April 15, 2015 by Darlene

Half Marathon #12

In case you are a new reader of my blog, here is a summary of my previous 11 half marathons:

1. My first and BEST was the Naples Half Marathon in January of 2011. My goal was just to finish and I did in 2:28:27 (gun time, no chip timing).

2. I immediately registered for the 1st annual Lake George Half Marathon in April of that year. Unfortunately, I had to run in sleet & freezing rain for 13.1 miles & without my Garmin. My time was 2:22:39 (gun time, no chip timing) and a PR until this year.

3. Out with strained Achilles for 6 weeks during the summer of 2011 delayed my training for the Adirondack Half Marathon (so I walked the 2nd half of the race.) I finished in 2:44:59. It was still fun because I was running it with lots of friends.

I see the finish line!

4. Again impulsively, I decided to sign up for the inaugural Fall Foliage Half Marathon as a training run. This was my hilliest half but I finished in 2:32:50.

my 4th Half Marathon 10-23-11

5. My goal race of that year was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon that I was running with a friend in California. This time it only poured for half the race and I finished with a disappointing 2:30:12.

After 5 half marathons in 2011, there were NONE in 2012.

6. My next Half Marathon, the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla came in 2013 16 months after serious ankle surgery and 5 months after a foot stress fracture. I was just glad to be running again. The course was beautiful, my friends were waiting at the end and I was happy with my 2:33:59 time.

7. The Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon in the fall of 2013 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would have liked, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” So I did in 2:24:14. I enjoyed it since it was my first half where I slept in my own bed the night before.

Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon

8. For the Love Run Half Marathon in the Spring of 2014, I was injury-free for the whole training but I trained during an awfully cold, snowy winter. Despite running in monsoon rains, I managed to PR at 2:22:35. I made new running friends and we had fun during our weekend in “wet” Philly.

loverun

9. Last summer, after running a 10 mile race, I impulsively registered for the Saratoga Springs Half Marathon. This taught me to never run one in the summer. It was very humid & I felt sick so I struggled to a 2:26:00 finish.

sshm4b

10. Impromptu and free. I registered for the Hangover Half Marathon and ran it as a training run on a cold, windy, lonely, boring course. And it was my fastest at 2:18:33. Go figure?

hangover-059

11. Training in frigid temps and running in Florida I thought would give me problems but the stars were aligned and I had the BEST.HALF.EVER in West Palm Beach. Beautiful weather, awesome scenery, a big PR and age group win. I sprinted to a 2:09:40 finish.

race_697_photo_14838692

Now for #12. This winter was the coldest I’ve ever run in…sub-zero day after sub-zero day. Not ideal for training in addition to quite a few short March races and a trip to California which interfered with my long runs.

Nevertheless, I am super excited for this race.

here we are in October when I visited her for a race..

I will be visiting my college buddy, Andrea who lives about an hour north. (This time unfortunately she will have just had shoulder surgery so it won’t the best time to visit.)

The Daily Burn, an online fitness training web site just named the best half marathons across the country. In New Jersey that designation goes to the Asbury Park Half Marathon.

According to Emily Faherty, the article’s author describing the Asbury Park Half, “This flat and fast race is in the land of Bruce Springsteen, with local icon Tillie as its funny-faced mascot. You’ll run through the small area beach towns, along the historic boardwalk and finish with the “RunAPalooza” post-race party.”

view during most of the race

This race should be scenic and a good time. Fingers crossed for NO rain!

Here are my lofty goals:

Goals:

A. PR (finish under 2:09:40)

B. Win an Age Group Award

C. Finish Faster than my previous PR (under 2:18:33 )

D. Finish under 2 1/2 hours

E. Finish happy & uninjured 🙂 and wearing this medal:

And what will I wear?

SkirtSports skirt, the top will either be a tank, short or long sleeve (depending on the temps), procompression socks, Mizuno shoes

Happy Running! Anyone else running this race?

February 12, 2015 by Darlene

One Word Resolution for 2015

The My One Word approach is popular every year.

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.

Last year was the first time that I tried it.

My word for 2014 was:

What is Acceptance?

Acceptance is “a person’s assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change it, protest, or exit.”

Why did I choose Acceptance?

I think on the whole that I am too critical of myself. My expectations of others are too high. I focus too much on the negative. I get disappointed and/or hurt too easily.

How will I focus on my word?

Accept my weaknesses. I may not be the fastest runner, best tennis player or most flexible yogi. I am me.
Accept that other have different priorities than I do. Do not try to change them.
Accept the good with the bad. Not every run or tennis match will be a good one. Not everything I attempt will turn out well.
Accept my family, financial and work situations. They may not be the best but they could be a lot worse.
Accept that sometimes your best effort is not enough.
Accept that life is flawed and so are people.
Accept failures. But don’t give up. Try again.

This year, I am doing One Word again and have chosen:

What is Believe?

Believe is “to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.”

on my shoe before my most recent half marathon

Why did I choose Believe?

I need to have more confidence in myself… in my job, my relationships, my successes. Especially in running, 90% of your results are mental. Believing in your abilities is very important.

How will I focus on my word?

Believe that I am good at what I do.
Believe that I can achieve things.
Believe that obstacles can be overcome.
Believe that age will not necessarily slow me down.
Believe that I can do yoga even if I am not flexible.
Believe that I can play tennis.
Believe that I can balance work, relationships and social activities.
Believe that I can eat healthy and maintain my weight.

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose?

(Don’t forget to enter my Runner’s Choice giveaway HERE.)

January 6, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Goals for 2015

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:

GOALS
FOR

So here are my 15:

Do not get injured.
Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.
Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.
Do some upper body exercises.
Finish all of my races under 10 minutes per mile (except half marathons)
Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.
Run a race in another state.
Run in NYC.
Get several Age Group awards.
PR in a half marathon.
PR at another distance.
Join a running group or two.
Volunteer.
Run over 900 miles.
Continue to blog almost everyday.

I think my goals are pretty conservative. I think they are ALL achievable.

The toughest will be #10 & #11. The most important will be #1. If #1 happens, then #6 and #14 can follow.

Happy Running. Happy New Year! What is your biggest goal for 2015?

January 2, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Blogging or Fitness Resolutions/Goals

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 Blogging or Fitness Resolutions/Goals.

I will post in a few days all my 2015 goals but here are FIVE:

1. Walk Everyday

I used to be really good about this. A co-worker and I walked everyday at 11 am. Then it got cold. It’s not as much fun to walk indoors. Then it got busy at work. My co-worker still walked but I slacked off.

2. Exercise

I am good at getting out to run at least 3 times each week and playing tennis once a week. But that’s it. I have weights and a free gym where I can use the machines. I also can do yoga at home. There are so many video programs. My upper body needs help!

3. Eat Fewer Sweets

It’s no secret that I have a sweet tooth and prefer desserts to a meal.

I need to get more of this when I am hungry:

and less of these:

christmas cookie exchange at work

4. Do Speed Drills or Hill Repeats

When I was part of a running group, I had no choice but to do the drills. I plan to join again in March but on my own. They don’t happen.

5. Be more positive and confident.

In work, life and running, I do not always believe in myself. In 2015,I will try to be more optimistic. I will accept my flaws but not dwell on them. In other words, a happier 2015. Of course, let the PRs keep coming!!

Runners World 5K

Happy Running! What are some of your resolutions?

December 28, 2014 by Darlene

2014 was a good year

report-card1 Yes, it was a very good year:

ZERO injuries
5 PRs
many races including three 10 mile races, four 10k races, two half marathons, three 15k races, fifteen 5k races and more…

So let’s take a closer look at my 2014 goals…

1. Do not get injured. No injuries, YAY!

happy legs

happy feet

happy body

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

in the freezing cold

in the spring

during my vacation

in the summer

in the fall

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week and upper body & core strength exercises (planks & weights). Tennis YES, Yoga Rarely, Planks & Weights SO SO, Gym occasionally starting in October.

my instructor returned from maternity leave on May 7 and then went out on leave for lyme disease in July…

when I can remember to use them

indoors except the summer

4. Finish all races (except 15ks & half marathons) at under 10 min. per mile pace. Almost all. Even a few under 9 min!!!

: 5k – 30:10

: 4 miler – 38:07

: 5 miler – 48:14

: 4 miler – 38:06

: 5k – 28:56

: 5K – 27:51

: 10k – 1:00:52

: 5K – 28:14

: 5K – 28:51

: 2014

: short 5k (2.25 m) – 20:19

: 5k – 30:47

: 5k – 28:25

: 2016 – – 28:47

: 5k – 28:16

: 5k – 27:11 – PR (Sept. 2014)

: 5K – 27:47

: 5K – 27:46

: 10K – 58:28

: 10K – 57:03 – PR

: 5K – 58:16

: 5k:29:02

5. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year. Yes! 33 races.

: HMRRC 15K – January

: Polar Cap – February

: Runnin of the Green 2014

: 3rd

: Betar Byway – June

: Turning Point – July

: Camp Chingachgook – August

: Run for the Roc – September

: Apple Run 2014

: Stockadeathon – November

: Albany Last Run – December

6. Run a race in another state or even a NEW state. Yes in FOUR states! Mayor’s Wellness 10 miler in CA, Lighthouse 5k in FL, the Love Run Half in PA and the Perfect 10 Miler in NJ (which is a NEW state).

Lighthouse 5K in FL.

7. Run at least 10 NEW races. Yes. 20!- Mayor’s Wellness 10m, HMRRC Winter Series #3 15K, Lighthouse 5k, Love Run, Bacon Hill 5k, Rabbit Ramble 4m, Cherry Blossom 5k, Spring Run off 10k, Mom’s 5K, Betar Byway 5K, Strawberry Fest 5K, Adirondack Distance Run, Saratoga Half Marathon, Turning Point 5K, Run for the Roc 5K, Apple Run 5K, Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K , Perfect 10 Miler, Troy Turkey Trot 10k, HMRRC#1 15K

first annual Love Run

Bacon Hill 5k

Spring Run Off 10K

Strawberry Fest 5K

Saratoga Half Marathon

Run for the Roc 5K

Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

Troy Turkey Trot 10K

8. Run in NYC. Yes! Not a race but I ran there.

9. Get an Age Group award. Yes! 18 of them – 3rd at Mayor’s Wellness, 1st at Lighthouse 5K, 1st at Bacon Hill 5k, 2nd at Rabbit Ramble 4m, 2nd at Cherry Blossom 5k, 3rd at Spring Run Off 10K, 1st at Mom’s Day 5k, 1st at Betar Byway 5K, 1st at Strawberry Fest 5K, 2nd at Saratoga HM, 3rd at Turning Pt 5K, 2nd at Jailhouse Rock 5k, 3rd at Malta 5k, 2nd at Run for the Roc 5k, 1st at Apple Run 5K, 1st at Falling Leaves 5K, 1st at Run off that Turkey 5K, 3rd at Albany Last Run 5K

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

Cherry Blossom5k

Mom’s Day 5K

Spring Run Off 10K

Betar Byway 5K

10464192_905772132782587_8976828319425984868_n

Strawberry fest 5K

Turning Point 5k

Malta 5k

10. Run a 10 mile race. Yes! 3 – Mayor’s Wellness 10m, Adirondack Distance Run and Perfect 10 Miler.

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

Adirondack Distance Run

10 miler - 1:38:45

11. Run at least one half marathon. Yes! 2 – The Love Run and Saratoga Half Marathon

Saratoga Half

12. PR in a half marathon. Yes! at the Love Run.

4 sec PR

13. Run over 800 miles. Yes! Over 900 miles!

most miles ever

14. Continue to blog almost everyday. Yes!

Goal added for the second half of the year:

PR in a 5K. Yes!

Run for the Roc – 19 sec PR over 2011 PR

Achievements that weren’t goals:

PR in a 10K

Troy Turkey Trot

PR in a 10 mile race

Perfect 10 miler

PR in a 15K

Stockadeathon

Yes, at age 61, I PRed at every distance this year. I’m not getting older, I’m getting better!!

Happy Running! Do you have yearly goals? If so, how did you do this year?

November 30, 2014 by Darlene

November Recap

november

Run 3-4 times each week.YES!

after STEM volunteering

on the track during lunchtime

when the weather is bad

after work

Walk once a day while at work. YES!

indoors when raining or too cold

Participate in Turkey Trot Training Group Runs at least once a week. YES!

Volunteer in the STEM training runs once a week. YES!

Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace (if I run any.) YES!

5K - 58:16

Complete a 10K race. YES! and a PR!

Complete a 15K race. YES! and a PR!

Do long runs on the weekend in preparation for half marathon #10. YES on most weekends!

Run at least 80 miles. YES!

nov14

Go to the gym at least once a week. YES! Most weeks.
Start knitting hat #3 YES! and finished it.

DECEMBER GOALS:

Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.)
Walk once a day while at work.
Run with a group when possible.
Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace.
Complete a 15K race.
Do long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon #10 on January 17.
Run at least 80 miles
Go to the gym at least once a week.
Start back at yoga.
Avoid gaining weight (while attending holiday parties)
Spend time with my mentee

Happy Running! How was your November? Anything special planned for December?

October 23, 2014 by Darlene

My Big Fall Race

October 26, 2014

I have been excited about this race since last March. I ran the Love Run Half Marathon by CGI racing and it was very well organized. So I assumed that this would be a great race, as well and I signed up.

This flat (and fast) course winds you along the waterside, through the shaded woods to thousands of cheering spectators waiting at the boathouse. From rock bands to acapella groups you’ll enjoy every minute (okay maybe not every minute) of the course. Oh did we mention the “Bow Tie” Guys, handsome, bow tied men who lead you out and cheer you home.

bow ties

I also like the 10 mile distance. It is long so you have to train for it but just when you are ready to be done (the last 3.1 miles), you really are.

I coordinated it with a visit to a college friend, Andrea, who lives in NJ…

Andrea is on the left.

and bunch of friends with whom we spent our junior year abroad in Nice, France (41 years ago!!) . We plan to have lunch together in NYC the day before the race.

here we are together 3 years ago

That meant that I had to pay extra to be able to pick up my race packet on race day.

I also have plans for a visit to a boating friend’s for on the way down or back (most likely on the way back.)

10547898_10204310900443717_1651300701651598698_o

Dorothy is on my left (I am in green)

I originally thought that my college friend lived closer to the race than she did. Since the race starts at 8am and I want to be there by 7am, I will have to leave by 5:00am and get up at 4:00am (OUCH!) This is a big race with over 5000 runners and they recommend 45 min to get into the parking lot.

Oh, the things we runners do!!

The weather…

forecast

It looks like at this point it will be in the 50’s and windy.

I am still not sure what to wear. I am leaning toward a short sleeve shirt with a throw away shirt or DIY arm warmers. And of course, my usual skirt and compression socks and cap.

: from 2013 Freihofer’s race

: from runningskirts.com – love the pockets

: procompression’s sock of the month

: New Balance – wore them for my last 10 mile race

As I have mentioned in a previous post, all my 5k races have made it difficult to adequately train to run 10 miles.

But I will do my best.

Supposedly it is a flat course (Don’t they always say that?)

perfect10map

So here are my goals:

A. PR – beat 1:44:39
B. Beat my first 10 miler – 1:49:55
C. Finish under 2 hours
D. Have fun and finish healthy

Ready or not…bring it on!

Happy Running! Have you ever run a 10 mile race?

October 2, 2014 by Darlene

September recap

September Goals:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week. YES!

after work

before work

on the weekend

Do planks. NOPE!
Walk at least once a day at work. YES for the most part!

AM walk

PM walk

Use those 5 lb weights on my desk. NOPE!
Lose those extra lbs. YES, NO, YES, NO, YES! (the yoyo lbs)
Run 5k races under 10 minutes per mile! YES! All 3 of them.

Malta 5k – 28:47

Run for the Roc 5K – 27:11 – PR!!!

Teal Ribbon 5k – 28:16

Start training for October 10 mile race. YES and NO! 2 long runs not 4

Pick a destination Winter or Spring race. YES! Winter.

January 17, 2015

Run at least 70 miles this month. YES! 74.

September 2014

Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy. YES!

What else?

I finished knitting a kid’s hat.

this photo does not have the pompom

I spent another weekend on the Schroon River.

and more time on Lake George.

at the beginning of the month

I started playing tennis indoors – once a week.

I RAN IN NYC!!

I have access to exercise equipment.

october-month-halloween

October Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Walk once a day while at work.
Participate in Turkey Trot Training Group Runs at least once a week.
Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace.
Complete a 10K race
Complete a 10 mile race.
Do long runs on the weekend.
Run at least 75 miles
Go to the gym twice a week.
Finish knitting hat #2
Spend time with my mentee & her sons.

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

September 29, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – walk at work, 3 mile group run
Tuesday – walk at work, ~~rest,~~ 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, rest, hair appt
Friday- ~~walk at work~~, DAY OFF, 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – proctor LSATs, party, rest
Sunday – 5K race + 6 more miles, boating

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, 3 mile group run
Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, walk at work, yoga
Thursday – 3 mile run, walk at work, rest, gym orientation
Friday- walk at work, 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + 6 more miles
Sunday – NYC to see Kinky Boots with the tennis ladies

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

September 16, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Breaking through a mental wall in training

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: Breaking Through a Mental Wall in Training

If you train for a long race, you will hit no doubt hit a wall at some point in your training.

Here’s my advice:

Have a plan and stick to it.

my typical half marathon training plan

I always use a plan. I am not strict about my mileage during the week but I am for the long runs. It gets me through the training. Sometimes, I have to split up my run such as running a 5K and then add extra miles. Sometimes I am so busy that I even split up my runs over two days. But I make sure I get them done. Training doesn’t seem so daunting that way and I know that by doing ALL my long runs I will be able to finish the race.

Do not let bad runs get you down.

Bad runs happen. I think I have more bad ones than good ones. You don’t accomplish anything by dwelling on them. So many things influence your run – time of day, weather, health, what you ate, injuries, etc. So you just move on and remember:

Accept that running is not easy.

I always think that it should get easier and I should be faster by now. But guess what? Running is hard!

Vary your route.

running near the Schroon River

I usually run on the bike trails for my long runs. Even though they are nice, they get boring. This past weekend I ran on a new route and it was energizing. The new scenery took my mind off the miles.

Find a running partner(s).

Heidi & Adrienne, my partners in crime

I usually run alone. I find it easier to fit running into my schedule that way. I could find runners to do long runs on the weekends but most are much faster than I am. When I was training for the Love Run in March, I did several of my long runs with the ladies in the photo above. They were training for their first half. Because they are faster and don’t walk during their runs, it helped me a lot and running with someone else made the miles less painful.

Sign up for a short race.

winning my age group at the Strawberry Fest 5K

When my long runs or training isn’t going well, I run a short race. I am one of those runners who runs better and faster in a race. Races for me are a big motivator. It restores my confidence.