January 8, 2019 by Darlene

Bill Hogan Winter Series #2 Race Recap

January 1, 2019 Noon

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

Then in 2016, 2017 and 2018, I wasn’t that crazy and I only ran the 3.5 Miler.

It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again. They call it a 3.5 miler but I realize each year after the race that it is actually 3.75 miles.

Starting at noon meant that I was able to enjoy my New Year’s Eve.

I arrived at UAlbany early figuring that there are a lot of local runners who do these races and I wanted to get a close parking space.

The weather was so much better than last year (even the re-scheduled race date was freezing). Today it was forecast to be in the high 40s but I worried about the wind on this course. It is always windy!

I took a big risk and wore a skirt. The good thing was that there is an indoor place to hang out before and after the race.

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc.

So it was great seeing everyone and catching up. I immediately bumped into runners that I know from races and lots of Sole Sisters. We hung out inside and chatted until the very last moment when we had to go outside.

I was hesitant about what to wear. I was afraid that my cap would blow off with the 40 mph wind gusts or that I would be cold without a jacket (which I brought). In the end, I went with my gut and I was perfectly dressed.

Eventually we did have to leave the nice warm building and climb down the stairs and head to the start.

I just squeezed in near the front in order to keep warm and be shielded from the wind.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race and not try anything stupid and get hurt.

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired (at mile 3).

pic from last year…no snow this year but no blue skies either

This was the first year that I can remember that there was NO ice or snow.

I won’t lie. I was a little cold especially with the wind but at times, I was warm and unzipped my vest. I even eventually took off my gloves. I was happy with my clothing choice.

There were about 230 runners running the 3.5 miler (and 225 in the half). I was never running alone. I ran with someone I knew several times when they caught up to me but soon they left me behind.

I wasn’t bothered at all by my apparent lack of speed. I was just trying to get a run in. I wanted to run the race without walking too since I rarely do that during my weekday training runs. And I did for the first two miles. In fact, I was feeling pretty good.

There were no mile markers on the course but I could hear my Garmin beep. I couldn’t pay attention to my pace or time because my Garmin was under my long sleeves. (Probably a good thing.)

another pic from a previous year

As I mentioned, I was feeling pretty good until mile 3. This was the most boring part of the course as well as uphill. To make matters worse, the wind was incredible here. There were times that I felt like I was not even moving forward. I struggled and the wind seem to suck the life out of my legs. Runners were passing me by, even a runner pushing a child in a stroller. I finally gave it and walked. But it was just as hard to walk into the wind and so I started running again. At this point, I just wanted to finish.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read 33:XX minutes. I knew that it would not be a course PR but I actually thought that I was even slower than that.

So I sprinted and crossed at 34:14 (according to my Garmin) and 34:15 on their clock.

I was content!!

Soon after, Karen and Alyssa finished. We chatted and then Barbara and Judy came in.

We waited for Judy and then went inside. Somehow we missed Sherry.

These free races are not chip-timed. They handed you a piece of paper and then you recorded your time.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 8:50
mile 2: 9:01
mile 3: 9:27
.75 – 9:23

Good old positive splits. Nothing has changed for 2019. LOL

Again this year, the course was long!! I was surprised that in these windy conditions I was faster than last year (35:45) and not far behind my course PR from the year before (34:04). Nevertheless, I was happy with how I ran the race. I never felt really tired or that I was pushing hard. I think if it weren’t for the wind, I could have run the whole thing and had an even better finish time.

Definitely not disappointed to not have chosen to run 13.1 miles in this weather.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – vegetable soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile and chatted with other runners and for Barbara’s niece to finish the half marathon.

They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. Two years ago, I won 2nd place and a free loaf of bread. Not so this year. I was 5th.

So a race and a perfect way to start off 2019!

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and starts today!!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s Eve or Day? If not, when is your first race of 2019?

January 7, 2019 by Darlene

Tuesday Topics: What I Learned From My First Marathon

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). and you should too.

It’s been enough time since my marathon so that I can objectively look back on the experience.

Here’s what I learned:

The marathon is more than a race.

It’s a complete experience. From the training runs to the expo to the race itself to the recovery.

training

I have so glad that I had friends to share it all.

the expo

I am so happy that I chose to run NYC as my first ’cause I believe that there is no other like it.

pre-race bagels, coffe & hats

The mind controls the legs.

I was so afraid during the second half of the race that I was injured that I could barely run. My back…my quad, my ankle. I’ll never run again, I thought.

But yet I was not injured. I felt fine the next day.

I’m not diappointed in my finish time…but geez.. if only I didn’t listen to my brain.

I was hurting here but didn’t want my freinds to worry

Everyone prepares and recovers differently.

I was worried that I didn’t do longer runs mid-week. They were on the plan but my job got in the way of the plan and so I kept them all short.

Many runners recommended that I rest after the race. One even said that she took a month off from running after her first marathon.

But my legs felt great. So I ran a 15k a week after.

Just follow your gut asnd do what works for you.

It’s worth the pain.

Yes, it hurt….it hurt a lot.

No regrets.

For a millisecond I considered running NYCM 2020.

It’s not because I think the marathon was responsible for my foot pain.

But because I feel so fortunate to have have run 6 halfs and a full without any foot pain.

What if it happened during my marathon training or even worse during the race?

Not worth the chance…

one and done

January 6, 2019 by Darlene

12.31.18-1.6.19 – Happy New Year!

Last week –

Monday – For the first time ever, I had to work today. As a result, our NYE plans were last minute. Two of my running friends mentioned an event that they were going to – Eden Cafe celebrating a Brazilian New Year’s Eve (parts of Brazil celebrate midnight at our 10 pm.) with an Improvisational Comedy Troupe along with other comedians and musical entertainers and food. The hubby, his friend and I decided to join them. Definitely something different for us. I won’t go into details but we won’t be repeating this event.

Tuesday – First race of 2019. Winter Series #2. A 3.5 miler or 13.1. I chose the 3.5 miles (really 3.75) which started at noon. A fun race with lots of runner friends.

Wednesday – Our local Fleet Feet offered a Resolution Run so I signed up. I get tired of my after work running route (UAlbany) though I would prefer getting my run done right after work and not waiting 2 hours. I was afraid that I would know no one (Judy was not participating in the run) and that the runners would all be fast. It was not the case. I met a nice lady and we chatted before and after the run. She was much too slow to run with but I did run in the DARK with a nice bunch of ladies. Glad I went. It’s important every now and then to leave your comfort zone.

3.25 miles

Thursday – An after work run at UAlbany with 3 Sole Sisters. Always glad to have company on my runs.

dark at the end but at least light at the beginning now

Friday – A well deserved rest day and an evening home to play mah jongg.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters got rained out so a rest and errands day.
Sunday – Long run with the Sole Sisters was rescheduled. We chose to run on the Zim Smith Trail. We have been so lucky this winter with no ice or snow and almost perfect weather, Today was no exception. Runners arrived at different times and ran different distances. I ran 7 miles with Barbara, Judy and Sherry and then the last 3 by myself. During that segment, I bumped into my Patrick, my Freihofer and Turkey Trot coach and we ran together for a bit. A nice surprise.

Our run was followed by brunch at Leah’s Cakery where I consumed chocolate milk, quiche and a brownie (well, I did run 10 miles!)

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis sub
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – 3 miles with SS
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 10-11 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training continues)
Sunday –Winter Series #3 Race (3M)

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? When’s your first race of 2019? ? Please share.

January 5, 2019 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – January 2019

It’s that time of the month…

like my new Starbucks Roastery mug?

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

And the first one of 2019!!

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I will not be travelling to NYC until February. I will definitely miss my scenic running routes and my NYC running friends.

: along the East R

: along the Hudson R

: in Central Park

: Elizabeth

: with Cari

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in addition to not traveling to NYC, I will be training mostly locally in the future (I think). That means few Enterprise miles, fewer train points, fewer free hotel rooms and airline miles, but more time for other things such as running with friends, yoga classes, movies, and tennis.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am enjoying knitting again and reading Deena’s book.

it will be a reversible wool beanie

Anyone else knit or have read this book? Any other running book recommendations?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that that the Sole Sisters have expanded their run ops. In addition to Saturday long runs, they have added Tues and Thurs after work runs. Sometimes my runs are slower and sometimes faster when I am not alone but they are definitely more enjoyable with friends.

Do you need company on your runs or are you good solo?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my college roommate has been bugging me to visit her at her new home (on the water in RI) and run a half marathon. In 2017, her house wasn’t finished yet. I was running Montreal last year but I had no excuse for 2019.

over 40 years of friendship

Sept 8, 2019

I am weak…how about you? Can you resist temptation in signing up for new fun races?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am getting closer to making the decision whether or not to run 2019 NYCM (I time qualified based on my Brooklyn half time). But I still can’t wrap my head around 26.2 miles and training for such. I have from January 14 until Feb 14 to decide.

Nov 3, 2019? Still a maybe….

Anyone else running the NYC Half? or the Brooklyn Hot Chocolate 15k? Anyone signing up for or running the NYC Marathon?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I would normally be excited that my hubby is becoming more active. (He can be a couch potato.) He has been playing tennis more and more. Now he says he wants to go with one of his teams to the WTT National Qualifier Tournament in SC. No problem, right? Except that it’s the same weekend as my next half marathon in Florida – the race-cation that I have been planning for almost a year.

I could have picked any weekend to race (There are 150 halfs in Florida.) Grrrrrrrrrr!

He’s excited because if the team wins, they can to go to Nationals in Palm Springs. What weekend is that? Nov 2-4, 2019!!!!

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

January 4, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five -Assessing 2018

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: My Assessment of 2018

I’m a teacher at heart. (once a teacher, always a teacher.)

And you can’t grow in the future unless you assess the past.

Yes, it was a good year meaning lots of bling, miles and races. You’ve seen my pictures but do they really tell the story?

Here’s my story:

1. I ran 894.5 miles.

I didn’t have a goal of 1000 miles but it was a number than I wanted to meet and I have the past two years.

2017 – 1041.5 miles
2016 – 1046 miles
2015 – 969 miles
2014 – 911 miles

not this year

Why did my mileage drop?

I am happy to report that it was not because of an injury. Everything felt fine all year and I never stretched, taped or used a foam roller.

I did not train hard for any race. I shortened or skipped runs and long runs. Those miles add up.

I do not think any of my race times suffered. It’s just a number anyway.

2. I ran 30 races. 13 were 5k races. Ten were new races. Four of the new ones were half marathons (& one 20k).

Again fewer than previous years. I have run 40 or close to it in the past.

But it was a conscious choice not because I was injured.

I’m a social runner and racing to me is a way to run and meet up with other runners. But with the ability to run with runner friends on the weekends, I didn’t feel the need to sign up for as many races.

The ones I did run, I enjoyed and I always try to run different races each year. These tended to be halfs but at least 2 others were new local ones.

I ran 6 halfs in 2017, and 7 in 2016 and 2015. If you count the Paris 20k then I was close this year (with 5), as well.

3. I continued to win my age group in most of the races I entered.

This happens when you are in an old lady’s age group. But still, it makes me happy. I am most proud of winning in longer races such as RnR Montreal Half, Brew 2 Brew Half, Pelham Half and in NYC races (Brooklyn Speed Series 5ks, Ice Cream Social 5k, Governor’s Is 5k and Poland Spring 5m)

4. Although I did have THREE PRs (5k. 5m, 15k), more important were the COURSE PRs.

I know I am slowing down. I’m not sure how much or how often. It just feels harder every time I go out there.

But I had many course PRs at races that I have run multiple times – Cherry Blossom 5k, Freihofers 5k, Stockade-athon 15k, Bacon Hill 5k, Summer Smith 5k, Delmar Dash, Shamrock Shuffle, among others.

5. My Finish times were for the most part consistent (at least for the shorter distances).

Considering my lack of training, (I run but don’t follow a plan per se nor do I do any speed drills), I did ok.

I didn’t break any speed records. But I finished 9 of my 5ks under 28 minutes. That elusive sub 27 still stands (and may stand forever.)

My half times were:

Brew 2 Brew -2:19:56
Brooklyn -2:11:23
Montreal -2:11:48
Pelham -2:20:09

Not close to my PR (2:06:52) but the important time (under 2:12:00) was Brooklyn which qualified me for NYC Half and NYC Marathon.

13.1 miles in Brooklyn

So my assessment for 2018 is:

STRENGTHS:

Healthy Miles, Quality and Successful Racing, Consistency

NEEDS TO WORK ON:

Goals, Strength Training, Speed, Leaving my Comfort Zone

Stay turned for next week when I’ll look ahead to 2019.

Happy Running! Do you assess your year of running? If so, how did you do?

January 2, 2019 by Darlene

Reliving 2018

Are you tired of my 2018 recaps yet? I hope not.

One of my most favorite things to do is look back at my photos.

They remind me why I love running and racing.

Here are the highlights month by month:

JANUARY

a bunch of free local races and runs with friends

Winter Series #4

Winter Series #2

FEBRUARY

some cold temps and then some unseasonably warm temps, lots of work travel runs and two races

Polar Cap Run

Winter Series #5

MARCH

A race-cation in Florida helps get me through this long winter. Then it is back home and two local races.

Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon

Shamrock Shuffle

APRIL

Spring racing has begun with three races

Delmar Dash

a rainy Cherry Blossom race

MAY

my birthday month, an annual tennis vacation in Florida and of course races, like FIVE of them

Tropicool 5k

Workforce Challenge

Brooklyn Half Marathon

Prospect Park Track Club Summer Speed Series #1

JUNE

the racing season continues with four races as boating on the lake begins

Freihofer Run for Women

Brooklyn Ice Cream Social

Adirondack Race to the Lakes

JULY

warmer temps mean less racing (just one race) and more boating and tennis

Silks and Satins 5k

AUGUST

A few races cancelled and only one mid-week race

Hump Day 5k

our race got cancelled but we did get to run over the Brooklyn Bridge

SEPTEMBER

Finally one of the race-cations I’d been looking forward to and the re-scheduled NYC race in addition to lots of work travel to NYC

Governor’s Island 5k

RnR Montreal ( I ran the 5k and the half)

Skirt Sports Sister meet-up in NYC

another meeting with fellow blogger Cari

OCTOBER

the long awaited trip to France and another NYC race

run in Paris with Karen

Poland Spring Marathon Kick Off

NOVEMBER

The racing season winds down with a 15k and my last (and hardest) half marathon of the year

Stockade-athon

Pelham Half Marathon

DECEMBER

and so it ends with a holiday 5k and a free local race

Albany Last Run

Winter Series #1

I realized that after picking those pictures above that they had nothing to do with age group awards or finish times.

In fact, many of them were not stellar running/racing efforts yet they were memorable for many other reasons.

I ran a lot of races in 2018 and each was special in a different way. Some were new experiences and some were races that I’ve run over and over again. Many were with friends but many were solo attempts. Very few were PRs and I’m sure a few were PWs.

But I think I had a smile on my face during each and every one.

This week I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! What is memorable for you in your running? Does it show up in your photos?

January 1, 2019 by Darlene

The Worst of 2018

Last week, I wrote about the BEST of 2018. As you know with running, everything is not “wine and roses.”

Here are some of the not so stellar moments of 2018.

Worst Race(s)

So what determines a “bad” race? Slowest?? Hardest? Ugliest course? Most unorganized?

Any of the above.

Les 20 km de Paris

Due to the heat and lack of water, this was a very tough race.

Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon

This course was awful – around a parking lot and then on a main road with traffic.

Brooklyn Half Marathon

This was bad only because of the weather – freezing and wet for all 13.1 miles,

RnR Montreal Half Marathon

A very poorly organized race with an ugly course route and no food at the end.

Pelham Half Marathon

The hilliest course I’ve ever seen.

Worst Run(s)

Any run done on a treadmill, of course.

And probably one that I did in sub-zero temps.

There also was the time that I tripped over a dog on the streets of Manhattan. No photo of my injuries, however.

Worst Picture(s) from a Run or Race

This is hard because I usually fake smile when I see a photographer or delete the photo if it is ugly. But I found a few not so flattering ones:

Race Experience(s) you would never repeat:

The only one would be Brew 2 Brew because there are so many other half marathons in Florida in the winter. (And yes, the medal was that small.)

You can’t control the weather or the hills. I am sure with all the negative reviews, RnR Montreal will be greatly improved next year.

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and will start on January 8th!

Also, a HUGE thank you to Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for hosting

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up for the last time with these wonderful ladies.

Happy Running! What are some of the lowlights of your year in running? Please share.

December 30, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.24.18-12.30.18 – Running with Friends

Last week –

Monday – A little snow but not enough to prevent me from squeezing in a short run before finishing my Christmas shopping (Why yes, it was the last minute.) But when I went to change, I realized that I had forgotten my tights so the shopping won.

kitties + egg nog + Elf on TV = Christmas Eve

Tuesday – A early morning run with Jeri, followed by playing Santa, visiting my MIL for a family dinner and then a movie. One busy Christmas Day.

used my NEW Starbucks Roastery mug and convinced my RBF to do 2 loops instead of one

❤ these kids

great film

Wednesday – Still eating and celebrating. This time my BFF’s birthday (dinner and a movie). I did take a lunch walk.

not even close to the original..oh well

Thursday – An after work run at UAlbany with some Sole Sisters. Always glad to have company on my runs.

an old pic – just take away the leaves on the trees and add darkness and we only ran 3 miles

Friday – Another rest day and finally home to play mah jongg.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Nisky Bike Path. We had a big crowd this week. I ran the first 3 miles with Judy & Sherry, the next 5 with just Sherry and the final mile solo.

Our run (of all distances and paces) was followed by brunch, of course.

Sunday – Was supposed to be a rest day but I decided to take it on NYE instead and run locally followed by a visit to my MIL’s, then catch up day around the house.

chose the Crossings since my MIL lives not far – my only solo run of the week (I tried to get Judy to run with me but she chose the movies instead LOL)

This Coming Week –

Monday -rest day, NYE dinner out & movie
Tuesday – Day OFF, Winter Series #2 race (3.75m)
Wednesday – 3 miles (FF Resolution Run)
Thursday – 3 miles with SS
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 9 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training continues)
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Please share.

December 28, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five – Runfessions for December

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest for the last time in 2018 with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

My 2019 Racing Calendar is filling up. It is fuller than my social calendar.

01-01-19 –Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
01-13-19 – Winter Series #3 (10K or 3m)
01-27-19 – Winter Series #4 (15k or 3m)
02-02-19 – Polar Cap 4m
02-10-19 – Publix Florida Half Marathon
02-17-19 ~~-Winter Series #5 (4.5m)~~ volunteer
03-09-19 – Runnin’ of the Green (4m)
03-17-19 – NYC Half Marathon
3-22-19 – MY STEPSON’S WEDDING!!!!!
03-31-19 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
04-07-19 – Delmar Dash (5m)
04-13-19 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
04-20-19 -Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
04-27-19 – Hot Chocolate 15k (in Brooklyn)
05-05-19 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)
05-11-19 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
05-16-19 – Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)
05-19-19 – Great Sacandaga Half Marathon
06-01-19 – Freihofer Run for Women
06-29-19 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

2. I runfess…

I planned to run a Florida Half as I always do just to stay motivated to run during those frigid winter temps. Then I qualified for the NYC Half so, of course, I had to sign up for that one. I needed one to seriously train for and I picked a NEW local one in May. Then a new half was announced for April. It’s very nearby and is DOWNHILL.

April 13, 2019

And now I have FOUR half marathons scheduled in FOUR months. Oy!

3. I runfess…

I went to a medical appointment recently and they made me get on the scale. (I don’t have a scale at home.) I was wearing a coat and boots… My first thought was that they must have added ten extra lbs.

My second thought was about that 4P Mother-of-the Groom dress that I bought last summer…will it still fit?

My third thought: Maybe I should cut back on my desserts and post run rewards?

My fourth thought: Maybe I should put batteries in my home scale.

What do you think?

4. I runfess…

I am part of a FB group for the NYC Half Marathon. I think all 25,000 runners are posting in it daily. Anyway, the only reason I joined the group was to sign up for the bus from Manhattan to the start in Brooklyn. I did (good thing since the first bus filled up in 4 hours).

It would be rude to leave the group now, right?

5. I runfess…

I won the book Couch to Active in a recent blog giveaway. Well, I am pretty active, as you know. I entered the giveaway because I’d like to give it to someone else who has expressed interest in running.

bcouch

Would you be insulted if someone gave this book to you?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

December 26, 2018 by Darlene

2019 – What’s My Word?

Will You Take the One Word Challenge This Year?

Well, it’s that time of year.

Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year.

(If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

2014 was the first time that I tried it. My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

I picked in 2016:

In 2017, I chose the word:

And last year, it was:

So what will it be in 2019?

My first thought was skip the “word” thing. I tend to forget about it until it’s time to pick another word.

On the other hand, it’s a good way to look back on the past year and also look ahead to the coming year.

This is what I said I would try to do in 2018:

Change my attitude about my job. Be more positive. Stop whining. It is what it is.
Change my running preferences. That may mean running fewer miles or running at undesirable times (before work gulp) or even using the treadmill.
Change my expectations. This may include not participating in running groups or volunteer opportunities or even cutting back on race-cations.
Accept that sometimes “less is more.” Quality runs, quality races instead of quantity.
Accept that there may not be enough time to train adequately for longer distances or faster finish times.
Stop comparing myself to others who have more time, more flexible schedules, etc.

How did it go?

I have definitely adapted to the travel part of my job. It has allowed me to run in new places

Eisenhower Park

and connect with new people.

new running friend Liz

It has helped to afford to take race-cations by giving me access to free hotel rooms in NYC, Pelham and Montreal

I have run many fewer miles than in past years and I have adapted to it since I think it has helped me stay injury-free and maybe achieve many age group awards and even a few PRs.

Stockade-athon – 15K PR

Though I have run less races as well, I ran the ones that I enjoyed most

and some new ones.

I have reluctantly not volunteered with the STEM runners or GOTR and had to miss most of the Freihofer and Turkey Trot training group runs. If my traveling is less frequent in 2019, I will re-commit to these opportunities.

I am pretty content with how I ADAPTED in 2018.

So my word for this year is:

refocus

So let’s start with a definition:

to change priorities and concentrate on something different from before
to put more effort into particular activities, in the belief that you will be more successful
to change the emphasis or direction of
to change one’s priorities

It seems that “Re-Focusing” involves CHANGE and it involves PRIORITIES. It will also take EFFORT.

This is the first thing that I will change. It applies to running as well as life. Less STRESS in 2019. In other words, some runs won’t happen, some races will suck, PRs may be elusive. My job is just a job. It is what it is.

You can do anything, but not everything. Wise words to remember #thedailyshine #quote

So this one has to do with priorities. Trying to do it all means not doing some things well. The hard part will be deciding what is important. In the past year, I was trying to keep up with tennis, maintain decent speed on short races and complete a few half marathons. In the mix was traveling as part of my job, vacations, family events and seeing my friends, etc. There were days that I was just going through the motions. In 2019, I may just have to let some things go and concentrate on those things that matter most.

I admit that this past year, I may have been in a running rut. I got complacent with my training because I was still successful …enough. I feel like I need a change. I want to do something different and something that involves effort. Once I decide, there will be no excuses. It may be joining a gym or signing up for yoga classes or trying spinning or even playing on a tennis team. I may even start to quilt again. I could even start a new job.

This week I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Have you ever felt the need to “refocus?”