December 23, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Races

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Races

I run the same Holiday race (Albany Last Run) every year so I’ll change this post’s topic to December Races I’ve run or would like to run:

1. Albany Last Run

Mid-December every year in Albany, NY. The race starts off with fireworks at the Capitol building and then you run around the lights in Washington Park ending with a downhill near where you began. Lots of costumes and holiday spirit. This is the race that I run every year.

2. EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in West Palm Beach, Fl. I ran it in 2015 and enjoyed the course and ocean views. I’d love to do it again.

I especially liked the champagne that you receive after you cross the finish line.

3. Panama City Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in Panama City Beach, Fl. I ran it this year and enjoyed the FLAT course and gulf views. If I got invited again, this one would be one to repeat.

Free gumbo and beer at Margaritaville after the race is a nice perk.

4. Hot Chocolate Run

5k in Northampton, MA. It raises money for an organization addressing domestic violence. I’ve never run this race but I know a few runners who have and they say good things about it.

Of course, there’s hot chocolate after the race.

5. First Night Saratoga 5k

New Year’s Eve in Saratoga Springs, NY. Again I have not run this race but it is very popular locally. It starts and ends on the Skidmore campus and is moderately hilly. You receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

Afterwards you can attend the annual First Night activities in beautiful downtown Saratoga.

Happy Running? What races do you like to run during the holidays?

December 19, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Back in the frigid NE. I decided to squeeze in a run before tennis because the rest of the week looked even worse weather-wise. Although it snowed Sunday night, the path is always cleared at UAlbany.

it was nice until the sleet & freezing rain started- ouch!

Tuesday – I was scheduled to play tennis again so I decided to skip the run and went shopping instead.
Wednesday – Another busy day but I was able to squeeze a run into before our STEM celebratory dinner.

Thursday– Colder and windier. I wimped out and cancelled my run with Alyssa and went shopping. Good News!! The battery in my iPhone (it kept shutting off when it got cold – hello I run in the winter!!) is defective and they replaced it for free!!! 3 hours in the mall without a phone = torture!

Friday – Rest day #3. I celebrated by mentee’s birthday at Canvas, Corks & Forks. We ate (mac n cheese bar), drank, painted and laughed. Then went out for dessert.

Saturday – Rest day #4. Total slacker. Snow, sleet, rain. A day to start addressing those holiday cards and wrapping the presents.

I always make my cards – obviously there was boating theme this year

In the evening, we had our annual tennis ladies party. Always a fun time!!

Sunday – Started the day with brunch with Judy & 2 other running friends.

they may have talked me into a fall half marathon

After doing some errands, I braved the cold and wind and ran 6 miles.

my favorite rail trail has too many patches of ice 😦

Then in the evening, went out for appetizers and drinks with a friend. (Maybe I should have run more than 6 miles LOL)

12 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days (Still on a training break)

This Week:

Monday – rest day, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run
Wednesday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run, lights in the park with Amanda & sons
Sunday – rest day, holiday with the fam

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

December 12, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – My last day in Panama City Beach and I wanted to hit 1000 miles for the year here.

I loved running here!!! (The donuts were an added bonus.)

And I did.

Tuesday – Back to reality – work and cold weather and a needed rest day to unpack, do laundry, shop etc.

Wednesday – I decided to go for a run since I wasn’t scheduled for tennis except that I didn’t realize that they didn’t turn the lights on in the Crossings.

Thursday– Another cold day and I had too much to do so I bailed on my run. (I got spoiled in Fla. The cold is depressing.)

Friday – Another rest day – a holiday party at work and I hosted Mah Jongg at my house.

I forgot to take of pic of my dessert plate – so many delicious ones.

Saturday – Weather is getting colder – the coldest of the year so far and I had an evening 5k.

Had a fun time even running on tired legs.

Sunday – Annual Holiday Trip to NYC. What a great day!

11 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days (Taking a training break, obviously)

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run before tennis
Tuesday – 3 mile run, dinner with a friend
Wednesday – rest day, STEM thank you dinner
Thursday – 4 mile run with Alyssa
Friday – rest day, Painting party to celebrate mentee’s b-day
Saturday – 6 mile run, tennis holiday party
Sunday – rest day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

December 3, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – December

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that when they first told me that I was spending two 5 day stints in Manhattan for work, I was bummed. I would miss my training group runs, my running partners, my tennis games, etc. And I would be stuck indoors from 8 am – 4 pm every day.

But now I am bummed that they won’t be sending me back to NYC. In the future, I will taking day trips to places in Upstate New York – not scenic and only for one night. No fun!

I loved the view from my hotel room.

: from the 25th floor

: from the 19th floor – the Empire State Building was a different color each night

I walked everywhere. Never had to drive or take public transportation.

I walked to work and back – at least one mile each way. I took a walk during lunch. In the evenings, I walked all around the city including Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and Times Square.

I squeezed in a run whenever I could.

I ran after work, before work and even during lunch.

I got to do some cool things in my free time.

I took a ride on the Sea Glass Carousel at Battery Park, saw a Broadway show both weeks and ate some great NYC food (Greek, pizza, bagels & lox, crepes, and more.)

: the Humans

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am Star Obsessed. That’s collecting stars from Starbucks so I can get free coffee. Except that it’s not really free because I have to spend money to earn stars. But there are always perks to earn extra stars and I’m on it!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I usually enjoy decorating for the holidays. I celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas but most of my decorations are non-denominational -Snowmen everywhere.

pic from last year

This year, I just don’t feel holly jolly. (The election results, perhaps?)

Anyway, my house has no decorations yet. The only thing I’ve done is buy a few gifts and make my photo holiday cards.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am in Florida right now. I am about to run my 23rd Half Marathon in Panama City Beach. I don’t know how the race will turn out but spending the weekend with fellow bloggers Holly, Tricia, Wendy, Marcia, Mary Beth, Karen and Judy promises to be a blast!

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

November 18, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Foods

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s topic is Favorite Holiday Foods.

Warning. None of these are healthy.

1. Eggnog –Preferably with rum.

2. Starbucks Snowmen Cookies

3. Squash Soup – I make it with leeks and apples. YUM!

4. Pumpkin pie

5. Sweet Potatoes – With marshmallows, of course.

So now you know why I race so much.

Happy Running? What are your favorite holiday foods?

December 25, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Christmas Gifts

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 FREE so I am choosing – My FAVORITE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

I got this card in the mail 5 years ago from a blogger and I am re-posting:

This about sums it up for me. What about you?

2. I got these SkirtSports pants and capris (and I’ve already worn them)

both are from SkirtSports

3. I got a hanger for my race medals (and as with most of my gifts, I ordered them myself so of course, I love them.)

It looked like this on the website. I’ll post a pic when I actually put mine up.

4. Movie Tickets. I love going to the movies especially when I am on break.

this one is on my “to see” list – already saw Suffragette, Star Wars & Brooklyn

5. Time off from work.

This is the best gift – 11 days off – Woo Hoo! – Running at any time of day!!!!

70 degrees on my first day off – the warm temps won’t last

Last year, we ran together during my break. I work and Judy does not so it makes it hard to schedule runs together

Happy Running! What was your favorite gift this year?

December 11, 2015 by Darlene

Five Five: Holiday Wish List

This week’s theme is Holiday Wish List

Here are the top FIVE on my list:

a GPS Watch

I have a Garmin 205 which I love but it is 5 years old. (Someone at my last race commented: “I’ve never seen one that big!!”)

2. a Medal Rack

I have a DIY one. I hang my bibs, awards and medals. I have so many age group awards that I have most of them in a basket. I’d like to hang my half marathon medals separately. (Update: my DIY hanger broke 😦 )

3. Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rider 19s – aren’t they pretty?

You can never have too many pairs. I am hard on my shoes and my Hokas are almost worn out. I do have quite a few pairs of Mizunos but not in this pretty color.

4. Winter Gloves

I buy ones at the dollar store in case I lose them. These would be warmer and they also have touch-screen finger pads.

5. a Destination Race

Big Sur next November?

Yes, I do destination races with frequent flyer miles and staying with friends.

But a scenic race in California and staying in a nice hotel…. Woot Woot!

Happy Running! What tops your holiday wish list?

December 2, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Tradition

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is TRADITION.

Of course, a song comes to mind (from Fiddler on the Roof):

I could talk about family traditions…

Holiday dinners, birthday celebrations.

my MIL’s 90th birthday

There are also religious/holiday traditions.

I am Jewish and my hubby is Catholic so I get to celebrate both if I wish.

I love to decorate the house each year with snowmen

the lighting of the candles at Chanukah

opening gifts every Christmas morning with my mentee and sons

I have traditions that I share with my friends.

our annual Broadway show

our annual vacation

our annual holiday party with a Chinese auction/grab bag

annual weekend at the Schroon River house

But since this is a running blog, what are my running traditions?

a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

a Holiday Lights Race

a race on my Birthday

a race-cation in the winter somewhere warm

the Freihofer’s Run for Women

this is the only race that I have run every year

Happy Running! Any traditions?

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

November 19, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Races, Runs, Thanksgiving, etc.

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Two More Long Runs before my next half marathon (on Dec 6.)

It seems like I was just getting ready for run my last one (Oct 10) and now, my next one is almost here. How did that happen?

So this weekend, my run will be 12 miles! My longest distance before the race.

Although I’ve finished 15 half marathons, I still worry about completing the distance. I also struggle when I run alone. So I’m not looking forward to it.

Then next weekend, there’s just 8 miles.

Two More Races before my next half marathon

first annual – 11-21-15

I have a 5k this weekend. Normally, I would pass on this one because of the long run mentioned above. But I have been involved in this organization so I want to support them. The girl that I am training and all the others in the STEM program) are running their 1st 5k. Some of my co-workers are running their first 5k too.

Yup, I gotta do this race.

Do I race it?

Or swallow my pride and help the others finish?

I am looking forward to this 10k on Thanksgiving. Since I started running, I’ve almost always (except 2008 & 2012) run a race on Thanksgiving morning. It’s the best part of the holiday (and I love food!!)

I used to run the local 5ks but last year I joined a training group for the 10k. I enjoyed it so I joined the same group this year. I PRed at last year’s race but I don’t think I’ve been as dedicated to my training so we will see what happens.

yes, it snowed last year. Hopefully not this year.

I am also toying with running the 5k after the 10k race. The 10K is at 8 am and the 5k at 10 am. The 5k is the big race – thousands run it. I have friends running the 5k so it might be fun to run this one just for fun. I am already there and dressed to run.

What do you think?

Then there’s Thanksgiving...

I LOVE Thanksgiving food…

What I miss most is cooking my favorite recipes….squash leek soup, stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and homemade pumpkin pie.

yum!!

double yum

My husband’s family is complicated. Mine is non-existent. So this year, we’re on a wait and see what my MIL is planning. We may just go to a restaurant and then visit her or friends for dessert after.

What are you planning? Are you running a Turkey Trot? Are you cooking?

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Please Share.

November 13, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Ways to stay healthy during the holidays

This week’s theme is WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY 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.