Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Here’s what I’m thinking about today…
Happy Running! I am not. I am ON VACATION! Woo Hoo!
vacation
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
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?
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
Friday Five: Enjoying a Race-cation
Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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!
I love racing and I love traveling so my “misc.” topic for this Friday is Five Ways to Enjoy a Race-cation.
Well, I do do this several times a year and I just got back from one, so here are my tips:
- Throw Your Diet Out the Window
I know you want to eat healthy and you have a race planned. But limiting what you can eat and/or drink is NO FUN!
martini #1
martini #2
I am not a big drinker. I rarely drink except for special occasions. But isn’t a race-cation a special occasion?
Homemade rum raisin ice cream = JOY
best bread pudding ever!!! so worth the calories!
I don’t eat sweets at home but on vacations, I like to splurge. I did run 131. miles, right?
2. Squeeze in a run or two.
Yes, you are tapering. But you’ll be testing out the weather conditions and it will help you relax.
I pretended that it was warm enough to wear a tank during my race…I was wrong.
I also like to take a short run as a recovery.
It’s also an excuse to wear your race shirt.
3. Take lots of walks to explore the area and enjoy your new scenery.
You can’t run all the time. Especially if you with others who do not share your love of running. So I like to find places to visit where I can walk, such as beaches.
walking along the beach in Boca Grande
walking along the beach in Anna Maria Island
walking tour of downtown Sarasota
walking through the Ringling Museum grounds
Or I just get up early and go for a walk by myself.
walk to the grocery store
4. Plan activities that you enjoy.
It’s not just a race. It’s also a vacation. I love art, animals, gardens, lighthouses, beaches and sunsets. Luckily my hosts usually like these things too.
It’s even beautiful when it’s windy & cold.
Chihuly exhibit – perfect for a rainy day.
millennial tree path at the Ringling grounds
visiting the Boca Grande lighthouse
lots of bird watching ops
sunset over the Gulf – awesome
5. Be flexible.
Plans often go awry.
There’s the weather, of course. Schedule changes. Transportation problems. I’ve encountered them all.
Bring something to do during down time such as knitting or a book to read.
Pack an umbrella…
Unexpected guests arrive – so you go out to lunch…
Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying race-cations?
Friday Five: Race-cation Tips
Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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!
I love racing and I love traveling so my “fitness” topic for this Friday is Five Tips for Taking a Race-cation
Well, I do do this several times a year so here are my tips:
- Plan early.
Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends’ place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, friend?)
It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.
trained for this race together and/or roomed together.
2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.
I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all in advance because as we know, the weather forecasts will change. And the forecast is not always accurate. So bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.
I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.
3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.
I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee/tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.) I also pack energy bars in case I need a snack the day before.
4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.
Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me twice.) And you will have time to get used to the weather or altitude by doing a test run.
From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!
5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.
Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!
Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.
and why should you??
Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations?
Unltimate Coffee Date – February
Over coffee or tea…
I’d tell you that I am in Florida right now. I am visiting my friend Pat who lives in Placida (on the Gulf coast between Ft. Myers & Sarasota) with another friend Fran.
Two of my other tennis friends just happened to be in Naples so we planned a meet up for yesterday.
Over coffee or tea…
I’d tell you that my 17th half marathon is tomorrow. (You probably know that.) I am nervous as usual.. The usual stuff – weather, parking, unexpected injuries… But most of all, I am excited to be running and to have escaped the frigid temps of the NE for a few days.
- 20+ bands (most you’ll pass twice!)
- Gourmet post-race brunch provided by Mattison’s
- Selby Gardens Spectator Zone
- Girl Scout Cookie Aid Station™
- Beautiful neighborhoods and lawn parties
- Wicked cool participation Medal and T-shirts
- Rockin Music, crowds and tons of fun!
It should be fun!!!
Over coffee or tea…
I’d tell you that I love being healthy enough to run 13.1 mile races. My next race is for an important cause and I am running it for a friend who has had breast cancer.
But I wish I had more time between races. With only 5 weeks apart means that I don’t have a break from double digit long runs. 10, 11, 12, 8, and then 13.1
Living in the NE, it is tough doing the miles. We have escaped snow so far but who knows…
It snowed during last year’s race.
Over coffee or tea…
I would tell you that I am excited to be running the VCM Relay again with AJH. It used to be a lottery but this year for the first time, it was first come, first served so I clicked in at 5:59 on Feb 1 and GOT IN!!
Over coffee or tea…
I am planning my spring race schedule (I’ll post about it on Tuesday.) There are so many races to choose from…. I love to race and I am tempted to run one every weekend. But this makes it hard to train for half marathons? Decisions…Decisions…
Happy Running! What would you tell me over coffee or tea?
Monday Running Update
Last Week:
- Monday – It was a beautiful night for a run. It actually felt balmy compared to Saturday (high 30s and no wind).
- Tuesday – Today was just normal work day with tennis afterward. I finished my scarf and started a new one. But I think the lace pattern is too complicated to do while on the exercise bike. (Third World Problem LOL)
- Wednesday – A short run after work before my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies. I wanted run during the day in the sunshine but it was so windy that I waited.
Look! It’s still light outside.
These dinners out wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t order dessert but I did!!
- Thursday – I took a short work in the morning at work because the sun was out (but it didn’t last though.) Again my social life interfered with my running. I had to squeeze in my after work run because I was having dinner out with a co-worker.
Blue sky! Sun, I caught you.
so pretty
- Friday – Besides a quick walk to Starbucks, it was a true rest day followed by an evening of mah jongg at my house.
snow!!!!
- Saturday – Second rest day in a row. I filled my time with an hair appt, nail appt and lots of errands.
- Sunday – Today I participated in HMRRC’s Winter Series #5’s 10 mile race. I really only wanted to run 8 miles but the other choices were to race 4 miles or 20 miles. So it was fast but I got it done and had fun.
21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.
This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #17 – TAPER TIME)
- Monday – rest, tennis
- Tuesday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
- Wednesday – run?, pack!
- Thursday – Fly to Florida
- Friday – rest, run??
- Saturday -rest, packet pick up
- Sunday – Sarasota Music Half Marathon
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 ?
Thinking Out Loud Thursday – Caffeine and Sunshine
So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Here’s what I’m thinking today…
CAFFEINE…
In August 2013, I decided to give up alcohol and caffeine. Crazy, right?
The story is that I am a terrible sleeper – it’s has to be dark, quiet, comfortable & I need a book. Even then, I sometimes can’t sleep. Somewhere I read that it would help to eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
It was really difficult to give up coffee. I LOVE COFFEE.
Then there’s energy gels. Most have caffeine, right? So I had to limit myself to rootbeer & peanut butter GUs.
Did my running suffer? Not that I noticed.
Did my sleeping improve?? Hard to say. Sometimes yes and sometimes no.
Little by little, I have been cheating by having decaf Starbucks lattes and an occasional glass of wine or mixed drink. I have even bought salted caramel and caramel macchiato GUs.
But for some reason, this week I have been feeling the need for CAFFEINE!!! I mean like I crave it. I feel so sluggish at work.
So twice, I’ve gone to Starbucks and bought a Flat White. (Today could make it 3 times.)
It was great. I started to feel better and I felt so much more energetic after work. And I had great runs.
Am I going back to caffeine?
Not yet… but maybe soon.
I NEED SUNSHINE!!!
Maybe it’s not the caffeine that I need but the sun!! It’s been cloudy for weeks and even if it is sunny, I work inside and it’s dark when I go out to run.
I went for a short walk today…because the sky was blue and the sun was out. It was cold and windy but you can’t have everything.
And then after work when I run, it will look like above ….dark!! But at least I did get to feel the sun on my face for a few moments today.
ONE WEEK!
Yes, one week from day, I will be flying to Florida!! It’s too soon to trust the weather forecasts.
half marathon on Feb 7.
I am just hoping for SUNSHINE!!
Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?
My Stay-cation – Part II
In a previous post, I mentioned that I was busier on vacation than when I worked.
Well, eventually things calmed down. I was determined to relax a bit before returning to work.
Day 5:
The day started with a cold 5 mile run with Barbara (who motivated to up my pace) on the paved rail trail.
Afterward, I went shopping and bought myself some toys: wool, a puzzle and some coloring books and stayed home for the evening.
Day 6:
Since the weather was nasty, I stayed home and cleaned out the refrigerator, started knitting a lace infinity scarf, started my puzzle and did some coloring. In fact, I didn’t get dressed until it was time to leave to play tennis. Staying home to me is very strange but it felt therapeutic.
Day 7:
I did a lot more knitting while waiting for my car to be done and then ran 5 miles on a surprisingly clear bike path. Afterwards, I walked around the mall and bought things that I didn’t really need but bought cause they were on sale. (Does anyone else do that?) I was planning on either yoga or a movie but decided to stay home for the 2nd night this week. (Am I becoming a homebody?)
didn’t go this way
phew -they cleared it this direction
ducks hanging out in the cold river
Day 8:
Another day of cleaning and playing with my new toys.
But since it was New Year’s Eve, my hubby & I went out to dinner and then to a movie (Spotlight). I stayed up until midnight (cause I always do) watching TV and drinking eggnog.
Day 9:
I spent a lazy morning and then ran a (free) 3.5 mile race which started at noon. I saw a lot of runners that I knew and it was fun.
After the race, I decided to run some more… it was Friday and I was on vacation. What else would I do?
I ran around campus and even discovered a new trail.
Even saw my first snowflakes.
Afterwards, I did some errands and then went out to play mah jongg.
Ok, so this day was not so restful.
Day 10:
Lot’s of cooking then errands and then yes, relaxing!!! But in the evening, my hubby wanted to go see a movie and so we did. I wouldn’t recommend The Hateful Eight unless you like lots of blood and gore!!
Day 11:
My last day of vacation and a long run. I decided to go to the Corning Bike Trail since I hadn’t run there in a while. Unfortunately, the weather turned colder but it was still bearable considering what is predicted for the next few days.
a cloudy day but not as windy or cold as I had feared.
I had planned on 5.5 miles before meeting Judy but I was early so I ran 6 miles,
got work on the timer thing
Then I ran 3.5 miles with Judy starting in the opposite direction.
It’s great to have company on those boring long runs
Then ran another .5 miles for a whopping total of 10 miles.
And so it was over.
This is my only stay-cation of the year.
I take days off during the year but it’s always to go somewhere or do something.
Happy Running! Do you take stay-cations? Or do you take off work to go away?
My Busy Stay-cation: Parties, Running, Movies…
This is my fourth day of my vastaycation. And until today the weather has been great.
Here’s how things have gone so far…
Day 1:
I ran 5 miles on the paved rail trail…
cloudy…but so warm that
…I wore a skirt and a tank. Yes on Dec 24!!
festive outfit?
That afternoon, the hubby & I went to see Star Wars and then out to dinner afterwards for a quiet Christmas Eve.
Day 2:
After opening gifts, I went to visit my mentee, Amanda. I love spoiling her kids for Christmas
Richard is 9
Matthew is 4
my “pseudo” family
Later, I visited a friend and then went to see The Danish Girl with my running friend Judy. (That’s what Jews do on Christmas LOL)
In the evening, my hubby & I went to have Christmas dinner at my mother-in-law’s with my 2 stepsons, my brother-in-law, my sister-in-law and her hubby. Lasagna, meatballs, sausage, the whole nine yards… so stuffed!!!!
After dinner, we went to my BFF’s to visit and see her daughter who was home from CA.
Day 3:
I needed to run off all that food. It wasn’t as warm as Christmas Eve but it was still warm for this time of year (high 40’s). So I ran 2 miles on the Nisky Bike Path
…and then ran 6 more miles with Judy.
It was a really nice run and I enjoyed running with a friend instead of by myself.
Judy made me look fast here. Thanks!
After my run, I rushed home to go to movie #3, Joy with 3 tennis friends.
In the evening, I took Amanda out for a belated birthday celebration to Canvas, Corks & Forks.
Here you eat as much as you want of 4 types of mac n cheese, drink and also paint…
my drink = chocolate wine
in progress
our finished masterpieces
After all that mac n cheese, we still went out after for dessert!!
Day 4:
A little bit of catch up today – laundry, cooking, cleaning before going out AGAIN tonight.
My hubby also put up my Christmas present (that I picked out for myself)..
the bottom row – distances other than half marathon and some of my age group medals not all fit)
with the top row of half marathon medals – I left room on the right for the Sarasota Music Half on Feb 7, 2016!)
I love the medal rack…but if I designed I would have had the back row fall lower so those medals wouldn’t be hidden.
As you can see I am already out of space. (What do you avid racers do with all your medals??)
Tonight is my annual tennis party – games, gift giving and lots more food.
photo from last year
It is rainy and nasty today but I plan to do some running tomorrow!!! I know I can’t run off all those extra calories but I can try…
So far, I haven’t had a chance to relax…
Happy Running! Anyone else busier when they are off from work than when they work?
My First 5K and More... 