January 31, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #4 Race Recap

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members and this weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 15K and 30K.

Since I have a half marathon in 7 weeks, I probably should have chosen to run the 15K but I ran 7 miles the day before so I decided to run the 3 Miler as a recovery run instead.

during the 15k in 2015

and again

in 2017

These Winter Series races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. Barbara decided at the last minute to run the race with me so we drove together. I always leave early to get parking since these races are often crowded and there may be other events going on at UAlbany at the same time. Well, I guess I didn’t leave early enough since the lot was already full when we arrived. So I dropped Barbara off to register and I parked in another lot and walked over.

The weather was perfect for racing. It was in the 40s and less windy than the day before. I wore something similiar to what I wore the day before but wound up taking off my jacket, vest and gloves.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And since the weather was so nice (and warmer than the last race), the numbers were significantly higher.

2015 meet up with Judy & Barbara (I ran the 15k that year too.)

And I immediately bumped into many different running friends. We chatted. Some were running the 3 miler and others the 15k. I even spotted Patrick, my coach from the Turkey Trot & Freihofer running groups.

Anyway we hung indoors until the last minute and then made our way outside.

the start (pic from Winter Series #1)

All three distances started at the same location this week. As usual, I started not too far away from the front (since it is not chip timed) and let the speedy runners pass me by.

Right away, the 3 milers split from the 15kers and 30kers but the speedy longer distance runners eventually will pass you by midway.

not that it matters ’cause I just follow the other runners but the 3 miler is basically a loop

For most of the race, I felt perfectly dressed (for a change). I unzipped my shirt and pushed up my sleeves (many runners were even in shorts!) when the wind was at my back but then it got chilly when you were running into the wind.

This time, I was familiar with the course since I just ran it in December. I remembered the hill at the beginning and then some rolling hills in the middle, ending with a slight hill. Nothing too challenging.

I am usually pretty bored by this course because it is just a road and office buildings. But I ran and chatted with different friends throughout the race. First Nancy, then Anne, then Mona, etc. Each one after a short period ran ahead and left me behind.

running with Nancy.

It didn’t bother me at all. I tried to run at my own relaxed pace. Of course, I’m not sure what exactly that is (since I don’t look at my Garmin until I’m done).

I was very happy that my legs didn’t feel tired at all and I couldn’t even tell that I had run the day before.

Eventually as we neared the finish line, I took off and tried to cross under 27 minutes.

Nope, I did not – 27:02 (slower than the last time which was at 26:49).

After Barbara finished, we went inside had some refreshments. There was pumpkin apple chili, bread, fruit, cookies and hot cocoa. Free race..free good food. Win-win.

The awards were for 10 year age groups and just top 2.

Although my finish time was slower than the last time, obviously the speedy runners in my age group ran the 15k so I won my age group (as did Nancy.)

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a recovery run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR and not even a course PR. But I am pretty thrilled to have a pace of under 9 mm for each mile. Maybe a 5k PR is in my future….

Race splits:

mile 1 – 8:50
mile 2 – 8:57
mile 3 – 8:54
.06

Finish Time – 27:02

Next Saturday, I signed up for a 4 mile race in Lake George. Fingers crossed for no ice or snow.

AJH (from VT) & I at this race in 2015. We try to do this one together every year.

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?

January 30, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Hometown Race

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 Hometown Race

Image result for freihofer run 2017

This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 11th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

FRW – 2017

Here are some of the reasons why I love this race and why I run it every year:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years. In 2017, Sara Hall also ran it and WON.

It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
I always meet someone I know and someone new. I have even met the mayor and last year, a blogger friend from VT.

with the mayor

Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
2011 was my first FRW PR year. There was a drought and then I course PR’d last year.

Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!

In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
In 2015 & 2016 & 2017, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.

You run around Washington Park.

There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Everyone finishes with a smile.
They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread (and chocolate milk)

Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)

I’m the 2nd one on the bottom left

This 5k race is held on the first Saturday in June. So if you live near Albany, NY, come run it with me and 3,000 other awesome women runners!

Image result for freihofer run for women

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite hometown race?

January 27, 2018 by Darlene

Runfessions January

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

I made a non-running goal to not just schedule running but to schedule relationships. Well, I may have gone overboard with the friend-date thing. I scheduled so many that I barely have to run. 4 mile runs kept turning into 2 mile runs.

Anyone else have their social or family life get in the way of their running schedule?

I runfess…

I applied for ambassadorships for products that I have never used before. I am not ashamed because they are ALL products that I want to try and now I plan to use.

Am I the only one who does this?

I runfess…

I gave into this polar vortex. I ran indoors. This is the first winter that I have let the cold temps get to me. It was temporary, I hope. I plan to return to outdoor runs especially since I CANNOT do my long runs inside.

Anyone else chicken out this winter and run indoors?

I runfess…

I have been decluttering like mad. Bags and bags of clothing have been given to charity. But yet I ordered a new pair of running shoes for my half marathon in March.

and they match several of my Skirt Sports skirts

Is there anyone else who cannot resist a new pair of shoes (esp. when they are on sale)?

I runfess…

I love running with groups. I couldn’t participate in the Troy Turkey Trot running group in the fall due to work/tennis (they changed the day from Mondays to Tuesdays). Yet again this year, I registered for the Freihofer Training Group which starts at the end of March because it will be on Mondays. Well, now it looks like I am now out town for at least 6 out of the 10 Monday sessions. UGH!!

The positive is that work pays the bills and gives me $$ for races.

I runfess…

The cookbook below was on sale for $2.99 (Kindle version) so I bought it. I don’t know why. Not only have I NOT made any of the recipes, I have not even looked at it.

So tell me how great these recipes are so maybe I will take a look!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

January 26, 2018 by Darlene

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

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.”

(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??

January 19, 2018 by Darlene

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.)

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.

4. 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?

January 17, 2018 by Darlene

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?

January 15, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.8.18-1.14.18: Back Outdoors

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.

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.)