January 15, 2015 by Darlene

Fit Approach #NoExcuses 2015 Challenge

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Hey 2015, it’s me, Darlene.

This year I would like to stay uninjured and do more strength training.

It would also be super duper awesome if I also PRed at several distances this year. It’s not a resolution, though, just a reminder to myself to try and have the best year yet because I’m not getting any younger!

The thing I am looking forward to most this year is running as many races as I can afford.

I’ll use the one thing that truly gets me out of bed in the morning which is my alarm clock to help me get up, get dressed, and get after my #NoExcuses 2015. Speaking of excuses (ahem), my very favorite excuse is I am too busy and I have used it to get out of working out and going to yoga classes on more than umpteen occasions. I vow to move my body and be more healthy this year even if it means I have to get up earlier or re-schedule things.

Even if my alarm clock gets eaten by the cats in the middle of the night, I’ll still get up.

I will stop blaming the hubby for eating the rest of the ice cream when everyone knows it was really me.

My job is not the reason I make excuses. I will show my job who’s boss this year and get my run on

I know that any kind of run is better than no run.

I will reward myself by buying a Starbucks Frappucino.

#NoExcuses 2015 has just begun and already I am imagining myself a winner. I can’t wait to rock a Zeal Hoodie from Augusta Active. I can’t wait till my sweaty friends are jealous of how fresh, clean and energized I am between workouts with help from ShowerPill body wipes. I can see myself rocking my run in new Rock the Course Leggings from Actio926 and looking fit and fly while doing it. And of course, I’ll be taking my workouts to the next level and improving my abs with my new ActivMotion Bar to help me train for my next half marathon race with Sasquatch Racing.

Oh, and let’s not forget how amazing my running skirt will smell in my / during my race after washing with some WIN Detergent. And lastly, I’ll keep rocking my 2015 with clean eats and nutrition from Beaming with Health!

Tag, Tweet, shout-out, call, text, fax or email 3 friends to take this survey and share how they will have a #NoExcuses 2015. Remind your friends to simply fill in the underlined parts!

Tagging: HoHo Runs, AJH from Age Groups Rock,and Karen from Running Over the Hill!

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 29, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week: (Week 9 of HM training) – OFF FROM WORK

Monday – 6 mile run, errands, nails

3 miles with FB friend Judy & 3 miles solo

Tuesday – ~~3 mile run~~ (rain), 1 mile run at the gym, tennis

14 times around= 1 mile Torture

2 week trial membership

Wednesday – ~~rest~~, 3 mile run, gym, holiday party

Thursday – Christmas visit to mentee & mil, dinner, movie

Friday- 12 mile run, mah jongg chez moi

a tough one 😦 on a beautiful sunny day

Saturday – rest, gym, cooking (2 quiches, meatloaf, apple sauce, soup), shopping

Sunday – 3 mile run, tennis holiday party

This Week: (Week 10 of HM training) – OFF FROM WORK

Monday – rest, DAY IN NYC
Tuesday – 3 mile run, lunch out, tennis
Wednesday – rest, gym, dinner out for New Year’s Eve, movie
Thursday – Hangover Half Marathon
Friday- rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 3 mile run
Sunday – rest, gym

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

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

December 26, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Off From Work Actvities

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

1. RUNNING

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

at the Crossings Park at 10 am with Judy

2. EXERCISING

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

3. COOKING

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

2 of my favorites things to make

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

4. KNITTING

and I did finally finish this scarf

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

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5. READING

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

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

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?

November 10, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week: (Week 2 of HM training)

Monday – walk at work, 4 mile Turkey Trot training group run (@RPI)

AM walk

week 7

Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis, dinner out after

AM walk – still leaves on the trees

Wednesday – walk at work, STEM group run + (4 6 miles)

AM walk

2 miles run/walk + 4 more after

Thursday – walk at work, rest, gym, mall walk with BFF

Friday-walk at work, ~~4 mile run~~, gym, mah jongg

Saturday – rest, ~~gym,~~ packet picket up

Sunday – 15K race, mah jongg dinner

PR!!

6th anniversary dinner

This Week: (Week 3 of HM training)

Monday – walk at work, 4 mile Turkey Trot training group run (@RPI)
Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – walk at work, STEM group run + (4 miles)
Thursday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Friday-walk at work, gym, mah jongg
Saturday – 5 mile Turkey Trot training group run (@Knickerbocker Arena) – my 1st Sat group run + 3 miles
Sunday – rest, gym, movie?

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

November 7, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Staying healthy & on track during the holidays

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar 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 Staying healthy & on track during the holidays

1. Bring healthy snacks to work. If you are hungry, you will be tempted to eat something unhealthy. This is what I always have in my lunch bag everyday.

2. Walk whenever you can. That means taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Eat a quick lunch and go for a walk. Take a walk after dinner.

3. Sign up for a race. If you do, you will be motivated to get out and run. Running burns calories, right?

4. Do some kind of cross-training activity that you enjoy– work out, do yoga, pilates, zumba, play tennis or whatever you can to stay active.

5.Get on the scale. I rarely get on the scale but I try to weigh myself more frequently during the holidays. Nothing like several lbs gained to make me lose my appetite.

Will I cheat? Of course but I try to make them worthwhile cheats on special occasions. (I have a weakness for desserts…)

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christmas cookie exchange at work

Happy Running! How do you stay healthy & on track during the holidays?

November 1, 2014 by Darlene

October Recap

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October Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

after work in the park

after work on the rail trail

Walk once a day while at work. Yes, most days.

in the morning around work

afternoon in the park

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

Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace. YES! Both!

Apple Run 5K – 27:47

Falling Leaves 5K – 27:46

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

Great Pumpkin Challenge – 58:28

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

1:38:45

Do long runs on the weekend. Yes, post races.

post race run on the towpath byway

post race

Run at least 75 miles. YES! 92.5! (The highest monthly miles since March!)

October 2014

Go to the gym twice a week. At least once a week.

Finish knitting hat #2. YES!

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Spend time with my mentee & her sons. YES!

What else?

I went to NYC with my tennis friends.

ate out and saw a show – Kinky Boots

I started volunteering with the STEM running group (Couch to 5K program for women who are victims of domestic violence)

I went to NYC for a Nice College Reunion.

I visited Grounds for Sculpture in NJ

I went bowling & out for pizza with my tennis friends.

november

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.
Volunteer in the STEM training runs once a week.
Complete my 5k races with under 10 min/mile pace (if I run any.)
Complete a 10K race.
Complete a 15K race.
Do long runs on the weekend in preparation for half marathon #10
Run at least 80 miles
Go to the gym at least once a week.
Start knitting hat #3

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

October 27, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 2 walks at work, chili cook off at work, 3 mile group run

AM walk

PM walk to walk off the chili

Tuesday – walk at work, rest, tennis

raining today

Wednesday – STEM group run + more (4 miles)

.5 miles, 1.5 group run/walk, 2 miles

Thursday – walk at work, 4 3 mile run on the TM (rain), mall walk with BFF

raining today

watched Nashville but it was still torture

Friday-OFF from work, rest, drive to NJ
Saturday – rest, ferry to NYC, reunion lunch in NYC, walking around Washington Square Park & the High Line

Sunday – 10 mile race! walking around Grounds for Statues

This Week: (Week 1 of HM training)

Monday – OFF from work, rest , visit to a boating friend on the way home, (4 mile group run if I get home in time)
Tuesday – walk at work, rest,gym
Wednesday – walk at work, 3 mile run at lunch, bowling with tennis friends
Thursday – walk at work, hair appt
Friday-walk at work, STEM group run + (4 miles)
Saturday – proctor MPREs at work, rest, gym
Sunday – 8 mile run

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