March 2, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Girls Weekend 2018

Today I am 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.

I have traveled to California (2011, 2013, 2014) and Vermont (2015, 2016) to run races with one friend. I have also spent a weekend in Philly (2014), Panama City Beach (2016), Corning, NY (2017) and Las Vegas (2108) with several other women to run a half marathon. Each of these weekends was So.Much.Fun!!!

So what will it be for 2018?

September 23-24, 2018

It’s early but we’re getting the party started…

raceaddict
My topic for today is Five Reasons to Take a Girls Weekend Race-cation.

1. Training Support

Heidi, Adrienne & I training together for 2014 race weekend in Philly

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

preparing for the Wineglass Half in 2017

2. Cost Savings

Lisa & Andrea – my roommates whom I had never met before the weekend in Philly

It is definitely cheaper to share a room with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

Holly graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person for the Panama Beach Half in 2016

Marcia was my roomie in LV.

3. Visiting New Places

even in the rain, we visited all the sites of Philly

I love to travel and explore new cities. I had never been to Panama City Beach or Corning, NY before my weekend there for a race. I am especially looking forward to Montreal to experience their French culture (and since I haven’t been there in many many years.).

awesome sunsets in Panama City Beach

sightseeing on the way to Corning

4. Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

I have raced most of my 29 half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the ones in Philly (in spite of the rain), Panama Beach, Corning and Vegas. And none of these were PRs!!!

All 10 of us at the Wineglass expo

I am sure the same will be true for our Montreal girls weekend (we have 6 definites so far).

5. Forging New Friendships

Andrea & I at VCM relay

The Philly group has kept in touch on Facebook. I have bumped into Andrea at several races. We had planned another race-cation with Lisa but ZOOMA Cape Cod got cancelled. We still hope that another will happen in the future.

I also keep in touch virtually with my Panama City Beach buddies. Some of us repeated this racing experience in Vegas. I hope to run another one with them in the future.

Many of us going to Montreal also ran the Wineglass race in Corning last year. But we always encourage newbies to join the group.

Don’t eating and racing go together?

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation? Do you have one planned for this year?

February 27, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: February Report Card

Well, it looks like February came in like a lion, turned into a lamb, then a lion and then again a lamb. Global warming???

Anyhow, here’s how February 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. As I mentioned February was a crazy weather month. We had temps anywhere from the single digits to the 70s.

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home. Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights but the good news is that it is staying light longer. I did run while working in NYC and in Buffalo. The best thing about my job is running in different places. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

Long Runs:

Work and the weather has made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. I skipped one since I was snowed in in Buffalo and for the others, I got in the mileage but none was done without a break – meaning I added some miles before or after the run. Not ideal but better than not doing them at all.

: 5 instead of 9 miles

: 4 miles post 4 mi race = 8 miles

Total Mileage:

I have run 76 miles this month so far. Still a little behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal but I have lots of time. And I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Polar Cap Race which was a 4 miler and an annual favorite for me. I also ran the last free Winter Series Race, a 4.5 miler. Both were fun and I met up with several friends at each. I also won my age group in both races. A nice perk!

Cross Training:

I only played tennis once indoors. It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing. I wish I could play more but …WORK WORK WORK!!!

I actually did work out at the gym once but only because I was meeting a friend there before going out to dinner.

I went to my FIRST hot yoga class. I loved it and planned to go again but did not. I will be less motivated to go once the weather warms up.

I did walk-occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps.

Other News:

I loved watching the Olympics…especially the figure skating.

I can relate. Things don’t always go the way you had hoped.

Image result for ice dance olympics 2018 sib

Then sometimes they do!

I met two new Skirt Sports ambassadors – Bethany, local and Elizabeth in NYC. I hope to run with each one in the future.

I tried my hand at a Challenge. I wasn’t successful but at least I tried.

Image result for squats suprmans twist challenge

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #30 in March.

It’s not the one I planned on running but it’s a race during my vacation in Florida. I will do my best to enjoy the experience.

I have some shorter races planned as well. My racing schedule starts to pick up in the spring.

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

3-17-18 – Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon (in Fl)
3-25-18 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
3-31-18 – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K
4-14-18 – Code Blue 8K and/or 4-15-18 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-21-18 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k and/or 4-22-18 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run 5k
4-28-18 – Spring Run Off 5k /10k and/or 4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k

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

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

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

I’d say overall a A-

Despite the work travel and crazy winter weather, I did my best to get in my runs. Strength training just never happens so I’ve decided not to beat myself up about it.

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner.

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

Happy Running! How did your February turn out? Anything exciting planned for March?

What grade would you give your running month?

February 26, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.19.18-2.25.18: Home Sweet Home

I felt like I was on vacation. Day off. No travel for work. No races. Woo Hoo!

Last week –

Monday – Presidents Day. Boy did I need a day off!! I procrastinated on my run and missed the sunshine. But I did get in a short windy run before the rain.

after all my weekend miles, my legs were feeling it so 2.5 miles was all I could muster

Tuesday – 60 degrees! Woo Hoo! Another quick run after work. And I finally got to play tennis. It had been weeks and it was fun getting out there.

only had time for 2.5 miles but couldn’t resist running in capris and short sleeves

Wednesday – 70 degrees in February!!! It was supposed to be a rest day but with snow predicted for Thursday and rain for Friday, what’s a runner to do? So I went for a run after my dentist appt. In a tank and a skirt!!!

3 miles, an ice cream cone and a mall walk with my BFF

Thursday – Well, winter returned. It snowed today!! Good thing it was finally a rest day! I did have to celebrate National Margarita Day!!

Friday – Rest day #2. Rain, rain. rain. Needed the rest anyway and finally got to play mah jongg.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Not excited about the distance nor trying to find a clear road but always look forward to bonding with the Wineglass ladies. Our group was smaller than usual and we all ran or walked different distances. Barbara, this week, was nice enough to run slower and keep me company for 9 miles (I ran 2 before we met.)

we all met up for breakfast where we planned our next girls weekend adventure – in Montreal – in September!!

Sunday – Rest Day Sunday. Don’t worry I wasn’t stuck in the hose all day. Had dinner out with my tennis friends (we do this monthly).

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 miles, haircut, nails, errands
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? How are you dealing with winter? Has your weather been psycho too? Please share.

February 21, 2018 by Darlene

HMRRC Winter Series #5 Race Recap

2015: I’m the one with the pink hat & gloves

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

As you can see above, this weekend, they offered distances of 4.5M and 10M. They also offered (starting an hour earlier) a 20M and Marathon option. (No thank you!!)

I had originally planned on the 10 miler (as I did in 2015 and 2016). It could have been a training run since my half is in FOUR weeks!! But I just didn’t have it in me. It’s not like me to wimp out on a race but I did.

Saturday, instead I ran 10 miles with friends.

It worked out fine and it was great catching up. I enjoyed not running solo (although this time I ran most of my miles alone.) The best part was that there was no pressure to race the miles and run faster than I should. And it was less windy than today’s weather.

Most runners would have then skipped the race. But I decided to just run the shorter distance – 4.5 miles.

Run NOT race for free with other runners and also get free food. Perfect, right?

I woke up to a few inches of fresh snow on the ground. That made me a little nervous. However, the roads are usually clear where this race is run.

The weather was warmer than the day before but it was very very windy and so it felt colder.

Barbara and I drove together. There was a high school track meet going on. So I had to drive to a farther parking lot. (Why does someone who can run 13 miles, balk at walking any distance to the start of a race?)

After a chilly walk, we arrived in time to register. (I didn’t register beforehand as I usually do because I was not sure that I would run the race.) I got to see Patrick, my running coach from the Turkey Trot. He was the race coordinator this week. I also chatted with a few other runners that I knew. However, the marathoners and 20 milers had already started and the crowd seemed to be a lot smaller than in previous races.

I decided to take off my fleece vest under my jacket and hoped that the sunshine would keep me warm. We stayed indoors until the very last minute and then made our way outside.

new fresh snow on the track

I had actually run this same race in 2013 and 2014 but they called it a 4 mile race. It turned out each year that it was more like 4.32 miles. So last year, it was re-named a 4.5 mile race but I’m not sure if they changed the course at all.

: 2013

: 2014

: 2017

In 2013, my finish time was 45:15, in 2014, 44:24 and last year, I finished at 42:58. However, it didn’t matter because I wasn’t racing, right?

The 4.5 milers and the 10 milers started together (though the 10 mile racers obviously ran the course twice and more).

We started out in the middle of pack and it was slow going for a while. The road was pretty clear but you had to look out for potholes until we left the campus.

I was ahead of Barbara for a short while but then she passed me by and I never came close to catching up to her.

It was interesting when all of a sudden while I was running my pace, the 10 milers sped by me. Then, there were times that the 20 milers or marathoners were speeding by me.

But I trudged along and kept moving forward. I was surprised that my legs felt pretty good and I was running at a faster pace than I expected I would be. Still, I didn’t want to push it and get injured.

I was cold at the beginning but warmed up when facing the sun (and took off my gloves)but of course, it was chilly when running into the wind. I felt that I dressed appropriately unlike the guy below:

in the 20s with strong gusty winds

As I was running, I was reminded about how uninteresting this course was and how many times, I have tun it. Besides being all concrete and parking lots, it seems that you are constantly going uphill but never enjoy as many downhills. (But I’m not complaining. It’s a FREE race!)

Believe it or not, I didn’t walk until the last hill. The wind was insane throughout most of the race but during that last mile, the gusts were so strong that I felt like I was moving backwards. The wind was tiring me out. But actually, it was easier to push through the wind running slowly than walking.

Finally we approached the campus, and they said 4.5 milers go left and 10 milers go straight. I was so happy that I had chose the shorter race. I couldn’t imagine fighting that wind for 5.5 more miles.

When I saw the finish line clock, I was shocked that it read 42:xx!! So I forced myself to sprint so I could cross under 43 minutes. (My finish time was 42:55)

A much slower time that I am capable of. But I was very happy that I felt fine and nothing hurt. I was able to keep my relaxed pace the whole time and I didn’t try to race. Believe it or not, it was my fastest time on this course.

I went inside to get warm and to grab some refreshments – some hot vegetable soup, bread, fruit and then hot chocolate and cookies.

I also met a local Skirt Sports ambassador. We had been friends on IG and didn’t realize that we lived near each other.

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I WON!! Barbara won an award as well.

again the speedy women in my age group ran the longer distances

So I did what I set out to do – run some extra training miles.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9.59
mile 2 – 9:54
mile 3 – 9:22
mile 4 – 10:16
.5- 8:41

I was glad that I ran the race. My pace was not as fast as if I were really racing it (my miles were in the 8s that last time on this course) but definitely a lot faster (and more enjoyable) than running alone.

And my next race will be the BIG ONE!!

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

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run or race this past weekend? Are advice for racing and fitting in long training runs?

February 20, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Least Favorite Part(s) of Running

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

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

Today’s topic is My Least Favorite Part(s) of Running

Well, at least my list isn’t as long as the one for what I LOVE about running.

Injuries

Unfortunately they happen. Knock on wood, I have been blessed the past few years to be injury-free.

broken foot – June 2013 – my last running injury

Cost

Compared to other sports like skiing, tennis, etc, running is fairly inexpensive. But racing fees, running shoes, etc can put a drain on your wallet.

RnR races are not cheap!

When things don’t go right.

You can train and train and do everything right and your race tanks. These are so many variables (health, weather) that interact to make a race NOT go as hoped. Many of these are out of your control and many are in your control.

not thrilled with how I felt during this half (my fault!)

Scheduling Runs

If you don’t train, you can get injured, not get the results you want at a race, etc. (Unless you are one of the lucky few who can just go out and run a fast half marathon with no training.) And yet, it is sometimes so difficult to get in those runs. Family, friends, work, health, weather… they can all put a crimp on your running schedule.

in the hotel after work…before dinner

And that’s it!!!

Happy Running! What do you like least about running?

February 16, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Am I up for a challenge?

Superman – Lie face down with arms out in front of you. Lift your arms, chest, and legs simultaneously.

Squat – Stand with feet slightly wider than your hips with toes and knees pointing forward. Raise your arms in front of you, parallel to the ground. Squat down like you would be sitting in a chair until your knees are bent at a 90˚ angle. Rise up and return to standing position.

Russian Twist – In a seated position. Lean back until you feel your abs engage so you’re in a V-position. Clasp your hands in front. Twist to the right side and return to center. Repeat to the left side.

I am not one for doing ANY type of exercise.

Let’s face it. I am LAZY!!

But I decided to give this one a try.

Why?

1.FOMO

Everyone else is doing them!! Check it out on IG! Just want to be part of the “cool” crowd. lol

2. You don’t have to go to a gym.

I don’t have a gym membership. I don’t have the time to go and I travel for work.

3. You don’t need any equipment.

I don’t own any exercise equipment. If I did, it would be a waste of money, anyway.

4. Protecting my back.

I sit all day at a computer at work. I also drive for hours at times.

My back is one part of my body that aches when I sit in a certain chair/seat (at the movies, in some cars).

5. Strengthening my core.

Yes, I’ve heard it a zillion times that for runner, it is important to a have a strong core. But also as I age, I know that I need to have a stronger core to help with posture and balance.

***************************

So I’m on the third week.

And yes, I find them very difficult. Especially the squats because of the hardware in my left ankle. And Superman? I can barely get my arms & legs off the ground.

And I don’t do them in one shot. But I do them most of the time.

Thanks to Rachel @Running on Happy for setting up the challenge.

And since 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.

Happy Running! Anyone else participating in this challenge? Which exercise is the hardest for you?

February 14, 2018 by Darlene

Making Lemonade

Image result for singer island half marathon

~~March 17, 2018~~ CANCELLED

Remember how I signed up for this race months ago, planned a vacation visiting friends who live nearby…

Then this happened:

The Suck:

Losing my registration fee for the race (no refund, just can register for another of their races…great if I lived in Fla.)
Update: I complained on FB and now they say they will refund my money 🙂
Not running over a bridge twice with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Two different friends who are staying in Singer Island would be cheering me on.
Was planning on attending a Mets spring training game afterwards.
Am staying for 2 nights after in Delray Beach – not too far away
I could have gone to Fla. at a different time and run a different race (and be able to run the NYC Half this weekend)
Brew-2-Brew (see my lemonade below) is an inaugural race (and you know my past experience with those…RnR Brooklyn comes to mind among others.)
No reviews or course info, etc about said race.
More $$ needed to spend on registering for this new race.
I don’t drink beer!!!

Image result for when life throws you lemons quote

This my LEMONADE:

in Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach’s first ever Brew-2-Brew 13.1 mile, half marathon.
Beginning and ending at the local owned Walking Tree Brewery.

I could have skipped the race thing entirely or I could have cancelled my trip but instead I MAY sign up for this race. (I haven’t registered yet since the numbers for this race are low. )

The Good:

I was able to book another hotel with my points.
I’ve never been to Vero Beach.
My sister-in-law lives in nearby Sebastien.
I will be running a half marathon!
My training will not go to waste.
My vacation will be a race-cation after all.

Was this the right decision?… To Be Determined.

I am joining hosts Running on Happy, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup!

Happy Running! Has this every happened to you? What would you do if you were me?

February 9, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Getting Older Rocks

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: Ways Getting Older is a Good Thing

Just recently I realized that today I can sign up for Medicare…

Yikes. That means that I am OLD!

As they say: The Alternative is Worse.

So I’m going to embrace the Old Age thing (and try to ignore the gray hair, wrinkles, sagging skin, memory lapses, etc.)

And here’s why:

1. Discounts

My movie tickets are cheaper and so are my plane/train/bus tickets.

Even some races have senior discounts.

For example, NYRR has a senior membership that give you discounts to many of their races.

2. Age Group Awards

As I may be mentioned many times before, the pool gets smaller for the older age groups so your chances of winning are greater. I have even been the only one in my age group.

still counts, right?

3. Qualifying For Big Races

Let’s face it, the qualifying times go down as we age because they assume that we get slower as we age. How fast our speed declines depends on a lot of variables but probably most importantly – how long we’ve been running and if we have any chronic injuries.

for the NYC Half Marathon (what a difference!)

4. Role Models for Younger Runners

One of the most satisfying things about running is inspiring others. I did not have any role models in this area growing up. My parents did not participate in any physical fitness activities. If they did, maybe I would have turned to running earlier than in my 50s.

We run together all the time. I met her mother at this race (who is older than me)..

5. Fewer Expectations, Accomplishments are More Meaningful and Better Self Care

I know that’s three not one.

In other words, we are easier on ourselves. At my age, I really mean: Finishing = Winning. I don’t expect a PR. I run for FUN!!

half marathon PR at age 64. Whoa!!!

And when I do do better than expected, I am more than thrilled. I don’t take good runs or races for granted.

I try to eat healthier, pay more attention to any aches and pains. I get my needed tests and preventive vaccines.

just embracing life (as a senior citizen)

Here are some articles/posts about running and getting older:

Happy Running! How about you… how do you feel about getting older?

February 7, 2018 by Darlene

Polar Cap Race Report

Feb. 3, 2018 – 10 am – Lake George, NY

You all know how much I love Lake George (at least in the summertime). Well, this race gets me up to the lake in the winter. Ex-blogger AJH (now runner friend) and I have run this race together many times.

Here we are winning AG awards in 2011

I was injured in 2012 and couldn’t run but AJH did snag another award.

AJH got 2nd place...we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

AG awards again in 2013

I ran with her in 2014 but only she got an award.

AJH’s award in 2014

Then in 2015, we both got awards and for the first time, I beat her.

another hat for AJH but my first.

I was away in 2016 but we ran it together last year. AJH did not get an award (but she is such a great sport) and I won my AG and surprisingly got a PR!!!

AJH was running it, of course, again this year and I was looking forward to seeing her. We hadn’t seen each other since August at the Race the Train race.

The thing with this race, you never know where it’s going to start and what the course will be (besides hilly.) Last year, they changed the course for the third time.

during the snowy 2014 race

during the cold 2015 race

getting my PR last year

I have not been doing any speed work at all or running on any hills. (Um …do I ever? lol) My runs on the weekend have been longish. So as usual I went into this race with no expectations other than to have a good time.

But it was so COLD!!! In the single digits. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

So I bundled up in my usual running layers (2 shirts, jacket, skirt, tights, gaiter, beanie, mittens with hand warmers) and drove the hour ride up to Lake George.

not today but the same outfit

Well, obviously my age is rearing its ugly head. In other words, I’m having more senior moments. Because I went to bed very late (mah jongg hostessing), I was tired the next morning and rushed out the door without my Apple Watch and my Garmin. Ugh! I could have gone back to get it but I didn’t want to be late for the race.

As I drove north, I watched the car thermometer drop from 8 to 2 degrees.

I arrived around 8ish and got a great parking spot but was surprised that no one had yet arrived.

Why?

Because the race started at 10 am. Duh! I was 2 hours early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (And yes, I could have returned home to get my watch!!!)

Packet pick-up was again at the parish hall of the church in Lake George. This newer location was warm and had restrooms which is always a plus.

my friend Sue and speedy Kim, now in my AG

Eventually runners did arrive and I chatted with some whom I knew until AJH arrived. (She is hard core – drove over 2 hours from VT. and is injured so had to walk the whole race.)

We waited until the last minute to go out into the cold. We had to walk quite a ways as the race started in town by the lake. (Since the race repeated its course, I will re-post some of my pics from last year.)

There was no real starting line and the race was not chip timed. Even though I ran the race last year, I didn’t really remember what the course was like so here is a map that I found online.

I am directionally challenged anyway so it wouldn’t have meant much to me even if I looked at the map before the race.

waiting to begin (pic from D. Olden)

Luckily we didn’t have to wait long in the cold before the race started. There seemed to be only a little over 100 runners which is much fewer than usual (probably because of the cold temps.) I knew that this race would be interesting without a watch. Not because I was going for a PR but because I sometimes glance down at my watch to see if I am running too fast at the beginning or have slowed down too much at the end. Nothing I could do about it now so I just decided to try not to freeze to death and enjoy the pretty scenery.

A lot of the course was a blur, as usual, but here’s what I remember.

16402575_10208876574492728_239505515196304670_o

pic from FB – cute markers at each mile

The first mile started with a slight uphill and then it flattened out. I was cold (at least my face and lips were from the wind) and my legs felt very stiff since I hadn’t warmed up. I was ok with that because I wanted to start out slow. I also found my stomach growling since the race started at 10 am and I had eaten 3 1/2 hours ago.

Mile two started where the race used to start and than meant a steepish hill. I told myself to be smart since I had a half marathon in 6 weeks and I never run on hills. However this time, I pushed myself to run slowly and not walk. It was practically a crawl and I did it. At this point, I was actually thawing out. In fact, I felt warm.

The longest and biggest was at mile 3 and although it was only 1/2 mile, it seemed to go on forever. This time I walked/ran it. Afterward we were rewarded with a nice downhill. I am always hesitant to go all out on the downhills so many runners passed me by but that was better than getting DOMS. Believe it or not, I was so warm that I unzipped my jacket and took off my mittens.

Finally for mile 4, we ran along the lake and back into town. At this point, I wanted to be done and picked up the pace. Luckily the hills were finally over. I didn’t care about a PR but I secretly want to win an AG award. But I had no idea where the other runners in my AG were in at this time in the course.

I saw that the clock ahead read 38:xx. I sprinted as fast as I could and crossed at 38:48.

Initially I was disappointed. My time was slower than last year and even slower than 3 years ago. It’s tough when you run without a watch because you have no idea what your pace is. Could I have finished faster if I had known? Definitely!! I’m pretty competitive. I would have pushed myself more. But it’s not the end of the world. There will be other races.

AJH was walking so I decided to wait for her. But it was too cold to stand still so I headed back onto the course and ran it in reverse until I met up with her.

A soon as she finished, we walked back to the church together.

There was chicken noodle soup, bread, chocolate milk, fruit and baked goods – I am a sucker for home-made stuff and ate quite a few cookies and brownies. I also had the soup.

We waited around for the age group awards. surprisingly, I did win one – second.

won a headband/gaiter/cap thingie

After AJH left, I was debating on changing my clothes and leaving or running more.

With 8 miles on my “training” schedule for the day, I decided to stick around and try to find somewhere to run. I had already run about 2 miles while waiting for AJH so I ran around the lake a bit and then to the Winter Carnival in town to get 2 more miles in.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

they had a chili cook-off. I just donated my money because the line was too long and I was freezing!

I visited with friends who were volunteering and took some pics.

Eventually it seemed to be getting colder so I headed back to my car (that I had left at the church).

freezing my butt off (literally)

As usual, I loved doing the race (even if it was cold). Small local races are the best and running one with friends is just icing on the cake.

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

Happy Running! Have you raced yet this year?

February 6, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: Favorite Fuel of Choice

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

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

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Fuel of Choice

Here is what I eat before and during a race or long run:

Hot Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

I eat this for breakfast before every race (or morning run). Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff. My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon. I usually add raisins.

H20

Just plain water…nothing added. And usually from the tap.

However, I plan to try adding Nuun to my water.

what is your favorite flavor?

I usually take one gel every 4 miles or so during a race or long run.

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage, Campfire Smores
without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

Here are some of the new flavors:

: haven’t tried

: love this one

: not a fan

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry. Since I usually run after work and before dinner, these bars give me the energy I need to get through my run.