May 1, 2013 by Darlene

April Update & May Goals

GOALS

Start back at weekly yoga (now that half marathon training is over) – YES, I went every Wednesday!

I even talked a friend into accompanying me

Play tennis once a week – YES, I played every Monday and on 2 Tuesdays.

first half of the month was indoors and this place closed so then it was outdoors at UAlbany

Try to eat healthy (now that half marathon training is over, there is no need to eat a lot and eat often) – YES, I had fruit & yogurt for lunches and salads most nights, even cut back on my nightly ice cream addiction.

Do Planks (I hate to exercise so maybe I can do this for one minute everyday.) – Yes, I did a plank for ONE MINUTE almost eveyday.

Lose some weight. (not a lot – 5-8 lbs – my clothes are tight and it is bugging me.) Even signed up for this challenge from Slowing Tri-ing. YES, I lost 5 lbs but will probably gain it back during my May vacation.

talked my friend into just sharing a cheese board after yoga

Run at least 3 times per week. (at least 3 miles for each run) – YES, I ran three times each week, 3 miles and once a week (if outdoors) even 4 miles.

66 total miles for April

love my Newtons!

Run longer on the weekend (4-6 miles) – YES, I ran at least 5 miles on most weekends (which was difficult with 2 5ks scheduled.)

Spring is finally here! Got to see flowers on my runs.

even wore shorts once or twice

Try to get some speed back in my upcoming races (have 2-3 planned: 5 miler & 2 5Ks). YES, I tried … finished the Lake George 5k in 29:17, Sean’s Run in 30:31 and the Delmar Dash 5 miler in 47:38 (still not as fast I had I hoped.)

crossing the finish line at the Lake George 5K

at least I am smiling! (J. Berkeley photo)

while running the Delmar Dash 5 miler (J. Berkeley photo)

celebrating after Sean’s Run

Do the A-Z Blogging Challenge (it seems pretty easy since you can schedule posts in advance….) – YES, I did not miss a day!! (You can read them all HERE)
Pay attention to my body and do not get injured. (That means not running if there is a sign of injury) – YES, I am still healthy (just a little twinge in the left knee and right heel).

GOALS

Continue to run regularly (outdoors unless it is raining then on the treadmill at work).

this park is near work

Continue to fit in tennis & yoga in my schedule (once per week).
Take a lunch break – we get an hour but I eat at my desk – now that the weather is nice I should go for a walk.

last year, we had a walking contest so I did do it.

Get up early and do some runs before work.

this was a few years ago so I know I can do it.

Eat healthy & keep a reasonable weight.

Soft Serve Ice Cream (esp. coffee) with sprinkles

limit the number of soft ice cream cones consumed

Don’t let my running schedule take over – make time for family and friends (and mentees).

hang out in the park with these guys

Add longer runs on the weekend with the goal being a 10 mile race in June.

the bike paths are the best place to do longer runs

Run at least one race.

this will be my first 5k in a new age group

Run several times during my tennis vacation in Florida.

I did several years ago (last year I was injured) while on vacation in Naples

De-clutter the running gear – go through clothes and get rid of those tops & shorts that don’t fit or I don’t wear.

Yes, I still own that cotton tank & shorts from 2008! I didn’t know what wicking was back then nor can I fit into those shorts.

Happy Running! How was your April? Any interesting goals set for May?

April 8, 2013 by Darlene

#BestRun

Yes, I know this is my 2nd post of the day (and not an A-Z one) but I couldn’t resist doing what Miss Zippy asked – writing about my best run(s).

For me, my best run is not often my fastest. In fact, it is usually not during a race (I am always too worried about time and/or injury to enjoy it to the fullest.)

My best runs always take place during vacations. And in Florida where the sun is shining and views of water are available.

Here a two that come to mind:

#1 took place during my March vacation in Cape Haze, Florida (on the west coast) – it was just a short one as I was tapering for my half. The weather was PERFECT and so was the scenery!!

#2 took place during my January vacation in Holly Hill, Florida (on the east coast). This run was about 6 miles but it was over a bridge and along the water – JUST PERFECT.

I just love vacation runs… in a warm climate near the water. Can I retire soon??

Happy Running! What was your Best Run(s)?

March 21, 2013 by Darlene

First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon After Thoughts

The positives:

My friend Susan said that she may walk this half marathon next year. (Love being inspiring!)
My friends Pat and John have started running again. They ran 1 1/2 miles on Saturday. (Love being a motivator even more.)
I enjoyed myself on vacation and wasn’t as neurotic as I thought I would be about my upcoming race.
I finished with a smile – MY GOAL!
I finished under 2:45 – MY REAL GOAL!
I ran more of it than I thought I would or could.
My feet are no better and no worse.
I want to do another!

The negatives:

My right foot did hurt (and annoyed me) most of the time. (I don’t want to see a dr & have to stop running!)
I secretly wanted to PR. (Doesn’t everyone?)
I am not sure I will or can ever run faster.
Though my ankle did not hurt, I think it does not allow me to run hard.
I walked too much the 2nd half … I used the water stops as an excuse.

All in all, I am happy. I am relieved!

worst race photo ever … this is how I really felt at the end!!

Lessons Learned:

You can accomplish anything you put your mind to. After my broken ankle I didn’t think I could run again. Then when I thought I could, I got a stress fracture. Obviously, I had my doubts about the race but I knew that if I wanted it bad enough, I could do it.
A vacation with friends isn’t the best way to prepare for a race. I spent the day before on the beach (and got sunburned.) I didn’t eat or drink enough. I felt hungry and thirsty throughout the race.
Gu is the best race fuel for me. I ate one before the race, one at mile 4, mile 8, and mile 12. No stomach issues at all. All I drank was water (about 8 cups)
I love scenic races. I love warm weather. I love Florida (in the winter!!!)
It’s great having someone waiting for you at the finish line.
I shouldn’t compare myself as a runner with anyone else. Running is hard. All runners are different. You just have to do your best and give it your all.

More Post Race Pics:

cool fountain at the marina in Sarasota

the view from the condo that Susan & Stanley will be moving to

an artist colony in Sarasota

me & Pat taking a walk on my last day in Cape Haze (notice what shirt I am wearing)

Happy Running! What have you learned about running half marathons?

March 19, 2013 by Darlene

First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon Pre-Race Report

Though I would have preferred to run my half marathon and go on vacation after, that’s not how it worked out. So, of course, the race was on my mind all week. But I did have an enjoyable yet relaxing time.

I arrived in Fort Myers, Fl. on Tuesday and after a tour of the Cape Haze resort where my friends Pat and John now live, we went out to a nice dinner.

John & Pat in their new condo

Pat & I having Florida martinis

view from the restaurant at dinner

On Wednesday, Pat and I went for a walk in a nearby park and then went to a beach in Boca Grande. It wasn’t real warm and was quite windy. But I certainly couldn’t complain. The weather was still winter-like where I live. So after a while, we had lunch at a restaurant on the beach and then drove around the area. The wind died down a bit so we sat by the pool where Pat lives. We went out to dinner, of course. I did a lot of eating on this trip. Who cared… I was gonna run a half marathon soon!

in the park

relaxing in the sun at Boca Grande beach

view from lunch at Boco Grande beach

pretending to miss New York

On Thursday, I thought that I better run a little. So I headed to a pretty neighborhood along the canals for a leisurely 3 miles. Again it was cool and windy so instead of the beach, we went to Venice, walked in and out of the shops and had lunch. We finished the day at the pool again before going out to dinner.

view of the canal during my run

running in a Cape Haze neighborhood

painted turtles & dolphins everywhere in Venice

On Friday, it had warmed up a little so we went to Englewood beach. We couldn’t stay too long because I needed to drive up to Sarasota. But we did have a great lunch out before I left.

Pat & I at Englewood Beach

Love seashells!

lobster bique, frozen chai latte, chicken, apple, cranberry croissant for lunch

Then I drove about an hour to my friend Robin and husband Tom’s rented condo in Sarasota. (My friend Pat was nice enough to loan me her car for the weekend.) The first thing we did was go the pick up my race packet. Always so exciting! Pick up was held at Fit2Run, a running superstore (luckily I did not bring any money!!!)

if you re-arrange the numbers, you get 03-17, the date of the race!

Then we took a walk around The Meadows where they live before getting ready to go to the theater. It was opening night at the Asolo and afterwards there was huge buffet. (The buffet is the reason it is crowded on opening night.)

During our stroll around The Meadows in Sarasota

Tom, Robin & I at the Asolo theatre.

Caviar, smoked salmon, cheese cheese & avocado dip at the buffet

The next day, Saturday, while Robin went to play tennis (I was tempted to play but thought better of it because of the race.) I took a very long walk around the Meadows.

The Meadows – about 7000 condos

an ibis … I also saw alligators, herons, turtles and many different kinds of birds

When she got back, we packed a lunch (yay, no restaurant) and headed to Lido Key beach to meet Susan and her husband Stanley.

Susan, me & Robin at Lido Key beach…can you guess which one of us does not live in Florida??

Watching a wedding taking place at the beach

I could never get tired of looking at this!!!

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and going to a craft fair before of course, going out to dinner. They asked where I wanted to go and I replied “with a water view” so we found a small restaurant on the gulf. The downside was that there was no pasta on the menu. So no carb loading for me for this race.

View: Yes, Pasta: No

After dinner, I took my suitcase to its third location, Susan and Stanley’s condo. It was quite different than the other two. It was in a high rise and seemed more like a hotel. The best thing about it was that it was across the street from the start/end of the race. So we walked there. There were lots of porta-potties set up but not much else. We hung around watching the pelicans driving for food and got to see an awesome sunset over the gulf before turning in early for my 5 am wake up.

Susan & Stanley at the marina…taking a walk & waiting for sunset

Waiting for dinner…

sun setting over the Gulf

Almost down…

Race report in my next post.

Happy Running! Hoping we get spring weather at some point. Are you getting a snowstorm today?

March 12, 2013 by Darlene

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Vitamin D Part 3

Yep, I am leaving Albany, NY today (where it is raining & chilly) and flying to Fort Myers, Florida (where I hope it will be sunny & warm.)

I will be playing catch up with my good friend Pat for a few days who now lives in Placida.

Pat is on the right. We started running together. I hope to motivate her to start up again.

Then I plan to drive up to Sarasota to visit another friend, Robin (who is renting a condo there for the winter).

Robin is on the right. She plays tennis & I play mah jongg with her.

I will do dinner & show with her Friday and stay at her place. On Saturday, she is playing tennis, then mah jongg. I plan to go to the beach.

Siesta Key beach is calling me!!

Afterwards, I will probably pick up my race packet and then head to my mah jongg friend, Susan. Susan owns a condo in Sarasota that is located across the street from the start/finish line. (She has since sold it and is moving to another on April 1 – boy did I luck out!!)

So Sunday morning, I can walk to the race and then limp back afterwards wearing this:

I will most likely spend the rest of the day at the pool or beach before heading back to Placida.

I fly home to Albany on Monday. Hopefully when I arrive the snow will be gone…

Happy Running! Full race report when I return…

March 10, 2013 by Darlene

Getting Ready!

EVENT DETAILS:

Sunday, Mar. 17, 2013
7:00 am Start (B-Tag timing)
Start/Finish at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

I am lucky!! One of the women that I play mah jongg with on Fridays eves owns a condo that is across the street from the start/finish of the race. She was supposed to be moving but it has been delayed until April 1 and she invited me to stay with her!!! One less thing to worry about.

COURSE INFO:

The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay Race features a fast and scenic course filled with Personal Record (PR) opportunities for both runners and walkers.

Yes, I have been to Sarasota and it is beautiful. But I know that you have to run across the bridge which is uphill and windy and then back over the bridge again so it will not be fast for the first 5 miles. Hopefully, it’ll get easier after that. (I am not looking for a PR in this race anyway!)

RUNNER & WALKER FRIENDLY EVENT:

Truly walker friendly with the course open for 4 hours (approximate 18 minutes/mile pace), allowing all ages and experience levels to take part in the fun-filled activities throughout the event.

Even I can handle that pace. If my foot and/or ankle starts to hurt a lot and I have to walk, I know that I will finish under 4 hours and get my MEDAL. No pressure!

RACE PERKS:

All participants receive a gender specific tech t-shirt, giant finisher’s medal, goodie bag, aid stations with Lemon-Lime Gatorade, medical support, a post-race refueling party sponsored by First Watch Restaurants (including Siesta Key Cocktails for all participants) and awards ceremony.

Who can argue with that? Sounds perfect! Provided that the weather cooperates. No rain, please!

RACE GOALS??

Pretty Simple: FINISH with a smile on my face!!

Happy Running! Ever run a race with NO FINSH TIME GOALS??

January 29, 2013 by Darlene

Too Early to Plan 2014?

I was playing with InstaCollage and missing the warm weather and my friends in Florida.

So I started looking for races near their new house.

they hope to buy this amazing house in Flagler Beach

Guess what I found?

HALF MARATHON TRAVERSES BEAUTY OF PALM COAST

On Sunday, January 5th, hundreds of runners will participate in a rigorous event that will cross a magnificent route that invigorates the soul as well as the body.

The City of Palm Coast will host its annual Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk and one mile Fun Run on January 5th, 2014, beginning at 8:00 a.m. All events will take runners/walkers through the natural beauty and peace that has become Palm Coast’s trademark: the interpretive preservation areas of Linear Park/St. Joe Walkway trails; the exciting Intracoastal Waterway and canals; the beautiful beaches.

The 4th Annual Palm Coast Half Marathon, 5K and Fun Run has the same start and finish – the World Class Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Florida as the 2103 race.

Event Schedule:

8:00 a.m. – Half Marathon
8:15 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk
9:45 AM- 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
10:00 a.m. – 5K Awards Presentation
11:00 a.m. – Half Marathon Awards Presentation

RACE HIGHLIGHTS:

Half Marathon / 5K / Fun Run
Chip Timing
Tech Shirts to Half-Marathon Runners
Commemorative T-Shirts to 5K Fun Runners
Post Race Celebration featuring Music & Refreshments
Finisher Medals to Half-Marathoners
ALL Events open to Walkers
Hydration stations, medical support throughout the course
Results printed online

FINISH LINE CELEBRATION: Once you cross the finish line, the real fun begins. Join with friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment with refreshments and live music!

Blog posts about this race –

http://www.fit2flex.com/2013/01/palm-coast-half-marathon.html

http://bostonorbust330.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/palm-coast-half-marathon-starting-the-new-year-on-the-right-fast-foot/

Only 153 runners competed in 2013. With such a small field, I could be running alone. I could finish last.

But I REGISTERED!!! (It was only $40 so if I don’t go, I won’t be losing that much $.)

Happy Running? Anyone else plan this far ahead??

January 25, 2013 by Darlene

The Non-Running Vacation Post

Yes, running everyday in shorts along the river was the best part of my vacation. (Sorry Mary Ann & Bob.)

To be fair, my hosts were great and we did a lot of fun things.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I love to have a vacation with FIRSTS:

first time climbing to the top of a lighthouse
first carriage ride
first time seeing manatees up close
first time running over a bridge (next time will be my Half marathon)

Now it is back to reality.

yesterday morning

Happy Running! How are you dealing with the cold? Do you run outside?

January 24, 2013 by Darlene

Vitamin D Part 2 = Best Vacation Ever

Daytona Beach, Fla in the summer (it was not this warm when I was there)

Last year our best boating friends moved to Daytona Beach. My hubby & I decided to visit them for a few days. (Since we are closed for Martin Luther King Day, I only had to take 2 days more off from work).

me, my hubby with Fla friends Mary Ann & Bob upon our arrival

Of course, this was not convenient in terms of my half marathon training schedule but I tried to be flexible. (I brought running shoes, just in case).

20.25 miles with views of the river or ocean

Why was this the best vacation ever??

In addition to climbing to the top of two lighthouses, going out to dinner and/or lunch everyday, seeing umpteen alligators on an airboat ride, seeing umpteen manatees in a blue spring/sanctuary, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in the oldest city in the US, seeing the sunrise over the ocean and the sunset over the river…. I RAN EVERYDAY!!!

Our friends live in Holly Hill, Florida, a block from the Halifax River and 4 miles from the ocean. The first day I ran south toward the Seabreeze Bridge and back.

runeast

The path is paved and along the river with many parks along the way.

photo stop at one of the docks in the park

The second day I went in the other direction (north) and back. I wanted to run over the Granada bridge and to the ocean. The road is very similar as running south.

However, the distance to the bridge was farther than I thought (remember I am not running everyday…haha…the weather was too perfect to follow my injury-free running plan!!) so I turned around after crossing the bridge.

someone took my pic to prove that I duid run over the bridge.

someone took my pic to prove that I did run over the bridge (you can see the ocean in the distance).

On the third day, I ran the same direction as the first day but decided to run over the Seabreeze Bridge and back. The distance was little shorter than the previous day but it was quite windy.

as you can see it was a cool day but who can complain (60 rather 10 degrees)

On my last day, I ran toward the Granada bridge and back but not over it as I had to get back to pack for my return to FRIGID Albany, NY.

sunshine has returned...bumped into Bob 7 my hubby walking the dogs

sunshine had returned… even bumped into Bob & my hubby walking the dogs

So I was in running heaven!!! The river views, no traffic, wearing shorts, no schedule…just run when and where I wanted and as far as I wanted (6 miles is my limit with 7 scheduled for this weekend.) I was a little worried about running 4 days in a row but I took it easy and I feel great.

Our hosts were so easy-going. They did their errands in the morning and we were both ready to embark on our daily adventure around 11 am. (I’ll post more vacation/non-running pics soon.)

Stay tuned for Vitamin D – Part 3 – March 12-18 and my attempt at a HALF MARATHON!!!!!

Happy Running!

January 18, 2013 by Darlene

Back to Normal

It is cold and there is snow on the ground. That is normal (unfortunately.)

But the good news is:

Indoors, of course. And I won both both sets!!

I played tennis…doubles in my Monday tennis contract for the first time since Oct 1. I don’t get the same endorphins as with running but I had fun and it’s good exercise.

This was on the car next to mine in the restaurant parking lot …was it a hint?

I ran twice this week (Tues & Thurs) !! Four miles on dry land and 6 miles on snowy/icy/clear streets. I had dinner plans on Thurs but my friend agreed to wait until I was done running. So I parked at the restaurant and headed downtown for 3 miles.

Albany Corning Tower & the Egg at night

Not an easy run. It was downhill on the way out and dark (and ended up in a not too safe area) and of course, uphill & windy on the way back. But I definitely enjoyed my dinner more after this run.

I rode the stationary bike during lunch twice (Wed & Fri.) — watched Private Practice & Grey’s Anatomy on my iPad.

Wed Yoga with Lisa (yes, that’s me on the right.

I went to YOGA for the first time since I broke my ankle in Dec 2011. I used to go every week but have hesitated to start due to my ankle and then due to my foot. I really enjoy it and find it relaxing. My ankle is still stiff which makes me clumsy but the instructor is so supportive. Love her! vacation