April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Since today is the first Saturday in April, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date. It seems like I was just writing about March. Time is flying by…

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that even though we’ve had a warm winter with no snow, I am more than ready for spring.

This is from last April. I want to wear my skirts again!

Instead, we may have snow on Sunday and gusty winds AND I have to run 11 miles!

we may have 3 inches on the ground

I am not looking forward to running in this. Be prepared because if the roads look slippery, I’m bailing. Not worth an injury.

I’ll probably be dressed like this but with gloves!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that these star offers for Starbucks are still killing me. I can’t stop myself. But at least I earned a free drink this week.

Plus they keep adding new flavors. The latest is Caramelized Honey Latte. Have you tried it yet?

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am happy that where I work is health conscious.

Last month, I participated in the Heart Healthy Challenge. You got 50 points for completing 2 surveys and each week, you got 40 pts if you exercised for 45 min 3 times and 1 pt for each 10 minutes extra.

Anyway, I came in 2nd. 1st place got a $50 gift card to Dicks & $50 worth of Field Goods. NO PRIZE for 2nd place but at least, it kept me moving.

This month, I am participating in Million Mile Month. You just log your miles & other activities to win prizes. My miles will automatically sync from my FitBit and I can add in other non-walking/running activities.

We had an Obstacle Course set up today as the kick-off event. It was fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that although, tennis gets in the way of my running and many times while I am playing, I wish I were running, now that I can’t play (tennis elbow), I really miss it.

Isn’t that the way?

I have been doing my exercises and even taped it but it seems the same. My brain knows that I should skip another week but my heart says…

I miss my friends, the competition and our dinners out after

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that you bloggers are enablers. You guys make me want to run a half marathon every weekend (You know who you are!!)

I am trying to control myself…

Dec 2015 – EAU West Palm – check
Feb 2016 – Sarasota Music – check
Mar 2016 – Celebrate Life – check
April 2016 Lake George – signed up
May 2016 – Vermont City Relay – signed up
Aug 2016 – Camp Chingachgook – possibly but it’s so hilly
Sept 2016 – ZOOMA Cape Cod – signed up
Nov 2016 – Myaaka (in FL) – tempting (to visit friends)
Dec 2015 – Panama City – definitely
Mar 2017 – Treasure Coast (in FL) – maybe (to visit friends)

Happy Running! Anything to spill?

March 23, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Faithful

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

Vocabulary Word: faithful

Today’s word is FAITHFUL.

What does it mean?

Steadfast in affection or allegiance, loyal.

What am I faithful to?

I bet you thought that I would say RUNNING.

Nope.

Well, yes I am faithful or loyal to running. But it is easy. I know that in order to keep up my speed and endurance, I have to run at least 2-3 times each week and on the weekend, I either run a race or a long run or both. I am always training for something and that makes it easy to be faithful to running.

But what I am faithful to is TENNIS.

I have been playing for over 15 years. That still means that I was an adult onset tennis player. Like running, when I started, I gave it 150%. I took lessons, practiced everyday, and played on several teams. I bought numerous tennis outfits. I was obsessed with the sport.

Since I discovered my passion for running, things have changed. I don’t take tennis lessons or play on any teams and rarely buy anything tennis-related. But I still play and will always play (for as long as I am able)

Why is it difficult to be faithful?

It takes time away from running. It’s frustrating especially when the weather is perfect to run.
It’s expensive. You can’t just play. You have to join a club $$$. You have pay for a contract. $$ You have to keep up your equipment $ (racket, strings, shoes)
You can’t just do it when you want. I play doubles so I need 3 others. And court time, etc.
You can’t just do it anywhere. I have to drive in the traffic after work to play because that’s when and where my contract is.
You can’t just play with anyone. You need to play with someone at your level or it’s not fun.
There’s always a score. It can be fun but you have to keep score and there’s always a loser.
How you do depends on your partner and your opponents. You can play well but if your partner doesn’t, well you won’t win the points and vice versa. You can play well and your opponents are better, the same thing will occur.

So why will I always be faithful?

It’s was the first athletic thing I’ve ever done in my life.
It got me through the most difficult period in my life
My closest friends are the ones I have made on the tennis court.
I have so many great memories of tennis competitions and victories.
It is very social. There’s a lot conversation that takes place on the tennis courts.
Mindfulness. You can’t daydream. You must keep your mind in the game.
Exercise. It’s aerobic. You run and there’s some upper body movements going on (I hope.)
Variety. There’s serving, net play, lobbing, ground strokes, baseline play, overheads, etc.
There’s more to it than the score. Working on your strokes, setting up your partner, coming back from a deficit, holding a lead, etc.
It’s challenging. It’s always good to challenge yourself.
I love to watch the pros play (Roger Federer <3)
I love my annual tennis vacations in Florida.
I look forward to parties and dinner outings with my tennis friends throughout the year.
I get to wear cute tennis skirts.

I could go on and on but I’ll stop. You get the idea.

hanging out with my tennis friends one summer

during one of our Florida vacations

playing during 2010 USTA sectional game

first time back at tennis after ankle surgery (2012)

3rd place in the nation (2002)

got to watch him practice from up close (Palm Springs)

tennis friends at a Broadway show

2015 – still happily playing tennis

So I only play tennis 3 times a month. I’m not as good as I used to be. But I am faithful to tennis and hope to be for a long time.

Happy Running! Are you faithful to another activity besides running?

March 21, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Rainy miserable day but at least it cleared up so I could take a short recovery run after work.

only thing bright about the day was my shoes

Followed my run with a soak in the hot tub. Aaahhh!

Tuesday – DOMS arrived to my quads today. Otherwise, just a work day with 2 walks followed by tennis in the evening (and despite my sore quads, I played better than ever.) Instead of dinner out, we had wine and popcorn at the club.

Wednesday – Another normal work day with an afternoon walk to the park. Quads felt better so I went for a run after work. It was quite warm so I didn’t mind when I got caught in the rain twice.

After my run, I stopped at the gym to use the machines. Yes, first time since August!!!!

Thursday – A busy work day but got in a walk in the afternoon for my 50 cent cone at Stewarts.

Mint Marcy – yum

Since this was my rest day, in the evening, I just went for a walk with a friend in the mall instead of a run.

Friday – Spring has temporarily left us. I didn’t feel well when I woke up so took a needed day off from work. By the afternoon, I was feeling better but it was insanely windy. Not being at work, I had no option of a treadmill so out I went and battled the wind for a few miles. Then played mah jongg all evening.

actually wine and mah jongg

Saturday – My rest day!! I proctored the MPREs at work in the morning and then the afternoon, there was the usual catch up stuff – errands, housework, cooking… and it was cold!!! In the evening, I talked my hubby into getting a sub for tennis so we could go out to dinner. Then I remembered that I was supposed to go out to dinner and a movie with 3 friends …Ooops! Senior brain!! Anyway, I ate eggplant parm, pasta & a cannoli to carb load for my race the next day.

Sunday – Ran the Shamrock Shuffle 5 Mile Race for the 2nd time. I was pleased with my time considering it was a week after my hilly half and my legs were still in recovery mode.

Afterwards, I ran on a new trail with Judy for 4 more miles. The trail was conveniently located next to a bakery…

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles), STEM Orientation
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday –4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 5k race + 7 miles
Sunday – rest, Easter dinner

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?

March 14, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I took my daily 15 min walk with a co-worker. (I can now say that since we have walked everyday for ONE week).

on the track

After work, I went for a run on the rail trail. I was so excited that it was light enough to do so…getting sick of my work neighborhood.

must have been running fast – that’s why it is blurry LOL

Tuesday – Just a work day followed by tennis in the evening (followed by dinner out)

Wednesday – Another normal work day. 80 degree temps meant 2 walks and a run in a skirt!!

new pre-run drink – Chocolate Banana Smoothie with protein powder & coconut milk – from Starbucks, where else?

Thursday – Rainy rainy day. I could have run on the treadmill but decided against it. Instead, I got some steps and retail therapy in at the mall. (bought 2 caps & a tank in Burlington Coat Factory.)

Friday – My first before work run in forever. Last one before Sunday’s half. It was a little chilly and windy but it is the best way to start the day. Why don’t I do it more often?

My normal walks at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – My rest day!! Errands, housework, cooking… the usual stuff.

Sunday – Celebrate Life Half Marathon. Hilliest race ever.

I walked up ALL the hills so my time wasn’t great but I did it for the cause and the weather was pefect.

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday -rest
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, proctor MPREs at work
Sunday – 5 mile race + 4 miles after

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?

March 7, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I actually took a 15 min walk with a co-worker during the day.

on the track since it was warmer there

After work, I took a run in the park. My legs were still tired from Saturday but the weather was nice so… I just dragged myself through it.

still light enough to run in the park

Tuesday – Just a work day followed by tennis in the evening (and wine & pizza, of course)

another 15 min. walk on the track

Wednesday – It appears that winter is back. The cold accompanied by 40 mph wind gusts. No walking outside at work besides back and forth between buildings. This was not a fun after work run but I survived. Afterward, I had dinner with two co-workers and that was fun.

Thursday – Our 15 min walk in the morning has become a routine (2 days in a row) at work. Otherwise it was just work and hair appointment after work.

Friday – Another normal work day (morning 15 min walk & afternoon walk to Starbucks). A quick run after work followed by an evening of mah jongg.

It was very cold but wearing white shoes & flowered capris made me think of spring

Saturday – My rest day!! Errands, housework, cooking…fun, fun, NOT!

Then I went to an expo. Signed up for 2 5ks and 1 half. Saved $22, got 3 shirts and met a running friend. Now that was fun.

Sunday – My last long run before the big one. I met Judy & Barbara on the bike path but actually only ran with Barbara (when she wasn’t too fast for me.)

Afterwards, the three of us went out for High Tea (tea sandwiches, scone & pastries).

The day ended with a Downton Abbey viewing Party.

19 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #18 – Taper Time )

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Celebrate Life Half Marathon

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? How are you coping with winter weather?

March 3, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT & My February Recap

It’s already March 4 and I have been delinquent about recapping the month of February.

So here’s how things went…

Weekday Runs:

The weather got colder, windier and snowier (still no big storms) but I still was able to run 2-3 times each week.

Long Runs:

I started out the month with a half marathon. Then in preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

The first long run was a solo one and for the last two, I had company. Definitely enjoyed the last two much more!

Total Mileage:

90 miles this month!

Much less than last month (11 miles less) but there was tapering, half marathon recovery, frigid weather and I had a cold.

+3 this week (leap year!!)

Actually this month’s total is more normal for me with regard to monthly running mileage.

Races:

I only ran ONE race (yes, that is odd for me) and it was the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. I loved everything about the race except for the cold, windy weather.

2:17:56

But I was still pleased with my time.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise!

lheartspaceogo

I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building and to Starbucks and back)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I think I’m addicted!!

Other News:

I am still working on that scarf. Someday I may finish it.

I spent an awesome 6 days on the Gulf coast of Florida. The weather was not ideal but the company made up for it. I love my friends!!

My friends got together for a coloring book party. It was a lot of fun.

And there were quite a few reasons to celebrate.

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Valentine’s Day

a friend’s birthday

3 months until Memorial Day on the lake

I joined the 100 Half Marathon Club. I don’t know if I’ll ever reach 100. (I’ve only run 17 and I am 62.) But I’ll have fun trying. And I don’t have to travel to all 50 states.

I won a running belt in a giveaway. I’m looking forward to wearing it in a race.

belt

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am training for another half marathon in March. It’s a hilly one but such an important cause!!

March 13, 2016

I have been busy registering for some spring races:

3-20-16 – Shamrock Shuffle 5 miler
3-26-15 – a few possibilities
4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 10k
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-14-15 – a few possibilities
6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women

There will be more…

I signed up to be a Girls on the Run (GOTR) Running Buddy again.

11162046_359881630887162_3407774747465282734_o

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

Happy Running! How did your February turn out? Anything exciting planned for March? What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

February 29, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I worked all day at the NYS Bar Exam but managed to squeeze in a short run afterwards. The good news was that I ran on a new route. The bad news was that my legs were pretty tired.

around a college and a country club

Tuesday – Second day at the Bar Exam and a long one it was. My only exercise was walking up and down the halls.

Wednesday – Rain forced me onto the treadmill.

4 miles…hated every minute.

Thursday – Another run after work. It rained all day but luckily it stopped at 6 pm so I didn’t have to get on the treadmill. Afterward walked the mall with my bff.

around the UAlbany campus

Friday – A normal work day followed by an evening of mah jongg. Rest Day!!

Saturday – My 12 mile run was split with running the first 6 with Barbara (who tired me out) and the last 6 with Judy. It was harder than last week but I guess some runs are like that.

Went to a Chinese New Year’s party in the evening – lots of food and drink – well deserved.

quick clean up after my run

Sunday – A picnic at the marina with our boating friends. We celebrated it being only 3 months until Memorial Day.

Mimosas on the lake…anxiously awaiting boating season

On the way home, I dropped my hubby off at tennis and squeezed in a couple of miles before the sun set. It was 55 degrees. I had to do it!!

24 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 8-10 mile run, tea w/Judy

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? How are you coping with winter weather?

February 22, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Had the day off from work and had no excuse not to do my long run. It was 14 degrees, cloudy and I really didn’t enjoy it. But I got it done. In the evening I dragged my weary legs out to play tennis.

Tuesday – Rainy warm day but only had work and tennis on my schedule. Dinner out after tennis, of course.

Wednesday – Squeezed in a run before dinner out with my tennis friends (to celebrate a birthday.)

Thursday – I’ve been coming down with a cold and it finally reared its ugly head so I skipped my run today.

Friday – Still feeling under the weather but managed a slow easy run after work but bailed on a evening of mah jongg (Decided to keep my germs at home.)

Saturday – Rain was predicted and I was trying to get rid of my cold so I postponed my long run until Sunday. I did some housework and a lot of cooking. But the day turned out to be so gorgeous that I took my tissues and went for a long walk.

Sunday – I really just felt like staying in bed and recuperating but that half in 3 weeks was in my thoughts. Judy was nice enough to accompany me on 8 of my 12 miles today. I survived. In fact, I had planned on only 11 and felt good enough to run 12.

loving this warm winter weather

28 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – work at the NYS bar exam, 3 mile run?
Tuesday – rest day, work at the NYS bar exam again
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga
Thursday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday –12 mile run, Chinese New Year’s party
Sunday – rest

I am participating in week 2 of the 2 Week Hop. If you’ve never participated and are interested in not only growing your blog but making new friends, I highly recommend that you join the next time.

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? How are you coping with winter weather?

February 15, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Still in Florida. Went for a nice long walk around Sarasota in the morning with my Sarasota hosts.

Then spent the afternoon with my friend from Placida where we walked around the gardens of the Ringling Museum and had an early dinner on the water.

Tuesday – Got up early to take my last run in Placida. Still cool and windy but not complaining because I would soon be in the frigid NE.

Actually only had time for 3 miles

Met some friends from home for lunch before heading to the airport.

Wednesday – Just a restful work day with a work webinar in the evening & unpacking.

Did not enjoy this view!!

Thursday – Intended to run 4-5 miles but would have frozen to death. Afterward walked the mall with my BFF.

yes, -6 with the wind chill – ouch!

Friday – A 3 mile run in the cold followed by an evening with the mah jongg ladies.

almost felt balmy LOL

Saturday – Too cold to run so instead went a lunch/coloring party with my tennis friends.

lots of fun

Sunday – Again I bailed on my long run. Too cold. Too windy. -30 with the wind chill – I think NOT. I did go out for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner with the hubby.

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9 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. I guess I can call this recovery week (or too cold to run week)!! I am hoping it warms up next week.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – holiday so a day off from work, 10 mile run, tennis.
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out with the tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday –11 mile run
Sunday – rest

Starting today, I am participating in the 2 Week Hop. I will be spotlighted on Wednesday so be sure to stop by then. If you’ve never participated and are interested in not only growing your blog but making new friends, I highly recommend that you join the next time.

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? How are you coping with winter weather?

February 7, 2016 by Darlene

January Recap

january

Weekday Runs:

The weather got colder, windier and snowier (no big storms) but I still was able to run 2-3 times each week.

Long Runs:

In preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I completed higher mileage each weekend.

Total Mileage:

jan16

101!! The most monthly miles in years or maybe ever!

Races:

I ran three races (& DNSed on one). All were part of the the HMRRC Winter Series (and were free.)

35:00 (Gun time)

1:33:13 (course PR)

1:44:10

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I actually went to a yoga class several times.

lheartspaceogo

I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building.)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I also discovered that I can knit while riding the exercise bike so I did that every now and then.

It’s done but I started a new one – maybe too complicated to do on the bike

scarf #2

Other News:

I am a SkirtSports Ambassador Captain for another year. So thrilled to be part of this organization. Love the product and being associated with a great bunch of women.