September 18, 2018 by Darlene

Keeping Running Exciting

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Ways to Keep Running Exciting

Not that running is boring but we all need ways to just spice things up. Here are my tips:

Run on a New Route

Waterford/Cohoes and Peebles Island

We tend to run on those comfortable tried and true routes. You know the ones near our home or work. Though, it was a longer drive and the surface unknown, I enjoyed this run a lot.

Run a New Race

an exciting NEW 15K race

I have my favorite races. I know all the logistics and the course. Much more comforting but not as exciting as a new race.

Run with Friends

even if it is freezing

If you are a solo runner, you will definitely find running the miles with others to go so much more smoothly.

Reward Yourself with a New Post Run Food Treat

Leah’s Cakery

My running friends and I usually go to Baking You Crazy after our runs but it was fun to try a new locale.

Buy Something New to Wear

my newest Nikes

You know me, I don’t have a problem buying new running outfits or shoes. When I do, I usually can’t wait to try them out.

Listen to Something New While Running

Image result for run this world podcast

If you listen to music, create a new playlist. If you like podcasts, download a new one. One reason, I started listening to podcasts was because I got tired of my music and didn’t want to spend time downloading new tunes. On a podcast, each episode is different.

Train for a New Distance

Oct. 14, 2018

For many of you it may be a half marathon or even a marathon or an ultra. 20K is not my longest distance but it is a new distance for me. Automatic PR 🙂

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How do you keep your running exciting?

September 16, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 9.10.18-9.16.18: Travel and Tapering

Upstate driving (to Rochester, then to Liverpool) and getting in those post-work miles leading finally to a taper.

Monday – A long drive to Rochester and after setup, I was hoping to run along the Erie Canal. It was raining all day but it stopped when I was done. Lucky Me.

it was actually a little chilly – 60 degrees

I even got to meet up with a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador.

Tuesday – Day two in Rochester. Cloudy again and even was raining when I left work but I took a chance and drove up to Lake Ontario. And it was not raining there. I ran in the sand along the lake and on a trail and then drove to the lighthouse.

still chilly along the water but the humidity is returning

As I drove back to my hotel, it started raining. The weather Gods were on my side!

Wednesday – I left Rochester after work and drove to Liverpool. After I checked into my hotel, I headed out to Onondaga Lake State Park for a run. Another cloudy day but the sunset was my reward (and ice cream!)

Thursday – Before I headed home, I drove back at Onondaga Lake State Park. I was tired and coming down with a cold, but finally the sun came out so I dragged myself for a run/walk.

85 degrees – summer has returned

Friday – Rest Day and feeling sick 😦
Saturday – Our last long run before the big race next weekend. Feeling even worse than the day before but I knew that a run with friends would make me feel better. And it did. We chose the Corning Bike Path for our run and then went to our favorite place after for brunch.

It was supposed to be 10 miles but it was just too humid

Aftrwards, my hubby wanted me to go up to to the lake with him and I was tempted but I decided to stay home, do errands and stuff around the house and beat this cold.

Sunday – Again it was tempting to go to Saratoga and watch some friends in their race and then go on our boat but it was mah jongg weekend at my friend’s house on the Schroon River. So that’s where I went. And it actually was a fun time. We did some walking, a lot of eating and some playing of mah jongg.

This Coming Week – RACE WEEK!!

Monday – 3 miles (turkey trot challenge group)
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest day, dinner & movie with tennis friends
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day
Saturday – RnR Montreal 5k (walk)
Sunday – RnR Montreal Half Marathon

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

WWSki-Orange

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

September 14, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five: Loving/Not Loving

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

My topic today is: Five Loving/Not Livings

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1.Cooler temps

There were a few days when I was actually chilly when running. I still wore a tank because I am stubborn like that but quickly added a jacket when I was done.

2. Running in different locations away from home.

I may not love my job but what I do enjoy about it is getting to see different places and running new routes away from home.

Roosevelt Island, NYC

along the beach of Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY

3. My 32nd Half Marathon is almost here.

My last half marathon was in the rain in May. It seems like forever ago. But finally next weekend I will be in Montreal. It’s my first Rock n Blogger event. And my first International Race.

I will be sharing the experience with 5 friends. Can’t wait!

Sherry and Christina behind her are two of my friends who are running it with me.

4.I am going to France!

I am beyond excited about this.

I haven’t been there since 2000 and as a former French teacher I used to go often. Of course, I wasn’t a runner then so now my trip will include a race.

Oct 14, 2018

5.Hiking

I was recently lamenting that the summer was almost over and I had not gone on a single hike.

But then I convinced a friend to go hiking with me.

Stewart Mountain in Chestertown, NY (overlooking Loon Lake)

And I begged my hubby to do the same.

Pinnacle Pt in Bolton Landing, NY (overlooking Lake George)

Image result for not loving

1. The days are getting shorter.

2.I have a cold!

Achoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.I have insomnia.

Just one of those weeks….no sleep!!!!!!!!

4.I have been skipping some of my favorite 5ks.

Having FOMO from all those IG and FB posts of the races that I usually run.

This race supports Ovarian cancer. My friend in the pic recently died form this disease.

5.I need a manicure!

No time!!! Maybe this weekend.

Happy Running! What are you Loving or Not Loving right now?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

September 11, 2018 by Darlene

How Do You Choose Your Races?

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s Topic is: How Do You Choose Your Races

This topic came to mind because I may be deciding between two races on the same day, October 28:

Poland Spring Marathon Kick-off (5M) in Central Park

Image result for hAUNTED 5K rOOSEVELT iSLAND

Haunted 5K on Roosevelt Island

So how do I choose?

Distance

Run the shorter distance because it takes less time and less training? B

Run the longer distance because it is more of a challenge? A

Course

Run the flatter course so you have a better chance of a PR? B

Run the more scenic course? A and B

Run the more challenging course (the one with hills)? A

Logistics

Run the race that is easier to get to? A

Run the race that has day of race bib pick up? B

Size

Run the smaller race and have a better chance of an age group award? B

Run the more popular, exciting and larger race? A

Cost

Save $$ and run the cheaper race? A

Friends

Run the race where you may know another runner or two? A

Bling
Charity

Decisions…decisions.

I may not run either. It depends if I have enough points for a free hotel room the night before. I am going to see a Broadway show with 11 friends that same day so I figured why not run a race first……

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How do you choose which race to run if there are more than one on the same day? If you were me, which one would you choose?

September 9, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 9.3.18-9.9.18 – Holiday Week and Back to You Know Where

A short work week. Yay! And my last trip to NYC until November. This time, I did run there.

Monday -Love me a holiday so I can run in the morning on a weekday!! I thought about a race but the Sefcu 5k started at 9 am which was too late so I opted to run with some newbie runners. They were training for their first half and did 1/4 mi intervals. Not the best scenario but nice not to run alone.

love running at Peebles

My hubby was nice enough to wait until I got back to head up to the lake. It was too hot to stay home. It was a quiet day since most of our friends had headed home.

views from our marina and Log Bay Island

Tuesday – The indoor tennis season has started. Although I decided not to join the tennis club, I got asked to sub and I happily accepted. Of course, I had to sneak in a short run nearby. The heat and humidity were back. I tried to find as much shade as possible. First I had to move off the path for the boys cross country meet and then later for the girls. Then I ran (slogged) out of time.

on the Colonie Town Park Bike Path

Wednesday – Back on the train to NYC. I debated where to run to avoid the heat. I decided to take the subway to Roosevelt Island and run around the whole island. It turned out to be a good choice. The route was shady for the most part and there was a slight breeze from the water.

The only negative besides the heat was that I was the only runner on the path. After my run, I took the tram back to Manhattan and then walked all the way back to my hotel.10 miles on the feet for the day!!

Thursday – After a long hot day of training, I hopped the subway to run in Central Park because I had planned to meet fellow Skirt Sports ambassador Elizabeth. I hadn’t seen her since the spring and we have never run together. As soon as we met, a big storm arrived. Luckily we were near a shopping mall to take cover and chat until the rain stopped. We did get in our run and it was great. The opposite of the day before…so many runners and running groups in the park.

After our run,we continued our conversation over dinner and drinks and then I walked back to my hotel. 10 miles covered again today

Friday – Rest Day. I had to catch the train home so no time to run. (Darn. Finally some cooler temps.)
Saturday – Last long run. 12 Miles with some of the Sole Sisters. And the weather was perfect. We chose to meet at Nisky Bike Path and pair up since everyone had different distances to cover. I ran a fast 3 miles with Judy and then the remaining 9 miles with Sherry and Chris. There were some hills thrown in that didn’t thrill me but we got it done and celebrated with brunch afterwards.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. The temps felt more like fall than summer. So I talked (begged) my hubby into going for a hike first. He enjoyed the view from Pinnacle Point but did get annoyed when I got us lost on the second trail.

We ended the day with a short boat ride and then dinner with a view.

This Coming Week –

Monday – drive to Rochester, rest day
Tuesday – 4 miles in Rochester
Wednesday – drive to Syracuse, 3 miles
Thursday – drive home after work, rest day
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – 8-10 miles – Taper Time, boating
Sunday -rest day, tennis, Mah Jongg on the Schroon River

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

WWSki-Orange

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

September 7, 2018 by Darlene

Five Reasons to Run RnR Montreal

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

My next half marathon is right around the corner so …

My topic today is: Five Reasons Why You Should Run Rock N Roll Montreal

There are multiple races happening over one weekend. You can run a 5k, 10k, or challenge yourself with a half or full marathon. In other words, there is a race for everyone. There’s even a 1K for kids.
You can go for multiple distances (and medals) over the course of the weekend. If you run one on Saturday and one on Sunday, you get an extra medal. If you run another RnR in the US or another country, you get another special medal (Darn it. I ran Vegas last year and Brooklyn was canceled!!)

: 5k

: Half

: race on Sat & one on Sun

: a RnR race in the US

3. Music every step of the way! Mile markers with live bands, DJ’s, Drum Lines, and more. I ran Vegas and the music kept me going. it was awesome.

Image result for rock n roll marathon music

4. You are running in an International race without any trans Atlantic travel. How cool is that? No worries if you don’t speak French, signs are in BOTH languages.

Image result for montreal signs

5. The course(s) take you through the sites of the beautiful city of Montreal – the Montreal Biosphere, Notre Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, La Fontaine Park, and more.

Image result for montreal botanical garden 2018

Botanical Gardens

If you are still not convinced, watch this video:

Happy Running! Anyone else have run or will run RnR Montreal?

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘N Roll Montreal 5k and Half Marathon as part of being a Rock n Blogger.

September 5, 2018 by Darlene

Wednesday Word – Talent

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

The first Wednesday of each month, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This month’s word is TALENT

So what does “TALENT” even mean?

a natural ability to be good at something, especially, without being taught.

So are anyone of you runners “talented”?

But more importantly, does it matter?

Image result for talent quotes

In other words, if you have talent, you can be a decent runner. (Of course, “decent” is relative, right?) You may not have to run often or warm-up, or do drills. It just comes naturally. You don’t have to work hard to get that sub 30 5k finish or sub 2 half marathon or even BQ.

Of course, in order to improve, PR, BQ, you need to be motivated to do those runs and drills, etc. For many runners, just finishing a race is good enough. Just running for fun without worry about pace is perfectly fine. There are others who are driven and competitive. And your motivation can come and go. Your desire to long run long, run often or even sign up for races can change week to week, month to month and season to season.

And then there’s your attitude which I think overrides the other two. You know they say “it’s all in your head.” “It’s mind over matter.” You could have the talent and the motivation but those paces just don’t happen. Those desired finish lines are elusive.

So when it comes to running, where do you excel? Talent, motivation or attitude? Which do you think is the most important?

For me, I think I have a little bit of all three.

Talent: I am not coordinated but I ran fastish even in my first year of running. (at least in my opinion…meaning that I ran a sub 30 5K). But I am not super talented. There are many in my age group who are much faster. I doubt that I will run a sub 2 half or could ever BQ.

29:30 – 2009 5k

Motivation: Again some here too. I try to get all my runs in each week because I do want to do well in my races and I do not want to get injured. If I am part of a group, I will reluctantly do those drills (but never on my own.) I am not highly motivated because I will not get a coach, follow a plan, join a gym – all of which would probably make me a better runner.

occasionally there is a track workout

Attitude: I try to have a positive attitude about my running but I am often disappointed in my pace and the number of miles that I run each week. But I think that I have a better attitude when I race (though not always) and that has translated into successful racing.

Yes I will on my 3rd try have a course PR

Happy Running! Got talent? Please share your thoughts.

September 4, 2018 by Darlene

Fall Running/Racing Plans

It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s Topic is: Fall Running Plans

Fall in the NE is a great time to run. It is cooler and the foliage views are awesome.

I normally have quite a few favorite races on my schedule but this fall, five weekends will be taken up by race-cations to Montreal and France so I will miss some of my favorite races.

Not complaining. I can run them next year.

So here are the races that I am looking forward to this fall – 3 half marathons and a 15K

Sept 23, 2018

This is my first race as a Rock n Blogger as well as my first international race. I am running 5k AND the half with a few local friends and I hope to meet some other bloggers there.

Oct. 14, 2018 20K not a half but close enough

This is a dream come true. As a former French teacher, I’ve always wanted to run a race in Paris and now I am. The race comes at the end of a vacation in Sanguinet (Bordeaux region.)

Image result for stockadeathon

A local 15K that I always try to run.

Image result for pelham half marathon 2018

Another new race and my last half marathon for 2018. A great way to run off all that turkey. And I will running with running buddy Alyssa. (We haven’t raced together in a long time.)

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! Which fall races are you looking forward to??

September 3, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 8.27.18-9.2.18: Lots of Rest Days

Back in NYC but only for 3 days not 5. Heat Wave and not much running (but not because of the heat.)

Monday – Took the train to NYC today and normally I would head right out to do a run. But in addition to running, I love tennis so since the US Open Tennis Tournament has started today in Queens, I decided to get tickets. I have been many many times but never to watch a night match.

Anyway the train arrived an hour late so the run was out of the question. So I hopped a subway to Queens and waited on a LONG line but got to see Kelly Clarkson in concert and Serena and Rafa play. So glad I went (except for late bedtime.)

Tuesday – Again, you will be shocked to note that I did not run again in NYC. I REALLY wanted to but my co-workers scheduled a dinner and I didn’t want to act anti-social so I went. It was a fun time and I did walk to and from the restaurant rather than taking the subway line the others.

BTW: the heat index in NYC was 107.

Wednesday – Rest Day #3. No time to run, I had to catch a train home after work.
Thursday – I wish I was a morning runner. I had a hair appt after work. Life is getting in the way of my running. I was done around 7 pm with finally some cooler temps so I caved and went for a run.

forgot my hat – ugh but ran on a bike path that I haven’t been on in ages.

Friday – To run or not to run. I hate to run the day before a long run but I had time before mah jong so I did.

ran in town (which is celebrating Ovarian awareness) and on the rail trail

Saturday – Finally able to run with the Sole Sisters. What a difference from last weekend. It was cooler, earlier and I had company which made all the difference. I ran with Judy for 5 miles and then Sherry for 6. Then the 10 of us hung out for food and conversation.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. After a weekend off, I was happy to get back on the lake. It was the annual Christmas celebration so there were lots of boats in the bay and a live band. So much fun.

This Coming Week –

Monday – DAY OFF – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – train to NYC, 4 miles
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – 12 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

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

WWSki-Orange

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

September 1, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – September

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

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

Yes with the summer temps, I am still having lots of ice cream!!

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that life has gotten in the way of my runs. I could complain about the heat but that’s not it. I have chosen tennis and social outings and just plain skipped my weekday runs.

Anyone else take a running sabbatical (when you are healthy)??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that because I did not have time to run, I missed that big heat wave. I was in NYC and the heat index was over 100 three days in a row. I didn’t worry about the temps or even consider running on a dreadful treadmill.

But just walking in NYC (and waiting for subways) had me sweating, I still managed to get in a lot of steps. 0 miles running but 17.1 miles walking in 3 days.

Do walking miles count as training?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am the worst solo runner. I do not have any motivation. I stop and walk, take photos, access FB & IG. Yup, the runs may be in the 14 min. pace range and I don’t care. (I don’t even wear a watch.)

Unfortunately, I did not run with those women and this was the slowest 12 miler ever

I think that’s why I used to just run races all the time. When I am in a race, I get that adrenaline.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that that I was really looking forward to racing in Paris because I would be running the race with @fit_in_france

Oct 14, 2018

But unfortunately, she has to DNS because she needs to go to the US to visit family. We are in the process of planning a run together for after I arrive in Paris and before I leave for Bordeaux. Fingers crossed!

Anyone else ever run a race in Paris? Any advice?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I complained that I may have lost my racing mojo. I had skipped many weekend races in favor of just running with friends.

My solution has been to run a race during the week. So I ran the Hump Day 5k on a Wednesday and I may run the Sefcu 5k on Monday.