February 4, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am excited for my third year as Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. In addition to loving their products, I have never met such an enthusiastic and supportive bunch of women. If you’re not an ambassador yet, you should apply next year!!

ambsearch-image

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that at the moment I am running a hilly 4 mile race about an hour from my home. I probably should have skipped it and done my long run with Judy instead tomorrow.

fb09c6aa-77b9-4de8-a250-633196d0de29

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that to take my mind off the cold, I am planning my outfit for my March 5 half marathon in Florida. Cold or not, I am wearing a new skirt and new hat!!

: from Skirt Sports, of course

: Brooks

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to motivate myself to work out. So far, it is not working. So I am putting it on my calendar for one of my rest days. There are three each week. I am going to the gym TOMORROW!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I will be sad when our FREE races are over. Now I need to look for long run partners, places to run and food to eat post-race.

only ONE more left

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that it is Declare It Day and I declared…

2-4-17

For more info on this, go to: http://fellowflowers.com/declareitday/how-to-declare/

I have registered for FOUR half marathons already. Still need one more in the late fall. Hoping for a #holottafun girls weekend again.

love Sarasota so this one looks tempting.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

January 7, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – January

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m over my Starbucks addiction. Well, not quite but it’s cold and I haven’t been walking much at lunch. Instead, I just use the Keurig at work to get my fix. No stars, though 😦

my shelf at work

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am enjoying not stressing out about long runs. With my half marathon being March 5, I don’t have to run double digits until February. Yay!

6 is the max that I run on these cold weekends

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel lucky that we do have local races and that they are free. You know how I much I love to race. There’s a 10k next weekend.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the ice and snow limits my places to run. I am getting bored. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone shoveled all the bike paths so I don’t have to run in circles around UAlbany.

this loop is getting old

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I already registered for 3 destination Half Marathons for 2017 – Florida, NYC & Corning. The last two will be with other runners. I ran 7 halfs in 2016. So I am still looking for at least 2 more. Any suggestions?

wine + 13.1 = fun girls weekend

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel a little guilty that I’ve haven’t set any goals or resolutions for 2017. It’s not that it is depressing when I don’t meet or keep them. It’s just that I never look at them until the end of the year. So why bother?

But if I had to, it would be to:

lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water, work out, do planks, go to a yoga class, stretch after running, clean out my closets, read more books, spend less time on phone/computer.

There you go. Those are things that I will probably ignore until the end of the year. LOL

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

January 1, 2017 by Darlene

Looking Ahead to 2017

In 2016, I did not have any GOALS. No yearly goals. No monthly or weekly goals. Not even any race goals.

But I still had hopes and dreams and those morphed into thinking about speed. I often whined about my finish times and lamented that I could have done better in many of the races where I didn’t PR.

But in truth, I am not one of those runners who thinks that “they have a faster race in them.” I really have NO IDEA. I may. I may not. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try. And I will give each race my best efforts.

It means that I don’t want to obsess about it. I don’t want to be disappointed with my speed. It is what it is. I am neither fast nor slow. I am a MIDDLE OF THE PACKER (MOTP).

In 2017, I want to enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one. I mean running is a gift, right?

We take it for granted until we can’t.

I want to run as long as possible and even when I am a “back of the packer.”

just switch the gender… and this would be me and my hbby

So again I am going to pick ONE word.

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:

Las year, I picked:

This year, I am choosing the word:

I wanted to choose stress-free but it is actually TWO words.

Why did I choose “Relax?

2016 was a stressful year. I was unemployed for 12 weeks and wondered during that time how we would be able to pay our bills.

Then I did get a job, but it is the most stressful job I’ve ever had. Lots to learn and eventually, a lot of travel. Not what I enjoy but it is a job. Could be worse (I think).

truth??

Running can and should be relaxing.

But not when you put pressure on yourself to be fast.

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 RELAXING and enjoy our runs.

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.
Run more with others (and not only chat about our finish times & PRs!!)
Leave that watch home!

I should add that this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to get faster. I do. I will try to. I hope I will. Who knows I may even do some drills… Go to the gym? Get a coach????

But what I am saying is that if I don’t finish a race with the time that I’d like, I won’t get down on myself. If I have a bad race, I will just sign up for another.

Image result for OM and relax

I am also I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Do you have any goals for 2017? Do you put pressure on yourself to get faster?

October 18, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: 2016 Goals

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: Remaining Goals for 2016

Well, for the first time in my running career, I didn’t set any goals.

I just listed some hopes (and dreams) for 2016:

To improve my running

I believe that I am a stronger and more confident runner. I have run a lot of races both long and short. And I have even attempted new ones and some hilly ones. Plus, I achieved a half marathon PR (bear with me if I keep repeating this…)

the hilliest course I’ve ever run

What is left is to have more quality training runs. Fewer garbage miles – you know the ones where you just walk/run/take photos and get it done. And to continue running well in races – not necessarily PRs but just decent finish times.

10k PR??

To run with others

I have improved in this department too. I ran with the Freihofer Training group in the spring and signed up with the Turkey Trot group recently. With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. Alyssa has become my new weekly partner. I am lucky that Barbara has continued to accept my invitations.

In the future, when there are no training groups, I should look for other opportunities to run with others such as Fleet Feet, ARE, etc.

To volunteer and give back

I volunteered with GOTR last spring and again, it failed to offer any satisfaction. But running with the STEM clients is one that is so rewarding that I plan to volunteer with them each season.

I get to do this again on Nov 19.

My special needs buddy is still awesome. I need to post more often on FB to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often. I’ve been delinquent there.

I haven’t seen them since May but I am planning a day together this Sat. It’s tough because she works on Sundays and some Saturdays.

To eat healthier

I am still addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I need to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. I do eat a banana almost every day and an apple for an evening snack. But the problem is when I am out of the house NO SELF CONTROL!

And I rarely drink any water. I use the water bottle on my desk to water my plants My Bad!!

To get physically on track

I still do not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

the last time I went to the gym was in July

I walked more during my last job because I had more time and a walking buddy. I also had started going to the gym but I need to resume that.

To spend quality time with family and friends

Rather than skipping a run, I have been squeezing them in but there will be skipping involved soon. And I realize that it’s ok. Running is important but not more important than those I care about.

a run before cocktails

Happy Running! Any more goals for 2016 that you are still working on?

May 1, 2016 by Darlene

April Recap

I can’t believe April is over already… Time is flying by!!

So here’s how things went:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.

Long Runs:

There were a few races with extra miles added on. Then I ran a half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

: 5 mile race + 6 = 11 miles

: 5K + 3 + 6 = 12 miles

: 11 miles

Total Mileage:

100 miles this month!

april16

I was pleased that my mileage is back up because next month, there will be a lot fewer miles run.

Races:

I ran FOUR races this month – a 5 miler, a 5K, a half marathon and a 10K.

: Bacon Hill Bonanza – 27:44 – 1st in my AG

: Lake George Half- 2:16:56 – 2nd in my AG

: Spring Run Off 10K

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for. The 10K was the week after the half.

Cross Training:

I had taken a few weeks off from tennis to heal my sore elbow. I started back playing once a week and now it feels FINE!! Yay!!

happy to back on the court with my friends – played 3 times this month.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I said that last month and the month before!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.

My Starbucks addiction continues!!

I did not go to the gym at all. My elbow is healed so I have NO excuses…just lazy (or have other priorities).

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I ran 4 times with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. We started out the month with snow, then there was rain and we ended with sunshine. I enjoy running with my “advanced” group friends and coach Patrick. He has had us running 400m intervals. These are tough for me because they often come on the day after a long run.

I’ve also started my volunteering with STEM. These year’s group is so enthusiastic. It makes it even more fun. I am paired up with a lady who is very speedy, as well. No goofing off here.

The place where I work participated in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I changed my original goal of completing 100 miles to 300. And I did it!!!!

MMM_VertLogo_2016_forweb_copy

I’m reading a new book that I am enjoying.

I finally got together with my mentee and her 2 sons. I hadn’t seen them in months. We went to the Firefigher’s Museum and had a blast.

After missing a monthly gathering with my tennis friends, we did get together this month.

lots of laughs and we did solve the mystery.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am not training for my next half marathon in May. It’s another hilly but scenic course. I am looking forward to spending time with AJH and visiting the Burlington VT area again.

May 29, 2016

I have been busy signing up for spring races. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-03-16 – practice GOTR 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day Against Domestic Violence 5k
5-14-16 – Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay
6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-12-16 – Run for Help 5k (for STEM)
6-26-16 – Adirondack Distance Run 10m

And May is my favorite month!!!

Flowers are in bloom and it’s my birthday and I go on vacation!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!

you’ll see a lot of my runs here

May 9 = annual b-day out with a former co-worker

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a week of tennis in the Fla. sunshine

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did your April turn out? Anything exciting planned for May?

April 19, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Goals Update

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is “How are your 2016 goals coming along?“

Well, in case you don’t remember, 2016 is my year of NO GOALS!!

Instead of GOALS, I wrote about Hopes and Dreams:

I hope to…

To improve my running

For me, it’s to get stronger and be a more confident runner. To have more quality training runs. To maintain my current speed and if I am very lucky PR at some distance. To run lots of races (both long ones and short ones.)

It’s still early in the year and we are our own worst critic so it’s hard to say whether or not, my running has improved.

I’ve run 10 races – three of which were half marathons.

I’ve won three age group awards and 2 of my 5ks under 28 minutes. There were no PRs but no real disappointing races.

To run with others

With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. I often shy away from running groups (like Fleet Feet, ARE, etc) because I feel that I am too slow. I hope to take advantage of more group running opportunities.

I have made good progress here. I have run several long runs with Judy. I have also run with Barbara and Denise.

I recently joined the Freihofer Training Challenge (advanced group) for the 2nd time.

To volunteer and give back

I had great experiences with this in 2015 and I hope to continue with STEM, GOTR and any others opportunities that present itself. My specials needs buddy is awesome. I hope to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often.

I am again volunteering with the STEM training group. I am also a GOTR buddy.

I haven’t spent as much time with Amanda as I would have liked (due to her work schedule.)

spent last Saturday with them 🙂

I dedicate all my runs to JA but only post once a week and have a few tee shirts to mail to him.

he just turned 12!!

To eat healthier

I am addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.

There’s a lot of room for improvement here.

too many of these!

To get physically on track

I may not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

Hmmm…

Well, I have been going for a walk everyday. But that’s it – no gym, no yoga, no exercises…

To spend quality time with family and friends

Running is important but not more important than those I care about. Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.

I do spend time with my friends. I walk in the mall with my BFF every other week. I also go out with my tennis friends and work friends once a month.

My hubby has started playing tennis several times a week but we try to fit in dinner out once week. Soon we will be spending a lot of time together on our boat.

There are a few things that I HOPE to work on the next few months.

Happy Running! Did you make goals? Is so, how are they coming along?

January 5, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: 2016 – The Year of No Goals

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is GOALS FOR 2016.

What NO GOALS!!

Who me?

The person who has individual race goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and yearly goals.

Well, no more! You will no longer see that G word.

Goals are like checking off a to-do list.

Yes, I did it.

No, I did not.

It really doesn’t change you.

I want to impact lifestyle changes and setting goals, I don’t think will help me.

I don’t even think about my goals until at the end of week or the month or the year when I write about how I achieved some and failed at others.

I also want this blog to be less about me and more about running.

Of course, I will recap my races, my week, my month, etc.

Hopefully by posting about my running experiences (both successes and failures), I will motivate other runners (especially us older ones) to run and keep running.

That being said, I do have hopes and dreams (not goals) for 2016:

I hope to…

To improve my running

To run with others

To volunteer and give back

To eat healthier

I am addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.

To get physically on track

To spend quality time with family and friends

Running is important but not more important than those I care about. Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.

Happy Running! Are you goal setter? What do you hope for in 2016?

December 31, 2015 by Darlene

TOLT & Goals for 2015, An Update Report

GOALS
FOR

So how did I do on my 15 goals for this year??

1. Do not get injured.

No major injuries just some nagging foot issues early in the year.

ouchy!

2. Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.

Yes, I ran mostly 3 times a week after work (only occasionally before) and once longer on the weekends.

before work in the warmer weather

at the Crossings

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.

I played tennis once a week indoors (except in the summer when I played outside and it seem to rain often on Tuesdays.) I didn’t do much yoga until recently when I went a class 2x in November and 2x in December

4. Do some upper body exercises.

I’ve done planks every now and then. Not often enough. I rarely went to the gym.

went a few times in July

5. Finish all of my races under 10 minutes per mile (except half marathons)
Yes, I finished almost all of my shorter races under 10m/m except for a 15k, a 10 miler and one 5k.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 8:59
Bacon Hill 5K – 9:00
Apple Run 5k – 9:01
Winter Wonderland 5k – 9:05
Delmar Dash 5m – 9:09
Dash to the Finish 5k – 9:10
Malta 5k – 9:11
Team Sarcoma 5k – 9:12
Silks n Satins 5k – 9:13
Shamrock Shuffle 5m – 9:17
Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 9:21
Spring Run Off 10k – 9:22
Polar Cap 4m – 9:24
Albany Law Day 5k – 9:25
Mastodon Challenge 5k – 9:25
Freihofer Run for Women 5k – 9:27
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
ARC Challenge 5k – 9:28
Care 4 Kids 5k – 9:28
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K – 9:32
Troy Turkey Trot 10K – 9:34
Albany Last Run 5k – 9:37
Helper’s Fund 10K – 9:40
Stockade-athon 15K – 9:44
Trout 10K – 9:45
Mother’s Day 5K – 9:45
HMRRC Winter Series #3 10K – 9:48
West Palm HM – 9:52
Turkey Trot 5k – 10:08
HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K – 10:08
HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10m – 10:16
Hangover Half – 10:29
Asbury Park HM – 10:37
RNR Brooklyn HM – 11:03
VCM Relay – 11:05
Walkway HM – 11:08
EAU Palm Beach HM – 11:21

6. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.

Yes. I ran 38 races this year, the most since I started running

January – 4

February – 2
March – 3
April – 3
May – 6

June – 2
July -2
August – 3
September – 2
October – 4
November – 4
December – 3

: 2015

: Fishy Frolic 10K

: 2nd

: Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

: Stockeade-athon 15K

: Troy Turkey Trot 10K

7. Run a race in another state.

Yes. I ran in Florida twice, (almost California), New Jersey and Vermont.

West Palm Beach Half in FL

Asbury Park Half in NJ

VCM Relay in VT

EAU Palm Beach Half in Fla.

8. Run in NYC.
Yes!! And I crossed the NYC Marathon finish line.

Dash to the Finish 5K

9. Get several Age Group awards.

Yes. I won 15 AG awards – one of the perks of being OLD. My favorite bling was the bridge & the pie.

: West Palm – Jan 2015

: 2015

: 3rd

: 1st

: 2015 – 27:56

: 1st

: 3rd

: 3rd

: 3rd

: 2nd

: 1st

: 2nd

: 2015 – 59:19

10. PR in a half marathon.

Yes. This was the hardest and the most rewarding!!!!

West Palm Beach Half – 2:09:40

11. PR at another distance.

Yes. I had my fastest times for 4 mile, 5 mile and 15K.

Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 37:27

Delmar Dash 5m – 45:26

Stockadeathon 15k – 1:31:35

12. Join a running group or two.

Yes. I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge and the Troy Turkey Trot Challenge. I enjoyed training with the other runners in both.

13. Volunteer.

Yes. I was a course marshall at the frigid HMRRC Winter Series Marathon. I was a GOTR running buddy in the spring & I coached a runner in the STEM program in the fall. Running has given me so much. It is important to give back.

14. Run over 900 miles.

Yes! This year I ran 969 miles – the most I’ve ever run. Maybe next year, it’ll be 1000??

2015

15. Continue to blog almost everyday.

Yes. I enjoy sharing my running adventures and love my virtual running friends.

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

Happy Running! Did you set goals for this year? If so, how did you do? What are thinking about today?

November 1, 2015 by Darlene

October Recap & Runfessions

OCTOBER 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

on the new rail trail

Continue the long runs on the weekend. YES!

But not as long since I was tapering and then just beginning to train for next one.

10/3 – 9.2 miles

10/17 – 6.2 miles (10K race)

10/25 – 7 miles

109/31 – 5 miles post 5K race

Run a 5k race under 29 minutes. YES

It wasn’t a PR but it was faster than my last few 5ks.

28:01

I just ran this one for fun and it was.

28:59 (28:37 – Garmin time)

Run a 10K race under 60 minutes. YES!

59:19 – 3rd in AG

Finish a half marathon under 2:25:00 NOPE! But close.

2:25:47 – stupid lower back pain

Do some yoga. NO! 😦
Start doing planks again. Not really. 😦
Continue running with a group. YES!

every Monday (I skip the Saturday runs though)

Walk 70,000 steps each week. YES!

Oct 10 – new record high

My FitBit has motivated me to take the stairs at work and walk at lunch most days.

park is beautiful this time of year

Pick a spring half marathon. NO!

But I did register for another winter one (EAU Palm Beach on Dec 6).

I registered for NYC on March 20 but I don’t know if I’ll get in.

I will also try to get into Brooklyn on May 14 (registration doesn’t open until Jan) as well as VCM (if AJH wants to run the relay again.)

Run at least 85 miles. Nope! But close.

Start a knitting project. Nope not yet.

What else?

Went to NYC with my tennis friends.

We walked the High Line and saw the Carole King musical Beautiful.

Had a nice time touring Brooklyn before and after my race.

I walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and visited Prospect Park on Saturday.

After the race, I spent the afternoon on Coney Island.

Volunteered with the STEM program again.

I run with Kelly after work on Wednesdays. She is going to do great in her first 5K.

Spectated at a Duathlon.

I was my 4th time watching AJH compete in this race and I enjoyed it. If it were warmer, I would have enjoyed it even more 🙂

Walked over the Walkway Bridge with my college BFF.

After meeting at the Clark Institute in September, we decided to get together more often. Unfortunately, my other college friend fell and broke her ribs & collar bone biking and couldn’t come. I’m glad we chose to walk instead of bike. The day turned out great.

Saw my Mentee’s son.

We went to Ellms Family Farm which has become an annual fall tradition for us. (Unfortunately his mom had to work.)

Ran a race in NYC…finally!

Dash to the Finish 5k

It started at the UN and 3.1 miles later, I crossed the NYC Marathon finish line. What a great experience.

Took a Food Tour of Little Italy the day before the race.

And got to run around Central Park on a beautiful fall day after the race.

November Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue long runs on the weekend.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Run a 15K race under 1:35.
Start going to the gym once a week.
Do those planks!
Continue running with a group.
Walk 70,000 steps each week.
Run at least 80 miles.

This month I’m linking up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

I think I may have to make these yearly Runfessions rather monthly because they repeat.

I runfess..,.

I am still in weight la la land. I have no idea how much I weigh since my scale STILL has no battery.

I runfess…

I have not gone to the gym or signed up for a yoga class.

I want to but things get in the way (mostly running.)

I runfess…

I have only run once with my STEM client (victim of Domestic violence.) She has cancelled and I haven’t been able to reschedule . Each time, I am secretly happy because that means I can run on my own nearby.

I hope it works out for the next few Wednesdays because she is very sweet and a good runner.

I runfess…

On my training group runs, I walk up the hills and I do not run fast on the speed drills.

I am either too tired after work or did my long run the day before. I better get it together or my Turkey Trot 10k will suck.

I runfess…

I love taking pictures when I run. This means that I stop and walk … A LOT. I should leave my phone home but fall is so pretty.

I runfess…

My fitbit excitement is wearing off already (after one month.)

I am sitting more at work and now it doesn’t bother me when I don’t hit 10,000 steps.

I runfess…

I don’t drink anything caffeinated. I drink herbal tea in the morning. But I think I use sweets for energy.

Yup, cider donuts, pumpkin poptarts, etc … If I am tired, I eat.

I runfess..

I jump into things without thinking them through.

So I signed up for a half marathon on Dec 6 in Florida. It’s on a Sunday and I arrive on Friday. Though I have friends to stay with on Friday & on Sunday, it’s going to be inconvenient. The Race is in West Palm, one lives 1/2 hour north and one lives 1/2 hour south. Last time, I arrived the day before the race and stayed for a few days after. It worked out well but this time, I was afraid of transportation snafus.

Happy Running! How was your October? Anything interesting planned for November? Do you have something to Runfess?

October 15, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: So It Wasn’t Just Me, Over Analyzing My Recent Half in Brooklyn & My Next Race

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

About my last race. Don’t you always do that after a race that didn’t go well?

So it wasn’t just me!

Wow if you read FB, you’ll see what I mean:

Worst and most unorganized 1/2 marathon I have ever participated in Rock N Roll or otherwise.
the race started 30 minutes late. which was great. ONLY because it gave me 30 extra minutes to stand in line for one of the 20 bathrooms available in the corrals. seriously. 20. for 20,000 people? waited in line for the toilets for well over an hour. and for a race that calls itself rock and roll – the amount of music on the course was disappointing. because there was NO music on the course. the route itself was okay, but not nearly as much fun as the brooklyn half.
all in all. poor organization, lack of toilets and the absence of music will more than likely keep me away. for $100 i was expecting better.
Sucked
I also felt it was badly organized and very uneventful. Not enough bathrooms, boring route, a mess at the corrals.
The race seemed badly organized. The expo was extremely disappointing. My timing was very off I waited almost 40 minutes to start and my time reflects it?? Our parking was cancelled the day before despite the fact that we had purchased it weeks in advance.
This race started off on a bad foot when Thursday night my parking was cancelled even though it was booked weeks ago. I was told they oversold spots by 250. How does that even happen!? This race started off late and was so over crowded with little direction, next to no signage and what 20 potties at the start?! For the money, I highly doubt I will ever do another RNR race.
Don’t judge all RnRs by this one. I have done dozens and this one was by far THE worst and most unorganized race I have attended. This race series has been around long enough, and in so many places there is no excuse for the chaos and lack of a good race that happened today.
I can say without a doubt that from expo to finish, this race had more problems and the poorest runner support that I ever hope to encounter…

You get the picture… I hope they improve things for next year but I won’t be back.

So here’s my take on the weekend:

The Good:

Before and after the race (I got to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and spend time in Coney Island)
Had a successful AirBnB experience
Got to practice my French
No transportation problems (subways, buses and cabs, all on time)
Never got lost (and my first time in Brooklyn)
GREAT WEATHER
Packed appropriately and light enough to carry my bag
Met lots of nice and interesting people
There was a lot of crowd support and saw lots of funny signs.
I didn’t need the restroom before or during the race.
The park was nice to run through at the end.
It was pretty flat (until the end)
lots of water on the course
GU at 2 or 3 water stops
No blisters!
No injuries (back pain went away)
Finished strong after almost quitting (due to pain)
I completed my 15th half marathon
It wasn’t my slowest (#8 out of 15)
met a former student after the race

The Bad:

disappointing expo
not enough porta potties before the race
too much walking before I even started the race
the race started late
LOWER BACK PAIN
mentally giving up once I couldn’t finish at goal time.
No music on the course (It is a Roll N Roll event, right?)
mile markers were off (sometimes my Garmin beeped very early and sometimes very late)
long hill at mile 12
Not enough photographers (Not that I would but the photos but I only had 2 taken in the same stop and none crossing the finish line)
Pathetic refreshments (not even bagels – it’s NYC!)
would have been more fun sharing this race experience with someone else (first race not staying with a friend or meeting a friend at the race)

What wouldn’t I do differently:

long training runs – I think I completed the distances (6 through 12 miles) and prepared as well as I did for my 2:09 finish
5k & 10k races during training – I enjoy racing too much to give it up
staying in an AirBnB – it worked out and I didn’t spend a lot of money on a hotel room where I would have spent little time
lots of walking the day before – it may have been dumb but I wanted to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (no one wants to do that with potentially blistered feet)
racing attire – just perfect – I wasn’t hot or cold during the race

What maybe I should have done differently:

take a train rather than a bus to NYC – it bothered my back but the cost was $80 vs $10 (Nah, I would take the bus again!)
get rid of my bag rather than carrying it – this may have hurt my back but the logistics didn’t work out to do so
eat more the day before – I wasn’t hungry and it wasn’t convenient but I usually have pasta or pizza and I had neither.
run at a faster pace the first half of the race – It has worked for me in the past
not walk every mile – usually water stops are spaced out more and it wasn’t warm so I didn’t really need to walk
not wear Hokas – I have never raced in them though I have worn them to train which isn’t the same
run with the pacer – I didn’t want to start that far back but I think it would have helped.
have a more realistic goal- maybe I can’t run any faster (at my age)

There you have it.

One never knows what will happen on race day. I don’t regret running this race (though maybe I should have waited until next year to run this particular race?)

I did go to my Turkey Trot training group run on Monday night. No back pain. My legs were fine. No residual effects at all.

I have another race this Saturday – a 10K. I ran it last year (when I was speedier) and finished this hilly course in the rain at 58:28 (But I think they changed the course again.)

last year

I would feel good if I had a strong race (maybe under 60 minutes!!)

Happy Running! Do you over analyze each race, especially when you don’t meet your goal? Do you hesitate to run inaugural races? What are you thinking about today?