February 11, 2016 by Darlene

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

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

Technology…

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

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

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

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

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

Training…

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

It would have been nice to schedule a break.

March 13, 2016

This half marathon is in 5 weeks!!!

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

vcm16

VCM is the next one I registered for.

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

Winter…

I just got back from Florida.

There was none of this:

in 2013

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

in 2016

But I shouldn’t have been complaining.

This is what I saw yesterday.

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

Sleep…

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

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

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

Aren’t you supposed to get 8 hours???

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

February 10, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: The Triumphant Runner

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is TRIUMPHANT

This is what it means according to the dictionary:

having won a contest; victorious
feeling or expressing jubilation after having won a victory or mastered a difficulty

There are so many ways that this word applies to RUNNING.

When you run a race, you can feel triumphant for a variety of reasons:

You came in first.

I was pulling off chips at this race so I got to see the winner cross the finish line.

It’s never happened to me but maybe you have been or will be this talented.

You won your age group.

als2

I have been lucky to win age group awards pretty frequently. I say lucky because it’s easier being in an “old lady” age group. Sometimes, I am the only runner in my age group. But I still feel “triumphant.”

You conquered a new distance.

my first 13.1 miles

I’ll always remember my first 5k, my first 10k, my first 15k and of course, my first half marathon.

You overcame an injury.

first run after serious ankle surgery

I am sure we all can relate. You’ve been injured and you wondered if you could ever run again. Then, you did.

You battled difficult weather conditions.

rain, sleet, freezing conditons

Yes, I’ve had to run 3 half marathons in the pouring rain. Running in the heat and humidity is just as difficult.

You completed a race even though you were injured.

smiling inspite of foot pain

I’ve run two 5ks with a foot stress fracture and one with a broken foot. Plus, there have been many with blisters and a backache.

You ran a difficult course.

conquered those Schenectady hills

You achieved a PR.

happy after a 10K PR

PRs don’t come easy. Even when you train for them, they don’t often happen. The older you get, the harder they are to achieve. I savor each one. You never know, if it will be the last one.

You BQed or qualified for a race.

W. Palm Beach Half Marathon

I have never experienced this and since I don’t run marathons, I will not. But I can imagine how awesome it would feel. I would love to run a sub 2 hour half marathon so I could automatically qualify for the NYC Half marathon. But I think I will just have to hope that I get in by the lottery system.

I try to choose flat races because I don’t train on hills. And I suck at them. So when I do run a race with hills, I feel “bad ass.”

But I think that every single time, I cross the finish line of a race no matter how short or how long or how easy or hard it was, I feel TRIUMPHANT!!

ME on page 2

Happy Running! When do you feel triumphant?

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Spring Race Plans

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

tulip12d

This week’s topic is Spring Racing Plans

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

Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13

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

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

Shamrock Shuffle 5m

ss5m16

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

Ice Breaker 5k Challenge

March 26

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

post injury 5k PR

Delmar Dash 5m

dd16

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

Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10K

April 9

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

Spring Run Off 5k or 10K

sro16

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

Cherry Blossom 5k

May 1

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

2nd

Mastodon Challenge 5k or 15k

May 7

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

race location is near the Cohoes Falls

Mother’s Day 5K

May 8 this year

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

pre-race last year

Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run

May 14

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

Vermont City Marathon Relay

May 29

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

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 4

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

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

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

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I’m there somewhere?

Betar Byway 5K & Moreau Mile

bbw5k

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

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

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

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

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

Tuesday – 4 mile run after work

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

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

dinner with a view of the Gulf

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

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

Saturday – Took a nice morning walk in Placida.

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

Sunday – Marathon #17 in the books!!

cold and very windy but beautiful course

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

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

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

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

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

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

February 7, 2016 by Darlene

January Recap

january

Weekday Runs:

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

Long Runs:

In preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I completed higher mileage each weekend.

Total Mileage:

jan16

101!! The most monthly miles in years or maybe ever!

Races:

I ran three races (& DNSed on one). All were part of the the HMRRC Winter Series (and were free.)

35:00 (Gun time)

1:33:13 (course PR)

1:44:10

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I actually went to a yoga class several times.

lheartspaceogo

I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building.)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I also discovered that I can knit while riding the exercise bike so I did that every now and then.

It’s done but I started a new one – maybe too complicated to do on the bike

scarf #2

Other News:

I am a SkirtSports Ambassador Captain for another year. So thrilled to be part of this organization. Love the product and being associated with a great bunch of women.

I am also a Running on the Wall Ambassador – they sponsor virtual races.

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K

I am Half Fanatic #13812. You qualify if you run 3 halfs in 90 days. I did that in 2011 but never applied and did it again in 2015.

I celebrated 17 years being married to this guy:

then

12038287_10154200672714428_4679287681227959390_n

now

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am taking race-cation in Florida for 6 days. During that time, I will be running a half marathon and visiting friends.

Feb 7, 2016

I am hoping for a mild winter so I can painlessly train for another half marathon in March.

March 13, 2016

I love racing and unfortunately I miss one of my favorite races while I’m in Florida so I am searching for a replacement.

I hope to be back in 2017, AJH!

maybe on Feb 14???

I signed up for a September Half Marathon. I will be running it with Andrea and Lisa (my roomies from the Love Run.)

having fun in Philly… plan to make more memories in Cape Cod (hopefully without torrential rain.)

The Vermont City Marathon Relay is no longer a lottery.

vcm16

But WE got in! Woot! Woot!

vcm16

The “Age Groups Rock” team will be back. This time AJH will be running the 1st leg and I the second.

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Happy Running! How did you January turn out? Anything exciting planned for February?

February 6, 2016 by Darlene

Unltimate Coffee Date – February

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

Over coffee or tea…

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

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

Over coffee or tea…

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

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

It should be fun!!!

Over coffee or tea…

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

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

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

It snowed during last year’s race.

Over coffee or tea…

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

vcm

Over coffee or tea…

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

Bacon Hill Bonanza

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

February 5, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Races for 2016

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

frwme

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

Sarasota Music Half Marathon

Feb 7, 2016

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

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

with Susan & Robin in Sarasota, 2013

2. Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13, 2016

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

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

3. Vermont City Marathon Relay

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

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

4. Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 5, 2016

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

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

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

I’m there somewhere?

5. ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon

Sept 24, 2016

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

Inspite of the rain, we had a blast.

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

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

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

February 4, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Sarasota Music Half Marathon

My Next Race:

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

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

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

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

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

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

How will I do that?

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

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

I ran over that humongous bridge twice and

I’m in turquoise

finished the race joyfully in 2:34.

so happy to be running!!!

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

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

you pass music 42 times on this race course

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

Logistics:

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

with Pat in 2013

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

my race hosts in 2013 and 2016

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

Weather:

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 1, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – It was a beautiful night for a run. It actually felt balmy compared to Saturday (high 30s and no wind).

Tuesday – Today was just normal work day with tennis afterward. I finished my scarf and started a new one. But I think the lace pattern is too complicated to do while on the exercise bike. (Third World Problem LOL)

Wednesday – A short run after work before my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies. I wanted run during the day in the sunshine but it was so windy that I waited.

Look! It’s still light outside.

These dinners out wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t order dessert but I did!!

Thursday – I took a short work in the morning at work because the sun was out (but it didn’t last though.) Again my social life interfered with my running. I had to squeeze in my after work run because I was having dinner out with a co-worker.

Blue sky! Sun, I caught you.

so pretty

Friday – Besides a quick walk to Starbucks, it was a true rest day followed by an evening of mah jongg at my house.

snow!!!!

Saturday – Second rest day in a row. I filled my time with an hair appt, nail appt and lots of errands.

Sunday – Today I participated in HMRRC’s Winter Series #5’s 10 mile race. I really only wanted to run 8 miles but the other choices were to race 4 miles or 20 miles. So it was fast but I got it done and had fun.

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #17 – TAPER TIME)

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – run?, pack!
Thursday – Fly to Florida
Friday – rest, run??
Saturday -rest, packet pick up
Sunday – Sarasota Music Half Marathon

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

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

January 31, 2016 by Darlene

Winter Series #5 (10M) Race Recap

last year – I’m the one with the pink hat & gloves

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

This weekend, they offered distances of 4M, 10M and 20M.

I usually run 8 miles on the weekend before my half marathon. But the 4M option was too short so I decided to run the 10 miles being careful not to overdo.

This would be my 5th 10 miler :

2015:
HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 1:42:50 (same course)
2014
The Perfect 10 Miler (in NJ) – 1:38:45 PR
Adirondack Distance 10m – 1:44:39
Mayor’s Wellness 10m – 1:49:55

On this same course, I finished the 15k two weeks ago in 1:33:13.

So my expectations (NOT A GOAL!!) for this one was to be around 1:40-:42. but most importantly, NOT GET INJURED!!!

The weather cooperated. It was the warmest day we’ve had in a while. It was forecast to be in the high 40’s but unfortunately, it was pretty windy so it felt cold when I left.

I had a headache all night and didn’t sleep well. I contemplated skipping the race and running later but in the end I went.

I left later than usual but luckily got the last spot in the lot.

I immediately bumped into my FB friend, Barbara. I also got to see Patrick, my running coach from the Turkey Trot. He was the race coordinator this week. I also chatted with Lara whom I played on a team with years ago and Sherri whom I met at a local race a few months ago.

me, Lara, Barbara & Sherri

I stayed indoors until the very last minute and then made my out way outside.

It felt COLD due to the wind. I was glad I kept my jacket on and had gloves.

Both Barbara and Sherri were running the 4.3 miler. Lara was running her first 10 mile race.

Those running the 10 miler started near the tennis courts and the first mile was a loop around the courts before continuing on to the two loops of the State Office campus.

I’ve run this same course so many times but it doesn’t get any better. It’s boring and there are hills and not enough water stops. (But I’m not complaining. It’s a FREE race!)

When the wind was at your back, it was very pleasant. I even unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves.

I kept telling myself to run a slower pace. It would suck to have something hurt so close to my half marathon.

So I let Lara run by me and didn’t try to catch up.

During mile 3, a guy came up to me and we started chatting. He was training for the Toronto Marathon which he would be running with his 25 yr-old speedy daughter from NYC. Eventually, I told him to run ahead. He was slowing down to talk to me and I was speeding up to talk to him.

So I trudged along and didn’t walk (except for several times when my sunglasses fogged up…so annoying) until the first water stop at mile 4 or so. I took a Gu and walked for awhile. It felt so good to walk but then it was hard to get going.

I just told myself that this was simply a training run and just do it.

It was funny how the 20 milers were sprinting by me one by one. I had to keep moving over to get out of their way.

I ran alone until around mile 7. Elsa from the SRMs caught up to me and we chatted. Then she and her friend passed me by. Eventually they walked a bit & I passed them by. But in the end, they passed me again and I never caught up to them.

I walked again and took at GU at second water stop around mile 8.

Throughout the race, the wind would pick up and I would zip up my jacket and put my gloves back on and then it wold die down and I would be sweating.

Finally the end was near. Miriam who used to work where I take yoga, caught up to me. We chatted until she sped off. It must be nice to have all that speed at the end.

I never do. This race was no exception.

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 did sprint finally and crossed the finish line around at 1:44:10.

Much slower than I expected but feeling good.

I grabbed some refreshments – some hot soup (tomato basil?), vegetarian chili, bread and then, hot chocolate and cookies.

I finished 163 out of 178. At least I wasn’t last.

ws5

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 4th I think among the speedy old ladies.

So I did what I set out to do – my last long training run before the big one.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9:37
mile 2 – 10:02
mile 3 – 9:55
mile 4 – 10:18
mile 5 – 11:03 (water & GU)
mile 6 – 10:45
mile 7 – 10:36
mile 8 – 10:58 (water & GU)
mile 9 – 10:29
mile 10 -10:22
.1 – 7:05

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.