April 14, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Spring Running

Since it’s Friday, 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 Spring Running.

This is what spring running means to me:

1. Dry Places to Run

Yes to No Ice, No Snow, No Mud….

2. Pretty Scenery

Yes to Green Leaves and Colorful Flowers

3. No More Tights, Capris, Gloves and Jackets

Yes to Skirts, Tanks, and Baseball Caps…

4. Long Races Out of Town and Short Races in Town

Image result for shape women's half marathon

Image result for steel rail half marathon mass
Freihofer's Run for Women 5K

5. Running Groups

I am part of the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. I run with them every Monday.

last year’s group photo at the race – there are several group that run in different locations and times.

I also volunteer with the STEM program on Wednesdays.

we follow the Couch to 5k program and train victims of Domestic Violence to complete a 5k.

Happy Running! What does spring running mean to you? Please share.

April 11, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Remembering 2013

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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Boston

No, I have never run the Boston marathon but every year at this time, I think back to that terrifying year – 2013.

This is what I posted on my blog then:

April 16, 2013

I already posted today but Boston is the only thing I have been thinking about since yesterday afternoon.

As a runner, it is always so exciting to follow the race and listen to the enthusiasm of those before the race and stories when they return.

This year was no different.

Yes, I knew runners that were running it (from blogs and from races).

me & Colleen at the Race for the Cure 2009

I work with Colleen and we started running at the same time. We ran several 5ks together and chatted about running whenever we saw each other. She is a natural runner. After I started running half marathons in 2011, she joined a running group and ran a 15k and then a marathon.

Colleen running her 1st marathon

Last October, she ran her 2nd marathon and BQed. She was in Boston yesterday running the marathon.

SRM running Group with Melissa (2nd from right) – March 2010

I met Melissa when I was part of a beginning runners’ group in 2010. She had just had a baby and was returning to running. I have since seen her at many races. She has quickly gotten back her running form and has run everything from 5ks to marathons. Her goal is to BQ and I am sure she will. She was at the Boston Marathon with her family cheering on local runners.

Melissa & her daughter at the marathon

Here is a FB comment from one of our group who ran the race: “…I did not finish. I saw the 1st explosion and then was directly across from the 2nd one. So I ran away from the craziness….”

Sisters Laura & Michelle at the 2011 Boston Marathon

When I was teaching French, I taught Laura & Michelle. They were two of my best students. Michelle was and is a runner. I see her at local races. She ran Boston last year and was running it again this year.

Thankfully everyone I knew and runners that my friends knew are fine!!!

There are no words to explain the horror of this event! 27,000 runners were there. Probably 100,000 spectators. As a runner, I know how hard it is to qualify, what it means to compete in a race, what is means to finish a race. This was taken away from about 9,000 runners. Even the ones who did finish, this senseless tragedy has taken all the joy away and has left them with memories of fatalities and injury and fear!

Here are 2 stories that I recommend reading:

I am a runner. I am not a fast runner. I will probably never run a marathon. Hence, I will never qualify for Boston. But I am a runner.

Today I am wearing blue and gold. I played tennis last night & will play tonight so I had not planned to run. But I will run 2.62 miles on the treadmill at lunch in honor of the victims in Boston.

2.62 on the TM

I will wear my half marathon race shirt when I play tennis tonight.

I will also dedicate my 5k race on Sunday to Boston and wear the cap above.

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

Happy Running! Did you ever run the Boston Marathon? Did you know anyone who was there in 2013? Do you hope to BQ?

April 10, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 4.3.17-4.9.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was the third Freihofer Challenge Group run. We ran 4 miles with 5 one minute strides in the mix. Holy Moley! My legs did not like that. But my back pain is gone. Go figure.

snow has washed away. and yes they make us stretch after.

Tuesday – A rainy day but a rest day. After work, I went to hear Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor speak. What an amazing lady!!

She walked through the audience as she spoke and she shook my hand. Everyone got a free copy of her book too.

Wednesday – A nice running day so Alyssa and I met again at the Crossings for a run.

Thursday – Another rainy day. I bailed on my run but went to the gym instead.

Machines and the bike. No treadmill!

Friday – A scheduled rest day and a stressful day at work followed by an evening with the mah jongg ladies.
Saturday – Today I ran the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k. It was so so windy and cold or at least it felt that way. But I ran a decent race and won my age group.

27.32 and I walked during the last mile.

I was too cold to run more so I left and then changed my mind and stopped at the Zim Smith Trail. My legs were tired and it was one of my worst long runs. I walked. A lot. And finally gave up after 7 pathetic miles.

The sun came out when I was almost done but it was still cold and windy

Sunday – Rest day #4 but a busy day. I even managed to get to the gym for the 2nd time this week.

3 more weeks to go!!

20 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles), Mah jongg Seder
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, gym, STEM group run (week 1, day 2 of Couch to 5k)
Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Friday – rest day, hair appt, mah jongg
Saturday – Code Blue 8K race + 7 more
Sunday – rest day, gym?, TAXES!!

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

April 9, 2017 by Darlene

2017 Bacon Hill Bonanza Recap

April 8, 2017- Start: 10 am

Every year, I plan to sign up for the 10k and then I chicken out.

10 K

I know that the hills would be good training for runing a half marathon in Central Park but… the 5k is an out and back and mostly flat.

5k – not as flat as it looks

So I changed my mind and registered for the 5k and then planned to run 8 hilly miles after.

I ran this race for the past three years and loved it. They had great food – the usual food but also chili and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

And there was chocolate milk, fresh from the dairy.

Plus, I won a homemade apple pie as first in my age group for the past three years. 28:56, 28:01, 27:54. Yes, it seems that I am getting faster but not sure about this year??? Lately I don’t feel very fast.

The race started at 10 am which was good since it would be an hour drive from my house.

Again the weather was tricky. What to wear? I was brave the first two years and wore a skirt, a baseball cap and no gloves. It is April, right? Then last year, it was cold and I resorted to capris and a warmer hat.

This year I decided to go back to the skirt. Although it was chilly (30s) in the morning, I hoped that it would warm up by the time I raced (and after). But I did bring along gloves, capris and a jacket. (Spoiler alert: it did NOT warm up.)

I got to the race early and found a parking spot in a (muddy) field next to the church. The race started at the church in the town of Bacon Hill, a small farming town with awesome scenery. (It reminded me of Vermont.)

these pics are from other years…everything still looked the same)

It was chillier than I thought. It was in the 30s and high 20s with the windchill. Brrrr!! And it was cloudy!!! I quickly put on my capris under my skirt, my jacket, gloves and I wished that I had a hat that covered my ears and a turtle neck. I was COLD!!!!!!!!!

long sleeve women shirt

I wasn’t sure that I would know anyone at this race since Holly who was in the Turkey Trot training group and now the FRW training group said that she had to work this year and couldn’t race. And many of the locals were running Dodge the Deer today.

So I stayed in car to keep warm until almost the last minute.

On my way to the start, I bumped into Elsa, an SRM and we chatted but she was running the 10k so I proceeded to the start line alone. Then I saw blogger, Judith (a recent BQer) so I lined up with her.

At the last minute, I decided to shred my jacket. I kept on my gloves and shivered.

Soon it was time for the race to start. The pastor read a prayer, the church bells rang and we were off.

The 5k was an out and back. The 10k veered to the right and supposed had hills and breath taking views.

I decided to go out fast. I always have positive splits so why try not to. It isn’t as flat as the map shows. The hills are rolling throughout but not that bad. Even I could run up them.

I loved all the signs along the route.

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This one as my favorite: 14002247934_c17e330207_z

The wind was a killer. I was freezing. There were volunteers on the course calling out times. I occasionally glanced down at my Garmin to make sure I was running in the low 9’s. My biggest mistake was running the first mile in the 8’s!!!

Eventually we turned around and headed back… The wind had calmed down and I was actually very comfortable.

I stopped for water and walked for a little bit. Not because I was thirsty but because I was was out of breath. I never seemed to get into my groove. I guess I need to do some speed drills, Patrick.

I thought I had gotten a second wind but then again, I was winded. I even walked close to the end so that I could at least sprint through the finish line.

I knew at this point, there would be no PR. That was fine because I wasn’t expecting one.

the finish line is right next to the cemetery

As I approached the finish line, I realized that I could still finish under 28 minutes and I did! I crossed at 27:30 (according to my Garmin)!! And I was pleased.

I grabbed my jacket, put up my hood and immediately made a bee line for the chocolate milk. Boy, was it good. I had at least 2 cups.

They had the same great food (chili, muffins, cookies, fruit) as last year but no vegetarian dish and no pizza. I had some cookies, chili and a corn muffin.

I hung around waiting for the 10kers to finish though I was sooooo cold .

Elsa smiling but not happy about all those hills

Finally they posted the results…Mine was listed as 27:32 and I was first my age group.

Last year, it was so cold that they let you just get your award and leave but this year, we had to wait and they announced them one by one. Brrrr…

I waited with Sue (my roommate for the Shape Half in NYC) since she was winning one for the 10K.

And I won a pie again!!!

it’s homemade and delish!

Race Splits:

mile 1- 8:34
mile 2 – 9:01
mile 3 – 9:01
.14 – 8:09
_________________

27:30 (Garmin time)

All in all, I loved this race. I will definitely do it again…maybe even the 10K someday. I was happy with my time. I didn’t go all out but I did beat my time for this course from the last three years. Hooray for a course PR.

I put the pie in my car and contemplated my planned 8 additional miles. The scenery is beautiful.

2016 pic

But I was just too cold. It was still in the 30s, windy and cloudy. So I left. I had several offers for running partners on Sunday and the weather was predicted to be sunny and in the 60s.

As I drove south, the temps seemed to rise. It was now in the 40’s and it looked like the sun may come out so I stopped at the Zim Smith Trail to get my long run for the day over with.

Well, to make a long story short, it was one of my worst long runs ever. After 2 miles, my legs wanted to be done. It was not warm. It was windy and the sun didn’t come out until I was almost done. But I am stubborn and just ran a little, walked a little and didn’t quit until I had finished 7 miles. The plan was for 8 but it wasn’t going to happen today. The good news: Nothing hurt – not my back, not my feet, nada.

Scenes from my post-race run:

When I was done, I was so annoyed that I only grabbed a chocolate milk at Leah’s Cakery.

Why did my long run suck?

I run better with company. It keeps me going. Also I was probably tired from the 3 miles at race pace beforehand. Do I regret running the 5k first? Not at all. I have the same plan for every weekend. A race and miles after. My next half marathon is not a goal race. It’s is just for fun.

After a long soak in the hot tub, I was revived enough to go out to dinner and drinks with my hubby.

I am sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend? Do you have spring weather yet?

April 7, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0- Beverages

Today’s topic is Beverages.

On Tuesday, I talked about what I drink before, during and after a run/race.

So today these FIVE drinks are not necessarily running-related but they are what I’ve been enjoying lately:

1. Starbucks

lattes and frappuccinos

love the new spring cups…wish I had gotten one 😦

Will be adding this to my collection next November:

Las-Vegas

2. Teas

chai, mint, chocolate

TRADER JOE'S CHOCOLATE MINT FLAVORED BLACK TEA 20 BAGS

3. Red Wine

I used to prefer white wine and then I gave up alcohol in an attempt to improve my sleeping. It didn’t so I’m back.

4. Hard Cider

Zombie Killer is my favorite (tart cherry cider) and apple cider with a shot of Fireball is da bomb!

5. Starbucks Smoothies

in particular Chocolate Banana. This is running-related. I’ll drink them if I am running after work and won’t have time to eat dinner until late. They taste great and give you that needed energy.

Happy Running! What are your favorite beverages?

April 5, 2017 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Victory

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.

Today’s word is Victory.

There are so many ways to approach this word in relation to running.

We rarely run a race to win it. But we do measure our victories against our own personal goals. Did we run without walking? Did we set a course PR? Did we have a distance PR? Did we tackle the hills? Did we have a consistent pace? Did we have negative splits? Did we run without pain when coming back from an injury? Did we cross the finish line? Did we have fun?

finishing my first race after not running for 5 months (post ankle surgery) = victory

These are all victories.

substitute “victory” for “success”

Yes, there are those of us who are natural runners and are fast without any effort. But most of us need to work at it. We need put in those training runs. We need to do those drills. We need to rest when injured. We need to stretch. We need to cross-train.

occasionally I do stretch after a run

These are some of the steps that a runner needs to take in order to succeed (or be victorious.)

Sure, it’s easier to just run 5ks. And to many, running a 5k is a challenge. But if you are successful in completing 3.1 miles, why not challenge yourself – 10K, 15K, half marathon, marathon, ultra?

The challenge will be different for each runner. For me, 13.1 miles is still a challenge even after 24 of them.

I will never forget that “exhilarating” feeling when I was heading toward the finish line of my first half marathon. It took me years to attempt that challenge but I’m so glad I did.

This is my favorite one:

It says it all!! No explanation needed.

we earned our medals!

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

Happy Running! What does “victory” mean to you?

April 4, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Hydration

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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Hydration

This will not be an exciting post. I am pretty lax about hydrating.

Races

Before a race:

Tea

TRADER JOE'S CHOCOLATE MINT FLAVORED BLACK TEA 20 BAGS

my new fave

During a race:

Plain Water. Gatorade makes me gag and I have been afraid to try anything new. My stomach is irritable at best.

I never carry water. I depend on the water stops. So far I’ve been lucky.

waterstop

After a race:

Chocolate milk. My favorite races have it or sometimes I bring it or stop on the way home.

Training Runs

Before and After:

Plain water. I use the bottles from races and fill with tap water.

During:

I don’t sweat a lot so unless it is warm, I do not need to drink until I am done running (if then.)

When it is hot, I usually plant water and loop around to drink.

reusable water bottle

If it is a very long run or I cannot loop, I will carry water in a Nathan Handheld (but I don’t like to carry something in my hand.

I won it at a race years ago

Happy Running! What do you drink when you run?

April 3, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.27.17-4.2.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was the second Freihofer Challenge Group run. It rained all day but luckily it stopped by the time of our workout.

Nice 5 mile run with friends.

Tuesday – Another rainy day but it was a rest day. I did play tennis after work and of course, went out to dinner afterwards.
Wednesday – I took the day off and caught up on things at home that I have been neglecting and as soon I saw a bit of sunshine, I took off to squeeze in a short run and then hit the “free” gym. I needed it since that evening I had my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies (and we went Italian!!)

it was only in the 40s but was tired of waiting to wear a skirt.

Thursday – Again this week, I met Alyssa for a run at the Crossings. She had already run 10 miles by the time I got there so we were only able to run 4 together and then I ran 2 solo. Not one of my better runs but got it done before the predicted storm.

did you notice how Alyssa’s shirt matches my socks?

After the run, I met my BFF who has been on vacation for a few walking laps around the mall to catch up.

Friday – Again a rest day (and a snowy/rainy one, yes, I said snow!!) since I was hosting mah jongg and I needed to shop and clean.
Saturday – I had planned to go to the gym twice a week but this was my first time this week at this gym. I worked out on the machines and it was pretty painless.

I wanted a spring cup 😦

Then I did some retail therapy and picked up my bib for Sunday’s race.

And of course I had to carb load.

Sunday – I planned to race the Delmar Dash today. It’s one of my favorite local races because it’s near my house and I know so many of the runners. But my lower back had been achy for 2 days so I made the tough decision to DNS. I ran the course slowly after the race had started, visited with friends, ate cake and then ran 5 more miles. I was solo so it was not much fun. But the weather was perfect. My back is still sore but not worse, I hope.

sometimes you have to listen to your body….

4 more weeks to go!!

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, gym?, Judge Sotomayor event
Wednesday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, gym?, mah jongg
Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k + 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, gym?

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

April 2, 2017 by Darlene

Delmar Dash 5 Mile Un-Race Recap

If you look at the title, you’ll see that it says UN-RACE. That’s because I ran the course but I did not run the race.

This is one of my favorites courses because I am familiar with the streets, it is flat and it is only 10 minutes from my house.

This would have been my 6th time running this race.

: Delmar Dash ’16

: Delmar Dash ’15

: Delmar Dash ’14

: Delmar Dash ’13

: Delmar Dash ’11

But I didn’t. Saturday morning when I got up, my back was really painful. I thought that it was odd since the only thing I did on Friday was sit, sit at work, sit at mah jongg. (Too much sitting??)

I went to gym and only did the arm machines, went shopping, etc. My back continued to ache.

I still planned to run the race. I picked up my race packet and even went out to dinner.

long sleeved women’s tech shirt 🙂

I got up Sunday morning and my back was even more sore. It hurt to stand and walk.

So I got dressed, had my pre-race breakfast and contemplated what to do.

I knew that I should not run the race and potentially make it worse (and maybe interrupt my half marathon training.)

I could have just run it and not race it.

But I know myself (hey, I raced on a broken foot, stress fracture, etc.). I knew if I started the race, I would run it as fast as I could…trying to PR and win an age group award.

So I made the tough decision – NOT to run the race!!

I’m even in the FB cover photo. 😦

It was hard. You know how I love to race. This was a flat course. And to make matters worse, for the first time in weeks, it was a perfect racing day. 40’s and sunny!!

With weather that awesome, I could not sit home so I drove to the race start but arrived about 1/2 hour after it started. That way, I would not be tempted to run it. I parked on the street and started to run the course.

The race started on the street but ended in front of the school entrance – previous year’s pic

I ran it slowly. Chatted with all the volunteers and tried to stay on the course. Since I was last, they had started removing the signs. I didn’t wear my bib but I wasn’t even last. One very very old guy finished after me.

That’s me. I think I stopped to watch the kids racing

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to run with Barbara but I did see her as she was leaving. I am so happy that she is healthy again.

I did stop inside to chat with all my friends who had just finished. I even had cake and hot chocolate. (I mean I did pay for the race.)

Of course, I checked the results. Darn, those usual speedy ladies didn’t run and for the first time, I may have won an award in this race. (I finished a hillier 5 mile race last week at 46:09.) But then again, you never know.

Anyway, I still needed to run 5 more miles…ugh!!

Last year, Judy and Barbara kept me company. But this year, I was solo.

I left my car where it was and headed into town. Then I cut over to the rail trail.

My run was slow but I listened to some podcasts and eventually completed 5 miles.

Yes, my back continued to ache but the pain was bearable and felt better the more I ran. (Soaking in the hot tub later helped too!)

10 miles done… 4 weeks until my next half marathon.

Let’s hope I don’t have any more setbacks.

I am also sharing in the support love by linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by

Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Any running or racing? Ever DNS in a race? Back pain anyone?

April 1, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in April, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I signed up for my free 6 month gym membership. My goal of using the machines twice a week hasn’t happened yet but I did go last Saturday and I plan to go today. It’s a start.

6 mos free gym – but their selection of classes is lacking and my membership does not include the pool, hot tub & sauna 😦

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the gym mentioned above offered a free fitness analysis (E3) so I signed up for it. They test for strengths and weaknesses, etc. Well, I have weak hip flexors. No surprise. But I have a strong core. They were surprised that I could plank for one minute. LOL.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that that part of the E3 analysis was a body analysis. Green is normal so I guess I should be happy there.

But here’s the bad part, I got WEIGHED! My scale has not had a battery for a very long time so I can’t weigh myself. I like it this way. Ignorance is bliss.

But now I know. And I don’t like it!!! I’ve never weighed this much!

The guy who weighed me said that I don’t look like I weigh that much. It must be muscle. He was being nice.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I was a little upset about my weight gain.

Don’t worry. It didn’t last long. That same day, I had popcorn at the movies and went out for pizza.

I went out the next night (for shrimp & hard cider). Tuesday after tennis, I went out and had salad & pizza and then on Wednesday, I went out and ate pasta and birthday cake.

Life’s too short. A girl’s gotta have fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I have a race scheduled for EVERY weekend. I know I am supposed to be training for a half marathon on April 30. But I can’t help myself.

It’s not a good way to get in those long training runs.

Tomorrow and next weekend, I am running two of my favorite races – Delmar Dash (5 miles) and Bacon Hill Bonanza (5k) instead of 10 and 11 mile long runs. So I just have to add more miles after the race (and eating and standing around). Not ideal, coach!