February 2, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Giving Back

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: Ways to Give Back (to Running)

When I think about what running has given to me, I am overwhelmed.

When I think about how much money I spend on running and there are people who have very little or are too sick to run, I feel guilty or even greedy.

Maybe it’s because when I work in NYC or Buffalo, I see so many homeless people on the street (and it’s winter!).

But rather than buy another running outfit, shouldn’t I give that money to someone less fortunate or contribute that money to a charity??

Maybe I am the only one who feels this way but if I am not, here’s my FIVE suggestions on how you can give back to running:

1. Donate your extra running clothes or shoes.

Check out your local store store or running club to find out where you can do this.

2. Volunteer at a race rather than run in it.

These races cannot happen without volunteers. We often take that for granted.

I bet he doesn’t want to be doing this in freezing temps.

3. When you register for a race, donate extra money to the charity it supports.

I know that races are expensive enough and we don’t feel like adding more money to the fee. So register for one less race and donate that money to a charity.

Buy one less running outfit or pair of shoes and donate to runners in need.

This is a great cause – http://stemrunning.com

Or raise money for a charity in order to run a race that you didn’t qualify for or didn’t get into the lottery for.

Image result for register for a race and add money for a charity

4. Mentor a Runner

Everyone of us was once a beginning runner. I am also aware of the fact that some of us have coaches and want to get faster. So just find a time in your schedule when you are not training for an important race and help someone else.

GOTR is one of the many opportunities out there.

5. Push someone who cannot run for themselves.

Organizations like Team Hoyt and Ainsley’s Angels provide the opportunity for runners to pair with an rider and work together to cross the finish line.

several of my friends are part of this group

Happy Running! How about you… do you give back to running? Any other ideas to add?

January 31, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #4 Race Recap

Once again the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsored a FREE race for its members and this weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 15K and 30K.

Since I have a half marathon in 7 weeks, I probably should have chosen to run the 15K but I ran 7 miles the day before so I decided to run the 3 Miler as a recovery run instead.

during the 15k in 2015

and again

in 2017

These Winter Series races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. Barbara decided at the last minute to run the race with me so we drove together. I always leave early to get parking since these races are often crowded and there may be other events going on at UAlbany at the same time. Well, I guess I didn’t leave early enough since the lot was already full when we arrived. So I dropped Barbara off to register and I parked in another lot and walked over.

The weather was perfect for racing. It was in the 40s and less windy than the day before. I wore something similiar to what I wore the day before but wound up taking off my jacket, vest and gloves.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know. And since the weather was so nice (and warmer than the last race), the numbers were significantly higher.

2015 meet up with Judy & Barbara (I ran the 15k that year too.)

And I immediately bumped into many different running friends. We chatted. Some were running the 3 miler and others the 15k. I even spotted Patrick, my coach from the Turkey Trot & Freihofer running groups.

Anyway we hung indoors until the last minute and then made our way outside.

the start (pic from Winter Series #1)

All three distances started at the same location this week. As usual, I started not too far away from the front (since it is not chip timed) and let the speedy runners pass me by.

Right away, the 3 milers split from the 15kers and 30kers but the speedy longer distance runners eventually will pass you by midway.

not that it matters ’cause I just follow the other runners but the 3 miler is basically a loop

For most of the race, I felt perfectly dressed (for a change). I unzipped my shirt and pushed up my sleeves (many runners were even in shorts!) when the wind was at my back but then it got chilly when you were running into the wind.

This time, I was familiar with the course since I just ran it in December. I remembered the hill at the beginning and then some rolling hills in the middle, ending with a slight hill. Nothing too challenging.

I am usually pretty bored by this course because it is just a road and office buildings. But I ran and chatted with different friends throughout the race. First Nancy, then Anne, then Mona, etc. Each one after a short period ran ahead and left me behind.

running with Nancy.

It didn’t bother me at all. I tried to run at my own relaxed pace. Of course, I’m not sure what exactly that is (since I don’t look at my Garmin until I’m done).

I was very happy that my legs didn’t feel tired at all and I couldn’t even tell that I had run the day before.

Eventually as we neared the finish line, I took off and tried to cross under 27 minutes.

Nope, I did not – 27:02 (slower than the last time which was at 26:49).

After Barbara finished, we went inside had some refreshments. There was pumpkin apple chili, bread, fruit, cookies and hot cocoa. Free race..free good food. Win-win.

The awards were for 10 year age groups and just top 2.

Although my finish time was slower than the last time, obviously the speedy runners in my age group ran the 15k so I won my age group (as did Nancy.)

I was very happy with how I ran this race as a recovery run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR and not even a course PR. But I am pretty thrilled to have a pace of under 9 mm for each mile. Maybe a 5k PR is in my future….

Race splits:

mile 1 – 8:50
mile 2 – 8:57
mile 3 – 8:54
.06

Finish Time – 27:02

Next Saturday, I signed up for a 4 mile race in Lake George. Fingers crossed for no ice or snow.

AJH (from VT) & I at this race in 2015. We try to do this one together every year.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run or race this past weekend?

January 30, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Hometown Race

Since today is 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

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Hometown Race

Image result for freihofer run 2017

This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 11th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

FRW – 2017

Here are some of the reasons why I love this race and why I run it every year:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years. In 2017, Sara Hall also ran it and WON.

It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
I always meet someone I know and someone new. I have even met the mayor and last year, a blogger friend from VT.

with the mayor

Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
2011 was my first FRW PR year. There was a drought and then I course PR’d last year.

Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!

In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
In 2015 & 2016 & 2017, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.

You run around Washington Park.

There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Everyone finishes with a smile.
They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread (and chocolate milk)

Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)

I’m the 2nd one on the bottom left

This 5k race is held on the first Saturday in June. So if you live near Albany, NY, come run it with me and 3,000 other awesome women runners!

Image result for freihofer run for women

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite hometown race?

January 29, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.22.18-1.28.18: On the road again

Last week –

Monday – I was hoping the rain would hold off until I was done with my run. It did not.

I wanted to run 4 miles but it started raining too hard. Still being cold and wet felt better than hot & sweaty on the treadmill.

Tuesday – Another rainy day and a drive to Liverpool for work. It poured during the entire drive and then when I arrived, the sun came out. The temps had dropped and it was windy but I didn’t care. I ran along the lake on a clear path. It was a heavenly 4 miles.

Wednesday – A long work day and drive home. I was tired and it was getting dark but I headed to the lake and ran a quick 2 miles. Quick because I froze. 8 degrees with windchill and it was soooo windy.

The problem was that I wore the same running clothes as the day before – 40 degrees, sunny vs 18 degrees, cloudy & very windy

Thursday – A scheduled dinner with my ladies buds left no time to run. The frigid temps and wind returned so I didn’t feel too bad.

we went out for Japanese and as usual, it was loads of fun.

Friday – My re-scheduled hair appt. turned this day into a second rest day in a row. Afterwards, I rushed off to my weekly mah jongg game.
Saturday – I feel lucky to have friends to run with on the weekend. Today we took a chance that the Corning Bike Path would be clear enough to run on. And it was mostly and the sunshine and breakfast after made for a pleasant run.

I ran a mile to meet up with Barbara and then we ran 6 miles together.

Sunday – My second race of the year was today – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3M, 15K or 30K). Since I ran 7 miles the day before, I used the race as a recovery run and only ran the 3 miler. The weather was perfect and I even won my age group.

got to hang with Barbara and some other running friends

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 2 miles on the treadmill, tennis
Wednesday – 3.5 miles, mall walk with BFF
Thursday – rest day
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Polar Cap Race (4m) + 4 miles more, Lake George Winter Carnival
Sunday – rest day, HOT YOGA

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

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Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

January 27, 2018 by Darlene

Runfessions January

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

I runfess…

I made a non-running goal to not just schedule running but to schedule relationships. Well, I may have gone overboard with the friend-date thing. I scheduled so many that I barely have to run. 4 mile runs kept turning into 2 mile runs.

Anyone else have their social or family life get in the way of their running schedule?

I runfess…

I applied for ambassadorships for products that I have never used before. I am not ashamed because they are ALL products that I want to try and now I plan to use.

Am I the only one who does this?

I runfess…

I gave into this polar vortex. I ran indoors. This is the first winter that I have let the cold temps get to me. It was temporary, I hope. I plan to return to outdoor runs especially since I CANNOT do my long runs inside.

Anyone else chicken out this winter and run indoors?

I runfess…

I have been decluttering like mad. Bags and bags of clothing have been given to charity. But yet I ordered a new pair of running shoes for my half marathon in March.

and they match several of my Skirt Sports skirts

Is there anyone else who cannot resist a new pair of shoes (esp. when they are on sale)?

I runfess…

I love running with groups. I couldn’t participate in the Troy Turkey Trot running group in the fall due to work/tennis (they changed the day from Mondays to Tuesdays). Yet again this year, I registered for the Freihofer Training Group which starts at the end of March because it will be on Mondays. Well, now it looks like I am now out town for at least 6 out of the 10 Monday sessions. UGH!!

The positive is that work pays the bills and gives me $$ for races.

I runfess…

The cookbook below was on sale for $2.99 (Kindle version) so I bought it. I don’t know why. Not only have I NOT made any of the recipes, I have not even looked at it.

So tell me how great these recipes are so maybe I will take a look!

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

January 26, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Do Not Say That You Are “Slow”

Illustration: Christoph Hitz

I hope none of you take this personally. We (including me) have all been guilty of saying some of the statements below when talking to other runners whom we know finish races at faster times than we do:

“I’m slow.”
“You can run ahead. I’ll catch up.”
“I need to start earlier because I’ll finish later than everyone else.”
“I just want to be faster.”
“Why am I so slow? Do I need a coach?”
“I can’t run a marathon. It’ll take me forever.”
“I have no one to run with because I am too slow.”
“Will I ever get faster?”
“I am getting older so I guess I will get slower.”
“My PR days are over.”
“I guess I need to do some speed drills.”
“I wonder if there’ll be any food left when I’m done?”
“I’m too slow to be in this running group.”
“I hope I’m not DFL in this race.”

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 Reasons Not to Label Ourselves According to Our Speediness

We are comparing ourselves to others.

How do we know whether or not we are slow? When we say that we are slow, we must be comparing ourselves to someone who is faster.

We all know that comparing ourselves to others, while natural, is unhealthy.

2. It makes it harder to find a running buddy.

When we say “I’m slow” to a faster runner, we’re are putting the faster runner in an awkward position. Do they decline our offer to run together? Do they just run slower? Or do they push us to run faster?

Yes, I know if two runners run at different speeds, the run may not be ideal. But an easy run for one runner may be ideal as a training run for another.

3. We are giving ourselves an excuse for our performance.

Are we satisfied with less because “we are slow?” Do we start in the back because we think we will be in the way of the faster runners? Do we not sign up for a certain race because the faster runners usually are there?

Our speed should not stand in the way of what we want to or are capable of doing.

4. We set ourselves up for failure.

Countless studies have proven that thinking negatively can inhibit your performance. No matter what our speed is, lack of confidence is going to affect our running.

Positive thoughts can help any runner. I bet that a PR for a 12 min/mi runner feels just as great as for a 7 min/mi runner.

5. No one cares if we are slow!

If we are out there running, it does not matter what pace is; WE ARE A RUNNERS.

We don’t like faster runners more than we do slower runners.

I know what you are thinking…

“That’s easy for me to say. I am not slow!”

“I can’t relate. I win age group awards!!”

Yes, I do sometimes, But I run lots of races…at least 30 a year. And in my age group, the pool of runners is significantly smaller.

And sure, I’ve felt SLOW!

I join the Turkey Trot and Freihofer’s Training Groups each year and because I’m not a beginner, I’m in the “Advanced Group.”

The other runners in this group for the most part are faster than me. It depends on who shows up but sometimes I am the slowest runner there.

Would I like to be faster?

Of course.

Will I continue to run with these groups even if I am one of the slowest?

YES!!!! I like the women in these groups and enjoy their company (even if I can’t keep up with them).

Is it easy for me to find a running partner?

Sometimes but I think it is because I am pretty flexible and will run intervals if my partner does (even though I hate them) or run without walking (even though that is not my preference either).

The bottom line is this:

No matter how fast we run, someone will always run faster than us and someone will always run slower than us. Fast or slow, we’re all still runners together.

We need to focus on what we have in common rather than that we run at different speeds. We need to stop saying that we are “slow.”

(And sorry if I have offended anyone… I just needed to vent.)

That being said… here are some inspiring posts:

Happy Running! Anyone agree with me or disagree??

January 23, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: The Shoe Post

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: Show Us Your Shoes

It’s no secret that I have problem feet. I have tried almost every brand and finally I’ve found the almost perfectshoe.

These are Nike ZOOM Vomero 10s. They are light, have a roomy toe box and come in many pretty colors.

I didn’t like the 11s but the Nike ZOOM Vomero 12s are just the 10s. Me Likee.

So I gave away my Hokas, Mizunos, New Balance, Sauconys, Brooks and I only have my Nikes.

Advantages of wearing the same shoe:

I know they will be comfortable.
I don’t have to break them in.
I can buy them cheaper online.

Disadvantages

Boring.
Limiting.
There may be a better shoe out there for me (that I don’t know about).

How many pairs do I have?

I may be hoarder because I keep them all and wear the older ones for short distances. Then again, I only have the Nikes so none are that old or worn. So I have about 9 pairs.

I usually buy about 3 new pairs a year and wear the newer ones for my half marathons.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Are you boring like me and buy the same running shoe over and over or do you like variety? How many pairs of shoes do you have? How often do you buy new shoes?

January 22, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.15.18-1.21.18: A no-travel work week. Woo Hoo!

Last week –

Monday – A day off from work. Woo Hoo! Even though I had run 7 miles the day before, who wastes an opportunity to run during the daylight hours. Not moi! It was still in the teens, but having sunshine and Judy to keep me company made this run easy peasy.

Tuesday – A rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening. Since there is now a treadmill where I play tennis, I just had to use it, right?

3 more miles

It was torture as usual. At least tennis was fun as well as dinner out after.

Today was also my 19th wedding anniversary (to be celebrated over the weekend) and 7th anniversary of my FIRST half marathon!!

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day due to a hair appointment. You know how important those are.

only pretty when you don’t have to run in it (or shovel it)

And also due to all the snow. But my hairdresser got sick and cancelled. Messed up my schedule. Don’t you hate when that happens?

Thursday – Roads clear so I went for a run after work.

It was in the 20s which feel colder when there is snow and it is dark… in other words, I was under-dressed!

Friday – Another scheduled rest. I actually went for a walk at lunch for the first time in forever. Mah jongg was my evening activity.
Saturday – The Wineglass ladies organized an early morning run. We decided on UAlbany since we could run in the road if the path was snow-covered and slippery. There were 6 of us. I ran 2 + loops or 6 miles with Barbara and we ran at a decent pace with some good conversation which always makes the run more enjoyable. Afterwards, we went out to brunch, of course.

no wind and in the 30s – it’s the little things

It was a little rushed since I planned to attend the Women’s March downtown in the afternoon.

so inspiring and the signs were so creative…glad I went

Sunday – The weather was great and I was tempted to go for a run but I had stuff to do around the house and errands to run. My visit was short and sweet but I stopped off at the free gym on the way to the grocery store. I bet you didn’t expect that from me.

arm machines, leg machines and the bike .. not so painful

Finally celebrated our wedding anniversary with a great steak dinner!

Next Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – work travel, 3 miles ??
Wednesday – rest day, work travel
Thursday – 3 miles, dinner out with tennis ladies
Friday – rest day, re-scheduled hair appt., mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run and/or
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3m or 15K)

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

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

January 19, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Ambassadorships 2018

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: Ambassadorships 2018

I don’t have a big following. I mostly blog for myself and hopefully someone will read my posts and be inspired enough to start or continue running.

As a result, companies are not banging down my door to offer me ambassadorships.

I also feel strongly about only pursuing ones whose products are beneficial to me.

So here are my FIVE for 2018:

1. Rock n Blog

I ran the Vegas Rock n Roll 5k and Half Marathon and was so impressed about how the races were organized. I am very excited to promote these races and with any luck even race a few.

2. Legend Compression

To get $15 off, click here

If you’ve read my blog, you know that I am a big fan of compression wear. I rarely race without compression socks or sleeves. I had heard great things about this brand and can’t wait to race in their compression sleeves. (My first pair is black but brighter colors will be ordered, for sure.)

3. NUUN

I am, admittedly, lousy about hydration. I do not drink enough water. Well, that is about to change. My biggest rpobelm now is to decide which flavors I like best.

4. My Soxy Feet

Use code SOXYCARDILLO to get 10% off your purchase

Ok, I have a thing for socks. I can’t have enough. Well, this company has the cutest socks! They are mismatched and they are not just for running.

Image result for my soxy feet tennis socks

tennis – my second favorite sport

5. Skirt Sports

use code FALL20WIN to get 20% off your purchase

I have been an Ambassador Caption for 3 years already. They haven’t announced the 2018 ambassadors yet but my fingers are crossed that I am selected. I mean, I ONLY wear Skirt Sports skirts, capris and tights!!