December 26, 2016 by Darlene

Running Update 12.19.16-12.25.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another cold day and I was glad that it was a rest day. Played tennis (indoors) in the evening and then finished my Christmas shopping.
Tuesday – Had another holiday work gathering with lots of food. Went for a lunchtime walk (around the outdoor shopping plaza – my nature trail is ice covered) and then after work, I met Alyssa for a run through the lights in the park. It was freezing but still nice to catch up since we hadn’t run together in weeks.

Wednesday – Believe it or not, I went to the gym. I met my former co-worker there and then we went out to dinner.

Thursday– The day started out snowy but then it warmed up and I had a nice evening run. Even ran one of my miles with two speedy ARE runners.

Friday – A scheduled rest day. A walk at lunch and then spent the evening home wrapping gifts.

Saturday – I had to wait until the sleet/freezing rain stopped to get in my run (but not enough time to get the whole run in.)

a little chilly when the wind picked up but at least the ice had melted on the Rail Trail

Then we went to a Christmas Party hosted by one of our boating friends.

Spent Christmas Eve with Amanda and her sons driving through the lights in the park and then exchanging gifts.

Of course, it was also the first night of Chanukah.

Sunday – continued the run that I began the day before heading to my MIL’s to have dinner with family.

a perfect day for a run – ran in the opposite direction on the Rail Trail and in town

16 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – rest day, dinner and movie with BFF
Tuesday – 3 mile run, tennis, dinner out
Wednesday –4 mile run
Thursday – rest day, hair appt
Friday – 3-4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, NYE celebrating
Sunday – 3.5 mile race + 3 more

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

April 14, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: STEM, Racing, Injuries, Work, etc.

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today…

STEM

Yesterday was my second week volunteering with a Couch to 5k program for women who are survivors of domestic violence.

This relates to yesterday’s post about being judgmental. For the past two sessions, the women have been newbie runners and not very competitive. They were so excited to have finished a 5k race. So I used to run before or after the group run to keep up my training pace.

I assumed that this session would be the same. The women last week were more enthusiastic. This week, however, there were two new women. I was paired up with one. Well, she has run before and she is fast. In fact, this will be a good workout for me. And the other new woman was even faster. She may have been an elite runner in her country.

She doesn’t speak English well but guess where she is from??

PARIS!!!

Woo Hoo! We were both thrilled to be able to speak French together. Mine is a little rusty but I did teach high school French for 22 years!

So far we are only running 1 1/2 minutes at a time but I think I will not be able to slack off this session.

Racing

I race every weekend. But I do not have one scheduled this weekend. It feels so strange that I almost signed up for one in Saratoga on Saturday.

Luckily Denise (Judy‘s friend) will run 10 miles with me on Sunday for my last long run before my half marathon.

I will try to refrain from running that 5k. (No promises.)

Tennis Elbow

The good: it doesn’t affect my running. The bad: it’s not any better. But like any athlete, I took ibuprofen, taped it and wore a band and then played tennis.

The good: it didn’t affect my tennis. The bad: it’s not any better.

Work

I am walking EVERYDAY!! I started out with a 100 mile goal but I upped it to a lofty 400.

mmm

I usually walk to the park (with a stop at Starbucks). Yesterday, I walked to the library to return a book.

Next Half Marathon

It’s on April 24 (in 10 days) and I am not really stressing about it. Is it because it’s #19? Or because I know the route and it is very HILLY. Sometimes it’s a relief to know that you will not get a PR.

I plan to enjoy the race. I hope that it is nice weather and I can hang out by the lake afterwards.

The picture below is the view from the start & finish line (in 2011).

starting/finish line

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today?

April 4, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – A cold, rainy, dreary day but at least the rain stopped so I decided to go to my Freihofer Challenge Group Run. Then as soon as we started running, it started to pour. It rained for the entire run and stopped when we were done.

Tuesday – No rain but lots of wind. I left work early to meet my GOTR running buddy (Jayme, age 11) & then attended the GOTR orientation. Afterwards, I walked the mall with my BFF who just returned from a month in FL. (Got my 10k steps in!!)
Wednesday – A busy work day (and giving day). Still had time for a walk and a group pic.

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My monthly dinner with tennis friends got cancelled (too many were sick ). Instead I ran in the park and yes, I ran up a hill (a few times.)

Thursday -Another rest day but I did go for a walk during work. Ate dinner out. This time Thai food with two co-workers.
Friday – We started this at work today. My goal is 100 miles this month (walking + running):

MMM_VertLogo_2016_forweb_copy

At lunch we had a fun kick-off event.

april 1

After work, I squeezed in a run before dinner (in between the rain) and mah jongg.

Our new mah jongg cards start on April 1 each year so it is always exciting the first time you play on them. I won 2x so a good night.

Saturday – A rest day filled with all those things you have to get done because you work all week. But I did take a walk on the trail right behind my house. Believe it or not, the last time I was on it was when we moved in 16 years ago.

just missed the rain

My hubby wanted to go out to dinner so I agreed…carb loading, right?

Sunday – A wintery mix with gusty winds was not the ideal weather for the Delmar Dash 5 mile race. But actually the snow stayed on the lawns and wind was not unbearable until later on.

not happy with my performance but they all can’t be good races

We ran on the rail trail for most of it and saw 2 eagles

Luckily I had company for most of the 6 more miles I had to run after the race.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days. 95,078 steps.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles??)
Tuesday – rest, ~~tennis~~
Wednesday – 3 mile run, STEM Couch To 5k run
Thursday –3 mile run (before work or at lunch), hair appt.
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 10K race + 6 miles (or 5k + 9 miles)
Sunday – rest

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?

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?

January 16, 2016 by Darlene

Loving/Not Loving

Welcome to the winter edition of Loving/Not Loving

Loving: HMMRC, a local running club, offers a winter racing series. The races are on Sundays and free. Each race has 3 distance options.
Not Loving: The distances don’t coincide with the long runs that I need to do to prepare for my half marathon. This weekend is a 15k and I need to run 11 miles. On 1/31, there is a 10 miler and I need to run only 8.

3.5 mile race

Loving: SkirtSports has come out with a new print.
Not Loving: Now I want to order it in everything style. I don’t need any more running outfits!!

free love print

Loving: In the cold weather, I don’t have to worry about my feet sweating and getting blisters after a long run.
Not Loving: Shoes and boots aggravate my bunions and now my foot hurts again. (And it’s a long time until sandal/flip flop season!!!)

feb

Loving: I have found new ways to relax – coloring books, knitting and jigsaw puzzles.
Not Loving: These are all sedentary activities. I found that I can knit and ride the exercise bike but the others, NOPE (gotta sit!).

Loving: You get a free Starbucks item after you get 12 stars. I then always order the most expensive thing on the menu.
Not Loving: I forgot that I used my two “free” items and ordered a venti coconut milk cinnamon vanilla chai latte. (ouch!)

Loving: My FitBit tracks my steps. It makes me take the stairs rather than the elevator.
Not Loving: It’s not accurate on the treadmill and does not record steps while on the bike.

Loving: The days are getting longer. When I leave work to run, it’s still light (for about 15 min.)
Not Loving: The cold weather has just arrived and will be around for awhile.

Loving: Downton Abbey is back on TV.
Not Loving: This is its last season.

Loving: It’s so easy to shop online and find what you what cheaper.
Not Loving: It’s too easy and you may buy what you don’t need.

my current Nikes in a new color – $20 less & no tax or shipping – had to buy, right?

Loving: When you are dragging at work around 4 pm, the cold crisp air (while running) certainly wakes you up.
Not Loving: My hands almost froze off. How can I keep them warm?

Happy Running! What are you Loving or Not Loving today?

October 25, 2015 by Darlene

A Walking, Running & Pumpkin Picking Weekend

The weekend started with an hour and half drive to Poughkeepsie to meet my college BFF.

It was cloudy and chilly but the foliage was so pretty that we didn’t mind.

We started by walking over the Walkway Bridge. It is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.

It goes over the Hudson River and is about 1.5 miles long.

After we walked over the bridge, we continued on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.

It went for about 4 miles and also was very scenic.

We turned around and on the way back, we veered of the trail to have lunch in the town of Highland.

Soup, salad and the dessert above.

The we continued back on the trail and over the bridge again.

The colors were even prettier on the way back.

11.5 miles walked for the day!!!

I really got lucky on Sunday.

I was supposed to take my mentee Amanda and her two sons to Ellms Family Farm for the day.

I wanted to run as well.

I got up early and it was raining. Then Amanda got called into work so I was able to wait to do my run.

I have been on our new rail trail but never gone to the end. I decided that today was the day.

we are losing our leaves in the NE

love this old bridge

under 2 more bridges

still some nice colors here

I think I’ve found a new favorite place to run close to home. 7 miles done!

As soon as I finished, it started to rain again.

Then I found out that Amanda had to work the whole day.

I decided to take one of her sons, the 8 year old, to the farm.

getting ready to do the maze

We did have cider donuts & pick pumpkins (just forgot to take pics)

We were there for about 4 hours – exhausting but so much fun!

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

September 21, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– It almost felt like Fall. Went for a windy 3.5 miles after work and then met my BFF to walk around the mall (over 15,000 steps on my newly acquired Fitbit)

Tuesday – Temps were warming back up. Went for a walk to the park at lunch. Played tennis after work for 1 1/2 hours indoors.

still lots of flowers in the park ❤

Wednesday – Knowing it was going to be warm again, I decided to run before work. I was tired from going to bed too late the night before but managed 3 miles in the neighborhood. It was even kinda chilly.

In the afternoon, I went for another walk to the park.

feeling more like summer than fall

Thursday – More warm weather predicted for the afternoon (mid 80s for Sept??) got me out of bed early for another before work run. This time for 4 miles. I took a new route but there was so much traffic that it wasn’t a good choice for this time of day.

so foggy

Took of advantage of the sunshine and warm temps for a walk in the park. Those flowers will eventually be replaced by snow.

Friday -Just a normal work day. My Fitbit (and the weather) has succeeded in getting me out of my chair with a walk to the park.

Saturday – I was really torn on what to do today. I ended up getting up early and running 11.5 miles. Judy was nice enough to accompany me. Then since the boating season is winding down, I drove up to spend one more day on the lake with my hubby. Afterward I headed up to Schroon River to spend time with my mah jongg friends. (Unfortunately, there was no water at the house so they headed home and I headed back to the lake.)

best long run of this training session!!

Sunday – Spent the day on Lake George with friends. Starting to feel like fall… sad to see the summer go!!

22 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is 3 weeks away!!! Getting excited!

This Week: (Week #10 of HM training)

Monday- 3 mile run (first run with the Turkey Trot Training group)
Tuesday – rest, tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run after work (first time mentoring the STEM -survivors of domestic violence group)
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, DAY OFF from work
Saturday – 10K race + more miles
Sunday – rest, boating

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 ?

July 21, 2015 by Darlene

Perfect Day in the Big Apple

I love New York City so much that I decided to take the day off from work and I talked some friends into taking the Megabus down with me.

The day was perfect because it combined most of my favorites things (besides running): boating, eating, walking, nature.

After a quick snack, we took a long leisurely walk to Pier 81 to take a boat ride on the North River Lobster Company.

It was a 45 minute ride on the Hudson River while you drink or dine.

It was a very very warm, humid day but while the boat was moving, there was a nice breeze. It was very relaxing.

The food was great. I had lobster tacos & chocolate mousse cake. Both were delish.

But if you wanted, you could just take the ride and then stay on the boat as long as you wanted. Maybe because it was so hot or a weekday, but we had practically the whole boat to ourselves.

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yes, they are sisters (Eileen, Susie & MaryPat). I taught with Eileen for 20 years and Mary Pat has been my tennis, running, travel buddy for the last 12 years.

After the boat ride, we decided to walk on the High Line (My friends had never been). We entered at the uptown end and walked, rested in the shade,then walked until the other end.