July 24, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Summer Beverages

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is Favorite Summer Beverages

1. Starbucks Frappuccinos

I do often have them decaf, without whipped cream and with soy milk. And not more than once a week. That’s about as healthy as I get.

2. Water

Yes, this is what I drink most of the time. Just plain H2O.

3. Root Beer Floats

Especially with vanilla soft serve ice cream. This is my favorite post run drink in the summer.

4. Lemon-ade-ritas

We drink these on the boat every weekend. They also come in lime, mango, strawberry, raspberry and apple but lemon is my favorite.

5. Herbal Tea

I love coffee but I gave up caffeine 2 years ago so this is my morning & sometimes before bed drink of choice. I prefer mint but also like different interesting fruit blends.

Happy running! What is your favorite summer drink?

July 4, 2015 by Darlene

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Yes, I know that you must be in shock. You never see recipes on my blog nor do I ever mention meal preparation or cooking.

But I was inspired by Chocolate RunsJudy and I was bored. Last Sunday, I had done my errands and the laundry. It was still raining and was forecast to rain all day. I don’t have a treadmill so I had to skip my run. (I don’t run in the rain unless it’s a big race,)

So I decided to make overnight oats.

I can’t find the chocolate anymore 😦

Oatmeal is my favorite pre-race food. I usually buy the re-packaged variety and add raisins and sometimes chia.

I looked around my kitchen for ingredients that I already had and came up with this recipe (based on a recipe from My Whole Food Life with some additions):

1/2 cup of gluten-free steel oats (you can use regular steel oats or rolled oats)
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp flax meal (I didn’t have any so I didn’t add it)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract or 1T whey vanilla protein powder (I used protein powder)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (I also didn’t have this either)
2T unsweetened apple sauce
2 tsp maple syrup
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Throw all the ingredients in a jar or container and mix well. Cover and stick in the fridge overnight.

You can eat it cold or heat it up in the microwave.

I ate it warm before my run on Monday morning and yesterday. I liked it but I didn’t love it. So the verdict is still out (Packaged oatmeal tastes better and it is easier.)

I may have to try some other varieties before I give up on the idea of eating healthy oatmeal.

Happy Running! Do you make overnight oats? What is your favorite kind?

March 17, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Rituals for Races

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Rituals for Races

I’m not really superstitious so I have no lucky charms but below are my must-do and must-haves on race day:

Breakfast

I always have oatmeal–2 or 3 packages with almond milk. I try to eat 2 hours before the race.

Fuel

I always eat one packet of Gu before the race and one after for each 4 miles of running and only drink plain water.

Running Skirt and Compression Socks

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Apple Run - October

No matter what the season or weather, I wear a skirt. They are the most comfortable for me. And because I still worry about my ankle, I wear compression knee socks.

My Garmin

It’s big and clunky but it tells me distance, time, pace…everything I need to know on one screen during a race.

My Road ID

Half in Naples, Florida

I got it for my first Half Marathon (in case I was found passed out on the side of the road) and have worn it every since. Once I lost it so I bought another and then found the first one. So now I have 2 pink ones (one velcro, one rubber).

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My iPhone

iphonerun

I carry my phone everywhere. I got burned once and I will never run without it. I also use my phone to take pictures instead of a camera.

Race Belt

stock15k

I have two different ones. I don’t like to put pins in my shirts so I attach my bib to the belt. It also allows me to carry a phone.

a Hat

You’ll never see me run without one. A wool or fleece hat in the winter and a baseball cap the rest of the year. I don’t like headbands and hats keep my hair out of the way.

Run for the Roc - September

Happy Running! Do you have any lucky charms or race day rituals?

March 10, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Weight Loss or Maintenance While Distance Running

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Weight Loss or Maintenance While Distance Running

I signed up for 4 half marathons – one in January, one in April, one in May, and one in June. That means I am running long on the weekends from October-June.

My goal is to maintain my weight although losing 5 lbs would be nice.

Each mile you run burns, on the average, 75-125 calories. For me, I think it’s around 100 calories. So you need to eat but not overeat. Seems pretty logical.

However, I realize that everyone’s metabolism is different.

But here’s what works for me:

Eat breakfast

Yes, it’s the most important meal of the day. I never run on an empty stomach. I always have oatmeal–2 or 3 packages with almond milk.

Supplement your runs.

You need energy to run. I always eat one packet of Gu for each 4 miles of running and only drink water.

Reduce your cravings.

I am a dessert person. I crave sweets.

During the day if I need something sugary, I’ll eat a protein bar or if I want a treat, I’ll buy a latte or frappuccino at Starbucks but I’ll have it non-fat and without whipped cream.

At night, if I crave a snack while watching TV, I’ll have a cup of herbal tea. (and yes, I do cheat and have ice cream.)

Refuel after your runs.

You burn calories when you run. If you don’t eat right away, you will wind up overdoing the calories later.

After a run, I might have some fruit, a bagel or chocolate milk.

Eat healthy at meals (most of the time.)

I usually do except when I eat in a restaurant. (Everything goes out the window when I see my choices on the menu, especially the desserts.)

Healthy eating to me means dinners consisting of lean meat or fish, lots of veggies and brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Lunch – bagel, yogurt with granola, apple, cheese (I eat at my desk between 10 am & 2 pm)

Happy Running! How do you maintain your weight when training?

March 3, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Favorite Post-Race Treat

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Favorite Post-Race Treat

Ice Cream!!

Unfortunately, you don’t get it very often. That was one of the reasons that I enjoyed Sean’s Run (pictured above and below) so much.

Chocolate Milk

I’m not fussy, I don’t care what kind. After a race is the only time I drink it.

Happy Running! What is your favorite post-race treat ?

February 3, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Runner’s Nutrition

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Runner’s Nutrition

I should preface this post with the fact that I do not eat healthy most of the time. I love my carbs and my desserts (esp. ice cream).

That being said, here’s what me, the runner, eats :

Pre-Race Meal (the night before) – Pizza or Pasta

I don’t like too much cheese or sauce. I prefer a thin crust.

Again, I don’t overdo on the sauce or the cheese.

Pre-Race meal (the morning of) – Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff. My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon.

Snacks before and after running – Protein Bars

If I run after work, I usually eat one of these before I run. On days off, when I run in the morning, I eat one after my run. My favorites are Balance bar (yogurt honey peanut) and Kind (vanilla blueberry). I also like Cliff bars (pumpkin & gingerbread).

Fuel during long runs or long races – Energy Gels

I love salted caramel and peanut butter. Now there are 2 new ones – chocolate peanut butter & root beer!!

I usually take one GU before a race and every 4 miles during a long run or race. I have never had any stomach issues with GU,

What I drink before run & during a race – H20

Just plain water…nothing added. And usually from the tap. I don’t like to carry water so I drink it before and after or loop back to my car. Races are perfect since they provide water.

What I drink after a run or a race – Chocolate milk

Not fuel but refuel. For some reason, after a race, this is the only thing I can eat/drink right away. It doesn’t upset my stomach.

Non-running related Nutrition:

Breakfast – Hot Cereal

I like this brand when I can find it.

Lunch (I snack throughout the day at my desk) – Bagel, Yogurt, Cheese, Apple

Dinner – Meat or Fish, Brown Rice & a Vegetable
Evening Snack – Ice cream (what else?)

My downfall is eating in restaurants and at other people’s houses. I have NO WILL POWER!

Happy Running! What do you eat as a runner? Do you eat healthy?

January 9, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five – Things I like about my favorite city

This week, the theme is 5 things I like about my favorite city.

Yes, NYC is my favorite city and I am lucky to live a train or bus ride away.

Here are 5 things I love about NYC:

1. Restaurants

in Chelsea

French Restaurant in the Village

I love to eat out. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal in NYC.

on Park Ave

in the theatre district

in Central Park

at Gordon Ransey’s The Maze restaurant

2. Theater

There’s nothing like Broadway. I usually go once a year. I have seen some great shows. Among my favorites are Les Miz, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Once, Billy Elliot, Lion King…

going to NYC to see "Once" on Broadway

3. Museums

I love French art especially the Impressionists. Outside of Paris, there’s no better place to see these paintings than the Metropolitan Museum (above) or the Modern Art Museum (below).

4. Parks and Gardens

Bryant Park

I love hanging out in Bryant Park especially at lunch time. I could spend the whole day in Central (and have.)

Central Park

Central Park

Snug Harbor Botanical Gardens in Staten Island

NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx

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Washington Square in the Village

5. the Lights

Paris may be the “City of Lights,” but the lights of NYC are breath-taking especially around the holidays.

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Happy Running! What is your favorite city and why?

December 26, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Off From Work Actvities

This week, the theme is Free Friday. So since this is my only stay at home vacation of the year, I’ve chosen to post about My Top 5 Off Work Activities.

1. RUNNING

Of course, what else? I can run in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening. I can run when the sun comes out or it has stopped raining. I can run near home or drive to a bike path or to a park. I can even run with a non-working friend. It is so delightful!!

at the Crossings Park at 10 am with Judy

2. EXERCISING

I don’t enjoy it but I know it good for me to do something other than running. However when I work, I don’t have (make) time for it.

3. COOKING

I do enjoy it and before I started playing tennis and running, I used to cook a lot.

2 of my favorites things to make

This week, I’ve made eggplant parm, tuna noodle casserole, meatloaf, vegetable soup…my hubby’s favorite dishes since he has to work.

4. KNITTING

and I did finally finish this scarf

I started knitting when I couldn’t run or go to work. I find it relaxing and I like to make things for others. I used to quilt but knitting is portable and I can bring it anywhere.

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5. READING

I’ve always enjoyed reading. But who has the time? I read before I fall asleep at night but when I am not working, I can read anytime.

Happy Running! What do you do when you are off from work?

December 24, 2014 by Darlene

Currently

Being off from work for more than a weekend is very strange for me. I am not used to having so much free time and yet, not getting things done.

Reading…. I want to see Unbroken tomorrow in the theaters so I am trying to finish the book. (I doubt I will finish, though.)

Watching… I heard this show was good and I am binge watching all the episodes to catch up. So far, I am enjoiying it and I think I am hooked.

Drinking… I have fallen in love with herbal teas.

Eating… out a lot.

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lots of holiday and birthday celebrations

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Anticipating… the Hangover Half Marathon on New Year’s Day…but only as a training run but still nervous.

hhm15

Wishing for… Seasonally warm temps and DRY weather… no snow, ice or rain so I can run outdoors.

Yay! Clear path.

Seeing next week… Going to MoMA in NYC to see…

and seeing the decorations that I missed on my last visit.

Loving... that I do not have to go to work and can RUN any time I want and do whatever whenever. I may even hit the gym.

have to finish knitting this scarf by tomorrow!

Feeling… Anxious. I am always nervous about running a half marathon especially a destination race where I don’t know anyone.

West Palm beach, here I come!

Happy Running? What are you currently….?

December 17, 2014 by Darlene

What I’m Loving Wednesday

I haven’t done this in quite a while. So here are 5 things that I am loving right now:

1. NOOSA YOGURT

pumpkin is my favorite

You can only buy it in Target and it’s not cheap. But it is soooo good.

Noosa is made with milk from Morning Fresh Dairy, right on site at their farm in Bellvue, Colorado. Morning Fresh milk is free of artificial growth hormones (rBGH) and artificial preservatives. To lightly sweeten Noosa, they use golden Clover Alfalfa honey from Colorado’s Beeyond the Hive, family-owned since 1908. Their all natural fruit purees are made with the highest quality, best-tasting fruit on the market, and are free of artificial ingredients of any kind.

2. PANCAKES

I make them on the weekends. I even like to make them for dinner sometimes.

3. CHOCOLATE MILK

The perfect treat after a long run or race. Almond milk has more calcium than regular milk and it’s easier to digest,

4. Energy Bars

I sit at my desk and eat intermittently throughout the day (like every hour or 2). I usually run, play tennis or do yoga after work and one of these bars keeps me going until dinner. I like Clif Bars but I also buy what’s on sale such as, Balance, Kashi, Luna, Larabar and store brands.

5. ANC NAILS

I hate fake nails but I want my nails to look good and not keep breaking. I used to get a Gel manicure but it would take about 2 hours to get them done. Then I discovered ANC (Amazing Nail Concept). The process is done by coating your nails in various clear polishes and dipping your nails into a colored powder. When the final coat is applied, it hardens to a plastic-like consistency. And it doesn’t take a long time. I get a French manicure. That way, I get let them go for over a month before anyone notices. Caution, once you start (like hair dye), you won’t be able to go back to normal nails & polish.

and more importantly…