March 20, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.13.17-3.19.17

Last Week:

Monday – I had planned to run with Alyssa at the Crossings because I had to set up for a training nearby. The training got cancelled due to an impending snowstorm so we ran two loops of the UAlbany campus instead. Not as exciting but it was a great run. It’s always easier and faster with a buddy.

Tuesday – Believe it not, the blizzard was so bad that even my office closed. So a relaxing day with no running (I don’t own a treadmill so I had no choice.)

But after a whole day home, I was getting antsy so my hubby drove me to the gym.

Just used a few of the machines and the bike (in the EMPTY gym)

Wednesday -I had planned to run and then go out to dinner with the tennis ladies but work sent me off to do a training in Liverpool, NY. This time I brought workout clothes and hit the gym in the hotel before dinner.

Haven’t run on a treadmill in ages and it was just as torturous as I remember

Thursday – A long day of training and then a drive back afterwards. Pooped!!
Friday – With 2 feet of snow still on the ground, the only place to run was back at UAlbany. Some of the path was clear and when it wasn’t, I just ran in the road. It was nice to run with the sun shining.

Saturday – I proctored the MPREs (favor for a friend at the law school) and then spent the day doing those usual Saturday activities (laundry, cleaning, shopping…) and went to the movies.

loved it!

Sunday – I got back out there to get some mileage. It was a challenge to find a route without snow. But I did and ran with Judy. The weather was perfect and it was fun to catch up and have a nice easy run.

also had my first of many post-run soft ice cream cones 🙂

21 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles (first FRW training group run)
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Thursday – 4 miles with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – hot yoga, pizza (fundraiser for STEM)
Sunday – Shamrock Shuffle race (5 miles) + 4 more

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

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How is your running going? Are you training for a big race? How is your running weather? Are you anxious for spring like me?

February 20, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.13.17-2.19.17

Last Week:

Monday – still feeling meh but dragged myself out for an after work run. It was very windy and cold. Plus the campus path that is usually cleared was icy and snow covered.

snow blew back on the path and froze

Tuesday – still trying to get back into my routine. Got in a short walk at lunch and went to play tennis after work. Wouldn’t you know it, one of the four ladies didn’t show so we just hit for awhile and then chatted over popcorn and wine.
Wednesday – Had to rush my run to get home in time for a Bar Exam webinar but at least I got some exercise. My legs still weren’t feeling it and I walked a lot.

just ran/walked around work instead of driving to campus

Thursday– still spent most of my day in a brain fog and counting the hours until I could go to sleep. So I decided to take a rest day and not drag myself in a run.
Friday – I decided today that no matter how bad I felt, I was going for a run. The campus path was clear again. Believe it or not, I listened to a podcast for the first time. It was awesome. I’ve always loved Ali from Ali on the Run and she was interviewing Emily from Sweat Once a Day, another favorite (and the daughter of my VT friend, AJH.) I actually ran (with a lot of walking) 6 miles! I’m hooked and will be looking for more podcasts to listen to.

Saturday – A beautiful sunny day. Of course, it was my rest day and although tempted, I didn’t cheat. I actually went to gym and then walked a bit. I was so exhausted that I came home and took a nap (which I never do).

Sunday – I was pretty doubtful about my stamina to complete my long run. The weather was perfect – sunny and it even warmed up to 55 degrees. But my body had other ideas. I struggled with breathing and coughing and could only muster running for a few minutes at a time and then walking. I considered quitting after 2.5 miles. Again after 5 miles. But just decided to walk more and more. I got 10 miles done rather than the 12 normally on the plan. All was not lost. I enjoyed listening to more podcasts and had a great post run treat. I’m glad that I ran alone and didn’t push myself. Two weeks to get it together for half marathon #24.

went to one of my favorite routes – Corning Bike Path which was clear for at least 3 miles. Got to wear a skirt for the first time in months 🙂

22 miles done with 4 runs (and that’s a loose term) and 3 rest days

Best part of being sick:

Finished knitting these socks. I started them in July LOL

This Week:

Monday – day off from work – visit to the new casino with a friend, 4 miles??
Tuesday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Wednesday –6 miles??
Thursday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Friday – (working at the bar exam), 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Winter Series 10 mile race?

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? How is your running weather? Do you walk when you are too sick to run? Do they still count as miles?

February 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.6.17-2.12.17

Last Week:

Monday – After a relaxing Sunday (for the first time in weeks), I needed to get out for a run after work. And I did. The good news- it was light out for the whole run. The bad news – it sucked. My legs were so tired. (Little did I know that my legs were telling that I was getting sick…)

Tuesday – After setting up a work training, I found myself in a different neighborhood and I was tempted to see if there was any ice-free routes. But it was raining and I felt like crap. 😦 So I called it a rest day.
Wednesday – After a long day at work, I needed to run but I was sick. Another rest day. Two in a row. Say what?
Thursday– Today was my scheduled run day with Alyssa. We were going to run two loops of the campus or six. But we got our first BIG snowstorm in 2 years. And I had stayed home from work since I was still sick. Normally I wouldn’t waste PTO being sick but on this job, vacation time is separate from sick time. So rest day #3. Sometimes you just gotta listen to your body. And mine said – no way should you run today. I think the last sick day, I took was 10 years ago. Now I know what our 4 cats do all day long…NOTHING!!!
Friday – Another sick day home with the cats. Rest day #4 – a new record.

Jerry & Slater – I thought they hated each other?

Saturday – Back to my Saturday catch-up day and rest day. But I decided to also venture out after no running for four days. I got in 4.5 miles but they were mixed with walking, talking, eating.

no running on my trail – too much snow so took to the roads. Bumped into my runner friend Barbara and we chatted for while. Also stopped off near the end for a delicious hot cocoa and scone.

Sunday – Today I was supposed to run the last Winter Series Race – a 10 miler. I was planning on skipping the race due to the weather and my health but Mother Nature saved the day. The race was postponed until Feb. 26. Instead I spent the day cooking, reading, knitting, etc. Looking forward to my regular routine next week.

8.5 miles done with 2 runs and 5 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 miles, work webinar
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – rest

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? How is your running weather? How do you deal when illness gets in the way of your training?

Don’t forget my giveaway – enter it here!!

February 6, 2017 by Darlene

The Running Update – 1.30.17-2.5.17

Last Week:

Monday – It was a cold one. But got my run done before grocery shopping and meeting my bff for a walk around the mall.

Feels like 15 degrees brrr

Tuesday – A rest day with snow predicted for the evening. Played tennis as usual on Tuesday.
Wednesday – A busy week prompted me to do two loops of the campus. Thanks to Alyssa keeping me sane.

Same shirt for the 2nd week in a row

Thursday– I was planning a rest day due to a needed hair appointment after work. But I was able to squeeze in a quick one during lunch.

Clouds, sun, and snow all during this short run

Friday – Rest day today except for a walk at lunch (after the pizza they fed us.). Did some cooking for tomorrow’s party and then played mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – I ran the Polar Cap Race in Lake George. It was very cold 4 miles and the course was hilly but I had a great race and love racing with a friend.

surprise. surprise. won my age group and had a PR!!!!

After the post-race refreshments and awards, I decided to add some more miles so I could loosely call it a “long” run. I ran around Lake George and then Bolton Landing. It was even colder than during the race but loved the scenery.

I then had to rush home to go to a very fun Chinese New Years party.

Sunday – A much needed rest day. Did my Saturday weekend home stuff and spent the afternoon knitting with friends (and eating).

still working on that sock. also started a hat.

LOVED LADY GAGA!!!!! She’s the best!

22 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles (if no snow)
Wednesday -rest day unless the rain stops
Thursday – 6 miles ? with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles?, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – Winter Series #5 10 Mile Race

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? How is your running weather? Did you watch the Super Bowl?

February 4, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am excited for my third year as Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. In addition to loving their products, I have never met such an enthusiastic and supportive bunch of women. If you’re not an ambassador yet, you should apply next year!!

ambsearch-image

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that at the moment I am running a hilly 4 mile race about an hour from my home. I probably should have skipped it and done my long run with Judy instead tomorrow.

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Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that to take my mind off the cold, I am planning my outfit for my March 5 half marathon in Florida. Cold or not, I am wearing a new skirt and new hat!!

: from Skirt Sports, of course

: Brooks

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to motivate myself to work out. So far, it is not working. So I am putting it on my calendar for one of my rest days. There are three each week. I am going to the gym TOMORROW!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I will be sad when our FREE races are over. Now I need to look for long run partners, places to run and food to eat post-race.

only ONE more left

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that it is Declare It Day and I declared…

2-4-17

For more info on this, go to: http://fellowflowers.com/declareitday/how-to-declare/

I have registered for FOUR half marathons already. Still need one more in the late fall. Hoping for a #holottafun girls weekend again.

love Sarasota so this one looks tempting.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

February 2, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Shoes, Deferrals, Long Runs, Work Travel, Cold Weather, etc.

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

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Running shoes – Why do shoe manufacturers change their shoes?

I loved my Nike Zoom Vomero 10s.

nike2

The 11s are tighter in the toe box and heavier. Grr…

Nike_Vomero_11_Vs_10
Now the 12s are out which makes it hard to find the 10s.

The good news is that thanks to Amazon, I found a new pair of 10s. I also have a pair that I found (at a great price) at a Nike Outlet when I was visiting Holly in Panama City Beach.) I will need to wear these sparingly.

Women's Nike Zoom Vomero 10 Running Shoes

Race Entry Deferrals – I have never deferred a race entry but I just deferred my 2017 entry into the Best Damn Race NOLA. I registered for it on a whim and spent a whopping $10. I doubt that I will even be able to run it next year. But who knows? I am still hoping to get into the NYC Half (in March 2018).

Image result for nola half marathon best damn

maybe someday??

Racing and Training – I am always thinking about the fact that I love to race but I am training for a half marathon.

At least our local free races have kinda fit into my schedule: 10k, 15k and next weekend 10 miler.

Well, this weekend, I need to run 10-11 miles but I signed up for a 4 mile race. I am running the race with a blogger friend.

Do I add on more miles after the race? The race is in a very hilly area and one that gets lots of snow and ice. Do I drive home and run more miles? (I also have a party to go to that night…)

Do I run the extra miles the next day? Or all the miles the next day? Remember that party…it would be easier to enjoy it if my long run were done, right? Plus I have another party on Sunday.

Work and Travel – I was supposed to start traveling for work next Tuesday. That meant that I had to cancel tennis and skip 2 days of running.

The good news is that they switched me to a local site. No travel or hotel stay. I do have to set up a mobile lab from 4-6 pm on Tuesday and work from 8 am-6 pm on Wednesday. But I can run in the evenings if I have the energy.

The bad news is that I won’t be earning points for hotels and rental cars. You now where I am going with this, right?

Race-cations!!

Winter Running – I don’t like it. And it really hasn’t been cold – no sub-zero temps (yet). But I am trying to embrace it. It’s mind over matter. But after being indoors all day, it’s not so bad freezing your buns off while running.

15 with the windchill felt revitalizing

What I will hate is when we get ice and snow and there’s no safe place to get in a long run.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? Please share. Do you have problems finding running shoes? Do you defer race entries? What about long runs and race – how do you do both? How are you coping with winter temps?

January 31, 2017 by Darlene

January Recap (& TOTR)

Image result for january

Cannot believe that the first month of 2017 is over already (and that Donald Trump is now the President)!!

Anyway, here’s how January went:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a January or a winter. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. But I’ve been getting bored and have been also running in the town where I live.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was still injured. Alyssa was busy until the last half of the month.

: in Delmar

: at the Corning Bike Path on a day off

: at UAlbany

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

They have begun. They are not double digits yet but it’s coming.

: + 3.5 miles = 6.5 (at Ualbany)

: on the Zim Smith Bike Path

Total Mileage:

I ran 85 miles so far this month – an improvement over last month (69). .Although last January, I ran 101.

jan17

Races:

I ran three races this month – 3.5, 10k, 15k. They were all free and part of the HMRRC Winter Series.

I was generally happy with how they all went. I won my age group in the 3.5 miler and the 10K and 15K were just fun training runs.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I NEVER went at all to work out at the gym but I did plank a few times at home!

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

Other News:

I signed up for three more Half Marathons – April and October are with other ladies (Girls Weekend!!). We even have our hotel rooms booked.

Shape Women’s Half Marathon – April 30 in NYC
Steel Rail Half Marathon – May 21 in Adams, MA
Wineglass Half Marathon – October 1 in Corning, NY

January was not an especially busy month.

I attended a post-inauguration march where I live. It was a great experience. Though, I wish that I had gone to NYC or Washington.

We had a surprise 70th birthday party for one of my tennis friends.

I got to see a few more movies – Lion, LaLa Land, Hidden Figures and Twentieth Century Century Women. I loved Lion and Hidden Figures. All the good ones seem to come out before Oscar time.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here in the winter.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

2-04-17 – Polar Cap 4m
2-12-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 10m
3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL)
3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say a B+

What do you think?

Happy Running! How did your January turn out? Anything exciting planned for February? What grade would you give your running month?

January 16, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.9.17-1.15.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another frigid day. But I sucked it up and went for a run.

brrrr – it was 20 not 15 (like Sunday) but felt colder

I decided to get a sub for tennis since I was scheduled to play the next night (Don’t want to overwork this “old” body.)

Tuesday – A rest day for me. A quick lunchtime walk and tennis after work (followed by dinner out.)
Wednesday – Things started warming up so I gladly took a neighborhood run.

It was 52 degrees at lunch time?! Love this weather!

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. 50 degrees with rain. Crazy weather.

Friday – I did go for a 4 mile run before my evening mah jongg game. Cold windy weather was back. Not a fan!

the good news – more daylight, no ice, no snow

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. The hubby and I did go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary.
Sunday – Today I ran the Winter Series #3 10K race. No Garmin! No mile markers! Truly a naked race. Not a fast one, obviously, but still had fun.

Judy also ran this race and I waited for her at the finish line

Of course, I had to run .8 miles to make it 7 miles for the day.

After the race, Judy hosted a brunch at her house. There were 8 of us – all runners for good food and great conversation.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Day off from work, 5 mile run with Judy
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, mall walk with bff
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, March
Sunday – 8 mile run

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?

January 9, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 1.2.17-1.8.17

Last Week:

Monday – I decided to squeeze in an evening run since Tuesday had rain in the forecast

getting bored with the Ualbany loop so ran through the streets of Delmar

Tuesday – Glad that I planned a rest day since it rained most of the day. I did play tennis in the evening instead.
Wednesday – Finally dragged myself out for a short lunchtime walk.

picked up my race prize

I went for a run after work with Alyssa. The day started out warm but by the time we ran, it had gotten much colder and then during our run, it started to sleet. Fun. Fun. Well, we just ran faster.

3 wet miles

After the run, I met my running buddy, Barbara, for a drink & a bite to eat. I haven’t seen her in a while since she has been out of commission with an injury. It was fun catching up. I hope she is able to run again soon.

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. I finally met up with my BFF for her postponed birthday dinner and a movie.

A man and a woman dancing beside a streetlight, a city view stretches out behind them. The woman is wearing a bright yellow dress, her partner is wearing a with shirt and tie with dark pants.

Enjoyable but left wondering what hype is about.

Friday – I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game. I decided that I would try to run on the rail trail if it were clear and it was. But I had a mental lapse – darkness and no lights. What was I thinking? I ran fast and only had to run the last mile in the dark.

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house.
Sunday – A very chilly day but I got some miles in. I ran with Judy who suggested the Nisky Bike Path. When I saw the coating of snow, I almost bailed on the run (Judy wore Yak Trax; I did not.) But it wasn’t slippery at all and even though it was 15 degrees, I didn’t feel cold at all. It was very pleasant and slow and Judy & I got to chat until the last mile when I decided to need to get some in some speed. Afterwards, we went out to lunch. (I was starving as I didn’t bring any fuel on the run.)

After I got home, I rushed out to the movies with a few friends.

Great movie. Highly recommend it!

17 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run with Alyssa, tennis
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run
Thursday – rest day
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 10K race

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 1, 2016 by Darlene

November Recap & TOLT

Image result for november Time has just flown by. I can’t believe that it is now December. I feel like I just wrote my October Recap.

Anyway, here’s how November turned out:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and had a pretty mild November with very little rain or cold temps (until the last week.) So 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.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s now dark when I get out of work.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was injured. Alyssa was busy and I was in NYC one week.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

There were a few of these! One was a 15k race race, one was miles added to a 5k race and one was actually 8 uninterrupted miles.

: 11/2

: 11/20

: 11/26

: 15k – 11/13

Total Mileage:

I ran 90 miles this month – 6 fewer than last month (cuz I missed a long run) but I should definitely hit 1000 for the year next month. (After Saturday, I will be at 993!!)

nov16

Races:

I ran six races this month – a 15k, a 10K and four 5ks.

Yes, 6!!!

: Dash to the Finish 5k

: Veteran’s Day 5k – 27:51

: Stockade-athon 15k – 11/13

: GOTR 5k (STEM mentor)

: Turkey Trot 10k and 5k

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals but my finish times were not far off. I even won an age group award in the Veteran’s Day 5k.

14976488_773584866112521_935004535777035098_o

I knew runners at all of the races and they were all super fun. As you can guess I LOVE RACING!! I wish there were more races during the winter months.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors now.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will. I hope!

Miss you, Maria!

I did NOT workout at the gym or at home at all. Total slacking here again this month!!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall to get a Starbucks coffee or around a short nature trail. When I was in NYC, I walked everywhere!!

what’s not to like about working near here for 5 days…

Other News:

My running groups ended this month.

I ran with the Troy Turkey Trot Challenge advanced group several Monday evenings. Those were the only times that I did any speed workouts. I hope to see these women (and do drills) again in the spring for the Freihofer Training Challenge group runs.

I volunteered with STEM group on most Wednesday evenings. Their 5k race took place on Nov. 19. It was a tremendously rewarding experience. I plan to volunteer again with this group, as well.

Jenn on the left is the founder of the group, Kim in the middle is our success story

I extended my race trip to NYC because my friend Anna from Moscow flew in and invited 2 of her Russians friends (now living in DC & Chicago) to join her. We had a busy time yet fun time together. And I got to meet fellow blogger, Karen, again.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is December 3 and I am very excited. It will also be a blogger meet-up!! I’m actually more excited about this than the race itself.

I do have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here when it gets cold.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months: