It is her 3rd bout with breast cancer (& 2nd in 2 years.) She is strong. She is optimistic. I am confident that because of these qualities, she will beat this terrible disease.

So I made the impromptu decision to run another half marathon – one in her honor.

March 13, 2016

It is very hilly. It is only a 5 weeks after my Florida half. But these tough 13.1 miles will be nothing compared to the pain that my friend has endured.

clelevation

Winter

Dec 24:

Jan 5:

Amazing!

I HATE the cold. But I hate the treadmill more.

So yesterday after work, I braved the cold and ran outside. I was cold but I survived. It wasn’t so bad and I felt really “badass” when I was done. I warmed up at Starbucks where the barista remarked “You run when it’s this cold!?” And I responded “Yes, I do!”

Long Runs

But what do you do when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

sat-sun

I had planned to race (10K) on Sunday and add more miles on afterward to complete 10 miles total.

I don’t want to run 10 miles IN THE RAIN!!!

So I could change to do my 10 miles on Saturday (before the rain and if there is no ice and snow on the ground from Friday night). That means that I would rest on Friday (with Thursday also being my rest day) and on Sunday, skip the race or only run the 3 mile option. Or I could run on Friday and skip my long run since I did run 10 miles last Saturday and run 11 miles next weekend.

Decisions, decisions, decisions..

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Anyone else running this half marathon? Do you run outside in the colder temps? Does the weather get it the way of your long runs or do you run in any conditions? What are you thinking about today?

December 1, 2015 by Darlene

November Recap

Time is flying by. I can’t believe that it is December already!!

So here’s my end of the month recap.

I’m linking it with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life (instead of posting on their TMI theme. I have none of those embarrassing things to write about…yet!)

November Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

I continue to run 3-4 miles during the week trying to vary my running courses.

near work

in the park

at UAlbany

on the rail trail

Continue long runs on the weekend. YES!

Though some have been part of shorter races.

11/14

11/21

6 with Judy 11/29

Run a 5k race under 29 minutes. NOPE!

I helped my STEM runner finish her first 5k instead of racing.

I ran an impromptu 5K on Thanksgiving after I finished the 10K.

Run a 10K race under 60 minutes. YES! But barely.

Run a 15K race under 1:35. YES!

I even got a PR.

1:31:35

Start going to the gym once a week. NO! Someday…
Do those planks! NOT REALLY! Probably only 2 or 3 times…

But I did go to yoga twice!!!

Continue running with a group. YES!

I have gone every Monday and have enjoyed running with the other group members.

Walk 70,000 steps each week. YES!

On the days that I don’t run, my total steps are significantly lower but I make it up on the running days.

Run at least 80 miles. YES! 90 miles!!!

pretty consistent running

What else?

I ran with Kelly from the STEM program twice and helped her finish her first 5k. She did great!!

I went to NYC with my hubby, We walked the High Line and saw Lord of the Dance on Broadway. So much fun!

I brought my mentee and her sons to see the Lights in the Park. We go every year but we still enjoy it.

December Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.)
Walk while at work especially on rest days..
Continue long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon #17 on February 7.
Complete a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Complete a half marathon under 2:20.
Run at least 85 miles
Continue going to yoga.
Avoid gaining weight (while attending holiday parties)
Spend time with my mentee
Start knitting again.