June 20, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – My first day being unemployed. It’s amazing that when you have so much time, you get so little done. I did manage to go for a windy walk and then run with two friends.

Tuesday – I decided to take advantage of my time off to play some tennis. I joined a tennis group at Prospect Park in Troy, met some new players and had a lot of fun. Then I went grocery shopping at Target. No running scheduled for today but I did register for some more races.

pic not from today but I wore a similar outfit

Wednesday – Another gorgeous day. I played tennis in a round-robin at a country club, got my hair cut and then went for a short run. (I was supposed to run with a new friend but she had to cancel.)

evening run at Colonie Town Park

Thursday – Played tennis in the same place as Tuesday.

But I met some new women who invited me out to lunch. Well, we wound up talking for 4 hours!! About everything from tennis to running to fitbits to mah jongg.

After lunch, I met a friend to run. It was HOT!! The company was good but the run was not. Do not run in the middle of a hot sunny day after eating a BLT and sweet potato fries.

ran with Barbara but bumped into to running friend Tom on the trail

In the evening, I went out to dinner (at a Peruvian place) with a former co-worker and then visited with a good friend (who happens to be Peruvian).

Friday – Day 4 in a row of tennis! I played today with a different group of women. It was near where I live so I could walk to the courts.

30 min. walk each way = STEPS

Saturday – Ran 5k race. It was such a fun race because I knew so many runners there.

I had thought of going up to our boat but instead stayed home to catch up cleaning, weeding or other stuff around the house.

Sunday – Ran my 2nd 5k race of the weekend. Definitely the smallest race I have ever run.

2nd woman overall and first in my age group

and then spent the rest of the day relaxing on one of the islands of Lake George with my hubby and 9 of our friends.

I decided to stay up at the lake on our boat so I could run up here in the morning.

what a view!

14 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 7 mile long run, hiking
Tuesday – rest, tennis Am & PM
Wednesday – tennis, 3 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, dinner with a former co-worker
Friday – trip to NYC: 4 mile running tour of Central Park, MOMA visit, dinner with a fellow running blogger
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Adirondack Distance 10 m run, boating

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

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

June 13, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – After a rainy Sunday, today was beautiful. I took a walk to the park at work.

They are in the process of re-planting the tulip beds so not much to look at…yet.

This is my first Monday without a Freihofer Training run so I asked Judy if she would join me for a run in the Crossings. And she was nice enough to postpone her run until I was done with work.

Tuesday – Today was a rest day. Just a walk at lunch and my Tuesday after work tennis group was scheduled to resume after a month off. Now we play outdoors until fall.

Unfortunately we got rained out. So guess what I did? I went to the gym. Shocker I know.

first time in 7 months, I think.

Wednesday – Today was the last STEM training run until the big race on Sunday. I was excited to see who would show up (since I haven’t gone in weeks.) The weather was quite chilly and I was paired with the slower runners. So I didn’t get the workout that I wouldn’t have liked but it was rewarding to be motivating the STEM participants to run.

my run/walk group

Thursday – The cool windy weather continued. I debated running after work but decided to just rest and hit the gym AGAIN.

Friday – I went to a conference in the morning so had no time to even go for a walk. Then work stuff got in the way of the 5K that I had planned to run after work. My first non-injury DNS 😦

Saturday – Rain and wind interfered with my first day on the boat (Re-scheduled for next weekend!!) Did some gardening instead.

Sunday – I thought that I would run a 5K race today. But they decided that volunteers would not officially run the race just run along side a STEM participant. Boy, was it rewarding. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. These ladies were awesome.

Afterwards, I drove home to run 5 more miles. It was cloudy and windy but glad to be out there.

14 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – First day of unemployment, 3 miles with friends
Tuesday – rest, tennis?
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – 4 mile run, STEM celebration
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 9 miles

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

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

June 6, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. I could have gone up to the lake with my hubby but I just needed a day off to catch up – unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, weeding, DVR, reading… TIME ALONE aaahhhh!!!

Tuesday – Back to the normal routine. Walk to the park at work, a short recovery run after work and then dinner out with a co-worker.

peony time

Wednesday – National Running Day! I had several opportunities to run today. I wanted to run with the STEM runners but since I missed my Freihofer Training group run last week, I decided to run with them one last time. I was very hot and I was very tired. Luckily our coach was not there so I could slack off on the 1 minute sprints.

Afterwards, I attended the GOTR thank you reception. I even won a raffle prize.

post-run Merlot and my prize (long-sleeve shirt)

Thursday – REST day and it was needed. I walked at lunch and then walked around the mall with my BFF after work.

Friday – Another REST day – yes, two in a row. What a slacker. I walked to get my race packet and after dinner, I played mah jongg.

Saturday – Ran the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k for the 9th time. It was hotter than expected but still fun running a race where you know so many runners.

28:50 (recovered after a slow first 2 miles)

Afterward I ran 4 more miles (reluctantly) on the rail trail.

Sunday – This was supposed to be a boating day but the weather had different ideas so it was a day to catch up on stuff around the house.

12 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (recovery week!)

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – STEM run (3 miles)
Thursday – rest
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 5k race (with STEM) + 5 more miles

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

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

June 2, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: May Recap

My favorite month has ended 😦

Here’s how things went down:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. I was able to run at least 3 times each week – mostly after work and everyday during my Florida vacation.

Long Runs:

There were NONE. I ran a lot of races and went on vacation. There were NO double-digits runs. The longest were a 15k race and 4.5 mile post 5k run.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – fewer than last month but expected.

may miles

Races:

I ran SIX races this month – a 15k, four 5Ks, and a half marathon. That may be a record for one month!

: Mastodon Challenge 15K – 1:36:10 – 2nd in AG (but prize for 1st)

: Mother’s Day bRUNch 5k – 29:53 – 3rd in AG

: Albany Law Day 5k Against Domestic Violence – 29:31 – 3rd in AG (but prize for 1st)

: Summer Smith Addiction Awareness Memorial 5k – 28:29 – 1st in AG

: Vermont City Marathon Relay – a HOT unofficial 2:33:55

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. My Half Marathon could have (maybe should have) been a DNF but wasn’t.

Cross Training:

My tennis elbow healed so I started back playing once a week and everyday during my Florida vacation.

snapseed

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I say that EVERY month!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). On vacation, I walked to and from the tennis courts each day.

I did not go to the gym at all. My elbow is healed so I have NO excuses…just lazy (or have other priorities).

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I ran 3 times with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. I ran once with the Intermediate group. I enjoy running with my “advanced” group friends and coach Patrick. He has had us running 400m and 800m intervals. These are tough for me but I know they are important if I want to get faster.

I’ve also continued my volunteering with STEM. These year’s group is so enthusiastic. It makes it even more fun.

I finished my stint as a Running Budding in the GOTR program. I enjoyed our practice 5k but she didn’t show for the real 5k. 😦

I got together again with my mentee and her 2 sons. We spent a great day in the park for Tulip Fest.

Speaking of tulips. I walked to the park everyday to see them. They were beautiful.

I celebrated my birthday in May also. I went out to eat several times.

: Mother’s Day

: Day in Lake Luzerne

My favorite part of this month was my vacation in Naples, Florida. It included running, tennis, beaches, restaurants, dolphin watching, sunsets, botanical gardens, movie, concert, shopping, comedy club… What a great time with good friends.

: everyday!!

: doubles and lessons

: Naples Botanical Gardens

: the Dolphin Explorer trip

: 4 different beaches

: sunset at the Ritz

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I’m not sure when my next half marathon will be. So far, it’s not until September. But that could change.

I do have a bunch of races coming up. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-12-16 – Run for Help 5k (for STEM)
6-18-16 – Cancer Crushers 5k ??
6-26-16 – Adirondack Distance Run 10m
7-23-16 – Silks and Satins 5K
7-31-16 – Care for Kids 5k

Boating season on Lake George is beginning. 🙂 🙂

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

thinking out loud

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

Happy Running! How did your May turn out? Anything exciting planned for June? What are thinking about today? Please share.

May 30, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Another Florida vacation day – running, playing tennis, tennis lessons then off to the beach. Of course, we ate dinner out in another great restaurant.

Tuesday – We couldn’t have gotten luckier with the weather. Yes, it was very hot and very humid but I loved it. Again. I got up early and went for a short run.

Today we played tennis but didn’t have a lesson. Instead we went to the Naples Botanical Gardens followed by the beach.

so beautiful – I have to go back (maybe when it is cooler)

Wednesday – Last day of vacation. I went for my last morning run. Then we played tennis and I went for a long walk with a friend. We packed and relaxed at the pool until it was time to leave.

We had a late flight home so ate dinner at the airport.

Thursday – Back to reality. After 7 days in a row of running, I did not run today. I did go for a walk at lunch. I must have brought the Florida weather home with me because it was just as warm (but not as humid.)

tulips gone – time for irises

Friday – I missed my STEM runners so I planned to run with them after work instead of mah jongg. But they didn’t show 😦

afternoon walk to the park

Saturday – Off to Vermont to prepare for my half marathon. As soon as I arrived, AJH & I headed out to the expo. Then we went out to lunch, walked around the waterfront and spent a relaxing evening at AJH’s.

2016

Sunday – VCM relay – 20th half marathon done as the second half of a marathon. Proud to have finished upright in a puddle of sweat especially since it was cancelled due to extreme heat when I was only at mile 5.

Vermont City Marathon Relay – a HOT unofficial 2:33:55

26 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – day off – rest
Tuesday – 3 mile run or rest
Wednesday – STEM run, GOTR event
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest, packet pick up
Saturday – Freihofer 5K race
Sunday – rest, boating

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races? Enjoy your Memorial Day!

May 20, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Enjoying a Non-Running Vacation

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . 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!

My Friday Five topic is Five Ways to Enjoy a Non-Running Vacation.

Right now I am in Naples, Florida for 8 days with 9 NON-RUNNING friends. You know how much I love to run and still I always have a great time.

Find another sport that gets you moving.

We usually play tennis for at least two hours every morning. Not many miles on the legs when playing doubles but I’m still moving (and sweating.)

2. Get those miles in however you can.

isn't this even more inviting??

No better place to walk than along the water.

bike riding every morning around World Tennis Center

I also have access to a bike to ride around the neighborhood.

3. If possible, squeeze in a few short runs.

It’s tough when you stay out late every night and you get up early to play tennis. So the runs are short but rewarding.

4. Do other things you enjoy that you usually do not do.

11071093_10153817766989428_4532148896326313354_n

We go to the theater.

11013216_10153826244109428_7429726494669111251_n

We visit gardens & parks.

during our sunset cruise
We go on sunset cruises.

5. Eat healthy during the day but in the evening, do some no-guilt splurging.

11233505_10153808981034428_3494897109598940724_n

I eat my usual oatmeal in the morning, yogurt & fruit at the beach for lunch and then…. No limits!

We go out to dinner every night. It is always a blast.

Happy Running! Do you take non-running vacations? What do you do to for fun instead of run?

May 16, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Finally some sunshine. I’ll take it even though it was cool and very windy.

free Starbucks and some tulips to celebrate my special day

13174012_1122900267732107_894559296004199727_n

It was my birthday and I could have gone out to dinner with a co-worker but I opted to run with my Freihofer Training group. Since I had run a 15k & a 5k over the weekend, I thought that I would run with the Intermediate but they were doing 800m intervals so I stuck with the Advanced group – 8 400m intervals at 5k pace. My legs weren’t feeling it at first and they got stronger as I ran. I even finished the last one at 2 min.

Tuesday – Yes – two sunny days in a row but I decided after 3 days of speedy runs, I would rest and just play tennis after work. Of course, I couldn’t miss my walk to the tulips.

Wednesday – Let’s go for 3 days of sunshine. Such as busy work day. I just had time for a very short run after work and then instead of running with the STEM group, I had an hair appt. (priorities!)

more walking than running but I did throw in a few strides

Thursday – Summer has arrived and we skipped spring. I had time today for my lunch walk to the park.

many of the tulips have died but still some nice ones left

Then after work I ran a 5k race in 80 degree, humid weather. It wasn’t pretty but it was for a good cause.

struggled to 29:31 finish (3rd in my AG but awards only to 1st)

Friday – Back to clouds and showers so I took a true rest day. No running or tennis just mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Another 5k race, the 2nd one this week. It wasn’t as warm as Thursday but it was more humid. Such an emotional race. I was glad I ran it and supported Summer’s mom and the STEM runners.

improved to 28:29 and won 1st in my age group

I had thought that I would run 9 more miles afterward but my legs disagreed. I ran (& walked) until I could do no more.

so so tired and hot… could barely pick my feet up

Sunday – A well-deserved rest day. We had planned to take our boat out but it was too chilly and windy. So we just drove to Lake Luzerne and had lunch with a view of the Hudson River then went for a long walk.

15 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – FRW Challenge Training Group (4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 mile run at lunch, pack
Wednesday – Sunday – tennis, sunning, fun times with good friends in Naples, FL. 🙂

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

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

May 2, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – A cool, cloudy day. I managed to take my Starbucks walk to the park. I hope you are not tired of tulips pics because they are just beginning to bloom (and I will probably post pics everyday.)

I was secretly hoping that it might rain so I didn’t have to go to my group training run. But it didn’t rain until much later. On the schedule was 4-6 800m at 5k pace. I talked to my coach and he said not to do that but to run with the Intermediate group. Phew!!! So I did and the 8:1 intervals were perfect. I spent the first half of the run talking to one of the mentors who is also a Skirt Sports ambassador and the second half to another runner that I met during one of the Troy Turkey Trot training groups. And actually after that recovery run, my legs felt better. I even continued my walk in the mall.

Tuesday – A cold nasty day. It also poured most of the day. I was glad that a rest was on my schedule. And that I play tennis indoors.

Still went for my walk to the park. The tulips were even prettier in the rain.

Wednesday – The day started out poorly. My car battery died. Luckily my hubby could drive me to work and my friend could drive me home. Instead of my walk to the park today, I ran near work.

After work, my tennis friends scheduled a visit to the “Mystery Room” in the mall. We had a blast. Then afterwards, we went out to dinner (what else?)

we even solved the mystery!

Thursday – To celebrate Million Mile Month, my co-workers took a walk to the park at lunch. (Not so exciting for me, since I do it everyday but they enjoyed viewing the tulips.)

I went for a run after work before walking the mall with my BFF.

tired legs but ran into an old tennis friend

Friday – No running today and of course, I walked to the park to gaze at the tulips.

After work, I went to the free pasta dinner given to runners in Saturday’s race. Chatted with some nice people and ate way too much.

Played mah jongg afterwards.

Saturday – Perfect weather for a race. Unfortunately due to stomach issues, a blister and tired legs, I didn’t have my A game. Knowing so many runners at this race made it one of my favorites (despite my 4th place AG finish.)

Afterwards, I took advantage of the weather and went for a long walk.

Then drove to pick up my bib for my 5k the next day, went grocery shopping, did some errands, etc.. After a soak in the hot tub, went out to dinner with the hubby.

Sunday – I woke up to rain and contemplated bailing on the race. But I didn’t and I’m glad I didn’t. My legs were even more tired than yesterday. I gave it my best shot (but only finished 5th in my AG – those darn speedy old people!). Again, seeing familiar faces made the race much more enjoyable.

19 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – Practice GOTR 5K
Wednesday – 3 miles, STEM Run
Thursday – rest, b-day dinner & movie with BFF
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 15K race, Tulip Fest with mentee & sons
Sunday – 5K race (GOTR), dinner out for Mother’s Day

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

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

April 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – So we went from winter to summer here, it appears. It was 75 degrees for my lunch walk to the park. The tulips aren’t looking to great (due to that recent snowstorm?) but still a lovely walk and a delicious Starbucks chocolate banana smoothie.

Sunday night, I woke up with an ache in my right Achilles. It kept me up most of the night. I was panic-stricken imagining DNSing my half and all my summer races. But it was fine all day so I decided to go to my group run. We were scheduled for a 10 min warm-up and cool down and then 8 400m intervals at 5k pace with 2 min. jogging in between. I asked my coach what I should do after an 11 mile run the day before and a half marathon coming up. I was considering not doing the speed repeats. He recommended doing them but not at 5k pace but at 15k pace. So that’s what I did. It was 79 degrees and my legs were tired but the laps got easier as I ran them. My 400 m times were not speedy like last week but in the 2:10-2:15 range. The best part was that my Achilles felt fine…no pain at all (phew!)

Tuesday – The day started out cool and cloudy but got better and I again went for my daily afternoon walk. More good news – my elbow pain has mysteriously disappeared and I played tennis without worry. Afterwards, as usual, we went out to dinner.

Wednesday – Another beautiful spring day and a walk to the park.

After work and before the STEM ladies arrived, I ran one loop around campus. Then I was paired up with Michelle again. She was even speedy that last week. (But the French lady can no longer come on Wed. 😦 ) It was a fun workout. Love these ladies!

Thursday – It was too busy at work for me to get out and walk but I did squeeze out a run. The closest place to go was the track. Not exciting but got it done.

After work, I went out to dinner with two coworkers. I actually walked to and from the restaurant. The reason why is below:

I also shared an appetizer (chicken meatballs) and the dessert was shared as well. Everything was delish.

Then I stopped off to go grocery shopping and to buy ingredients to make charoset for the seder the next night.

Friday – The day started out rainy but improved and was quite warm. I had to do some errands during lunch (forgot to buy the horseradish & gelfite for seder) and only got in a short walk to Starbucks.

non-fat milk, sugar free syrup, no whip so don’t judge

In the evening, one of my mah jongg friends hosted our annual Passover seder. Always a good time (and there were as many non-Jews as Jews there.)

MJ Seder 2010

Saturday – I tried to make myself rest. I didn’t run but got in a lot steps doing errands and housework. Then I went out to dinner with the hubby to carb load for the next day.

Sunday – I completed my 19th half marathon. I ran it with my friend Barbara on a perfect running weather day but those hills…I barely survived.

2:16:56 and 2nd in my AG

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #20)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (4 miles?)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, Mystery Room & dinner out with my tennis friends
Thursday –4 miles, mall walk wiht BFF
Friday – rest, pasta pre-race dinner, mah jongg
Saturday – 10K race
Sunday – 5K race

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

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

April 18, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Another cold, rainy, windy day. Got in my daily walk and it only sprinkled on me. Then I drove to my training group run. We started in the rain but it eventually stopped but was still very windy. On the schedule was a 10 min warm up and cool down and then 4 x 400m at 5k pace. I’m not one for speed drills but my long run was on Saturday so my legs were fresh. As I mentioned before, my group has some very speedy runners but today two were were missing so I finished in the middle of the pack (2:00, 1:59, 1:58: 1:53). I was happy with my times since 2 of 4 were done running into the wind. It is easy to run fast when it’s only 400 m not 3 miles and you have 2 minutes of walking in between each.

After my run, I did some shopping at Trader Joes and some more retail therapy in the mall (only bought 3 sale items in Macy’s & they were a steal.)

Tuesday – Yet another cold, rainy, windy day. It was supposed to get sunny and warm up but it did not. Still I dragged myself to the park.

the only tulip in the park…but it’s a start

After work, I ventured back on the tennis courts. My elbow is no better but I haven’t played tennis in 3 weeks. I taped it, wore an armband and with new strings on my racket, I nervously played 1 1/2 hours of doubles. It went great. My partner & I won both sets. Yes, my elbow hurt but it was bearable pain and didn’t affect my playing. (Of course, I know this won’t help heal my elbow.)

Wednesday – Hooray, it was chilly but the sun came out!! I had planned to do our Wed. Hoola Hooping at work but I was too busy so instead I took a long walk to return a book to the library.

Today was also week 2 of mentoring the STEM group. Unfortunately when the sun went in, it was chilly. (It will be warm someday…) Again I arrived early so I could run once around campus. . Then we followed the Couch to 5k app with the group. Well, I got paired up a new runner (Michelle) and she is pretty fast. But the best part, another new (even faster) runner is from Paris!! I got to speak French every week!!!!!!

Thursday – Second sunny day in a row. Woo Hoo! Still breezy but today was a scheduled rest day so I only got in a short walk to Starbucks because I had an errand at lunch. After work, I walked the mall (no shopping, just walking) with my BFF. (got my 10k steps in!)

Friday -Sunny again. Went for my lunch time walk.

After work on my way to run through the park I passed by a local college… So I interrupted my run to meet Ben & Jerry and sample to new Bernie flavor ice cream. Then I had to sprint home to get ready for mah jongg.

Saturday – Took advantage of another rest day to spend time with my mentee Amanda and her two sons. We went to Five Guys for lunch and then to the firefighting museum. The kids had a lot of fun.

Of course, we ended the day with the park and ice cream.

Sunday – Last long run before the big one. I was lucky to have Denise by my side. We decided to run early and at the Corning bike path. The weather was perfect and the company was great too (We chatted the whole time and found that we have so many things in common …besides running.)