September 8, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF – 4.5 mile run, boating

Tuesday – 2 walks at work, rest, dinner with a friend

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – 3 mile run, walk at work

before work

AM walk

Thursday – walk at work, 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF

AM walk

HUMID run after work in the park

Friday- ~~2 walks at work,~~ rest
Saturday- 5K race , mah jongg party at the river

tough conditions but won 3rd in my AG

Sunday – 5 7.5 miles, mah jongg party at the river

PERFECT running weather

we even played a little mah jongg

This Week:

Monday – walk at work, rest
Tuesday – 3 mile run, walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – walk at work, 4 mile run
Thursday – walk at work, rest, exercise class at work
Friday- walk at work, 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 5K race+ 5 miles

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

August 28, 2014 by Darlene

Long Runs and Half Marathon Procrastination

I usually train for 12 weeks for my half marathons. That is, I add long runs each weekend that increase one mile until I reach 12 miles and then taper to 8.

My last half marathon was July 13, 2014.

And I have no half marathons on my schedule!!

Shocking!

Actually I considered after the last one, which was very rough, to maybe just do short races.

The problem is that without a half marathon to train for, I make excuses about doing any long runs on the weekend.

(And nothing gives you the feeling that you get when you cross the finish line of a half marathon except maybe crossing the finish line of a marathon but I’m not doing that.)

So in order to be motivated to run more than 4 miles, I need a half marathon on my schedule, I guess.

Since it is almost September, it looks like a fall half marathon is out.

And it is too cold in the NE so I would need to travel.

Travel is another issue. I don’t have a lot of money to spend. I may have worn out many of my friend invites.

Santa Clarita Half Marathon with Ellen

Susan & Robin the day before my Half Marathon in Sarasota, FL.

It is also a lot more fun to do a big race with friends.

with Felice, Elisa, Amanda, Janis & Bridget at the Adirondack Half Marathon

Love Run with Adrienne, Lisa, Andrea & Heidi (missing from photo)

As it stands now, my fall race may be the Perfect 10 Miler in NJ.

Then if I am going to drag myself outdoors in the winter, I will need a winter and/or spring half marathon.

And I want it to be scenic and fun!!

Possibly in Florida on January 17…

and visit some friends in the area. (but flights are expensive as well as renting a car.)

or on March 15…

(I can take the bus but hotels are expensive in NYC)

or on May 9 (my birthday)…

(I can drive but it’s exam time where I work.)

So as you can see, I am procrastinating.

Any advice?

Happy Running! How do you choose your half marathons?

July 7, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work

early morning run

AM walk

Tuesday –4 mile run before work, walk at work, tennis

so glad I did it in the am…a sweaty one!

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – ~~3 mile run before work,~~ ~~after work~~ (RAIN – should have done it before work), walk at work, yoga

AM walk

Thursday – ~~rest~~, 4 mile run before work, walk at work

Friday – DAY OFF – 3 miles, on the river, hanging with friends, mah jongg

in Williamstown, MA

Saturday- 12 miles, dinner with former college roommates

on the Nisky Bike Path & the Crossings

restaurant on the Hudson

Sunday -rest, boating

my friends first ride on the lake

This Week:

Monday – DAY OFF – 4 mile run
Tuesday -walk at work, rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, yoga
Thursday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, dinner out for a friend’s bday
Friday -walk at work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday- rest
Sunday –Saratoga Half Marathon!!!

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

July 5, 2014 by Darlene

The Longest Long Run Ever

I had planned to do my long run on Monday and I took the day off from work to do it.

However, the weather on Monday was predicted to be hot and humid and it would only be 6 days before the half marathon.

So I decided not to go boating and to run 12 miles.

The weather was perfect… breezy and not too warm (but sunny).

I got up early but still got a late start.

But finally headed to the Nisky bike path where I like to do my long runs.

I intended to run 6 miles out and then 6 miles back. I even carried water and put 2 Gus in my belt.

hint?? – this is the race I am training for.

I was feeling very sluggish. My legs were already dragging during the first mile. I knew this was going to be a long day. (At the time I didn’t know how long!)

view of the Mohawk

Then around 2.5 miles, I looked down at my belt. My Gus were gone!!

I have carried them like this during my last 2 half marathons and never lost one. I guess I didn’t put them in all the way.

So what was I to do?

Run 12 miles with no fuel?
Run back to my car, go home and do my long run instead on Monday like originally planned?
Run back to my car, go buy more Gu and finish the 12 miles today.

I decided on the last option since FleetFeet was only 15 minutes away.

As I ran back to my car, I was hoping to find my Gus on the road so I could just continue my run here.

No such luck. Someone must have found them and taken them. Boo!

So I bought more Gu in FleetFeet and was offered their new flavor Salted Watermelon for free. (I didn’t particularly like it but it was one less Gu to replace.)

After chatting with my friend’s daughter-in-law who works there, I headed to the Crossings to continue my long run – 7 more miles to go!

My luck, there was a Farmer’s Market and book sale going on and it was packed.

Luckily I found a spot on the lawn to park and I started running again.

It was warmer than before and my mojo was almost gone but I persisted. It was a beautiful day.

As it got warmer, I tried to find shady paths.

I love this park. I don’t know why I don’t run here more.

After about 4 miles, I got thirsty so I went back to my car to get a drink. (I hate carrying water so I didn’t.) This was a mistake because I looked at the time and realized that I was running so slow and the farmer’s market would close before I was done running. So I decided to take another running break and check out the market.

There were lots of fruit, plants and healthy food. I bought a gluten-free cookie and then went to the book sale where I bought 6 books for $3. (It was worth the run break.)

Enough of that, I needed to drag myself through 3 more miles.

So I went back to my car and found it alone on the grass. Kids were playing football nearby so I though best to more it to the parking lot since many people had left.

I finished running (or run-walking) on the other side of the park.

Even got to listen to music by the guy below:

Ugh! Done! The longest run ever.

Since this run took so long, I had to rush home because I was meeting my old college roommates for a late lunch/early dinner.

we ate in a restaurant along the Hudson

At least I could justify eating all the food!

I surely hope I get some adrenaline from the other runners or next week’s half marathon will not be pretty.

Tomorrow, I am going boating and will try to forgot about this training run.

Happy Running! Do you ever break up your long runs?

June 30, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 3 4 recovery miles

on bridges & trails

I love my new NB 870s. These 770s were on clearance at DSW for $45 – had to buy them! Love them too!

Tuesday -2 walks at work, rest, tennis

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – 3 mile run ~~at lunch~~ before work,walk at work, ~~concert~~ (rained out), yoga

first run in my new shoes. It was a HUMID one!

AM walk

PM walk to the park & then the rains came

Thursday – 3 mile run before work, 2 walks at work, movie

beat the rain – boy was it humid

AM walk

PM walk – picture tells all

not as good as the show but still enjoyable

Friday – 2 walks at work, ~~4 miles~~, rest, mah jongg

AM walk

PM walk

Saturday – 11 miles

what a God awful run

Sunday – boating

perfect day!

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday -rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles , yoga
Thursday –4 miles
Friday – DAY OFF – rest, boating
Saturday- 4 miles, boating
Sunday -rest, boating

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

June 29, 2014 by Darlene

Lacking the Long Run Motivation?

Ever since my March half marathon, I have been trying to get my speed back. As a result, I have been racing 5Ks and mostly running 3 miles with an occasional 4 miler thrown in.

I definitely feel more confident about my speed (although it isn’t or may never be totally back).

Moms Day 5K

Betar Byway 5K

So now, I need to run longer.

And I can’t find the motivation!!

Luckily I decided to run the Adirondack Distance Run last Sunday. That was 10 miles. I did it and I didn’t die.

adr3

I have a Half Marathon on July 13. That’s 2 weeks away!!!!

The problem is that I can’t find the time on the weekends!!

It is easy to squeeze in 3 miles and then do other things. Long runs take time!

the boating season is too short and too expensive not to take advantage of it every weekend that the weather is nice (it is the one thing my hubby & I do together …)

I guess that’s why I usually run 5ks in the summer and train for long races in the winter. (What was I thinking when I signed up for a summer half marathon??)

In the meantime, I am going to have to get creative about fitting in long runs this summer – take time off from work, run after work, get up super early on the weekend, etc. (and the weather better cooperate!!)

In fact, I have already taken Monday, July 7 off to do my 12 mile training run.

Here are some tips for getting your long runs done:

Run somewhere scenic – a park, a bike path, along water. Beautiful scenery is motivating. Vary your routes. Running on the same road gets boring. (I never do my long runs on a treadmill!!!)

at the Peebles Island State Park

Grab a running buddy or join a running group. Chatting makes the miles go faster. Having to meet someone gets you out the door.

These guys helped me last winter. Unfortunately, this summer I am solo.

Put some new music on your phone or iPod. Playlists gets stale. It’s nice to have some new summer tunes to motivate you on these warm humid days. Good music can help make the miles less painful.

I just added some Zac Brown & some Jimmy Buffet

Eat enough. A long run is hard enough but it is much harder when you have no fuel in the tank. I always eat a good breakfast and then carry gels to eat every 4 miles.

salted caramel is now my new favorite

Wear comfortable clothes especially good running shoes. Chafing makes a long run seem even longer. I also train with my most supportive shoes. Never wear worn out shoes. And remember to dress for 20 degrees warmer than it is. The more miles that you run, the warmer you will get.

I also wear compression socks on my long runs.

Rewards! Promise yourself something good to eat when you’re done. I usually head to Starbucks for a cold frappuccino or to get some ice cream.

Stewarts – YUM!

Sign up for a summer or fall half marathon or marathon. Knowing that a race is coming up will hopefully push me through these hot months to stay in running condition. Running a long race without the proper training is a recipe for an injury.

And do as I say not as I do –

Yesterday I stayed home from the lake to do a long run – I ran solo on a boring city route, with chafing, uncomfortable shoes, an upset stomach (new fuel). I left too late so it was very hot out. I got home and collapsed – too tired & sick to reward myself. Yes, that long run SUCKED!

at least there were sidewalks

My next one will be better. I promise!

Happy Running! Anyone else have the long run motivation blues?? Any other tips on getting it done?

April 1, 2014 by Darlene

March Update

MARCH GOALS:

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

Continue planks (Do it at least once per week.) YES!! Several times each week.
Finish knitting that pair of socks. YES!!

my 5th pair. What shall I do next?

Spend some time with my mentee, Amanda. YES!

lunch, a movie & ice cream

Run a 5k race under 30 minutes! Nope…

30:17 😦 but won 1st place in my AG

Run a 4 mile race under 40 minutes! YES!

Runnin of the Green – finished in 38:07!!

Continue running longer on the weekends to train for my half marathon. YES!!

Complete my 8th Half Marathon. YES!!

despite the torrential rain…a 4 sec PR!

Run at least 80 miles this month. YES!! 96 miles!! (2nd highest mileage after 102 in Oct 2011)

mar 14

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

ja posater

APRIL GOALS:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week.
Continue planks (Do it at least once per week.)

this is not ME!

Walk at least once a day at work.

indoors until the weather improves

Use those 5 lb weights on my desk.

Spend some time with my mentee, Amanda’s 2 sons.

haven’t seen the boys since Christmas

Find a new knitting project.
Focus on speed rather than distance. (Next long race isn’t until Jun 22.)
Run a 5k race under 30 minutes!
Run a 5 mile race under 50 minutes!
Run a 4 mile race under 40 minutes!
Run at least 70 miles this month.
Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.

Happy Running! How was your March? Anything special planned for April?

March 24, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 12 miles (morning off from work)

Tuesday – 1 mile walk at work, rest, tennis

our new course record

Wednesday -1 mile walk at work, 4 mile run on tm during lunch, dinner out with tennis buddies

this time is was Revenge on my iPad

Thursday – 1 mile walk inside and then a 2 mile walk outside, 3 mile run

oops…the walk involved a Shamrock shake

spring? lake is still frozen but it was 40 degrees!

Friday – 1 mile walk at work, 4 3.5 mile run, mah jongg

3-21-14

Saturday – rest, lunch, movie & ice cream with Amanda

they did a good job adapting the book

kurver

Sunday – 8.5 miles

cold and VERY WINDY

10K plus virtual run (spring fling seemed more like a winter fling)

This Week:

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – 3 miles on TM, hair appt.
Friday – rest, fly to Philly
Saturday – rest, LoveRun expo
Sunday – Half Marathon!!!, fly home

March 30, 2014

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

March 23, 2014 by Darlene

Taper Time

taper-time

For me, it doesn’t really feel like a taper because I don’t feel that I trained hard. I didn’t really increase my mileage. It stayed around 3 miles with some 4 milers thrown in. Some outdoors and some on the treadmill. (It’s been a tough winter to train.)

On the weekends, my long runs started early. After my half marathon in October, I started preparing for a 15k in November, then a 10 miler and a 15K in January. That means I had many runs of 9-10 miles. None were without excessive walk breaks. I also skipped a long run when I was in Florida. But I did 2 -11 milers and a 12 miler.

My running schedule looked something like this:

Week	Date	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total Miles
1	6-Jan	0	0	0	3	0	10	3	16
2	13-Jan	0	0	4	3	0	8	0	15
3	20-Jan	4	0	3	4	3	0	9.3	23.3
4	27-Jan	0	3	3	4	0	4 + 4	4.3	22.3
5	3-Feb	0	4	4	0	4	0	10	22
6	10-Feb	0	4	0	4	4	0	10	22
7	17-Feb	3	0	4	0	0	11	0	18
8	24-Feb	0	0	0	4	3	3.1	4	14.1
9	3-Mar	0	0	3	3	5	0	11	22
10	10-Mar	0	4	3	4	0	4	12	27
11	17-Mar	0	0	4	3	4	0	8	19
12	24-Mar	0	4	3	0	0	0	13.1	20
	races are blue							3/16 run was 3/17	240.7

So I don’t feel ready but then again, I don’t feel tired or over-trained. We’ll see how it goes. I am pretty confident that I will finish. How fast?? Haven’t a clue.

Today, I ran only 8.5 miles (yeah only 8!). It was another SLOOOOW cold WINDY one (what else is new?)

almost track season

will the snow ever melt?

last long run in Delmar…bike trails should be almost clear

This week, I am just taking slow …getting some runs between the rain and wind and the sun (and tennis & hair appt), making sure that I stay healthy.

Happy Running! Do you enjoy tapering? Any advice?