January 30, 2017 by Darlene

Race Link-Up – January

Race Linkup is a linkup hosted by Deb Runs to help facilitate runners finding each other at races.

A new Race Linkup will open on the last Monday of every month and run for four weeks. You can link up your race schedule every month or only when you register for an additional race – you choose how often you want to get your schedule out there for other runners to see. The goal is for everyone to see who else will be your next race so you can arrange meet-ups with other bloggers and our readers.

What a cool idea?

Speaking of cool or “cold,” remember I live in Upstate New York. Come visit if you like to ski or snowshoe.

Anyway here is my February racing schedule:

2-04-17 – Polar Cap (4 mile) Race in Lake George, NY

16386867_10209312575151580_5775870643794532034_n

2-12-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 4M, 10M, 20M and Marathon options (I’m running the 10 miler) in Albany, NY

So my schedule is wide-open.

Feel free if you live in a warmer climate to invite me to come run with you in February 2018. LOL.

Here is also a link to the rest of my 2017 planned races – https://myfirst5k.wordpress.com/my-races/

Happy Running! Anyone running either of these two races?

January 30, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.23.16-1.29.16

Last Week:

Monday – Storm on the way. Boo! Got my run in! Yay!

Loved watching the geese skating on the pond

Tuesday – It was a miserable rainy day so I was glad it was a rest day. I did play tennis after work.

Matched my clothes to the grey skies.

The good news of the day was that I was picked as an Ambassador Captain for the third straight year.

Love this company.

Wednesday – a crazy day at work and Alyssa had to cancel on our after work run. So I stretched my 3 miler into 5 cuz I needed it.

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. In the evening, some tennis friends and I celebrated our friend’s 70th birthday. Doesn’t she look great?

had 2 pieces of that cake (& I don’t even like chocolate.)

Friday – I did go for a 2.5 mile run during lunch because my evening mah jongg game was scheduled at my house.

The wind made it feel colder than it was but felt good to get some fresh air.

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. I actually went through my running clothes and got rid of a lot of items that I no longer wear. Felt so good!!! Even did some knitting. Then went out to dinner with the hubby.

Pre-race fuel

Sunday – Today I ran in the Winter Series 15k Race. It was a fun race. For the first time I ran part of a race with someone- the last 4 miles with Alyssa.

After the race, I rushed to the mall to participate in Athleta’s STEM swap. They were collecting clothes to be given to the STEM runners.

20.3 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –6 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, hair appt.
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 4 mile race + 6-7 more miles, Chinese New Year’s Party
Sunday – rest day, knitting party

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?

January 29, 2017 by Darlene

Winter Series #4 15k Race Report

This same race in 2015

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 chose to run the 15K since 9 miles was on my “schedule.”

I have run several 15Ks (including 4 on this same course):

2016 – 1:33:13, 2015 – 1:34:29, 2014 – 1:34:55 & 1:42:40 (At least I’ve gotten faster.)

My 15 PR on a harder course is actually 1:31:25.

But I was continuing with my “relaxing” and go with the flow race plan – run and enjoy. Besides, this race was just part of my training for my March 5 Half Marathon.

These Winter Series races start at 10 am so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. 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.

I was surprised when I got there that the parking lot was empty. The weather was perfect for racing. Sunny for the first time in over a week, 30 degrees or so and a little breezy.

What I love about this local race is that you get to see a lot of people that you know.

last year meeting up with Judy & Barbara

And I immediately bumped into many different running friends.

My two age group competitors were there. Oh well.

Anyway I hung indoors until the last minute and then made out way outside.

basically a few loops around parking lots

This week I made sure that my Garmin was charged and got a signal.

All three distances started at the same location this week. As usual, I started pretty close to the front and let the speedy runners pass me by.

For most of the race, I felt overdressed. I unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves but my turtle neck was a mistake. (Of course, the wind picked up toward the end and I was happy to have worn the jacket.)

As in all my recent races, I tried to relax and run at an even pace. But as usual, my first mile was the fastest and I fizzled with each mile after.

I walked through the first water stop around mile 3.5 and took a Gu as well as the second water stop. I ran most of the rest of the race.

This was due to fact that Alyssa caught up to me around mile 5.5. We chatted the whole time. I’ve never run a race with someone before.

Did it slow me down? Probably. Alyssa is a faster runner for the early miles. In long races such as a half marathon I’ve finished 20 minutes faster.

Nevertheless it made the miles go by faster. I didn’t walk where I normally would. I just ran at an easier pace. But it certainly was a lot more fun having company.

Eventually as we neared the finish line, I took off and finished at 1:34:00 (25 seconds ahead of Alyssa.)

A happy runner

Alyssa left to run a few more miles and I waited around for Judy to finish.

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

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

I finished 128 out 174.

After the awards, I changed my clothes and Judy, Alyssa and I headed to the mall.

stem

The Athleta store was holding a clothing drive for participants in the STEM program. It motivated me to clean out my closets and get rid of any running clothes that I no longer wear.

I was very happy with how I ran this 15k race as a training run – I pushed myself just enough but not too much. It wasn’t a PR 15K and not even a course PR (1 minute slower than last year.)

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9:09
mile 2 – 9:34
mile 3 – 9:42
mile 4 – 10:13 (water & Gu)
mile 5 – 10:15
mile 6 – 10:32
mile 7 – 10:38 (water)
mile 8 – 10:34
mile 9 – 10:42
.3 – 8:39

Finish Time – 1:34:00

So obviously the second half of the race was much slower than the first. It always is for me so I won’t blame Alyssa. But it is hard to run your own pace when you are running with another runner and you are talking. However, it made the race more enjoyable and “relaxing.!!”

Next weekend, I signed up for a 4 mile race in Lake George. It should be fun. 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 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! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run this weekend?

January 28, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – January

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…

I runfess…

My running routes are influenced by my post race food options Aren’t yours?

I ran here:

I am very sad that I won’t be able to run here until spring

because of this:

Leah’s Cakery

I ran here:

because of this:

Cider Belly Donuts

I need all the motivation I can get. But do I really burn off all those calories?

I runfess…

I participated in a march last Saturday. It was for what I believe in. But why did it happen on such as perfect running weather day?

50 degrees and blue skies (the weather was awful the next day (when I did run)

As I walked, I kept thinking that it was a similar route (reverse direction) as for the Freihofer’s Run.

I runfess…

I really wanted to participate in Kim’s plank challenge. But I only did it once and for 1 minute.

Sorry. I am such a slacker when it comes to working out.

I runfess…

I schedule my blog posts. That means that sometimes they are not accurate or current. Like “loving that we’ve had good weather for running.” By the time I posted that, we had two days of ice and snow. Blogger fail.

This may be why many bloggers take a respite from blogging. It takes up so much time!!

I’m not even talking about inspiring, creative posts. Just posting running updates and race reviews…

Maybe I need to join the blogging vacationers and just post on Instagram?? But who can get out more than a hashtag using your phone keyboard??

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

January 27, 2017 by Darlene

Friday 2.0 – Slower Running Partners

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 theme is FREE so I chose How to Run With a Slower Partner

It’s no secret that Judy, a frequent running partner, is slower than me. She runs about 2 minutes per mile slower. I don’t think she will be upset that I say this because she mentions it all the time.

after one of our summer runs together

But that doesn’t mean that I don’t run with her. I do and here’s what I recommend:

1. Run Slower

and it is easy to run slower when there’s snow on the ground…

It seems like a no-brainer. If you run with someone who runs slower, you have to run slower. Just consider it an easy run or a recovery run.

2. Split up the Run

I ran 2 more miles after our recent run together.

You can start earlier and get some faster miles done. Or you add some speedy ones afterwards.

3. Enjoy the scenery

Running with a slower runners is relaxing. You can walk and take photos and then sprint to catch up.

4. Make it the Exception not the Rule

If you run with a slower runner all the time, you will probably get slower yourself. So do your own thing most of the time. Do your strides, intervals or whatever you need to do improve your speed when you run by yourself.

5. Add a run with someone faster

Running with someone faster is always a challenge. But running with a faster runner helps you get faster.

So don’t give up your slower running friends. After all, they are your FRIENDS!

Happy Running! Do you ever run with a slower runner?

January 26, 2017 by Darlene

TOLT: Stupid Studies, Missing Summer, Half Marathon Training

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

thinking out loud

Simple Sitting Test Predicts How Long You’ll Live.

This study has been mentioned in many fitness-related articles. Basically it says if you (as an adult aged 50 and over) can’t do the following without using you arms, legs or hands, you would be more likely to die in the next 6 years.

So like many of us who saw this, I tried it.

Well, I couldn’t do it. Not even close…

Should I be worried? Will I die soon???

Then I read many of the comments on the articles referencing this study and then I also thought about it logically.

There are so many more important factors that influence longevity:

weight
lifestyle
fitness-related activities
stress
genetics
and more

Some people are naturally flexible (even if they have never done yoga.) So they may be able to do pass this sitting test and still not be healthy.

Then others may have knee, back, ankle, foot issues that prevent them from being able to stand and sit without using their other body parts. These folks who are not over weight and are physically active will most likely live longer.

So, it’s great if you can pass the Sitting Test but if you can’t, I wouldn’t worry about your shortened lifespan.

Ice Cream in Winter

I miss summer – the sunshine, the warm temps, the longer days. The one thing I can control is what I eat.

Image result for walmart key lime ice cream sandwiches

they have salted caramel too!!

I eat ONE every night and it puts a smile on my face. Don’t judge!

Training has begun.

If you can call it training. I don’t have a plan but I do worry about my long runs on the weekend so I guess I am training for my March 5 Half Marathon in Florida.

– Jan 8 – 6 miles
– Jan 15 – 7 miles (Winter Series 10K race + .8)
– Jan 22 – 8 miles
– Jan 29 – 9 miles (Winter Series 15K race)
-Feb 5 – 11 miles or Feb 4 Polar Cap 4 mile race + 6
– Feb 12 – Winter Series 10 mile race
– Feb 19 – 12 miles
– Feb 26 – 10 miles
– March 5 – RACE DAY

My weekdays are using 2 or 3 runs of 3 or 4 miles.

Happy Running! What’s on your mind today? Can you pass the Sitting Test? Do you use an official training plan for your races? Do you eat ice cream in the winter?

January 25, 2017 by Darlene

Loving/Not Loving

l-nl

I haven’t done this in awhile so here it goes:

Loving: Noosa Yogurt ( I also add granola -usually gluten-free)

Not Loving: It’s expensive. The cheapest place to buy is Walmart. Not a fan. I prefer Target. But it is $.40 more there.

Loving: Getting out of work at 4 pm and it is still light outside. Soon I will be able to get my whole after work run in. I used to work until 5 pm in my old job (So I ran in the dark most of the winter).

Not Loving – My Job. It is what it is. And It’s not my cup of tea. But it pays the bills. Soon I will be traveling…ugh!! So far only scheduled for once or twice a month…

Loving – Our lack of snow. Sorry if you are a skier. But it’s great for us runners.

hooray for clear paths

Not Loving: My lack of motivation to work out. I haven’t gone to gym or done any strength training at home. I need a workout buddy. Plus the clothing. It’s cold out (when I run) and then it’s warm in the gym. How many outfits can I bring to work???

this photo was taken back in July

Loving: My Running Buddies. Alyssa had been busy for awhile so I was solo. Judy usually does not train in the winter. But they’re both back. I do short runs with Alyssa during the week and long runs with Judy on some weekends. Running is better with friends!!

: at UAlbany

Not Loving: Having to skip runs. If I’m not training for a big race, it really doesn’t matter but if I am (like for March 5 half marathon), I like to run 3 times during the week. This will be complicated with work responsibilities.

Today is Wednesday so I’m linking up with Coaches Corner–Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! What are you loving or not loving right now?

January 24, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Affording Races

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: What’s your limit on what you’ll spend on a race?

I have never done a Disney race or a marathon so I don’t usually have to spend a lot on race fees. Maybe $100 has been for the most and it was for a half marathon.

But it is not the race fees that add to the cost of the race. It’s lodging and transportation.

Here are what I do to save money:

Race Local.

Obviously. You can drive to a race and you can sleep in your own bed. I feel lucky to live in an area with an active running community. I always (except in the winter) have many choices of races.

Three of my recent local favorites – Ramblefest Half, Saratoga Palio Half, Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler):

Register Early.

As you know, the closer to the race date, the more money the race will cost.

I try to register for a race at the earliest cost. Of course, doing this, you run the risk of a possible DNS. So far, I have been fortunate and have had very few and no big races.

Collect Frequent Flier Miles or Hotel Points

If you travel a lot, these can add up and you can use them for your race-cations.

I only have ONE credit card which gives me miles. I try to charge everything on this card so that I can get a free flight and use it for a race-cation.

free flight to West Palm Beach, FL for this race!!

Visit Friends While Running A Race

Combine a trip to visit a friend or multiple friends with a race. This works really well for me (especially to visit those friends who live in warmer winter climates. LOL)

Just remember to spend time with your friends in addition to doing your race.

: HS/College BFF’s sister in LA

: 2 former co-workers who live in nearby Jensen Beach and Delray Beach

: running friend in Palm Springs

: Mah Jongg friends in Sarasota, FL

Take Advantage of Social Networking

Meeting runners through Facebook or Blogging can lead to a free place to stay as well as an awesome race experience.

: PCB Half – Dec 2016

: VCM relay with host/blogger Andrea

Happy Running! Do you spend a lot of money of racing? Any other suggestions on how to save?

January 23, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.16.17-1.22.17

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. Woo Hoo. Also my 18th wedding anniversary. (My hubby had to work but we went out to dinner over the weekend.)

Started the day with a plank. Kim from Running on the Fly challenged everyone last week to do a 5 minute plank. Well, I did ONE minute.

I took advantage and ran during the daylight. Judy was nice enough to cooperate and join me at the Corning Bike Path.

Judy ran 3 and I added some extra

There may have been a lot of re-fueling involved.

Starbucks was closed but I found a replacement.

Tuesday – it was a miserable rainy day so I was glad it was a rest day. I did play tennis after work.
Wednesday – another rainy day but it did let up so that Alyssa and I could squeeze in 3 after work miles.

And no we didn’t plan wearing the same shirts

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. In the evening, my BFF and I did our usual mall walk and talk.

Friday – I did go for a 4 mile run before my evening mah jongg game. It was cloudy but at least it was not cold.

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. Although I didn’t attend the Women’s marches in DC and NYC, I was there in spirit. Instead, I attended the one in Albany, NY. I went with some friends. There was a great turn out and I’m so glad I went.

Sunday – Today’s weather wasn’t as perfect as Saturday but it still wasn’t cold. I motivated myself to complete my 8 solo miles (Judy ran on Saturday) with a post-run treat from Leah’s. Unfortunately it rained most of my run even poured at times. Plus the trail was so icy that I had to run on a back road to get my miles done.

I did get my delicious post-run treat but I won’t be running here again until spring. That evening I went to the movies with friends – a perfect end to the weekend.

Image result for twentieth century women movie

it was disappointing 😦

20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run??
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, tennis birthday dinner
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 15K race, STEM swap

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? Did you march on Saturday?

January 20, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Winter Actvities

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 theme is Favorite Winter Activities

I’ll say it up front. I hate the cold!!

If I didn’t run, I would never go outside.

I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, sled, snow shoe…nada!

Keeping that in mind, here are my favorites:

1. Running (only cuz I sign up for races & winter half marathons to make me get out there)

winter4-172