January 1, 2018 by Darlene

Running Update:12.25.17-12.31.17

Last week –

Monday – Christmas Day and snow had fallen. A lot of snow and it was windy. No running for me. Instead it was off to my mentee to exchange gifts with her and her two sons.

Amanda’s BF, Amanda, Richard (11), Matthew (6)

Of course, later in the day, it was time to celebrate with the family.

Tuesday – Another rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening.

that’s me in the far court

Besides it was freezing! I almost bit the bullet and used the treadmill where I play tennis. But the gym there was closed due to renovations. Guess it wasn’t meant to be.

they could renovate it in the summer when no one plays tennis indoors….

Wednesday – Single digits or not, I had to get outside for some miles. But my hands were so cold even with two pairs of gloves that I had to cut the run short.

Thursday – Well, it was even colder today!! Didn’t let it stop me. “I will survive!!”

again I cut my run short for fear of frost bite or hyperthermia

Friday – The cold weather continued but it was a rest day and an evening out for mah jongg (finally)
Saturday – Although it was cold, there was little wind and it was lightly snowing. So it felt rather nice to be out there.

I could have run longer but didn’t want to be late for brunch and it turned out I was early. Mittens helped keep my hands warm today.

I tried to convince the Wineglass ladies to brave our arctic temps and run with me. Nope, they stayed local or indoors to run but we did meet after for brunch.

Sunday – A rest day but celebrated New Year’s Eve with the hubby, tennis friends, good food, music and dancing.

Next Week –

Monday – ~~HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M race~~ cancelled due to the cold temps, 4 miles?
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – drive to Buffalo, rest day
Thursday – drive home from Buffalo, rest day
Friday – 3 mile run?, mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run
Sunday – rest day, day in NYC

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you celebrate New Year’s Eve? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

December 31, 2017 by Darlene

Looking Back on 2017

Image result for looking back

In a post last January, after a stressful 2016, I talked about my plans for 2017. (Read about them here.)

To summarize that post, I basically said that in 2017, I planned to “enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one.” In other words, try not to dwell on negatives or stress out about the paces, the miles and the finish times.

And my chosen word for 2017 was “RELAX”

So let’s see how the year went… and if the “relaxing” plan helped.

With a new job that as the year progressed, added more and more travel, running became my therapy.

I made it a priority that after work I would run, no matter where I was, so I would be in racing shape for all those races that I signed up for.

And yes, that happened (most of the time).

I ran along Onondaga Lake in Liverpool, Lake Ontario and on the Erie Canal Trail in Rochester, at Canalside in Buffalo and along the East and Hudson rivers and in Central Park in Manhattan. Most times I was exhausted and hungry and it was late but I always felt better when I was done with my run.

Along Lake Ontario (Rochester)

I ran 35 races with only one DNS (due to a backache).

There were 6 Half Marathons, 13 5ks, 4 10ks and a variety of other distances.

I won’t go into detail about every race here but except for two strugglefest half marathons, I was happy with how I ran ALL the other races!!

yes, the Shape Half Marathon was not easy…

I didn’t have any time goals for my races. I just wanted to run well and have fun! And I did just that.

July – Brooklyn 5k

That being said, TEN of the 5ks (all the ones that I actually raced) had finish times under 28 minutes!! Woo! Hoo! There were MANY age group awards earned, too.

Plus, I had a half marathon PR. Even more exciting (and shocking)!!

May 21 – Steel Rail Half Marathon

Almost all my races were run with friends. They say “Running is better with friends.” And ain’t that the truth?

Wineglass pre-race dinner

RnR Vegas Half Marathon

The only negative about my year was that this past fall, I wasn’t able to participate in my favorite running group or volunteer with STEM. I wasn’t able to play tennis every Tuesday. I rarely went to gym and never hit a yoga class. Work, work, work. Darn work schedule!!!

Otherwise, I think my year went very well. I proved to myself that to have good running year, it’s not all about PRs and paces but it’s about relaxing, having fun and finding good in every race.

So moving forward...

What’s in store for me in 2018???

Well, long work days and more travel are likely.

I haven’t picked a word yet. But I can tell you this for sure:

I will be running.

I will be racing.

Happy Running! Have you looked back yet on 2017? Did you have any goals? Did you meet them? Anything to share about 2018 yet? Please do…

December 30, 2017 by Darlene

2017 By the Numbers

Anyone else besides me like numbers??

Here are some of my 2017 running stats:

Highlights:

Although running achievements are personal. You cross the finish line on your own and your time is what you earn yourself. However, my most memorable racing experiences this past year were those that I shared with others.

Paris 8K 2017

2017

Having fun is much more important than the numbers.

And 2017 was a good year for me!!

Happy Running! How did your year turn out by the numbers? What were your most memorable running experiences?

December 29, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions – December

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 travelled every week for work this month. I refuse to let it get in the way of my running but winter running clothes take up so much room in a suitcase.

What to do?

Just wear the same clothes on every run…at least it’s too cold to sweat.

: NYC

: Liverpool

Anyone else re-wear their winter running clothes?

2. I runfess…

The holiday eating has gotten out of hand… party after party after party. I probably should increase the number of miles I am running during the week but I have no time…

: tennis holiday party

: BFF’s b-day

Anyone else out eat more carbs that they are running off?

3. I runfess…

I booked my non-refundable flight to Paris for Oct 2018 BEFORE I asked for the time off from work. Fingers crossed that I get those days approved…

I plan to spend a week in Sanguinet with a friend’s friends before racing in Paris

4. I runfess…

I caved. There was a big sale and I bought the photo…

5. I runfess…

I forgot that I had applied to be a Rock n Blogger…

Imagine my surprise when I got the acceptance!!!

I never would have planned that France trip. Because now I have to find a Rock n Roll race or two to run…. With no vacation time left, it has to be driveable. They cancelled RnR Brooklyn. So guess who will be running…

Anyone else want to join me???

It’s also 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.

December 28, 2017 by Darlene

2017 – My Year in Pictures

Are you tired of my 2017 recaps yet? I hope not because I have a few more coming…

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

It makes me remember why I love running.

JANUARY

cold temps but still happily running and racing

FEBRUARY

even colder temps but running with friends helped

MARCH

A race-cation in Florida helped get me through this long winter

APRIL

a new running companion and a race in Central Park were the highlights

MAY

my birthday month, an annual tennis vacation in Florida and of course a race

JUNE

the racing season began as well as boating on the lake

JULY

warmer temps meant less racing and more hiking

AUGUST

Lots more racing including a trip to NYC and an attempt to beat the train

SEPTEMBER

Fall in the NE got me out racing every weekend

OCTOBER

the long awaited girls racing weekend arrived (for Wineglass HM in Corning, NY)

NOVEMBER

running down the Vegas strip at night…who can beat that?

DECEMBER

so it got cold again but friends were what has motivated me to get out there and pound the pavement.

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

Obviously, running for me is not about getting faster.

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

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

December 27, 2017 by Darlene

My Award Picks for 2017

Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran. It was fun so I decided to do it again. (Soon it will be 2018 and my posts about 2017 were be over…LOL)

Since I ran 35 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was sometimes difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Atlantic Ocean while running the Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in Stuart, FL).

TCMarathon_2017_0030

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was the Shape Half Marathon (two loops in Central Park meant running the hills twice!)

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

The crowds came out in mass along the Vegas strip to watch and support the runners during the RnR Vegas Half Marathon. People were out there cheering during the whole nighttime race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.

Best Expo –

Hands down, the RnR Vegas Half Marathon had the best expo.

Best Swag –

The Wineglass Half Marathon definitely had the best swag.

half zip, bottle of champagne and a wine glass

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was from the Wineglass Half Marathon because it was actually made of glass. (The region is famous for hand blown glass.).

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a tea cup at the Polar Cap Run.

I also like to get practical things. So winning a drink tumbler at the Tropicool 5K was great. I’ve used it many times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

Best Race Shirt-

The Wineglass Half Marathon had the best shirt. I’ve worn it a few times and it is so comfy.

My second favorite shirt was the one from the Shape Women Half Marathon. I liked the bright color and the women’s fit.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed ALL of my races this year.

I’d have to say the Freihofer Run for Women because it’s local, I know so many of the runners, it’s all women and this year I actually ran it well.

And of course, the Wineglass Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with new and old running friends was so fun.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

But I would have to say that I am the most proud that I finished the RnR Vegas Half Marathon because of how difficult it was for me (all due to the stupid mistakes I made beforehand.)

It was also my first challenge (two races in two days.)

And the Steel Rail Half Marathon because my GPS watch was not working and I did not feel properly trained for the race. (Yet, I pr’d. Go figure!)

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2017?

December 26, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: December Report Card

Image result for december's over welcome january

Well, it looks like winter has arrived…cold, wind and even a little snow.

Here’s how December worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home. Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights and it is now too dark when I get out of work. I did run while working in NYC (three weeks in a row) and when in Liverpool. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles.

: NYC

: NYC

: Liverpool

I ran alone most of the time. MY BRF Alyssa was not able to accompany because her hubby is ill. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

: The Crossings

: UAlbany

: the ‘Hood

Long Runs:

Long runs ended with my half marathon on Nov. 12 and since my next one is not until March 2018, I don’t predict double digits until February! But I still planned to run at least 6 miles each weekend. And I was successful!!

: 6 miles

Total Mileage:

I have run 60 miles this month so far. A big decrease over November (102) but I am feeling healthy so all is good.

And I hit 1000 miles for the second year in a row!!!!!

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Winter Series #1 Race which was 3 miles and the Albany Last Run which was a festive, snowy 5k. I was pleased with my sub 27 minute finish in the Winter Series Race and also happy that I didn’t fall during the slippery course (until the finish line) for the Albany Last Run.

: Winter Series #1 – 3M

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis twice indoors. It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing.

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! No excuses because I live near a free gym and my tennis club membership this year includes free access to the gym.

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk-occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot.

Other News:

There were also quite a few friend-bonding activities. Can’t have too many of those.

: BFF’s b-day

: tennis holiday party

: Christmas Day

I saw a few movies that I highly recommend:

I also read this book and LOVED it:

As you can tell, running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure….family, friends, food….

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No other half marathons planned until March.

I have just a few shorter races planned. My racing schedule does slow down during the winter.

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

1-01-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
1-14-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 (3m or 10K)
1-28-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3m or 15K)
2-03-18 – Polar Cap 4m
2-18-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 (4.5m or 10m)

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

No monthly goals.

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

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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks and even had to (due to the weather) skip week day runs.

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner. (I know. I know. Winter has only just begun…)

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

What grade would you give your running month?

December 25, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 12.18.17-12.24.17

Last week –

Monday – I see a lot of my running being limited to the Ualbany campus due to ice and snow so I decided for a change to run in my town.

love these new projected light displays that are the rage.

Tuesday – Off to Liverpool for work. I was hoping to find a way to squeeze in a run along the lake. It was insanely windy but I got it done.

The lights go on at 5 pm and I was lucky to get it done before they kicked me out of the park.

After dinner, I went back to catch the lights.

Unlike where I live, they don’t let you walk in park when the lights are on. You have to drive and pay $10. So I walked along the street parallel to the park.

Wednesday – Working all day. Too late, too dark and too snowy to run anywhere. So it was a rest day.
Thursday – Again working all day. No time to run. Had to drive home. Another rest day.
Friday – Snow, sleet and freezing rain. When and where will I get to run? Even mah jongg was cancelled.
Saturday – Yup, another crappy weather day. Rain today! The Wineglass ladies group run was postponed.
Sunday – Finally a dry day after four days of zero running. I ran 6 miles with our group. It was a challenge avoiding the icy spots but no one fell and we enjoyed bagels and coffee afterwards. A win win.

I alternated running with Judy Ly, Barbara & Alyssa/Karen (not pictured). Judy & Jan ran/walked behind us.

I am happy to say that my nails and Christmas shopping were done and the hubby and I enjoyed a relaxing evening at the movies (Three Billboards…)

Next Week –

Monday – rest day, Christmas celebration with my mentee and then with the family
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run,
Sunday – rest day, New Year’s Eve

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow yet?? Cold temps? Please share.

Happy Holidays

December 22, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Traditions

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.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Traditions

Here are my FIVE:

1. Running Through the Lights in the Park

I do this on my own or with Alyssa as well as during the Albany Last Run. (see my recap here.)