January 8, 2018 by Darlene

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

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.

January 5, 2018 by Darlene

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.

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….

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

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!

January 2, 2018 by Darlene

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:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

I picked in 2016:

Last year, I chose the word:

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.

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

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:

Back to my word for 2018..

It will be:

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?

December 31, 2017 by Darlene

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”

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…

December 30, 2017 by Darlene

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?

December 27, 2017 by Darlene

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?

December 26, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: December Report Card

Image result for december's over welcome january

Well, it looks like winter has arrived…cold, wind and even a little snow.

Here’s how December worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home. Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights and it is now too dark when I get out of work. I did run while working in NYC (three weeks in a row) and when in Liverpool. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles.

: NYC

: NYC

: Liverpool

I ran alone most of the time. MY BRF Alyssa was not able to accompany because her hubby is ill. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

: The Crossings

: UAlbany

: the ‘Hood

Long Runs:

Long runs ended with my half marathon on Nov. 12 and since my next one is not until March 2018, I don’t predict double digits until February! But I still planned to run at least 6 miles each weekend. And I was successful!!

: 6 miles

Total Mileage:

I have run 60 miles this month so far. A big decrease over November (102) but I am feeling healthy so all is good.

And I hit 1000 miles for the second year in a row!!!!!

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Winter Series #1 Race which was 3 miles and the Albany Last Run which was a festive, snowy 5k. I was pleased with my sub 27 minute finish in the Winter Series Race and also happy that I didn’t fall during the slippery course (until the finish line) for the Albany Last Run.

: Winter Series #1 – 3M

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis twice indoors. It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing.

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! No excuses because I live near a free gym and my tennis club membership this year includes free access to the gym.

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk-occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot.

Other News:

There were also quite a few friend-bonding activities. Can’t have too many of those.

: BFF’s b-day

: tennis holiday party

: Christmas Day

I saw a few movies that I highly recommend:

I also read this book and LOVED it:

As you can tell, running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure….family, friends, food….

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No other half marathons planned until March.

I have just a few shorter races planned. My racing schedule does slow down during the winter.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

1-01-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
1-14-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 (3m or 10K)
1-28-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3m or 15K)
2-03-18 – Polar Cap 4m
2-18-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 (4.5m or 10m)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her January Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

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

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks and even had to (due to the weather) skip week day runs.

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner. (I know. I know. Winter has only just begun…)

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

What grade would you give your running month?

December 25, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 12.18.17-12.24.17

Last week –

Monday – I see a lot of my running being limited to the Ualbany campus due to ice and snow so I decided for a change to run in my town.

love these new projected light displays that are the rage.

Tuesday – Off to Liverpool for work. I was hoping to find a way to squeeze in a run along the lake. It was insanely windy but I got it done.

The lights go on at 5 pm and I was lucky to get it done before they kicked me out of the park.

After dinner, I went back to catch the lights.

Unlike where I live, they don’t let you walk in park when the lights are on. You have to drive and pay $10. So I walked along the street parallel to the park.

Wednesday – Working all day. Too late, too dark and too snowy to run anywhere. So it was a rest day.
Thursday – Again working all day. No time to run. Had to drive home. Another rest day.
Friday – Snow, sleet and freezing rain. When and where will I get to run? Even mah jongg was cancelled.
Saturday – Yup, another crappy weather day. Rain today! The Wineglass ladies group run was postponed.
Sunday – Finally a dry day after four days of zero running. I ran 6 miles with our group. It was a challenge avoiding the icy spots but no one fell and we enjoyed bagels and coffee afterwards. A win win.

I alternated running with Judy Ly, Barbara & Alyssa/Karen (not pictured). Judy & Jan ran/walked behind us.

I am happy to say that my nails and Christmas shopping were done and the hubby and I enjoyed a relaxing evening at the movies (Three Billboards…)

Next Week –

Monday – rest day, Christmas celebration with my mentee and then with the family
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run,
Sunday – rest day, New Year’s Eve

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

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

Happy Holidays

December 19, 2017 by Darlene

My Year of Running in 2017

So today I’m linking up with Courtney to share my Year of Running in 2017! Be sure to check her site and see how everyone else did!

Warning. I’m not good at picking just one or even two. Lol

Best Race(s)

So what determines a “best” race? Fastest??

Well, the Steel Rail is my half marathon PR. And it was totally unexpected. In other words, stress-free and so it was enjoyable.

So was the Polar Cap Run for 4 Miles.

I loved all of my 35 races. Each one was special in a different way.

Best Run(s)

My runs are not usually very good or very exciting.

One of my best ones was with a new running friend who convinced me to do my long run slower and NOT walk. (I ran 11 miles without walking!!)

I would be remiss not to mention that my new job has allowed me run on some neat bike paths (Onondaga Lake Ste Park in Liverpool, Lake Ontario and Erie Canal Path in Rochester and of course, Central and the river paths in Manhattan). That has been exciting (the running not the job or the traveling).

Best New Piece(s) of Running Gear

It’s a tie here.

First my Knuckle Lights. They will allow me to do my runs on routes that aren’t lit.

Secondly is my Garmin 205. This was my first watch. It died finally and I tried a few others but this dinosaur is my favorite so I bought another this year.

Most Inspirational Runner(s)

Well, there are quite a few.

First Shalane who kicked a$$ and won the NYC marathon.

Secondly, two bloggers that I have met in person: Wendy from Taking the long way home who was diagnosed with RA and has not let it interfere with her running journey and Marcia from The Healthy Slice who got injured and still completed the Berlin Marathon.