October 7, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Not Running Solo

It’s Friday so I am linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Topic is Five Reasons Not To Run Alone

Safety

Obviously you are safer in numbers. Or at least with one other person.

Especially if you run in the dark – either early morning or late evening, you should not run alone (if you can help it.)

2. Forging Friendships

Running is what you have in common so it’s what brought you to together.

But while you are running, you wind up chatting about work, family and basically all your problems. Now you are not just running friends but friends.

Judy & I have even gone to the movies together in addition to planning race-ations.

3. Staying Focused

In order to run with other people, you have to plan. You have to agree on a time and a place. It’s takes a lot of coordination.

Alyssa works in Albany til 4:30, I work in Guilderland til 4 and Barbara is retired & lives in Delmar – we still manage to run together once a week

After all that planning, you wouldn’t think about skipping the run…even if it is 95 degrees or 10 below.

And if you pay to be part of a training group, you don’t want to waste money and your friends are there, so you show up and run even if it’s raining or you just ran 13 miles the day before.

4. Improving Your Running

I get very distracted when I run alone. I stop and take pictures. I walk when I am tired. When I run with others, I don’t want to slow them down so it forces me to run more consistently. In fact Alyssa always jokes that even though we don’t try, we always have negatives splits.

with Alyssa

And you are lucky enough to have a faster runner want to run with you, you will get better.

she left me in the dust in this race but we do run together.

5. It’s just plain more FUN.

The miles go by faster. The hills don’t seem as steep.

11 miles with Denise discovering that we were both French majors at the same college….

Happy Running! Do you prefer to run alone or with others?

October 5, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Fulfill

Deb Runs

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: Fulfill.

Do I feel fulfilled when I win a tennis match or complete a half marathon or achieve a PR?

Not really…

Of course, I am happy. I am proud. I am over the moon.

Maybe it’s the teacher in me, but I don’t feel fulfilled unless I share something with someone.

First it was my knowledge and appreciation of the French language and its culture.

Then it was my computer expertise and experience in using technology tools to further learning.

But how does running fulfill me?

It’s when someone becomes a runner because I am one.

my Russian friend Anna

Also two co-workers where I used work started running (because of me they said) and my friend Natalie who I play Mah Jongg with.

It’s when someone crosses the finish line because I helped them train.

my STEM mentee. Kelly

I think that I also helped those early SRM runners. in their first 5k attempt. (They have since surpassed me in distance and speed.)

Back: Melissa, Amanda, me, Felice, Jen, Janis, Jen, Lisa; front: Bridget, Suzy (Bridget's FB photo)

Janis, Jen, Bridget and others

It’s when someone gets faster because I ran with them.

my current running partner Alyssa – I’m not sure it is true but she says I make her faster

Happy Running! What makes you feel fulfilled?

October 4, 2016 by Darlene

Apple Run 5K Race Recap & TOTR

apple5k

I ran this race in 2014 because 2 ladies whom I met at a previous race raved about it. Now it’s become one of my favorite races.

: Apple Run 2014

: Apple Run 2015

It didn’t hurt that in 2014, I finished this race in 27:47 and won 1st in my age group and in 2015, I finished in 28:01 and won 2nd.

That being said, on a weekend where there was good number of local races (including the Susan Komen Race for the Cure), I chose to drive 45 minutes to run this race.

According to the website, it is a looped, flat course. Even though I ran it twice already, I didn’t remember much about the course. I run so many races, they all blend together sometimes.

Apparently we quickly switched from summer to fall in a few days. But at least the predicted rain did not come. It was when I left the house pretty chilly and damp.

I am the crazy person who refuses to wear capris or tights before Thanksgiving. But I decided for some strange reason to change from my tank to a long sleeved shirt today (Big mistake!!)

I arrived about 30 minutes before the start of the race which starts and ends at the middle school in Burnt Hills.

sporting my Skirt Sports running attire, of course

You’ll notice in the above picture that I have my Garmin on my right wrist and that’s my new Apple Watch on the other wrist. I usually have my Garmin on the left wrist but I switched them. I planned to use the Garmin for the race since I hadn’t tried the GPS functionality of the watch yet and then later try out the Apple watch.

In the gym, I picked up my race packet and was surprised that they had chips for your shoe. I almost forgot to get one. It’s been awhile since I have had to use one.

: a cool backpack filled lots of goodies

I bumped into the 2 older ladies that I see at most races that I run. We chatted for awhile before the race.

Then I saw Tom, the crazy guy that I see at most of my races. We posed for pics.

apple-run1

apple-run2

Finally I spotted Sue who had recommended this race. (Her Connecticut friend Ilsa couldn’t come.) We started together and she’s my competition (but she hasn’t been racing much.)

Ilsa, Sue & I

Soon it was time to head outside. It was then, looking at what other (serious) runners were wearing that I realized that the shirt I had on might have been the wrong choice.

Tom was running with this charity group

I lined up in front because there were so many kids running this race (The whole girls hockey team and cross country team, I think). Then Sue shouted out to me and we started talking. She was back a ways and then all of a sudden, the race started. With no chip timing, this was Race Fail #1.

Runners head up Lake Hill Road for the 22nd Annual ...

photo from the Gazette

I started to make up for my slow start but with all those kids in the way, it was impossible. I also noticed up ahead was my age group competition. She beat me last year but she is super fast and was slowly disappearing from my view.

So I just decided to enjoy the race. Then I noticed that my Garmin was still on 0. I must have pushed the wrong button. It was confusing wearing it on the other wrist. So I started it about 1/2 mile late. Race Fail #2.

As a result, my Garmin was pretty useless and I didn’t look at it for the whole race.

I love the course although it does feel like you’re running on a slight uphill the whole time. There are only 2 short downhills and they’re during the last mile.

The race course is a loop first through country roads and then around a residential neighborhood and then back along a different country road.

There was someone calling out times at mile 1 which for me was between 8:55 and 9. At least that was better than last week. At the halfway point, there was a water stop but I chose not to stop.

That’s when I decided to see what would happen if I ran the whole race without stopping to walk. I can’t remember the last time I did that…it’s been years.

Though the temp was in the 5o’s, it was humid. It had rained all night and looked like it may start again. I was getting increasing warmer and warmer. I regretted not wearing a tank. I was sweating and very uncomfortable. Race Fail #3.

Finally, I came to home stretch. When I saw the clock, I wasn’t surprised that I wasn’t close to a PR but I did want to finish under 28 minutes. I ran as fast as I could and crossed at 27:48.

I was happy. Not as fast as my first Apple Run but faster than last year.

I waited for Susan to finish. She hadn’t run a race since this race last year so she did great.

Then I had to wait a while for Tom to cross with his group.

the race raised $2000 to buy 2 more wheelchairs like Seamus’ here

Inside there were pizza, bagels, fruit, etc. I had 2 pieces of pizza and a bagel and waited with my friends for the awards.

The results were the same as last year. I was 2nd and Sue third.

As always, I enjoyed this race and plan to run this one again next year.

My splits for 2.94 mi

mile 1 – 9:05
mile 2 – 8:49
mile 3 – 8:42
26:07

Could that be negative splits? How did that happen? Without walking, I really felt that I was running so much slower each mile. Without a watch, I had no idea of my pace.

My running, however, was not over for the day. 10 miles was on the schedule in preparation for next Sunday’s half marathon. So I drove to the Zim Smith Bike Path. It has become one of my favorite running routes.

Unfortunately, I had to run in my sweaty shirt. I was chilled at first but then warmed up.

the leaves are beginning to drop and turn orange. this will be a pretty trail in a few weeks

My legs were definitely tired. This always happens when I run a race for my first few miles of a long run. But I was excited to try out my new Apple Watch.

I set the Activity App for 7 miles and ran to the end of the trail and then turned around.

I didn’t have the watch do anything fancy. I’m not sure yet if it can but it shows your heart rate, distance, current pace and average pace which is all I need. I have never used intervals even on my Garmin.

I was walking at this point

It was a nice run. Lots of of running and walking when I felt like it. Nothing to write home about. My pace was very slow but I’m fine with it. All I cared about was that my last long run was DONE!!

Hip Hip Hooray

The best part was that I parked my car at Leah’s Cakery. I planned to have lunch there as a reward for having completed 10 miles!

The food there is great and the people who run the restaurant are so nice.

I had a portobello mushroom, tomato, cheese sandwich with the best chocolate milk ever!

You didn’t think I’d skip dessert, did you? It was a tough decision but I chose the cranberry apple pie.

Back to my Apple Watch, I am pleased so far. It syncs with my iphone and gives you stats on your run.

I delete my info right away and I probably wouldn’t even ever look. I am only interested in my pace when I am running a race.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

This week’s topic is Bucket list race: Where do you dream about running?

So we have the unrealistic bucket list race:

Running in France (remember I used to be a French teacher)

either in Paris:

or the south of France:

For both I would need more $$$ and more time off.

Then we have the realistic bucket list race:

Running in NYC (my second favorite city after Paris)

either the NYC Half Marathon

Image result for NYC Half

or the Brooklyn Half Marathon

Image result for Brooklyn Half

Both are lotteries so I can hope…

I have a few more on my list:

Happy Running! Which race(s) are on your bucket list?

October 3, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was our second Troy Turkey Trot Training group run. Again my legs were tired from the running that I did on Sunday. When this happens, I can’t take full advantage of the training group drills. But I did my best but it was tough. Thankfully, it got dark before we could run another hilly loop.

Tuesday – Just work with a short walk at lunch and tennis in the evening. We went out to dinner after and I shared a pizza. No dessert!
Wednesday – I met up with Alyssa for a run before my STEM volunteering. The weather was perfect. I am still dragging. Luckily, Alyssa continued on her own for another loop and my STEM group is doing the Couch to 5k walk/run.

Afterward I met my BFF for some steps in the mall.

Thursday – My hair appointment interfered with my planned run. (Hair color is important!!) Afterward I wanted to squeeze in a short run before it got dark but it was my MIL’s 91st birthday and I had to stop by for dinner & cake. (Another skipped run! Grrrr!)

ziti, meatballs, lasagna, rum cake – Oh my!

It was nice having all the family together – my MIL, BIL & his son, SIL, 2 stepsons & their girlfriends & my hubby (In the picture above are my MIL, nephew, BIL, sons’ girlfriends)

Friday – Rest day but at least I walked at lunch. In the evening, I had my weekly mah jongg game (at my house)

Saturday – I ran a 5K race. No PR but 2nd in my AG. This is one of my favorite 5ks.

Afterward, I ran almost 7 more miles. I drove to the Zim Trail which has become my favorite place to do a long run (Could it be Leah’s cakery?)

Sunday – I thought we’d go boating today but the weather was iffy so my hubby signed up for two tennis tournaments. I did lots of cleaning up around the house and went for a walk in the mall. (There may have been some retail therapy involved too.)

18 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Turkey Trot Training group run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run with friends+ volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 4 mile run, dinner out some former co-workers
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating ??
Sunday – Ramblefest Half Marathon!!

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 2, 2016 by Darlene

September Recap

Image result for september

So Fall has finally arrived!! And very recently, we’ve even experienced some cooler temps.

So here’s how September went…

Weekday Runs:

Like the summer, the beginning of the month was still warm and humid and we had very little rain. 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.

Since I finally started working after 12 weeks off, I was limited to where I could run. I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work) or the Delmar rail trail (near home).

I ran with Alyssa several times. Like Barbara I met her through FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. 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 a few times and she is even faster than Alyssa. In addition, I shared a run with Natalie (my mah jongg buddy) who is a beginning runner.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

Long Runs:

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

: Sept 3

: Sept 10

: Sept 18

Total Mileage:

I ran 83 miles this month – 6 miles less than last month even though I ran a half marathon and am training for another this coming Sunday!! I guess I was slacking off. (I’ll blame it on work and my social life LOL)

sep16

Races:

I ran four races this month – a half marathon and three 5ks.

: Sept. 5 – 1st AG – 28:35

: Sept 10 – 2nd AG – 27:30

: Sept 18 – 3rd AG – 2:11:56

: Sept 25 – 1st AG – 28:39

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, I would have been thrilled if I got one. I won age group awards in all three. I guess that’s an achievement.

For a change, none of the races were super hilly. I knew runners at all of them and they were all super fun. 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.

Miss you, Maria!

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

I did not go hiking. I hope to do some this month. It is so beautiful around here in the fall. But fitting it in (now that I work) is 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 favorite running groups started up again. The Troy Turkey Trot Challenge group meets on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. I 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 on Wednesday evenings. We are doing the Couch to 5K program with some new and returning runners (who are domestic violence survivors). We are training them for a 5k race on Nov. 19.

I took a day trip to NYC to meet up with my Russian friend, Anna, who stopped off there on the way back from Maine. We had lunch on a lobster boat, walked the High Line and then had drinks on the top of the Standard Hotel. What a full but exciting day!!

I took one last visit to the Saratoga Race Track with a former co-worker. This time, we only went for the last few races (and I won at each one), headed to the Casino and then out to dinner.

I spent a lot of time (maybe too much) going out to dinner and meeting up with friends and family.

: out with a former co-worker

: MIL’s 91st b-day

: monthly tennis friends meet-up

Boating season continued and the weather was great. I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.” I am sad that it will be ending very soon.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

I am now employed so I guess I have $$ to sign up for more races!!

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is October 9 and I am (slightly) excited. Is the thrill gone???

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:

10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K
10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K
10-22-16 – L.L.Bean Bright Night 5K
10-29-16 – Monster Dash 10K???? (not signed up yet since I am out of town for work Oct 24-28
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

I may have a racing addiction!!!

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

I am linking up with a Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup hosted by Ilka from Ilka’s Blog and Angela from Marathons & Motivation

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

October 1, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – October Edition

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

And since it’s late evening, it would probably be more appropriate to be having a glass of wine…but maybe you’re having some decaf coffee or herbal tea: