June 3, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – June

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that my free 3 month gym membership ends today and if I complete my race (Freihofer’s Run for Women), I get another 3 months.

So far, it’s working out. I’ve used the machines at least once a week…sometimes even twice. That’s impressive for me! I’ve not taken any classes. None that interest me fit into my schedule.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am enjoying not having to train for anything. I can skip runs and run on the weekend whatever distance I choose. (Oh wait, I always do that LOL).

Seriously, I don’t feel guilty if I only run 4 miles on a Saturday. But I do have a HILLY 10 miler at the end of this month so I guess I better get out there.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell tell you that I am going to miss my group runs. Both the Freihofer’s and STEM weekly runs are over. There won’t be anything until September. I am used to not running alone. I got spoiled.

A group at work says they want to run weekly but they are not very serious (Only one person showed up last week.). Hopefully Alyssa will keep me company. Maybe even Barbara?

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I was just in NYC for work. I arrived Wednesday and the first I did after checking into my hotel was RUN! I also ran after work on Thursday. I LOVE RUNNING IN NYC!! I was tempted to run again yesterday but decided to save my legs for today’s 5k.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am also going to NYC for work June 19-21 and July 5-7. Of course, I tried to find a race during that time. And there is an informal 5k in Brooklyn on July 5 at 7:10 pm.

Yes, I did sign up…. (only cost $7.50)

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am a ZOOMA ambassador. Of course, that means that I promote and run their races.

use DARLENE2017 to get 10% off your race registration

The first one is tomorrow in Annapolis – a half marathon and a 10k.

I have a local 5k today so I guess I will have to add a 5k to my 5k to do the ZOOMA Annapolis Virtual 10K.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that boating on Lake George has started. I have been on our boat the past two weekends. Now I have to coordinate running/racing with boating and the weather.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

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!!

December 20, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: My Running Year in Pictures

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: Your year in pictures:

I’ve run 43 races and over 1000 miles. How can I limit myself??

But I’ll and only post one racing picture per month:

January:

lots of free races with friends as part of the HMRRC’s Winter Series

February:

windy and cold but I completed an awesome half marathon (Sarasota Music) in Florida while visiting friends

March:

12841435_10207871058513108_6107397730146669028_o

perfect weather for the hilliest half marathon (Celebrate Life) and a fun time on the bus road trip

April:

another nice day for a half marathon along my favorite lake (Lake George) and with my running buddy Barbara

May:

loved getting to see fellow blogger AJH and survived this heat cancelled marathon relay (VCM)

June:

one of my favorite races (Adirondack Distance 10 Miler) that finishes next door to the marina where we keep our boat

July:

13603237_10153694932641074_2202183268851692020_o

not all races have had good weather but still a good time in this wet 5k (Saratoga Springs)

August:

this 8.4 mile race was on my bucket list and happy to be able to run this hilly one and win my AG

September:

Another local half marathon completed on a beautiful course (Saratoga Palio) followed by free beer and bar food

October:

Half Marathon #22 and a PR!!! Loved this race!! (Ramblefest)

November:

sharing 3 Russian young women’s first NYC racing experience was the best! (Dash to the Finish 5k)

December:

Sharing half marathon #23 with 7 amazing ladies #holottafun

Phew! That was tough! I could have posted at least 10 pics for each month. I also ignored all those running experiences that were not part of a race.

Here’s just a few:

: along the Hudson River, NYC

: along the East River, NYC

: in Central Park, NYC

: along the Rail Trail, Delmar, NY

: along the Zim Smith Trail, Round Lake, NY

: Corning Bike Path

I’ve enjoyed a great 2016 and feel so fortunate to have had zero injuries and to have been able to race often and with so many wonderful runners.

Happy Running! What is your favorite memory of 2016?

June 28, 2016 by Darlene

Adirondack Distance Run Recap

Sunday, June 26, 2016 – 7:30 a.m.

A ten mile race consisting of rolling hills from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing.

adc

I was looking forward to this race.

I’ve wanted to run this race ever since I started running.

Except for 2014, something has always come up: work conference, strained achilles, broken ankle, broken foot, flight cancelled & stuck in Baltimore.

2014 race

As usual, I was not really prepared. I had been racing 5ks (two last weekend) and working on my speed. Plus my running had been on mostly flat surfaces. My last long run was my half marathon on May 29.

So yes, I decided to run this race but not as a race but just as a hilly long run….take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

The race started at 7:30 am in the village of Lake George and ended in Bolton landing (next door to the marina where we keep our boat.)

the beach on the right is the end of the race

I had a few options. There was a bus leaving Bolton Landing the morning of the race at 6-6:20 am so I could have spent Saturday on the lake with my hubby & friends and sleep on the boat. But I decided instead to stay home and drive up very early Sunday morning. I wanted to get a good night’s sleep and get things done around the house.

So I got up around 4:30 am on Sunday and was on the road by 5:30 for my one hour drive to the race start.

It was already warm – in the 70’s and humid. I guess I need to get used to running in the summer heat.

I got there and found parking in the same small lot as two years ago and walked to the fire station to pick up my bib. Then I walked back to my car to get rid of the race tee shirt.

long sleeve cotton shirt – ugh! usually you get a sleeveless tech shirt

Back at the fire station, I used the rest room (there were real ones) and waited outside until it was time to line up. I was surprised at how many people were racing – over 300 and all the fast runners were there (from the local running clubs.)

I bumped into some runners whom I haven’t seen in a while and we ran together for a short while and chatted (They are much faster!)

As I mentioned, this course is hilly but it is also very scenic. I tried to focus on the scenery to take my mind off the hills.

I made a conscious effort to run conservatively. I felt great and I felt strong but I was worried about overdoing in the heat and hills.

13506994_10207104910162227_7730544422733316868_n

not me! I wish… (photo by Donald Yeaton)

So I think I walked a little during every mile except for the first. I especially took it easy on the uphills.

If you remember my complaint from the Lake George Half Marathon about running on the uneven pavement on the side of the road, it wasn’t as bad for this race. It was early and not much traffic until the end of the race and since it wasn’t an out and back race, you could run in the road and the cars were able to move over (as in the photo below.)

13438899_10207104913962322_281317470076538113_n

(photo by Donald Yeaton)

I kept glancing at watch and even with all the walking, I was still running around a 10 minute pace for the first 5 miles.

Then the foot pain set in. No surprise here! I started getting a painful blister on the right foot (even with the moleskin) and my toe hurt on the left foot.

The hills were steeper the first half but the second half seemed harder. The hills kept coming and coming. But I think it was really that my feet hurt with every step.

I knew by the last few miles that I would not have a PR so I kinda lost my motivation to push on. I could have run harder but didn’t see the point. I walked more and more. The surprising part was that when I was running, I was passing guys. Super cool.

I really loved running this race. (Even with the foot pain and the heat.) It is the road that I drive every weekend during the summer to go boating. I know every inch of the route.

Anyway, I finally made it to where you turn to get to the finish line. I was surprised to see my hubby and a boating friend there cheering me on.

Of course, at that point I ran as fast as I could.

adr4

notice the clock says 1:42:06 and I was already past the line

The official results say that I crossed at 1:42:21. Not close to my 1:38:45 PR but 2 1/2 minutes faster than 2 years ago. I’ll take it!

gun time – no chip times

Everyone got medals which is always a plus.

I was so happy to have finished.

I bumped into some friends again.

That’s our boating friend photobombing.

We headed straight to the water to soak my feet in the cold lake water.

A great end to a great race.

Then I grabbed several pieces of watermelon and some pastry. The watermelon really hit the spot.

For this race, they gave out awards to first place in EVERY age. I looked at the results and saw that there were two 63-year old women faster than me so I didn’t stick around.

I walked next door (how convenient) where my hubby and our friends were waiting to head out on the lake. I spent the rest of the day relaxing in the sun on the water.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:38
mile 2 – 10:10
mile 3 – 10:08
mile 4 – 9:44
mile 5 – 10:42 (took a GU)
mile 6 – 10:23
mile 7 – 9:57
mile 8 – 10:22
mile 9 – 10:25
mile 10 – 10:16

Garmin time – 1:41:48

The race had only gun times. I had no miles over 11 minutes so that’s consistent in a long race for me. I’m pretty happy. Maybe next year, I’ll actually train for it and race it.

As I already mentioned, this race was on my bucket list and now it is on my race to run every year list.

It was well-organized – lots of volunteers, plenty of water stops, someone calling out times at each mile, bikers warning you of oncoming cars, buses to the start before & after the race and you can’t beat the scenery.

It’s also Tuesday so I’m linking up with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for:

This week’s topic is How often do you race?

And my answer is AS OFTEN AS I CAN!!!

Last year I ran 40 races.

Happy Running! Do you have a bucket list race? Do you have an important race coming up? How often do you run?

June 27, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I stayed up at Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today. Started the day with a scenic 7 mile run.

Then went for two hikes. My first solo hikes and they were awesome.

Tuesday – Today I played tennis twice. I subbed in a new group near my house (walked to the courts) and then played with my usual Tuesday evening group.

Wednesday – In the morning, I played tennis in my 2nd country club robin-robin. It was cool, windy and even rained.

The weather cleared up later in the day and I went for a run on the rail trail with Alyssa, a new running friend.

a very speed non-stop run – she pushed me but she said I pushed her.

Thursday – Morning tennis with my Troy Tennis group and dinner out with a former co-worker.

I talked my friend into a 4 mile walk after dinner (She may no longer be my friend LOL)

Friday – An exciting day in NYC. Thanks Judy for letting me plan your crazy day. We took the train to the city, checked our bag in Macys, hopped the subway to Central Park, had a quick lunch and ran 4 miles through the park with a tour guide.

great way to learn about the history of the park and get in some exercise

After the tour, I had ice cream, then we walked some more in the park, went to the zoo, walked ALL the way back to Macys, changed our clothes and had dinner at a cute restaurant with French running blogger, Karen before heading back home on the train.

Saturday – Definitely a rest day filled with errands, laundry, housework, etc.

Sunday – Today I ran the Adirondack Distance Race – 10 miles from Lake George to Bolton Landing

it was hilly. it was hot. my feet hurt but i still enjoyed the race.

The rest of the day was spent on the lake!!

25 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run, hiking??
Tuesday – rest, tennis Am & PM, eye dr appt
Wednesday – 3 mile run, monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, 4 mile run with a friend, mall walk with BFF
Friday – AM tennis, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – boating

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?

May 17, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Picking your races

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

This week’s topic is: Racing. Are you a one-and done type? Or do you run the same ones over and over?

Well, both.

For half marathons, I have decided not to repeat. There are so many to choose from. I don’t feel the need even though I am tempted to re-do the ones I’ve loved. There are still many local ones that I haven’t run.

my favorite destination race

my favorite local race

For other distances, if I like a race, I do run it every year. I won’t list them all since as you know, I run a lot of races. The ones below, I try to put on my racing calendar every year.

I will be running the Freihofer’s 5k for the 9th time this year.

the Spring Run Off is my favorite 10k

I love the Stockadeathon 15K

Delmar Dash wins for a 5 mile race

and the Polar Cap for 4 milers

My favorite 10 mile race is the Adirondack Distance Run

Happy Running! Do you repeat races?

February 7, 2016 by Darlene

January Recap

january

Weekday Runs:

The weather got colder, windier and snowier (no big storms) but I still was able to run 2-3 times each week.

Long Runs:

In preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I completed higher mileage each weekend.

Total Mileage:

jan16

101!! The most monthly miles in years or maybe ever!

Races:

I ran three races (& DNSed on one). All were part of the the HMRRC Winter Series (and were free.)

35:00 (Gun time)

1:33:13 (course PR)

1:44:10

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I actually went to a yoga class several times.

lheartspaceogo

I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building.)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I also discovered that I can knit while riding the exercise bike so I did that every now and then.

It’s done but I started a new one – maybe too complicated to do on the bike

scarf #2

Other News:

I am a SkirtSports Ambassador Captain for another year. So thrilled to be part of this organization. Love the product and being associated with a great bunch of women.

I am also a Running on the Wall Ambassador – they sponsor virtual races.

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K

I am Half Fanatic #13812. You qualify if you run 3 halfs in 90 days. I did that in 2011 but never applied and did it again in 2015.

I celebrated 17 years being married to this guy:

then

12038287_10154200672714428_4679287681227959390_n

now

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am taking race-cation in Florida for 6 days. During that time, I will be running a half marathon and visiting friends.

Feb 7, 2016

I am hoping for a mild winter so I can painlessly train for another half marathon in March.

March 13, 2016

I love racing and unfortunately I miss one of my favorite races while I’m in Florida so I am searching for a replacement.

I hope to be back in 2017, AJH!

maybe on Feb 14???

I signed up for a September Half Marathon. I will be running it with Andrea and Lisa (my roomies from the Love Run.)

having fun in Philly… plan to make more memories in Cape Cod (hopefully without torrential rain.)

The Vermont City Marathon Relay is no longer a lottery.

vcm16

But WE got in! Woot! Woot!

vcm16

The “Age Groups Rock” team will be back. This time AJH will be running the 1st leg and I the second.

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did you January turn out? Anything exciting planned for February?

February 1, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – It was a beautiful night for a run. It actually felt balmy compared to Saturday (high 30s and no wind).

Tuesday – Today was just normal work day with tennis afterward. I finished my scarf and started a new one. But I think the lace pattern is too complicated to do while on the exercise bike. (Third World Problem LOL)

Wednesday – A short run after work before my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies. I wanted run during the day in the sunshine but it was so windy that I waited.

Look! It’s still light outside.

These dinners out wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t order dessert but I did!!

Thursday – I took a short work in the morning at work because the sun was out (but it didn’t last though.) Again my social life interfered with my running. I had to squeeze in my after work run because I was having dinner out with a co-worker.

Blue sky! Sun, I caught you.

so pretty

Friday – Besides a quick walk to Starbucks, it was a true rest day followed by an evening of mah jongg at my house.

snow!!!!

Saturday – Second rest day in a row. I filled my time with an hair appt, nail appt and lots of errands.

Sunday – Today I participated in HMRRC’s Winter Series #5’s 10 mile race. I really only wanted to run 8 miles but the other choices were to race 4 miles or 20 miles. So it was fast but I got it done and had fun.

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #17 – TAPER TIME)

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – run?, pack!
Thursday – Fly to Florida
Friday – rest, run??
Saturday -rest, packet pick up
Sunday – Sarasota Music Half Marathon

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 ?

January 31, 2016 by Darlene

Winter Series #5 (10M) Race Recap

last year – I’m the one with the pink hat & gloves

Yes, I ran another FREE race sponsored by Hudson Mohawk Runners Club .

This weekend, they offered distances of 4M, 10M and 20M.

I usually run 8 miles on the weekend before my half marathon. But the 4M option was too short so I decided to run the 10 miles being careful not to overdo.

This would be my 5th 10 miler :

2015:
HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 1:42:50 (same course)
2014
The Perfect 10 Miler (in NJ) – 1:38:45 PR
Adirondack Distance 10m – 1:44:39
Mayor’s Wellness 10m – 1:49:55

On this same course, I finished the 15k two weeks ago in 1:33:13.

So my expectations (NOT A GOAL!!) for this one was to be around 1:40-:42. but most importantly, NOT GET INJURED!!!

The weather cooperated. It was the warmest day we’ve had in a while. It was forecast to be in the high 40’s but unfortunately, it was pretty windy so it felt cold when I left.

I had a headache all night and didn’t sleep well. I contemplated skipping the race and running later but in the end I went.

I left later than usual but luckily got the last spot in the lot.

I immediately bumped into my FB friend, Barbara. I also got to see Patrick, my running coach from the Turkey Trot. He was the race coordinator this week. I also chatted with Lara whom I played on a team with years ago and Sherri whom I met at a local race a few months ago.

me, Lara, Barbara & Sherri

I stayed indoors until the very last minute and then made my out way outside.

It felt COLD due to the wind. I was glad I kept my jacket on and had gloves.

Both Barbara and Sherri were running the 4.3 miler. Lara was running her first 10 mile race.

Those running the 10 miler started near the tennis courts and the first mile was a loop around the courts before continuing on to the two loops of the State Office campus.

I’ve run this same course so many times but it doesn’t get any better. It’s boring and there are hills and not enough water stops. (But I’m not complaining. It’s a FREE race!)

When the wind was at your back, it was very pleasant. I even unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves.

I kept telling myself to run a slower pace. It would suck to have something hurt so close to my half marathon.

So I let Lara run by me and didn’t try to catch up.

During mile 3, a guy came up to me and we started chatting. He was training for the Toronto Marathon which he would be running with his 25 yr-old speedy daughter from NYC. Eventually, I told him to run ahead. He was slowing down to talk to me and I was speeding up to talk to him.

So I trudged along and didn’t walk (except for several times when my sunglasses fogged up…so annoying) until the first water stop at mile 4 or so. I took a Gu and walked for awhile. It felt so good to walk but then it was hard to get going.

I just told myself that this was simply a training run and just do it.

It was funny how the 20 milers were sprinting by me one by one. I had to keep moving over to get out of their way.

I ran alone until around mile 7. Elsa from the SRMs caught up to me and we chatted. Then she and her friend passed me by. Eventually they walked a bit & I passed them by. But in the end, they passed me again and I never caught up to them.

I walked again and took at GU at second water stop around mile 8.

Throughout the race, the wind would pick up and I would zip up my jacket and put my gloves back on and then it wold die down and I would be sweating.

Finally the end was near. Miriam who used to work where I take yoga, caught up to me. We chatted until she sped off. It must be nice to have all that speed at the end.

I never do. This race was no exception.

But I was very happy that I felt fine and nothing hurt. I was able to keep my slower pace the whole time and I didn’t try to race.

I did sprint finally and crossed the finish line around at 1:44:10.

Much slower than I expected but feeling good.

I grabbed some refreshments – some hot soup (tomato basil?), vegetarian chili, bread and then, hot chocolate and cookies.

I finished 163 out of 178. At least I wasn’t last.

ws5

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 4th I think among the speedy old ladies.

So I did what I set out to do – my last long training run before the big one.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9:37
mile 2 – 10:02
mile 3 – 9:55
mile 4 – 10:18
mile 5 – 11:03 (water & GU)
mile 6 – 10:45
mile 7 – 10:36
mile 8 – 10:58 (water & GU)
mile 9 – 10:29
mile 10 -10:22
.1 – 7:05

I was glad that I ran the race. My pace was slower than if I was really racing it but definitely a lot faster (and more enjoyable) than running alone.

Next week at least, it’ll be WARMER! And I won’t have to wear winter clothes like above.

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run this weekend?

June 30, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: 2015 Goals Update

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: 2015 Goals Update

6 months down. 6 months to go. So how am I doing on my 15 goals for this year??

GOALS
FOR

1. Do not get injured.

No major injuries just some nagging foot issues.

ouchy!

2. Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.

Yes, for the most part.

2x before work

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.

Tennis, yes. Yoga, no!

4. Do some upper body exercises.

Just a few times. Nothing to write home about.

5. Finish all of my races under 10 minutes per mile (except half marathons)

Yes. Except 15ks and 10 milers.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 8:59
Bacon Hill 5K – 9:00
Delmar Dash 5m – 9:09
Shamrock Shuffle 5m – 9:17
Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 9:21
Spring Run Off 10k – 9:22
Polar Cap 4m – 9:24
Albany Law Day 5k – 9:25
Mastodon Challenge 5k – 9:25
Freihofer Run for Women 5k – 9:28
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
Mother’s Day 5K – 9:45
HMRRC Winter Series #3 10K – 9:48