December 31, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap

10 Things We Love The Most About December

Where has the time gone?. I can’t believe that it is almost 2017. Wasn’t it just December 1?.

Anyway, here’s how December went down:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a December. 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. 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 Florida for 5 days.

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

Long Runs:

There were none! Just a half marathon!! Taking a break until mid-January.

Total Mileage:

I ran 69 miles this month – My lowest monthly total of the year. But I did run over 1000 miles for the year!! Woo Hoo! For the first time ever.

Started out the year with my highest monthly total and ended with the lowest. LOL

2016

Races:

I only ran two races this month – a half marathon and a 5k.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

I was generally happy with how they buth went. I won my age group in the half marathon and the 5k was just pure fun.

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 actually went to workout at the gym ONCE!! Just I know – shocker!

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 went on the most awesome Girls Weekend Race-cation. #HoLottaFun

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

: karaoke & laughs

I also spend a day in NYC taking in all the holiday sights.

I spent time with Amanda (my mentee).

There was a lot of holiday partying and eating but I won’t get into that.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is not until 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 when it gets cold.

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

01-01-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
01-15-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 10K
01-29-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
02-05-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M

All these races are FREE!!

No monthly goals.

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

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

December 27, 2016 by Darlene

My Award Picks for 2016 (& TOTR)

Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran. It was fun so I decided to do it again.

Since I ran 43 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Gulf while running the Music Half Marathon (in Sarasota, FL).

: on the bridge early in the race

: Feb 2016 – freezing in Sarasota, Fla

It was also awesome to run with views of the fall foliage and the river during the Ramblefest Half Marathon (in Adams, MA).

this is the trail we ran on (but in the rain)

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was Celebrate Life Half Marathon (in the Catskill Mountains).

There were quite a few rolling hills in the Lake George Half Marathon too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers even during the heart wave. (There were literally life savers for me and others running this race.)

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

2016

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

: a cool backpack filled lots of goodies

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was the handmade wood one from the Camp Chingachgook Challenge.

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a Fitbit & $25 gift card to LL Bean at the LL Bean Bright Night 5k and $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant and champagne at the Malta 5k.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this baseball hat at the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

But the Sarasota Music Half Marathon also had an amazing breakfast buffet.

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the sweatshirt that we received at the Celebrate Life Half Marathon.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year.

I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC with three Russian ladies and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

And of course, the Panama City Beach Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with seven blogger/friends was amazing and #HoLottaFun.

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

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

But I would have to say that I am proud that I finished the Vermont City Marathon Relay because of how difficult the weather conditions were.

crossing the finish line even though the race had been cancelled & I had to fight to get a medal.

And the Ramblefest Half Marathon because it my only PR this year and it was cold, raining and totally unexpected.

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

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2016?

December 23, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Races

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Races

I run the same Holiday race (Albany Last Run) every year so I’ll change this post’s topic to December Races I’ve run or would like to run:

1. Albany Last Run

Mid-December every year in Albany, NY. The race starts off with fireworks at the Capitol building and then you run around the lights in Washington Park ending with a downhill near where you began. Lots of costumes and holiday spirit. This is the race that I run every year.

2. EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in West Palm Beach, Fl. I ran it in 2015 and enjoyed the course and ocean views. I’d love to do it again.

I especially liked the champagne that you receive after you cross the finish line.

3. Panama City Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in Panama City Beach, Fl. I ran it this year and enjoyed the FLAT course and gulf views. If I got invited again, this one would be one to repeat.

Free gumbo and beer at Margaritaville after the race is a nice perk.

4. Hot Chocolate Run

5k in Northampton, MA. It raises money for an organization addressing domestic violence. I’ve never run this race but I know a few runners who have and they say good things about it.

Of course, there’s hot chocolate after the race.

5. First Night Saratoga 5k

New Year’s Eve in Saratoga Springs, NY. Again I have not run this race but it is very popular locally. It starts and ends on the Skidmore campus and is moderately hilly. You receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

Afterwards you can attend the annual First Night activities in beautiful downtown Saratoga.

Happy Running? What races do you like to run during the holidays?

December 22, 2016 by Darlene

My Year (2016) in Numbers

Miles – 1000+
Races – 43
Marathons – 0
Half Marathons – 7
10 milers – 2
15ks – 3
8.4 milers – 1
10ks – 4
5 milers – 2
4 milers – 0
3.5 milers – 1
5ks – 23
Mentoring races – 2 (of the 5ks)
Race-cations – 4 (Sarasota, FL, Vermont, NYC, Panama City Beach, FL)
DNS – 1
DNF – 0
Age Group Awards ~ 21
PRs – 1 (13.1)
Injuries – 0
New Races – 15
States – 4 (NY, VT, MA, FL)
New States – 1 (MA)
Races in the rain – 5
Ambassadorships – 1 (Skirt Sports)
Running Shoes – 4 (Nike Vomero 10)

Highlights:

Although running achievements are personal. You cross the finish line on your own and your time is what you earn yourself. However, my most memorable racing experiences this past year were those that I shared with others.

12841435_10207871058513108_6107397730146669028_o

Celebrate Life Half Marathon (& Relay) with Judy, Barbara & a whole busload of runners

Lake George Half Marathon with Barbara

Vermont City Marathon Relay with AJH

Ramblefest Half Marathon with Alyssa

Dash to the Finish 5k with the Russians, Anna, Tatiana & Julia

Panama City Beach Half Marathon with Holly, Tricia, Wendy, Karen, Mary Beth, Marcia & Judy for the #HoLottaFun weekend

Having fun is much more important than the numbers.

And 2016 was a good year for me!!

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! How did your year turn out by the numbers? What were your most memorable running experiences?

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:

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?

December 15, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Weather, Races, 2017, 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:

COLD

I know that I should expect it but last winter was so mild that I forgot how to run in the cold.

today -0 with the wind chill

Needless to say, I am not running today or tomorrow and maybe not until Monday.

I do not own a treadmill and even if I did, I hate it!!

This used to be my motto. And I will get my mojo back. I hope….

Races

I am done racing for 2016. My next race is Jan 1 and that is only 3.5 miles. That may explain my lethargic attitude to running in the cold.

I don’t need to start running over 6 miles on the weekend until Jan 15 so I guess I’m on a break.

glad this happened already! 1000 miles for 2016.

2017

I’m a planner. I will probably do most of the same local races.

In addition:

Stuart, Fla – ALL SET!!! Anyone else???

I DID NOT get into the NYC Half lottery (Again!!!) Boo Hoo!!

And I will be deferring my $10 entry into this one until 2018:

But I am thinking about this one – it’s not my preferred NYC race but just maybe:

anyone else running this one?

I am also considering this one:

Runners on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail at the 2015 Steel Rail Half Marathon. (Photo courtesy Berkshire Running Center)

Steel Rail Half Marathon – Adams, MA – May 21, 2017

#HoLottaFun

I am missing my new running/blogger friends. I know that I only spent one weekend with them but I feel like I’ve known them forever.

Good thing for texting so we can keep in touch daily.

There’s still openings in my schedule for 2017. Hopefully there will be another girls weekend in there.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? Do you mind the cold weather? What races are you looking forward to in 2017?

December 13, 2016 by Darlene

Albany Last Run Race Recap (& TOTR)

The Last Run was actually my last run of 2016.

This is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1900). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill.

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard. Last year, it was cold and windy.

last year

I was hoping for better weather this year. But we ended up with the coldest weather we’ve experienced this year.

back in 2010 – I have that jacket in many colors

I normally pickup my bib & shirt beforehand to save time on race night but this year, I just forgot.

for years, we got windbreakers, then we got shirts with a logo – now this??

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. I hate to overdress but how to stay warm and also be comfortable???

I decided to leave my car at my yoga place at work (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. I wore an extra coat (that would ditch before the race) and I was still cold. At least we get to wait inside.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends.

me & Mary Pat (my tennis pal who started me running)

We chatted until it was time to head out.

I lost MP but found Holly (my AG rival from my turkey trot group). We waited outside together and admired everyone’s crazy costumes.

from the TU

Then all of a sudden the fireworks began.

The fireworks were great but we were FREEZING and anxious for the race to begin.

About 10 minutes late, it finally did. Holly took off like a bat, as usual. I knew that I could not keep up. My legs were so stiff and it was cold. I had a hard time breathing. I felt like I was running fast but as I passed mile one at 9:46. I obviously was not.

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first and I was always running with many other costumed runner throughout the whole race.

courtesy of the Times Union (last year)

My legs continued to feel really sluggish. I think it was all that standing around in the cold and starting at 5 pm (I have much more energy to run in the morning.) And maybe I was tired from having run 20 miles between Sat and Mon. Who knows?

from the TU

The hills didn’t help. Why do I not remember how hilly it was? It didn’t bother me in previous years but this year, I struggled. I even walked up them.

So I just resigned myself to just run and enjoy the lights. And I did!! I love this race!!!

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes (I did fall during this race several years ago.)

Finally around mile 3, my hands and feet warmed up and I felt like I could run at a decent speed. (Too little, too late LOL)

Eventually we left the park and ran downhill to the finish. I wanted to finish fast but was still hesitant to run at top speed …in the dark.

It was dark so I couldn’t see my Garmin but I knew by the timing clocks that this would be my slowest 5k of the year.

I barely finished under 30 minutes. Officially I finished at 29:43.

done!

Two years, I was 3rd in my AG. This year, I was 5th. (Even if I had a great race, I wouldn’t have placed. Darn those fast old women!)

Splits:

mile 1- 9:46
mile 2 – 10:01
mile 3 – 9:07
.15 – 7:42

So not an amazing finish time but such a fun race. Sometimes, you just have to “finish fun” if you can’t “finish fast.”

So my year of racing has come to an end. 42 races!!

Looking forward to an even better 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

Happy Running? How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race?

December 12, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – My last day in Panama City Beach and I wanted to hit 1000 miles for the year here.

I loved running here!!! (The donuts were an added bonus.)

And I did.

Tuesday – Back to reality – work and cold weather and a needed rest day to unpack, do laundry, shop etc.

Wednesday – I decided to go for a run since I wasn’t scheduled for tennis except that I didn’t realize that they didn’t turn the lights on in the Crossings.

Thursday– Another cold day and I had too much to do so I bailed on my run. (I got spoiled in Fla. The cold is depressing.)

Friday – Another rest day – a holiday party at work and I hosted Mah Jongg at my house.

I forgot to take of pic of my dessert plate – so many delicious ones.

Saturday – Weather is getting colder – the coldest of the year so far and I had an evening 5k.

Had a fun time even running on tired legs.

Sunday – Annual Holiday Trip to NYC. What a great day!

11 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days (Taking a training break, obviously)

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run before tennis
Tuesday – 3 mile run, dinner with a friend
Wednesday – rest day, STEM thank you dinner
Thursday – 4 mile run with Alyssa
Friday – rest day, Painting party to celebrate mentee’s b-day
Saturday – 6 mile run, tennis holiday party
Sunday – rest day

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 8, 2016 by Darlene

Panama City Beach Half Marathon Recap on TOLT

Half Marathon December 3, 2016

Half Marathon Training

I’ve never been so relaxed and excited for a half marathon. Relaxed because my last one was a PR and excited because it would be part of a Girls Weekend with seven other awesome runners/bloggers.

That being said, there was not much serious training going on.

: 10/30

: Stockade-athon 15k – 11/13

: 11/20

These three runs would have do as my long runs. I ran my usual 3-4 miles several times during the week.

Pre-Race Preparations

Holly has run this race before and she recommended it so I trusted her.

The race emails also made the race seem so fun:

Come run on the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.

What other race has an after party at Jimmy Buffer’s Margaritaville where you’ll receive free beer and gumbo?

All runners will receive a long -sleeve t-shirt and swag bag.

I had decided to wear what I wore at my previous Florida half marathons (tank and skirt) with a possible throwaway and DIY arm warmers.

Holly graciously offered to let us stay in her cute little house on the water in Panama City Beach.

view from Holly’s house

Once everyone arrived on Friday, we took an obligatory sunset group pic and then we took off to Dave & Busters to pick up our race shirt and bib. It was super easy and took no time at all. Next we headed to a nearby restaurant to carb load for next day. We choose a pizza place and I was in heaven. (I even had gelato for dessert.)

Then we drove back to Holly’s and headed right to bed because we had a half marathon the next morning.

NOT!

We stayed up and chatted and chatted… So much fun getting to know each other. Although we had been reading each other blogs for years, I was surprised to find out all the things we had in common and how supportive, friendly, warm and fun-loving they all were. I knew already that this was going be a great weekend.

Thanks to Wendy for our Momentum bracelets

and to Holly for the fuzzy socks!!

Race Day

The race was scheduled to start at 7:30 am. So we got up around 5:30 am. I had my usual oatmeal/tea breakfast that I had brought from home.

Everyone was so excited for the race. Coach Marcia led us in some stretching and then off we went.

This was my 7th Florida half marathon. The weather has been warm, cold, windy, or humid. For this race:, it was cool (50s) but not too cool, a little breezy, with no humidity, and it was overcast. It couldn’t have been more perfect. No need for throw-away clothes for the first time in a while.

me and Holly modeling our Skirt Sports skirts

Holly lived only a few minutes away from the race start. How great was that? And there was lots of parking and real restrooms.

Before we knew it, it was time to snap a quick pic (There was lot of picture taking on this trip.) and squeeze in among the other runners and start the race.

As you can see from the map above, the route is out and back right along the beach. It is also FLAT! Woo Hoo!

The race is a blur as usual but here’s how I remember it:

Miles 1-4:

9:40, 9:46, 9:53, 9:47

Wendy started out front. Holly, Karen & I started out together. Tricia & Mary Beth were a little behind us. Judy and Marcia were behind them somewhere.

I was feeling very strong at the beginning. Holly dropped back for a while so Karen & I ran together. Eventually Karen started to slow and run at her own pace. Holly, who is much faster, sped on ahead too.

I did not try to keep up with Holly but I enjoyed watching her up ahead. I focused on running at a good yet even pace. And surprisingly, the hotels did not block the water view as much as I had feared. I always enjoy the salt water smells and views of the gulf when I run. So this race did not disappoint here.

It seemed breezy during the first few miles and of course, we were running into the wind. Did that mean that the wind would be at our backs for our last tired miles? (Nope. Didn’t happen.)

The course also had water & Gatorade stops at EVERY mile. It was not warm so I did skip the first one but after that, I thought it best to stop and I used them as a walk breaks.

Miles 5-8:

10:07, 9:47, 10:01, 10:27

Unfortunately, my usual foot pain did rear its ugly head. I had mole skin on the bottom of the foot but it seemed to have moved and the rest of race, it felt like I had a ball under my foot. UGH! It was not debilitating pain just annoying.

What I enjoyed about this race was that it was an out and back. That meant that I was able to cheer on and high five all my friends when they passed me by or when I passed them by.

I saw everyone except Marcia and was very happy to see how well they were running.

As for me, my first half time was great. I knew if I could keep it up, I would PR! Perfect weather & a flat course…why not?

Spoiler alert – it did not happen 😦

Miles 9-12:

10:19, 10:18, 10:23, 10:17

Did I go out too fast? Did I not have enough long runs during my training? Did my achy foot slow me down?

Who knows? But after 7 miles, things started going south.

I started slowing down. I could not keep my pace under 10. My lower back started bothering me. Still I was enjoying the race.

But doing the math, I realized that I could no longer PR. So I just ran and walked when I was tired. Why kill myself??

Mile 13-14:

9:52, 8:28

pcb1

After I crossed under the Pier Park arch, I saw my friends cheering me on, I tried to speed up and drag my tired legs through the finish line.

I crossed at 2:11:xx.

: Panama City Beach Half

Right after me, Karen finished and soon after that came Tricia and Mary Beth. They had all run so well. In fact, Tricia and Mary Beth had PRs. (Congrats to their coaches, too!)

Mary Beth & I made the newspaper!!

Wendy & Holly had finished earlier with amazing times. We all walked over to the computer to print our results.

Believe it or not, my chip was defective and it did not record me running the race. UGH!!!

It worked out fine, though. They were very nice and manually added my Garmin time into the computer.

Garmin Time: 2:11:18

Phew!

So we walked back to the course so we could see Judy finish. And she ran a great race and finished with a big PR.

Now it was time to head to Maragaritaville to get our free beer and gumbo.

They were also giving out awards there.

And guess what? I won FIRST in my old lady age group. Age Groups Rock!

Post Race:

Of course, we were starving after running 13.1 miles so we had lunch at a nearby restaurant. The restaurant was conveniently located so we could watch and cheer on the marathoners who were still out on the course.

We were all on a race high for the rest of the day.

the water was chilly but it felt good after running 13.1 miles!

yes, we did this on ONE take!

After numerous photo shoots on the beach, we took off our medals and resumed our celebrating at a karaoke oyster bar.

Additional race reflections:

The Good:

Organized packet pick-up.
Lots of parking at the start and close by to where we were staying
Real bathrooms before the race.
Running a race with 7 friends.
Flat course with water views.
Lots of water stops (every mile)
No major injuries (just the usual foot & back issues)
Free beer and gumbo (or chili) after the race.
Perfect weather conditions.

The Bad:

Water stop at mile 8 ran out of water.
Margaritaville ran out of gumbo and there were runners who ran 26.2 who had to settle for chili.
I didn’t push hard after I realized that I couldn’t PR.

The Ugly:

Nothing really.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes, definitely.

I have run more scenic courses with better swag. I have had better finish times. But what made this race so special was sharing the experience with these 7 amazing women – cheering them on, celebrating their success and feeling their unconditional support.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

A few 5ks , a 10k, a 15k, a 10 miler and then another half marathon in Florida on March 5, 2017.

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? At what race have you had the most fun?

December 6, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: What I learned in 2016

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: Tell us something new you learned about running in 2016

Well, I learned a few things.

Carpe Diem

Yes, Seize the Day. I got spoiled with the amount of time off (and the salary) that was afforded me with my last job.

I am glad that I took those race-cations because they won’t be as frequent in the future.

: Sarasota FL

: VCM Relay – 2016

: NYC

You have to take advantage of those opportunities because you don’t know when they will disappear. (This applies to good health as well as free time.)

I can still get faster.

That 5k PR still stands from 2014 but I shocked myself with a half marathon PR. So I’m not giving up the idea of getting one for the 5k, 10k and 15k …YET.

Running is better with others.

It is easier to schedule your running when you run alone. I did that for most of my week day runs last year. However, you run better/faster if you run with someone else and it’s more enjoyable so you may run longer.

I guess that’s why I race so much but this year, in addition to Judy, I have found two more running partners.