March 31, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – March

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

And it’s Friday so here’s FIVE runfessions:

1. I runfess…

I impulsively applied for several ambassadorships.

I didn’t get accepted to this one 😦

But I did get selected for this one:

The problem is that I’m not sure if I can run any of their races!!

June 3 – ZOOMA Annapolis – nope – but can do the virtual 10K
October 6 – ZOOMA Cape Cod – a week after Wineglass but maybe since I can drive there and if I get a roommate.
October 22 – ZOOMA Amelia Island – nope – too expensive for flight & hotel
March 10 – ZOOMA Austin – doubtful, too far, too hilly, too expensive

I do intend to promote these races. Here is my discount code:

It’s DARLENE2017 to get 10% any race registration.

2. I runfess…

Speaking of impulsiveness… remember how I wanted one more late fall half marathon and another reunion with the #holottafun ladies?

Well, I registered for a big race!

Nov 11-12, 2017

This is my first BIG half marathon and I am pretty excited.

LV-16-Remix-Medal-layers_v2

I also registered for the 5k the day before. (I do not plan to race it – just finish and claim my bling.)

I already have a roommate, hotel and flight. This is real!!

So stay tuned…we’re reuniting and even adding more cool bloggers.

3. I runfess…

I planned to take a Hot Yoga class last Saturday. I registered and paid. Plus it was a fundraiser for STEM. I went to the gym and then my friend asked me to help her with her computer. It took longer than expected. She offered me a Peruvian lunch…. Well, I didn’t make it to yoga (at least they got my money.) and then I went to the movies and had popcorn (which I never do!!) After the movie, we went out for pizza. Another fundraiser. I had to do it. So much for my healthy Saturday.

4. I runfess…

Speaking of unhealthy eating… I fell off the wagon at work. Well, maybe I was never on it. But work has been such a bore so this happened:

And yes, they were good!!! Ever try any of the new flavors?

5. I runfess…
That being said … I’ve also been so sick of this cold weather that I have tried to pretend that despite the cold, wind and snow, it is SPRING:

post run treat on a cold day (we still have snow!)

or maybe it’s that a lot of blogger friends have been on vacation and enjoying warm weather. Serious FOMO.

Since it’s also 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.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess? Spill…

March 28, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: March Report Card

A long month with crazy weather!

So here’s how March turned out:

Weekday Runs:

Until this month, we’ve been lucky and it hasn’t been too cold or snowy of a winter. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

But during this month, I had to travel for work, we had the coldest temps of the winter, and we got a HUGE snowstorm.

Both made me miss several weekday runs. The month, in other words, did not me the mileage that I had hoped. At least, I was healthy!!

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. But I’ve been getting bored and have been also running in the town where I live (at least before the snowstorm, that is.)

The good news is that it stays light out longer and I don’t have to run in the dark and can run longer after work.

I ran alone some of the time. (Barbara, I miss you!) But Alyssa was able to accompany me once a week. I also ran once with Judy!! It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

And the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge began on March 20. We meet on Mondays and Saturdays. (I only go on Mondays.) It’s very enjoyable because of the camaraderie of the ladies who are part of this group.

Long Runs:

I began the month with a half marathon and then tried to squeeze in some miles on the weekend to begin preparing for my April 30 half marathon.

But the cold, the snowstorm, and racing got in the way of some of my long runs.

: 13.1

: 6.5 instead of 7

: 8

: 5 mi race+ 4 mi = 9 mi

Total Mileage:

I ran 87 miles this month. Not as many as I had hoped to run but at least more than last month.

Races:

I ran three races this month – a half marathon, a four miler and a five miler.

I was generally happy with how they went. The Treasure Coast Half Marathon was insanely windy, the Runnin’ of the Run was unbelievably cold and I had a course PR in the Shamrock Shuffle.

Did not expect any PRs and I didn’t get them.

: 2:18:25

: 37:48

: 46:09 (3rd in AG)

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors, of course.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month and even with work and vacation, I did play twice.

I went to work out at the gym 3 times (a shocker, I know).

: the free gym

: hotel gym

: 6 mos free gym

I did walk several times a week at lunch for 30 minutes – around the outdoor shopping mall. Not everyday like I used. Been slacking off.

Other News:

I had a pretty busy 4 day vacation in Florida. I visited several good friends, had a lot of good food, walked on the beach, visited two bird sanctuaries, saw a spring training game…and more.

I’ve gone out to dinner quite a few times with different friends (maybe too many times LOL). It seems to be how we make time to catch up when our lives are so busy. You have to eat, right? I have also seen two movies: Beauty and the Beast and Get Out – enjoyed them both (though they were very different.)

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is April 30 in NYC. I love the city and am looking forward to running in Central Park (even with those killer hills).

I have quite a few races coming up. My race season has obviously begun.

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

4-02-17 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-08-17 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-15-17 – Code Blue 8K
4-23-17 – Lake George 5k
4-30-17 – Shape Women’s Half Marathon (NYC)

(tennis trip to Florida 5/3-5/10)

5-13-17 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-14-17 – Mother’s Day 5K
5-18-17 – Workforce Challenge (3.5)
5-21-17 – Steel Rail Half Marathon

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her March 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 life for

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

I’d say overall a B+. I think that I improved from last month – more miles, some workouts. Still room to grow.

What do you think?

Happy Running! How did your March turn out? Anything exciting planned for April? What grade would you give your running month?

March 27, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.20.17-3.26.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was my first Freihofer Challenge Group run. It was fun to see everyone from last year’s advanced group. We hugged and chatted and then just ran 30 minutes easy.

Tuesday – I don’t usually run three days in a row, but an arctic chill was forecast so I ran a quick one near work before tennis 🎾

Wednesday – Spring but felt like winter…9 windchill!!!

Yeah, I took a rest day and went out to dinner with a former co-worker.

Thursday – I met Alyssa for a run at the Crossings. As usual it was good one.

Friday – I had planned on a short run but it was damp and rainy so I went to the gym and activated my free 6 month membership.
Saturday – I went to the gym for an evaluation, had an orientation and actually used the machines. I have no elaborate plans for working out but I am going to try to use the machine 2x a week. We’ll see.

In the afternoon, I went to the movies with friends (instead of the Hot Yoga fundraiser for STEM.)

it’s a thriller but I liked it.

Afterward, we got pizza (another fundraiser for STEM.)

carb loading for my friends running a half marathon LOL

Sunday – I ran the Shamrock Shuffle race today. The rain held off until after the race:) and it was a fun 5 miler. I even won 3rd in my age group.

a medal & Irish soda bread was the prize 🙂

After the race, though I didn’t feel like it, I ran 4 more miles so I could get in 9 for the day. And in the rain.

I celebrated my successful running day with some wine out with a friend. (No need for a reason for wine actually.)

5 more weeks to go!!

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner with the tennis ladies
Thursday – 6 miles (with Alyssa?)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day, gym?
Sunday – Delmar Dash race + 5 more miles

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?

March 26, 2017 by Darlene

Shamrock Shuffle Race Recap

This was my third time running this race.

Previous finish times – 2016: 46:28, 2015: 46:29

: 2016

: 2015

So it looks like I have been pretty consistent. Not sure what this year would bring. Most likely not a PR (Delmar Dash: 45:26 in 2015). But if I finish under 50 minutes, I’d consider it a good race.

Now that I’ve run the race twice, I would be at least prepared on how the course went uphill for the first mile, some rolling hills before it went downhill. See below:

ss15

I am always a bit nervous about those hills and trying to run fast. Plus I wanted to have enough energy to run 4 more miles afterward as I am training for another half marathon in 5 weeks.

I was hoping that the weather would be a little more spring-like and I could wear a green skirt. But it was not. It was COLD but as cold as two weeks ago at the Runnin’ of the Green race. So I just wore tights under a skirt and several layers.

The race was about an hour drive from my house. But it had a late start of 11 am so I was able to sleep in. When I arrived, the parking lot was already full, but I found a spot on a nearby street. Everyone hung out in the gym waiting for the race to start.

another cotton tee for my running buddy

I chatted with some runners that I recognized. I also met some new faces.

Then I bumped into Laurie from my Turkey Trot training group a few years ago. We talked for a while being entertained by bag pipes.

With such a late start (11 am), I was already hungry for lunch by the time the race began so I took a GU.

I was undecided about what to wear, as usual. It was cold and damp and looked like it would start to rain at any moment. In the end, I decided on a hat, 2 long sleeved shirts and gloves. (I left the jacket inside for later.)

Soon, we headed for the start. We waited until the last minute so we didn’t have to stand outside long in the cold.

It was not chip timed so I lined up close to the front.

As I mentioned, the beginning of the race went uphill. I took it slow.

I always look happy when I see the photographer. The lady behind me is one year away from my age group and is super fast.

over the highway bridge (2015’s pic)

Although it was around 30, it was humid and there was no wind, so I took off my gloves and unzipped my shirt. I could have gone with one less layer.

2015’s pic

At first water stop around mile 1.75, I walked a bit. Then I continued running until we got the downhill portion.

Mile 3’s downhills gave me a boost but again at the second water stop around mile 4, I walked again for a little bit.

After that, I just plugged along and refused to walk until I was done.

Finally, I saw the finish line and gave everything I had.

Of course, I tried to beat that young runner (18 year old) to the finish line. And I did!! (barely)

I crossed at 46:10.

I waited around for Sue and Laurie to cross and then went inside to the cafeteria.

The refreshments were not much to speak. I had a brownie and a banana and chatted with Laurie.

We then waited in the gym for the results to be posted. The previous two years, I got 3rd. I doubted that I would win again but you never know when you’re in the old ladies group. But I did!!

In addition to a medal, you got a loaf of Irish soda bread.

I’m still 63 until May.

Splits:

2015 / 2016 / 2017

mile 1- 8:55 / 9:10 / 9:13
mile 2- 9:31 / 9:30 / 9:16
mile 3- 8:58 / 8:52 / 9:01
mile 4- 9:35 / 9:24 /9:17
mile 5- 9:19 / 9:27 / 9:18

chip time- 46:09, garmin time – 46:08

I enjoyed the race (I enjoy them all) and was happy about how I did considering I do NOT do any speed work. It was not a PR but it was actually a course PR, 20 seconds faster than last year. I was expecting to be a lot slower. I was glad that I didn’t push myself because I had planned more miles for the day…

Though I was tired and cold, I drove to the Zim Smith Trail. As soon as I got there, it started to rain. I so wanted to leave but it wasn’t raining hard so I just slowly dragged myself along for 4 more miles.

: the trail is mostly clear

: just a few icy spots

: it was chillier than during the race

One of the perks of the trail is that you can park next to a bakery.

So yes, I’ll be back to the run on the trail and back to sample more of Leah’s baked goods. Today, I was cold so just had soup.

So I got my 9 mile training run done. It just had a 1 1/2 hour break in the middle.

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?

March 25, 2017 by Darlene

My Blogoversary

I’ve been blogging since March 25, 2008. That was the DAY that I decided to become a runner.

NINE YEARS!!

I’ll start with what has remained the same:

Blogging Goals

My goals haven’t really changed. I blog to motivate myself to continue running, to keep track of my running and racing and to connect with others who do the same.

Posting

I’ve always posted several times a week (except for 2008-9 when I didn’t run or blog between November and March.) Some weeks it’s everyday. Other weeks it’s less often. It depends on my schedule.

Blogger Meetups

I have been fortunate to connect with many bloggers. Many were local and have become my friends even though they no longer blog.

: Adirondack Half – 2011

: me, Suzy, Amanda, Tami, Janis, Bridget

Race Reviews

I recap each of my races almost as soon as they are over (so I don’t forget the details. ) These recaps are mostly for myself but I have heard that others read them too.

What has changed:

Content

Check out my first ever blog post: http://wp.me/pel7R-3

I now post photos. It helps that I abandoned the camera and got a smartphone so it’s easier. Plus with the apps available, you can edit, make collages and be as creative as you have time for.

Link-ups

When I first started, there were very few. I used to write posts called Two for Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Three Things Thursday and Foto Friday, etc.

Now they are a bunch of fabulous link-ups. (Weekly Wrap, TOTR, Wednesday Word, TOLT, Friday Five 2.0, Runfessions, Ultimate Coffee Date, etc.) These help attract readers to your blog as well as, connect you with new blogs.

Product Reviews

I used to get asked to review products pretty frequently. Not much anymore. Probably because there are more bloggers out there (with bigger readerships than me).

reviewing Yak Trax

Sponsorships

I am a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain for the third year. So I get discounts from my favorite company.

love my SS outfits

I was recently selected as a ZOOMA Race Ambassador.

Once I have more information to share with you on the upcoming ZOOMA Women’s Race Series, I will post on this blog

I am also a Sweat Pink and FitFluential ambassador.

My Running

Now I don’t just run 5ks. I used to (hence the title of my blog. )

I have run 24 half marathons and many many 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.

: 2016

: Half marathon #23

I am more confident as a runner and though I don’t know it all, I know a lot more about running than when I started blogging.

Other Bloggers

I don’t follow many blogs. I am selective. Basically because I don’t have the time.

The ones that I do read and comment on are more than fellow bloggers. They are really my virtual friends.

and sometimes you get to meet them in the flesh.

or spend a whole weekend with them

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

Happy Running! How long have you been blogging? When is your blogoversary? Have you changed since you started?

March 24, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Food for Running

It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the topic is: Food.

So what would someone who doesn’t cook much and whose post-run fuel is usually ice cream write about??

I am going to share what I use for energy before or during my runs:

1. GU

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage
without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

2. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry.

They are made with 0g of trans fat, all natural, whole wheat , and are Non GMO, Kosher, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors are even gluten-free.

3. Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

4. Starbucks Chocolate Banana Smoothie

I am sure it must be heathier than a Latte or a Frappuccino, right? (This is obviously a pre or post run treat.)

It contains: A nourishing blend of mocha flavored sauce, a whole banana, milk, whey protein and fiber powder, and ice.

5. Larabar Bites

Are they healthy? Not sure but they do taste good. Here’s what their website says:

All 4 indulgent flavors are made from just 5-6 simple ingredients and are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and dairy free.

Happy Running! What do you eat for energy?

March 23, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: News, Training, Racing, Weather, etc.

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Good/Bad News:

I am 0 for 2 in lotteries. I did not get into Beach to Beacon:

Aug 5 in Maine (Joan Samuelson’s race)

I was not as disappointed as with the NYC Half. I just entered this one as a whim not even considering the date, the location, etc. I am sometimes pretty impulsive but I do want to run this 10K at some point.

I also did not selected as a RNR Run/Blogger. I was not surprised as my blog does not have big following. But I did get picked as a ZOOMA Race Ambassador.

I will run Annapolis as a virtual race but not sure which ones if any of the other races I can fit in or afford.

Who’s going to any of these? Cape Cod (Oct 7), Amelia Is, FL (Oct 21) or Austin (Mar 10). If I go, I will need a roommate.

This is an exciting opportunity. It’s always fun to run new races and meet new runners.

Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge:

This is the 7th year of this program and my third year participating. It has expanded and grown and offers many times and locations for women to train with others or become a first time runner.

I signed up for the Advanced group again. Our first meeting was this past Monday. It was so much fun to catch up with all of last year’s returning runners (though many did the Troy Turkey Training too so I saw them in November).

Patrick, who is young and cute, is still one of our coaches. He is constantly scolding me for not running as fast as he thinks I am able and mostly for racing every weekend. In fact, he mentioned that in a interview about the program. He didn’t mention me by name but everyone knew whom he was talking about.

Again he told me that I won’t get faster if I race every weekend but he knows that I will anyway. He says that I should pick a few goal races and the other ones just use as training runs. In fact, he said to run my extra miles before the race so I run on tired legs and don’t run fast during the race.

It makes sense but I don’t know if I can run a race and not do my best. What do you think?

Weather:

Spring has officially arrived. But you wouldn’t know it. We still have lots of snow and Wednesday the wind chill was around 0 degrees.

the only sign of spring is that the soft ice cream places are open

Treadmill.

I am pretty proud of myself. I ran my first (and hopefully last) time on the treadmill this year. I was traveling for work and used the one at the hotel. It was awful but I did it.

Because I signed up early for the Freihofer Run for Women, I have a free 6 month membership to a gym.

It’s just a few minutes from where I work (though not on my way home) and I’ll have more info on it when I actually go there.

Happy Running! What’s new with you today? Tell me in the comments.

March 21, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: My Favorite Local 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 lifefor

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Local 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 10th time!!!!

FRW – 2008

FRW – 2009

FRW – 2011

FRW – 2012

FRW 2012

FRW – 2014

FRW – 2015

FRW – 2016

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.)
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. Last year, I even met 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 FRW PR year. Maybe I’ll PR again?
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, 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
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

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

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite local race?

March 20, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 3.13.17-3.19.17

Last Week:

Monday – I had planned to run with Alyssa at the Crossings because I had to set up for a training nearby. The training got cancelled due to an impending snowstorm so we ran two loops of the UAlbany campus instead. Not as exciting but it was a great run. It’s always easier and faster with a buddy.

Tuesday – Believe it not, the blizzard was so bad that even my office closed. So a relaxing day with no running (I don’t own a treadmill so I had no choice.)

But after a whole day home, I was getting antsy so my hubby drove me to the gym.

Just used a few of the machines and the bike (in the EMPTY gym)

Wednesday -I had planned to run and then go out to dinner with the tennis ladies but work sent me off to do a training in Liverpool, NY. This time I brought workout clothes and hit the gym in the hotel before dinner.

Haven’t run on a treadmill in ages and it was just as torturous as I remember

Thursday – A long day of training and then a drive back afterwards. Pooped!!
Friday – With 2 feet of snow still on the ground, the only place to run was back at UAlbany. Some of the path was clear and when it wasn’t, I just ran in the road. It was nice to run with the sun shining.

Saturday – I proctored the MPREs (favor for a friend at the law school) and then spent the day doing those usual Saturday activities (laundry, cleaning, shopping…) and went to the movies.

loved it!

Sunday – I got back out there to get some mileage. It was a challenge to find a route without snow. But I did and ran with Judy. The weather was perfect and it was fun to catch up and have a nice easy run.

also had my first of many post-run soft ice cream cones 🙂

21 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles (first FRW training group run)
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Thursday – 4 miles with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – hot yoga, pizza (fundraiser for STEM)
Sunday – Shamrock Shuffle race (5 miles) + 4 more

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

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 is your running going? Are you training for a big race? How is your running weather? Are you anxious for spring like me?

March 17, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Running in the Spring

It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the topic that I am choosing is: Five Reasons to Love Running in the Spring.

Ironically, we have TWO FEET of the snow on the ground and it looks far from spring. But it will melt …eventually…right?

And Spring is my favorite season to run.

1. More Hours of Daylight

I have a hard time getting out of bed early enough to run before work. In the spring, it is still light enough to run after work. I love it!!

winter

spring

2. Less Baggage

I usually run after work so I have to carry all my running gear to work. In the spring, my bag will be so much lighter. No gloves, no jackets, no vests, no tights, no extra layers, etc.