March 20, 2016 by Darlene

Shamrock Shuffle 5 Mile Race Recap

ss5

This was my 6th 5 mile race. Here are my previous stats:

Delmar Dash:
2015, 2014, 2013, 2011 – 45:26 (PR), 48:14, 47:39, 47:08

Shamrock Shuffle:
2015 – 46:29

But as you know if you read my blog, I am not focusing on times this year. And besides, my quads have been sore due to that insanely hilly half marathon. I wasn’t expecting even to finish under 50 minutes. It was more important not to get hurt and have to miss any upcoming races.

Being the second time that I’ve run the race, I was more prepared on how the course went uphill for the first mile, some rolling hills before it went downhill. See below:

ss15

I was a bit nervous about those hills and trying to run fast. Plus I also wanted to have enough energy to run 4 more miles afterward as I am training for another half marathon in 5 weeks.

I was hoping that the weather would be a little more springlike and I could wear a green skirt. But it was not. It was COLD, much colder than last week. So I just wore capris under a skirt, compression socks and several layers.

The race was about an hour drive from my house. Although the parking lot was full, I found a spot on a nearby street. Everyone hung out in the gym waiting for the race to start.

another cotton shirt to give to my buddy

I chatted with some runners that I recognized Sue and then Lara. I also met some new faces.

Then I bumped into Laurie from my Turkey Trot training group. We talked for a while being entertained by bag pipes.

With a late start (11 am), I was already hungry for lunch by the time the race began so I took a GU.

I was undecided about what to wear, as usual. It was cold and breezy but sunny. In the end, I decided on a baseball cap, 2 long sleeved shirts and a fleece vest plus gloves. (I left the jacket inside for later.)

Soon, we headed for the start. We waited until the last minute so we didn’t have to stand outside long in the cold.

It was not chip timed so I lined up close to the front. Lara inside had told me that she really wanted to run an 8 min pace. So she left me in the dust at the beginning. I told myself to just “run your own race.”

As I mentioned, the beginning of the race went uphill. I took it slow.

over the highway bridge (pic front last year)

Although it was in the 20’s, the sun made it feel a lot warmer, I took off my gloves and unzipped my vest. I could have gone with one less layer.

Eventually I caught up with Lara. Those 8 minute miles were not happening for her. We ran together for awhile.

At first water stop around mile 1.75, I walked. Then I continued running until we got the downhill portion. However, the wind picked up and my hat blew off. I got it and put it back but not well (Wardrobe fail – new hat). It annoyed me and eventually I stopped and made it tighter.

Mile 3’s downhills gave me a boost but again at the second water stop around mile 4, I walked again and even longer than the first time. My legs were feeling last week’s hilly half.

But I just plugged along and refused to walk until I was done.

ss16a

ss16b

Finally, I saw the finish line and tried to sprint but I didn’t have much left.

I crossed at 46:28. (I didn’t know at the time that like last year, my chip did not record my time.)

other runners heading to the finish line (last year’s pic too)

I went inside to the school cafeteria to get something to eat with Lara and her mother and then Laurie. I had a nice BIG jelly donut. (I ate it too fast to take a pic.)

We then waited in the gym for the results to be posted. Last year, I got 3rd. I doubted that I would win again but you never know when you’re in the old ladies group.

Well, my name was not listed with the results and I would have gotten third again.

You got a medal and I have enough of those so I didn’t care. (In my mind, I won an AG award!!!)

But I did go back outside to talk to the timing people and sure enough the runner who crossed at 46:28 did not have a bib # attached to his/her time. They said they would fix it.

and they did

Splits:

2015 / 2016

mile 1- 8:55 / 9:10
mile 2- 9:31 / 9:30
mile 3- 8:58 / 8:52
mile 4- 9:35 / 9:24
mile 5- 9:19 / 9:27

s5m

I enjoyed the race (I enjoy them all) and was happy about how I did considering my sore quads and the course. It was not a PR but it was 1 second faster than last year. I was expecting to be a lot slower. I was glad that I didn’t push myself because I had planned more miles for the day…

Though I was tired and cold, I drove to the Zim Smith Trail to meet Judy.

Originally I had though of the Betar Byway since it was nearby. But it is hilly and I wasn’t sure that it was long enough. I had always wanted to run on the Zim Trail so it seemed like today would be a good time to try it. Judy was nice to start her long run later and do 4 of her 9 miles with me.

As you can see, the sun went in but the wind died down so it was a nice afternoon to run. Judy’s run/walk style was perfect for my tired legs.

I like the trail. It is 9 miles in total and I definitely plan to return and run more of it.

One of the perks of the trail is that you can park next to a bakery.

So yes, I’ll be back to the run on the trail and back to sample more of Leah’s baked goods.

homemade peach blueberry pie – yummy

So I got my 9 mile training run done. It just had a 1 1/2 hour break in the middle.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing? Ever have your bib not record your time?

March 17, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: DOMS, Weather, More Races, Group Runs, etc.

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Who knew?

When you run a hilly races and your quads aren’t used to downhill running, you can get DOMs.

After the hilly half on Sunday, I felt fine. I felt good the next day. So good that I went for a short easy run.

Then Tuesday morning, DOMS set in.

In case you’ve never had them, DOMS is “dull, aching pain, soreness, tenderness, stiffness of muscles and joints, swelling, loss of strength, and reduced range of motion. Typically, symptoms appear 24 – 48 hours after we run.”

I’m not to the point that I’m hobbling, but my quads ached going up and down stairs and my left one was sore.

I, of course, Googled the treatment and discovered that the Sunday hot shower and the Monday hot tub were not highly recommended. You should ice your sore muscles. I knew that but they weren’t sore at the time. And take NSAIDS to reduce inflammation before you hurt. I knew that too. Too late now.

Treatment?

Time cures all. Light running doesn’t help or hinder DOMS. So I plan to continue that…just with NO downhills.

I played tennis Tuesday night and actually played better than I have in a long time. I iced afterwards. On Wednesday, my quads felt so much better. Today, they don’t hurt at all. Phew!

Speaking of running…

I have races scheduled for almost every weekend.

What was I thinking?

I love to race and I need to run long. There you go.

This Sunday I have a 5 mile race.

ss5

Hopefully, my quads will be healed and I can run. Reading over my review from last year, the first 2 miles are uphill… Oh no!

at last year’s race

Afterward, I hope to find the Betar Byway and run 4 more miles. I ran a race there last summer and it was very pretty (though maybe a flatter location would be wiser.)

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at the Betar Byway park along the Hudson

In the weeks to follow, I have a 5k, a 5 miler, a 10K and another Half Marathon (a hilly one.)

It’s nice that it is light enough to run after work. But what happened to those spring-like temps? It was 80 degrees last week.

me no likey

On Monday, I start my 10 week Freihofer Training Challenge group runs.

There are beginning, intermediate and advanced groups that meet on Mondays to run at 6:30 am, noon or 6 pm. For the second year, I joined the advanced 6 pm group. They also meet on Saturdays (which I don’t go to.)

frwtraining3

I’m looking forward to seeing my friends again and running regularly with a group. The speed drills, however, I am not looking forward to.

Happy Running! Have you ever had DOMS? Are you having spring-like weather? Do you run with a group? What are you thinking about this St. Patrick’s Day?

March 16, 2016 by Darlene

Celebrate Life Half Marathon Recap

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Half Marathon Training

Lucky for me, I was able to train well since we had a rather mild winter here in the Northeast. In other words, I was able to fit in ALL my long runs. Since I ran a half marathon 5 weeks ago, I only needed to run 10, 11, 12, 8 miles and I ran 10, 12, 12, 10 so I should have been ready.

As I have mentioned many times before, I don’t ever follow a serious training schedule. I don’t do sprints, hill repeats, intervals and all those things a runner is supposed to do. I just make sure than I do my long runs on the weekends and run a few times during the week (usually for 3 miles.)

For this race, I should have trained on hills. But I didn’t so I suffered the consequences.

And of course, I planned my race outfit keeping my fingers crossed that it would be warm enough to wear it.

Skirt Sports tank & new skirt, compression socks, Nike shoes

I mean it had been 80 degrees several days before the race. But in March, you never know.

Pre-Race Preparations

This half marathon was certainly different.

I usually run my half marathons alone. Most are destination races too.

But this time, I took a bus down to the race with a bunch of old friends/new friends/strangers.

I had even convinced my running friends Judy and Barbara to come on the bus even though they were only running the relay. (It was supposed to be my friend Mary Pat but she got injured at the last minute.)

Last year, it was cold and it snowed so we were fortunate to have better weather this year. It was actually pretty perfect – 50’s, a little sun the first half, no wind.

Below is a map of the scenic course:

cl map

More importantly this was the elevation:

HILLY HILLY HILLY – the hilliest one I’ve ever run

Race Day

I got up early (like 4:30 am) and had my usual race breakfast of cream of wheat and tea. It was nice to sleep in my own bed for a change before a big race.

I met Barbara at the Park n Ride and we drove together to the bus. We were early and the bus left late but I knew people on the bus and before you knew it, we were there.

I had a hard time deciding what to wear. In the end, I shed my long sleeved shirt and just wore a tank and my DIY arm sleeves.

in front of our bus – that’s the driver behind me

We got our race packets – a sweatshirt, a bag, etc. and then went in search of a restroom.

There were real bathrooms there but the line was very long so we used the one on our bus and then patiently waited for the race to start.

clhm

A lot of the race is a blur but here’s how I remember it:

Miles 1 -4:

10:13, 10:35, 9:59, 10:49

There were pacers so I lined up between the 2:15 and 2:30 group.

the start – pic from FB

We began running on a country road. None of the roads were closed to traffic so you had make sure you ran on the right and moved out of the way when a car drove by. (In fact one runner actually got hit by a car and was air lifted to a local hospital.)

Me toward the beginning of the race – pic from FB

Most of these pics are screen captured from GoPro video posted on youtube – Thanks 100 Half Marathon Club member

Soon we passed the stretch of road with all the signs dedicated to persons who battled and/or battling cancer.

I had one for my friend Ava.

And then we started up the biggest hill of the race. It was early on and I didn’t want to zap all my energy so I walked up it as fast as I could.

Soon we entered the part of the course that resembled a park. Lots of trees. And rolling hills, of course.

Next came the part of the course with lake views. But the hills kept coming and coming and coming. It was pretty and the views of the lake helped take my mind off the fact that I hate hills.

My legs are not used to hills and I didn’t feel prepared to run up them so I walked. I wasn’t alone, many of the runners were doing the same. And the ones who struggled up the hills weren’t going much faster than me with my fast paced walk. Many times, I caught and passed them on the downhill.

In addition to the hills, I also stopped at each water stop. There were at least every 2 miles in the first half and every mile the second.

just posing for the photographer

Miles 5-8:

10:24, 10:42, 11:14, 10:35

Although I took a Gu before the race, my breakfast was at 5 am and I was getting hungry, So I took another around mile 5.

We ran around Wolf Lake for several miles. In addition to the lake, there were a lot of interesting houses and cottages. But the hills continued and continued. UGH!

And I was walking more and more but still happy to not have any pain. I had quite a few conversations with fellow runners. It’s easy to do when you are walking so much.

Finally around mile 7.5, I came to the relay exchange. There I saw Barbara who was waiting for Judy. She cheered me on.

Right after that, came another huge hill.

my favorite sign

And then there were more. The hills never seemed to end.

again posing for the photographer

Miles 9-13:

11:54, 10:55, 11:09, 11:14

Around this time, I took another Gu hoping that it would give my legs some pep to power up those hills.

Nope, the legs still wanted to walk up those hills. Even Barbara who started about 7 minutes behind me passed me by. But at least, I had the energy to run down the hills.

wine, beer and donut holes here!

Soon we were passing those motivational signs again and heading toward the finish.

Every time, I thought that it would be “downhill from here,” there was yet another uphill.

Mile 14:

7:37

finish

Eventually, I did see the finish line and gave it everything I had and sprinted across it.

can you see me? behind the guy…

Garmin time: 2:22:40
Gun Time: 2:23:15 (no chip time)

earned this one!!

Both Judy and Barbara were waiting for me at the finish line. We headed inside where there was a barbecue sponsored by Outback Steakhouse. We made the mistake of having pasta outside. With our food band cut off, we couldn’t eat the food inside (which had a much bigger selection.) So I just chatted with some runners that I knew and then headed back to the bus.

Although we were supposed to leave at 1 pm. We didn’t leave until after 2 pm. I’ll know for next year not to rush. Somebody made cupcakes and passed them around the bus so I was a happy camper.

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group pic – we got a trophy for having the largest group

Additional race reflections:

The Good:

No rain!!
Perfect running weather – cool, no humidity or wind.
I knew lots of people at the race.
Nice sweatshirt as race swag
Warm place to wait before and after.
Real bathrooms.
Pacers (at 15 min intervals.)
People calling out times at each mile.
Decent crowd support. A lot of kids high fived me.
Many Gatorade & water stops
Unlimited Gu packets at one water station
Scenic course with lake views
Early start for slower runners and walkers
Relay option for those who didn’t wait to run 13.1 miles
The Bus – nice not to have to drive & find parking
No injuries. Nothing hurt.
I finished.

The Bad:

Pacers were for both early and regular starters so it was confusing to know which was which
Unorganized regarding rides to and from the relay transfer spot
Uneven refreshment options – pasta did not include what the barbecue did such as bread, salad, etc.
I wasn’t sure how much I should push myself on the hills so I walked them ALL…probably could have pushed myself more

The Ugly:

the Hills
the Hills
the Hills

So there are many more positives than negatives!!! Overall, it was a good race!! Running with friends is great. Supporting an important cause is the best!

Would I recommend this race?

Definitely. But you better train on hills. I suck at hills and next year, if I run this race, I will only do the relay.

Final Stats:

4th in my AG (top 3 were under 2 hours)

And I definitely walked more and slowed down (as usual) during the 2nd half of the race.

I wasn’t thrilled with my results. But I wasn’t unhappy. After all, I didn’t train for hills. It was far from my slowest time. In fact, it was faster than the one in December on a flat course.

Every time, my lower back started to ache, I fixed my form and stopped hunching over my shoulders. And my awful feet only received some minor blisters.

The day after, I felt great and was even able to go for an easy run.

However, if I want to run another hilly course, I’ve got some work to do…

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 Shenanigans.

The only “silly, high-spirited, mischievous or deceitful behavior” I can think of are those goofy poses during my races (even when I feel at my worse) or racing in a costume (which I have only done a few times.)

Eau Palm Beach Half

This photo was taken during that horribly, hot, humid race in Florida. I felt like crap and my time sucked yet I gave the victory sign to the photographer…. deceitful or mischievous???

I’m dressed as a “parrot head”

Above are my costumes for Halloween, Christmas and St Patrick’s Day races. Silly or high-spirited? Barely…

Happy Running! Have you ever run a race just for the cause? How do you handle a hilly race? Any shenanigans you’d want to share?

March 14, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I took my daily 15 min walk with a co-worker. (I can now say that since we have walked everyday for ONE week).

on the track

After work, I went for a run on the rail trail. I was so excited that it was light enough to do so…getting sick of my work neighborhood.

must have been running fast – that’s why it is blurry LOL

Tuesday – Just a work day followed by tennis in the evening (followed by dinner out)

Wednesday – Another normal work day. 80 degree temps meant 2 walks and a run in a skirt!!

new pre-run drink – Chocolate Banana Smoothie with protein powder & coconut milk – from Starbucks, where else?

Thursday – Rainy rainy day. I could have run on the treadmill but decided against it. Instead, I got some steps and retail therapy in at the mall. (bought 2 caps & a tank in Burlington Coat Factory.)

Friday – My first before work run in forever. Last one before Sunday’s half. It was a little chilly and windy but it is the best way to start the day. Why don’t I do it more often?

My normal walks at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – My rest day!! Errands, housework, cooking… the usual stuff.

Sunday – Celebrate Life Half Marathon. Hilliest race ever.

I walked up ALL the hills so my time wasn’t great but I did it for the cause and the weather was pefect.

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday -rest
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, proctor MPREs at work
Sunday – 5 mile race + 4 miles after

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?

March 11, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Racing

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!

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Since I am racing this weekend and many weekends to come and I don’t cook much or eat healthy, my Friday Five topic is: Five Reasons to Race A Lot.

Here ‘s why I run so many races:

1. Cool Swag

Sometimes, it’s just a shirt but lots of times, it is a bag, water bottle, food samples, key chain, and other running-related goodies.

2. Free Food

I love to eat especially to replenish the calories burned during running.

Sean's Run with Mary

3. Gets you out there during the week.

When it is cold, windy and just plain nasty and I don’t feel like running, if I have a race scheduled for the weekend, I will make myself get out there and run. I know if I don’t run during the week, then my finish time will suffer, I may get injured and/or the race will be unpleasant. It takes a long time to get in shape and such a short time to feel out of shape.

4. Meet new and old running friends.

Many of my running friends, I have met at races. It is so fun to see a familiar face at a race and chat…about running, of course.

5. Replaces Speed Workouts.

I am the first to admit it. I know that I should, but I don’t do speed drills, tempos, intervals, hill repeats, strides, etc. So for me, I guess my workout happens during a race. I’ll do those hills, run sprints and then, if I am scheduled for a long run, I’l continue my miles after the race at a slower pace.

hf10kc

Happy Running! Do you run a lot of races? If so, why?

March 10, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: The Next One with be the Hardest

Celebrate Life Half Marathon

Yes, it will be hilly.

Take a look:

But that’s not why it will be hard.

I will be running it for a close friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer…for the third time (2nd in 2 years.) She has recently had a mastectomy and should be fine but it is still scary.

A whole busload of runners from my area are going down for the race. They are all probably racing because they know someone who has had cancer.

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So the race should be fun. But it will also be sad.

Mile 11 will be lined with signs. I did buy one for my friend.

Even my friends Mary Pat and Judy will be on the bus. They are running the relay together.

Mary is the the blonde on the left and Judy is wearing the pink hat

Training

I feel like I just ran a half marathon.

Sarasota Music HM on Feb.7

Wait a minute. I just did 5 weeks ago.

After that, I did all my long runs – 10, 12, 12, 10 miles.

So I must be ready? Right?

Expectations

None. I have not run on any real hills. I do not want to get injured so I will take it easy. I hope to enjoy the race.

Scenic course
Free photos
Post Race Lunch
Race donates 100% of the proceeds to cancer patients in treatment
Friends at the race
Best race swag:

What’s not to enjoy?

The Outfit

Still deciding due to the weather. But hopefully, it won’t rain and will be warm enough:

psyched to wear my Skirt Sports psyched print skirt

Next up?

I have a lot of shorter races lined up for the spring and summer.

But that doesn’t mean that I won’t be signing up for any half marathons.

The Vermont City Marathon Relay on May 29 is a definite…

with AJH and running leg #2 this year

I also signed up for this one at an expo (because it was cheap):

April 24

And there is a blogger meet up in the works…Panama City Half Marathon in December????

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

Happy Running! What race are you training for? What are you thinking about this Thursday?

March 7, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I actually took a 15 min walk with a co-worker during the day.

on the track since it was warmer there

After work, I took a run in the park. My legs were still tired from Saturday but the weather was nice so… I just dragged myself through it.

still light enough to run in the park

Tuesday – Just a work day followed by tennis in the evening (and wine & pizza, of course)

another 15 min. walk on the track

Wednesday – It appears that winter is back. The cold accompanied by 40 mph wind gusts. No walking outside at work besides back and forth between buildings. This was not a fun after work run but I survived. Afterward, I had dinner with two co-workers and that was fun.

Thursday – Our 15 min walk in the morning has become a routine (2 days in a row) at work. Otherwise it was just work and hair appointment after work.

Friday – Another normal work day (morning 15 min walk & afternoon walk to Starbucks). A quick run after work followed by an evening of mah jongg.

It was very cold but wearing white shoes & flowered capris made me think of spring

Saturday – My rest day!! Errands, housework, cooking…fun, fun, NOT!

Then I went to an expo. Signed up for 2 5ks and 1 half. Saved $22, got 3 shirts and met a running friend. Now that was fun.

Sunday – My last long run before the big one. I met Judy & Barbara on the bike path but actually only ran with Barbara (when she wasn’t too fast for me.)

Afterwards, the three of us went out for High Tea (tea sandwiches, scone & pastries).

The day ended with a Downton Abbey viewing Party.

19 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #18 – Taper Time )

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Celebrate Life Half Marathon

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? How are you coping with winter weather?

March 3, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT & My February Recap

It’s already March 4 and I have been delinquent about recapping the month of February.

So here’s how things went…

Weekday Runs:

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

Long Runs:

I started out the month with a half marathon. Then in preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

The first long run was a solo one and for the last two, I had company. Definitely enjoyed the last two much more!

Total Mileage:

90 miles this month!

Much less than last month (11 miles less) but there was tapering, half marathon recovery, frigid weather and I had a cold.

+3 this week (leap year!!)

Actually this month’s total is more normal for me with regard to monthly running mileage.

Races:

I only ran ONE race (yes, that is odd for me) and it was the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. I loved everything about the race except for the cold, windy weather.

2:17:56

But I was still pleased with my time.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise!

lheartspaceogo

I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building and to Starbucks and back)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I think I’m addicted!!

Other News:

I am still working on that scarf. Someday I may finish it.

I spent an awesome 6 days on the Gulf coast of Florida. The weather was not ideal but the company made up for it. I love my friends!!

My friends got together for a coloring book party. It was a lot of fun.

And there were quite a few reasons to celebrate.

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Valentine’s Day

a friend’s birthday

3 months until Memorial Day on the lake

I joined the 100 Half Marathon Club. I don’t know if I’ll ever reach 100. (I’ve only run 17 and I am 62.) But I’ll have fun trying. And I don’t have to travel to all 50 states.

I won a running belt in a giveaway. I’m looking forward to wearing it in a race.

belt

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am training for another half marathon in March. It’s a hilly one but such an important cause!!

March 13, 2016

I have been busy registering for some spring races:

3-20-16 – Shamrock Shuffle 5 miler
3-26-15 – a few possibilities
4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 10k
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-14-15 – a few possibilities
6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women

There will be more…

I signed up to be a Girls on the Run (GOTR) Running Buddy again.

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No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

Happy Running! How did your February turn out? Anything exciting planned for March? What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

February 27, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions February (a day late)

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

I gave up coffee a few years ago. I was hoping that as a result, I would sleep better. (and that’s debatable.)

I still drink herbal tea every morning but mid morning, I started cheating. Now I can’t stop!!

I work across the street from Starbucks and from my app, I can order a coffee and it is ready before I get there. I don’t have to wait on that long line. Less than 5 minutes away from my desk.

#StarbucksAnonymous. I need you.

I runfess…

I bought a FitBit because I was sitting too much at work. I thought it would motivate me to get up and move around, And it did at the beginning.

Now I only check to see how much (or how little) I’ve slept.

The light blue is when I am awake at night. Yes, I am obviously very restless..

Does anyone really get 8 hours of sleep?

I runfess…

My drawers/closets are full. I need no more running clothes!!!

So why did I just buy another SkirtSports skirt?

It was a new print. I couldn’t help myself!

psyched for the psyched print!

The good news that I was tempted to order other things and I did not….

I runfess…

I signed up for a half marathon on March 13 and another on May 29.

Why am I thinking about another one in between?

April 24 – a different company runs this one than when I ran it in the freezing rain in 2011

May 15 – this one is new (but it maybe a double loop course which turns me off)

Someone just posted about this one:

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May 14 – another new one and great cause

My Facebook friends are such enablers!!

Happy Running! What do you have to runfess?

February 26, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Enjoying a Race-cation

I love racing and I love traveling so my “misc.” topic for this Friday is Five Ways to Enjoy a Race-cation.

Well, I do do this several times a year and I just got back from one, so here are my tips:

Throw Your Diet Out the Window

I know you want to eat healthy and you have a race planned. But limiting what you can eat and/or drink is NO FUN!

martini #1

martini #2

I am not a big drinker. I rarely drink except for special occasions. But isn’t a race-cation a special occasion?

Homemade rum raisin ice cream = JOY

best bread pudding ever!!! so worth the calories!

I don’t eat sweets at home but on vacations, I like to splurge. I did run 131. miles, right?

2. Squeeze in a run or two.

Yes, you are tapering. But you’ll be testing out the weather conditions and it will help you relax.

I pretended that it was warm enough to wear a tank during my race…I was wrong.

I also like to take a short run as a recovery.

It’s also an excuse to wear your race shirt.

3. Take lots of walks to explore the area and enjoy your new scenery.

You can’t run all the time. Especially if you with others who do not share your love of running. So I like to find places to visit where I can walk, such as beaches.

walking along the beach in Boca Grande

walking along the beach in Anna Maria Island

walking tour of downtown Sarasota

walking through the Ringling Museum grounds

Or I just get up early and go for a walk by myself.

walk to the grocery store

4. Plan activities that you enjoy.

It’s not just a race. It’s also a vacation. I love art, animals, gardens, lighthouses, beaches and sunsets. Luckily my hosts usually like these things too.