March 20, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Spring

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is Spring

Here are 5 things that I am looking forward to this spring:

1. Running in a skirt and without a jacket

I am sooo tired of layers…

Bacon Hill Bonanza

best cone ever!

2. Flowers

It’s hard to imagine the snow melted but it will happen. Seeing flowers in bloom always brightens my mood.

3. Returning to my usual running routes

My running has been restricted due to the ice, snow, puddles. I have had to run in the road or around UAlbany campus. I am looking forward to running in the parks and on the bike paths again.

4. My Next Half Marathon

I can’t believe it will be here in a month. No, I’m not training well at all but I am still excited .

5. Annual Tennis Vacation

This is female bonding at its best. We’ve been traveling together since 2002 and to Naples, Florida in May since 2005.

we always take a picture outside this restaurant each year

group photo on our last day of tennis lessons

Happy Running! What are you looking forward to this spring?

March 19, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday

This Thursday is for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

And most recently I have been thinking about “what kind of runner I am”

When I was chatting on Saturday with runners around my age who run marathons, even qualify for Boston and think that an 8 minute pace is not that fast, I wondered whether I was serious enough. Could I be faster? Should I train more? Should I try to run 26.2 miles? They invited me to join them on a long run the next day. Run the day after a race? I don’t do that. I don’t run the day before a race. Give up my weekends in the summer to train for a long race? I won’t do that.

But I PRed at age 61 and I was happy.

the not so fast, not so driven but happy runner

Then Monday at the first Freihofer’s Training Group run, I was chatting again with women around my age who haven’t raced since the Turkey Trot in November and haven’t run much all winter because it was cold. In training runs, they run faster than me and were shocked when I beat them all at the Troy Turkey Trot. They were amazed that I ran all winter and how many races I ran and that I even ran a half marathon.

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This was the complete 5 pm group… I was part of the Advanced group – they gave us free water bottles

I’m the bored looking one at the left (pink shirt hanging out my black jacket)

I felt like a “rock star” and when after 20 minutes, they wanted to quit running, I made them run 10 more minutes.

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When it was over, I felt like running more but didn’t say so. Nobody wants to labelled an “overachiever.” Of course, on the way home, I decided that I may run a few miles next Monday before the training and if the weather is nice, run more after. Who cares what they think. I AM a serious runner.

Thumbs up to me…another PR and I am fast for me!

So what is serious for one runner may not be not serious for another. We all have different goals.

I am not putting down anyone who obsesses about drills, farleks, strides, intervals, hill repeats and laments about not PRing at every race.

Nor am I criticizing any runner who runs just several times a year and whose race goal to just to finish.

Just thinking out loud.

I have to remember this…

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

March 18, 2015 by Darlene

My California Trip Recap

The highlight of my trip was supposed to be my 5K race with Mary. But if you’ve been reading my blog, you know that my flight last Friday was cancelled and re-booked for Saturday. That meant that I missed the race!

DNS

Since Mary signed up because of me, when I didn’t arrive, she decided not to run it either.

After many delays, 14 hours later I arrived in Palm Springs!

After feeling the sunshine and warmth, I immediately changed from a bad to a good mood. And it remained that way, the whole stay.

view in Mary’s community

Saturday morning, we set out early to hike up the Bump N Grind Trail. It was forecast to be 90 degrees and was already warm when we left. Fortunately, it is the dessert and a dry heat.

on the way up

Mary climbs this all the time but me, I was doubtful that I was in good enough shape.

I struggled and we went slow but I did it!!

at the top

Then came the fun part. We ran down it!!!

It was awesome. This was the most fun I’ve ever had (almost as good as running a half marathon along the water.)

After our hike, we went to La Quinta Art Festival. it is supposed to be the best in the US.

It was really interesting. I saw a lot of beautiful art.

Then we took a drive because I wanted to see the wind turbines. There are thousands of them!!

That evening and all the rest of the evenings of my stay, we ate in, Mary cooked something healthy (followed by ice cream) and we went to bed early.

Unfortunately Mary had to work all week. She teaches Special Ed in Cochanella Valley.

So each morning, I went out for a run. On Monday, I ran 2 laps of her community which was about 3 miles.

On Tuesday, I ventured outside the community for 3 miles also.

It was so nice to be running in the sunshine with a skirt & tank top on.

how appropriate to see this on a run

Mary lives across the street from the Indian Wells Tennis Center which was hosting the BNP Paribas Open. I love tennis so this was perfect.

The downside is that there is a wall around her community so you have to walk almost a mile to get out and then another mile to the Tennis Center. Good exercise, right? (But it was sooo hot!!)

So Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I walked over and watched the tennis pros practicing, some qualifying matches and on Wed. the women’s round one.

Kei Nishikori whose coach is Michael Chang

Stan Wawrinka

my favorite Roger Federer

cool, huh?

It was awesome!! Much bigger and better than I could have imagined.

Tuesday, it was so hot that I walked home and sat by the pool.

Mary worked until 8 pm so I walked back to watch more tennis in the evening.

On Wednesday, for my last day, Mary & I went back to the Bump N Grind Trail in the evening.

It was a little easier this time.

And we celebrated with French desserts!

Thursday, I left and it only took 8 hours to get home with no airport waiting time and no flight delays.

Despite missing the race, it was a great trip. Mary was a super hostess and I hope next time, we can run a race together.

Happy Running! Have you had any fun vacations lately? Did you run or race during them?

March 14, 2015 by Darlene

Runnin’ of the Green Race Report

rotg

This was to be my 8th 4 mile race.

rotg

Though it’s not a new race, it is a new course.

This very popular local race used to be run in Green Island (Runnin’ of the Green) but I guess it got to be too large so they moved it this year to Schalmont (which was farther away.)

I had no idea if it were flat or hilly so I assumed that it would be a little of each.

My past 4 milers:

Polar Cap Races (hilly):

2011 – 40:11
2013 – 41:40
2014 – 40:10
2015 – 37:40 PR

Runnin’ of the Green 4 milers (flat):

2011 – 38:02
2014 – 38:07

Rabble Ramble:

2014 – 38:06

last year

So I guess, my goal for the race would be to finish under 40 minutes.

Unfortunately, the forecast was for rain or freezing rain. I was not too happy. I HATE to run in the rain.

I woke up early to rain. I was not happy especially since if it were nice, I planned to run 6 more miles after the race. It was also cold – 30’s.

I wanted to dress like this:

last Sunday – 90 degrees!

but I adapted this outfit for the East coast climate – tights, long sleeved shirt, jacket, gloves.

indoors staying warm – 33 degrees!!

I left early since I didn’t know what the parking situation would be. But as it turned out, they didn’t get the attendance that they expected. There were half as many. I think many runners thought the new location was too far.

We got a short sleeved tech shirt which was unisex so too big,

I bumped into the usual folks that I see at the HMRRC races. We chatted and then it was time to go outside.

I made the wise decision to ditch the fleece vest because the rain had stopped (Hooray) and it was humid.

not a pretty sight

I made the obvious mistake of thinking I could keep up with these speedy ladies. I could not. But trying tired me out during mile 1.

There were timers at each mile and I finished the first mile a little over 9 minutes.

The course was not as flat as the old course but it was not too bad. By mile 2, I was exhausted. I crossed a little over 18 minutes but I was having a hard time breathing. I am not used to running fast. It has been quite a while since I have run a short race – like November!!

So I walked at the water stop and then continued.

At mile 3 which was around 28 minutes, I was done! I walked for quite a while. Secretly I wanted to finish under 37 minutes but that dream had faded.

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I struggled to finish and crossed at 37:27.

I didn’t know it at the time but that was a PR for me!!!

It never rained and I even got warm enough to unzip my jacket and take off my gloves.

done!

The refreshments, as usual, were decent – 2 kinds of soup, pizza, pudding, fruit, cookies, hot chocolate. I ate everything while waiting for the awards.

I hung out with those speedy ladies again. They are my age but much faster and they run marathons and the Boston Marathon!! Anyway, they are super nice and all live near me.

I didn’t win anything. I think I was 8th.

those speedy old ladies ahead of me!!

Considering that I have done no speed work and not much running lately, I was pleased with my time.

Splits:

mile 1 – 8:58
mile 2 – 9:05
mile 3 – 9:40
mile 4 – 9:23
.06 – 7:08

I drove home and decided that if it was not raining, I would run 6 more miles – 2 loops around UAlbany. I ran one very slow one and then it started to rain so I quit.

I planned on 10 miles but only got in 7. Maybe I’ll have better luck next weekend.

St_PatrickDay

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

Happy Running! How are you celebrating St. Patty’s Day?

March 13, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Day in the Life

This week, the theme is 5 Things in My Day/Day in the Life

Obviously I do more than five but here are the main things I do on a typical Friday:

1. Social Networking on my iPad

I start every day with the Today show, breakfast and reading e-mail, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin on my iPad. I get up extra early to fit it in.

2. One Minute Plank

I always (almost always) do my plank on the bathroom floor when I am waiting for my shower to heat up.

2. Work

Not the highlight of my day but it is essential – it pays the bills and pays for my races. I work in a law school in IT and help staff and faculty with technology. In other words, I spend a lot of time on the computer.

Yes, I am sitting most of the day. When the weather is nice, I go for a 15 minute walk outside in the morning and often walk at lunch. In the cold weather, I SIT!!

3. Running

Usually three times a week, I run after work. If at all possible, I run outside. This has been a very snowy, icy winter so my most popular route is been around UAlbany campus. They keep the path that goes around the perimeter pretty clear.

Once the snow melts, I will return to my other running routes in town and the park.

4. Mah Jongg

Every Friday night from 7-11 pm, I play Mah Jongg with a great bunch of women. If everyone showed, we’d have 12 – 3 tables but usually we have only 8 and during the winter, sometimes it’s only 4.

a mah jongg anniversary dinner – 6 years together

We play, eat, drink and chat… so much fun and “brain” exercise, too.

4. Reading

I cannot fall asleep at night without reading. No matter how late, I go to bed, I read. Sometimes it’s just a few pages and sometimes I read for hours.

So that’s my Friday.

Happy Running! What do you do on a typical day?

Wordless Wednesday

Running down the Bump N Grind Trail in La Quinta, CA

March 9, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week: (AP Half Marathon Training week #6)

Monday – 4 5 mile run on the TM

Thank God for Downton Abbey!!

Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run

one day heat wave – 20 degrees warmer than last week

Thursday – 3 2 mile run on the TM, pack

this time, it was Nashville

Friday- ~~rest, flew to Palm Springs!!!~~ (flight got cancelled) 3.5 mile run
Saturday – 5k race, visit an arts festival, rest, 3 long flights to Palm Springs, CA

after work on the bike path arouond the puddles

Sunday – great run/hike with Mary in the mountains, enjoyed the warm weather 🙂

Mary on the Bump N Grind Trail

This Week: (AP Half Marathon Training week #7)

Monday – 4 mile run, watch qualifying matches at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, hang out with Mary
Tuesday – 4 mile run, watch qualifying matches at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, hang out with Mary
Wednesday – ~~rest, fly home to NY~~ 4 mile run, watch women’s first round at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, hang out with Mary
Thursday – rest, fly home to NY
Friday- rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 4 mile race + ? more miles
Sunday – rest

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

March 7, 2015 by Darlene

Shamrock 5K Race DNS

shamrock 5k

Come join us for a wild 5K dash in beautiful Downtown Palm Springs. Chase that pot of gold to the end of the rainbow and receive a beautiful finisher medal. Registration includes a St. Patrick’s Day t-shirt, festive eyeglasses, green pancakes and a free photo download! Costume contest with great prizes!

shamrock5k

Leaving the frigid NE for warm dry California weather…Running with my friend Mary again…Seeing scenery like this…

This race was just the icing on the cake.

Since it was a St. Patrick’s day race, I planned to wear as much green as I owned:

my new Runingskirts.com skirt

I got this a few years ago

these are a few years old also

with a black tank and black compression socks. Cute but not contest worthy!

Well, it never happened!!!

I got up yesterday morning at 4:30 am to find out that my first flight (to Philly) was cancelled. The weather was clear in Philly but they had had bad weather all week. So who knows why?

Needless to say, I was big time bummed!!!

The earliest that they could re-book was today and get to Palm Spring (on 3 long flights) in the evening.

Yes, miss the race!!

At least it was only a 5K and not a big race that I had been training for.

Still a bummer!

So instead I went to work EARLY and went for a run after work. Since it was earlier than usual, I went to the bike path and hoped I could find some dry spots.

not here

not here either

here’s some

Well, in two parts, I managed 3.5 miles.

Good-bye snow and ice for a while. My next running pictures should look very different.

Happy Running! Did your travel plans ever interfere with a race?

March 6, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorites

This week, the theme is Friday Favorites:

1. Favorite Race:

West Palm Half Marathon. The year is still young but so far this is my favorite…great views…flat course..perfect running weather and I got a PR and Age Group award.

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2. Favorite Running Apparel

Champion Jacket – I bought it at Target. It is light weight but warm enough with layers…zippered pockets…cheap. I have it in 3 colors.

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Polar Cap 2014

3. Favorite Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rider 18s – I got them last fall to review. I loved them so much that I bought them in another color. They are supportive but light with a wide toe box.

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4. Favorite Food

Granola with yogurt. I eat it everyday for lunch. Preferably granola with flax seed and/or chia and Greek yogurt.

5. Favorite place to run

UAlbany campus – lately this is the only place that is clear. We’ve had a tough winter with lots of ice and snow. There is a road that goes around the perimeter of the campus that is 3 miles and it is easily to add on a mile with a variety of additional loops. It is also well-lit at night.

Happy Running! What are some of your favorites?

March 5, 2015 by Darlene

March 5 by the 5th Virtual Race

Laura at Mommy Run Fast hosts a virtual race called 5 by the 5th. The rules are that you have to run either 5 miles or a 5K by the 5th of each month starting February through May. There are prizes up for grab each month for those that participate and record their results.