March 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 2.27.17-3.5.17 and 3.6.17-3.12.17

So since I was on vacation last Monday, this is a TWO week update.

Two Weeks Ago:

Monday – my legs were tired but rain was in the forecast for the next few days so I dragged them out for an after work run around campus

it was not a great one but as they say a bad run is better than no run & I listened to another podcast

Tuesday – It was supposed to rain but never did but I had scheduled a rest day anyway. After work, I played tennis and attended a STEM committee meeting
Wednesday -Warm, windy day. I met Alyssa for a run. We ran on the rail trail instead of our usual campus loop. It was a great run. Finally!

running with friends is the best!

Thursday – Winter temps returned. Snow flurries and insane winds. I had planned to run at lunch but decided against and then had a hair appt. after work. So resting for my big race began a day early.
Friday – 6 am flight to West Palm Beach. Arrived, picked up a rental car with my friend Fran. We met Fonda (whom I would be staying with) in Delray Beach. We had a nice lunch, walked around town and then decided to walk around Green Cay to do some bird watching. We went back into town to visit the art gallerys (First Friday event in Delray) and the shops and eventually enjoyed a light dinner. I finally dropped my friend Fran off at her hotel and then drove to Fonda’s to call it a (long) day.

Saturday – Started the day off with a walk around the golf course where Fonda lives, then headed to Wakodahatchee for more bird watching. Saw alligators, iguanas and tons of birds nesting. Even saw some newly hatched baby birds. After, I picked up Fran and we had lunch with some old friends in Delray Beach.

After lunch, Fran and I drove an hour to Hutchinson Island so I could pick up my race packet. Then we headed to Hobe Sound where we had dinner with Georgette and her husband (with whom I would be staying for the next two nights). After dinner, Georgette was nice enough to take Fran to her hotel in Stuart so I could hit the hay early.

Sunday – Today I ran the Treasure Coast Half Marathon. It was a beautiful course and I enjoyed it even though I felt my lack of training, it was insanely windy, I had stomach cramps the first half, and sore feet and lower back the second half. Yes. I am a crazy runner.

2:18:25 – Half Marathon #24

After the race, I drove to Fran’s hotel so I could shower and change and then off we went to a Mets vs Cardinals spring training game. The Mets lost 14-10 but we still had fun. After the game, we went out to dinner with Georgette and her husband. Another busy LONG day.

20 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

Last Week:

Monday – Georgette and I got up early to take her dog for a walk on the beach.

I am in my “happy place.”

Afterwards, I picked up Fran at her hotel and we drove to Stuart where we had a lovely lunch with an old friend and then we strolled through the shops in town.

Eventually we dropped of the car in West Palm Beach and prepared to fly home. As usual, it wasn’t without hassles and delays. I won’t go into details but I didn’t get home until 1 am. 😦

Tuesday – I did 2 webinars at work, rented a car and then drove to Liverpool, NY. A rest day but not a day of “rest.”
Wednesday -Trained all day and drove home from Liverpool. Another day without running and without any “rest.”
Thursday – Grateful to be back home and able to run with Alyssa. It was a great run. Wish they all could feel this good.

Friday – Day 4 of rest from running and an evening with my mah jongg friends.
Saturday – I ran the Runnin’ of the Green Race (4 miler). Winter returned with a vengeance. It was -9 with the wind chill…BRRRR!!! I have never been so cold.

37:48 – not fast but at least I didn’t get frost bite

I had planned to run some more miles after the race but it was just too cold.

I had a lovely evening catching up with a friend – wine, food, wine, dessert. Just what I needed after a tough week.

Sunday – Another rest day (without rest). Filled the day with unpacking, laundry, cleaning, shopping and lots of cooking (yes, you heard that right) …all the stuff that doesn’t get done when you are away

10 miles done with 2 runs and 5 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Tuesday – rest day, ~~work training~~
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner out with tennis ladies, travel to Liverpool, NY for work
Thursday – ~~6 miles~~, training, drive home from Liverpool
Friday – ~~rest day~~, 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – proctor MPRES
Sunday – 8 mile run

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 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 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 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 6, 2017 by Darlene

The Running Update – 1.30.17-2.5.17

Last Week:

Monday – It was a cold one. But got my run done before grocery shopping and meeting my bff for a walk around the mall.

Feels like 15 degrees brrr

Tuesday – A rest day with snow predicted for the evening. Played tennis as usual on Tuesday.
Wednesday – A busy week prompted me to do two loops of the campus. Thanks to Alyssa keeping me sane.

Same shirt for the 2nd week in a row

Thursday– I was planning a rest day due to a needed hair appointment after work. But I was able to squeeze in a quick one during lunch.

Clouds, sun, and snow all during this short run

Friday – Rest day today except for a walk at lunch (after the pizza they fed us.). Did some cooking for tomorrow’s party and then played mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – I ran the Polar Cap Race in Lake George. It was very cold 4 miles and the course was hilly but I had a great race and love racing with a friend.

surprise. surprise. won my age group and had a PR!!!!

After the post-race refreshments and awards, I decided to add some more miles so I could loosely call it a “long” run. I ran around Lake George and then Bolton Landing. It was even colder than during the race but loved the scenery.

I then had to rush home to go to a very fun Chinese New Years party.

Sunday – A much needed rest day. Did my Saturday weekend home stuff and spent the afternoon knitting with friends (and eating).

still working on that sock. also started a hat.

LOVED LADY GAGA!!!!! She’s the best!

22 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles (if no snow)
Wednesday -rest day unless the rain stops
Thursday – 6 miles ? with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles?, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – Winter Series #5 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? Did you watch the Super Bowl?

January 23, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.16.17-1.22.17

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. Woo Hoo. Also my 18th wedding anniversary. (My hubby had to work but we went out to dinner over the weekend.)

Started the day with a plank. Kim from Running on the Fly challenged everyone last week to do a 5 minute plank. Well, I did ONE minute.

I took advantage and ran during the daylight. Judy was nice enough to cooperate and join me at the Corning Bike Path.

Judy ran 3 and I added some extra

There may have been a lot of re-fueling involved.

Starbucks was closed but I found a replacement.

Tuesday – it was a miserable rainy day so I was glad it was a rest day. I did play tennis after work.
Wednesday – another rainy day but it did let up so that Alyssa and I could squeeze in 3 after work miles.

And no we didn’t plan wearing the same shirts

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. In the evening, my BFF and I did our usual mall walk and talk.

Friday – I did go for a 4 mile run before my evening mah jongg game. It was cloudy but at least it was not cold.

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. Although I didn’t attend the Women’s marches in DC and NYC, I was there in spirit. Instead, I attended the one in Albany, NY. I went with some friends. There was a great turn out and I’m so glad I went.

Sunday – Today’s weather wasn’t as perfect as Saturday but it still wasn’t cold. I motivated myself to complete my 8 solo miles (Judy ran on Saturday) with a post-run treat from Leah’s. Unfortunately it rained most of my run even poured at times. Plus the trail was so icy that I had to run on a back road to get my miles done.

I did get my delicious post-run treat but I won’t be running here again until spring. That evening I went to the movies with friends – a perfect end to the weekend.

Image result for twentieth century women movie

it was disappointing 😦

20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run??
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, tennis birthday dinner
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 15K race, STEM swap

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? Did you march on Saturday?

January 20, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Winter Actvities

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 theme is Favorite Winter Activities

I’ll say it up front. I hate the cold!!

If I didn’t run, I would never go outside.

I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, sled, snow shoe…nada!

Keeping that in mind, here are my favorites:

1. Running (only cuz I sign up for races & winter half marathons to make me get out there)

winter4-172

2. Tennis (Indoors) – I play doubles once a week.

3. Knitting – I am not very experienced but I have made socks, hats & scarfs.

IMG_4256-0

sock1

4. Cooking (on the weekends) – I love to make soups & chili.

5. Reading – I always read every night before I go to sleep.

These two are recent favorites:

Image result for man called Ove

I just started this one:

Happy Running! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

January 16, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.9.17-1.15.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another frigid day. But I sucked it up and went for a run.

brrrr – it was 20 not 15 (like Sunday) but felt colder

I decided to get a sub for tennis since I was scheduled to play the next night (Don’t want to overwork this “old” body.)

Tuesday – A rest day for me. A quick lunchtime walk and tennis after work (followed by dinner out.)
Wednesday – Things started warming up so I gladly took a neighborhood run.

It was 52 degrees at lunch time?! Love this weather!

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. 50 degrees with rain. Crazy weather.

Friday – I did go for a 4 mile run before my evening mah jongg game. Cold windy weather was back. Not a fan!

the good news – more daylight, no ice, no snow

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. The hubby and I did go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary.
Sunday – Today I ran the Winter Series #3 10K race. No Garmin! No mile markers! Truly a naked race. Not a fast one, obviously, but still had fun.

Judy also ran this race and I waited for her at the finish line

Of course, I had to run .8 miles to make it 7 miles for the day.

After the race, Judy hosted a brunch at her house. There were 8 of us – all runners for good food and great conversation.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Day off from work, 5 mile run with Judy
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, mall walk with bff
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, March
Sunday – 8 mile run

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?

January 9, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 1.2.17-1.8.17

Last Week:

Monday – I decided to squeeze in an evening run since Tuesday had rain in the forecast

getting bored with the Ualbany loop so ran through the streets of Delmar

Tuesday – Glad that I planned a rest day since it rained most of the day. I did play tennis in the evening instead.
Wednesday – Finally dragged myself out for a short lunchtime walk.

picked up my race prize

I went for a run after work with Alyssa. The day started out warm but by the time we ran, it had gotten much colder and then during our run, it started to sleet. Fun. Fun. Well, we just ran faster.

3 wet miles

After the run, I met my running buddy, Barbara, for a drink & a bite to eat. I haven’t seen her in a while since she has been out of commission with an injury. It was fun catching up. I hope she is able to run again soon.

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. I finally met up with my BFF for her postponed birthday dinner and a movie.

A man and a woman dancing beside a streetlight, a city view stretches out behind them. The woman is wearing a bright yellow dress, her partner is wearing a with shirt and tie with dark pants.

Enjoyable but left wondering what hype is about.

Friday – I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game. I decided that I would try to run on the rail trail if it were clear and it was. But I had a mental lapse – darkness and no lights. What was I thinking? I ran fast and only had to run the last mile in the dark.

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house.
Sunday – A very chilly day but I got some miles in. I ran with Judy who suggested the Nisky Bike Path. When I saw the coating of snow, I almost bailed on the run (Judy wore Yak Trax; I did not.) But it wasn’t slippery at all and even though it was 15 degrees, I didn’t feel cold at all. It was very pleasant and slow and Judy & I got to chat until the last mile when I decided to need to get some in some speed. Afterwards, we went out to lunch. (I was starving as I didn’t bring any fuel on the run.)

After I got home, I rushed out to the movies with a few friends.

Great movie. Highly recommend it!

17 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run with Alyssa, tennis
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run
Thursday – rest day
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 10K 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?

January 6, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – 2017

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the theme is your goals, resolutions, or other things you’re looking forward to in the new year!

Well, since I don’t set any goals, I’ll post about what I’m looking forward to in 2017.

1. Running Healthy.

I have been lucky to have no injuries since 2013. So I hope this trend continues. I think the key is to not overdo and take your rest days.

untitled

2. Destination Races.

I love to travel but working doesn’t allow me to do it as often as I’d like. So I really appreciate any opportunity I get. Of course, I try to tie each trip into a half marathon.

Sarasota Music Half - Feb

So far, I only have one big one planned for 2017. I will running this race alone but plan to meet up with a few non-running friends.

March 5, 2017 in Stuart, FL.

: 2 tennis friends who live in nearly Hobe Sound and Delray Beach

: 2 former co-workers who live in nearby Jensen Beach and Delray Beach

I hope to get in another destination race in the late fall too.

3. Annual Tennis Vacation.

A group of 10 of us have been traveling together since 2002. And we have been going to Naples, FL for a week in May since 2006. We even rent the same two villas.

Every morning we take tennis lessons and then play doubles. In the afternoon, we go to the beach. And then in the evenings, we go out. Tough life!

img_9732-1

4. Girls Racing Weekends.

My first one was in Philly in 2014. It was fun but last December’s was even more fun.

walks on the beach

I have one planned for April 30 in NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon and another for October 1 to run the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY. (Anyone else running these races??)

Fingers crossed that we can fit in a blogger’s weekend again with the #holottafun ladies.

5. Time with Family and Friends.

Ultimately this is the most important. I plan to spend a lot time with them. I know I can schedule my runs and races around those gatherings.