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Friday Five 2.0: Do Not Say That You Are “Slow”

Illustration: Christoph Hitz

I hope none of you take this personally.  We (including me) have all been guilty of saying some of the statements below when talking to other runners whom we know finish races at faster times than we do:

  • “I’m slow.”
  • “You can run ahead. I’ll catch up.”
  • “I need to start earlier because I’ll finish later than everyone else.”
  • “I just want to be faster.”
  • “Why am I so slow?  Do I need a coach?”
  • “I can’t run a marathon. It’ll take me forever.”
  • “I have no one to run with because I am too slow.”
  • “Will I ever get faster?”
  • “I am getting older so I guess I will get slower.”
  • “My PR days are over.”
  • “I guess I need to do some speed drills.”
  • “I wonder if there’ll be any food left when I’m done?”
  • “I’m too slow to be in this running group.”
  • “I hope I’m not DFL in this race.”

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

My Topic for today is:  Five Reasons Not to Label Ourselves According to Our Speediness

  1. We are comparing ourselves to others.

How do we know whether or not we are slow? When we say that we are slow, we must be comparing ourselves to someone who is faster.

We all know that comparing ourselves to others, while natural, is unhealthy.

2. It makes it harder to find a running buddy.

When we say “I’m slow” to a faster runner, we’re are putting the faster runner in an awkward position.  Do they decline our offer to run together? Do they just run slower? Or do they push us to run faster?

Yes, I know if two runners run at different speeds, the run may not be ideal.  But an easy run for one runner may be ideal as a training run for another.

3. We are giving ourselves an excuse for our performance.

Are we satisfied with less because “we are slow?”  Do we start in the back because we think we will be in the way of the faster runners? Do we not sign up for a certain race because the faster runners usually are there?

Our speed should not stand in the way of what we want to or are capable of doing.

4. We set ourselves up for failure.

Countless studies have proven that thinking negatively can inhibit your performance. No matter what our speed is, lack of confidence is going to affect our running.

Positive thoughts can help any runner.  I bet that a PR for a 12 min/mi runner feels just as great as for a 7 min/mi runner.

5. No one cares if we are slow!

If we are out there running, it does not matter what pace is; WE ARE A RUNNERS.

We don’t like faster runners more than we do slower runners.

I know what you are thinking…

“That’s easy for me to say. I am not slow!”

“I can’t relate. I win age group awards!!”

Yes, I do sometimes,  But I run lots of races…at least 30 a year.  And in my age group, the pool of runners is significantly smaller.

And sure, I’ve felt SLOW!

I join the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s Training Groups each year and because I’m not a beginner, I’m in the “Advanced Group.”

The other runners in this group for the most part are faster than me.  It depends on who shows up but sometimes I am the slowest runner there.

Would I like to be faster?

Of course.

Will I continue to run with these groups even if I am one of the slowest?

YES!!!! I like the women in these groups and enjoy their company (even if I can’t keep up with them).

Is it easy for me to find a running partner?

Sometimes but I think it is because I am pretty flexible and will run intervals if my partner does (even though I hate them) or run without walking (even though that is not my preference either).

The bottom line is this:

No matter how fast we run, someone will always run faster than us and someone will always run slower than us. Fast or slow, we’re all still runners together.

We need to focus on what we have in common rather than that we run at different speeds. We need to stop saying that we are “slow.”

Image result for slow runner ecard

(And sorry if I have offended anyone… I just needed to vent.)

That being said… here are some inspiring posts:

Happy Running!  Anyone agree with me or disagree??

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Friday Five 2.0: Ambassadorships 2018

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

My Topic for today is:  Ambassadorships 2018

I don’t have a big following. I mostly blog for myself and hopefully someone will read my posts and be inspired enough to start or continue running.

As a result, companies are not banging down my door to offer me ambassadorships.

I also feel strongly about only pursuing ones whose products are beneficial to me.

So here are my FIVE for 2018:

1. Rock n Blog

I ran the Vegas Rock n Roll 5k and Half Marathon and was so impressed about how the races were organized. I am very excited to promote these races and with any luck even race a few.

2. Legend Compression

To get $15 off, click here

If you’ve read my blog, you know that I am a big fan of compression wear.  I rarely race without compression socks or sleeves. I had heard great things about this brand and can’t wait to race in their compression sleeves. (My first pair is black but brighter colors will be ordered, for sure.)

Image result for legend compression sleeves black

3. NUUN

I am, admittedly, lousy about hydration.  I do not drink enough water.  Well, that is about to change.   My biggest rpobelm now is to decide which flavors I like best.

Image result for nuun4. My Soxy Feet

Use code SOXYCARDILLO to get 10% off your purchase

Ok, I have a thing for socks.  I can’t have enough. Well, this company has the cutest socks! They are mismatched and they are not just for running.

Image result for my soxy feet tennis socks

tennis – my second favorite sport

5. Skirt Sports

use code FALL20WIN to get 20% off your purchase

I have been an Ambassador Caption for 3 years already. They haven’t announced the 2018 ambassadors yet but my fingers are crossed that I am selected. I mean, I ONLY wear Skirt Sports skirts, capris and tights!!

Happy Running! How about you… do you apply for ambassadorships?  Which ones have you gotten? Which ones would you like to get?

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2018 Predictions

Image result for new year's predictions 2018

I may not have any running goals but there are some certainties in my running life.

I predict that I will run more miles on the treadmill this year than any other year.

thank you work, darkness and freezing temps

I predict that I will buy more Skirt Sports skirts even though I have more than I can wear.

Rockstar was my last one.

I predict that I will run at least 25 races and one will be another Rock n Roll race.

ran 42 in 2016 and 35 in 2017 so this is a cut back year LOL

I predict that I will not get my hubby to run a race with me.

we share a love for tennis and boating but not running.

I predict that I will speak French at one of my races.

This race was in Central Park, NYC but I hope to run in Montreal and/or Paris in 2018

I predict that I will win at least five age group awards.

I am not bragging but the odds are greater when you get to my age.

I predict that I will have run 1000 miles by the end of the year (unless I get injured.)

I did in 2016 & 2017 so I am hoping for a three-peat.

I predict that I will not PR at any distance this year.

This race was my 5k PR.. PRs are tougher as we age. I think consistency and lack of injuries are much more IMPORTANT than PRs.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! What can you predict for 2018?

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Weekly Wrap for 1.8.18-1.14.18: Back Outdoors

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Last week – 

  • Monday –  Well, the temps warmed up a bit but then there was snow.  It never ends. I was itching to get in an outside run. So I headed to the town (since it was windy as well as snowy.)

I was actually over-dressed!

  • Tuesday – It was supposed to be a rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening. But I also had to set up for work so I had to forfeit on the tennis 😦 But when temps reached almost 40, I had to try to find a dry path to run. So I ran 1.5 miles around parking lots and after set up, my usual campus loop.

  • Wednesday – After a long day at work, I needed to squeeze in one more day of running before I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

I was rushed but got in a short one even though I forgot my gloves. Good news is that I didn’t need them!!

  • Thursday – Finally, I decided to take a rest day.  I met a former co-worker at our free gym. I went for a short run before she arrived. We used the machines and then ate back the calories we burned off at an Indian restaurant.

50 degrees = capris and no jacket!!

  • Friday – A rest day and an evening playing mah jongg. It worked out perfectly because although it was in the 60s. (Yeah. Crazy temps), it rained most of the day.

temporarily, the snow had been washed away but it was to return the next day

  • Saturday – Another rest day due to snow, ice, wind and freezing temps. The winter warm up ended. Grateful for time to de-clutter, do laundry, cook, watch TV and knit.

just got the cuff on a sock done

  • Sunday –  Today was the re-scheduled New Year’s Day race (Winter Series #2) There were two options and I chose the 3.5 miler. It was cold. I mean very cold (-8 wind chill) and I was tempted to stay home. But I got to see many running friends and in the end, I was glad that I went.

3.5 mile race that is actually 3.75 miles

After re-fueling and thawing out, I went back out and ran a loop to get in 7 miles for the day.

My reward – a new place for appetizers and wine – Le Bistro

Next Week –

  • Monday – DAY OFF!! 4-6 miles
  • Tuesday – 3 miles on the treadmill, tennis and my anniversary
  • Wednesday –  rest day, hair appt.
  • Thursday – 4 miles
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 6-8 mile run, Women’s March
  • Sunday – rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and  NEW host Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home 

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow yet?? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

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Weekly Wrap for 1.1.18-1.7.18 – Baby, it’s cold outside…

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Last week – 

  • Monday –  New Year’s Day.  I was supposed to race but it was cancelled due to the cold temps. It got up to -8 and that’s not wind chill. So I waited until it warmed up. It was sunny and warmer but the wind chill just made it unbearable. Not the 6-7 miles I was hoping for but at least I didn’t resort to the treadmill.

  • Tuesday – A rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening. If you remember from last week’s post, the gym there was closed due to renovations. Well, it opened early and there was an available treadmill. Enough said.

the longest slowest 3 miles ever!!!

  • Wednesday – A scheduled rest day due to a long drive to Buffalo for work. After set up, I decided to give the treadmill another go. No improvement!!

This was at the hotel.

  • Thursday –  A rest day and yes, I am adapting to my new go with the flow running schedule.  No running and a long drive home after work. 5 hour drive became a 7 hour drive due to a mid-drive snowstorm.
  • Friday – I planned on a short run before Mah jongg but it didn’t happen. It was too cold and snowy outside and I couldn’t face the treadmill for the 3rd time in one week.
  • Saturday – I’m hardcore but it was even too cold for me (-25 windchill) to brave our arctic temps. One of the Wineglass ladies offered me a guest pass to the Y where I ran on the indoor track. Not a fan but at least I got in some miles. Afterward four of us met for brunch.

it was even more delicious than it lloks

  • Sunday –  An exciting day in NYC with a friend. In addition to the holiday windows (displayed for the last day), a delicious lunch, we had tickets to see the Downton Abbey Exhibit and it was amazing!!

We bundled up appropriately and din’t mind walking around the city.

Next Week –

  • Monday – 4 miles
  • Tuesday – rest day, tennis
  • Wednesday –  4 miles, mall walk with BFF
  • Thursday – 3 miles, dinner with a former co-worker
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 6 mile run
  • Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #2 (3.5M) race

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and NEW host Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow yet?? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date – January

Confessions of a Mother Runner

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as you may know, I HATE running on the treadmill.  I have successfully dragged myself out during the warmest part of the day (after work).  The problem is that it has been so cold that I can’t stay out long. I am worried that this will be one of those winters.  How will I ever do a run longer than 3 miles?? I do have to train for a half marathon in March!!!

Image result for running in the cold meme

Any advice on staying warm during the run?

I only lasted about 30 minutes.

Over coffee…

(related to above) I’d tell you that I was traveling for work and it was impossible to run anywhere. So I did run on the hotel treadmill.  HATED.EVERY.SECOND.

I can’t run fast and I can’t run long and it’s so hot.  I could go on and on.

How do you ladies do it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am trying to plan my 2018 races … at least the half marathons. I ran 6 halfs in 2017.  Not sure I want to run that many this coming year but we’ll see…

Singer Island Half on March 17, 2018

I registered for the one above. I booked my flights, contacted my friends so I have places to stay and booked my hotel for the night before the race.

I have my flight booked for Oct 6 to Paris but race registration for the race below doesn’t open until Feb 14.

Les 20km de Paris – October 14, 2018

Then there’s a RnR race.  Registration isn’t open for that one yet but I do have a hotel booked for the night before.
Image result for rock n roll montreal

September 23, 2018

I am still looking for a race in the spring and/or summer.Any inexpensive suggestions?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that related to the above, I can’t decide on my May half marathon. I am wavering between three:

Brooklyn Half Marathon – it’s on my bucket list, my friend Sue wants to do it but it’s on a Saturday (I work Friday), I have to work in NYC the Monday after, it’s my hubby’s B-day weekend & boating….

or

Steel Rail Half Marathon – it’s driveable and my current half PR but I ran it last year and would be running it alone

or

Jog for Jugs Half Marathon – it’s nearby and a new race but it’s on a course that I can run on for free (not too exciting).

So which one??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I had worked in NYC for three weeks in a row.  But since I don’t go back until February, my friends and I planned a day trip there for tomorrow.

Image result for downton abbey exhibit nyc

so excited to see this

Anyone love this show?  One of my favorites ever.

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I was excited about working in Liverpool where there would be lots of lights where I normally run.

Image result for lights in Onondaga lake state park

Well, the lights don’t go on until dusk and they close the park at dusk.  Yup, they wouldn’t let in to run.  You had to pay $10 to drive your car through.

I thought about sneaking in (and might have if I had brought my knuckle lights.)

Would you have?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did it again. Saw a race on Facebook and on a whim, just clicked “Register.”

The deciding factor was that it only cost $30 for the half marathon.  I am working on talking my BRF into doing it with me. If I DNS, it’s not a lot of money wasted.

Pelham Half Marathon – November 24, 2018

Anyone else just register and then think?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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2018. What’s the Word? & TOTR

Well, it’s that time of year.

Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year.

(If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, 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:

514_400x400_NoPeel

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

I picked in 2016:

Last year, I chose the word:

Image result for relax

So what will it be in 2018?

My first thought was the word, SURVIVE (even though someone mentioned that I should choose a word with a more positive spin.)

I’m not talking about my running per se.  But how life (or specifically my job) will this year be getting in the way of my time with family, friends and yes, running.

Survival quote

In other words, adapt. You’ve heard the saying: “If life throws at you lemons, make lemonade.”

Image result for quotes about survival
It doesn’t look like things will change in the near future work-wise, so what I need to do is ADAPT!

Here’s one of my favorite quotes:

Image result for quotes about adapting
Back to my word for 2018..
It will be:

Adapt chalkart

According to the dictionary, Adapt means:

Change in order to survive better in a certain situation…

How will I focus on my word this year and how will it apply to running?

I will try to:

  • Change my attitude about my job. Be more positive. Stop whining. It is what it is.
  • Change my running preferences.  That may mean running fewer miles or running at undesirable times (before work gulp) or even using the treadmill.
  • Change my expectations. This may include not participating in running groups or volunteer opportunities or even cutting back on race-cations.
  • Accept that sometimes “less is more.” Quality runs, quality races instead of quantity.
  • Accept that there may not be enough time to train adequately for longer distances or faster finish times.
  • Stop comparing myself to others who have more time, more flexible schedules, etc.

Honestly, all of the above will be very difficult.  Maybe even impossible.

But there are people who have to ADAPT to much more difficult situations in their life (health, family, finances, etc.)

And to put a positive spin on the word ADAPT…

I will

  • adapt to races in new places

  • adapt to running on new scenic routes

  • use hotel, credit card, car rental and train points to take race-cations

As long as I can run and race, life won’t be so bad.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt lifefor

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose?

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Looking Back on 2017

Image result for looking back

In a post last January, after a stressful 2016, I talked about my plans for 2017. (Read about them here.)

To summarize that post, I basically said that in 2017, I planned to “enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one.” In other words, try not to dwell on negatives or stress out about the paces, the miles and the finish times.

And my chosen word for 2017 was “RELAX” 

Image result for relax and run

So let’s see how the year went… and if the “relaxing” plan helped.

With a new job that as the year progressed, added more and more travel, running became my therapy.

I made it a priority that after work I would run, no matter where I was, so I would be in racing shape for all those races that I signed up for.

And yes, that happened (most of the time).

I ran along Onondaga Lake in Liverpool, Lake Ontario and on the Erie Canal Trail in Rochester, at Canalside in Buffalo and along the East and Hudson rivers and in Central Park in Manhattan. Most times I was exhausted and hungry and it was late but I always felt better when I was done with my run.

Along Lake Ontario (Rochester)

I ran 35 races with only one DNS (due to a backache).

There were 6 Half Marathons, 13 5ks, 4 10ks and a variety of other distances.

I won’t go into detail about every race here but except for two strugglefest half marathons, I was happy with how I ran ALL the other races!!

yes, the Shape Half Marathon was not easy…

I didn’t have any time goals for my races. I just wanted to run well and have fun! And I did just that.

July – Brooklyn 5k

That being said, TEN of the 5ks (all the ones that I actually raced) had finish times under 28 minutes!!  Woo! Hoo! There were MANY age group awards earned, too.

Plus, I had a half marathon PR. Even more exciting (and shocking)!!

May 21 – Steel Rail Half Marathon

Almost all my races were run with friends. They say “Running is better with friends.” And ain’t that the truth?

Wineglass pre-race dinner

RnR Vegas Half Marathon

The only negative about my year was that this past fall, I wasn’t able to participate in my favorite running group or volunteer with STEM. I wasn’t able to play tennis every Tuesday. I rarely went to gym and never hit a yoga class. Work, work, work.  Darn work schedule!!!

Otherwise, I think my year went very well. I proved to myself that to have good running year, it’s not all about PRs and paces but it’s about relaxing, having fun and finding good in every race.

So moving forward...

What’s in store for me in 2018???

Well, long work days and more travel are likely.

I haven’t picked a word yet. But I can tell you this for sure:

I will be running.

I will be racing.

Happy Running! Have you looked back yet on 2017?  Did you have any goals? Did you meet them?  Anything to share about 2018 yet?  Please do…

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2017 By the Numbers

Anyone else besides me like numbers??

Here are some of my 2017 running stats:

Highlights:

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

Paris 8K 2017
2017

Having fun is much more important than the numbers.

And 2017 was a good year for me!!

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

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My Award Picks for 2017


Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran. It was fun so I decided to do it again. (Soon it will be 2018 and my posts about 2017 were be over…LOL)

Since I ran 35 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was sometimes difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Atlantic Ocean while running the Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in Stuart, FL).

TCMarathon_2017_0030

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was the Shape Half Marathon (two loops in Central Park meant running the hills twice!)

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

The crowds came out in mass along the Vegas strip to watch and support the runners during the RnR Vegas Half Marathon. People were out there cheering during the whole nighttime race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.

Best Expo –

Hands down, the RnR Vegas Half Marathon had the best expo.

Best Swag –

The Wineglass Half Marathon definitely had the best swag.

half zip, bottle of champagne and a wine glass

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was from the Wineglass Half Marathon because it was actually made of glass. (The region is famous for hand blown glass.).

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a tea cup at the Polar Cap Run.

I also like to get practical things. So winning a drink tumbler at the Tropicool 5K was great. I’ve used it many times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

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

Best Race Shirt-

The Wineglass Half Marathon had the best shirt. I’ve worn it a few times and it is so comfy.

My second favorite shirt was the one from the Shape Women Half Marathon. I liked the bright color and the women’s fit.

Favorite Overall Race –

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

I’d have to say the Freihofer Run for Women because it’s local, I know so many of the runners, it’s all women and this year I actually ran it well.


And of course, the Wineglass Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with new and old running friends was so fun.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

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

But I would have to say that I am the most proud that I finished the RnR Vegas Half Marathon because of how difficult it was for me (all due to the stupid mistakes I made beforehand.)

It was also my first challenge (two races in two days.)

And the Steel Rail Half Marathon because my GPS watch was not working and I did not feel properly trained for the race. (Yet, I pr’d. Go figure!)

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2017?

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