January 10, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Do you travel for 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: Weekend Warrior or Racecation? Do you travel for races or like to stay local?

Definitely BOTH!

So I would define a race-cation as any race where you need to stay over night in a hotel.

Since I am not independently wealthy and work, I cannot take as many race-cations as I’d like.

In 2016, I traveled for 4 races: Sarasota, FL, Vermont, NYC and Panama City, FL. I had planned one more but ZOOMA Cape Cod Half got cancelled (and I settled for 2 local halfs instead.)

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016

: VCM Relay – 2016

: Dash to the Finish

: PCB Half – Dec 2016

This year, it will probably be much of the same. So far, I have plans to travel to Stuart, FL, NYC, and Corning, NY. I’d love to add one more trip in late fall.

Image result for ecards running race vacations weekends

If you need some convincing or tips, here are some posts on the subject:

However, the majority of my races are local – that is, less than an hour away. I am fortunate that from April-October, there so many to choose from each weekend.

Even half marathons. I haven’t run one twice yet I haven’t exhausted the list of local ones.

I do repeat the short distance races – the ones that I’ve enjoyed. Believe it or not, I have not run all the local ones either.

Image result for ecards running race vacations weekends

Plus, when you run local, you become part of the local running community. You recognize those familiar faces at each race. Besides being just another runner, they actually can become your friends. The conversation becomes “What’s your next race?” “Have you ever run…?” And they cheer when you win an age group award.

Here are just a few of my faves:

Oh so many races..so little time…

Happy Running! And you? Travel or stay local for your races?

January 9, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 1.2.17-1.8.17

Last Week:

Monday – I decided to squeeze in an evening run since Tuesday had rain in the forecast

getting bored with the Ualbany loop so ran through the streets of Delmar

Tuesday – Glad that I planned a rest day since it rained most of the day. I did play tennis in the evening instead.
Wednesday – Finally dragged myself out for a short lunchtime walk.

picked up my race prize

I went for a run after work with Alyssa. The day started out warm but by the time we ran, it had gotten much colder and then during our run, it started to sleet. Fun. Fun. Well, we just ran faster.

3 wet miles

After the run, I met my running buddy, Barbara, for a drink & a bite to eat. I haven’t seen her in a while since she has been out of commission with an injury. It was fun catching up. I hope she is able to run again soon.

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. I finally met up with my BFF for her postponed birthday dinner and a movie.

A man and a woman dancing beside a streetlight, a city view stretches out behind them. The woman is wearing a bright yellow dress, her partner is wearing a with shirt and tie with dark pants.

Enjoyable but left wondering what hype is about.

Friday – I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game. I decided that I would try to run on the rail trail if it were clear and it was. But I had a mental lapse – darkness and no lights. What was I thinking? I ran fast and only had to run the last mile in the dark.

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house.
Sunday – A very chilly day but I got some miles in. I ran with Judy who suggested the Nisky Bike Path. When I saw the coating of snow, I almost bailed on the run (Judy wore Yak Trax; I did not.) But it wasn’t slippery at all and even though it was 15 degrees, I didn’t feel cold at all. It was very pleasant and slow and Judy & I got to chat until the last mile when I decided to need to get some in some speed. Afterwards, we went out to lunch. (I was starving as I didn’t bring any fuel on the run.)

After I got home, I rushed out to the movies with a few friends.

Great movie. Highly recommend it!

17 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run with Alyssa, tennis
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run
Thursday – rest day
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 10K 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?

January 8, 2017 by Darlene

My Apple Watch 2 Review

As soon as the first Apple watch came out. I wanted one. I’m a geek and I like techie toys. But it was expensive and didn’t even have a GPS so I resisted.

And I knew that my biggest need would eventually be a new GPS watch.

I love my Garmin 205 (that I bought in January 2011) and it still works. It’s also a conversation starter at races: “Wow! I’ve never seen one so big!!” is what other runners exclaim.

Lately I’ve only been using it for races trying to extend its life. (Its battery life is shot 😦 )

After a stressful summer, I decided that if I ever got a job, I would reward myself with an Apple watch. And I did get a job after 12 weeks of searching but was informed that a new and improved Apple watch would be coming out in September. So I decided to wait.

And I then I bought one… I told my hubby that is would be my Christmas/Chanukah gift.

So here’s what I like about it:

The Apple Watch 2 has a GPS!!

I don’t use my Garmin for my everyday training runs. I used to use the Runkeeper app on my iphone especially if I was unsure of the distance. Now I don’t have to keep taking my iphone out of my pocket or race belt to see my pace and how far I’ve run. I just look on my wrist. So convenient!!!

You also get to see all your different stats.

Plus, since I use it as a watch, I always have it on so I don’t worry if I forget my phone or have left my Garmin at home. I can just go run!

You can download your music to it and listen to your tunes while you run with wireless headphones.

The GPS is built in so you don’t have to carry your phone. However, many of the apps will not work if you don’t but you are out running, do you need to check your email? (I do usually carry my phone though.)

You can even track indoor runs. Yes, that means I can use the treadmill, if necessary.

It comes with the Workout app but you can download any running app you’d like: Runkeeper, Runtastic, Nike+, Couchto5K, etc.

You don’t have to wait to find a signal. (Is that only because my Garmin is so old??)

The Apple Watch 2 is water-resistant and can be submerged up to 50 metres.

Image result for aplle watch 2 waterproof

So next summer, I won’t have to worry if it gets wet while running or splashed when out in the boat.

You can even use it to track your swimming. (Though that will never happen by me but good for you TRIers.)

The Apple Watch is also a fitness tracker.

I won’t have to wear my watch and my Fitbit at the same time.

Plus I had to take out my iPhone in order to see how many steps I had many times during the course of each day. Very annoying. (But I had the basic Fit Bit.)

The Apple Watch 2 has a lot of cool features.

For example, it shows your heart rate.

Image result for aplle watch 2 heart rate

There is a mindfulness breathing app plus many other tools. Throughout the course of the day, it asks to stop what you are going and just breathe (for a minute.)

Image result for aplle watch 2 breathing app

It also reminds you when you have been sitting for a long time (an hour, I think) to get up and move.

You can do so many tasks by just talking to Siri.

You can ask her (just say “Hey Siri”) to send or respond to a text, send an email …

Image result for aplle watch 2 siri text

…or even play songs, etc.

Image result for aplle watch 2 siri song

In fact, that’s how I usually respond to my texts. I can just respond to them by talking to my watch. (Makes me feel like a spy.)

My favorite feature is the calendar and reminders. It reminds me of all the things that I need to do during the course of the day. That’s so useful when you have a lot of things going on. You will never miss an appointment.

hey, I may forget to eat LOL

I also like how you can customize the face.

just swipe to get one with your favorite photos

It looks good. Depending on how much you want to spend, you don’t have to get the plastic sports band.

Unlike my phone, I don’t have to charge it every night. The battery usually lasts 3 days but as a rule, I do charge it more frequently (out of habit.)

I could go on and on about why I am glad that I bought the Apple 2 watch.

But what don’t I like about the Apple 2 watch?

The first thing is most apps don’t work if you don’t have you iPhone on you. In other words, you have to carry your phone or have it nearby. That’s not a problem for me, since it is on my desk at work and I carry it when I run.

I miss the step challenges and competitions available when you use a Fit Bit. (All my friends have Fit Bits. )

I can’t explain it but it’s just not a running watch.

I guess I’m just used to my Garmin and that all it does is track my runs. I can easily click Start and Stop. I can check my split paces. And if I want, sync it to my computer or the cloud and check out all my stats including elevation graphs etc.

In other words, the Apple Watch 2 is a great smart watch and perfect for anyone with an iPhone including the casual runner.

But for serious runners, I would recommend keeping your Garmin.

Since my Garmin 205’s life is short-lived, anyone recommend a cheap alternative? I don’t need much and I don’t want to spend much!!!

Happy Running! Do you have an Apple Watch? If so, what do you think? What do you use to track your runs?

January 7, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – January

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m over my Starbucks addiction. Well, not quite but it’s cold and I haven’t been walking much at lunch. Instead, I just use the Keurig at work to get my fix. No stars, though 😦

my shelf at work

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am enjoying not stressing out about long runs. With my half marathon being March 5, I don’t have to run double digits until February. Yay!

6 is the max that I run on these cold weekends

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel lucky that we do have local races and that they are free. You know how I much I love to race. There’s a 10k next weekend.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the ice and snow limits my places to run. I am getting bored. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone shoveled all the bike paths so I don’t have to run in circles around UAlbany.

this loop is getting old

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I already registered for 3 destination Half Marathons for 2017 – Florida, NYC & Corning. The last two will be with other runners. I ran 7 halfs in 2016. So I am still looking for at least 2 more. Any suggestions?

wine + 13.1 = fun girls weekend

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel a little guilty that I’ve haven’t set any goals or resolutions for 2017. It’s not that it is depressing when I don’t meet or keep them. It’s just that I never look at them until the end of the year. So why bother?

But if I had to, it would be to:

lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water, work out, do planks, go to a yoga class, stretch after running, clean out my closets, read more books, spend less time on phone/computer.

There you go. Those are things that I will probably ignore until the end of the year. LOL

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

January 6, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – 2017

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 your goals, resolutions, or other things you’re looking forward to in the new year!

Well, since I don’t set any goals, I’ll post about what I’m looking forward to in 2017.

1. Running Healthy.

I have been lucky to have no injuries since 2013. So I hope this trend continues. I think the key is to not overdo and take your rest days.

untitled

2. Destination Races.

I love to travel but working doesn’t allow me to do it as often as I’d like. So I really appreciate any opportunity I get. Of course, I try to tie each trip into a half marathon.

Sarasota Music Half - Feb

So far, I only have one big one planned for 2017. I will running this race alone but plan to meet up with a few non-running friends.

March 5, 2017 in Stuart, FL.

: 2 tennis friends who live in nearly Hobe Sound and Delray Beach

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

I hope to get in another destination race in the late fall too.

3. Annual Tennis Vacation.

A group of 10 of us have been traveling together since 2002. And we have been going to Naples, FL for a week in May since 2006. We even rent the same two villas.

Every morning we take tennis lessons and then play doubles. In the afternoon, we go to the beach. And then in the evenings, we go out. Tough life!

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4. Girls Racing Weekends.

My first one was in Philly in 2014. It was fun but last December’s was even more fun.

walks on the beach

I have one planned for April 30 in NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon and another for October 1 to run the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY. (Anyone else running these races??)

Fingers crossed that we can fit in a blogger’s weekend again with the #holottafun ladies.

5. Time with Family and Friends.

Ultimately this is the most important. I plan to spend a lot time with them. I know I can schedule my runs and races around those gatherings.

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Happy Running! What are you looking forward to in 2017?

January 5, 2017 by Darlene

Bill Hogan 3.5 Mile Race Recap

January 1, 2017

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2. (I was Florida for Winter Series #1.)

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

Last year, I wasn’t that crazy. I decided to run only 3.5 miles.

Hangover_Half-156-XL_edited

It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again this year.

For New Year’s Eve, my hubby and I had a quiet evening – just dinner out and a movie. We usually go Lake George on New Year’s Day and to a party but my hubby didn’t want to and I was fine with it (cuz I secretly wanted to do this race.)

all I drank was this small bottle of champagne

I arrived at UAlbany early and was surprised at how many people were running on New Year’s Day (at least 500.) It helped that the race didn’t start until noon so even if you did party for New Year’s Eve, you could still race this one.

Plus, the weather was perfect – sunny and close to 40 degrees. Unfortunately it was breezy but it is always windy here (even if it’s isn’t anywhere else.)

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc. So it’s great seeing everyone and catching up.

I immediately bumped into Judy and we hung out inside and chatted with one of her friends until the race began.

in Skirt Sports, of course

I also wound up chatting with another runner that was running the half marathon option. And then we had to hustle to get to the start.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race. And I did. In the beginning, I had to weave in and out to get past the slower runners. But then, it was fine, I tried to keep an even pace. (Except when I passed my Freihofer/Turkey Trot coach, then I sped up. LOL)

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired.

I kept up a decent pace for the first 2 miles. There were no mile markers but I could hear my Garmin beep. I really didn’t pay attention to my pace or time.

By mile 3, I was losing steam. So I started to walk in order to maintain some kind of decent pace. Plus, you were running into the wind the whole last mile. I walked several times including up the last hill.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read almost 34 minutes. So I booked it and passed quite a few runners. There was quite a gridlock at the finish line and it is not chip timed. You have to stand in line and get a piece of paper and then record your time.

Since I forgot to stop my Garmin right away, I asked my friend (who crossed with me) what her time was and so recorded mine at 34:03.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:06
mile 2: 9:03
mile 3: 9:17
.82 – 9:57

Yes, the course was long!! Last year, it was 3.75 not 3.5 miles too.

Surprisedly I was faster than last year. It is nice to know that this relaxing goal is not making me slower.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – vegetable soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile for Judy and some other runners to finish.

They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. I was chatting with some runners and was surprised when they called my name for 2nd in my age group. (The fast ladies were running the half marathon. Lucky me!)

ws2ag

I chose cranberry walnut

Since I was dressed to run and not tired, I decided to do my usual campus loop.

Well, I usually run it in the dark. It is so different during the day.

My legs started really dragging. I guess I was tired. So I just ran and walked, etc.

Finally I finished up a little over 3 miles and went back inside to chat with some of my friends who had run the half marathon.

So a race and a run – what a perfect way to start off 2017!!

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s? If not, when is your first race of 2017?

January 4, 2017 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Involvement

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 INVOLVEMENT.

I love this quote (as well as, the tennis player Martina Navratilova who wrote it).

So with regards to running, are you a pig or a chicken?

In other words, are you involved?

You run alone. You run with others. Sometimes you run fast. Sometimes you don’t. You race short distances. You race long ones. You have good races and you have not so good races. You provide support to other runners. You may even volunteer at races.

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It is a good thing to be involved in something you enjoy. In addition to the obvious health benefits, involvement with running leads to making friends and inspiring others.

But are you committed to running?

Is it a priority in your life? Do you plan things around your running? Do you run with an injury? Do you never skip a run? Do you always have a plan? Do you always run with a watch? Do you record every run?

Does it rule your life (and maybe others close to you think you should be committed)?

this “committed” runner ran this race with a stress fracture

So that running doesn’t kill me (like the pig), I need to be involved with running because I love it but be committed to a healthy degree.

this runner walked half of this race due to a recent Achilles injury & still enjoyed the time with her friends

Hopefully, this makes sense to some of you runners.

It’s just a reflection. Not meant to be a criticism of you “committed” runners.

Happy Running! Any thoughts on involvement and running? What does it mean to you?

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?