November 5, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – November

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that when they first told me that I was spending 5 days in Manhattan for work, I was bummed. I would miss my training group, my running partners, my tennis, etc. And I would be stuck indoors from 8 am – 4 pm every day.

But I decided to make the most of it and get as much exercise as I could. These are some of the things that I did.

Take the stairs

My room was on the 25th floor of the hotel. I took the stairs every day. (Well, only down.)

: from the 25th floor

: morning

Walk everywhere.

I walked to work and back – at least one mile each way. I took a walk during lunch. I even walked to Times Square (in the pouring rain) to see a show.

Use the hotel gym.

There were machines and a treadmill at my hotel. I lie. I never entered the room but I could have if need be.

Squeeze in a run whenever you can.

I ran one day before a dinner meeting. I ran the last day during lunch.

Run and Sight See at the same time.

I wanted to see the Sea Glass Carrousel at Battery Park and the Freedom Tower so I ran there (and it was much farther than I thought.)

I wanted to see the Hudson River Greenway and the High Line so I ran there too.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am back in NYC. This trip was planned way before I got this new job. The original plan was to run a 5k. Then it morphed into a blogger meet-up. Now I will also be spending the weekend with my Russian friend Anna and spectating at the NYC Marathon.

Happy Running! Any other ways to work and stay active in a big city? Who’s going to be in NYC this weekend?

November 4, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Things You May Not Know About Me

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🙂

Today’s topic is: Five Things That You Don’t Know About Me:

I used to sew my own clothes.

It was at first to save money but then because I enjoyed it. Next, I did needlework like crewel and cross-stitch. But my favorite sewing activity is quilting. I have made quite a collection of quilts. (They’re all over my house.)

: at a quilt retreat

Now I’m onto knitting.

IMG_4256-0

2. I was a Math major in college until I found out that I could spend my junior year abroad if I majored in French.

I love the French language and anything French (food, wine, art, music) so I am glad that I made that switch.

creme brulee

3. I played the violin in grade school but I always wanted to learn to play the piano.

I know, there’s still time but I don’t own a piano.

4. I’ve won a few photography contests (years ago – before digital).

One was in our local newspaper of two spiders mating. Another was of an organ grinder in Paris.

5. I’ve never eaten peanut butter or avocado.

They just don’t interest me.

Happy Running! Tell me one thing that I didn’t know about you.

November 3, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: October Recap

Image result for october

So fall has finally arrived!! And very recently, we’ve even experienced some cooler temps (even a few flakes of snow).

So here’s how October went down…

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and had a pretty mild fall with very little rain. So I was able to run at least 3-4 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 starting to get dark earlier and earlier.

I ran with Alyssa several times. Like Barbara, I met her through FB. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster. Win-Win. I also ran with Barbara and she is even faster than Alyssa. Unfortunately she is on the DL for a few weeks. 😦

It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

Long Runs:

There were four of these! One was a half marathon and one was added miles to a 5k race.

: 5k + 6.9 = 10

: 10/30

Total Mileage:

I ran 96 miles this month – the most that I have run since April!! Woo! Hoo! I should hit 1000 next month hopefully.

oct

Races:

I ran four races this month – a half marathon, a 10K and two 5ks.

: 27:48 & 2nd in my AG

: Ramblefest HM – 2016

: 57:22 – a hilly 10K

: 28:42 – cold and rainy – 1st in my AG

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals but I did PR in my Half Marathon!!!!! Pysched!

And I won age group awards in both of the 5ks.

I knew runners at all of the races and they were all super fun (except for the wet one). As you can guess I LOVE RACING!!

Cross Training:

The tennis season has moved indoors and that means that I have be a member of a club and join a contract. $$$$$ So I don’t play as often as I did in the summer (when it was free and I was unemployed.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on the other weeks.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I think. Maybe!

Miss you, Maria!

I did NOT workout at the gym or at home at all. Total slacking here!!

I did go hiking once. I had planned to go more. It is so beautiful around here in the fall. But fitting it in (now that I work) was very challenging.

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

Other News:

My running groups have continued this month. The Troy Turkey Trot Challenge group meets on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. I can only go on Mondays. I am running with my friends in the 10k group. It will be the one day of the week where I may have to do speed drills.

The STEM group meets on M, W, F and I volunteer and run with them on Wednesday evenings. We are doing the Couch to 5K program with some new and returning runners (who are domestic violence survivors) to train them for a 5k race on Nov. 19.

I took a day trip to NYC to meet up with my college friends (We spent our junior year together in France) . Then on the same day, I met my tennis friends to go to a Broadway show. What a full but exciting day!!

brunch in a French restaurant and then off to see “Waitress”

I spectated at a friend’s duathlon. I think I’ll stick to running.

I spent one last day boating on Lake George. It was fun but I am sad to see the season end. Winter is sooo long!!

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is December 3 and I am very excited. It will also be a blogger meet-up!!

I do have a lot of races coming up. Fall is my favorite time to race. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K (in NYC)
11-11-16 – Veteran’s Dash 5K
11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K
11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k (STEM volunteer which is good because I’m out of town for work Nov 14-18)
11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k and then the 5k
12-03-16 – Panama City Half Marathon (in FL)
12-10-16 – Albany Last Run 5K

I have a racing addiction!!!

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! How did your October turn out? Anything exciting planned for November?

November 2, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Esoteric

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: Esoteric.

According to the dictionary, esoteric means:

intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

To my friends and family, running is esoteric.

I still have friends that say to me before a race: “Good luck. I hope you win!” (And they don’t mean “age group.”

So how many of your non-running friends and family know what these terms mean?

Aid station
Age Group
Bandit
Bib
Black toenails
Bloody nipples
BOTP
BPM
BQ
Brick workout
Cadence
Carb-loading:
Chafing:
Chip
Chip Time
Clydesdale
Compression
Cooldown
Corral
DFL (Thanks Judy)
DNS
DNF
DOMS
Dreadmill
Dynamic Stretching
Elite
Endorphins
Fartlek
5K
Foam Roller
Footstrike
Fuel
Galloway Method
Glycogen
Garmin
Gu
Hill repeats
Ice baths
IT Band
Interval training
K-Tape
Lactic Acid
Ladder
LSD (not the drug)
Masters
Negative splits
Newbie
Orthotics
Out-and-back
Overuse injury
Overpronation
Pace
PF
Pick-ups
Point-to Point (thanks Judy)
PR
RICE
Runner’s knee
Singlets
Speedwork
Splits
Static Stretching
Streaker
Strides
Supination
Tangents
Taper
Tempo Run
10K
Ten percent rule
Trots
VO₂ max
Warmup
The Wall

Image result for understanding running ecards

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

Happy Running! Are your family and friends esoteric about running? Can you think of any other terms to add to my list?

November 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Winter Cross-Training

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: Favorite Winter Cross-Training

It’s EATING!! LOL.

No seriously, I hate winter, the cold, being outside…ugh! I don’t ski, ice skate, snow shoe or snowmobile.

If I didn’t sign up for winter races, I wouldn’t run either.

At least we had a mild winter last year. Hoping for more of the same this winter.

This Half Marathon will motivate me to get out there and run:

Stuart, FL

I’d have to say that my favorite cross-training activity is tennis. I play doubles once a week.

indoors, of course

I also enjoy yoga (though I suck at it) and hope to take some classes this winter.

Happy Running! What is your favorite way to cross-train in the winter?

October 31, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I took the train to NYC (I had to go there for work), ditched my luggage at my hotel and took off for a walk, some ice cream and a run. My hotel was a mile from the Hudson so I decided to run in that direction. It’s quite a challenge running on the crowded sidewalks and stopping at every corner.

Walking around Madison Square Park

Running on the Hudson River Greenway & then the High Line

View from my hotel window

Tuesday – I walked to and from the training that I would be watching all week. After the training, I changed into my running clothes and got in a run before it got dark. Then I went out to dinner (at a Greek restaurant) with 2 co-workers and to a costume exhibit at FIT.

Morning view from my hotel room

Lunch time walk and view of the East river.

Wednesday – More of the same. A short walk at lunch and then a run after work. Today I decided to run to Battery Park (and it was much farther than I thought. ) I took a ride on the sea glass carousel and then took the subway back to the hotel.

Thursday – A rainy day. A short lunch walk in the rain but NO after work run. Instead I walked in the pouring rain to Times Square, got cheap tix to a show, had dinner, saw the show and walked back to the hotel in the rain. Lots of steps.

Saw The Humans

Friday – My last work day in the city. I changed into my running clothes and ran along the East River during lunch. Cool and windy but so needed.

Saturday – I had a planned day at Ellms Family Farms with my mentee and her two sons. Not the best weather. Cold damp windy. I guess it was a rest day but running after 2 young kids all day was fun but not restful.

Sunday – It was an exhausting week. I was tired so I decided not to run a race. I know “Shocking.” Instead I decided to do a Long Run. Again a sunny day would have been nice but the temps were perfect. Unfortunately I was overdressed and underfueled but I chose my favorite location and got it done..

Scenes from the Zim Smith Trail and Round Lake

It was a struggle but some runs are like that.

I was starved. I ate this after chicken dumpling soup. The sticky bun at Leah’s didn’t disappoint.

25 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Troy Turkey Trot Training group run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – run + STEM (8 miles)
Thursday – hair appt
Friday – train to NYC
Saturday – 5K race (in NYC) + more miles?
Sunday – rest or a long 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?

October 30, 2016 by Darlene

Belated Runfessions – October

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

Sorry I’m a little late on this one…

I runfess…

I was in NYC for work for 5 days this past week. I didn’t bring my laptop but I did have my iPad. So I could have. But I didn’t feel like blogging. So I skipped WW, TOLT and Friday Five. Just needed a breather. Ever feel blogged out?

I runfess…

Though I was in NYC for work, my mind was fixated on “Where and when can I run today?”

It’s not easy in a strange city when you have little free time.

sometimes you just have to miss lunch

I had hoped to do the following:

run along the Hudson River
run along the East River
run to Battery Park
run in Central Park

I did accomplish the first three.

I runfess…

I ran four races this month. Remember I suffer from the FOMO disease.

even raced in these horrible conditions

I almost ran one this weekend too. But I felt guilty neglecting my mentee and her kids so I spent time with them on Saturday. I just wish my running friends would not post pix from their races on FB when I don’t run. LOL.

I runfess…

I choose my long run locations based on the post run fueling options. Don’t you?

chocolate milk and a sticky bun

I runfess…

I signed up for 6 races in November!! Yes, six! a 10k, a 15k, and 4 5ks. At least none of them is a half marathon. This just means that my long runs may be non-existent.

the Troy turkey trot 10k is one of my favorites

I runfess…

I have a 5k in NYC this Saturday. The logistics for the weekend will be crazy – getting there, checking into my airbnb apt, meeting my friend from Russia, getting my bib, getting to the race, planning a blogger meet-up, getting my luggage, getting home, etc. There’s a 5k somewhere in the mix. I haven’t given the race a second thought. It’s just for fun. I would love to spectate the NYC marathon on Sunday but I don’t have a place to stay Saturday night. (Any offers?)

at last year’s 5k

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

October 25, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Rewind

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: Race Rewind. What race do you want a do-over on? Either to train/race differently or to relive the awesome.

My half marathons are the most memorable so I’ll talk about them.

I have THREE races that I would love to Relive the Awesome.

Naples Half Marathon

It was my first. The course was gorgeous and it took place in my favorite city in Florida. I couldn’t enjoy as much I’d like because I was worried that I wouldn’t finish. (I hadn’t run any race longer than a 5k at that point.) Plus the time limit was 2:45 and I wanted to be sure to get that medal. I would love to run it again.

: Naples, Florida

: Naples -Jan 2011

West Palm Half Marathon

Another beautiful course exactly 4 years after my first and almost 20 minutes faster. It was my PR until recently. I enjoyed every minute of the race.

: West Palm – Jan 2015

Ramblefest Half Marathon

This was my most recent half marathon and my current PR. I loved this course and I would love to re-run it in nicer weather. It was cold and rainy. Still the foliage and views were awesome.

: previous 13.1

There are also FIVE Do-Overs where I would like the chance to run them better:

Santa Clarita Half Marathon.

I was hoping that this would be a PR. I trained well. But maybe over-trained? And I flew all the way to California to run it with my friend’s sister. It rained for 6 miles and then I gave up on it when I realized that I wouldn’t have the time I wanted. I was very disappointed in myself after that race.

: HS/College BFF’s sister in LA

: getting ready to head out into the rain

: at least I got a medal!

EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon

Another one where I expected to have a good finish time. After all, it was a similar course to the West Palm race. Except that I finished 20 minutes slower. Yup, I’d like a redo.

: E

: Eau Palm Beach – Dec 2015

Asbury Park Half Marathon

Running along the Atlantic Ocean. What could be better? Except that my feet hurt the WHOLE race. It was hard to enjoy the views amid the pain. Do over, please!

: Asbury Park Half Marathon

: Asbury Park Half Marathon

Love Run

This was my first race-cation with friends. I was so looking forward to this weekend. But it rained ALL weekend. Not just rained but poured…a MONSOON…record rainfall during the race. I have never seen such mud!! Philadelphia is a beautiful city. I want to run this race again and see the sites we ran past.

Adirondack Half Marathon

Another race where I signed up with friends. But I had a strained Achilles over the summer and was unable to train for this fall race. With my longest run only being 6 miles, I decided to do the race, run the first 7 miles but walk the last 6 miles. I finished with at 2:45 – my slowest half marathon time. I would love to run it again healthy.

: Adirondack Half – 2011

: Adirondack Half Marathon

I have run 22 half marathons. I have not repeated any and I don’t plan to but if I did, the ones mentioned in this post I’d love to run again.

Happy Running! Which races would you like a do-over?

October 24, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – The weather really warmed up. It felt like summer not fall.

Usual lunch walk

I returned to the Troy Turkey Training group after a week off.

The hills made this workout tough but I know that these speed drills are important.

Tuesday – It was even warmer today – a record high 85 degrees. I had to spend the day inside observing a training.

My view for 7 hours

At least I got in a walk at lunch.

I also played tennis that evening and went out to dinner after, as usual (shared a pizza).

Wednesday – We were still enjoying our abnormally warm weather. I was alone today for my run. Alyssa and Natalie were unavailable and Barbara ran in the am. So I dragged myself through two laps of the campus or 6 miles before my STEM volunteer run. Since I would be busy on the weekend and next week, this could count as my long run.

Thursday – A rainy day. No lunch walk. But miraculously the rain stopped and I was able to run with Alyssa.

Alyssa is that little orange dot. She continued for another UAlbany loop.

Unfortunately I have lost one of my running partners. Barbara fell and chipped a bone in her ankle and is out for 6 weeks. 😦

Friday – A well earned rest day. At least today I remember to bring an umbrella so I could take a walk at lunch.

I even skipped mah jongg to stay home and pack and relax.

Saturday – Today I had a planned day at Ellms Family Farms with my mentee and her two sons. But the weather did not cooperate. We postponed it until next Saturday. Instead I went to the movies with friends. This is one of my all time favorite books and I was very excited when they made it into a movie.

Loved it!!!

Then after the movie, I had to rush off to run a 5K race. (Luckily I picked up my bib earlier in the day since it was at a different place than the race.) I came sooo close to bailing on this race. 38 degrees. Windy. Pouring rain. But I ran it. And it was not fun!!

At least I won my age group. $25 LL Bean gift card

Sunday – Definitely a busy day. I took the train with my 9 tennis friends to NYC. We separated because I was having lunch with college friends, the ones whom I spent my junior year in France with. We have reunions every few years to reminisce.

Where else would a bunch of French majors have brunch?

Then I met my tennis friends because we had tickets to a Broadway show.

It was terrific!

2 people missing from the top pic and one on the bottom – ❤ my friends

17.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – travel to NYC for work, squeeze in a run after arriving
Tuesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Wednesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work?? or maybe a show??
Thursday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Friday – NYC for work, travel home
Saturday – day at Ellms Family Farms with mentee
Sunday – 9 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? Any races?

October 22, 2016 by Darlene

LL Bean Bright Night 5K Recap

Saturday, October 22, 2016 5 pm in the Crossings

Why in the world did I sign up for this race??

I would be away in NYC Sunday and then Monday-Friday.

But if you read my TOLT post, you know that I suffer from FOMO.

I have run this course several times. And I have never had a good finish time. Not sure why. So I was perfectly happy to run a night race having it be “purely for fun.”

course map

Here’s what the first annual race advertised:

This course is run through the Crossings of Colonie Park. Finish with piles of glowing jack O lanterns “cheering” you on!

Race Shirts
Everyone who registers for the race will receive a Unisex Brooks Podium T-shirt in the bright Nightlife color. Shirts will be distributed by sizes on a first-come-first-served basis at packet pick up.

Water Bottles
All participants will receive a free reusable water bottle, courtesy of our sponsor Camel Bak.

LED Shoe Light
All participants will receive a free Shoe Lit from Nite Ize. These cool LED lights clip onto the laces of your running shoes

Awards
FitBit fitness trackers will be given as awards to the top three male and top three female overall finishers, as well as the top finisher in each age group: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Awards will not be mailed. You must be present to receive them.

Pretty neat swag. And for this reason, the race sold out right away at 300.

I was supposed to spend the day with my mentee and her kids at Ellms Family Farms but the weather was too lousy – cold, rainy and windy. Instead I went to the movies with friends.

loved the book and the movie did the book justice.

So who would want to run a night race in these weather conditions?

Not me!

But I did sign up.

So I went to the LL Bean store at the mall at noon to pick up my race packet so I didn’t have to rush in the evening. The race took place at the park about 10 minutes away. I got my short sleeved tech shirt and water bottle. They didn’t have any LED shoe lights. (Would have preferred these to the water bottle that I have dozens of.)

It was tough deciding what to wear. I mean it was in the 80s just a few days ago. But for this nasty weather and for an evening race, I decided on tights under a skirt, several layers, a jacket, gloves and hat. I had to locate my winter running clothes. UGH!

I wore them to the movie theater and then after the movie, I drove to the race start to find a decent parking spot.

I should mention again that the weather was horrendous. I kept hoping that the rain would let up but no such luck. I sat in my car in the parking lot, debating whether I should run the race or go home.

To make things worse, the temperature kept dropping and it was getting windier. But I decided to be tough and run the race.

I stayed in the car until the very last minute and ran to the start line (ditching my rain poncho in the pavilion.) I recognized a few runners. Out the 300 who had signed up, less than half came. (The smart one stayed in their warm dry homes.)

Well, this won’t be a very exciting recap.

I didn’t warm up so my legs were stiff at first. I felt like I was running fast but I was not. The wind was tough and the rain came down harder and harder as the race went on. It was very wet. You had to run around big puddles and be careful that you didn’t slip on the wet leaves. And even with gloves, my hands were numb.

The Crossings is hilly too. I keep forgetting. The worse part was that it was hard to breathe. I wasn’t running fast and I was out of breath the whole race. Others complained about the same thing. It must have been the cold.

At least the miles went by quickly. I am so glad that it was only a 5k. When I saw the finish line, I ran as fast as I could. I just wanted to get warm and dry as soon as possible.

those are pumpkins cheering on the finishers

I don’t think anyone cared but there was NO food after the race. Just some cups of water. You got your results texted to you and were able to get your award quickly if you won.

They gave out $25 gift cards to L.L. Bean to first place in each 10-year age group. (They had advertised that you got a FitBit.) And I won!! (I didn’t need a FitBit anyway.)

I got my award and then I grabbed my poncho and headed home to my fireplace and some HOT soup.