January 13, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Where would I love to go this winter? Where do I dream about racing?

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 Dream Vacations or Winter Destinations

For a Winter Destination, of course, it would have to be someplace warm and a place that has a half marathon:

1. Key West, FL.

I have always wanted to go to Key West. (I mean, I am a Parrothead lol) and I’ve heard that this January Half has a beautiful course.

2. New Orleans, LA

I was in NOLA years ago for a conference and loved it – the food, the language, the atmosphere and it would be cool to go back and run this race. (I did sign up for this March race but just can’t afford it this year.)

3. Bermuda

Blue skies, blue water, white sands…ahhh!

4. San Diego, CA

sdhm

I also visited San Diego for a conference and thought it was the perfect city to live.

5. Puerto Rico

Image result for divas half peurto rico

Who doesn’t like an all women’s race where it is warm?

Now for Dream Vacations, that would involve more travel (and again, there would have to be a race involved):

1. Paris

This is my favorite city in the world and I haven’t been there in many years. I love everything about the French culture.

2. Alaska

I’d love to take a cruise there. I’ve heard wonderful things about Alaska.

3. Hawaii

Another place that seems so beautiful that I want to experience it in person.

4. African Safari

I love animals!!! Lions, Tigers, Giraffes….oh my!

5. Iceland or Vietnam

I’d love to visit either or both.

Iceland

Vietnam

I’m not sure I’ll get to any of these places but a girl can DREAM!

Happy Running! So where do you dream about going this winter or anytime?

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!

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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.

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Happy Running! What are you looking forward to in 2017?

December 31, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap

10 Things We Love The Most About December

Where has the time gone?. I can’t believe that it is almost 2017. Wasn’t it just December 1?.

Anyway, here’s how December went down:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a December. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s now dark when I get out of work.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was injured. Alyssa was busy and I was in Florida for 5 days.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

There were none! Just a half marathon!! Taking a break until mid-January.

Total Mileage:

I ran 69 miles this month – My lowest monthly total of the year. But I did run over 1000 miles for the year!! Woo Hoo! For the first time ever.

Started out the year with my highest monthly total and ended with the lowest. LOL

2016

Races:

I only ran two races this month – a half marathon and a 5k.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

I was generally happy with how they buth went. I won my age group in the half marathon and the 5k was just pure fun.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors now.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I actually went to workout at the gym ONCE!! Just I know – shocker!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall or to get a Starbucks coffee.

Other News:

I went on the most awesome Girls Weekend Race-cation. #HoLottaFun

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

: karaoke & laughs

I also spend a day in NYC taking in all the holiday sights.

I spent time with Amanda (my mentee).

There was a lot of holiday partying and eating but I won’t get into that.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is not until March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here when it gets cold.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

01-01-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
01-15-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 10K
01-29-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
02-05-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M

All these races are FREE!!

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

December 2, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Girls Weekend Race-cation

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.

I have traveled to California and Vermont to run a half marathon with one friend. I have also spent a weekend in Philly with 4 other women to run a half marathon and it was so much fun.

Spoiler Alert: I am currently in Panama City Beach with 7 other awesome women and tomorrow we will be running a half marathon together!!!!!!!!!!!!!

raceaddict
My topic for today is Five Reasons to Take a Girls Weekend Race-cation.

1. Training Support

Heidi, Adrienne & 1 training together for March 2014 race weekend in Philly

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

sharing some miles with Judy

In addition to local blogger Judy, I have connected with and supported my other partners in crime for this weekend’s race through blogging, Instagram and FB.

2. Cost Savings

Lisa & Andrea – my roommates whom I had never met before the weekend in Philly

It is definitely cheaper to share a room with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

This time, Holly has graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person. Thank you Holly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. Visiting New Places

even in the rain, we visited all the sites of Philly

I love to travel and explore new cities. I have never been to Panama City Beach or this part of Florida. I am especially looking forward to beach views and sunsets.

source

4. Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

the Philly group – Andrea, Adrienne, Lisa, Heidi, me (& Heidi’s hubby)

I have raced most of my half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the one in Philly (in spite of the rain). We went to the expo together, carb loaded the night before, lined up at the start and met after the race to debrief.

I am sure the same will be true this weekend and I expect it to be totally awesome!!

5. Forging New Friendships

Andrea & I at VCM relay

The Philly group has kept in touch on Facebook. I have bumped into Andrea at several races. We had planned another race-cation with Lisa but ZOOMA Cape Cod got cancelled. We still hope that another will happen in the future.

I can’t wait to share everything that happens with my NEW FRIENDS this weekend in Panama City Beach!!!

( Maybe not everything – What happens in Panama City Beach stays in Panama City Beach, right?)

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation?

September 23, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Missing The Old Job

It’s Friday so I am 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!

If you read my blog, you know that I was laid off from my job after 10 years and now I have a new one.

My Friday Topic is Five Reasons I Miss My Old Job. That is the running related reasons.

1. The treadmill

dreadmill

Ok. I hate the treadmill. But it was really convenient to have one in the building to squeeze in a lunchtime run and after work, if it were raining or too icy to run outdoors.

Now, I have to drive to my free gym. There’s one at work but you have to pay to use it. 😦

2. Nearby Running Routes

along the lake in the park

I was fortunate to work near a beautiful park and many city neighborhoods.

annual Tulips in the park

Now I work near an outdoor shopping center and some main roads.

Now I have to drive to nearby UAlbany to run around the campus.

3. The Track

The track was another nearby place to run during lunch or after work. It was great for speed workouts or just when you wanted a surface easy on the feet.

Now I have to drive to run on a college or high school track. (And I doubt that I will.)

4. Running during lunch

I used to have my own office plus an hour for lunch. Especially when it wasn’t so hot, I would change into my running clothes and go for a run during lunchtime.

Now I have a cubicle and only 1/2 hour for lunch. It is convenient to walk around the shopping center (where there is a Starbucks) but that’s about it. My running is now done after work unless I drag myself out of bed in the morning. (I also go to work an hour earlier.)

5. Running Conversations

selfie with a professor & the Dean after the Freihofer’s 5K

Where I used to work, there were so many staff and faculty who were runners. We participated in races together (Corporate Challenge and Charity Races) and kept up-to-date on each other’s successes (and injuries.) I even inspired two co-workers to start running.

Race for the Cure team

** Enough time off for race-cations.

race-cation in Sarasota, FL

In my old job, I got 6 weeks off plus 2 weeks at Christmastime. I used to take at least two race-cations each year in addition to Fridays off to run some NYC races.

Now, I only get 3 weeks off per year (and nothing for the first 6 mos.)

** I also miss the PEOPLE, the things I did for my job, the salary and the benefits!!!

Not to be a Debbie Downer, there are some positives:

I had 12 weeks off this summer – PAID!! I was able to do a lot of hiking, running, boating and playing tennis.
I don’t have to worry anymore about finding a job, earning a paycheck and having health insurance.
I am learning new things.
I am meeting new people.
I will travelling around NYS for my job. Hopefully I will get to squeeze in some runs in some new places.

Happy Running! What would you miss if you changed jobs?

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 28, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions May – the Vacation Edition

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

My Naples, Fl. vacation was wonderful but

I runfess…

I am usually good about resting and taking care of my body but I RAN 7 DAYS IN A ROW during my vacation. I couldn’t help it. The freedom of not having to rush off to work…. Everyday I ran (though slow and with walk breaks) at least 3 miles in a different Naples neighborhood. I got up earlier than I do when I go to work (and of course, went to bed late every night so I am currently suffering from a vacation hangover!!!)

I runfess…

I recently suffered from tennis elbow. The pain has left since I put new strings on my racquet but I was planning on being cautious. Still I played tennis (doubles) for at least one hour 7 DAYS IN A ROW and also took a tennis lesson 4 of those days after playing doubles. It was great. It made me remember why I love the game.

snapseed

I runfess…

All my healthy eating habits (did I have any??) went out the window. Breakfast was oatmeal & tea and lunch was yogurt and fruit but we went out to dinner every night. I had dessert…always. It was worth every calorie.

shrimp & crab roll

shrimp & grits!

best key lime pie ever!

chocolate martini – yum!

I runfess…

I love the SUN!!! I know it’s bad for your skin and ages you but I feel and look better with a tan. (And yes, I do use sunscreen but only 15 SPF.) At least I was blessed that I don’t burn easily. We went to the beach 6 times and the pool twice. So happy was I!!!!!!!

the water was 85 degrees – heavenly

I runfess…

I have a half marathon tomorrow. I did not do ANY long runs to train. 5 weeks ago I ran a half marathon and 3 weeks ago, I ran a 15k but that was it. And while on vacation, I didn’t care. I could have run. I had the time. It was hot & humid and I wanted to play tennis with my friends. I will probably regret my lack of training. Oh well. Sometimes other things trump running.

late night at the Monkees concert

another late night – dinner at a comedy club

dinner & drinks at the Ritz to watch the sun set – the best time!!

boat ride to see the dolphins and we saw so many!!!!

even though the movie starred Ryan Gosling, it was awful

Naples Botanical gardens – so beautiful!!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess? Do all your healthy routines vanish during vacations?

May 23, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – The warm weather has left. It was chilly and so windy. I walked to the park to catch my last glimpse of the tulips

After work, I went to my last Freihofer Challenge Training group run. On the schedule was 800m repeats. I’ve never done more 400m so I was hesitant but I did it. 6 of them!! It was tough but I know it was good for me. My fastest was 4:01 and my slowest 4:20. Most of them were around 4:10 which is a 8:20 pace. Not that I could run that for more than a mile.

Tuesday – A little warmer today but cloudier and muggy. I had time for a short run because after work, I needed to go home to pack and prepare for my 3 am wake up the next morning.

Wednesday – Got up at 3 am for an early flight to Florida. We arrived without any issues. We started off our vacation with a wonderful lunch. Then spent the afternoon relaxing at the pool. In the evening, we went to a concert…lots of fun.

so nostalgic

Thursday – I got up early for a steamy run. Then I played tennis which was followed by a tennis lesson. As we always do, we packed a lunch and headed to the beach. In the evening, we went out to another lovely dinner.

post lesson pic

Friday – Today was pretty much a repeat of Thursday except we went out to a Comedy Club for dinner. Another awesome day.

dinner at a comedy club

Saturday – Another vacation day in Florida – running, playing tennis, tennis lesson, beach. For dinner, we went to the Ritz (yes, the Ritz!!) and watched the sunset over the Gulf.

living the good life…

Sunday – Running and playing tennis but instead of a tennis lesson today, we drove to Marco Island to take a boat ride – saw umpteen dolphins, walked along a private beach and then had dinner on the water.

slower everyday but still lovely

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19.5 miles done with 6 runs and 1 rest day.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #20 – Taper Time)

Monday – Wednesday – running, tennis, sunning, fun with friends
Thursday – rest
Friday – STEM run, mah jongg
Saturday – drive to VT, VCM expo, pasta dinner
Sunday – VCM Relay (13.1 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? Did you have a nice Mother’s 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.