March 12, 2017 by Darlene

Runnin’ of the Green Race Recap

This used to be a very popular race. It was flat and fast with awesome swag.

Two years, they changed the location. It is no longer flat and gone are the tech shirts, beer glasses, etc. As a result, not as many runners do the race.

I ran it that year and didn’t like the course as much but still enjoyed running it.

11081113_948688318475731_2532455934048886077_n

in 2015 – 37:27

I had just run a half marathon this past Sunday and only ran once this past week. So as I have said about all my races, I run for fun. I race because I enjoy it. I don’t really train so I don’t expect a good time. Of course, I am over the moon if I unexpectedly PR.

I did run a 4 mile race in February and I finished at 37:21 – a PR!! I was pretty sure that with the wind and my weary legs that a PR would not happen in this race.

Plus, this is the weather I woke up to:

the coldest day of the year!!

Yes, you got that right. -9 with the wind chill. Most runners would stay home and wait until later to run or run on the treadmill.

I did consider DNSing the race but in the end, I fished out my winter clothes (clothes that I didn’t even have to wear this winter or even last winter) and headed out.

The race began at 10 am but I left early in order to make sure I got a parking space in the school lot.

We received a cotton tee shirt which I will send to my running buddy. Then I debated about how many layers I would wear. I ditched one shirt and a fleece vest and decided to only wear one layer and a down jacket (I have never run in it before.) I even wore my heavier tights for the first time in years.

all dressed in Green for “Runnin of the Green”

I bumped into the usual folks that I see at all the HMRRC races. I also saw the lady that I will be rooming with in NYC for the Shape Half Marathon. We chatted until it was time to go outside.

In fact we waited until the very last second. It was FREEZING!!!!!!! The wind was blowing and I was wondering why I was running in this weather. As was everyone else.

I normally start near the front but I wasn’t paying attention and we were standing somewhere in the middle when all of a sudden, the race started.. .Oh well!

At least I was prepared that there would be hills and mostly at the end of the race when you were tired.

course

So we left the school parking lot, turned left onto a main road and we ran INTO the wind. Similar to Florida except it wasn’t 70 degrees, it was 7 degrees.

My face was freezing. I couldn’t feel my lips. My hands were numb as well as were my feet. Plus it was so hard to breathe. So I just trudged along.

Eventually we turned in a residential neighborhood and the wind wasn’t so bad. In fact, I almost felt a little warm in my down jacket.

That didn’t last because the hills came and we, of course, were again running to the wind.

I managed to run without walking until mile 3 and then the wind and hills were getting to me.

Finally we were back on the main road that lead to the high school and I got a second wind as the wind was finally as our backs.

I crossed at 37:48. Not a PR or even a course PR but I was surprised that it was under 38 minutes.

I quickly ran inside to thaw out.

The refreshments, as usual, were decent – soup, pizza, fruit, cookies, hot chocolate. I ate everything while waiting for the awards.

I hung out with the same ladies as before the race. The awards were for 10 year age groups. I didn’t win anything. I think I was 6th. (It was only a medal anyway!)

Considering that I have done no speed work and just ran a half marathon, I was pleased with my time.

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:17
mile 2 – 9:01
mile 3 – 9:53
mile 4 – 9:09
.04 – 6:43

Garmin time – 37:36 (I used my old 205 since the battery does last for 4 miles.)

I had planned to run 3 more miles as I am supposedly training for my next half marathon on April 30 but it was just TOO COLD.

Maybe I’ll have better luck next weekend and be able to run 8 miles in warmer, less windy temps.

I am sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! Do you run a St. Patty’s Day-themed race?

March 10, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Fitness Trends

It’s Friday and 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.

This week, the topic is: Fitness Trends

Well, I tried to think of one that I do participate in but I could not.

I guess I am a pretty traditional runner.

So here are FIVE trends that I will most likely never participate in:

1. Ragnar Races

I know that they are popular and everyone says that they are so much fun. But…

I don’t want to run at night…by myself
I don’t enjoy sleeping in a van or a tent
I don’t think my body can handle all that mileage in one weekend

2. Challenges

They always seem like a good idea but I have a hard time motivating myself to run a few times a week never mind running or planking EVERYDAY!!

3. Color or Themed Runs

I am a competitive person by nature and when I run a race, I want to do my best. I know it sounds like fun to have color or foam thrown at you, but it’s just not something I want to pay to do.

4. Warrior or Spartan Races

I am way too old and too clumsy to do one of these races. I know for sure that I would get injured. Plus I am sure that I could not climb the wall, jump over fire and complete most of the obstacles.

5. Virtual Races

I know that it’s fun to get the bling. Plus they raise money for great causes. But if I spend the money, I want to compete in a race with other runners. What I enjoy most at a race is the competition and the camaraderie among the runners.

Happy Running? Which trends do you participate in? Are there any that you would not?

March 9, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Weather, Training, Racing, etc.

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

WEATHER:

Ok, the weather lately has been crazy!!

Not because I was just in Florida. In the NE, it has been warm enough to run in a tank top several times.

So look at the forecast for the next few days:

with the wind chill, it’s supposed to be below zero 😦

Last year at this time, it hit 80 degrees!!

RUNNING:

It’s just hard to fit in. Work will be getting in the way…more and more. I’m trying not to be a whiner but I’m going to run whenever I can. I am not that dedicated to get up at crazy hours or run late at night when I am exhausted. My health and my happiness are more important than running.

So this week, it may only be just once. And that’s ok.

And if that’s the way it’s going to be, I will re-adjust my expectations for my races. I love racing and I plan to continue racing even if I don’t have time to train. I know that if I don’t train, my finish times will suffer. As long as I stay healthy and can run, I’m happy.

Well, of course, I’d be happier if I could do all my runs during the week and improve my times. But we can’t always do what we want.

This is so much better than being injured, right?

happy to run with my buddy once a week

MY LAST HALF MARATHON:

I didn’t expect to run well. I didn’t train well.

I expected to love the race and the course and I did!!

I didn’t have an awful finish time but it was slower than the last 5 out 7 of my half marathons.

It was insanely windy but unfortunately it wasn’t only the wind.

My stomach cramped, then my back and feet ached. No injuries and I am grateful for that. I didn’t give up and pushed through the pain. I am proud of how tough I am!

enjoyed meeting other Skirt Sports ambassadors

UP NEXT?

I have a frigid four mile race this Saturday and races almost every weekend.

this same race two years ago.

I am also starting my training for my next half marathon which is in hilly Central Park, NYC on April 30.

That means that I will need to add extra miles onto my races. This weekend, I have 7 miles on the schedule.

This is not an optimal way to do your long runs but it makes me happy to race. Plus, I don’t have PR goals for any of my half marathons.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? How are you dealing with the crazy temps? How do you cope when life prevents you from running? Do you do your long runs in-interrupted?

March 7, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Spring Race Plans

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 I am going to share with you my Spring Race Plans.

I mean spring will be here soon. Although we have actually had spring temps this winter LOL

I’ve already run in a skirt several times!!

I hope that you don’t expect me to discuss ALL my spring racing plans…

3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL) – this past weekend
3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-15-17 – Code Blue 8k
4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (in NYC)

Tennis vacation in Naples, FL 5-03-17 to 5-10-17

5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K
5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5)
5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon (in Adams, MA)
6-03-17 – Freihofer’s Run 5k
6-11-17 – Betar Byway 5k/Moreau Mile
6-17-17 – Run for the Ages 5k

Here are the highlights:

Treasure Coast Half Marathon – a Race-cation in Stuart, FL – 13.1 miles, visiting with 4 non-running friends who live nearby, my first Mets spring training game (recap coming soon!)

Delmar Dash – a local 5 miler (closest race to my house) and a popular one with the local runners

Bacon Hill Bonanza – a very scenic and well-run 5k or 10k in the country (great post-race food).

Shape Women’s Half Marathon – a girls weekend (so far there are 3 of us plus some STEM runners) in NYC and my first race in Central Park.

Steel Rail Half Marathon – in Mass and on the same course as the Ramblefest Half that I ran last October. It’s flat and scenic.

Freihofer Run for Women – I’ll join the training group again. This is my only racing streak. It’ll by the 10th year running this 5k race with 4,000 of my closest friends (ha ha).

Betar By-way 5k/Moreau Mile – another scenic 5k and 1 mile race.

So the scheduled topic is how do you create your race schedule.

I do race a lot and I am fortunate to have many to choose from between March and November. My only problem is that work and finances get in my way of running many destination races 😦

Here are some of the factors that I take into consideration when I make up my schedule:

Choose races that I’ve run before and have enjoyed
Choose new races that have been recommended to me
Choose races that are within an hour’s drive
Choose races that other friends are running
Choose destination races where I can stay with a friend (or share a hotel room)
Run at least 3 half marathons a year
In the summer, choose races that are on the way to our marina (so north)

Happy Running! What races are you looking forward to this spring? How do you create your racing schedule?

March 2, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Playing Possum, Weather Stalking, Running/Racing

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

My Running:

Last Thursday, I was complaining about the weather, the flu and having ZERO energy to do anything let alone run.

Well, I’m happy to say that I feel much better.

I’m back running. I didn’t get my scheduled long runs of 11 & 12 in but I got 8.5 miles done last weekend. It’s was after Alyssa had already run 6 miles so she was dragging. But any run with a friend even a slow one is better than a solo run in my book.

ready to start & happy it's skirt weather

I even had enough energy to run 4.5 miles the next day. The weather had changed drastically. That’s the story of our weather in the NE.

I tried to run for a third day in a row and it sucked. I should have know better.

So I took Tuesday off and ran again with Alyssa yesterday. We ran 4 miles and we killed. it.

must be a pink week

So I think I will end my training on a high note – no more runs and THREE rest days until the big day.

Weather Stalking:

Why do I bother? I am just going to wear a skirt and a tank top.

last week

Today (and it will probably change several times before Sunday):

I can’t show you my outfit because it is packed but I’ll be wearing a black tank, skirt below, cap, matching compression socks and running shoes. (Yes I did some retail therapy while I was sick.)

: from Skirt Sports, of course

: Brooks

Fall Racing:

It’s not even spring but I am planning my fall. Probably because I already have my spring and summer races picked.

I am registered for one half marathon with a bunch of other runners on October 1.

October 1, 2017

But I wanted to race at least one more for the year. I was considering another trip to Florida but then another #holottafun weekend seems to be in the planning stages.

Image result for rnr las vegas half marathon 2017

5k on Nov 11 & half marathon on Nov 12????

And then I got an email saying that if you running the May Steel Rail Half Marathon (which I am) and you run the October Ramblefest Half Marathon (my PR) also, you get a hoodie….

Alyssa is trying to talk me into it…but it’s ONE WEEK after Wineglass. I have never run 2 halfs back to back!!!!!!!!!! Tempted…. What should I do?

Playing Possum, anyone?

This is not running-related. Sorry!! But I wanted to runaway from home because of it.

I’ll start at the beginning but try to be brief.

I have FOUR CATS (from ages 12-19). They are adorable. But several weeks ago, I would wake up to plants knocked on the floor. My hubby said that the cats were restless. Ok.

Then I noticed chewing on the window sills in the family room. Hmmm? My hubby said that Honey (the orange cat) chews on napkins and toilet paper so it was her. Ok.

Next I found holes in the pillows on the couch in the family room and in the computer room upstairs (stuffing missing too). Again my hubby said it was those darn cats. They were just anxious for spring.

So I replied that I think there’s another animal in our house…like a mouse or a rabbit or maybe a chipmunk.

He replied: “Are you crazy??? We have FOUR cats.”

Tuesday night, after I came home and we were watching TV, I heard a noise in the basement.

ALL FOUR CATS were hanging out in front of us.

After much begging, my hubby went down to the basement to check it out.

Isn’t he cute? NOT!!

Guess what he found…. A POSSUM!!!

Ok, a possum has been living in our basement, eating our cats’ food and coming upstairs when we are sleep and roaming the house.

GROSS!!!

So I locked the basement door and threatened to RUN away from home if it wasn’t gone by the time I got home the next day.

The good news is that animal control came, picked the stupid thing up by the tail and carried it out.

No sign of it since.

My adorable cats are not earning their keep.

“What did you expect me to do??”

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Ever have a wild animal in your house? Would you run a half marathon two weeks in a row? Ever run RNR Vegas?

February 28, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: February Report Card

Wow, that was fast. Well, it was a short month, right?

Anyway, here’s how February turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Until this month, we’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a winter. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

But during this month, we had several snowstorms and I got the flu.

Both made me miss several weekday runs. The month, in other words, did not get off to a great start.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. But I’ve been getting bored and have been also running in the town where I live. I have even tried running during lunch when my schedule didn’t permit after work running.

The good news is that it stays light out longer and I don’t have to run in the dark after work anymore.

I ran alone most of the time. Barbara was still injured. But Alyssa was able to accompany me occasionally.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I do this more next month.

Long Runs:

With a half marathon looming this Sunday, I better have done some long runs.

But a snowstorm and the flu got in the way of my long runs.

: 4 mile race + 7 = 11 miles

: 4.5 instead of 10

: 10 run/walking instead of 12

: 8.5 instead of 10

Total Mileage:

I ran 78 miles so far this month. I was on track for a great month but “sh&t” happens. Last year, I ran 101 & 90 so I need to get my a$$ in gear

feb17

Races:

I ran two races this month – a 4 miler and a 4.5 miler. I ran the Polar Cap Race with a blogger friend from VT the first weekend of the month. The re-scheduled 4.5 miler was free and the last part of the HMRRC Winter Series. I ran that one the last weekend of the month.

I was generally happy with how they both went. I won my age group in the 4 miler and the 4.5 miler was just a fun run with insane winds the day after running 8.5 miles. Plus the Polar Cap was actually a PR and the 4.5 miler was my first at that distance so I guess it was a PR, as well!!

: 37:21

: 42:58

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I went to work out at the gym ONCE (a shocker, I know) and I did plank a few times at home!

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall.

Other News:

I attended a Chinese New Year’s Party. I also spent a day knitting with friends. There were a few tennis dinners out, as well. I even spent a day at our New Casino with an old friend (her idea, not mine LOL.)

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends. CAN’T WAIT!!!

I have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here in the winter but pick up as the temps get warmer and the threat of snow diminishes.

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

3-05-17 – Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in FL)
3-11-17 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
3-26-17 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10k
4-15-17 – Rabbit Ramble 4m?
4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (in NYC)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her February 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 life for

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

I’d say overall a B- (I need to add some workouts to my month and some more miles if I want to earn an A)

What do you think?

Happy Running! How did your February turn out? Anything exciting planned for March? What grade would you give your running month?

February 27, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.20.17-2.26.17

Last Week:

Monday – a day off and sunshine (though not as warm as it looks.) I had to go out for a run. Then a friend and I decided to check out the new local casino.

My friend won and I didn’t. But we had fun and then went out to dinner.

She said that it was only fair since I won the last time we went to a casino.

Tuesday – Today I had to get up at 5:30 am to skip my regular job and work at the Bar Exam instead. Very boring but that’s a good thing when you are providing tech support. I am finally feeling almost normal but it was a scheduled rest day so I was good.
Wednesday – Back at my normal job with an after work run. I am missing my running buddy Alyssa who could not come. But it was in the 50s again with rain predicted for the next few days. I had to try to run two loops of the campus (6 miles). It wasn’t pretty but I got it done.

Thursday– Another day sitting and doing nothing at the Bar Exam. Though I ran the day before, the warm weather egged me on to take a run so I did. 3.5 miles in 68 degrees.

and I wore a tank top….sweet.

Friday – Last day at the bar exam ZZZZZ! I didn’t even bring running clothes so that I would take a rest day.

I decided to sneak out for a walk around the building

It was supposed to rain but it didn’t and the temps went up to 75 degrees. (Notice the blue sky!!) The weather is such a tease.

Saturday – My original plan called for a rest day and a 10 mile race on Sunday. But Alyssa forgot about the race and planned a run. She asked me to accompany her on the last 8 miles of her 14 mile training run. After checking the weather and realizing that it would be going downhill on Sunday, I agreed. It was great to catch up. Life had gotten in the way of our runs together.

warm (almost 70), humid and very windy…tough one for both of us but we got it done!

Then that night, I reminded my hubby that he still owed me a Valentine’s Day dinner.

Sunday – So I bailed on the Winter Series 10 mile race and chose the 4.5 miler instead. I am glad I did not run the 10 miler but I am glad than I ran the race. It was in the 30’s (yes, over 30 degrees colder than the day before) and insanely windy. The gusts made it impossible to move forward at times. Yet, I enjoyed it…

26 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis, STEM mtg
Wednesday –4 miles with Alyssa
Thursday – 2 miles during lunch?, hair appt
Friday – rest day, fly to West Palm Beach, FL, rent car & drive to friend’s in Delray Beach
Saturday – rest day, Delray Beach, lunch with friend in Boca, pick up race packet in Stuart, drive to friend’s in Hobe Sound
Sunday – Treasure Coast Half Marathon, Mets vs Cardinals spring training game

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

February 26, 2017 by Darlene

Winter Series #5 4.5 Mile 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!!)

This race was originally scheduled two weeks ago. I was recovering from the flu and wouldn’t have been able to run it. As luck would have it, we had a snowstorm and they cancelled the races.

I had originally planned on the 10 miler as it would have been a training run and I could have run it today as my last long run.

But I just didn’t have it in me. It’s not like me to wimp out on a race but I did.

Yesterday, instead I ran 8.5 miles on the Nisky bike path with Alyssa. She had already run 6 miles with another runner so I was hoping that she’d be tired and I wouldn’t be too slow for her.

: Alyssa & Karen finishing 6 miles

: ready to start & happy it’s skirt weather

: enjoying the run

: but again there was some of this…

It worked out fine and it was great catching up. I enjoyed not running solo. The best part was that there was no pressure to race the miles and run more than I should. And the weather was way nicer than today’s weather.

Most runners would have then skipped today’s 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?

The weather was as I said colder than yesterday (more than 30 degrees colder) plus it was very very windy.

I left later than usual and the lot that I park in was full and closed. There was a high school event going on. So I had to drive to the next lot and I barely found a space there. (Why does someone who can run 13 miles, balk at walking any distance to the start of a race?)

After a lengthy walk where luckily I wore my winter coat, I arrived in time to change my registration from the 10 miler to 4.5 . 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.

last year’s group pre-race

I stayed indoors until the very last minute and then made my way outside. I decided to wear my fleece vest under my windbreaker along with a hat, gloves, etc. Back to winter dressing. Ugh!

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. This year, it was a 4.5 mile race (my first so automatically a PR) but I wasn’t sure if they changed the course at all.

: 2014

: 2013

In 2014, my time was 44:24 and in 2013, 45:15 and however, it didn’t matter because I wasn’t racing, right?

The 4 milers and the 10 milers started together (though the 10 mile racers obviously ran the course twice and more). As soon as I started running, my watch (which was fully charged) said low battery. After .25 miles, it looked like this:

Well, another race where I had no idea of my pace or where I was on the course. There are no mile markers for these races.

I didn’t have to telling myself to run a slower pace. My legs were tired and I just ran slow naturally. Besides, it would suck to have something hurt so close to my half marathon. How slow was I running?? I have no idea but it seemed like everyone was passing me by.

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

But I trudged along.

As I was running, I was reminded about how much I hate this course. 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 1 1/2 miles or so (at least I think it was the last 1 1/2 miles.) 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. I starting walking more and more. 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 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.

Runners were still passing me by. It must be nice to have all that speed at the end. Sometimes I do. But today, I did not.

I still had no idea at what pace I was running…no clue at all.

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 42:58)

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 slower pace the whole time and I didn’t try to race.

I wonder what my results would have been if my Garmin had been working?? Slower? Faster?

It was cold and windy and since Judy had decided not to race, I didn’t wait to cheer on any of the other finishers.

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

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 3rd.

So I did what I set out to do – run some extra training miles before the big one.

Race splits:

mile 1 – ?
mile 2 – ?
mile 3 – ?
mile 4 – ?
.5- ?

I was glad that I ran the race. My pace was slower than if I was really racing it but definitely a lot faster (and more enjoyable) than running alone.

I am sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run this weekend? Do you ever race the week before a big race? Have you ever raced without your watch?

February 25, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – February

It’s that time again (or a day late.) Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

For a short month, I have quite a few runfessions:

I runfess…

I keep looking at a photo from my last race wondering how I ran that fast. In my training runs, I struggle to run a 12 mm.

mile 4 was under 9 mm? Who is that runner?

I just can’t motivate myself to run fast when it doesn’t count. Good thing I don’t have a coach? Or is it?

I runfess…

When I was sick, I walked more than ran during my runs. But I still counted them as running miles. Does anyone else count their walks?

walking is better than nothing.

I don’t pause my watch (when I wear one) when I stop and walk over ice either.

It’s movement, right?

And the race clock doesn’t stop when you walk during a race. It’s still 13.1 miles.

I runfess…

I’m not as bummed out as I thought I would be about my flu interrupted half marathon training.

I will finish the race even if I walk half of it. I’ve walked half a half marathon before and still finished in 2:45.

It is what it is.

At least I will be in Florida, visiting friends and I have tickets for a Mets spring training game (right after my half marathon). Woo Hoo!

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Mets vs Cardinals in Jupiter, Fl – March 5

I runfess…

That being said about not seriously running the race, I have still started weather stalking.

It’s too early, right?

It can still change to 60 degrees, dry and no wind.

I runfess…

I am so sick of wearing my winter running clothes that I’ve already worn my new spring Skirt Sports skirt.

Yes there is still snow on the ground

I mean it was 55 degrees.

Then the next day, I wore capris and I admit, my legs were a little cold.

40 degrees out but windy

I runfess…

I don’t like to wear headphones. So I just play music or podcasts off the speakers on my iphone or ipod.

just running sans headphones…my iphone is in my pocket under my skirt

Is that rude?

No runners have ever said anything when they run by me. But then again, they all seem to be wearing headphones so I am probably not bothering them.

I runfess…

Ok, when it’s free don’t you want to eat more and forget the calories?

When I work at the Bar Exam, they pay for breakfast and lunch. Normally I would eat yogurt & granola for lunch and a banana for a snack.

Since I wasn’t paying, I had a chocolate croissant from Starbucks with a venti Butterscotch latte and lasagna for lunch on Tuesday.

It wouldn’t have been so bad but I sat for 10 hours and didn’t even run after.

I worked there again on Thursday and Friday. And I didn’t eat any healthier. 😦

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess? Spill…

February 22, 2017 by Darlene

Podcasts

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Yes, I am late to the party but when I run alone, I used to listen to music. But I got tired of the same old same old tunes and decided to try listening to podcasts – running ones, of course.

They are GREAT! Why did I wait so long?

Here’s five reasons why:

It’s like talking to a friend but they’re doing all the talking.
It’s educational. You learn a lot by listening to other runners.
It’s makes the miles go by faster. I guess it’s like listening to an audio book while driving your car. You get so engrossed in the story that you forget the time.
It’s free. You don’t have to buy anything and if you don’t like the one you’ve downloaded, just delete it.
There are so many to choose from. Just go to itunes and search for running and you’ll find one or ten to your liking.

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So here’s are five that I would recommend:

Ali on the Run Show – It’s fairly new. I’ve always loved her blog and I’ve enjoyed all the guests that she has interviewed so far. They last over an hour and I’ve used them during my long run. She will soon be adding shorter ones for weekday runs.

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Run This World – this one is done by Nicole DeBoom who is the founder of Skirt Sports. Her podcasts last as long as the average 5k run and her guests are so varied and yet motivating.

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I’ll Have Another – I can’t wait to listen to Lindsay’s guests – she interviews only women – some are well known but many are not. I am sure they all have a story to tell (about running.)

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The Runner’s World Show and The Human Race – both put together by Runner’s World magazine. I haven’t listened to any yet but looking at the topics, I definitely plan to soon.

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Another Mother Runner – The Podcast – I’ve met these two women in person and they were very entertaining so I am sure that their podcasts are as well.

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