February 25, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – February

It’s that time again (or a day late.) Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

For a short month, I have quite a few runfessions:

I runfess…

I keep looking at a photo from my last race wondering how I ran that fast. In my training runs, I struggle to run a 12 mm.

mile 4 was under 9 mm? Who is that runner?

I just can’t motivate myself to run fast when it doesn’t count. Good thing I don’t have a coach? Or is it?

I runfess…

When I was sick, I walked more than ran during my runs. But I still counted them as running miles. Does anyone else count their walks?

walking is better than nothing.

I don’t pause my watch (when I wear one) when I stop and walk over ice either.

It’s movement, right?

And the race clock doesn’t stop when you walk during a race. It’s still 13.1 miles.

I runfess…

I’m not as bummed out as I thought I would be about my flu interrupted half marathon training.

I will finish the race even if I walk half of it. I’ve walked half a half marathon before and still finished in 2:45.

It is what it is.

At least I will be in Florida, visiting friends and I have tickets for a Mets spring training game (right after my half marathon). Woo Hoo!

Image result for 2017 mets spring training

Mets vs Cardinals in Jupiter, Fl – March 5

I runfess…

That being said about not seriously running the race, I have still started weather stalking.

It’s too early, right?

It can still change to 60 degrees, dry and no wind.

I runfess…

I am so sick of wearing my winter running clothes that I’ve already worn my new spring Skirt Sports skirt.

Yes there is still snow on the ground

I mean it was 55 degrees.

Then the next day, I wore capris and I admit, my legs were a little cold.

40 degrees out but windy

I runfess…

I don’t like to wear headphones. So I just play music or podcasts off the speakers on my iphone or ipod.

just running sans headphones…my iphone is in my pocket under my skirt

Is that rude?

No runners have ever said anything when they run by me. But then again, they all seem to be wearing headphones so I am probably not bothering them.

I runfess…

Ok, when it’s free don’t you want to eat more and forget the calories?

When I work at the Bar Exam, they pay for breakfast and lunch. Normally I would eat yogurt & granola for lunch and a banana for a snack.

Since I wasn’t paying, I had a chocolate croissant from Starbucks with a venti Butterscotch latte and lasagna for lunch on Tuesday.

It wouldn’t have been so bad but I sat for 10 hours and didn’t even run after.

I worked there again on Thursday and Friday. And I didn’t eat any healthier. 😦

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess? Spill…

February 24, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Sick During Your Training?

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 FREE so I am appropriately choosing:

What To Do If You Get Sick During Half Marathon Training

I have run 23 half marathons. And it’s inevitable that I would get sick during a training cycle.

I mean, your body is working hard and using resources for your workouts and recovery, some of which would normally be used to bolster your immune system. As a result, your immune system is weaker than usual.

Plus, in my job, I come in contact with a lot of people.

And yes, this time, the bug hit me.

Did I panic? Of course.

But it’s not the end of the world. Here’s some advice:

1.Don’t Run. Rest.

The general rule of thumb says you can start running again if you don’t have a fever or a cough. Some experts say you’re OK to run if your symptoms are from the neck up. If your symptoms are from the neck down, then rest until they’re gone.

But the most important factor to base your decision on is simply how you feel. If your body feels dead, then it’s telling you it’s not ready for training.

Image result for rest day no running when sick

I bought some Skirt Sports clothes and then registered for 3 races while I was NOT running.

2. Don’t let getting sidelined by illness destroy your confidence.

havent-run-in-two-days
A couple of days off should not hurt your training.

It takes an extended period of time for you to see a drop in your fitness level, usually two to three weeks.

3. Adjust your training intensity when you return to running.

Any longer than a few days missed, you should make adjustments.

They recommend trying about a 20 percent reduction initially. So rather than a 30 mile week, try a 24 mile week. This may mean a 10 mile long run would be only a 8 mile run.

But remember, this is an individual thing just like running and training. Illness affects everyone differently.

4.5 instead of 10

4. Listen to your body and be as active as you can handle.

Don’t do anything intense or very long. The best exercise to fit your needs when you’re sick is walking.

A 30-minute walk on days when you’re not able to run should be enough. The main reason walking works as an activity to do when you can’t train is that you are continuing to use your legs.

working the arms and then a one mile walk

5. Accept that you might not perform at the level you were hoping, and move on. There will be more races to PR in in the future.

Run to have fun. Adjust your goals. Rejoice in the fact that you crossed the finish line rather the time that you crossed it.

So I hope you all stay healthy and do not need any of the tips above!!

Stay tuned…my Runfessions will be posted tomorrow.I have more than 5!! LOL

Happy Running! Have you ever gotten sick during your training? Any other tips to share?

February 22, 2017 by Darlene

Podcasts

Image result for podcasts

Yes, I am late to the party but 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.

They are GREAT! Why did I wait so long?

Here’s five reasons why:

It’s like talking to a friend but they’re doing all the talking.
It’s educational. You learn a lot by listening to other runners.
It’s makes the miles go by faster. I guess it’s like listening to an audio book while driving your car. You get so engrossed in the story that you forget the time.
It’s free. You don’t have to buy anything and if you don’t like the one you’ve downloaded, just delete it.
There are so many to choose from. Just go to itunes and search for running and you’ll find one or ten to your liking.

Image result for podcasts while running

So here’s are five that I would recommend:

Ali on the Run Show – It’s fairly new. I’ve always loved her blog and I’ve enjoyed all the guests that she has interviewed so far. They last over an hour and I’ve used them during my long run. She will soon be adding shorter ones for weekday runs.

Image result for ali on the run show

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 and her guests are so varied and yet motivating.

Image result for run this world podcast

I’ll Have Another – I can’t wait to listen to Lindsay’s guests – she interviews only women – some are well known but many are not. I am sure they all have a story to tell (about running.)

InsideGatefold_WomensRunning_0914.indd

The Runner’s World Show and The Human Race – both put together by Runner’s World magazine. I haven’t listened to any yet but looking at the topics, I definitely plan to soon.

Image result for runner's world show

Another Mother Runner – The Podcast – I’ve met these two women in person and they were very entertaining so I am sure that their podcasts are as well.

amr_logo1

It’s Wednesday so I’m linking up with Nicole and AnnMarie and Jen for the Wild Workout Wednesday…

and with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

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

February 21, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Three Wishes

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: If the running genie were to grant you 3 running wishes, what would they be?

What? Only three??

Ok, here you go:

1. Free race entry, free lodging and free transportation so I could run any race I choose like maybe one in Paris…. (and yes, that’s only ONE wish).

Image result for paris half marathon

2. To be faster.

I mean who doesn’t want to run faster so you could qualify for races that you can’t get into or win prizes and just be able to run with faster runners.

3. More stamina to run without walking or run longer distances.

I want my long runs to feel easier. Is that too much to ask? How about being able to run back to back days without getting injured?

Happy Running! What would you wish for?

February 20, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.13.17-2.19.17

Last Week:

Monday – still feeling meh but dragged myself out for an after work run. It was very windy and cold. Plus the campus path that is usually cleared was icy and snow covered.

snow blew back on the path and froze

Tuesday – still trying to get back into my routine. Got in a short walk at lunch and went to play tennis after work. Wouldn’t you know it, one of the four ladies didn’t show so we just hit for awhile and then chatted over popcorn and wine.
Wednesday – Had to rush my run to get home in time for a Bar Exam webinar but at least I got some exercise. My legs still weren’t feeling it and I walked a lot.

just ran/walked around work instead of driving to campus

Thursday– still spent most of my day in a brain fog and counting the hours until I could go to sleep. So I decided to take a rest day and not drag myself in a run.
Friday – I decided today that no matter how bad I felt, I was going for a run. The campus path was clear again. Believe it or not, I listened to a podcast for the first time. It was awesome. I’ve always loved Ali from Ali on the Run and she was interviewing Emily from Sweat Once a Day, another favorite (and the daughter of my VT friend, AJH.) I actually ran (with a lot of walking) 6 miles! I’m hooked and will be looking for more podcasts to listen to.

Saturday – A beautiful sunny day. Of course, it was my rest day and although tempted, I didn’t cheat. I actually went to gym and then walked a bit. I was so exhausted that I came home and took a nap (which I never do).

Sunday – I was pretty doubtful about my stamina to complete my long run. The weather was perfect – sunny and it even warmed up to 55 degrees. But my body had other ideas. I struggled with breathing and coughing and could only muster running for a few minutes at a time and then walking. I considered quitting after 2.5 miles. Again after 5 miles. But just decided to walk more and more. I got 10 miles done rather than the 12 normally on the plan. All was not lost. I enjoyed listening to more podcasts and had a great post run treat. I’m glad that I ran alone and didn’t push myself. Two weeks to get it together for half marathon #24.

went to one of my favorite routes – Corning Bike Path which was clear for at least 3 miles. Got to wear a skirt for the first time in months 🙂

22 miles done with 4 runs (and that’s a loose term) and 3 rest days

Best part of being sick:

Finished knitting these socks. I started them in July LOL

This Week:

Monday – day off from work – visit to the new casino with a friend, 4 miles??
Tuesday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Wednesday –6 miles??
Thursday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Friday – (working at the bar exam), 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Winter Series 10 mile race?

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? Do you walk when you are too sick to run? Do they still count as miles?

February 17, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Winter: Grumble Grumble Grumble

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: Winter Fitness Rants

I have many but I’ll limit it to FIVE:

It takes so friggin’ long to get dressed to run outside!! Shirt, vest, jacket, tights, two pairs of socks, gloves, hat, etc.

2. And you look fatter wearing all those layers. No arguing that winter running clothes are sexy.

3. There’s nowhere safe to run. All my favorite paths are covered with ice or snow or both.

4. There aren’t races every weekend. Just ONE real race in February. I am going through withdrawal.

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5. I don’t own a treadmill so I have to run in the cold, wind, ice and snow. Wah…wah…wah. Poor me!!

Happy Running! Any more complaints that you can add to my list?

February 15, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: The Sleepy Post

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:

Last week, my half marathon training was derailed by illness.

This has been my running so far this week:

Monday: NO PLACE TO RUN

this path around campus is normally clear

Tuesday: NO TIME TO RUN

I was scheduled to play tennis after work. (It turns out that one of the four players didn’t show so we hit a little and then sat around eating popcorn.)

Wednesday: NO ENERGY TO RUN

The side effects of this flu has been EXTREME FATIGUE. Yup, it’s a thing. You can suffer for this for weeks when your immune system fights off the flu. Even getting 10 hours of sleep doesn’t help.

So today, I’ve cancelled my run.

We’ll see what tomorrow and this weekend brings.

I have no goals or aspirations for this half marathon….just finish!!

I do want to have enough energy to have fun with my Florida friends, though.

My brain is too foggy to think anymore.

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today? Any experience dealing with fatigue?

February 14, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Stuff I Love about Running

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 Stuff I Love About Running.

I could go on and on but I will limit it to EIGHT great things:

1. Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

2. Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

: Sarasota, FL

: Palm Springs, CA

: Burlington, VT

3. Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

: Winter Series 10k

: 2016

: Celebrate Life HM

4. Running Friends

They are the best….

: 4/30 – 10k

5. Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

6. Blogging

If I didn’t run, I probably wouldn’t blog and I would have missed out on meeting some fabulous ladies.

: 2017

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

7. Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else. You can.

8. How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, empowered, young(er)…

Happy Running! Tell me something you LOVE about running.

Don’t forget my giveaway – TOMORROW is the last day – enter it here!!

February 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.6.17-2.12.17

Last Week:

Monday – After a relaxing Sunday (for the first time in weeks), I needed to get out for a run after work. And I did. The good news- it was light out for the whole run. The bad news – it sucked. My legs were so tired. (Little did I know that my legs were telling that I was getting sick…)

Tuesday – After setting up a work training, I found myself in a different neighborhood and I was tempted to see if there was any ice-free routes. But it was raining and I felt like crap. 😦 So I called it a rest day.
Wednesday – After a long day at work, I needed to run but I was sick. Another rest day. Two in a row. Say what?
Thursday– Today was my scheduled run day with Alyssa. We were going to run two loops of the campus or six. But we got our first BIG snowstorm in 2 years. And I had stayed home from work since I was still sick. Normally I wouldn’t waste PTO being sick but on this job, vacation time is separate from sick time. So rest day #3. Sometimes you just gotta listen to your body. And mine said – no way should you run today. I think the last sick day, I took was 10 years ago. Now I know what our 4 cats do all day long…NOTHING!!!
Friday – Another sick day home with the cats. Rest day #4 – a new record.

Jerry & Slater – I thought they hated each other?

Saturday – Back to my Saturday catch-up day and rest day. But I decided to also venture out after no running for four days. I got in 4.5 miles but they were mixed with walking, talking, eating.

no running on my trail – too much snow so took to the roads. Bumped into my runner friend Barbara and we chatted for while. Also stopped off near the end for a delicious hot cocoa and scone.

Sunday – Today I was supposed to run the last Winter Series Race – a 10 miler. I was planning on skipping the race due to the weather and my health but Mother Nature saved the day. The race was postponed until Feb. 26. Instead I spent the day cooking, reading, knitting, etc. Looking forward to my regular routine next week.

8.5 miles done with 2 runs and 5 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 miles, work webinar
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – rest

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? How do you deal when illness gets in the way of your training?

Don’t forget my giveaway – enter it here!!

February 10, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Love <3

I am 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 theme is LOVE.

What do I love? If you read my blog, none of these things will surprise you:

1.Racing

Yes, even in the winter when it is freezing outside.