February 11, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Technology, Training, Winter, Sleep and more…

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Technology…

I was away for 6 days and I did not go on a computer. Not even once. Not even tempted.

No reading blogs.
No commenting on blogs.
No blog postings (I scheduled them all before I left.)
No replying to emails.

I did minimally post to FB and IG with my phone so that my friends would not think I dropped off the face of the earth.

Sorry fellow bloggers, I ignored you all. But it felt great.

I’m back now … and trying to catch up.

Training…

I was so lucky to be spared the ugly winter weather typical for the NE. I was able to get all my long runs in for my recent half marathon.

It would have been nice to schedule a break.

March 13, 2016

This half marathon is in 5 weeks!!!

It means that I don’t have a break from double digit long runs. 10, 11, 12, 8, and then 13.1

vcm16

VCM is the next one I registered for.

But I’m also even considering one for April 24 – 6 weeks after Celebrate Life. Yes, I have lost my mind!!

Winter…

I just got back from Florida.

There was none of this:

in 2013

It was cold…40’s in the am and 50’s in the pm with awful cold winds off the water.

in 2016

But I shouldn’t have been complaining.

This is what I saw yesterday.

The low predicted for Sunday is -6 degrees and windy! And yes, I have to run 10 miles in that plus find a clear place to do it.

Sleep…

I am an awful sleeper. I have a hard time falling asleep and if I do, I have a hard time staying asleep.

Unfortunately, I recently discovered that my FitBit tracks my sleep patterns. (I had hid it originally.)

I average some weeks getting 4 hours a night. Some nights I get 3. I rarely get more than 5 hours. UGH!!

Aren’t you supposed to get 8 hours???

Happy Running! How are you surviving running in the winter? Do you get enough sleep? What are you thinking about this Thursday?

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Spring Race Plans

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

tulip12d

This week’s topic is Spring Racing Plans

I’ll try to keep this short since I run A LOT of races. Here are the ones that I’m thinking about running:

Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13

It’s a hilly one but I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time. I plan to run 13.1 miles for her.

There will be signs posted in memory of those who have had cancer.

Shamrock Shuffle 5m

ss5m16

I ran it last year for the first time and it was a nice flat local race. So it’s on my race schedule again.

Ice Breaker 5k Challenge

March 26

I ran this race 3 years ago and its course is one of my favorite places to run. You also race against the rowers on the river which is cool.

post injury 5k PR

Delmar Dash 5m

dd16

This race is flat and it is held near where I live so it’s on my list every year.

Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10K

April 9

This is one of my favorites. The course is out in the country and I’ve won a pie both years I’ve run it. Let’s see if I can repeat.

Spring Run Off 5k or 10K

sro16

This race is held at the same location as the Ice Breaker. They have a great free pasta dinner the night before. I usually run the 10K. But since it’s the day before the Cherry Blossom, I may just run the 5K.

Cherry Blossom 5k

May 1

I love this race too. I am hoping for a year where the cherry blossoms are actually in bloom. This may be the year since it is 2 weeks later than last year.

2nd

Mastodon Challenge 5k or 15k

May 7

I ran the 5k last year on my birthday and fell. I want a redo or maybe I’ll challenge myself and run the hilly 15K.

race location is near the Cohoes Falls

Mother’s Day 5K

May 8 this year

I usually run a race on Mother’s Day so this is a possibility especially if it is the GOTR race. It is held at Central Park in Schenectady which is a great place to run. But there are several Mother’s Day races so I may just choose another one.

pre-race last year

Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run

May 14

This is a new race and is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.gofundme.com/Summer5k4addiction There will be many other runners and mentors from the program. I am honored to support this cause and to have known and run with Summer.

Vermont City Marathon Relay

May 29

I ran this race last year with AJH. I ran the first leg so this year I’m looking forward to running the 2nd 13.1 miles (and crossing the marathon finish line.)

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 4

And of course, I have to run this race – my race streak race. This will be my 9th time running it.

I love the energy in this all women’s 5k.

I also signed up for the Training Challenge for the 2nd time.

10422515_10152728634751618_2533787278118590781_n

I’m there somewhere?

Betar Byway 5K & Moreau Mile

bbw5k

This race has such a beautiful course. Last year, I ran both the 5k and the mile. It was a lot of fun. Once boating season starts, I try to run races that are held on my race up north.

And yes, there will probably be more added. Maybe even a half marathon in Aptil. Who knows?

Happy Running! What spring race(s) are you planning to run in 2016?

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Rest day recovering from my 10 mile race on Sunday. Tennis after work.

Tuesday – 4 mile run after work

Wednesday – A short run after work on the treadmill since it was raining and then I rushed home to pack and tried to get to bed early.

Thursday – 5:30 am flight to Ft. Myers, FL. – Ugh!! I flew with 3 friends – one coming with me on this vacation and the other two going to Naples. Fran & I rented a car and drove to Placida where we would be staying with a friend.

dinner with a view of the Gulf

Friday – I got up early to go for a short run, my last one before the race. I ran near where my friend lives, in the neighborhood and a park. It was cool & windy but compared to the NE, it was enjoyable temps.

Spent a great day with friends. We met for a nice lunch in Punta Gorda, then drove to Boca Grande for a (windy) walk on the beach and a visit to a lighthouse.

Saturday – Took a nice morning walk in Placida.

I drove up to Sarasota in the afternoon and picked up my race packet. I spent the the rest of the day with a friend who winters here. We visited a few art galleries, a garden and had pizza for dinner. Unfortunately it rained the whole time.

Sunday – Marathon #17 in the books!!

cold and very windy but beautiful course

We spent the rest of the day on Anna Maria Island. It was beautiful. We walked on the beach, visited the pier, ate dinner on the water and watched the sun set on the Gulf. (Unfortunately it was cool & windy but at least it was sunny!)

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – recovery day in Sarasota and then back to Placida
Tuesday – last day in Florida, 3 mile run, and then flying home in the evening
Wednesday – rest, webinar for work
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday -rest, coloring book party
Sunday – 5K race + 7 or 10 mile run

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 ?

February 6, 2016 by Darlene

Unltimate Coffee Date – February

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am in Florida right now. I am visiting my friend Pat who lives in Placida (on the Gulf coast between Ft. Myers & Sarasota) with another friend Fran.

Two of my other tennis friends just happened to be in Naples so we planned a meet up for yesterday.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that my 17th half marathon is tomorrow. (You probably know that.) I am nervous as usual.. The usual stuff – weather, parking, unexpected injuries… But most of all, I am excited to be running and to have escaped the frigid temps of the NE for a few days.

20+ bands (most you’ll pass twice!)
Gourmet post-race brunch provided by Mattison’s
Selby Gardens Spectator Zone
Girl Scout Cookie Aid Station™
Beautiful neighborhoods and lawn parties
Wicked cool participation Medal and T-shirts
Rockin Music, crowds and tons of fun!

It should be fun!!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I love being healthy enough to run 13.1 mile races. My next race is for an important cause and I am running it for a friend who has had breast cancer.

But I wish I had more time between races. With only 5 weeks apart means that I don’t have a break from double digit long runs. 10, 11, 12, 8, and then 13.1

Living in the NE, it is tough doing the miles. We have escaped snow so far but who knows…

It snowed during last year’s race.

Over coffee or tea…

I would tell you that I am excited to be running the VCM Relay again with AJH. It used to be a lottery but this year for the first time, it was first come, first served so I clicked in at 5:59 on Feb 1 and GOT IN!!

vcm

Over coffee or tea…

I am planning my spring race schedule (I’ll post about it on Tuesday.) There are so many races to choose from…. I love to race and I am tempted to run one every weekend. But this makes it hard to train for half marathons? Decisions…Decisions…

Bacon Hill Bonanza

Happy Running! What would you tell me over coffee or tea?

February 5, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Races for 2016

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!

frwme

My “fitness” topic for this Friday is Five Races I am looking forward to in 2016.

Sarasota Music Half Marathon

Feb 7, 2016

Florida in the winter, visiting friends…another race-cation!! Just perfect!

Susan, me & Robin at Lido Key beach...can you guess which one of us does not live in Florida??

with Susan & Robin in Sarasota, 2013

2. Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13, 2016

It’s a hilly one but I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time. I will run 13.1 miles for her.

signs honoring those who are survivors – I bought one for my friend

3. Vermont City Marathon Relay

I ran this race last year with AJH and loved it. I ran the first leg so this year I’m looking forward to running the 2nd 13.1 miles (and crossing the marathon finish line.)

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

4. Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 5, 2016

Of course, I have my race streak race – #9 this year. It’s a great course and it’s all women. Plus you get cookies!!

I love the energy in this all women’s 5k.

I also signed up for the Training Challenge again this year.

I’m there somewhere?

5. ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon

Sept 24, 2016

I love running with ocean views. This also will be a mini reunion with 2 runners (Lisa & Andrea) that I ran the Love Run with in 2014 in Philly.

Inspite of the rain, we had a blast.

There’s still a few more out there I’m considering besides my usual 30 or so 5ks.

Wouldn’t a Blogger Meet-Up Half be cool? Who wants to plan one?

Happy Running! What race(s) are you looking forward to in 2016?

February 4, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Sarasota Music Half Marathon

My Next Race:

I am really looking forward to this race. In fact, I planned this race-cation and registered for this race way before my last half marathon.

Because that race didn’t go as well as planned, I could now use this one as redemption.

But since this half marathon takes place in Florida, as well, the heat, wind and humidity could impact my race in the same way.

This time, though, my goals are not as lofty.

In fact, I don’t even have a time goal.

I just want to run a little faster and not fall apart the last half of the race.

How will I do that?

Push myself more (walk less) and hope that I won’t collapse??

I already ran the First Watch Half Marathon here in March 2013. It was my first half after a year off due to ankle surgery and then a foot stress fracture. Though my ortho said I couldn’t run long distances, I decided to train for it anyway. (I’m stubborn like that!)

I ran over that humongous bridge twice and

I’m in turquoise

finished the race joyfully in 2:34.

so happy to be running!!!

Now three years and 10 half marathons later, I am still worried about finishing and hoping to have a decent finish time. (Does it ever get easier?)

The course below is similar to First Watch Half Marathon but after running over the bridge twice, you run a different loop back to the start/finish line.

you pass music 42 times on this race course

Hopefully, the next time I post, I will be wearing this medal…

Logistics:

This is always nerve-wracking when you have to fly to the race’s location. I fly out on Thursday so I’m worried about the weather in the NE at this time of year. (I think I got lucky here.) The race is not until Sunday. I am traveling with and staying with two non-runners. So most likely, my last run will have been on the Tuesday before the race.

with Pat in 2013

The friend that I am staying with lives an hour from the race location (Sarasota) so I rented a car and will be staying with another friend who lives there. I will go to Sarasota on Saturday to pick up my race packet and stay with her that night (and maybe Sunday.) I also may meet up with 2 other tennis friends who spend the winter in Sarasota.

my race hosts in 2013 and 2016

I don’t fly home until Tuesday so I will drive back to my other friend’s and stay there until I leave.

Weather:

I don’t want any rain and or humidity or wind. (fussy, huh?)

It would be wonderful to be cool and dry and sunny during the race.

But I can’t control the weather…and here’s the forecast:

yup… not ideal and the 81% humidity is what worries me.

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

Happy Running! What are you thinking about this Thursday? Do you have a big race on the horizon?

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 29, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

It’s that time again. The last Friday of the month. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

You how they say don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Well, don’t go to Target after a long run when you are half frozen.

puffer jacket with hood

Well, at least it was on clearance and I had a cartwheel coupon.

2. I runfess…

Remember how I said I loved my FitBit because it made me walk more. I used to try to get to 10,000 steps everyday.

last week

Well, the newness has worn off and now I pretty much only get 10,000 steps when I do a long run (like on Sat.). I even forgot to put it on on Sunday but I didn’t move much anyway.

3. I runfess…

After all those holiday parties and Christmas cookies, I vowed to cut back and eat healthier (and save $) in January. Besides when I go to Florida in a week, there will be a lot of eating and drinking going on with friends (and I will be going all out.)

monthly tennis ladies night out

I went out to dinner this past week three nights in a row. My bad.

4. I runfess…

I work several Saturdays during the year proctoring law school entrance exams. Though I hate to work 6 days a week, I justify it by using this extra money for race entry fees.

Dates for 2015-16:

December 5, 2015 – EAU Palm Beach Half weekend
February 6, 2016 – Sarasota Music Half weekend
June 6, 2016.
September 24, 2016.
December 3, 2016

I just signed up for a fall half marathon.

Guess when? Yup. September 24, 2016. At least, I had a 10% coupon code.

5. I runfess…

I have gotten spoiled by either running a race or having a running partner for part of all my long runs. Thanks Judy!

This part Saturday was no exception. I ran 6 miles by myself then Judy came to run the final 6 with me. I usually run slower the second half of my runs so it works out fine. However, it was so cold and windy and we were running uphill that I couldn’t hold the slower pace. I wound up running the last 3 miles by myself. Sorry Judy!

I looked back at one point and couldn’t see Judy.

And for extra measure…

6. I runfess…
I can’t wait to leave the frigid Northeast and run in Florida. I am excited for my half marathon…

new Nike shoes & skirt & top from SkirtSports

or maybe it’s because I want to wear my latest running purchases? (Yes, Sunshine State, please warm up!)

Since it is also Friday, I am linking up with the three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC for their Friday Five linkup.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

January 28, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday – Caffeine and Sunshine

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

CAFFEINE…

In August 2013, I decided to give up alcohol and caffeine. Crazy, right?

The story is that I am a terrible sleeper – it’s has to be dark, quiet, comfortable & I need a book. Even then, I sometimes can’t sleep. Somewhere I read that it would help to eliminate caffeine and alcohol.

It was really difficult to give up coffee. I LOVE COFFEE.

Then there’s energy gels. Most have caffeine, right? So I had to limit myself to rootbeer & peanut butter GUs.

Did my running suffer? Not that I noticed.

Did my sleeping improve?? Hard to say. Sometimes yes and sometimes no.

Little by little, I have been cheating by having decaf Starbucks lattes and an occasional glass of wine or mixed drink. I have even bought salted caramel and caramel macchiato GUs.

But for some reason, this week I have been feeling the need for CAFFEINE!!! I mean like I crave it. I feel so sluggish at work.

So twice, I’ve gone to Starbucks and bought a Flat White. (Today could make it 3 times.)

It was great. I started to feel better and I felt so much more energetic after work. And I had great runs.

Am I going back to caffeine?

Not yet… but maybe soon.

I NEED SUNSHINE!!!

Maybe it’s not the caffeine that I need but the sun!! It’s been cloudy for weeks and even if it is sunny, I work inside and it’s dark when I go out to run.

I went for a short walk today…because the sky was blue and the sun was out. It was cold and windy but you can’t have everything.

And then after work when I run, it will look like above ….dark!! But at least I did get to feel the sun on my face for a few moments today.

ONE WEEK!

Yes, one week from day, I will be flying to Florida!! It’s too soon to trust the weather forecasts.

half marathon on Feb 7.

I am just hoping for SUNSHINE!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

January 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Being an Optimistic Runner

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 Optimism.

Optimism is defined as “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something” or this definition which I like better:

For the most part, I think runners are optimists. We wouldn’t be out there day after day if we weren’t.

As runners, how can we be more optimistic?

Take risks.

Run in a place where you’ve never run before. Don’t use excuses such as “I may get lost,” “I’m not good on hills, “It’s too far,” “Trails are too hard,”I’m too slow to run with them,” “Tracks are boring,”etc. Take a chance. This new place could become your new favorite route. An optimistic runner will seize new opportunities with an open mind.

Don’t be afraid to fail.

Sign up for a new distance. Join a running group. Try a new race. You never know how you’ll do until you try. Running is hard. So yes, you may fail. An optimistic runner will try and expect to cross that finish line.

Focus on the positive in a run or race.

Runners will have bad runs. There will be awful races. We will get injured. But an optimistic runner will see value in each running experience and is able find something positive:

-I ran my fastest mile
-I didn’t get injured
-I crossed the finish line
-It was faster than my last race
-I had negative splits
-I ran at an even pace
-I ran up the hills
-I did it inspite of….
-I had fun
-I made a new friend
-Great bling.
-Pretty course

Make new goals.

Don’t give up if you don’t succeed. You’re not too slow.Maybe the course was hard. Maybe the weather was the culprit. If you didn’t meet your goal, just sign up for another race. Keep trying.

Am I an optimistic runner?

Sometimes I am not. I whine about how I wish I could run faster. I complain that I didn’t have the race time that I wanted. I sulk when my training runs suck. I don’t like to run when it’s too cold, too hot, too humid, too windy, etc. I hate the treadmill. Blah blah blah.

So this post is therapeutic.

I have a half marathon in 11 days!!