November 24, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – My Favorite Podcasts

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, I’m going to talk about my 5 FAVORITE RUNNING-RELATED PODCASTS.

Yes, I am late to the party. When I run alone, I used to listen to music. But I got tired of the same old same old tunes and decided to try listening to podcasts – running ones, of course.

Now I am addicted. In addition to running with them, I listen to them on LONG drives (and for work, I do a lot of them.)

So here’s my TOP FIVE:

1. Run This World– this one is done by Nicole DeBoom who is the founder of Skirt Sports. Her podcasts last as long as the average 5k run (that’s what she says but many are much longer) and her guests are so varied and yet motivating. Each one ends with the guest’s “nugget of advice.”

Image result for run this world podcast

2. I’ll Have Another– I love listening to Lindsay’s guests – she interviews mostly women – some are well known but many are not. And they all have a story to tell (about running.)

InsideGatefold_WomensRunning_0914.indd

3. Another Mother Runner – The Podcast – The host is Sarah Bowen-Shea but Dimity is often on it as well. I’ve met these two women in person and they are so entertaining. It’s no surprise that their podcasts are as well. In addition, to stories about their own running and families, they share their love of reading.

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4. Ali on the Run Show – I’ve always loved her blog and I’ve enjoyed all the guests that she has interviewed so far (she even recently interviewed Kara Goucher!) The podcasts last over an hour so I’ve used them during my long runs. She also has added some shorter ones for weekday runs.

Image result for ali on the run show

5. The Human Race – put together by Runner’s World magazine. There are 29 episodes and unfortunately, there will not be any new ones. In each one, Rachel Swaby has a runner tell their story.

so I am adding one more that I just discovered to replace The Human Race after I’ve listened to them all.

6. Diz Runs Radio – He has recorded almost 500 podcasts. I’ve only listed to a few but the ones I’ve heard were so inspiring and his guests were just ordinary runners like you and me.

Happy Running! Do you listen to podcasts while you run? Do you have any others to recommend?

November 22, 2017 by Darlene

The Thankful to Running Post

Image result for thankful post

I thought I did this every year but when I looked through my blog posts, it seemed that the last one was in 2012.

So I am overdue.

I am, of course, thankful to (in no particular order):

my hubby
my kitties
my former co-workers
my running partners in crime
my mah jongg friends
my tennis buddies
my health
all those folks who have passed through my life (high school and college friends)
my ex-in-laws

and more that I don’t have time to list (Since I am at work).

Image result for thanks running quotes

So why am I thankful to running?

for how much healthier I am

I hardly even get sick. It’s very rare that I even get a cold. (knock on wood) If I ever feel rundown or tired, I just go for a run and that feeling disappears. Running is my Energy/Vitamin source.

for how much younger I feel.

This may sound corny but I sometimes forget that I am 64 years old when I am running. I often run faster than runners half my age. And often slower than runners older than me. So I guess Running is my fountain of youth.

running with my 30-something Russian friends.

for how many awesome people I have met since I started running.

I have met them by joining running groups, at races, through social networking and through other runners. In other words, Running has become part of my Social Life.

Race the Train – 2018

2017: 58:02

for how confident it has made me feel.

I am not athletic. I never played a sport growing up. In fact, I am very clumsy. Imagine my surprise when I won my first age group. I tell people that I am not fast but it depends who shows up at a race. My speed is not bad “for my age.” Running has filled my empty Trophy Case.

for the places running has taken me.

Yes, all my vacations involve races. As a result, I have traveled to Philly, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and more!! Running is actually my Travel Agent.

Palm Springs, CA

Panama City Beach, FL

Sarasota, FL

for the strength it has given me.

I have done things that I never thought possible. Run 13.1 miles? Who me?

I have been able to push through pain and not give up on things that seemed too hard. Yes to running through injuries, hills, running in the rain, heat and sub zero temps. Running is my Kryptonite.

VCM even though it was cancelled due to extreme temps

for getting me outdoors.

I am sure that if I weren’t a runner, I would read more, watch TV more maybe even cook or clean more often.

But it’s running that drives me out of my house early on the weekend mornings and out of my office at the end of a long work day. Running is my Vitamin D.

So I’ll end with the following in addition to my wish to all those reading this post to have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving (and fun Turkey Trot so you are so inclined):

Image result for thanks to running

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

Happy Running! How are you thankful for running? Are you running a Turkey Trot?

November 21, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 11.13.17-11.19.17 & TOTR

Last week –

Monday – My last day in Vegas. I took an early morning walk around the hotel area before my shuttle picked me up to go to the airport
Tuesday – Brrrr.. my body was in shock due to the change in temperature. Plus there was the 3 hour jet lag. Somehow I managed to get up enough energy to play tennis after work.
Wednesday – Off to Buffalo for work. I had planned to run when I got there but set up took too long and it was too late, cold, etc. So I just went out to a late dinner with a co-worker.
Thursday – Again I wanted to squeeze in a run before my long drive home but it was RAINING!!! Ugh…so rest day #4.
Friday – It was cold and windy but I wanted to try out my knuckle lights so I went for a short run on the rail trail before mah jongg.

Saturday – I was itching to get back to running and the Wineglass girls were able to accompany me. I ran with Alyssa and then afterward most of the group went out for breakfast.

Alyssa, Jeri, Jan, Judy and Chris – if they look cold it’s because it was in the 20s

Sunday – I took an early morning train to NYC today. First on the schedule was a reunion lunch with the people whom I went to France with during my junior year of college.

we ate at a French restaurant, of course, but I was too busy chatting to notice the food LOL

After lunch, I met up with my tennis buddies to see the Broadway show Come Far Away.

what an amazing show and a true story. Go see it if you can

Another full but very fun day!!

Weekly Total = 10 miles (2 runs and 5 rest days)

Next Week –

Monday – 3-6 miles
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – rest, bib pick up
Thursday – Troy Turkey Trot 10k followed by Troy Turkey Trot 5k
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 6-8 mile run
Sunday – rest

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

November 18, 2017 by Darlene

RnR Las Vegas Half Marathon Race Recap

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever (since March) and now it’s come and gone.

I signed up for this race for several reasons:

FOMO. Many of the PCB blogger/runners said that they wanted to run it.
I love race-cations.
I had enough FF miles for a free flight and Marcia offered to share a room with me (since the other bloggers were bringing their hubbys.).
I’d heard great things about the course and the race and it was supposedly pretty flat.
Running down the Vegas strip at night? Why not?
The bling. Run 2 races in one weekend and get 3 medals!

Half Marathon Training:

If you read my blog, you know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on October 1 and since then I have completed some easy weekday runs and a few long runs on the weekend.

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I do like to get in a 12 miler before each half marathon.

: 9 miles for the day

: 11 miles for the day

: 10 with Alyssa

I skipped my long run entirely the weekend I went away with my friends. I added extra miles to two races and then shortened my 12 miler to 10. But I did taper with 10 instead of 8. (I am a coach’s nightmare LOL)

I wasn’t really worried since with 40k runners, I didn’t expect to run at a PR pace anyway.

Marathon #29.

I was thrilled to be out there running and healthy and to be in the company of so many other enthusiastic runners.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep on this trip.

Resting your legs is probably a good idea. Fueling for a long race is important.

After 28 half marathons, you would think I would know this.

And I do.

But when your race has no time goals, you may ignore the prerequisites for a pain-free race.

Anyway, the day before this race, I put 16.4 miles on my legs which included a 5k race.

I took a fabulous bus tour of Red Rock Canyon. The scenery was breathtaking and I did some some hikes at several of the stops.

In the evening, I slowly raced a 5k. (You can read about it here.)

Afterward the gang (bloggers and spouses) decided to walk to find a restaurant for dinner.

One thing I learned about Vegas is that nothing is as close as it seems. Even taking the monorail involves tons of walking.

Race Day:

Race day included a lot of meet-up planning. Most of which was unsuccessful.

Marcia and I went out for brunch at Mandalay Bay around 10 am. We planned on eating again before our race which was scheduled to start at 4:30 pm but that never happened.

looks better than it tasted – over cooked and cold

Eventually we headed back to our hotel from the Paris Hotel (where we had hung out with Kim & Tricia and their hubbys) to get ready and walk to the race start which was near New York New York hotel.

on the walkway heading to the start

We were very lucky as far as the weather was concerned. It was cloudy and high in the 60s. Though I was warm while running, my tank and skirt was a perfect race choice.

I won that tank in a giveaway 2 years ago.

Everything was very organized at the beginning of the race. We followed signs to gear check, our planned blogger meet up and waited until everyone arrived.

hanging out on a rock

Finally they did so we could snap the obligatory pre-race photo.

ready to rock n roll

The corrals were organized by colors and then by numbers. Everyone was in blue except for MaryBeth. We squeezed into our location and waited. Checking out all the crazy costumes kept us entertained. Elvises, super heroes, brides and grooms and more.

I took a Gu since it had been over 5 hours since I had anything to eat.

Little by little waves of 5 moved forward and started with a fire send off. This was very cool.

Marcia, Kim and I started together. I planned to start out slowly and stay with them as long as I could.

It was so crowded that it was impossible to run fast. We were just weaving in and out.

We started by running toward the airport past the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and by where the shooting occurred. There was no music during this stretch to honor the victims.

I stopped and walked at the first water stop around mile 1. My mouth was already parched due to the dry air. Marcia and Kim were smart to carry water (I never do.)

I caught back up to Marcia and Kim but then lost them when they stopped at the port a potties around mile 2.

I stopped again at the mile 3 water stop and walked for awhile. I thought that possibly Marcia and Kim would catch up but they never did.

At this point, I knew that the race was going to be a struggle. I felt light headed probably because I was hungry. My legs felt heavy and I just had no energy. This was worrisome since it was only the beginning of the race.

But the music started which was a nice distraction and we were entering the strip.

Around mile 5 I took another Gu (Smores – yum!!) and walked again. This was the pattern for most of the race. Run and then walk at the water stop which were every 2 miles it seemed.

Running was more of a struggle than I ever remember. But lights and sights of the Vegas Strip at night were mesmerizing.

It was hard not to smile even during a struggling pace.

We ran by the Mirage, Paris, the Bellagio fountains. Indescribable.

Eventually we left the lively part of the strip and headed toward Old Vegas. This part dragged until we arrived at Fremont Street.

Here the course looped around and finally we were running in the direction toward where we started. There was hope that I could do this thing.

Around mile 9, I took my final Gu (toasted marshmallow) which did not sit well. I won’t be buying this flavor again!!

The winner of the marathon passed me by and he had more zip in his step than I did. LOL

After mile 10, I gave up only walking at water stops. I just walked whenever I felt like it. I just wanted to cross the finish line. I had no idea what my time was and frankly I didn’t care.

I can look happy whenever I spot a photographer

Eventually I spotted the Mirage Hotel and then Paris and the Bellaggio Fountains. Of course, they weren’t as close as I thought but I did it. I finished it this strugglefest….with a smile!!

As soon as I crossed the finish line, I was handed a metal, water, chocolate milk. Other goodies such as bananas, bars, Pringles chips, pretzels were available including free beer.

I headed to get my Remix Medal and then to Gear Check (Both were easy to find.) to wait for the others to finish. One by one, they arrived. Everyone finished!! We were ALL happy (even though none of us had PRs except for Greg running his first half.)

oops Mary Beth left before the pic

Off we went (on foot, of course) in search of a place for dinner and celebration.

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

Organized packet pick-up.
The Expo
Easy to navigate to gear check, port-a-potties, the start, etc.
Fire send-off -at the Start
Amazing crowd support. People lined the entire course.
Flat course.
Awesome medal.
Remix Challenge
Perfect weather conditions
Water and Gatorade stops at least every 2 miles
The music – all genres from country to Elvis to Elton John to Kiss
Security – police in helicopters and armed police everywhere
The runners and their costumes
Lots of photos (I had 18)
The sights and sounds of the Vegas Strip (unforgettable)
No major injuries. (just the usual blister on my foot)
Sharing the race experience with friends

The Bad:

Lack of sleep (3 hour time difference)
Too much walking the day before
Not properly fueling the day of
Dry Heat
Training (no 12 miler?)
Flat course (I actually enjoy the variety of ups and downs)
Black tees for a night race (neon perhaps?)

The Ugly:

Nothing really.

The RNR Vegas Half Marathon was a great race. I am so glad that I had to chance to run it.

Whatever made the race more painful that it should have been was my own doing. Lesson learned. RESPECT THE DISTANCE!! 13.1 miles is no joke.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. I don’t usually repeat half marathons but if I did, I would run this one again. And especially if it were closer and cheaper.

Final Stats:

I never looked at the watch throughout the race since it was dark and I had zero goal other than finishing. So there’s no reason to post my paces. They were consistently in the 10s which is slow for me until the last three miles when they were 11s.

Yes, one of my slowest recent half marathons even slower than some hilly ones. Am I disappointed? Nope, not in my finish time. Only disappointed that I didn’t choose to painlessly stroll to that time. In this race, that was as fast as I was capable due to several preventable mistakes (whining over!!)

Next Up:

March 17, 2018

Image result for singer half marathon

I’m also linking up today for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. You should do so too.

Happy Running! Have you run the RnR Vegas Half Marathon? Ever run a race just for fun that turned out to be a struggle?

November 17, 2017 by Darlene

RnR Las Vegas 5K Race Report

I was pretty excited about this race. It was my first time running in Las Vegas and my first time running back to back races.

Yes, I was planning to run a half marathon the next day…. for the Bling, of course and the challenge of it.

I have never backed away from a challenge (Spoiler alert: all 13.1 miles were a challenge!!!)

Anyway, I arrived in Vegas the day before the race (and gained 3 hours!!). After checking into my hotel, I immediately headed (well after I figured out where the Monorail was) to the expo. No problems at all. Packet pick-up was a breeze (easier than getting into my hotel room.)

The expo was huge!!! I did a lot of sampling but only bought some Gu.

I got the new flavors..loved Smores, Coconut..not so much

Race day was a busy one. As they say “no rest for the weary.”

Since my roomie was not arriving until the afternoon, I planned to take a bus tour of Red Rock Canyon. Best decision ever. It was amazing. We made loads of stops and there was hiking available at many (nothing too strenuous).

When the tour was over, I met my roomie, Marcia at the hotel and then accompanied her to the expo. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for pizza as our pre-race meal.

We had perfect weather for this evening race (well, maybe a little too warm) and was able to wear my planned outfit.

The Tropicana was the perfect hotel choice because we were the first stop on the monorail and had no problems getting on right away.

we’re ready with our matching bling

We got off at the SLS Hotel stop which was near where the 5k Race started. (If you know Vegas, “near” is relative).

We wandered for a bit until we found the Gear Check area where I left a bag with a long sleeved shirt and jacket for after the race. This was also our agreed pre and post race meet-up spot.

only 4 of the group were doing the 5K – I am alone in the grey corral

As you can see from the course map, the race does not take place on the strip but one block over.

The start area was organized by colored corrals and then by numbered waves (according to your predicted finish time. If you look at the group photo, you’ll see that I was alone in the gray corral. The others were in wave 6, corral purple and I was in wave 9.

So we separated at the start but planned meet up again after the race.

waiting to start

The waves each started with a count down. I had to wait about 15 minutes, I think. Everyone was bubbling with excitement. There were lots of costumes and music. Since it was ONLY a 5k, I was very relaxed. Many of the runners were also running a race the next day or relatives of runners or just walkers. It was mixed bag which made it a challenge at times during the race.

My plan for the race was…no plan. I thought I would walk the whole thing but when I was the only one in the second corral, I decided to just run slowly so I didn’t have to make everyone wait a long time to go out to dinner after.

And that’s what I did. I enjoyed the music, laughed at the costumes, and weaved around the walkers to eventually cross the finish line.

I thought it would be around 35 minutes so I was pleasantly surprised that I finished under 30 minutes.

As soon as I got my medal, water and some snacks, I made a beeline to Gear Check to meet up with fellow 5kers Marcia, Tricia, her hubby, Greg, as well as, Kim and Mary Beth (who would be running with us the next day.)

With some husbands in tow, we all headed for a LONG stroll to find a restaurant for dinner.

my very cool medal

What I liked about the race:

Smooth packet pick-up
Well organized race location, gear check, start, signs, etc.
Crowd support
Enthusiastic participants
Running with friends is the best
The medal
Almost perfect weather
Goo Goo Dolls concert afterward (although we were too hungry to stay)
Free Beer (although I didn’t partake in that either)

What I didn’t enjoy:

Would have preferred to run along the strip. The course was not exciting.
Charcoal grey race tee (for a night race??) How about a brightly-colored shirt?
The only water stop was at mile 2. Why not at the turn around? Vegas is soooo dry. I was parched.

All in all, I loved the experience. I am glad that I decided to run the RnR Vegas 5k. This was my slowest 5k in years but who cares. I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

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! Have you run this race? Have you ever run two races back to back?

November 14, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Runner’s Gift List

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: Runner’s Gift List

It’s that time of year. Time to think about what you want on your Chanukah or Christmas List.

Gift Card to a Running Store (so you can buy whatever you want)

A Race Entry (preferably a destination one with water views)

New Socks (Does a runner ever have enough?)

Skirt Sports Gift Card (and they don’t only sell skirts)

ss gc

Knuckle Lights (I just discovered these and they rock for nighttime runs)

Yak Traks (a necessity if you run on snow or ice.)

Gloves (I know I always lose mine)

Happy Running! What is on your gift list?

November 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 11.6.17-11.12.17

Last week – Race Week

Monday – It rained most of the day and it was cold and windy. Plus I left my jacket home. So I was ready to bail on the run. But Alyssa talked me into going to UAlbany. As usual, I was glad that she did.

Tuesday – Is winter on the way? It sure felt like it. Glad it was a rest day. But I did get to play tennis for a change. (It was fun and I used muscles that I haven’t used in a while.)
Wednesday – Off to Liverpool again for work. And I managed to squeeze in a chilly run before darkness. My last run before the big weekend.

The sunshine made it more pleasant

Then I went back for a sunset walk.

So purdy

Thursday – Another rest day as I needed to drive directly home after work.
Friday – Early morning flight to Vegas (through Chicago). Arrived around noon, took a shuttle to the hotel and then headed to the race expo.

a HUGE expo but only indulged on Gu.

Later on I took the monorail to take in the evening sights.

Unfortunately with the 3 hour time difference, I was too pooped to party.

Saturday – I took an awesome bus tour where I got to see and explore Red Rock Canyon. The scenery was spectacular.

Then in the evening I ran the RnR Vegas 5k with some blogger friends followed by a long walk to dinner.

not run on the strip but still a fun time.

16.4 miles for the day before a half marathon. Probably not an ideal rest day but so worth it.

Sunday – In the morning, Marcia and I went out to brunch and then neglected to eat for the rest of the day. That and the previous day’s miles may have impacted my race performance but the race itself was awesome. Running on the strip in Vegas was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Oh what a night!!

Next Week –

Monday – rest, fly home
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – rest, drive to Buffalo
Thursday – rest, long drive home
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – rest, trip to NYC for college reunion lunch and Broadway show with tennis ladies

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.
And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess’s

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

November 10, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Planning a Stress-free Race-cation

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 for today is: Five Tips for Taking a Stress-free Race-cation

If you follow my blog, you know that right now, I am on a Race-cation – in Las Vegas!!!

You may also know that I love to travel and when I do, I make sure that a race is included. I am fortunate to able to fit one into my schedule at least twice a year.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

: Treasure Coast Half (Jupiter)- Mar 2017

So here are some tips to avoid the stress:

1. Plan early.

Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends’ place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, friend?)

It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.

trained for this race together and/or roomed together.

I actually booked my flight for this trip way back in March so I could use my FF miles. My blogging buddy Marcia booked a hotel near the start and graciously allowed me to share her room.

2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.

I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all in advance because as we know, the weather forecasts will change. And the forecast is not always accurate. So bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.

I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.

I doubt it will rain in Vegas but it can be cold and it can be hot. This one was tough to pack for…due to the variety of things that I may do. (I think I over-packed but still may not have the right clothes.)

3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee/tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.) I also pack energy bars in case I need a snack the day before.

Both the 5k and the Half Marathon in Vegas are not in the morning – they’re at 6 pm and 4 pm. This makes eating quite complicated but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.

Not knowing the breakfast situation in the hotel, I did bring cereal and coffee, just in case.

4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me twice.) And you will have time to get used to the weather or altitude by doing a test run.

From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!

I planned to arrive at noon on Friday (if everything goes as planned.) The 5k is Sat. eve and the Half Marathon is Sun. eve.

The time change may put a little damper on things but it is what it is. (I am a horrible sleeper, anyway.)

5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.

Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.

During my last race-cation in Florida, I went to a NY Mets spring training game, visited a bird sanctuary and met up of with different friends for various lunches and dinners.

For this trip, I scheduled a bus trip to Red Rock Canyon. I plan to meet up with many bloggers and how can you not have fun in Vegas???

and why should you??

Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations?

November 7, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Winter Motivation

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

Today’s Topic is: Winter Motivation.

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So to motivate myself to enjoy this winter more, I decided to point out what is great about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

13662262_10153694932756074_56283901147261787_o

not a fan of rain!!

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

happier here

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge LOL).

3. It’s pretty outside.

Well, at least most of the time.

4. There are free races (in my area.)

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 6 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after.

5. There’s not a lot to do in the winter and it’s get me outside.

In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

Winter_4-145

But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

so they say…

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

coachescorner

November 6, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 10.30.17-11.5.17

Last Week: Taper Time

Monday – The rain finally stopped but it was ridiculously windy all day. I met up with Alyssa for a short run after work.

The wind even calmed down.

Afterwards I met up with my BFF for an overdue mall walk (instead of volunteering with STEM).

Tuesday – Off to Rochester for work with a stop in Liverpool on the way. And no matter how late I arrived, I was determined to get in a run in Rochester either along Lake Ontario or along the Erie Canal path. Due to impeding darkness, I decided on the canal hoping that it would be lit up.

Nope. No lights on the Erie Canal but luckily it wasn’t dark yet. But it was windy and 40 degrees. Brrrr

Wednesday – It was cold and pouring rain so I drove back to Liverpool. No running today. Sometimes, it’s ok to rest 🙂

Thursday – Another rainy day but the rain stopped by the time I was done with work. And it warmed up too. So I ran along Onondaga Lake, one of my favorite work places to run. It was great but NO lights so I guess this will be my last one until March. 😢

Almost 30 degrees warmer than Tuesday!

Friday – Another rainy day and a long drive drive home so I decided to skip the run.
Saturday – For the second Saturday in a row, the Wineglass ladies met up for a run. I couldn’t decide if I should run 12 or taper 8 for my half marathon. So I compromised and ran 10. Two solo and then 10 easy miles with Jeri, a fun new running buddy. Afterward we went out to breakfast, of course. Yes, food gets me through my long runs.

Chilly at the start but warmed up to a perfect running day on the bike path

Sunday – Rest day Sunday. Watching the NYC Marathon (Shalane wow!) and other household chores ending with our anniversary mah jongg dinner.

Missing a few of the gang. 9 years and going strong.

21 miles done.

This Week: Race Week

Monday – 3 miles with Alyssa, STEM run (2 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – drive to Liverpool, 3 mile run??
Thursday – rest, drive home
Friday – flight to Las Vegas!!
Saturday -RnR Vegas 5k
Sunday -RnR Vegas Half Marathon

So this is getting real. I can’t believe that I am leaving for Vegas this week.

I am packed (or over- packed). I arrive around noon on Friday and booked a shuttle to the hotel (Tropicana). I plan to hit the expo and hopefully find some friendly faces to connect with. Then on Sat. am, I have a bus trip to Red Rock Canyon. I can’t wait to see it. Afterward, my roomie Marcia arrives and we’ll get the fun started.

Anyone else going to be there?? Any recommendations of things to do while in Vegas??

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

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess’s

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