February 28, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: February Report Card

Wow, that was fast. Well, it was a short month, right?

Anyway, here’s how February turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Until this month, we’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of 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.

But during this month, we had several snowstorms and I got the flu.

Both made me miss several weekday runs. The month, in other words, did not get off to a great start.

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 have even tried running during lunch when my schedule didn’t permit after work running.

The good news is that it stays light out longer and I don’t have to run in the dark after work anymore.

I ran alone most of the time. Barbara was still injured. But Alyssa was able to accompany me occasionally.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I do this more next month.

Long Runs:

With a half marathon looming this Sunday, I better have done some long runs.

But a snowstorm and the flu got in the way of my long runs.

: 4 mile race + 7 = 11 miles

: 4.5 instead of 10

: 10 run/walking instead of 12

: 8.5 instead of 10

Total Mileage:

I ran 78 miles so far this month. I was on track for a great month but “sh&t” happens. Last year, I ran 101 & 90 so I need to get my a$$ in gear

feb17

Races:

I ran two races this month – a 4 miler and a 4.5 miler. I ran the Polar Cap Race with a blogger friend from VT the first weekend of the month. The re-scheduled 4.5 miler was free and the last part of the HMRRC Winter Series. I ran that one the last weekend of the month.

I was generally happy with how they both went. I won my age group in the 4 miler and the 4.5 miler was just a fun run with insane winds the day after running 8.5 miles. Plus the Polar Cap was actually a PR and the 4.5 miler was my first at that distance so I guess it was a PR, as well!!

: 37:21

: 42:58

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 went to work out at the gym ONCE (a shocker, I know) and I did plank a few times at home!

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall.

Other News:

I attended a Chinese New Year’s Party. I also spent a day knitting with friends. There were a few tennis dinners out, as well. I even spent a day at our New Casino with an old friend (her idea, not mine LOL.)

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

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. CAN’T WAIT!!!

I have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here in the winter but pick up as the temps get warmer and the threat of snow diminishes.

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

3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL)
3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10k
4-15-17 – Rabbit Ramble 4m?
4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (in NYC)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her February Race Linkup

No monthly goals.

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

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also 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 overall a B- (I need to add some workouts to my month and some more miles if I want to earn an A)

What do you think?

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

February 27, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.20.17-2.26.17

Last Week:

Monday – a day off and sunshine (though not as warm as it looks.) I had to go out for a run. Then a friend and I decided to check out the new local casino.

My friend won and I didn’t. But we had fun and then went out to dinner.

She said that it was only fair since I won the last time we went to a casino.

Tuesday – Today I had to get up at 5:30 am to skip my regular job and work at the Bar Exam instead. Very boring but that’s a good thing when you are providing tech support. I am finally feeling almost normal but it was a scheduled rest day so I was good.
Wednesday – Back at my normal job with an after work run. I am missing my running buddy Alyssa who could not come. But it was in the 50s again with rain predicted for the next few days. I had to try to run two loops of the campus (6 miles). It wasn’t pretty but I got it done.

Thursday– Another day sitting and doing nothing at the Bar Exam. Though I ran the day before, the warm weather egged me on to take a run so I did. 3.5 miles in 68 degrees.

and I wore a tank top….sweet.

Friday – Last day at the bar exam ZZZZZ! I didn’t even bring running clothes so that I would take a rest day.

I decided to sneak out for a walk around the building

It was supposed to rain but it didn’t and the temps went up to 75 degrees. (Notice the blue sky!!) The weather is such a tease.

Saturday – My original plan called for a rest day and a 10 mile race on Sunday. But Alyssa forgot about the race and planned a run. She asked me to accompany her on the last 8 miles of her 14 mile training run. After checking the weather and realizing that it would be going downhill on Sunday, I agreed. It was great to catch up. Life had gotten in the way of our runs together.

warm (almost 70), humid and very windy…tough one for both of us but we got it done!

Then that night, I reminded my hubby that he still owed me a Valentine’s Day dinner.

Sunday – So I bailed on the Winter Series 10 mile race and chose the 4.5 miler instead. I am glad I did not run the 10 miler but I am glad than I ran the race. It was in the 30’s (yes, over 30 degrees colder than the day before) and insanely windy. The gusts made it impossible to move forward at times. Yet, I enjoyed it…

26 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis, STEM mtg
Wednesday –4 miles with Alyssa
Thursday – 2 miles during lunch?, hair appt
Friday – rest day, fly to West Palm Beach, FL, rent car & drive to friend’s in Delray Beach
Saturday – rest day, Delray Beach, lunch with friend in Boca, pick up race packet in Stuart, drive to friend’s in Hobe Sound
Sunday – Treasure Coast Half Marathon, Mets vs Cardinals spring training game

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?

February 26, 2017 by Darlene

Winter Series #5 4.5 Mile Race Recap

2015: I’m the one with the pink hat & gloves

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

As you can see above, this weekend, they offered distances of 4.5M and 10M. They also offered (starting an hour earlier) a 20M and Marathon option. (No thank you!!)

This race was originally scheduled two weeks ago. I was recovering from the flu and wouldn’t have been able to run it. As luck would have it, we had a snowstorm and they cancelled the races.

I had originally planned on the 10 miler as it would have been a training run and I could have run it today as my last long run.

But I just didn’t have it in me. It’s not like me to wimp out on a race but I did.

Yesterday, instead I ran 8.5 miles on the Nisky bike path with Alyssa. She had already run 6 miles with another runner so I was hoping that she’d be tired and I wouldn’t be too slow for her.

: Alyssa & Karen finishing 6 miles

: ready to start & happy it’s skirt weather

: enjoying the run

: but again there was some of this…

It worked out fine and it was great catching up. I enjoyed not running solo. The best part was that there was no pressure to race the miles and run more than I should. And the weather was way nicer than today’s weather.

Most runners would have then skipped today’s race. But I decided to just run the shorter distance – 4.5 miles.

Run NOT race for free with other runners and also get free food. Perfect, right?

The weather was as I said colder than yesterday (more than 30 degrees colder) plus it was very very windy.

I left later than usual and the lot that I park in was full and closed. There was a high school event going on. So I had to drive to the next lot and I barely found a space there. (Why does someone who can run 13 miles, balk at walking any distance to the start of a race?)

After a lengthy walk where luckily I wore my winter coat, I arrived in time to change my registration from the 10 miler to 4.5 . I got to see Patrick, my running coach from the Turkey Trot. He was the race coordinator this week. I also chatted with a few other runners that I knew. However, the marathoners and 20 milers had already started and the crowd seemed to be a lot smaller than in previous races.

last year’s group pre-race

I stayed indoors until the very last minute and then made my way outside. I decided to wear my fleece vest under my windbreaker along with a hat, gloves, etc. Back to winter dressing. Ugh!

I had actually run this same race in 2013 and 2014 but they called it a 4 mile race. It turned out each year that it was more like 4.32 miles. This year, it was a 4.5 mile race (my first so automatically a PR) but I wasn’t sure if they changed the course at all.

: 2014

: 2013

In 2014, my time was 44:24 and in 2013, 45:15 and however, it didn’t matter because I wasn’t racing, right?

The 4 milers and the 10 milers started together (though the 10 mile racers obviously ran the course twice and more). As soon as I started running, my watch (which was fully charged) said low battery. After .25 miles, it looked like this:

Well, another race where I had no idea of my pace or where I was on the course. There are no mile markers for these races.

I didn’t have to telling myself to run a slower pace. My legs were tired and I just ran slow naturally. Besides, it would suck to have something hurt so close to my half marathon. How slow was I running?? I have no idea but it seemed like everyone was passing me by.

It was interesting when all of a sudden while I was slowly running my race, the 10 milers sped by me. Then, there were times that the 20 milers or marathoners were speeding by me.

But I trudged along.

As I was running, I was reminded about how much I hate this course. Besides being all concrete and parking lots, it seems that you are constantly going uphill but never enjoy as many downhills. (But I’m not complaining. It’s a FREE race!)

Believe it or not, I didn’t walk until the last 1 1/2 miles or so (at least I think it was the last 1 1/2 miles.) The wind was insane throughout most of the race but during that last mile, the gusts were so strong that I felt like I was moving backwards. I starting walking more and more. The wind was tiring me out. But actually, it was easier to push through the wind running slowly than walking.

Finally we approached the campus, and they said 4 milers go left and 10 milers go straight. I was so happy that I had chose the shorter race. I couldn’t imagine fighting that wind for 5.5 more miles.

Runners were still passing me by. It must be nice to have all that speed at the end. Sometimes I do. But today, I did not.

I still had no idea at what pace I was running…no clue at all.

When I saw the finish line clock, I was shocked that it read 42:xx!! So I forced myself to sprint so I could cross under 43 minutes. (My finish time was 42:58)

A much slower time that I am capable of. 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 wonder what my results would have been if my Garmin had been working?? Slower? Faster?

It was cold and windy and since Judy had decided not to race, I didn’t wait to cheer on any of the other finishers.

I went inside to get warm and to grab some refreshments – some hot soup, bread, fruit and then, hot chocolate and cookies.

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 3rd.

So I did what I set out to do – run some extra training miles before the big one.

Race splits:

mile 1 – ?
mile 2 – ?
mile 3 – ?
mile 4 – ?
.5- ?

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.

I am 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 you are enduring the winter? Did you run this weekend? Do you ever race the week before a big race? Have you ever raced without your watch?

February 14, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Stuff I Love about Running

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 Stuff I Love About Running.

I could go on and on but I will limit it to EIGHT great things:

1. Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

2. Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

: Sarasota, FL

: Palm Springs, CA

: Burlington, VT

3. Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

: Winter Series 10k

: 2016

: Celebrate Life HM

4. Running Friends

They are the best….

: 4/30 – 10k

5. Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

6. Blogging

If I didn’t run, I probably wouldn’t blog and I would have missed out on meeting some fabulous ladies.

: 2017

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

7. Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else. You can.

8. How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, empowered, young(er)…

Happy Running! Tell me something you LOVE about running.

Don’t forget my giveaway – TOMORROW is the last day – enter 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!!

February 9, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Flexibility, Lady Gaga, Work, Giveaway, 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:

Are you flexible?

I’d like to think that I am. But if you are too flexible, do people take advantage of you?

The latest is that a running friend asked me to run a half marathon with her. She didn’t want to run it alone. It wasn’t one that I wanted to run (TWO loops around Central Park) and the timing wasn’t great (right before I leave for a Florida tennis vacay). But I said that I would if she could find an affordable hotel so we could split the cost.

She found a hotel and I registered for the race (non-refundable.)

The race is in NYC so there’s still meals, transport, etc. but I started looking forward to running it with her.

Now she sprung it on me that she cannot go. Her son wants to go a show that day. I total get it. Family is much more important than running.

So am I stuck running and spending a weekend in NYC alone and spending $250 on a hotel room???

Initially I freaked.

Sometimes things work out. Remember my crazy NYC weekend with the Russian girls.

I FB messaged someone whom I met at a local race who had mentioned that she and a friend (whom I don’t know) were running this same race.

I asked her if she knew anyone who needed a roommate. She said no but I was welcome to be a third person in her room.

Guess who’s sharing a bed with a runner that she’s never met? That would be flexible Darlene.

April 30, 2017

Ok. Who didn’t love Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl performance? I’ve always been a fan so I was in heaven.

But now people are talking about her pot belly!

Seriously?

I should be so lucky to have my stomach look that good. Just sayin.’

Working is tiring!!!

At the end of the day, my brain feel like I’ve run a marathon. But then at night, I can’t sleep. (Age, hormones, stress???)

I am pooped. I was too tired to run on Tuesday and too sick to run on Wednesday. (It could have been standing all day or lifting 80 lb laptop cases in and out or maybe the headache, sore throat and cold that invaded my body.)

Missing runs is not like me.

Have you entered my giveaway yet?

utah

I am giving away TWO free entries to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon (or any of the race distances -marathon, half marathon, or 10k) on June 10, 2017. Click here for your chance to win or you can use the code dc15 to get a 15% discount.

Happy Running! Do you get taken advantage of? What did you think about Lady Gaga? Did you enter my giveaway? Does work or sickness interfere with your running? Spill. What’s on your mind today?

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 5, 2017 by Darlene

The Polar Cap 4m Race Report

pc4m

I have run this race with blogger AJH several times and it was a tough hilly one but still fun.

Here we are winning AG awards in 2011

AJH got 2nd place...we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

AG awards again in 2013

I ran with her in 2014 but only she got an award.

AJH’s award in 2014

Then in 2015, we both got our awards and for the first time, I beat her.

another hat for AJH but my first.

AJH was running it again and I was looking forward to seeing her. I hadn’t seen her since May at the VCM Relay.

VCM Relay – a little warmer that day LOL

The thing with this race, you never know where it’s going to start and what the course will be (besides hilly.) This year they changed the course for the third time.

during the snowy 2014 race

during the cold 2015 race

I have not been doing any 5ks or any speed work at all. My runs on the weekend have been long. So I was prepared for a slow time. Not a PR not even a course PR. Just a fun race.

At least the weather was better than it has been in previous Polar Cap races – meaning it wasn’t snowing yet and it wasn’t sub-zero. But it was COLD!!! In the low 20s and in the teens with the wind chill.

So I bundled up in my usual running layers (shirt, vest, jacket) and drove the hour ride up to Lake George.

I didn’t get there was early as I had planned and had to drive around to find parking spot on the street.

Packet pick-up was at the parish hall of the Sacred Heart Church on Mohican St. This was new. The new location still had restrooms which is always a plus.

the long sleeve cotton shirt is the only negative about this race

When I got there, AJH was already there. (She is hard core – drove over 2 hours from VT.)

I chatted with some runners that I knew inside. I found AJH again as I was walking to the race start. We had to walk quite a ways as the race started in town by the lake.

There was no real starting line and I was not even sure if the race was chip timed. I also had no idea what the course was though here is a map that I found online after the race.

I am directionally challenged anyway so it wouldn’t have meant much to me.

pic from FB: yes it was 20 degrees and some guys were wearing shorts and singlets.

Despite the long walk, we didn’t have to wait long in the cold before the race started.

: Polar Cap Run

: this hilly 4 miler was faster than a flat one

A lot of the course was a blur, as usual, but here’s what I remember.

16402575_10208876574492728_239505515196304670_o

pic from FB – cute markers at each mile

The first mile started with a slight uphill and then it flattened out. I was cold (at least my face and lips were from the wind) and my legs felt very stiff since I hadn’t warmed up. I was ok with that because I wanted to start out slow. I also found my stomach growling since the race started at 10 am and I had eaten 3 1/2 hours ago. (I had a GU in my pocket but decided against eating it since my hands were cold.)

Mile two started where the race used to start and than meant a steepish hill. I told myself to be smart since I had a half marathon in a few weeks and I never run on hills. So I ran some and walked some until it flattened out.

The longest and biggest was at mile 3 and although it was only 1/2 mile, but it seemed to go on forever. I again walked/ran it and we were rewarded with a nice downhill. I am always hesitant on downhills so many runners passed me by but that was better than getting DOMS.

Finally mile 4 along the lake and back into town. At this point, I wanted to be done and picked up the pace. Luckily the hills were finally over. I didn’t care about a PR but I secretly want to win an AG award. But I had no idea where the other runners in my AG were in at this time in the course.

I saw that the clock ahead read 36:xx but couldn’t muster enough speed to finish under 37 minutes.

: 2017 – 37:21

According to the results, I crossed at 37:21. I was happy at how I ran. At the time I thought I had a slow race. I thought my PR for 4 miles as 36:xx.

Soon AJH finished and we walked back to the church together.

We went inside to wait for the age group awards. I bumped into a professor where I used to work and we chatted for awhile. I so miss my old job!!!!

There was soup and fruit and baked goods – I am a sucker for home-made stuff and ate quite a few cookies and brownies. I also had the soup.

pc4m

Guess what? I did win first in my Age Group!!! Woo Hoo!! The runner that I thought was my competition actually just turned 65. AJH did not win for the first time in 10 years but she is such a good sport. I reminded her about how when we first started racing together how much faster than me she was.

perfect prize for a tea drinker

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 9:00
mile 2 – 9:41
mile 3 – 9:49
mile 4 – 8:40

(Garmin time: 37:16)

Previous Polar Cap Races:

2011 – 40:11
2012 – injured
2013 – 41:40
2014 – 40:10
2015 – 37:40
2016 – on vacation

My 4 mile PR was 37:27 on a much flatter course. But I was totally wrong about my PR time. I was trying to have a “relaxing” no pressure race and I PRed!!!!!!! Super surprised and super happy on PRing without even trying (and walking up those hills.)

After AJH left, I was debating on changing my clothes and leaving or running more.

With 10-11 miles on my “training” schedule for the day, I decided to stick around and try to find somewhere to run.

First, I ran around the church area but I was so cold that I had to go back to my car to add one more layer.Then I tried to re-run some of the course. Or what I could remember of it. I did run some of it.

Of course, then the sun came out for awhile and I was warm.

outhouse races as part of the Winter Carnival. They are usually held on the lake but the lake isn’t frozen …yet.

I took a wrong turn but found a pleasant surprise

Next I headed to the Winter Carnival in town.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

they had a chili cook-off. I just donated my money because the line was too long and I was freezing!

I visited with friends who were volunteering and took some pics.

ok – this was neat but my butt was cooold!!

I covered 5 miles in total with lots of interruptions.

Next, I drove north to Bolton Landing. I ran to our marina, through town and to the Sagamore Hotel.

where out boat would usually be docked

view from the Sagamore bridge

colder…windier and cloudier = the running ninja

I finally ran back to my car. Another 2 miles covered!

With 7 extra (interrupted) miles, I decided to call it a day and head home. I was pooped and had Chinese New Year’s party to go to…

I am 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! Did you run or race this weekend? Is it cold where you live?

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.

fb09c6aa-77b9-4de8-a250-633196d0de29

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?