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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It’s Wednesday so I’m linking up with Nicole and AnnMarie and Jen for the Wild Workout Wednesday…

and with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Do you listen to podcasts while you run? Do you have any others to recommend?

February 21, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Three Wishes

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: If the running genie were to grant you 3 running wishes, what would they be?

What? Only three??

Ok, here you go:

1. Free race entry, free lodging and free transportation so I could run any race I choose like maybe one in Paris…. (and yes, that’s only ONE wish).

Image result for paris half marathon

2. To be faster.

I mean who doesn’t want to run faster so you could qualify for races that you can’t get into or win prizes and just be able to run with faster runners.

3. More stamina to run without walking or run longer distances.

I want my long runs to feel easier. Is that too much to ask? How about being able to run back to back days without getting injured?

Happy Running! What would you wish for?

February 20, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.13.17-2.19.17

Last Week:

Monday – still feeling meh but dragged myself out for an after work run. It was very windy and cold. Plus the campus path that is usually cleared was icy and snow covered.

snow blew back on the path and froze

Tuesday – still trying to get back into my routine. Got in a short walk at lunch and went to play tennis after work. Wouldn’t you know it, one of the four ladies didn’t show so we just hit for awhile and then chatted over popcorn and wine.
Wednesday – Had to rush my run to get home in time for a Bar Exam webinar but at least I got some exercise. My legs still weren’t feeling it and I walked a lot.

just ran/walked around work instead of driving to campus

Thursday– still spent most of my day in a brain fog and counting the hours until I could go to sleep. So I decided to take a rest day and not drag myself in a run.
Friday – I decided today that no matter how bad I felt, I was going for a run. The campus path was clear again. Believe it or not, I listened to a podcast for the first time. It was awesome. I’ve always loved Ali from Ali on the Run and she was interviewing Emily from Sweat Once a Day, another favorite (and the daughter of my VT friend, AJH.) I actually ran (with a lot of walking) 6 miles! I’m hooked and will be looking for more podcasts to listen to.

Saturday – A beautiful sunny day. Of course, it was my rest day and although tempted, I didn’t cheat. I actually went to gym and then walked a bit. I was so exhausted that I came home and took a nap (which I never do).

Sunday – I was pretty doubtful about my stamina to complete my long run. The weather was perfect – sunny and it even warmed up to 55 degrees. But my body had other ideas. I struggled with breathing and coughing and could only muster running for a few minutes at a time and then walking. I considered quitting after 2.5 miles. Again after 5 miles. But just decided to walk more and more. I got 10 miles done rather than the 12 normally on the plan. All was not lost. I enjoyed listening to more podcasts and had a great post run treat. I’m glad that I ran alone and didn’t push myself. Two weeks to get it together for half marathon #24.

went to one of my favorite routes – Corning Bike Path which was clear for at least 3 miles. Got to wear a skirt for the first time in months 🙂

22 miles done with 4 runs (and that’s a loose term) and 3 rest days

Best part of being sick:

Finished knitting these socks. I started them in July LOL

This Week:

Monday – day off from work – visit to the new casino with a friend, 4 miles??
Tuesday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Wednesday –6 miles??
Thursday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Friday – (working at the bar exam), 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Winter Series 10 mile race?

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? Do you walk when you are too sick to run? Do they still count as miles?

February 15, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: The Sleepy Post

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:

Last week, my half marathon training was derailed by illness.

This has been my running so far this week:

Monday: NO PLACE TO RUN

this path around campus is normally clear

Tuesday: NO TIME TO RUN

I was scheduled to play tennis after work. (It turns out that one of the four players didn’t show so we hit a little and then sat around eating popcorn.)

Wednesday: NO ENERGY TO RUN

The side effects of this flu has been EXTREME FATIGUE. Yup, it’s a thing. You can suffer for this for weeks when your immune system fights off the flu. Even getting 10 hours of sleep doesn’t help.

So today, I’ve cancelled my run.

We’ll see what tomorrow and this weekend brings.

I have no goals or aspirations for this half marathon….just finish!!

I do want to have enough energy to have fun with my Florida friends, though.

My brain is too foggy to think anymore.

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Any experience dealing with fatigue?

February 14, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Stuff I Love about 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 Stuff I Love About Running.

I could go on and on but I will limit it to EIGHT great things:

1. Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

2. Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

: Sarasota, FL

: Palm Springs, CA

: Burlington, VT

3. Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

: Winter Series 10k

: 2016

: Celebrate Life HM

4. Running Friends

They are the best….

: 4/30 – 10k

5. Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

6. Blogging

If I didn’t run, I probably wouldn’t blog and I would have missed out on meeting some fabulous ladies.

: 2017

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

7. Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else. You can.

8. How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, empowered, young(er)…

Happy Running! Tell me something you LOVE about running.

Don’t forget my giveaway – TOMORROW is the last day – enter it here!!

February 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.6.17-2.12.17

Last Week:

Monday – After a relaxing Sunday (for the first time in weeks), I needed to get out for a run after work. And I did. The good news- it was light out for the whole run. The bad news – it sucked. My legs were so tired. (Little did I know that my legs were telling that I was getting sick…)

Tuesday – After setting up a work training, I found myself in a different neighborhood and I was tempted to see if there was any ice-free routes. But it was raining and I felt like crap. 😦 So I called it a rest day.
Wednesday – After a long day at work, I needed to run but I was sick. Another rest day. Two in a row. Say what?
Thursday– Today was my scheduled run day with Alyssa. We were going to run two loops of the campus or six. But we got our first BIG snowstorm in 2 years. And I had stayed home from work since I was still sick. Normally I wouldn’t waste PTO being sick but on this job, vacation time is separate from sick time. So rest day #3. Sometimes you just gotta listen to your body. And mine said – no way should you run today. I think the last sick day, I took was 10 years ago. Now I know what our 4 cats do all day long…NOTHING!!!
Friday – Another sick day home with the cats. Rest day #4 – a new record.

Jerry & Slater – I thought they hated each other?

Saturday – Back to my Saturday catch-up day and rest day. But I decided to also venture out after no running for four days. I got in 4.5 miles but they were mixed with walking, talking, eating.

no running on my trail – too much snow so took to the roads. Bumped into my runner friend Barbara and we chatted for while. Also stopped off near the end for a delicious hot cocoa and scone.

Sunday – Today I was supposed to run the last Winter Series Race – a 10 miler. I was planning on skipping the race due to the weather and my health but Mother Nature saved the day. The race was postponed until Feb. 26. Instead I spent the day cooking, reading, knitting, etc. Looking forward to my regular routine next week.

8.5 miles done with 2 runs and 5 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 miles, work webinar
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – rest

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? How do you deal when illness gets in the way of your training?

Don’t forget my giveaway – enter it here!!

February 9, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Flexibility, Lady Gaga, Work, Giveaway, 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:

Are you flexible?

I’d like to think that I am. But if you are too flexible, do people take advantage of you?

The latest is that a running friend asked me to run a half marathon with her. She didn’t want to run it alone. It wasn’t one that I wanted to run (TWO loops around Central Park) and the timing wasn’t great (right before I leave for a Florida tennis vacay). But I said that I would if she could find an affordable hotel so we could split the cost.

She found a hotel and I registered for the race (non-refundable.)

The race is in NYC so there’s still meals, transport, etc. but I started looking forward to running it with her.

Now she sprung it on me that she cannot go. Her son wants to go a show that day. I total get it. Family is much more important than running.

So am I stuck running and spending a weekend in NYC alone and spending $250 on a hotel room???

Initially I freaked.

Sometimes things work out. Remember my crazy NYC weekend with the Russian girls.

I FB messaged someone whom I met at a local race who had mentioned that she and a friend (whom I don’t know) were running this same race.

I asked her if she knew anyone who needed a roommate. She said no but I was welcome to be a third person in her room.

Guess who’s sharing a bed with a runner that she’s never met? That would be flexible Darlene.

April 30, 2017

Ok. Who didn’t love Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl performance? I’ve always been a fan so I was in heaven.

But now people are talking about her pot belly!

Seriously?

I should be so lucky to have my stomach look that good. Just sayin.’

Working is tiring!!!

At the end of the day, my brain feel like I’ve run a marathon. But then at night, I can’t sleep. (Age, hormones, stress???)

I am pooped. I was too tired to run on Tuesday and too sick to run on Wednesday. (It could have been standing all day or lifting 80 lb laptop cases in and out or maybe the headache, sore throat and cold that invaded my body.)

Missing runs is not like me.

Have you entered my giveaway yet?

utah

I am giving away TWO free entries to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon (or any of the race distances -marathon, half marathon, or 10k) on June 10, 2017. Click here for your chance to win or you can use the code dc15 to get a 15% discount.

Happy Running! Do you get taken advantage of? What did you think about Lady Gaga? Did you enter my giveaway? Does work or sickness interfere with your running? Spill. What’s on your mind today?

February 8, 2017 by Darlene

Want to Run the Utah Valley Marathon or Half Marathon for FREE?

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Guess what? I was provided with two free race entries from the race organizers.

Unfortunately I am not able to go.

So I am giving the race entries away.

That means two of my readers will get the opportunity to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon (or any of the race distances -marathon, half marathon, or 10k) on June 10, 2017 for FREE.

Click here for your chance to win an entry.

A few facts about this race:

The Utah Valley Marathon was named a TOP 10 race in America by Runner’s World Magazine in 2014.
They are giving out a nice race jacket instead of a shirt this year due to this being their 10 year anniversary.
The race has a super fast downhill course (BQ).
Finishers will receive very large race medals.
And the scenery will be amazing!

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Doesn’t this race sound awesome? I am so bummed that I cannot go.

The Giveaway Details
Doesn’t cost anything to enter and you have until Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) to enter. The two winners will be selected by Rafflecopter on Thursday, February 16, 2017.

I will provide the code for the winners’ free entry.

If you don’t win and you still want to run this race, you can use the code dc15 to save 15% off the price of any of the distances.

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