October 1, 2012 by Darlene

Welcome October…Welcome Fall!

September was a pretty busy month even though it didn’t go as planned.

This is what I had hoped:

Higher weekly and monthly mileage totals – not really but I had good intentions
Lower my 5K time – actually I did but not by as much I would have liked
Lower my 10K time – nope because I changed my mind & didn’t run the 10K
Start yoga – nope here too
Join a gym and work out – well, I didn’t really think this would happen

about 8 of those miles were walked 😦

But let’s focus on the good things that happened in September.

I ran in four races.

showing off my medal from the 4.4 Chase Away Leukemia race

I finished a 5K in less than 30 minutes.

doing it at the MPBA 5k

The weather cooperated and we had some more boating weekends.

cool but sunny day on Lake George

I started my weekly tennis contract and am enjoying it.
I stayed in my friend’s house on Schroon River 2 more times (for running, mah jongg). Love it there!

view from the house

I got a surprise visit from my friend in Russia.

at the NY Botanical Gardens

I am enjoying the foliage in the Northeast.

Hiking on the Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher State Park

I rode my bike (1x)

at the Nisky bike trail along the Mohawk R.

I used the treadmill once.
I won a healthy receipe contest at work AND I won $25 gift card to Walmarts (from The Happy Runner).

this was my prize at work

For October, I am going to go out on a limb and try to:

Higher weekly and monthly mileage totals (that means long runs on the weekend)
Run at a more consistant & faster pace
Start yoga
Join a gym and work out
Lose weight
Eat healthy

Happy Running! How was your September? Anything different planned for October?

August 14, 2012 by Darlene

Dancing as Cross-Training?

I keep saying that I will do some cross-training…maybe even join a gym. Well, it hasn’t happened.

I tried to run after work yesterday, and my legs felt like lead. I actually had to stop and rest. I quit after 2 3/4 miles.

Sunday, one of my tennis friend’s daughter got married outside Boston and a bunch of us were invited to the wedding.

me & some of my tennis friends before the wedding

Some went on Saturday (but I had a 10K race) and some stayed over til Monday (but I had to work.) It was a long day for me. Definitely worth it…I had so much fun!

the happy couple during their first dance – check out the sequined high top sneakers on the bride!

They had a band (instead of a DJ) and they played perfect dancing music – music from the 60s, 70s, etc. We danced for hours.

dancin’ the night away

Hum…maybe that’s why my body was sore!

Today I felt a little better…ran 3 miles after work.

Happy Running!

October 25, 2011 by Darlene

Weak Quads

After Sunday’s Half Marathon, I pleased to report that my feet, heel, calves, knees, and legs feel fine! But my QUADS…that’s a different story. I can barely walk down the stairs. The last time they felt like this was when I volunteered last November at the Stockade-athon and spent 1 1/2 hrs cutting off chips at the finish line.

I guess it was the hills!!!

I sit at my desk all day and my exercise consists of tennis, running & yoga. But I don’t bike or hike or or exercise or use any machines at a gym. Obviously, I need to strengthen my quads!!

Happy Running! Any advice on dealing with weak quads?

September 8, 2011 by Darlene

TTT + 1

It has rained THREE Mornings in a row!! I think I mentioned several times that I don’t run in the rain!! So my running has been slacking off 😦
My hubby (MR. I never exercised in my life cuz I can play any sport well) suggested that we join a gym. There’s a new Planet Fitness nearby – only $10 amonth!
My problem is that I work and it is crowded when I can go… But I think I will join but not for the treadmill on rainy days but to crosstrain (which I should start doing). Optimistically Tues, Thurs (after work) & Sat or Sun.