January 23, 2016 by Darlene

Phew! It Missed Us!

Snow is pretty. Don’t get me wrong. I love to LOOK at it.

my driveway during a previous snowstorm

But I panic when I have a long run scheduled and a snowstorm is forecast.

I bought this flag in Florida (because of the cats)

What would I had done?

YakTrax to the rescue.

I don’t love to run in them but I would have had it snowed.

Find a clear path and run multiple loops.

one of my favorite places to run (from a previous winter)

Again not an ideal for a long run but doable.

Run in the road.

Sidewalks are never consistently shoveled. You have to be wary of cars but it would be the only place to cover those miles.

Run slowly and carefully.

What would I have NOT done?

Run on the Treadmill

nothing I could do would make 12 miles bearable

Skip it!

a long run when you have a half marathon in TWO weeks!

But the storm hit south of us. Hip Hip Hooray!

My pleasant challenge was to choose a new location to run. I’ve run on the Delmar Rail Trail, Corning Bike Path and the Nisky Bike Path. So I decided on Colonie Town Park which also includes a bike path.

We didn’t get any snow but boy was it cold!!! 16 degrees when I arrived but in the single digits with the windchill.

First I ran 6.2 miles as part of the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10k Race.

I’ll recap it in my race report tomorrow but basically I ran around the park for 2 miles and then toward the Nisky bike path for 2 more and then turned around (made a wrong turn) and finally finished with 2.2 miles back to my car.

I took a lot of pics and my fingers were numb but otherwise I survived the frigid temps.

wearing my $.01 SmartWool compression calf sleeves – love them! and my new shoes – love them too!

Again I was lucky that Judy agreed to keep me company on my last 6 miles.

We ran in the opposite direction on the bike path heading toward Cohoes for 3 miles and then turned around (uphill on the way back 😦 )

I was too cold now to take many pics. When we started out, we took it very slow since there were several icy patches on the path.

Luckily the path became clearer for the rest of our run but the wind picked up..Brrrr!

I ran with Judy for the first 3 miles. It was nice to run and have someone to talk to. It made the miles go by faster.

However, on the way back, it uphill and windy. I had a hard time running at her speed so I didn’t. I just ran ahead and stopped and waited for her several times and then ran ahead again.

This was too funny. Either it meant that we didn’t get snow or that we didn’t freeze to death.

Both were true.

If it were summertime, I would have stopped at Guptills for an ice cream cone. Instead, I stopped at Target for a Starbucks hot mocha and to pick up a few food items but as usual spend over $200.

I also stopped at Norstrom Rack to buy another pair of those penny smartwool compression calf sleeves.

12 miles today!! So my last long run is done!!! Two weeks until the BIG DAY!!

smhm16

Happy Running! Did you get hit with the snowstorm? How do you cope with running in the snow or cold?

January 19, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Expo Buys

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

This week’s topic is Best Expo Finds.

I haven’t been to a lot of expos and even fewer BIG expos but still I’ve managed to buy a few things:

Hoodie at the NYC Marathon Expo

when it was closing & it was on sale

Tank at the RNR Brooklyn Expo

I got $10 off any Brooks item by test driving a Toyota

Cap & Shirt at VCM Expo

I’m wearing the cap

and the shirt

Race Belt at Adirondack Marathon Expo
Gloves, Headband & Gel at Adirondack Marathon Expo

just love these flavors

Cool Shirt at Adirondack Marathon Expo

they had the racers names on the back and a star next to your own

So nothing too exciting!

I’m sure if I ever run a marathon or a bucket list half, there will be more shopping!

Happy Running! Are you a big Expo shopper? What have you bought?

January 17, 2016 by Darlene

HMRRC Winter Series #4 (15K) Race Report

This same race in 2015

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members and this weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 15K and 30K.

I was hoping for better weather than last weekend so that I could run one of these races. Remember, I don’t like rain or snow of ice….

Well, it was great – in the 30’s with just a little wind.

Since I have a half marathon in 3 weeks, I chose to run the 15K and then add on more miles after.

I have run several 15Ks (including 3 on this same course) and as you can see my times are all over the place:

2015
HMRRC #4 – 1:34:29 -same course
Stockade-athon 15K – 1:31:35 PR
2014
Stockeadeathon – 1:33:23
HMRRC #1 – 1:34:55 – same course
HMRRC #4 – 1:42:40 -same course
2013
Stockeadeathon – 1:42:22
2011
Stockeadeathon – 1:36:08

As I said previously, I am NOT stating any goals for my races. I just wanted to enjoy the race, not have any pain and get my training miles in for my upcoming half marathon.

Without all that pressure, I felt relaxed for the race.

These races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. I always leave early to get parking since these races are crowded and there are other events going on at UAlbany.

Because this race was organized by ARE, I thought that they would have bibs & chip timing like last year so I wore my race belt but they didn’t.

And since it was a holiday weekend, the attendance seemed to be down from 2 weeks ago so I was there earlier than I needed to be.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And I immediately bumped into running friends, Judy & Barbara again.

We stayed indoors until the last minute and then made out way outside.

I lined up with Barbara who was also running the 15K. I hoped that she would run slower than the 3.5 mile race a few weeks ago and we could run the race together.

basically a few loops around parking lots

With all the races that I have run (about 175?), I have never raced with anyone. My friends are either slower or faster so I always run solo.

Well, I did stay with Barbara for about 3 miles. We were running in the 9s and I had wanted to run this race around 10. It was a training run and I was afraid of straining something.

As you can see, Barbara is getting ahead of me

So I let her run ahead and as she did last time, she seemed to maintain her pace and I did not. I could only keep her in my sight for a few miles and then she disappeared from view.

For most of the race, I felt fine. I was warm so I unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves but by the end, I felt chilled.

I walked through the water stop around mile 3 and then several times after mile 6 including to take a Gu (Orange – gag!) and another water stop around mile 7. I ran up most of the hills until the last one (I was pooped by mile 9.)

love this pic!

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a training run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR 15K but it turned out to be a course PR and my 2nd fast 15k.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9:28
mile 2 – 9:53
mile 3 – 9:41
mile 4 – 10:16 (water)
mile 5 – 10:07
mile 6 – 9:58
mile 7 – 10:50 (gu & water)
mile 8 – 10:07
mile 9 – 10:26 (walks)
.3 – 8:38

Finish Time – 1:33:13

only prizes for 1st & 2nd

Barbara whose time was 1:29:xx was waiting for me at the finish line. (Judy had run the 3 miler and was long gone.)

We chatted and had some refreshments. There was pumpkin bisque and vegetable curry soups – I had both and some bread and hot cocoa.

After Barbara left, I dragged myself out the door to run some more miles. It was tough. My legs had stiffened and I was cold & sweaty but I ran the scenic part of the campus.

img_8156-1

img_8158-1

img_8157-1

2.2 miles more to bring my total up to 11.5 for the day.

my new bargain smartwool socks & Nike shoes = no blisters (happy feet)

My hubby won his tennis match so we are off to celebrate that, my race and our wedding anniversary.

l&d 12038287_10154200672714428_4679287681227959390_n

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

January 16, 2016 by Darlene

Loving/Not Loving

Welcome to the winter edition of Loving/Not Loving

Loving: HMMRC, a local running club, offers a winter racing series. The races are on Sundays and free. Each race has 3 distance options.
Not Loving: The distances don’t coincide with the long runs that I need to do to prepare for my half marathon. This weekend is a 15k and I need to run 11 miles. On 1/31, there is a 10 miler and I need to run only 8.

3.5 mile race

Loving: SkirtSports has come out with a new print.
Not Loving: Now I want to order it in everything style. I don’t need any more running outfits!!

free love print

Loving: In the cold weather, I don’t have to worry about my feet sweating and getting blisters after a long run.
Not Loving: Shoes and boots aggravate my bunions and now my foot hurts again. (And it’s a long time until sandal/flip flop season!!!)

feb

Loving: I have found new ways to relax – coloring books, knitting and jigsaw puzzles.
Not Loving: These are all sedentary activities. I found that I can knit and ride the exercise bike but the others, NOPE (gotta sit!).

Loving: You get a free Starbucks item after you get 12 stars. I then always order the most expensive thing on the menu.
Not Loving: I forgot that I used my two “free” items and ordered a venti coconut milk cinnamon vanilla chai latte. (ouch!)

Loving: My FitBit tracks my steps. It makes me take the stairs rather than the elevator.
Not Loving: It’s not accurate on the treadmill and does not record steps while on the bike.

Loving: The days are getting longer. When I leave work to run, it’s still light (for about 15 min.)
Not Loving: The cold weather has just arrived and will be around for awhile.

Loving: Downton Abbey is back on TV.
Not Loving: This is its last season.

Loving: It’s so easy to shop online and find what you what cheaper.
Not Loving: It’s too easy and you may buy what you don’t need.

my current Nikes in a new color – $20 less & no tax or shipping – had to buy, right?

Loving: When you are dragging at work around 4 pm, the cold crisp air (while running) certainly wakes you up.
Not Loving: My hands almost froze off. How can I keep them warm?

Happy Running! What are you Loving or Not Loving today?

January 15, 2016 by Darlene

How to get motivated in the winter? Run a Virtual Race!

I don’t know about you but it’s hard to stay motivated to run in the winter.

I need to have a race scheduled and in the winter months, there are not many (unless you live in a warm climate.)

Luckily there are Virtual Races like the ones sponsored by Running On the Wall.

For $29.99, look at all you get when you sign up for their Valentine Virtual 10K Race:

affiliate pic

All you have to do is:

Register here by purchasing the package.
Find the virtual race event on their Facebook page to share your race recap
Run your race
Post your time on the event page
Be proud of yourself!

If you don’t want to run this particular virtual race, there are plenty more to choose from:

I don’t know about you but I’m going to sign up for a couple of these virtual races this winter.

Happy Running! Do you run virtual races?

January 12, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Dreams

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

This week’s topic is Running Dreams.

Do I have dreams…. (dreams as in bucket list items!)

DESTINATION RACES:

I would love to run a half marathon in California such as:

And in a National Park such as:

As a former French teacher, my dream is to run a race in France such as:

A Sub 2:00 Half Marathon

Maybe someday, I’ll wake up and be fast. As you know, dreams don’t always come true so if we’re still dreaming…

Run a race in all 50 states.

I am currently working and don’t have the time or money…. But a girl can dream.

So far: NY, NJ, PA, CA, FL, VT (44 more to go.)

Run a Marathon.

I’m not ready to commit that much time to training for one but if I were younger, stronger, faster, retired…

Happy Running! What are you dreams? Which ones if any do you think will come true?

January 11, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – First day back at work after 11 days off. And it was freezing!! No running for me, just 1 1/2 hours of doubles tennis after work

Tuesday – Another freezing day (the coldest of the winter so far) but I bundled up and ran outside after work.

Wednesday – A lot warmer today (30 vs 10). I took a quick run after work before going to a yoga class.

my legs felt great yesterday but today, very sluggish!!

lheartspaceogo

Thursday – Rode the exercise bike at work during lunch. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it (and I was able to KNIT while on it 🙂 ). Went out to dinner with an old friend.

Friday – I had planned to run today but the iffy weekend weather made me skip it. I actually walked for 15 min in the morning and rode the exercise bike for 1/2 hr (while knitting) at lunch.

just walked in circle around the lst floor with a co-worker

Saturday – I had hoped for a relaxing day but since rain was forecast for Sunday, I needed to do my long run instead. I ran 5 by myself and then Judy arrived to run the last 6. Thanks Judy.

The rest of the day was filled with housework and taking doing those holiday decorations finally.

Sunday – Another free race – I had planned to run the 10K and follow it with 3.8 more miles to complete my 10 mile long run. But I had done my long run on Saturday and since it was pouring, I DNSed.

cross-training??

17 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (9 miles less than last weeks. Oops)

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, holiday brunch at work, tennis
Wednesday – holiday lunch at work, 4 mile run after work
Thursday – rest
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K race + 1.7 more miles

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

January 7, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: One Word , a New Half, Winter & Long Runs

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

What I am thinking about today is…

My One Word for 2016.

The My One Word approach is popular every year.

If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.

2014 was the first time that I tried it.

My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

This year, I am picking:

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is “a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation.”

Why did I choose Gratitude?

Expectations lead to disappointments.

As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.

Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on being thankful that we CAN run.

How will I focus on my word?

Be more positive.
Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
Run & race happy.
Forget those PR and pace goals.
Volunteer more.
Thank those who make races possible.

Half Marathon #18

I am also thinking about a dear friend who had a mastectomy on Tuesday. It is her 3rd bout with breast cancer (& 2nd in 2 years.) She is strong. She is optimistic. I am confident that because of these qualities, she will beat this terrible disease.

So I made the impromptu decision to run another half marathon – one in her honor.

March 13, 2016

It is very hilly. It is only a 5 weeks after my Florida half. But these tough 13.1 miles will be nothing compared to the pain that my friend has endured.

clelevation

Winter

Dec 24:

Jan 5:

Amazing!

I HATE the cold. But I hate the treadmill more.

So yesterday after work, I braved the cold and ran outside. I was cold but I survived. It wasn’t so bad and I felt really “badass” when I was done. I warmed up at Starbucks where the barista remarked “You run when it’s this cold!?” And I responded “Yes, I do!”

Long Runs

But what do you do when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

sat-sun

I had planned to race (10K) on Sunday and add more miles on afterward to complete 10 miles total.

I don’t want to run 10 miles IN THE RAIN!!!

So I could change to do my 10 miles on Saturday (before the rain and if there is no ice and snow on the ground from Friday night). That means that I would rest on Friday (with Thursday also being my rest day) and on Sunday, skip the race or only run the 3 mile option. Or I could run on Friday and skip my long run since I did run 10 miles last Saturday and run 11 miles next weekend.

Decisions, decisions, decisions..

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Anyone else running this half marathon? Do you run outside in the colder temps? Does the weather get it the way of your long runs or do you run in any conditions? What are you thinking about today?

January 4, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Ran 5 miles in the morning on the paved rail trail with my running friend Barbara. Finally felt like winter (in the 20’s) and my body was confused. Found it hard to breathe with the colder air but I think it was really that running with Barbara makes me run at a faster pace. Felt good to get out of my comfort zone.

Since I haven’t sat down since last Wednesday, I decided to purchase some toys to help me: wool to knit an infinity scarf, a puzzle and some adult coloring books.

Tuesday – Winter weather continued with our first snow fall (just an inch with some sleet so roads were a mess). I was glad to stay home near my fireplace with my new coloring books, knitting project and puzzle. (Yes, I am trying to relax…) In the evening, I played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – I had a car appointment in the morning (2 1/2 hours of knitting time) which I followed with a 5 mile run. I was happy for find some place without slush. Afterwards, I went shopping to take advantage of some of those after Christmas sales.

Thursday – A relaxing day followed by a movie and dinner out with the hubby to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Nicole’s in Albany – best dinner I’ve had in a long time!!

Friday – First race of 2016 -a popular local race where I ran the 3.5 mile race. I knew a lot of folks there so it was a fun way to start the year.

After the race, I ran 3.5 more miles around campus.

Saturday – When you’re off all week, there’s not much to catch up on…so I did some cooking and shopping. In the evening, the hubby & I went to ANOTHER movie.

don’t see it unless you like 2.5 hrs of blood.

Sunday – Another long run in preparation for my Feb. 7 half marathon. This time, I ran 10 miles on the Corning bike path. Judy was nice enough to accompany me on 3.5 of them. Afterwards I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

26 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run after work, yoga
Thursday – rest, dinner out with an old friend
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #2 10K race + 3.8 more miles

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

January 3, 2016 by Darlene

My Stay-cation – Part II

In a previous post, I mentioned that I was busier on vacation than when I worked.

Well, eventually things calmed down. I was determined to relax a bit before returning to work.

Day 5:

The day started with a cold 5 mile run with Barbara (who motivated to up my pace) on the paved rail trail.

Afterward, I went shopping and bought myself some toys: wool, a puzzle and some coloring books and stayed home for the evening.

Day 6:

Since the weather was nasty, I stayed home and cleaned out the refrigerator, started knitting a lace infinity scarf, started my puzzle and did some coloring. In fact, I didn’t get dressed until it was time to leave to play tennis. Staying home to me is very strange but it felt therapeutic.

Day 7:

I did a lot more knitting while waiting for my car to be done and then ran 5 miles on a surprisingly clear bike path. Afterwards, I walked around the mall and bought things that I didn’t really need but bought cause they were on sale. (Does anyone else do that?) I was planning on either yoga or a movie but decided to stay home for the 2nd night this week. (Am I becoming a homebody?)

didn’t go this way

phew -they cleared it this direction

ducks hanging out in the cold river

Day 8:

Another day of cleaning and playing with my new toys.

But since it was New Year’s Eve, my hubby & I went out to dinner and then to a movie (Spotlight). I stayed up until midnight (cause I always do) watching TV and drinking eggnog.

Day 9:

I spent a lazy morning and then ran a (free) 3.5 mile race which started at noon. I saw a lot of runners that I knew and it was fun.

After the race, I decided to run some more… it was Friday and I was on vacation. What else would I do?

I ran around campus and even discovered a new trail.

Even saw my first snowflakes.

Afterwards, I did some errands and then went out to play mah jongg.

Ok, so this day was not so restful.

Day 10:

Lot’s of cooking then errands and then yes, relaxing!!! But in the evening, my hubby wanted to go see a movie and so we did. I wouldn’t recommend The Hateful Eight unless you like lots of blood and gore!!

Day 11:

My last day of vacation and a long run. I decided to go to the Corning Bike Trail since I hadn’t run there in a while. Unfortunately, the weather turned colder but it was still bearable considering what is predicted for the next few days.