June 25, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions June – a day late

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

I runfess…

I have more time than ever but I have to force myself to blog. I am running and racing. I just don’t feel like going on my computer at home.

I used to be on the computer all day at work. Whenever I got to work early or stayed late or even during a break, I would blog. I’ve blogged almost everyday for 8 years.

I still read your blogs on my iPad so I’m not ignoring you. And maybe soon I’ll get my blogging mojo back.

I runfess…

Speaking of having more time. I always said if I didn’t work, I would have time to workout or go to the gym.

Nope, haven’t been once. Haven’t planked nor done yoga nor done push-ups.

I’m an exercise slacker.

Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been home watching TV (or cleaning my house or even cooking).

I’ve been busy all day.

Tennis at least once a day, sometimes twice. Errands, catching up with friends, running, racing, walking, hiking.

For the first time since I got my FitBit (in Sept), I had over 10,000 steps for 7 days in a row.

I runfess…

For the first time since I started running, I am playing tennis as often as I run. Yup, 4 times a week. But I am sure that I am putting more time into tennis than running. I play doubles for at least 1 1/2 hours. My week day runs are only 3-4 miles. Definitely not running for 1 1/2 hours. And last weekend, I ran two 5k races. Less than one hour total for 2 days.

Sorry running. I am cheating on you.

Why?

Because tennis is scheduled at a certain time. Unless, I run with someone else, I can procrastinate and go whenever or not go at all. Plus, running is HARDER!!!!!!!!!! Especially in the summer when it is hot and humid.

I runfess…

I used to wear suits everyday for the job I had for 8 years before my last job. Now that I hoping to be going on interviews, I thought I might wear one.

Nothing fits!!

In 10 years, my body has failed me. The pants and skirts are too tight and the jackets are too big.

Does your weight move around? Or did they always fit like that?

Maybe I should put that battery in my scale (or go to the gym)?

And no, I don’t want to buy new boring clothes. (Odd that I never complain about having to buy new running clothes…)

I runfess…

They say things happen in threes.

So I lost my job. I lost my car key.

Now the ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon that I signed up for 7 months ago has been cancelled.

They never got a permit for the race so they decided to change it to a yoga weekend with a non-timed fun 5k or 10k group race.

For $100 race fee plus $300 for the hotel and 3 1/2 hours travel time & gas — I don’t think so. (They are giving refunds, Thank God.)

I actually wasn’t that disappointed though I’d love to run a race on Cape Cod someday.

Instead I have several possibilities where I can run 13.1 miles and sleep in my own bad.

There’s a hilly one on August 15 along Lake George, another on Sept. 18 in Saratoga and I already signed up for a new one in Adams, MA on Oct 9.

rfhm

Happy Running! Anything to runfess? Ever have a big race cancelled? Ever lose your running or blogging mojo?

June 22, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Lost (Opportunities)

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.

Today’s word is LOST.

My first thoughts about this word is that lately, I have been feeling “lost.” For the past 40 years, work has been my purpose or my direction in life. Without a job and an uncertain future, I feel lost.

But instead of writing a depressing post, I will describe THREE opportunities that were recently NOT lost. I decided that life is short and to leave my comfort zone.

As you know I play tennis. It is now pretty social and I always play with my friends. We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. There’s a lot of chatting and laughing. It’s never about winning but about getting exercise and going out to dinner afterwards.

With a lot of extra free time, I decided to join a new tennis group. I didn’t really know anyone and also didn’t know their level of play. But they are mostly retired and I fit in right away.

Then one day, they asked for volunteers to play in an inter-club league. No one in the group really wanted to. But I volunteered.

Well, I could see why. The players were younger and played regularly with other country club stay at home moms. Their level of play was a lot more serious.

Was I uncomfortable? Of course. Was everyone friendly? Not really. Am I glad that I seized the opportunity?

Well, I signed up to play again!!

2. My husband and I have a boat that we keep at a marina on Lake George. The boat is big enough to sleep on (even has AC) and we do stay overnight often. Last Sunday night, everyone left because they had to work on Monday morning. I normally would go home, as well.

But Monday promised to be a beautiful day so I hesitated but I stayed…by myself. No big deal but I have never stayed there alone. I wasn’t planning to drive the boat but there are so many buzzers that could go off which I wouldn’t have the slightest idea what to do.

But again, I seized the opportunity and saw this:

And then in the morning, ate breakfast here:

Then instead of running in my boring neighborhood, I ran 7 miles…. with these views:

Totally worth it.

3. With a whole day ahead of me, I decided to go hiking. I am not a hiker. I am clumsy and have no sense of direction. But I asked for info and got some recommendations for a few easy hikes.

And I hiked up to Thomas Mountain cabin…by myself!!

marker signs the whole way – even I couldn’t get lost

It wasn’t difficult but it was 1.4 miles UPHILL. Very sunny and hot but worth it!!!

lots of daisies and butterflies along the trail – ❤ both

inside the cabin at the top

a young guy who RAN up took this pic and then he RAN down

I enjoyed my hike so much that I decided to do a second one. This one was called Amy’s Park.

again the trail was well-marked

It was quite shady and wet but also quite enjoyable.

Sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone.

I hope I get more opportunities like these…but you never know….

Happy Running! Are you a risk taker? What daring tasks have you tackled?

June 21, 2016 by Darlene

Firemen’s 5k Race Recap

Sunday, June 19 9 am

Yes, I did run a 5k the day before.

But if you know me, it’s not odd for me to run 2 races in 1 weekend.

This is a new race so I knew nothing about it. I only chose it because it was being held in Lake George.

wcbw

I LOVE Lake George and I had planned to join my hubby on our boat so the race was on the way.

I arrived early and found a place to park on a side street.

I hung out by the water for a while because NO ONE was there yet. Finally the volunteers arrived and were setting up raffle prizes…

The start/finish line was right along the lake.

It was getting pretty warm but at least there was a breeze from the water.

it was cool watching a float plane land

Soon it was time to start the race. And yes, there were runners…but not many!!!

I chatted with a few older women and we wondered where everyone was and would they hold a race with so few people.

Yes, they did.

We started on the road and then turned into the bike path.

I didn’t know that there was a bike path here and I definitely plan to return and run it.

It was very pretty. It looks shady but it didn’t feel as shady as it looks.

With a small race (of about 20 runners), you often run alone. And I did the all race. The course wasn’t marked and at mile 1, I stopped and wondered which way to go. I decided to go left and continue on the bike path. I was correct and soon I came upon the water stop.

The important thing to mention about this course was that it was an out and back but out was UPHILL…long gradual uphill for 1.6 miles. I walked at the water stop and then a few times more but for the most part I ran. I wasn’t running fast. My legs were tired from the previous day’s 5k race and it was HOT!!!

Soon it was time to turn around and then hooray, it was all DOWNHILL!

I arrived at the finish line and gave it all I had to finish at 29:00! Phew, not over 29 minutes for the 2nd day in a row.

I hung around chatting with the older ladies waiting for everyone to finish and for the awards.

I finished as SECOND WOMAN overall!

5kf

Okay so there were only 10 women!

Then I also won my age group.

f5kresults

So it was a 2 medal kind of a day!

The refreshments were bananas, apples and water. I wish I had brought money for the raffles because your chances to win were pretty good.

Would I run this race again?

Maybe. I liked the course and the location. But there are many other races with more perks.

After the race, I raced up to our marina. My hubby and friends had reserved 4 docks on one of the islands. We spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water and eating. So much fun!

Eventually, everyone had to leave because they had to go to work the next day.

Not moi!

I decided to stay and sleep on our boat and spend a Me day in Bolton Landing: a long run and 2 hikes. It was fabulous. (More about that in another post).

Because it’s Tuesday, I’m linking with:

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

Happy Running! Anyone else run 2 races in one weekend?

June 20, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – My first day being unemployed. It’s amazing that when you have so much time, you get so little done. I did manage to go for a windy walk and then run with two friends.

Tuesday – I decided to take advantage of my time off to play some tennis. I joined a tennis group at Prospect Park in Troy, met some new players and had a lot of fun. Then I went grocery shopping at Target. No running scheduled for today but I did register for some more races.

pic not from today but I wore a similar outfit

Wednesday – Another gorgeous day. I played tennis in a round-robin at a country club, got my hair cut and then went for a short run. (I was supposed to run with a new friend but she had to cancel.)

evening run at Colonie Town Park

Thursday – Played tennis in the same place as Tuesday.

But I met some new women who invited me out to lunch. Well, we wound up talking for 4 hours!! About everything from tennis to running to fitbits to mah jongg.

After lunch, I met a friend to run. It was HOT!! The company was good but the run was not. Do not run in the middle of a hot sunny day after eating a BLT and sweet potato fries.

ran with Barbara but bumped into to running friend Tom on the trail

In the evening, I went out to dinner (at a Peruvian place) with a former co-worker and then visited with a good friend (who happens to be Peruvian).

Friday – Day 4 in a row of tennis! I played today with a different group of women. It was near where I live so I could walk to the courts.

30 min. walk each way = STEPS

Saturday – Ran 5k race. It was such a fun race because I knew so many runners there.

I had thought of going up to our boat but instead stayed home to catch up cleaning, weeding or other stuff around the house.

Sunday – Ran my 2nd 5k race of the weekend. Definitely the smallest race I have ever run.

2nd woman overall and first in my age group

and then spent the rest of the day relaxing on one of the islands of Lake George with my hubby and 9 of our friends.

I decided to stay up at the lake on our boat so I could run up here in the morning.

what a view!

14 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 7 mile long run, hiking
Tuesday – rest, tennis Am & PM
Wednesday – tennis, 3 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, tennis AM, dinner with a former co-worker
Friday – trip to NYC: 4 mile running tour of Central Park, MOMA visit, dinner with a fellow running blogger
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Adirondack Distance 10 m run, boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

June 18, 2016 by Darlene

Father’s Day Valley Cats Home Run 5K Race Recap

Fathers_Day_Home_Run_5k_Logo_7t3eph6z_vwc3ysjk

I really wasn’t planning on running a race today. In fact, I thought that I would spend the day on the lake.

But somehow, I signed up for this race. I knew someone doing it and since I had been depressed all week (after being laid off from my job), I decided a race would make me feel better. And it did!!

I ran this race once before but that was 6 years ago.

with fellow blogger & runner, Amanda. She no longer blogs or runs and I no longer wear shorts. I still eat ice cream. Some things never change LOL

I remember the course having hills but that was about it. Below is the course map and elevation:

vchr5kmap

I was really relaxed about this race. It was very warm and so I had no real goals besides enjoying myself.

I got there early and relaxed.

cotton tee shirt – UGH!! but you got 4 free tix to a Valley Cats game.

I sat in the bleachers of this minor league baseball park and used the “real” rest rooms while waiting for every one to arrive.

the finishers are captured on the large stadium screen

The race is organized by the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, a local running organization.

I could not believe how many runners, I saw that I knew. It was like a running reunion. We chatted about past races and future races until it was time to head to the start line.

posing before the race

There was no chip timing so I started pretty close to the front. The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods.

Valley_Cats_5K-055

Valley_Cats_5K-056

I had played tennis four days in a row. Boy, were my legs feeling it. My first mile is usually my fastest but not today. I was dragging and soooo thirsty.

Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile. I tried to run up it and the legs just weren’t having it. So I walked about half of it.

I finally got into a groove during mile 3. Maybe because there was a down hill.

We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything. I really wanted to finish under 29 minutes.

Valley_Cats_5K-229

And I did – 28:47!

Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.

I wasn’t hungry right away but eventually I was able to eat a hot dog, banana and cookie while waiting for the awards.

And I did win one – 2nd in my age group.

Valley_Cats_5K-379

A pair of wool gloves – how appropriate!?

It was definitely an enjoyable race. It was the pick me up that I needed. I may have to add this one back on my races-to-do list.

Splits:
mile 1- 9:10
mile 2 – 9:41
mile 3 – 8:48
.15 – 7:43
28:47

I even beat my 2010 time of 29:40.

Because I’m crazy like that, I signed up for another 5k for tomorrow. It’s in Lake George so right after the race, I’ll be heading up to our marina to spend the rest of the day on the boat. Can’t wait!!

13413561_10209274608413314_7877184112175669413_n

my hubby and friends TODAY!!

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

June 14, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Scenes Along the Roadside

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

This week’s topic is Interesting stuff you find along the roadside,

Well, I must say that other than a rabbit or too, nothing too exciting has been spotted during my runs.

So instead, I’ll show you interesting views along the roadside.

a new bench to rest on

a new sign on my favorite route ( a paved rail trail)

the Hudson River

Lake George

Saratoga National Park

Peebles Park

Schroon River

Five Rivers Park

Zim Smith Trail

Washington Park

The Crossings

Nisky Bike Path

Colonie Town Park Trail

Mohawk Towpath Byway

Happy Racing! What interesting things have you seen on your runs?

June 13, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – After a rainy Sunday, today was beautiful. I took a walk to the park at work.

They are in the process of re-planting the tulip beds so not much to look at…yet.

This is my first Monday without a Freihofer Training run so I asked Judy if she would join me for a run in the Crossings. And she was nice enough to postpone her run until I was done with work.

Tuesday – Today was a rest day. Just a walk at lunch and my Tuesday after work tennis group was scheduled to resume after a month off. Now we play outdoors until fall.

Unfortunately we got rained out. So guess what I did? I went to the gym. Shocker I know.

first time in 7 months, I think.

Wednesday – Today was the last STEM training run until the big race on Sunday. I was excited to see who would show up (since I haven’t gone in weeks.) The weather was quite chilly and I was paired with the slower runners. So I didn’t get the workout that I wouldn’t have liked but it was rewarding to be motivating the STEM participants to run.

my run/walk group

Thursday – The cool windy weather continued. I debated running after work but decided to just rest and hit the gym AGAIN.

Friday – I went to a conference in the morning so had no time to even go for a walk. Then work stuff got in the way of the 5K that I had planned to run after work. My first non-injury DNS 😦

Saturday – Rain and wind interfered with my first day on the boat (Re-scheduled for next weekend!!) Did some gardening instead.

Sunday – I thought that I would run a 5K race today. But they decided that volunteers would not officially run the race just run along side a STEM participant. Boy, was it rewarding. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. These ladies were awesome.

Afterwards, I drove home to run 5 more miles. It was cloudy and windy but glad to be out there.

14 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – First day of unemployment, 3 miles with friends
Tuesday – rest, tennis?
Wednesday – 4 mile run with a new friend
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – 4 mile run, STEM celebration
Saturday – rest, boating?
Sunday – 9 miles

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

June 10, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Healthy Starbucks

Since it’s Friday, I’m 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 Five topic is Five Ways to Make Starbucks Healthier

Since I rarely cook or bake anything healthy or exciting, I decided to write about Starbucks. I’m experienced in this area..

Healthy Starbucks sounds like an oxymoron but believe it is not, you can get your daily fix and not go out on a limb calorie-wise.

1. Order online using the App.

When you order using the app, besides not having to wait online, you can more easily customize what exactly you want. There are customizations that you wouldn’t even know exist. Less caffeine, less ice, sugar-free options, milk options, etc.

2. Skip the Whipped Cream.

I know that frappuccinos and lattes look and taste better but you can save 100 calories. Instead add some cinnamon, chocolate or cinnamon powder on top.

foam, no whip

3. Skip the Sugar.

You can easily add the calorie-free syrups or artificial sweeteners. I like to carry my own Truvia or Stevia with me.

light mocha

4. Substitute Soy or Coconut Milk.

iced chai tea latte with coconut milk

5. Add Protein Powder.

I love the chocolate banana smoothies. I often have them before or after a run. But you can add protein powder to any Starbucks drink. You can also add a banana.

I’m addicted to these.

Okay, you may be saying that that it is costly and everything you add costs extra. True.

But keep your eye out for afternoon half price specials and days when you get double stars, etc. Eventually you will earn a FREE drink. (That’s when I go for the Venti size!!)

FYI:

Happy Running! Anyone else a Starbucks addict? Any other suggestions?

June 9, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: So many races, so little time

Friday, June 10 – 6:30 pm

Yup, an impromptu race sign-up.

A FB friend mentioned it but I said “no” because I had planned to race on Sunday with STEM.

Sunday, June 12 – 10 am

Then I was notified that they decided not to have the volunteers race but instead run with a participant but NOT cross the finish line.

To me, that’s not racing. And besides, the forecast is for rain.

So instead of my normal 3 mile run after work tomorrow, I am racing. WTH?

another look at my afternoon view...I did ice my ankle in the cold lake water

How I’ve missed this view!!!

On Saturday, we are planning our first boating excursion. My hubby has a tennis match first so I decided not to race (at least not so far) and perhaps run in the park while he is playing and then head up to the lake.

My tennis was cancelled on Tuesday and I went to the gym. And it wasn’t half bad. I rode the bike for about 10 minutes (I would have done more if I had something to read or watch) and then I did a few machines (3 arm and 2 leg). I may even go back today!!

thinking out loud

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

Happy Running! How do you manage your races? Anyone an addict like me? What are thinking about today? Please share.

June 8, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Consistent

Today’s word is CONSISTENT.

I am NOT consistent with strength training, stretching, planking, yoga, going to the gym, bike riding, etc… In fact, running is my one consistent activity.

However, that wasn’t always the case.

When I first started running in 2008, I was NOT consistent. I ran whenever I had the time. I ran 1 – 1 1/2 miles and then I ran a 5k on the weekend. I didn’t run between October and March because it was too cold.

I only ran 5ks and I wasn’t horrible but I didn’t really improve until I ran more consistently.

That started in 2010 when I decided to train for a half marathon.

I ran a half marathon or 5… but other good things happened too. I got faster in my short races!!

Running at 3 times a week with a long run on the weekend for me was the consistency that I need to be a better runner.

hf10k-4

I started winning age group awards and I even ran a 5k under 28 minutes in Nov 2010.

Of course, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were years filled with injuries. It is hard to be consistent when you are injured.

It is easy to give up when things gets tough. Especially after those awful runs and disappointing races or when you have one injury after another.

good thing I kept those critches

Thankfully, I have been injury-free for the last few years. I have been running consistently. I think I have had more good runs than bad and more successful races than not.