October 2, 2016 by Darlene

September Recap

Image result for september

So Fall has finally arrived!! And very recently, we’ve even experienced some cooler temps.

So here’s how September went…

Weekday Runs:

Like the summer, the beginning of the month was still warm and humid and we had very little rain. I was able to run at least 3-4 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

Since I finally started working after 12 weeks off, I was limited to where I could run. I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work) or the Delmar rail trail (near home).

I ran with Alyssa several times. Like Barbara I met her through FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster . Win-Win. I also ran with Barbara a few times and she is even faster than Alyssa. In addition, I shared a run with Natalie (my mah jongg buddy) who is a beginning runner.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

Long Runs:

There were three of these!!!. One was a half marathon and one was just added miles to a 5k race.

: Sept 3

: Sept 10

: Sept 18

Total Mileage:

I ran 83 miles this month – 6 miles less than last month even though I ran a half marathon and am training for another this coming Sunday!! I guess I was slacking off. (I’ll blame it on work and my social life LOL)

sep16

Races:

I ran four races this month – a half marathon and three 5ks.

: Sept. 5 – 1st AG – 28:35

: Sept 10 – 2nd AG – 27:30

: Sept 18 – 3rd AG – 2:11:56

: Sept 25 – 1st AG – 28:39

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, I would have been thrilled if I got one. I won age group awards in all three. I guess that’s an achievement.

For a change, none of the races were super hilly. I knew runners at all of them and they were all super fun. As you can guess I LOVE RACING!!

Cross Training:

The tennis season has moved indoors and that means that I have be a member of a club and join a contract. $$$$$ So I don’t play as often as I did in the summer (when it was free and I was unemployed.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on the other weeks.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I think.

Miss you, Maria!

I did NOT workout at the gym at all. Total slacking here!!

I did not go hiking. I hope to do some this month. It is so beautiful around here in the fall. But fitting it in (now that I work) is very challenging.

I did walk every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall to get a Starbucks coffee or around a short nature trail.

Other News:

My favorite running groups started up again. The Troy Turkey Trot Challenge group meets on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. I only go on Mondays. I am running with my friends in the 10k group. It will be the one day of the week where I may have to do speed drills.

The STEM group meets on M, W, F and I volunteer on Wednesday evenings. We are doing the Couch to 5K program with some new and returning runners (who are domestic violence survivors). We are training them for a 5k race on Nov. 19.

I took a day trip to NYC to meet up with my Russian friend, Anna, who stopped off there on the way back from Maine. We had lunch on a lobster boat, walked the High Line and then had drinks on the top of the Standard Hotel. What a full but exciting day!!

I took one last visit to the Saratoga Race Track with a former co-worker. This time, we only went for the last few races (and I won at each one), headed to the Casino and then out to dinner.

I spent a lot of time (maybe too much) going out to dinner and meeting up with friends and family.

: out with a former co-worker

: MIL’s 91st b-day

: monthly tennis friends meet-up

Boating season continued and the weather was great. I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.” I am sad that it will be ending very soon.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

I am now employed so I guess I have $$ to sign up for more races!!

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is October 9 and I am (slightly) excited. Is the thrill gone???

I do have a lot of races coming up. Fall is my favorite time to race. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K
10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K
10-22-16 – L.L.Bean Bright Night 5K
10-29-16 – Monster Dash 10K???? (not signed up yet since I am out of town for work Oct 24-28
11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K (in NYC)
11-11-16 – Veteran’s Dash 5K
11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K
11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k (STEM volunteer which is good because I’m out of town for work Nov 14-18)
11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k and then the 5k

I may have a racing addiction!!!

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

I am linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How did your September turn out? Anything exciting planned for October?

September 29, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Random Stuff

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Three and Done

They say bad things happen in threes.

During my proctoring on Saturday, the bottom of my clog fell off. I normally have running shoes in my trunk but I recently cleared everything out. So I walked around barefoot until I figured out that I could rip off the bottom of the other shoe so I could walk. Grrr!!
Again during my proctoring, the student taking the exam opened her water which turned out to be fizzy water and it exploded all over her test and answer sheet. She hadn’t started the test yet but now she had to completely refill out her answer sheet thus adding more time to my day!! Ugh!!
I brought a cool travel mug to work. I love to get Starbucks everyday but I decided to economize and use Starbucks Kcups with flavor creamers instead.

Well, like my shoe, it was probably old and it fell apart.

Need to buy new shoes and new mug!! All is good now!

Impromptu Race Sign Up

Guilty as charged.

Image result for best damn race new orleans

New Orleans March 25, 2017

I probably won’t be able go (unless there’s a miracle). But I logged on with everything filled out in advance to get the $1 race fee. I did not but registered for $10. Still not a bad price. If only I lived closer.

Anyway, I think I will probably defer it until next year.

Speed Drill

If you read my blog, you may notice that all my training runs are just easy runs. All are easy. The pace depends on whom I am running with and if I am solo, it is pretty slow….

This past Monday at my Troy Turkey Trot group training, we had to run a easy long loop, a pickup following by a walk. The pickups were for .8 mile each. We did this 4 times and where we run is VERY hilly. Luckily it got dark or we may have done more. The toughest 4 miles ever.

It sucked but in a good way, if you know what I mean.

Unmotivated Half Marathon

My last half marathon was supposed to be a training run for this upcoming one. But it went better than expected. In fact, it was 2nd best half marathon time and I won 3rd in my age group.

So I skipped my long run last weekend and I am thinking about doing the same this weekend. My goal race is now a “I’ll just do it and get the medal” race. I don’t really care how fast.

I hope I get my mojo back for Panama City Half on Dec. 3.

Desserts

I have been on a dessert rampage lately.

I’m not sure why. Maybe because I am so frustrated at my job.

Last week, I think I went out to eat almost every night and had a disgustingly good dessert each time.

just one of many

Happy Running! Have you had any unlucky things happen to you lately? Do you do the recommended speed drills? Ever run a half that you are not motivated to train for? Do you ever overdo on sweets?

September 15, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Half Marathon, Work, Group Runs, etc.

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Half Marathon #21:

2008 Saratoga Palio Poster (Palio!) Tags: race poster memorial compassion run promotional legacy scholarship palio halfmarathon 5k fund mentalhealthcare melaniemerolaodonnell

Still clueless on how to train for and run one of these. I’ve run 20 – some well, some not so well, some injured, some healthy, some flat, some hilly, some in the heat, some in the rain, some in the cold and wind.

: VCM Relay

: Celebrate Life HM

: Sarasota Music Half

: Eau Palm Beach Half

: Walkway Half Marathon

So what will happen for this one? No clue. I don’t even know the course.

I plan to enjoy. Stay healthy for my October 9 half marathon. Hopefully finish under 2 hours 30 (or not).

I do know that my long runs have been miserable. I ran them alone and the weather was hot & humid but I’m not a good training runner. That’s why I race so much.

And I’m better at the short distance. Maybe I should stick to 5ks. Nah. And miss out on race-cations and that finisher medal…

New Job:

The good news is that I am employed. As with any new job, there is a learning curve. This one is pretty steep. Hopefully, my brain isn’t too old to learn it all.

7.5 hours of this view

The bad news – less $, fewer vacation days (1/2), eventually a lot of travel and long hours.

This doesn’t look good for running and race-cations.

Image result for running vacations ecards

Trying to Fit it All In.

Run 4 days a week… tennis once a week…occasionally go to the gym…mah jongg on Fridays…spend time with friends and family.

Now on Wednesdays I volunteer with the STEM runners (victims of domestic violence.) It just started this week. It doesn’t start until 6:15 pm so I will have time to run before.

On Mondays, I will be running with the Troy Turkey Trot Training Group.

That leaves Thursdays for running and the weekend for a long run or race or both. OY!

I Think I’ve Created a Monster.

Guess who signed up for the Dash to the Finish Line 5k in NYC?

Yes, Anna, my Russian friend. She is flying in from Moscow!!!

Of course, I had plans to run this race with Judy and also meet up with Karen who is running the marathon… This should be an interesting weekend.

Happy Running! What’s going on in your life ?

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 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – So we went from winter to summer here, it appears. It was 75 degrees for my lunch walk to the park. The tulips aren’t looking to great (due to that recent snowstorm?) but still a lovely walk and a delicious Starbucks chocolate banana smoothie.

Sunday night, I woke up with an ache in my right Achilles. It kept me up most of the night. I was panic-stricken imagining DNSing my half and all my summer races. But it was fine all day so I decided to go to my group run. We were scheduled for a 10 min warm-up and cool down and then 8 400m intervals at 5k pace with 2 min. jogging in between. I asked my coach what I should do after an 11 mile run the day before and a half marathon coming up. I was considering not doing the speed repeats. He recommended doing them but not at 5k pace but at 15k pace. So that’s what I did. It was 79 degrees and my legs were tired but the laps got easier as I ran them. My 400 m times were not speedy like last week but in the 2:10-2:15 range. The best part was that my Achilles felt fine…no pain at all (phew!)

Tuesday – The day started out cool and cloudy but got better and I again went for my daily afternoon walk. More good news – my elbow pain has mysteriously disappeared and I played tennis without worry. Afterwards, as usual, we went out to dinner.

Wednesday – Another beautiful spring day and a walk to the park.

After work and before the STEM ladies arrived, I ran one loop around campus. Then I was paired up with Michelle again. She was even speedy that last week. (But the French lady can no longer come on Wed. 😦 ) It was a fun workout. Love these ladies!

Thursday – It was too busy at work for me to get out and walk but I did squeeze out a run. The closest place to go was the track. Not exciting but got it done.

After work, I went out to dinner with two coworkers. I actually walked to and from the restaurant. The reason why is below:

I also shared an appetizer (chicken meatballs) and the dessert was shared as well. Everything was delish.

Then I stopped off to go grocery shopping and to buy ingredients to make charoset for the seder the next night.

Friday – The day started out rainy but improved and was quite warm. I had to do some errands during lunch (forgot to buy the horseradish & gelfite for seder) and only got in a short walk to Starbucks.

non-fat milk, sugar free syrup, no whip so don’t judge

In the evening, one of my mah jongg friends hosted our annual Passover seder. Always a good time (and there were as many non-Jews as Jews there.)

MJ Seder 2010

Saturday – I tried to make myself rest. I didn’t run but got in a lot steps doing errands and housework. Then I went out to dinner with the hubby to carb load for the next day.

Sunday – I completed my 19th half marathon. I ran it with my friend Barbara on a perfect running weather day but those hills…I barely survived.

2:16:56 and 2nd in my AG

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (4 miles?)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, Mystery Room & dinner out with my tennis friends
Thursday –4 miles, mall walk wiht BFF
Friday – rest, pasta pre-race dinner, mah jongg
Saturday – 10K race
Sunday – 5K race

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

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?

April 18, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Another cold, rainy, windy day. Got in my daily walk and it only sprinkled on me. Then I drove to my training group run. We started in the rain but it eventually stopped but was still very windy. On the schedule was a 10 min warm up and cool down and then 4 x 400m at 5k pace. I’m not one for speed drills but my long run was on Saturday so my legs were fresh. As I mentioned before, my group has some very speedy runners but today two were were missing so I finished in the middle of the pack (2:00, 1:59, 1:58: 1:53). I was happy with my times since 2 of 4 were done running into the wind. It is easy to run fast when it’s only 400 m not 3 miles and you have 2 minutes of walking in between each.

After my run, I did some shopping at Trader Joes and some more retail therapy in the mall (only bought 3 sale items in Macy’s & they were a steal.)

Tuesday – Yet another cold, rainy, windy day. It was supposed to get sunny and warm up but it did not. Still I dragged myself to the park.

the only tulip in the park…but it’s a start

After work, I ventured back on the tennis courts. My elbow is no better but I haven’t played tennis in 3 weeks. I taped it, wore an armband and with new strings on my racket, I nervously played 1 1/2 hours of doubles. It went great. My partner & I won both sets. Yes, my elbow hurt but it was bearable pain and didn’t affect my playing. (Of course, I know this won’t help heal my elbow.)

Wednesday – Hooray, it was chilly but the sun came out!! I had planned to do our Wed. Hoola Hooping at work but I was too busy so instead I took a long walk to return a book to the library.

Today was also week 2 of mentoring the STEM group. Unfortunately when the sun went in, it was chilly. (It will be warm someday…) Again I arrived early so I could run once around campus. . Then we followed the Couch to 5k app with the group. Well, I got paired up a new runner (Michelle) and she is pretty fast. But the best part, another new (even faster) runner is from Paris!! I got to speak French every week!!!!!!

Thursday – Second sunny day in a row. Woo Hoo! Still breezy but today was a scheduled rest day so I only got in a short walk to Starbucks because I had an errand at lunch. After work, I walked the mall (no shopping, just walking) with my BFF. (got my 10k steps in!)

Friday -Sunny again. Went for my lunch time walk.

After work on my way to run through the park I passed by a local college… So I interrupted my run to meet Ben & Jerry and sample to new Bernie flavor ice cream. Then I had to sprint home to get ready for mah jongg.

Saturday – Took advantage of another rest day to spend time with my mentee Amanda and her two sons. We went to Five Guys for lunch and then to the firefighting museum. The kids had a lot of fun.

Of course, we ended the day with the park and ice cream.

Sunday – Last long run before the big one. I was lucky to have Denise by my side. We decided to run early and at the Corning bike path. The weather was perfect and the company was great too (We chatted the whole time and found that we have so many things in common …besides running.)

it was supposed to be 10 mi but we messed up the turn around

The rest of the day was spent outside pulling weeds and eventually laundry, cooking and housework…)

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days. 94,312 steps

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #19 – TAPER TIME)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (4 miles?)
Tuesday – rest, tennis?
Wednesday – 3 mile run, STEM Couch to 5k run
Thursday –4 miles
Friday – rest, Passover seder with the mah jongg gang
Saturday – rest
Sunday – LAKE GEORGE HALF MARATHON

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

April 12, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: If I only knew then…

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

This week’s topic is “If I only knew then…. What advice would you give your new runner self?

Another tough topic.

Before I took my first step, I joined a running group called No Boundaries. They taught us what to wear, how to breathe, how to stretch, not to heel strike, etc. I had a coach and several mentors.

FRW - 2008

We had a training schedule and we ran outside no matter what the weather was like.

Being the impatient person that I am, although our first 5k was not scheduled until July, I ran my first 5k three weeks after my first run (which took place on April 1). And I ran the whole 3.1 miles…not fast.. but I did it.

getting ready for the race

The picture above is funny because I never stretch.

I also started this blog, the day I signed up for No Boundaries and have continued posting even when I was injured and couldn’t run.

So what would I do differently?

Run with other runners more often.

After no Boundaries ended, I used to do most of my running alone. I did run a lot of races and made running friends there. But I still was uncomfortable joining a running group because I was a “beginner,” I was “older” and I thought that I wasn’t “fast enough.”

Now that I have joined a few groups, I know that age and pace do not matter. It is more fun to run with someone else.

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FRW Training Challenge group

Run more miles in the beginning.

I ran about 100 miles the first year and 200 the second year. I didn’t run when the weather was bad. I took the whole winter off the first year. And since I was only running 5ks, I could do them even if I only completed 1-1 1/2 miles for my weekday runs.

Now I run ALL year and my weekday runs are at least 3 miles.

Run more than 3 miles.

I never ran more than 3 miles even on the weekends. I was not building any endurance. I got faster but I think I could have gotten even faster. I should have tried longer races rather than sticking to only 5ks.

Now even if I am not training for a big race, I try to run 5-6 miles on the weekend. I run a lot of 5ks but I have added 10ks, 15ks and other distances to my race schedule.

Sign up for a half marathon sooner.

I don’t mean the first year but I waited a few years because I didn’t have the confidence that I could do it. Finally I signed up for one and trained for it. Then I discovered that ANYONE can run a half marathon. You prepare for it. And I realized for the half marathon, FINISHING=WINNING.

PRs are hard and unpredictable.

When I first started running, I gradually got faster. Before I knew it, I was finishing my 5ks under 30 minutes. But I kinda plateaued. I didn’t finish one in 27:XX until a few years later (after I started running half marathons.) Of course, then there were several injuries and I felt like I was starting all over.

I never know if I am going to run a good race. My PRs are surprises. I can run the same course and my finish time will vary tremendously.

I now realize that there are so many factors that influence our runs – weather, training, health, course, elevation, terrain, etc. We just do our best and the PRs will happen …or not.

Who knew that this would be a half marathon PR? I ran one on a similar course that was 20 minutes slower!

It may take years before you find the right running shoe.

I started with Saucony, then there was Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, even Hokas. With each new brand, I kept thinking that this was it!

8 years later I am wearing Nikes. No far so good.

Speed isn’t everything. Enjoy your runs!

When I first started, I was worried about getting faster (doesn’t everyone?) I had a Nike chip on my shoe that synced with my iPod. Then I got a Garmin. I always uploaded my data and fretted about my pace.

Now I only wear my Garmin for racing. For my other training runs, I only care about distance. I don’t look at my pace. I don’t upload it or post it anywhere.

And yes, running is a lot more fun.

No watch! 🙂 Don’t care about pace!

Happy Running! What advice would you give your new runner self?

April 11, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Snowstorm. Yes, in April.!!! My group run got cancelled. I actually went for a short walk to the park and back but it was freezing so then I used the exercise bike. Not happy with Spring 2016.

snow as almost as high as my Grande cup

Tuesday – Even though it was windy and cold, I did go for a walk to the park (& Starbucks). I skipped tennis in favor of my re-scheduled Freihofer Training Challenge group run. (My tennis elbow is still on the mend anyway.) It was freezing but I survived some 1 minute sprints with the speedsters.

Then I went to the mall to get more steps and do more bargain shopping.

Wednesday – I continued my walk a day at work. After work was my first run with the STEM Couch to 5k group. I got there early and ran a sluggish 3 mile loop.

This STEM group was so enthusiastic. I can’t wait to run with them again.

Thursday – I got to work and found 9 dozen of the best doughnuts in our area. And this is “our be healthy month!” WTH?

Of course I had to have one…or 2.

the Cappuccino one was the best!

I tried to squeeze in a run before the rain but was not successful. But I did use the treadmill before I left work to go to my hair appt.

Anyone watch Call the Midwife?

Friday – Other than one walk, it was a real rest day followed by an evening of mah jongg (and to bed too late!)

there was beachball volleyball during lunch but my tennis elbow prevented me from playing

still waiting for tulips in the park – this was the only flower I saw during my walk

Saturday – Ran a chilly 5k race. I switched from the 10k to the 5k because I didn’t want to run the hills.

not a PR but 1st in my AG and an apple pie

While I was waiting for the results, I ran another 3 miles.

Then I drove to the Zim Smith Trail to run more miles with Judy and her friend Denise. I celebrated my 12 mile run day with delicious bread pudding.

Later I went out to dinner with the hubby.

Sunday – I knew we had to pay so I left this to the last minute…TAXES!!! And laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning…not my favorite activities. But it was still sunny when I was done so I went for a walk.

23.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis?
Wednesday – 3 mile run, STEM Couch to 5k run
Thursday – rest, mall walk with BFF ?
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, day with mentee & sons
Sunday – 10 miles

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

April 4, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – A cold, rainy, dreary day but at least the rain stopped so I decided to go to my Freihofer Challenge Group Run. Then as soon as we started running, it started to pour. It rained for the entire run and stopped when we were done.

Tuesday – No rain but lots of wind. I left work early to meet my GOTR running buddy (Jayme, age 11) & then attended the GOTR orientation. Afterwards, I walked the mall with my BFF who just returned from a month in FL. (Got my 10k steps in!!)
Wednesday – A busy work day (and giving day). Still had time for a walk and a group pic.

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My monthly dinner with tennis friends got cancelled (too many were sick ). Instead I ran in the park and yes, I ran up a hill (a few times.)

Thursday -Another rest day but I did go for a walk during work. Ate dinner out. This time Thai food with two co-workers.
Friday – We started this at work today. My goal is 100 miles this month (walking + running):

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At lunch we had a fun kick-off event.

april 1

After work, I squeezed in a run before dinner (in between the rain) and mah jongg.

Our new mah jongg cards start on April 1 each year so it is always exciting the first time you play on them. I won 2x so a good night.

Saturday – A rest day filled with all those things you have to get done because you work all week. But I did take a walk on the trail right behind my house. Believe it or not, the last time I was on it was when we moved in 16 years ago.

just missed the rain

My hubby wanted to go out to dinner so I agreed…carb loading, right?

Sunday – A wintery mix with gusty winds was not the ideal weather for the Delmar Dash 5 mile race. But actually the snow stayed on the lawns and wind was not unbearable until later on.