January 3, 2017 by Darlene

New Year for a New You

Thanks to Tricia from Missisippi Piddlin’ for pointing out a series from Lisa Jacobs. From Dec 27 to Jan. 2. Lisa had daily prompts with questions to think about in order to reflect on the past year.

Although it’s over, I recommend checking out her blog and looking at the prompts. They are really thought provoking.

Here are the ones from Day #1:

What was time very well spent this year?

My 12 weeks of unemployment.

Yes, it was stressful but I was able to play tennis most mornings and met a lot of neat ladies. I was able to run whenever and wherever I wanted. And most importantly, I discovered hiking and enjoyed doing it by myself.

What was money very well spent this year?

Every single race fee.

I love racing. I don’t regret any race that I paid for (even $50 for a NYC 5k.).

What are your favorite memories of 2016?

I have quite a few but the most memorable experiences of 2016 were running in NYC with my Russian friend Anna and the girls weekend in Panama City Beach that I spent with 7 other bloggers.

What did you accomplish or complete this year?

Found a new job. Ran many races of varying distances and in a variety of locations. Completed a hiking challenge. Most importantly, had a healthy year (no illnesses or injures).

Did you make any progress on long-term goals?

I hadn’t set any official long-term goals. But if I did, they would be to remain active and healthy (as I age) and to be financially able to retire someday.

So yes, I did have a active and healthy year. I ran 1046 miles.

On the retirement front, I am employed but I am not progressing as much I would have liked on the financial front.

What felt successful about the year, as a whole?

Probably my running.

I mean I ran 43 races including 7 half marathons and had zero injuries. I won many age group awards. Over 20!

Almost there!

Did you overcome any obstacles or mental blocks this year?

I had resigned myself to getting older and slower but I did PR at the half marathon distance. A happy surprise. Under 2:09!!!

What did you learn about yourself after all that happened in 2016?

I learned that you have to be patient. And that I’m generally not a patient person.

I also learned that sometimes you have to accept that “things happen for a reason.”

I learned, as well, that I’m not ready to retire. I like having an active (outside the home) life.

Who nurtured or supported you most this year?

My hubby, of course, and all my friends.

They listened to me during the trying times and were there to share my successes, as well.

Who did you enjoy nurturing and supporting?

That would definitely be the STEM runners and my mentee Amanda. I hope that I made a difference in their lives.

Happy Running! Feel free to answer any of these questions in the comments.

January 2, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 12.26.16-1.1.17

Last Week:

Monday – I was supposed to go out to dinner & movie after work but instead I went shopping to check out the after Christmas sales at the mall. Didn’t spent a lot but got some steps in.

Tuesday – I squeezed in a run before tennis. It was 40 degrees – felt like a heat wave.

After tennis, the tennis ladies celebrated with a dinner out (yes another.)

Wednesday – Decided to go for another after work run due to the impending snowstorm.

Ran in town where I used to run all the time before there was the rail trail.

Thursday– A hair appointment was the only activity I had today. Snow hit us again. But at least we didn’t get as much as predicted.

Friday – Despite yesterday’s snow, the roads were clear enough and I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game.

Alyssa had to cancel so I was back running in town

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house, and rest up for New Year’s Eve. A quiet evening of a movie and dinner with the hubby.

sad but good

Sunday – I ran my first HMRRC winter series run of the season and my first race of 2017. Th e weather was perfect for running (though a little windy). I loved starting the year off with a “relaxing” free race.

lucky for me that the speedy ladies ran the half marathon option so I won 2nd in my AG 🙂

After lots of refreshments, I dragged myself out for a little over 3 more miles.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, dinner & a movie with BFF
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 7 mile run

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?

January 1, 2017 by Darlene

Looking Ahead to 2017

In 2016, I did not have any GOALS. No yearly goals. No monthly or weekly goals. Not even any race goals.

But I still had hopes and dreams and those morphed into thinking about speed. I often whined about my finish times and lamented that I could have done better in many of the races where I didn’t PR.

But in truth, I am not one of those runners who thinks that “they have a faster race in them.” I really have NO IDEA. I may. I may not. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try. And I will give each race my best efforts.

It means that I don’t want to obsess about it. I don’t want to be disappointed with my speed. It is what it is. I am neither fast nor slow. I am a MIDDLE OF THE PACKER (MOTP).

In 2017, I want to enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one. I mean running is a gift, right?

We take it for granted until we can’t.

I want to run as long as possible and even when I am a “back of the packer.”

just switch the gender… and this would be me and my hbby

So again I am going to pick ONE word.

The My One Word approach is popular every year. If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.

2014 was the first time that I tried it. My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

Las year, I picked:

This year, I am choosing the word:

I wanted to choose stress-free but it is actually TWO words.

Why did I choose “Relax?

2016 was a stressful year. I was unemployed for 12 weeks and wondered during that time how we would be able to pay our bills.

Then I did get a job, but it is the most stressful job I’ve ever had. Lots to learn and eventually, a lot of travel. Not what I enjoy but it is a job. Could be worse (I think).

truth??

Running can and should be relaxing.

But not when you put pressure on yourself to be fast.

As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.

Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on RELAXING and enjoy our runs.

How will I focus on my word?

Be more positive.
Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
Run & race happy.
Run more with others (and not only chat about our finish times & PRs!!)
Leave that watch home!

I should add that this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to get faster. I do. I will try to. I hope I will. Who knows I may even do some drills… Go to the gym? Get a coach????

But what I am saying is that if I don’t finish a race with the time that I’d like, I won’t get down on myself. If I have a bad race, I will just sign up for another.

Image result for OM and relax

I am also I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Do you have any goals for 2017? Do you put pressure on yourself to get faster?

December 31, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap

10 Things We Love The Most About December

Where has the time gone?. I can’t believe that it is almost 2017. Wasn’t it just December 1?.

Anyway, here’s how December went down:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a December. 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.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s now dark when I get out of work.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was injured. Alyssa was busy and I was in Florida for 5 days.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

There were none! Just a half marathon!! Taking a break until mid-January.

Total Mileage:

I ran 69 miles this month – My lowest monthly total of the year. But I did run over 1000 miles for the year!! Woo Hoo! For the first time ever.

Started out the year with my highest monthly total and ended with the lowest. LOL

2016

Races:

I only ran two races this month – a half marathon and a 5k.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

I was generally happy with how they buth went. I won my age group in the half marathon and the 5k was just pure fun.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors now.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I actually went to workout at the gym ONCE!! Just I know – shocker!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall or to get a Starbucks coffee.

Other News:

I went on the most awesome Girls Weekend Race-cation. #HoLottaFun

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

: karaoke & laughs

I also spend a day in NYC taking in all the holiday sights.

I spent time with Amanda (my mentee).

There was a lot of holiday partying and eating but I won’t get into that.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is not until March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here when it gets cold.

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

01-01-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
01-15-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 10K
01-29-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
02-05-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M

All these races are FREE!!

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

December 30, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Winter Running

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 FREE so I chose: 5 Things I Like About Running in the Winter

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So I decided to point out what I like about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

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not a fan of rain!!

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

happier here

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge LOL).

3. It’s pretty outside.

Well, at least most of the time.

4. There are free races.

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 6 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after.

5. There’s not a lot to do and it’s get me outside.

In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

Winter_4-145

But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

so they say…

Happy Running! What do you like about running in the winter?

December 29, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Looking Back on 2016

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 January, I decided to have a year of NO Goals.

Instead of goals, I listed hopes and dreams for 2016.

Let’s see how I did. Did any of them come true?

I hope to…

To improve my running

For me, it’s to get stronger and be a more confident runner. To have more quality training runs. To maintain my current speed and if I am very lucky PR at some distance. To run lots of races (both long ones and short ones.)

Well, I think I am a stronger runner and more confident at times. Though I didn’t have many PRs, most of my race finish times were close. I did PR at the half marathon distance which I am very happy about. I did run a lot of races – 43 to be exact and 17 of them were long ones. I still think that I may be able to get even better. That may involve improving the quality of my training runs and doing some drills to increase my speed and endurance.

: Panama City Beach Half

: Dash to the Finish

: Valley Cats Homerun 5k

To run with others

With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. I often shy away from running groups (like Fleet Feet, ARE, etc) because I feel that I am too slow. I hope to take advantage of more group running opportunities.

I still haven’t had enough guts to run with the HMRRC or ARE folks but I participated again in the advanced group of both the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge and the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. This gave me the opportunity to run with faster runners. I also ran with Barbara and new running friend Alyssa – both of whom challenge me.

: with Alyssa

: with Holly & Jackie from the training groups

: with Barbara

To volunteer and give back

I had great experiences with this in 2015 and I hope to continue with STEM, GOTR and any others opportunities that present itself. My specials needs buddy (IRUN4) is awesome. I hope to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often.

JA, my IRUN4 running buddy, is still awesome but I have been slacking on the posting pictures front. I have continued to send him race shirts and medals. I volunteered as a running buddy with GOTR last spring and my experience was not that rewarding. However, mentoring the STEM clients was amazing. I will continue to do this twice a year and hopefully become even more involved in this program. I still see Amanda and her kids throughout the year. Since she works a lot, I am not able to as often as I’d like.

To eat healthier

I am addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.

This is a work in progress. I eat healthy at home. I have granola in yogurt and fruit for lunch at work. But when the temptation is there, I am weak. And I do go out often. I love my desserts!! And I never drink H20 (my bad!)

To get physically on track

I may not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

Total failure here!!! At my new job, I sit more. There’s no treadmill or track and no one to walk with. I have hardly worked out at all in my “free” gym nor have I done any exercises at home. I don’t want to know what I weigh. It is more important to feel and look good. And as you get older, your metabolism slows down… I need to start movin’ and shakin’ in 2017.

To spend quality time with family and friends

Running is important but not more important than those I care about. Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.

I have successfully fit almost everything in. Now that I work until 4 pm, I run after work and still can meet friends to go out. I was able to race during the summer months and still spend time on our boat. You can do it. Just gotta be organized and prioritize.

lots of possibilities for 2017!!

Happy Running! Are you goal setter? What do you hope for in 2017?

December 28, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Peace

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

Every Wednesday, 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.

This week’s word is PEACE.

I found some quotes that relate PEACE to running and they say it better than I could.

Image result for peace and running

Maybe not in a crowded race with lots of distractions, but when I run alone and especially after a tough day, running does bring me PEACE.

along the East River, NYC

along the Rail Trail, Delmar, NY

Image result for peace and running

Running is not about only about PRs and age group awards. If you don’t run with your heart, you are missing out on some very important things.

pcb

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Image result for peace and running

Happy Running! Does running give your peace? Do you run with your heart?

December 27, 2016 by Darlene

My Award Picks for 2016 (& TOTR)

Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran. It was fun so I decided to do it again.

Since I ran 43 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Gulf while running the Music Half Marathon (in Sarasota, FL).

: on the bridge early in the race

: Feb 2016 – freezing in Sarasota, Fla

It was also awesome to run with views of the fall foliage and the river during the Ramblefest Half Marathon (in Adams, MA).

this is the trail we ran on (but in the rain)

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was Celebrate Life Half Marathon (in the Catskill Mountains).

There were quite a few rolling hills in the Lake George Half Marathon too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers even during the heart wave. (There were literally life savers for me and others running this race.)

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

2016

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

: a cool backpack filled lots of goodies

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was the handmade wood one from the Camp Chingachgook Challenge.

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a Fitbit & $25 gift card to LL Bean at the LL Bean Bright Night 5k and $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant and champagne at the Malta 5k.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this baseball hat at the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

But the Sarasota Music Half Marathon also had an amazing breakfast buffet.

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the sweatshirt that we received at the Celebrate Life Half Marathon.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year.

I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC with three Russian ladies and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

And of course, the Panama City Beach Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with seven blogger/friends was amazing and #HoLottaFun.

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

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

But I would have to say that I am proud that I finished the Vermont City Marathon Relay because of how difficult the weather conditions were.

crossing the finish line even though the race had been cancelled & I had to fight to get a medal.

And the Ramblefest Half Marathon because it my only PR this year and it was cold, raining and totally unexpected.

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

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2016?

December 26, 2016 by Darlene

Running Update 12.19.16-12.25.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another cold day and I was glad that it was a rest day. Played tennis (indoors) in the evening and then finished my Christmas shopping.
Tuesday – Had another holiday work gathering with lots of food. Went for a lunchtime walk (around the outdoor shopping plaza – my nature trail is ice covered) and then after work, I met Alyssa for a run through the lights in the park. It was freezing but still nice to catch up since we hadn’t run together in weeks.

Wednesday – Believe it or not, I went to the gym. I met my former co-worker there and then we went out to dinner.

Thursday– The day started out snowy but then it warmed up and I had a nice evening run. Even ran one of my miles with two speedy ARE runners.

Friday – A scheduled rest day. A walk at lunch and then spent the evening home wrapping gifts.

Saturday – I had to wait until the sleet/freezing rain stopped to get in my run (but not enough time to get the whole run in.)

a little chilly when the wind picked up but at least the ice had melted on the Rail Trail

Then we went to a Christmas Party hosted by one of our boating friends.

Spent Christmas Eve with Amanda and her sons driving through the lights in the park and then exchanging gifts.

Of course, it was also the first night of Chanukah.

Sunday – continued the run that I began the day before heading to my MIL’s to have dinner with family.

a perfect day for a run – ran in the opposite direction on the Rail Trail and in town

16 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – rest day, dinner and movie with BFF
Tuesday – 3 mile run, tennis, dinner out
Wednesday –4 mile run
Thursday – rest day, hair appt
Friday – 3-4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, NYE celebrating
Sunday – 3.5 mile race + 3 more

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?