January 2, 2014 by Darlene

2014 Running Goals

14 Goals for 2014:

Do not get injured.
Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.
Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.
Finish most of my 5K races under 30 minutes.
Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.
Run a race in another state or even a NEW state.
Run at least 10 NEW races.
Run in NYC.
Get an Age Group award.
Run a 10 mile race.
Run at least one half marathon.
PR in a half marathon.
Run over 800 miles.
Continue to blog almost everyday.

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

The toughest will be #12. The most important will be #1. If #1 happens, then #3 and #13 can follow.

Happy Running. Happy New Year! What is your biggest goal for 2014?

January 1, 2014 by Darlene

2013 is in the books…

I must say that things were looking up until June 1 and then I broke my foot. I started getting back on track in August and the year ended pretty well.

Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR (use the treadmill when it is too cold or slippery or raining outside)- YES, except for June & July.

even ran 3 times while on vacation in May

Continue fitting in tennis and yoga at least once a week (as cross-training) – YES, until June 1. I started tennis again in Sept. I didn’t start yoga again until late Oct.

Finish my 5K races under 30 minutes and not stress about a PR (though getting one would be super!) – YES. Sure I stressed but finished Ice Breaker, Lake George, Mother’s Day, and Freihofer’s – all under 30 min. Post broken foot, I finished the Malta 5K, Race for the Cure, Delmar Turkey Trot and Stuff the Sleigh under 30. NO PR this year!! (I think my 5K PR days are over.)

Ice breaker 5k – 28:47

Get an Age Group award (in May I will be entering a new AG!!) – YES. 3rd at the Polar Cap 4m, in the correct AG I finished 1st at Lake George 5K and 1st in my new AG at the Mother’s Day 5K, 2nd in the Biggest Loser 5K & Helper’s Fund 10k, and 1st in the Race for Hope 5K, the Monster Scramble 10K and Stuff the Sleigh 5K. Getting older rocks!

Polar Cap 4m – 3rd in 50-59

Lake George 5K – 1st in 50-59

Mother’s Day 5K – 1st in 60-69

Helper’s Fund 10K – 2nd in 60-69

Race for Hope 5K – 1st in 60-69

Monster Scramble 10K – 1st in 60-69

Stuff the Sleigh 5k – 1st in 50+

PR in a 10K race (I have only one injured 10K under my belt.) – YES, both of my 10ks were faster. My PR was at the Helper’s Fund.

Helper’s Fund 10k

Run a 10 mile race (the one from Lake George to Bolton Landing is on my bucket List) – NO (broke my foot). I hope to run my first in January.
Run at least one half marathon (a spring and/or a fall one) – YES, I ran 2 – the Sarasota Half Marathon in March and the Mohawk Hudson in October.

Sarasota Half Marathon 3/17/13

Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon – 10/13/13

Run at least 12 races (one per month, if possible) – YES, 22 total races – at least one per month except for August (when I decided to cautiously recover from my broken foot.)

at least I am smiling! (J. Berkeley photo)

one of 3 April races

one of 3 September races

one of 3 November races

Run a race in another state – YES, I ran in Florida and Vermont.

Florida racing

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

running in Vermont

Run a NEW race (hopefully one in NYC) – YES, 11 out of 22 were new ones – Hmrrc #3 & #5, Sarasota Half, Ice Breaker 5K, Lake George 5K, Mother’s Day 5k, Biggest Loser 5k, Helper’s Fund 10K, Mohawk Hudson Half, Monster Scramble 10K and Stuff the Sleigh 5k. (NYC hopefully next year)

Mother’s Day 5K in Schenectady

The Biggest Loser RunWalk (including a ride on a chair lift)

Listen to my body and slow down when necessary (In other words, do not get injured…) – YES. I broke my foot but I cannot blame overuse on that one.
Continue blogging regularly (to keep track of miles, as a motivator, to meet new runners…) – YES!

So I think I did pretty well during my 10 healthy months.

Happy Running! How was your 2013? Do you set goals?

December 31, 2013 by Darlene

December Rundown

DECEMBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!! YES! At least 3x week!

in the park

in town

in the neighborhood

on the bike path

Do not overdo and listen to my body…Do NOT run if foot pain gets worse. YES! Only ran 1 mile on rest days of the streak and then added my rest days back. Foot pain is much improved.
Attend at least 2 yoga classes! YES! Attended 3 classes!
Walk or run at least 1 mile a day while at work. YES on most days! Thanks to my co-worker Sherri.
Cut back on the sweets and eating out. I doubt it. It is the holiday season!

ate lots of cookies

and desserts

Start knitting again (socks or something else)

working on a pair of socks

Run before work at least once a week. Not often! Too cold!

would you run?

Run a new route. Yes, sorta. I haven’t run this route in 3 years.

in town and around the golf course

Continue to run some of my long runs with others. Nope. Just couldn’t coordinate our days. I usually run on Saturday and they run on Sunday. Definitely plan to do it next month!
Run at least one race. YES!

Continue running longer on the weekends (to train for January 10 miler) YES!

8 miles on the Corning bike trail

Complete the RW Running Streak (run at least 1 mile everyday from Thanksgiving to New Year’s) NO! I decided to quit after 10 days straight.

Run at least 70 miles this month. YES! 86 – my biggest month this year!

I also visited NYC with 2 friends.

I spent some time with my mentee Amanda and her sons. In fact I saw them 3 times this month.

I celebrated quite a few dinners out – 5 birthdays, 2 tennis parties, Christmas & New Year’s Eve. Holy waist line!

tennis friend Suzy’s b-day

former co-worker Cheryl’s b-day

college friend Judy’s b-day

tennis party

I went to see several very enjoyable movies: Philomena, Catching Fire, Book Thief, American Hustle, Saving Mr Banks.

I also read some good books including What Alice Forgot, the Aviator’s Wife, the Orphan Train.

JANUARY GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!!
Do not overdo and listen to my body!
Attend at least 2 yoga classes!
Walk or run at least 1 mile a day while at work.
Cut back on the sweets and eating out now that the holidays are over.
Run before work at least once a week.
Continue to run some of my long runs with others
Complete my first 10 mile race.
Run at least one other race.
Continue running longer on the weekends (to train for January 10 miler and March half marathon)
Run at least 70 miles this month.
Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.

Happy Running! How was your December? Anything exciting planned for January?

December 27, 2013 by Darlene

Winter Miles Challenge 2014

Run with Jess has created the Winter Miles Challenge to help keep us all on track through the toughest 8 weeks of winter (January 6 – March 2) so that we have a successful spring!

All you have to do is pick a goal and then at the end of every week, report back your completed mileage. If you hit your weekly goal, you are entered into the weekly prize drawing.

These are the goals:

Beginner: 10 miles each week

Intermediate: 20 miles each week

Trainer: 30 miles each week

Advanced: 40 miles each week

Ultra: 50 miles each week

Every week that you hit your mileage goal, you earn one entry into that week’s prize drawing sponsored by these great companies…

Week 1 (Jan.6-12) – YakTrax
Week 2 (Jan.13-19) – ProCompression Socks
Week 3 (Jan.20-26) – Milestones Jewelry & Apparel
Week 4 (Jan.27-Feb.2) – Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Bonus week! There is an opportunity to earn TWO entries into the prize drawing)
Week 5 (Feb.3-9) – Fitsok Socks
Week 6 (Feb.10-16) – FlapJacked Protein Pancakes
Week 7 (Feb.17-23) – 110% Compression Socks
Week 8 (Feb.24-Mar.2) – Hydrapak & GU Energy

Best of all, the Winter Miles Challenge is FREE to participate so REGISTER HERE!

I signed up. I’m all into FREE and motivation to run in the winter.

I chose the Beginner goal of 10 miles per week. I am not a beginner but I don’t usually run 20 miles each week. I am actually going to try for at least 15 miles each week.

Happy Running? Are you up for this challenge?

December 22, 2013 by Darlene

14 in 2014

I had no problems running 13 in 2013. In fact. I ran 22 races even though I was out with a broken foot for 2 months.

I even ran 12 in 2012 when I was out for 5 months with a broken ankle and then 2 months with a stress fracture.

So of course, I am committing for 14 in 2014! I usually run at least 20 races (barring injury.)

I would like this year to run 14 NEW races.

Here are the races that I am thinking about:

1. Mayors Race & Wellness Festival 10 miler in Palm Springs, CA

2. Lighthouse 5k in St. Augustine, FL

3. LoveRun Half Marathon in Philadelphia, PA

March 30, 2014

4. Cherry Blossom 5k in Niskayuna, NY

April 27, 2014

5. Spring Run Off 5 K or 10k in Albany, NY

May 3, 2014

6. Mom’s Day 5K in Albany, NY

May 11. 2014

7. Adirondack Distance 10 m in Lake George, NY

June 22, 2014

8. CARE FOR KIDS 5K Run in Chestertown, NY

August 30, 2014

9. Flashlight 5K in Lake George, NY

September 21, 2014

10. Race the Train (8.4 mi) in North Creek, NY – if it is held

August 4, 2014??

11. Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K or 10K in Saratoga, NY

October 18, 2014

12. Troy Turkey Trot 5k or 10k in Troy, NY

November 27, 2014

13. a fall half marathon (Palio in Sartagoa, NY, Smuttynose in Hampton, NH, Seacoast in Portsmouth, NH, Hartford in CT, Diva on LI, NY??????)

October 5, 2014

14. a race in NYC (Melissa Fund Sun Run 5k??)

May 18, 2014 – date change

All 14 may not happen but I know that I will run 14 races where most of them will be new.

If you interested in this challenge, click here for more details.

Happy Running? Did you participate in the 13 in 2013 Challenge? Are you going to do the 14 in 2014? Do you run new races each year?

December 16, 2013 by Darlene

Weekly Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 3 4 miles on the TM after work, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – tennis, dinner out after

I have a lot of friends with December birthdays. Suzy is 67…doesn’t she look great!

Wednesday – 3 miles ~~before~~ after work, then yoga

yoga is next the park – lucky me!

Thursday – 3 miles ~~before work~~ on the TM at work (too cold), haircut after
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday –4 miles + 5K race

in the neighborhood

colder and snowier

Sunday – 3 miles ~~race~~ ~~+3 miles~~, lights in the park with Amanda & kids

This Week:

Monday – tennis
Tuesday – tennis, dinner out after
Wednesday – 3 miles before work, yoga, dinner out for a b-day
Thursday – rest, birthday dinner out
Friday – 3 miles any time (Staycation Begins), tennis dinner party
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – day trip to Lee, MA

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

December 3, 2013 by Darlene

November Recap

Still running (even with a sometimes painful foot)

NOVEMBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!! YES. At least 3x a week.

it’s getting colder…

Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!! YES. At least 3x a week.
Start daily planks! I should give up on these. Only did a few.
Attend 2 yoga classes! YES. Attended 4!
Complete a 15k race. YES!

15K

Run at least one other race. YES. 2 others.

Delmar Turkey Trot

Stuff the Sleigh 5K

Continue running longer on the weekends. YES. 6-8 miles.

8 miles on the Nisky bike trail

Run a new route. Nope.
Run at least 50 miles this month. YES. Ran 79 miles!!

No theatre this month but I saw several movies (Enough Said, 12 Years a Slave, Philomena – all good)
Ate out fewer times this month, I think (2 Tuesdays after tennis, NYC,with mah jongg friends, with tennis friends, Thanksgiving)

Mah Jongg Chinese dinner

tennis dinner

Ran with some new running partners

Adrienne & Heidi

I got matched with a running buddy (through IRUN4)

a 9 year old with special needs – he is now my motivation to run

Went to Central Park & saw the NYC Marathon finish line as well as hiked the High Line.

at the finish line (closest I will get)

with my college BFFs

DECEMBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!!
Do not overdo and listen to my body…Do NOT run if foot pain gets worse.
Attend at least 2 yoga classes!
Walk or run at least 1 mile a day while at work.
Cut back on the sweets and eating out.
Start knitting again (socks or something else)
Run before work at least once a week.
Run a new route.
Continue to run some of my long runs with others
Run at least one race.
Continue running longer on the weekends (to train for January 10 miler)
Complete the RW Running Streak (run at least 1 mile everyday from Thanksgiving to New Year’s)
Run at least 70 miles this month.

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

October 31, 2013 by Darlene

October Recap

Still running and still healthy! YAY!

october-month-halloween

OCTOBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!! YES

in the neighborhood before work

rail trail runs

park runs

Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!! YES, 3-4 days each week.
Start daily planks! NOT EXACTLY. I did a few.
Attend a yoga class! YES, I went to 2…it’s a start!
Complete a half marathon. YES!!! Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon.

Run at least 2 other races. YES!! Race for the Cure 5K and Monster Scramble 10K.

Race for Cure 5K

Monster Scramble 10K

Continue running longer on the weekend. YES!!
Nisky Bike Path for long runs
Run at least 50 miles this month. YES!! 70!

back to healthy running

Unfortunately boating season on Lake George ended. But we had quite a few good fall weekends.

It was also a theatre month. I went to NYC to see Matilda on Broadway and saw Les Miserables TWICE locally.

October was also a month for eating out in restaurants. I usually do not eat out much. But this month I ate out quite an inordinate number of times and in new restaurants:

Helsinki in Hudson, NY

Barrettas in Warrensburg, NY
Smiths in Cohoes, NY
Glass House Tavern in NYC
The View in Lake George
Milanos in Latham (3x)
Recovery Room in Albany
Hidden Cafe in Delmar
Caseys in Rensselaer, NY (this one was not new)
Burger King (not new obviously)

I am playing tennis on a regular basis since I am in 2 half contracts. So, it is no longer a goal. This month I played 6 times!! I find it more a social thing. I like the ladies I play with but it is doubles so not that much of a workout. However, I am sometimes annoyed that I have to schedule my running around it. So far, I haven’t done both in one day.

Now that boating and half marathon training is done, I was able to get together with my mentee, Amanda and her sons. We went on our annual excursion to Ellms Family Farm.

NOVEMBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!!
Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!!
Start daily planks!
Attend 2 yoga classes!
Complete a 15k race.
Run at least one other race.
Continue running longer on the weekends.
Run a new route.
Run at least 50 miles this month.

Happy Running! How was your October? Anything exciting planned for November?

October 11, 2013 by Darlene

Half Marathon #7

I started running in 2008. But 2011 was the first year that I ever even considered running a Half Marathon and I did 5 that year! Yes, I got hooked.

1st – Naples HM – 2:28:27

2nd – Lake George HM – 2:22:39 PR

A strained achilles delayed my training for #3 (so I walked half)

3rd – Adirondack HM – 2:44:59

4th – Fall Foliage HM (No photographer) – 2:32:50

5th – Santa Clarita HM – 2:30:12

My first one was my most enjoyable and my 5th one, the least. In fact, the 5th one left me wanting a do over! Unfortunately, after the 5th, I broke my ankle, then had a stress fracture so Half Marathon #6 came 16 months later in 2013 and I was just glad to finish.

6th – Sarasota HM – 2:33:59

Half Marathon #7 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then last summer I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would like, again this half marathon is just “I’ll be happy to finish.”

Maybe that’s what they all should be. I don’t have any more half marathons planned. I now know that I much prefer training in the fall/winter but that would mean a destination half marathon again (any warm climate invites??) or a late spring one in the NE (any recommendations?)

Oct. 13, 2013

My main goal for this half is to ENJOY it. And though I would be happy with D, I would be ecstatic with A.

GOAL A: under 2:30
GOAL B: under 2:45
GOAL C: under 3:00
GOAL D: finish uninjured

Happy Running! Do you run Half Marathons? Do you train for them or just enjoy them?

October 1, 2013 by Darlene

September Recap

Wow, September has come and gone very quickly. The good news is that I am still healthy and running 🙂

SEPTEMBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!! YES, several times a week.

did some short ones in this park

and some long ones here

Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!! YES. At least 2 rest days each week.

the month started like this

and ended sitting here

Play TENNIS! YES, I have played 4 times.
Start planks! 😦
Attend a yoga class! 😦
Decide if I am going to run the Oct 13 half marathon. YES, I am doing it (but will do it slow.)
Run a race. YES, 2 – 5Ks and a 10K.

Malta 5K

Helper’s Fund 10K

Race for Hope 5K

Register for some fall races. YES, at least one for Oct, Nov and Dec.

a new one on Oct 19. in lake George

Run at least 60 miles this month. YES. 79 miles!!!

September 2013

Beside spending at least one day on the lake each weekend, I also had my last visit to Schroon River. This time to play mah jongg.

hiking at boating on Lake George

october-month-halloween

OCTOBER GOALS:

RUN (regularly)!!!
Do not overdo and listen to my body…REST when necessary!!
Start planks!
Attend a yoga class!
Complete a half marathon.
Run at least 2 other races.
Continue running longer on the weekend.
Run at least 50 miles this month (it’s lower because HM training will be ending.)