August 3, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0- 2018, The First 6 months (in Numbers)

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.

This summer I feel like I have really been slacking off. My weekday runs have been a slog due to the humidity and lack of motivation. I think about running 5 miles and I can barely finish three (with lots of walking.) On the weekend? Well, I’d rather go boating or hanging out with friends than running. Last weekend, my planned 9-10 miler turned in to 5.

Instead of whining about my pathetic low number of miles so far in 2018, I’m going to look at the positives about the year so far.

So my topic today is: My 2018 Running Update

I know that I’m a month late but I finally had some time to assess the first 6 months of the year.

To be brief, here are just the numbers.

1.RACES RUN =19

5k – 9
4m – 1
5m – 2
other – 4
10k – 0
15k – 1
Half Marathons – 2

2.New Races RUN = 4

Brew 2 Brew Half
Brooklyn Half
Brooklyn Ice Cream Social
Adirondack 15k

3.COURSE PRs = 9

Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
Ice Breaker Challenge 5k
Delmar Dash (5m)
Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
Cherry Blossom 5k
Tropicool 5k
Summer Smith Memorial 5k
Freihofer 5k
Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k

4.PRs = 2

Delmar Dash (5m)
Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k

5.AGE GROUP AWARDS WON =17

1st Place

Winter Series (3m)
Winter Series (4.5m)
Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
Ice Breaker Challenge 5k
Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
Cherry Blossom 5k
Tropicool 5k
PPTC Summer Speed Series #1 5K
PPTC Summer Speed Series #2 5K
Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k
Silks & Satins 5K

2nd Place

Polar Cap (4m)
Summer Smith Memorial 5k
Adirondack 15K

3rd Place

Winter Series (3.5m)
Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon
Delmar Dash (5m)

So often we only think about the last race or the next race. We stress out about mileage, pace and race plans.

Sometimes we just need to look at the whole picture. They say “pictures tell a story.” Often, numbers tell a story.

At least they do this year for me. The numbers above put things in perspective.

When I look at them, I feel like I’ve had a pretty decent year so far.

I would remiss if I didn’t mention that at the start of year, I had ZERO expectations for PRs, Course PRs or Age Group Awards. I sign up for races that I would enjoy and to do my best to finish them. Whatever happens happens….

: Run to the Lakes

: 2018

And who knows what the next 6 months will bring? (So far, I have another course PR and 1st in my age group 🙂 )

Happy Running! How has the first half of 2018 been for you? Do you ever look at the numbers?

August 1, 2018 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Fabulous

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 FABULOUS

and not because I am eligible for medicare…LOL

So what does “Fabulous” even mean?

almost impossible to believe; incredible.
Informal. exceptionally good or unusual; marvelous; superb:

Why do I think I am fabulous?

Well, let’s talk about my athletic background.

NONE!

As a kid, I did not play any sports and I was not part of any teams. I spent most of my time reading.
As a teenager, it was the same. I had lots of friends and we had fun but in school I was a nerd and concentrated on getting good grades
In college, still nothing remotely athletic. I did a lot of partying but was good at multitasking so was able to maintain decent grades.
After college, as a young married adult, I worked as a teacher. My hubby jogged (which I thought was stupid). I did attend some aerobic dance classes … with a friend. That’s it.

Then mid-life happened and some difficult times. My co-worker and I decided to learn to play tennis. It changed my life at the time. I made new friends and met my 2nd hubby.

we only play tennis together once a year but have remained great friends.

At age 55, I still had not started running but two tennis friends put the idea in my head. I laughed when it was first mentioned.

And now ten years later, I have run hundreds of races. If not injured, I run 30-40 each year.

a recent mid-week 5k in Brooklyn (while working in NYC)

I have completed 31 half marathons and have 3 more planned for the fall.

RnR Las Vegas HM

After every single half marathon finish line, I want to pinch myself. I still cannot believe that I can run 13.1 miles.

One important thing that I love about running is that you are compared to other runners of the same age. It’s not about winning or losing (as it is in many other sports including tennis.)

I never take my pace for granted. For as you know, it depends on who shows up. So I often win age group awards which impresses those who are NOT runners.

I am still proud of every single ONE.

winning 2nd in this hard hilly 15k

So I am not bragging when I say I am fabulous.

Because, I think that every runner that I have met in person or virtually is FABULOUS!!!

No matter what distance you run. Even if you never run a race. No matter how fast you run. Even if you never win an award. If you run, you are fabulous!!!!

I feel so lucky to part of this community!

Image result for keep calm you are fabulous

Happy Running! You are Fabulous! Now tell me why…

July 31, 2018 by Darlene

July Report Card

July was basically a hot month. There might have been more boating than running. LOL

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill. And I didn’t travel as much as other months so I completed quite a few of my run locally.

: Delmar Rail trail

: Delmar neighborhood

: Delmar water line

: UAlbany

: the Crossings

: near the rail trail

: in Washington Park

: ACP Track

I ran a few times while on working in Buffalo. My weekday runs were usually around 3 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less). Heat made it tough to get it done.

Long Runs:

Boating, friends and work have sometimes made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. The month started out well but then I skipped the last weekend. Good thing that I’m not training for a half yet.

: miles + brunch = fun running friends

Total Mileage:

I only ran 72.5 miles so far this month. One of my lowest monthly mileage months. I am also way behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I tentatively had several races on my schedule this month. But I decided to only run one of them. I ran one of my favorite 5ks, Silks and Satins. I had a slight course PR and won my age group so all is right with the world LOL.

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis outdoors two Tuesdays this month. I also played during my weekend in CT.

I even worked out twice at the gym. (I just used the arm machines.)

I did walk at lunch once or twice. But found a new route to walk near my house.

Other News:

Despite my job and running, I was able to squeeze in some friend and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant.

We have taken our boat out on the lake most weekends including July 4th!!! Woo Hoo!!

I feel very lucky to have a wonderful group of friends to run and brunch with on Saturdays! This is basically why I cut back on my summer racing schedule. I raced to have company when I run but now I have company without racing.

I also have wonderful tennis friends who love to get together for meals, weekends and other fun things.

: miles + brunch = fun running friends

: garden tour with tennis friends

: tennis weekend in CT

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #32 is not until September 23.

But I do have some shorter races planned .

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

~~8-04-18 – 1st Monster Mountain 10k~~ cancelled
~~8-11-18 – Camp Chingachgook Half Marathon~~ NYC trip to see my Russian friend
8-11-18 – Governor’s Island 5k
8-18-18 – Jailhouse Rock 5k?
8-22-18 – Hump Day 5k? (signed up but have to work late)
9-08-18 – Malta 5k
9-15-18 – ADK 5k* and/or 9-16-18 – Palio 5K
9-22-18 – RnR Montreal 5k
9-23-18 – RnR Montreal Half Marathon
9-29-18 – Maddies’s Mark 5k?

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her July Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an A-

Despite the work schedule, I did my best to get in my weekday runs in (even though they were on the short side). I ran all my long runs except one. I did play tennis several times and went to the gym a few times. I only ran one race but it was course PR and an age group win. 🙂

Summer is a busy time and I expect August to be worse on the running front (away two weekends). Sometimes, life just gets in the way.

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 did your July turn out? Anything exciting planned for August? What grade would you give your running month?

July 29, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 7.23.18-7.29.18 – Rain Rain, Go Away….

Home again this week because I was working at the Bar Exam for 3 days (instead of my regular job). The weather was not to my liking…bring back the sunshine, please.

Monday – It rained on and off all day so I declared it a rest day and went to the gym for a few minutes and then out to dinner with friends.

My MOTG dress came and it just fits (I guess I can’t gain any weight until Mar.22, 2019!!)

Tuesday – I worked at the Bar Exam instead of my real job and took advantage of being near enough to run in the park. Unfortunately after 11 hours of work, it was late and I was too tired to do much.

in Washington Park – As I was running around the lake, a kid yelled out “Run faster” and another “You look like a girl from the Walking Dead.” I doubt that was a compliment.

Wednesday – Another rest day due to a hair appointment. Besides it was RAINING again.
Thursday – Back at the Bar Exam and it was raining but it stopped so after work, I decided to check out the nearby track. After 2 sweaty miles, I left and ran 1.25 more miles in the neighborhood instead.

ACP Track – The track felt good on the legs and I did some sprints but NO shade and distracting shirtless guys panting.

Friday – Day 3 at the Bar Exam and Rest Day #3. Not disappointed- more humidity and thunderstorms.
Saturday – Weekend Girls Getaway. I headed off early to Conn. with some friends to play tennis, swim, and relax. And that’s what we did including dinner out along the LI Sound and binge watching Nurse Jackie.

Sunday – While everyone was still asleep I headed out for an early morning run. The weather was great but boy is CT hilly. When I got back, we played more tennis, hung out by the pool, etc. The weekend was just so much fun.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 9 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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

July 27, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions for July

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

1. I runfess…

I signed up for a Virtual Race which I normally don’t do. Yes, I love to give to charity but there are so many race local races where I can do that.

Why did I sign up? The swag.

awesome medal

cool women’s tech shirt

Do you run virtual races? Anyone else love Central Park as much as I do?

2. I runfess…

As a Rock N Blogger, I definitely feel FOMO every time a Rock n Roll race happens (especially this month when all my favorite bloggers were running in Chicago.) I loved Vegas and ran Brooklyn and my plan was to run several Rock N Roll races. But they cancelled Brooklyn and the only east coast race is Montreal. But not until Sept 23….

Image result for rnr montreal

Any other Rock N Bloggers out there not able to run all the races they’d like? Anyone else running RnR Montreal??? Hopefully “yes.”

3. I runfess…

I used to race every weekend especially in the summer. But believe it or not, I only raced ONCE in July. Having friends to run with on the weekend has changed my running…

: miles + brunch = fun running friends

Do you ever lose the “racing fever”?

4. I runfess…

I used to reward myself with ice cream after long runs. But now I reward myself with ice cream after short runs and even after NO runs.

: raining so I couldn’t run

Ever give yourself an undeserved post run reward?

5. I runfess…

I bought a new skirt from Skirt Sports (that I don’t need) because I thought that the new pattern matched my new running shoes.

Women's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes - Color: Racer Blue/Blue Tint/Royal Pulse (Regular Width) - Size: 6.5

my shoes

except that it doesn’t match – still love the skirt.

Ever buy new running apparel just because of the color?

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.

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

July 26, 2018 by Darlene

Four Somethings for July

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The last Monday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

So here are mine:

Something Loved.

Time spent with my tennis friends doing things that we all enjoy (that doesn’t involve tennis). I love that we met playing tennis and although we rarely play together anymore, we try to get together monthly. This month we went on a Garden Tour.

Something Said.

After ten years of blogging, I often feel like I’ve said it all and I should probably call it quits. I mean, would anyone notice if I did stop posting.

Then this month, I got two comments from first time readers:

Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10K Race Recap

Hi. I found this race report when I Googled Camp Chingachgook Challenge. I’m going to Lake George for a family vacation and I’m going to run the half or 10k. I haven’t decided yet. Thank you for the review.

Saratoga Springs Half Marathon report

Thanks so much for your race report! I just signed up to run this one on Sunday and am looking forward to it. It sounds like it will be equally hot/humid but I’m still hoping for a fun race

So I guess I will continue my blog and especially make sure I review all my races. You never know who you will help.

Something Learned.

So what did I learn this month?

That is a hard one.

I think I learned not to doubt myself.

I don’t train and just walk/run 2-4 miles several times a week. So when I go into a 5k race, I feel like I may run a PW.

And then the adrenaline takes over and time after time I run a course PR. Can’t ask for more than that at age 65.

When I used to run as part of a training group, my coach labelled me as a “sandbagger.” When I asked him why, he said that in practice, I don’t put in “my all” but he knows that I CAN run faster.

I always thought that I don’t need to be faster and I don’t want to risk getting injured just to run faster.

But at a recent July 5k, when he gave me my age group winner award, he said “I guess I can’t call you a sandbagger today if you won your age group.”

Image result for you are capable of more than you think

Something Read.

I love to read. I love to Run and I love to Travel. So this book fit the bill. In it, Becky Wade shares her experiences while visiting 9 countries and logging over 3,500 miles in 12 months. She learns about the varied approaches to running, eating, having fun around the world.

It made me even more excited to run in Montreal in September and in France in October. These races will my first out of the country runs.

Image result for run the world book

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Please share at least ONE.

July 24, 2018 by Darlene

Silks and Satins 5K Race Recap

July 21, 2018 – 8:00 am

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 31 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016 and 2017, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37)

WouldI again this year???

: 2016

: 2017

Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:

15 turns in this course!!

Due to construction, it was changed slightly this year: The finish line was changed to 80 yards west on George St. so the start was re-located to 80 yards south on East Ave.

The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. Three years ago, I almost got towed.)

unisex shirt than even a XS was too big 😦 We did get free tickets to the track which I plan to use later in the summer!!!

The new pick-up area was moved to behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell, not too far from the old location. I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.

There were close to 1000 runners at this race. So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces: Sue, my Shape & Brooklyn half roommate, Holly and Nancy from the Freihofer’s group and Judy, my current Sat. runny buddy., Patrick, the director for this race and coach for my running groups, to name a few.

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and HUMID but not quite as warm as it has been in past weeks.. I just hung around and chatted until it was time to head to the start. I continued to hang out and chat with Nancy, Holly and Judy and should have lined up closer to the start line since it wasn’t chip-timed. But I just wasn’t paying attention or cared at the time.

And so we were off.

pic from the Saratogian

Nancy is super fast and Holly is fast as well. Nancy took off and just disappeared, I tried to keep Holly in my sight during the first mile but then I lost her. I wasn’t sure if she was ahead or behind. I lost track of Judy, as well, who was behind me.

It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. But as usual, my first mile was too fast. My plan was to have negative splits and but that never happened.

By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing.

It was warm but I have run in higher temps. It was the HUMIDITY. And it was sucking the life out of me.

nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from the Saratogian

I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point but I was looking ahead at the tangent and totally missed it because it was on the other side.

And as it turned out, my legs were tired, I was thirsty and I probably should have walked a little to catch my breath. I wasn’t looking at my Garmin at all but I could tell that I was getting slower at each mile.

pic from the Daily Gazette

By mile 3, I was fading. I think I say this during every 5k race recap. I guess that means that I should either start out slower or do speed drills to build up my endurance.

Anyway, I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line.

I crossed at 27:XX (Gun time).

It was actually a few seconds faster than last year which was shocking.

Judy & I – sweaty but happy

Then I searched for my friends and found them on the food line.

Several years ago, the refreshments consisted of bagels & chocolate milk. This year like last year, there was only watermelon & bananas. I had several pieces of watermelon, a banana and a granola bar. And I felt much better.

pic from the Saratogian

They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my NEW age group. Unfortunately, Holly was 5th but Nancy and Judy came in 2nd in their age groups.

While waiting for the awards ceremony, I bumped into more runners that I knew (Michele, Judy) and they all got awards, as well.

I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award.

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:27
mile 2 – 8:46
mile 3 – 9:12
.14 – 7:44

27:28 (Garmin time)

positive splits again!!!

I’m a sucker for swag and anything Central Park:

I get a tech shirt and an awesome medal.

So this race will count but I will do the real thing in August when I am actually in Central Park.

Since this was Saturday and I usually do my long run on Saturdays, I had planned on adding 6 more miles after the race. But I was too hot and tired so instead I spent the day on our boat.

post race relaxing

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How is your running going this summer? Any recent races?

July 22, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 7.16.18-7.22.18 – Here comes the rain again….

Sweating at home this week until the rain ended the week.

Monday – It was a scorcher and my goal was to find a shady route and get in some miles while sweating. And I did.

at the Crossings

Afterwards, my cool down was a walk around the mall with some retail therapy. I said “Yes’ to the dress – my MOTG dress for next March. A long ways away but the bridemaids, bride and MIL all have their dresses. It was just me left.

then found it online in a smaller size (so no alternations) and cheaper

Tuesday – A rainy day and a rest day. Hoped that the rain would end and the courts would be dry so I could play tennis. The rain did stop but the courts were too wet. I went home and decided not to waste the cooled down temps and went for a run. The humidity was as high as ever but I took a new route and bumped into a very old friend and some wildlife.

Wednesday – I had originally planned a run before meeting a friend at the neighborhood free gym (yes you heard that right – just a few minutes on the arm machines) but decided not to run 3 days in a row. Probably should have since we went out for dinner and I overindulged. I did convince her to also go for a walk before dinner.
Thursday – Another local run (actually calling it a run is a stretch – just wasn’t feeling it) and a mall walk to catch up with my BFF.

around the UAlbany campus

Friday – A scheduled rest day because my tennis friends and I signed up for a Garden Tour.

8 different historic homes and their gardens/art work

Afterwards we went out to dinner at a restaurant along the Mohawk R.. Always a fun time with these ladies.

Saturday – Silks and Satins 5k Race. Hated getting up so early but it is one of my favorite races and many running friends run it. It was not easy but again lots of fun. Had a slight course PR and won my age group

The original plan was to add 6 more miles after the race but looking ahead to the forecast, I decided to go on our boat instead (and yes, it was a hard decision but life is not all about running.) And no it never gets old on this “Queen” of American Lakes.

Sunday – Boating Sunday was canceled due to rain in the forecast. But then it stopped raining so I decided to try and squeeze in a long run. By myself. In the humidity. It didn’t go that well. It started to rain and then it stopped and was stifling. There was a lot of walking but I enjoyed the scenery and got to the end of the newly paved rail trail (even saw a train go by.)

This Coming Week – (if it doesn’t rain all week)

Monday – rest day, get ready to work at the bar exam
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, hair appt
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, drive to CT.
Saturday – 4 miles, tennis in CT
Sunday – rest day, tennis, drive home

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? Did you race this weekend? What’s new with you? Please share.

July 20, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Running without a Plan

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: Why Run Without a Plan

I have mentioned often that I rarely have a plan. I run whatever and wherever and run longer (sometimes) on the weekend.

Many things impact my runs – how I feel, what other family/work/social obligations I have, the weather, where I want to run, how much time I have, whom I am running with, etc.

For these reasons and others, I do not use a PLAN.

So here are my reasons why you too may want to try running without a plan:

1. Run with Others

It is hard to find a running partner who will run the same number of miles unless you are training for the same race. Without a plan, you can be flexible on how many miles you run or if the run is easy or hard. Running with friends is the the most enjoyable way to run.

just some miles on Memorial Day

2. Run more Races

Running races on the weekend often does not fit into a plan. Running races is motivating and fun way to squeeze in a speed workout. You just sign up and not worry about how is the 5K going to match what is on your plan.

Workforce Challenge race- 3.5 miles mid-week

3. No Guilt

If your plan says run 6 miles and you only run 3. You make excuses. If your plan says 8 X 400m repeats and you do an easy run. You feel guilty, right? Without a plan, you run whatever feels comfortable for you on any given day. You can enjoy your runs.

too hot for more miles – no plan, don’t care

4. Freedom to Try New Routes

You can run on trail without worrying that you have to run long or do a tempo run. You can choose a scenic hilly route. You definitely have more options when you don’t follow a plan.

whoa …hills!

5. Reduce Injuries.

With a plan, you may feel compelled to run when you should be resting or you may run with pain. I mean, the plan says 7 miles today or the plan says hill repeats. So you run them. Without a plan, you are more likely to listen to your body. Listening to your body helps you stay injury-free (or close to it.)

long day on the feet at work, chose a walk instead of a run

So yeah, I may be justifying my lack of running with a plan.

Does it make me less of a serious runner? Hopefully not.

Not having a plan does not impact how often I run, how fast I run or how long I will continue running. In fact, I think it helps.

(Don’t hate me, all you running coaches out there…)

Happy Running! Do you always have a running plan?

July 17, 2018 by Darlene

Running on Vacation

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s topic is: Running on Vacation

Image result for ecard vacation running

And my answer is OF COURSE!!

Some folks may go on vacation for a break in their training cycle or just to run a race. Some may only run during vacation because they are training for a big race and it’s on their plan.

I ALWAYS make sure I run when I am on vacation. It’s kinda a priority for me. I would have fun if I didn’t run but running makes it an even better vacation for me.

In this post I’ll talk about my last vacation – my annual TENNIS vacation in Naples Florida.

The schedule was that every morning we play doubles for 1.5 hours and then have a tennis lesson for 1.5 hours or vice versa.

Did I run?

Yes! I made it a priority to do so.

In order to run, I might skip part of the doubles play and run. After my run, I would change my clothes and join them to play. After playing we would have our lesson.

After the first 2 days, I realized that it was faster to run in my tennis clothes and have someone bring my racket & shoes to the court. I would do that sometimes or just play tennis in my running clothes.

Did I run often?

Yes! 6 times.

Friday before tennis- 3.5 miles
Saturday before tennis – 3 miles
Sunday – 5k race
Monday before tennis – 3 miles
Tuesday before tennis – 3 miles
Wednesday before tennis – 6.5K (My birthday run)

I did not run on the day we arrived or the day we left.

in Naples, FL

Were they good runs?

Nope. None were.

It was very humid on the first few runs and of course, much warmer than I was used to. Then it got even warmer. It was tough to breathe and run. My running got to be walking/running and slower and slower.

I also found for the first time that I was missing tennis. Everyone else was playing tennis. I wanted to be with them And I wanted to be warmed up before our lesson.

In past years, I just ran fewer miles. This year I either started out running earlier or if it wasn’t a lesson, I arrived at tennis later (and rotated into the doubles).

Did I enjoy my runs?

Yes. Immensely.

I loved the scenery – the trees, flowers,etc. I loved the sunshine and even the heat.

During each run I took a different route. I ran around the neighborhoods of World Tennis Center (WTC). I ran around the pool area and tennis courts. I ran outside the WTC along the main road in one direction and then another day in the other direction.

What will I do differently next year?

I could get up earlier. But it’s hard when you go out to dinner late and you are hanging out with friends after that.

I could run every other day. But you never know in Florida when it will rain. You have to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

I could just play tennis but I would have been upset with myself for NOT running.

I could run after tennis but I know I would have been too tired and would be making others wait for me to go to the beach.

So next year, I will probably do nothing different from this year.

Views from my Naples runs:

one of the bridges along the main road

path at WTC to the tennis courts

another bridge on the main road

in WTC

our villa in WTC

one more bridge along the main road

the main road in the other direction

more views of WTC

thought the SLOW sign was meaningful

Suggestions for running on vacation:

Be prepared. Bring clothes for all weather conditions.
Schedule your runs. If you leave it to chance, it won’t happen.
Be flexible. Sometimes other persons’ needs or desires will come before your running.
Find a scenic route. Pretty views make all the difference.
Lower your expectations. Distance & speed goals will probably not happen.
Register for a race in the area, if possible. Then you will definitely run.
Have fun.