running clothes

by

April Update & May Goals

april

GOALS

  • Start back at weekly yoga (now that half marathon training is over) – YES, I went every Wednesday!
lheartspaceogo

I even talked a friend into accompanying me

  • Play tennis once a week – YES, I played every Monday and on 2 Tuesdays.
img416581388

first half of the month was indoors and this place closed so then it was outdoors at UAlbany

  • Try to eat healthy (now that half marathon training is over, there is no need to eat a lot and eat often) – YES, I had fruit & yogurt for lunches and salads most nights, even cut back on my nightly ice cream addiction.

salad potluck march 2013 001

  • Do Planks (I hate to exercise so maybe I can do this for one minute everyday.) – Yes, I did a plank for ONE MINUTE almost eveyday.

use the timer on my iPad (so far 1 minute)

  • Lose some weight. (not a lot – 5-8 lbs – my clothes are tight and it is bugging me.) Even signed up for this challenge from Slowing Tri-ing. YES, I lost 5 lbs but will probably gain it back during my May vacation.
305782_10151882039654428_1664293167_n

talked my friend into just sharing a cheese board after yoga

  • Run at least 3 times per week. (at least 3 miles for each run) – YES, I ran three times each week, 3 miles and once a week (if outdoors) even 4 miles.
66 total miles for April

66 total miles for April

capris = spring

love my Newtons!

  • Run longer on the weekend (4-6 miles) – YES, I ran at least 5 miles on most weekends (which was difficult with 2 5ks scheduled.)
daffodils

Spring is finally here! Got to see flowers on my runs.

???????????????????????????????

even wore shorts once or twice

  • Try to get some speed back in my upcoming races (have 2-3 planned: 5 miler & 2 5Ks). YES, I tried … finished the Lake George 5k in 29:17, Sean’s Run in 30:31 and the Delmar Dash 5 miler in 47:38 (still not as fast I had I hoped.)
lg 5k finish

crossing the finish line at the Lake George 5K

at least I am smiling! (J. Berkeley photo)

while running the Delmar Dash 5 miler (J. Berkeley photo)

best cone ever!

celebrating after Sean’s Run

  • Do the A-Z Blogging Challenge (it seems pretty easy since you can schedule posts in advance….) – YES, I did not miss a day!! (You can read them all HERE)
  • Pay attention to my body and do not get injured. (That means not running if there is a sign of injury) – YES, I am still healthy (just a little twinge in the left knee and right heel).

mayGOALS

  • Continue to run regularly (outdoors unless it is raining then on the treadmill at work).
20130501-094019.jpg

this park is near work

  • Continue to fit in tennis & yoga in my schedule (once per week).
  • Take a lunch break – we get an hour but I eat at my desk – now that the weather is nice I should go for a walk.

last year, we had a walking contest so I did do it.

  • Get up early and do some runs before work.

this was a few years ago so I know I can do it.

  • Eat healthy & keep a reasonable weight.
Soft Serve Ice Cream (esp. coffee) with sprinkles

limit the number of soft ice cream cones consumed

  • Don’t let my running schedule take over – make time for family and friends (and mentees).

hang out in the park with these guys

  • Add longer runs on the weekend with the goal being a 10 mile race in June.

the bike paths are the best place to do longer runs

  • Run at least one race.
motherday5k13

this will be my first 5k in a new age group

  • Run several times during my tennis vacation in Florida.

I did several years ago (last year I was injured) while on vacation in Naples

  • De-clutter the running gear – go through clothes and get rid of those tops & shorts that don’t fit or I don’t wear.

Yes, I still own that cotton tank & shorts from 2008! I didn’t know what wicking was back then nor can I fit into those shorts.

Happy Running! How was your April? Any interesting goals set for May?

runner-sig

by

S is for Shopping

shopping

I don’t particularly enjoy shopping but I do love a bargain… which is why I use coupons and tend to shop at Target, Marshalls, TJMax, Peter Harris, etc.

???????????????????????????????

the hat, shirt & shorts were on clearance & had coupons for Olympia Sports

shoes_iaec1313241

these were $50 off at Dick’s

Love the outlets too.

Yesterday, fortunately (or unfortunately for my wallet) I racing nearby. I bought things that I didn’t need but the bargains were too good to pass up.

???????????????????????????????

my feet are now demanding flats – these green & blue ones at the Easy Spirit outlet cost $20 ea,

???????????????????????????????

DressBarn outlet – sweater 50% off, blouse 30% off – for my Florida trip

???????????????????????????????

Jones outlet – reg $34 on sale for $4.99 – had to buy it!

???????????????????????????????

a black running skirt – can’t have too many of those – 25% off at the Reebok outlet

I did not buy anything at the Coach outlet but I was tempted.

I used to buy lots of tennis clothes  (and when I played golf, I bought golf outfits), but since I started running that is what I spend the most of my money on.

a new shirt...it was on sale & I had a coupon...at least I didn't buy another pair of running shoes

another cool shirt that I got on sale & had a coupon!

???????????????????????????????

recent tech shirt bargains: orange $3.88 at Target, green $3 at Walmart

capris = spring

Newtons – 40% off at an expo!

Happy Running! Do you like to shop?  What are your favorite stores?

runner-sig

by

A Relaxing “Spring” Weekend

phil

Yes, you did. There was No Early Spring!!!!!!!!!!!

It is the end of March and it is still in the 30’s and windy. Like it has been for the last few months. I am so over winter.

The only good thing about this weekend is that my half marathon was over and I did not have to worry about fitting in a long run.

During my training, I have been obsessed with my miles and I have been ignoring Amanda, the girl I mentor.

So yesterday I planned to spend the day with her and her sons. Usually we do an Easter Egg hunt, play in the park, eat ice cream…

And usually it is warm enough to do so.

Not this year!!! So we headed for the mall where there was an Easter egg hunt.

???????????????????????????????

Amanda helping Matthew in the 0-3 yr old group

???????????????????????????????

Richard is on his own with the 4-6 yr olds

Then I took some photos (the line was too long to have them sit on the bunny’s lap.

???????????????????????????????

And we had lunch.

McDonald's - what else?

McDonald’s – what else?

Afterwards the kids played in the mall playground.

???????????????????????????????

???????????????????????????????

The tradition is to end the day with ice cream and we did. But it was too cold & windy to eat it there so we took it home to eat.

On Sunday, it seemed a little warmer (still in the 30’s) and less windy so I went for a run. Not because I had to but because I felt like it. I went to the Corning bike trail to run an easy 4 miles.

???????????????????????????????

not quite like I was dressed in Florida!

I wanted to run outside for the first time in my new Newtons.

mine have yellow laces

mine have yellow laces

I also wanted to run the course for my 5k next weekend.

path is clear but still snow on the grass.

path is clear but still snow on the grass.

So far I really like the Newtons. At least for short distances.  This was the first time since last September that I tried to run at a faster pace.  And it seemed easier with these shoes.  I walked at least 3 times and still I had a decent time (at least for me).

splits were 9:51, 10:37 and 9:49 for 3 miles.

splits were 9:51, 10:37 and 9:49 for 3 miles.

I walked several more times but finished 4 miles (last lap was 9:50).  A far cry from my 12 min. miles.  Definitely a morale booster even if it is a short distance.

After I got home, my hubby & I went to a boat show.  It makes us think summer is around the corner.

It cost $8 each to get in but I had $2 off coupons but they didn’t take credit cards.  Neither my hubby or I had enough cash 😦

Guess what?  They let us in for FREE!

It gets even better. I filled out 2 raffle coupons and we both won!

a "Go Boating on Lake George" long sleeved shirt

a “Go Boating on Lake George” long sleeved shirt

and a "Pirate Girl" flag for our boat

and a “Pirate Girl” flag for our boat

We climbed in and out of boats for fun & I picked up some good freebies.

All in all, a no-stress weekend.

Happy Running!  How was your weekend?  Did you run or race?

runner-sig

by

The Outfit

That means wearing BLUE.

OR

Do I wear GREEN cuz it’s St. Patrick’s Day?

The outfit is important, right?

Here are my choices:

outfita

OUTFIT A: blue multi-colored skirt from runningskirts.com & a Nike tank (that I have worn to play tennis) & blue argyle compression socks from procompression.com  (that I have worn many times)

outfitb

OUTFIT B:green Nike shorts & mint Champion top (have worn for yoga) & black compression socks from runningskirts.com (have worn these many times)

Happy Running!  Cast your vote now: Outfit A or Outfit B?

runner-sig

by

What I am Loving Right Now

I’ve read this on some blogs and I am bored while proctoring at the bar exam so ….

Here is my list in no particular order:

  • YA Novels

delirium

I started with the Twilight series because the girl that I mentor loved them.  After that, I read the Hunger Games trilogy which I enjoyed a lot.  Then I was recommended Divergent and Insurgent (the 3rd will be out soon) by Veronica Roth.  If you like this kind of reading, you must read Delirium and Pandemonium (Requiem is coming out in March) by Lauren Oliver which I liked even more. Now I’m on to Alli Condie’s series, Matched, Crossed and Reached. As Jimmy Buffet said in a song:  “I’m growing older not up…”

  • Compression Socks
drinking coffee out of my new Moscow mug

these are from procompression.com

I have them in white, black, argyle blue, green, purple, pink  and hot pink.  I’ve worn them during all my half marathons.   I got more while I was injured.  I wore them while recovering and racing. Now I just wear them during my long training runs.  I don’t know if they help physically but psychologically they do.

  • Chocolate Cream of Wheat

I ALWAYS eat hot cereal for breakfast.  It is also my pre-race breakfast.  I use 2 packages, add water and cook in the microwave.  Then I add some milk to cool it.  The chocolate feeds my sweet tooth.  It says  that it includes 9 essential vitamins so it is semi healthy, right?

  • Archer Farms Bottled Lattes

They are basically bottled Frappuccinos with the word “latte” slapped on the label. Regardless of the name, they taste very similar to Starbucks brand Frappuccinos.  You can buy them at Target and they are much cheaper than the Starbucks brand.  I’ve tried many of the flavors – vanilla, pumpkin, mocha, chai, etc. I love them.  And they’re only 100 calories.

  • Watching TV on my iPad

tv

I think I watch TV on it more than I do on a regular TV.  Recently, I have been catching up on episodes of Revenge.   It has been a Godsend for the treadmill at work when I can’t run outdoors- I also watch Smash, Nashville, Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Wife – either at lunch or after work. Now you know what kinds of shows I watch.  Unfortunately the PBS app only has season 3 of Downton Abbey & I haven’t seen seasons 1 & 2 (which everyone is racing about.)

  • Liberte Mediterranee Yogurt

I started eating yogurt for the first time when I spent my junior year abroad in France.  I have been looking ever since (and it’s been a LONG time) for yogurt as good as the kind they make in France.  I finally found it!!  Coconut is my favorite. YUM!! I also like their vanilla.

  • Running Skirts
me feeling short with the Running Skirts ladies

October 2012

Half in Naples, Florida

January 2011

color-coordinated but too warm!!

February 2013

I have quite a few running skirts.  I even wear them over tights when it is cold outside. But the top one (from runningskirts.com) is my favorite by far.  The top one has compression shorts underneath.  It’s a little longer and it has a pocket on each side.  I wore it for almost all my races this past summer and fall.  So I just ordered another that I may wear for my upcoming half marathon.

  • Thomas Bagels

img_5799

I need my carb fix everyday. I used to be a bagel snob (I am from LI, NY) and never buy supermarket bagels but then I tried Thomas.  They are good.  They are soft and stay fresh for weeks.  My favorites are pumpkin, cranberry, corn, banana bread.  If I can’t find those flavors, I”ll eat honey wheat or cinnamon raisin.  They are so good that I just eat them plain for a mid-morning snack.  In fact, they have replaced my PopTart addiction 🙂

  • Red Wine

TS-AA026665-FN-Wine-Pairing_Merlot_s3x4_lg

I am not a big drinker.  In fact all I need is one mixed drink to get me drunk.  I rarely drink at all when I’m not on vacation or having dinner in a restaurant.  Usually I order Riesling.  I always felt that red wine gave you a headache. Recently, I have acquired a taste for red wine.  I am having one glass of Merlot almost every evening.    The French do it, right?  And they live a long time!!

Happy Running! What are you loving right now?

by

For Miss Zippy: My 2012

Ms. Zippy asked us to tell her about our 2012.  As you know, it wasn’t a great year but here it is in a blog post:

1.  Best race experience?
Freihofer's 2012
Freihofer’s Run for Women – I was recovering from a broken ankle and wasn’t supposed to run it.  At the last moment I decided to walk it but then when the gun went off, I started running & didn’t stop until I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes.
Runners World 5K
Runners World 5K – This was a destination race and I was visiting my best friend from high school who was waiting at the finish line. Again, I was injured with a stress fracture but determined to run the race anyway.  It was a really fun race and I hope to run it again (or even the 10K or the half) some day when I am healthy.
2.  Best run?

Camp Chingachgook 10K

Camp Chingachgook 10k – I would have to say this one because it was my longest run of the year, my first 10K and at my favorite summer destination – Lake George.

determined to break 30 minutes!!

MPBA 5K – Finally broke 30 minutes which I used to do easily.

3.  Best new piece of gear?

Camp Chingachgook Challenge

Compression Socks – Now I have white (Saucony), black (runningskirts.com), blue, pink, green (procompression).  They are really great to help recover from injuries.

me feeling short with the Running Skirts ladies

My Running Skirt – This new one is my favorite from runningskirts.com. I have worn it to many of my races this year.
4.  Best piece of running advice you received?
From Runner’s World in January:  “Injury is something that happens to you as an athlete. Others might tell you that you’re done. But if you keep at it, you might be able to get back…” –Abdi Abdirahman, third-place finisher in the men’s 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials.
5.  Most inspirational runner?
ajh
AJH  at Age Groups Rock – She is amazing. In her 50’s like me, she started doing triathlons this past year.  She runs and bikes in all types of weather conditions. She is also a teacher which I know from experience is a tiring job.  But she seems to have endless energy and enthusiasm.  What an inspiration!!
crista
Crista  at Livin a Little Life – She lives with cancer (Stage 4) every day.  Yet she doesn’t complain. She runs half marathons and 5ks.  She even raises money for charity. She makes my health problems seem minor. She inspires me, too.
6.  If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
Injured, Frustrated but Grateful – Two injuries and sidelined for 5 months, then 2 months.  Frustrated when not running and even more when I couldn’t run at the level I was used to.  Grateful that I was able to run at all.  Grateful for my friends and family.
Happy Running!   Feel free to share your answers to Miss Zippy’s questions.
runner-sig
by

Why I Love Running

I meant to write this on Valentine’s Day but for the last 7 weeks I have been kinda depressed.  I can’t run and I don’t know if I will again.  But I did run and I do ❤ running so here’s my list (in no particular order):

  1. the new friends I have made
  2. guilt-free carb-loading (before & after a run or race)
  3. the best way to end a bad day (or start off a tough day)
  4. an excuse to shop – buy new running clothes, shoes, gear, etc.
  5. setting your own goals (run your “own” race)
  6. how you feel when crossing the finish line in a race
  7. feeling healthy & active & alive
  8. sense of pride & accomplishment (I’m 58 and running half marathons!!)
  9. being alone and getting lost in one’s own thoughts
  10. the bling 🙂

Happy Running!  Anything to add about why you love running?



by

Wordless Wednesday: Stockade-athon in Pictures

Me heading to the finish line of my 1st 15K

Like my outfit?  The spectators did!!

taken by suns along the Mohawk

My favorite sign:

taken by suns along the Mohawk

taken by suns along the Mohawk

 

Beautiful fall day:

taken by suns along the Mohawk

Happy Running!

by

Eight Days Out

That’s means it’s time to stress out about the Weather and the Outfit:

I have no control about the weather.  I’m fine as long as it doesn’t rain.

Santa Clarita forecast

But do you see a trend??? California must know that an Upstate New York girl is coming West. What they don’t know is that it is cold in the Northeast & I HATE it!!  I like warm weather…. 

The outfit? 

Definitely compressions socks and a cap.  Those are a given. Possibly the outfit that got covered up during the rainy cold Lake George Half last April.

Maybe this outfit instead:

However, given that the temps will not be the 70’s or 80’s that I had hoped for…I will  have to bring  a short-sleeved shirt…either white, pink or green and a jacket. (I know will over pack!!)

Other important things:

book to read on the plane

 

new toy for blogging

Happy Running! Any advice in packing for destination races?

by

My New Tee-Shirt


CRAZY OFFER: ULTRA-Lite personalized performance (tech) shirt for only $12.

I couldn’t resist…

So I ordered the tee-shirt above and here’s the e-mail I received:

Yo Darlene,

This is a brief note (well, maybe not so brief) to inform you that your order from nduranc.com is on its way.

Your shirt(s), sadly, has been participating in an underground international ultra of epic proportions.  The recycled plastic Dr. Pepper bottles used in the tech shirt(s) polyester fabric originates from deep-sea caverns off Madagascar. The shirt fabric is then milled in Asia, shipped to the United States, put before the judges on “America’s Got Talent,” and then sent to yet another facility before delivery to nduranc.com, where underage Honey Badgers apply the design.

However, the final leg of your order’s journey is the most hazardous of all. Yes, your order must now survive the byzantine switchbacks of the U.S. Postal Service.

We’re convinced all delivery services have crease-and-wrinkle machines just for shirts. Once you receive your item(s), you may want to throw them in the washer and dryer to rid them of the negative vibes and potential Old Spice aroma.

If you don’t receive your shirt(s) within the next five days, please let us know and we’ll send Dean Karnazes down to the local postal annex to rattle a few cages.

Thanks again for your order.

Never stop (unless instructed to do so by Peirs Morgan, or by a police officer pointing a loaded weapon),

…
Runner & Operations Flunkie

$12 with a free saying from a business with a sense of humor. What could be better?  Do you think it will make me run faster too??

Happy Running!  Can you resist buying new running clothes?