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?”

December 25, 2018 by Darlene

The Best of 2018

So today I’m linking up with Courtney to share my Year of Running in 2018! Be sure to check her site and see how everyone else did!

Warning. I’m not good at picking just one or even two. Lol

Best Race(s)

So what determines a “best” race? Fastest? Best Food? Most scenic course? Most organized? Best swag?

Well, I unexpectedly had THREE PRs this year. And they were at three of my favorite races. All three races deserve kudos for their organization, logistics, course, post-race food, etc. (Although no medals at any of these races.)

Bacon Hill Bonanza (5K)

Delmar Dash (5m)

Stockade-athon (15k)

But I loved all of my 30 races. Each one was special in a different way.

Best Run(s)

My runs are not usually very good or very exciting.

But I’d say that my best ones were done with my local running friends. We now call our group the “Sole Sisters.”

They have gotten me to run longer and faster and to walk less. The best part is being accountable during those long cold winter months.

I would be remiss not to mention that my job has allowed me run on some neat bike paths (Onondaga Lake State Park in Liverpool, Lake Ontario and Erie Canal Trail in Rochester and of course, Central Park and the river paths in Manhattan). That has been exciting (the running not the job or the traveling).

Best New Piece(s) of Running Gear

I have bought many pairs of running shoes but they are always the same (Nike Zoom Vomero). I have, of course, bought Skirt Sports running clothes.

The only thing new that I love are my Goodr sunglasses.

Most Inspirational Runner(s)

Well, there are quite a few.

First Des Linden who kicked a$$ and won the Boston marathon in those awful weather conditions.

Des Linden Marathon run Boston

Secondly, a blogger that I have met in person: Wendy from Taking the long way home who was diagnosed with RA but does not let it interfere with her running journey and a blogger that I have not met in person: Laurie from Meditations in Motion, who got injured and still completed the Marine Corps Marathon.

Finally my local running friend Judy from Chocolate Runs Judy who ran four long races in four months, one being an 18 miler. Now that’s impressive.

Favorite Picture from a Run or Race

Again there are a few:

Racing in Paris

Racing in Central Park, NYC

Race Experience(s) you would repeat in a heart beat

Well you know I love race-cations so there were several in 2018. A few of them, unfortunately, are on my “worst of 2018” list too. Stay tuned for that post next week.

Les 20Km de Paris

I mean it was running in Paris and I loved it even though it didn’t turn out to be one of my better “races.”

Rock n Roll Montreal Half Marathon

It turned out to be a bad year for the race itself but racing with friends is the best.

Brooklyn Half Marathon

Ending up on the beach in Coney Island? But again, not a good year for this race. It poured!

I doubt I will be able to repeat any of these but I would if I could.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?

Races…Vacations…Friends…Healthy

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

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

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

Happy Holidays to All My Running Friends

December 23, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.17.18-12.23.18

Last week –

Monday – A long work day but I was close to a place where I like to run so I planned to run. there before it got too dark. But it was drizzling and a coworker invited me out to dinner so I caved. Rest day.
Tuesday – Another long work day and originally I thought it would be a rest day since I was going to a holiday tennis dinner. But I had enough time to squeeze in a run (in freezing temps) and Christmas shopping before dinner.

Wednesday – Back to NYC for the last time this year. I got there early enough to get my run done (on the High Line) and a visit to the new Starbucks Roastery

before going to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden. I love him!!!!!!! And the concert did not disappoint.

Thursday – Tired after a late night but it was my last night in NYC (until Feb 2019) so I planned to go to Central Park to meet Cari for a run. Rain got in the way of our run but not our evening together.

We got plenty of steps and conversation in on the High Line, the Standard Hotel, Starbucks Roastery and Chelsea Market.

not your average Starbucks

Friday – Another rest day. The third this week. But no time to run since I had to take the train home after work. (Beside it rained ALL DAY.)
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Delmar Rail Trail. It was followed by brunch, of course.

Sherry & Jeri missing from the photo – I ran with Barbara (on the right)

Then in the evening I celebrated Christmas with a dinner out with my hubby, my stepson and his fiancee.

the happy couple – 3 mos till the wedding

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day around the house including errands. ~~and finishing my Christmas shopping.~~ Nope, my laptop died so I drowned my sorrows on wine with a friend.

This Coming Week –

Monday –3 miles
Tuesday – Day OFF, 3 miles, visit to my mentee & sons, Christmas dinner and movie
Wednesday – rest day, after work birthday dinner and movie with my BFF
Thursday – ~~rest day, hair appt.~~ 3 miles
Friday – ~~3 miles~~, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles with my Sole Sisters (time to start training for the Feb. 10 half marathon), hair appt.
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 Christmas? Please share.

December 21, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five: Winter Running Tips

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: Tips for Running in the Winter

I must say that I HATE the cold. I much prefer running in the heat but living in the Northeast, the cold arrives too soon and lasts too long.

I think that about sums things up.

Here are my Top Five:

1.Layers keep you warm but remember not to dress too warmly. If it is 20 degrees, dress for 40. The bottom layer should be breathable. You will sweat no matter how cold it is. My middle layer is usually a fleece vest and for the outside layer, I wear a windbreaker or light jacket.

The infographic below is very helpful:

or use this tool that will suggest what to wear, based on the info you input – http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

2. But wear enough to stay warm. I always wear tights with a skirt over them. I wear wool socks, gloves/mittens and a hat. My head, hands and feet are what gets cold first.

3. If you run when it is dark (yes it gets dark so early in the winter), wear light colors, carry a flashlight or wear a head lamp and run where there are lights.

4. If it is snowing, wear Yak Trax or put screws in your shoe bottoms, go slower and watch for icy patches.

5. Don’t worry about fashion.

I usually care what I wear in the warmer months. But in the winter, not so much. I try not to spend much money on winter running clothes. I wear race shirts and old windbreakers. I buy gloves at Walmart and tights at Target.