September 5, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. I started later than I should have. I drove to run on the Zim Smith Bike Path because I love to have a post run treat at Leah’s Cakery. Well, it is closed on Mondays. 😦 So it was hot, I was tired from the weekend and the run was pretty awful.

But I got it done and found a great place to eat afterwards only 3.5 miles away.

best apple pie!

YAY! Done!

I went to a STEM (training domestic violence survivors for a 5k) training/meeting in the evening at FleetFeet and I am excited that my volunteering starts Sept 12.

Tuesday – Decided to rest and skip my AM tennis. Got my nails done, played tennis in the evening and then went out to dinner (to celebrate the end of our summer Tuesday tennis).

Wednesday -The tennis round robin got cancelled so I went to the gym.

Ran with Alyssa in the evening. She had to get home so we had to rush. It meant that we were done before the rain (But boy was it humid!!)

Thursday – I played tennis in the am. Met Barbara for a run at UAlbany. Another friend was supposed to come along but we confused the times. It was a decent run since the temps have cooled down.

Afterwards I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Friday – I went to the gym in the am and then mah jongg in the evening. Enjoyed my last day of leisure!!

Saturday – My second long run this week and I really didn’t want to do it. So I took a new route … The unpaved part of the rail trail. It was a nice route and I can’t wait until they pave it.

Then my friend and I decided to go up to the Saratoga track for a few races (It closes this weekend) and then go to the casino.

showing my $40 winning ticket – won 4 out of 5 races so a very good day!! was not lucky at the casino

Sunday – I got up very early to head up to the lake. It’s the annual Christmas party and the bay gets crowded early. Lots of boats, food, entertainment and FUN!! The weather was absolutely perfect.

The day ended with dinner out and fireworks over the lake.

30 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 5K race
Tuesday – NYC!!
Wednesday – First day of my new job, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – Work, 3 mile run with a friend, hubby’s tennis party?
Friday – Work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 5-7 more miles
Sunday – boating

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?

September 2, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Summer Highlights

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!

I had my first Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and I go back to working next Wednesday so it feels like summer is over.

My Friday Topic is Five Best Things About This Summer.

I won’t say “Not Working” because it is very stressful being unemployed with no idea when your next paycheck will arrive not to mention health care…

1. Rediscovering Tennis

Once I started running, I pretty much lost interest in tennis. I played only once a week and on tennis vacations. Well, this summer, I played outdoors a lot. My tennis improved. But the best thing was that I played in four different groups and met some awesome ladies.

near my house with Ellie and Stella

2. Discovering Hiking

I never really hiked before. I didn’t have the time nor the confidence to do so. But this summer I fought my fears and did a few solo hikes. The more hikes I did, the more confident I got and the more I enjoyed it.

Thomas Mountain

Stewart Mountain

Pinnacle Point

3. Finding a New Running Friend

I used to run mostly alone. Sometimes Judy & I could fit in a run together (but mostly in the winter) and occasionally I would run with Barbara. Well, I met Alyssa on FB and since she is new the area, she was glad to have a running partner. Since we met in June, we have run once a week together.

with Alyssa

4. Visiting NYC

Love love love NYC. I have been fortunate to find different people to help me feed my addiction.

Central Park with Judy

Food Tour with Eileen & Mary Pat

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Metropolitan Museum of Art with Catalina and Fran

My last summer trip will be on Tuesday to see Anna (from Russia.)

brunch at Gordon Ransey’s The Maze restaurant – May 2012

5. Running and Boating along and on Lake George

Said to be the “Queen” of all lakes. I love Lake George. I’ve run one race on either side of the lake and one in the village.

Adirondack 10 Miler

Firemen 5K

Camp Chingachgook 10K

I am also lucky enough to have a boat so I can hang out on the lake with my hubby and our boating friends.

in Shelving Rock Bay

Honorable Mention: Watching the Olympics

Image result for highlights of olympics 2016

Happy Running! What did you like best about this summer?

September 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: August Recap

Image result for august

Wow, the summer is flying by… Pumpkin lattes will be here before you know it…

So here’s how August went…

Weekday Runs:

Like July, August was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain. I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were mostly slow sweaty ones.

Because I was not working, I was able to run wherever. I was not forced to run near home or near work. So I tried to do my runs in many different places – Chestertown, Crossings, Corning Trail, Colonie Town Park, Nisky Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Rail Trail, UAlbany, etc.

I also ran with Alyssa 4 times. I met her on 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 re-connected with Barbara and Judy and ran with them each once. It’s more fun running with friends.

: with Judy

Long Runs:

There were TWO!!!. I ran races or went boating on the weekends. So I managed to move these runs to Monday.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – finally some improvement.

aug

Races:

I ran three races this month – a 8.4 miler, a 10K and a 5K.

: Aug 20

: Aug 13

: 2016

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. I won age group awards in all three. That’s an achievement. The 8.4 and 10k races were very HILLY! The only one I felt could be better was the 5k. We are, though, our own toughest critics.

Cross Training:

I was STILL unemployed and I played tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer.

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

lheartspaceogo

I did workout at the gym at least three times. I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walked to the tennis courts when I played nearby and occasionally did go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked. I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) made up for it, though.

my favorite place to walk – rail trail

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and with some friends. Love it. Once to Pinnacle Point in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends. We listened to Broadway tunes in Bryant Park and then walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Costume Institute. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track with a friend. We had breakfast, watched and bet on the races and then stopped by the Casino (where I won $77).

I spent two wonderful weekends with my knitting and mah jongg friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis, knit or played mah jongg and ate.

Boating season continued and the weather was great. I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.”

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

And I HAVE A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!! I will be working starting Sept.7.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is September 18 and I am excited.

I do have a bunch of races coming up. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

9-5-16 – Sefcu 5K
9-10-16 – Malta 5k
9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon
9-25-16 – Arsenal City 5k ???
10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K
10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

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 August turn out? Anything exciting planned for September?

August 31, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Radical

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: Image result for radical quotes

Macmillan defines “Radical” as “doing something new and very different from the usual way.”

Am I radical??

Hmmmmm…

Is it radical to start running for the first time at age 55?
Is it radical to run a 5k race several weeks into a training program when you’ve only run 1 mile so far?

FRW - 2008

Is it radical to run a half marathon when you’ve only run 5k races?

nhm finish

Is it radical to run a 5k as your first run after ankle surgery?

frw12tu

Is it radical to run two 5ks with a foot stress fracture?

Runners World 5K

Is it radical to finish a 5k after breaking your foot?

good thing I kept those critches

Is it radical to go on a race-cation by yourself?

Is it radical to hike solo?

I don’t consider myself “radical” but I do enjoy a challenge.

Happy Running! Are you “radical”?

August 30, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Fall Races

This week’s TOTR topic is Fall Race Schedule

Here’s what I have planned so far…

9-10-16 – Malta 5k

I’ve run this 5k several times. It’s pretty flat and I usually win an AG award.

malta5k

9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon

2008 Saratoga Palio Poster (Palio!) Tags: race poster memorial compassion run promotional legacy scholarship palio halfmarathon 5k fund mentalhealthcare melaniemerolaodonnell

This a first for me. I’ve heard good things about it so we’ll see. I am using it as a training run for my next half.

10-01-16 – Apple Run 5K

This is a fun local race with good swag.

10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon

facebook_event_236824593361349

Another new race. It follows the same course of the Steel Rail Half which had favorable reviews.

10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

I have run this race a few times. There will be many runners there that I know so it should be fun. Plus running around the park is beautiful this time of year.

11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K (in NYC)

My second time running through the NYC Marathon finish line. What can I say? You know I love NYC.

11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K

There aren’t many 15ks so I like to run them. This one is a very popular and lots of fun.

11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k

This is the 2nd year for this race. Most likely I won’t be running the race for myself but volunteering and helping one of the STEM runners finish her first 5k.

11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k

70th this year

I plan to participate in the training group for this race. It’s the most popular race in our area and a great way to start Thanksgiving Day.

11-24 -16 –Troy Turkey Trot 5k

This race happens right after the 10k. I’m dressed to run so why not do it too??

12-03-16 – Panama City Half Marathon (in FL)

the Half!

A race-cation!! Can’t wait!! In addition I get to meet my favorite fellow bloggers! This will just be a fun one!!

I’m linking up with

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

Happy Running! What fall races are you looking forward to?

August 29, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. Judy was nice enough to run the first 3 with me and then I was solo for the next 7. The weather was perfect and the run pretty decent.

Tuesday – played tennis in the am. and did a bunch of errands the rest of the day.

Wednesday – walked the mall and got some retail therapy. Ran with Alyssa in the evening at the Crossings. As always, a run with a friend is better than without.

Thursday – Played tennis in the am with the same new group as last week and then met Barbara for a run right after. We ran in the ugly humidity and then I finished solo at home. (Do you ever plan on 4 than feel guilty that you stopped at 3.5 and finish later?)

wearing my favorite Skirt Sports top ❤

Had a hair appt in the afternoon. Met a friend for dinner. (We had planned to go to the gym and for a walk but postponed it until the next morning.)

Friday – The tennis robin got cancelled so I went to the gym, for a walk and out to lunch with a friend. (We had planned this for the day before but only got the eating part done.)

I wasn’t running…just posing for a pic. I used the arm machine and then went for a 5 mile walk.

Afterwards I went grocery shopping, made a broccoli slaw salad, packed my stuff for the weekend and drove up to my friend’s house on Schroon River. We spent the evening knitting, chatting and watching a movie.

Saturday – I woke up to this view of the Schroon River.

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I had planned to run 11 miles this morning but decided to just do a short run since it was too hilly.

I didn’t play tennis but walked to and from the courts (2 miles). After lunch, we played mah jongg and chatted, etc. I drove back to the marina to have dinner with my hubby and boating friends. Then I spend the rest of the evening with my mah jongg friends ( though 3 did not spend the night.)

Sunday – Started the day with a few sets of tennis and then we went for a walk. Two more friends arrived and after lunch, we spent the rest of the day playing mah jongg.

Fun weekend spent with good friends. I did miss boating (cuz the weather was perfect) but hopefully I’ll get to do that next weekend.

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 11 mile run, STEM orientation
Tuesday – gym, rest, PM tennis, dinner out
Wednesday – tennis round robin, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – AM tennis, 3 mile run with a friend
Friday – gym, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – boating (Xmas party in the lake)

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?

August 27, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions August

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 a running shoe problem. Maybe you already knew that.

My lower back started aching so I bought these (on sale.)

Nike Zoom Vomero 12s

Then I got an email with an even better sale on my first Zoom Vomero 11s. So I had to buy them too.

bought these a year ago – now I have a new pair

The problem is that I am still attached to my older shoes that are worn out or were never comfortable. Memories! My 5k Pr…my Half Marathon PR… I am having trouble parting with them.

I runfess...

I am bailing on my 11 miler tomorrow. It’s not the weather. I’m not sick or injured. I have the time. I just don’t feel like running it alone.

Instead I am going up to spend the weekend with friends.

annual mah jongg weekend on the river

I hope to get out on the road on Monday. Alone…gulp!

Happy Running! Do you have a hard time getting rid of running shoes? Do you often skip or re-schedule your long runs?

August 26, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five – Surprises at the 2016 Olympics

Here are my top FIVE Surprising Olympic Moments:

New Zealand runner Nikki Hamblin stumbled and fell — and accidentally brought down American Abbey D’Agostino. D’Agostino helped Hamblin back to her feet but the American had injured her leg in the incident and she slumped to the track. Hamblin helped her up and stayed with her and both completed the race.

American Simone Manuel became the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold in an individual swimming event. She tied for gold in the 100m freestyle.

American Allyson Felix came in 2nd in the 400m as Jamaican Shaunae Miller dove across the finish line to beat her. My first thought was “Is that legal?” But it is!!

British Mo Farah falls during the 10K and still wins gold.

American Galen Rupp wins a bronze medal in the Marathon. It was only his SECOND marathon!!

Overall, I thought the Olympics were great – so many wonderful accomplishments – Phelps, Biles, Bolt, etc. I can’t wait until Tokyo!

Happy Running! Any other surprises? What did you enjoy the most?

August 25, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: Resting & Running Friends, Racing, etc.

thinking out loud

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

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Image result for rest days running

Last week, I did NOT take a rest day. I either ran, walked, hiked, played tennis and a combination of some of these EVERYDAY.

Image result for rest days running

So last Sunday, I took a REST DAY! (I only cheated with a short hike.)

It has made all the difference!

This week I feel much better and my runs have been better. So much so that I may take a REST DAY tomorrow.

Until this summer, most of my runs have been solo. I could run where I wanted, when I wanted and at the pace I wanted. Sounds perfect, right?

No, running with a FRIEND is so much more enjoyable. I’ve had to drive to my run. I’ve had to run in very hot temps. I’ve had to run at a slower pace. I’ve had to run at a faster pace.

So worth it!

I was fortunate to run this week with 3 friends:

: with Judy

: with Barbara (on a previous run)

: with Alyssa

If you read my blog, I RACE a lot. Like every weekend.

: Aug 20

: Aug 13

: 2016

In preparation for my next half marathon (and other social obligations), I am NOT racing this weekend or next.

Who am I kidding? I will miss it! It will take restraint not to hit that Register button.

Instead I will try to fit in my 11 mile and 12 mile long runs.

Image result for long runs ecards

Yes, that’s me.

Should I run on Saturday morning and then go boating or to the river house for our “mah jongg weekend’?

pic from a previous year

Should I skip it and enjoy the weekend and do my long run on Monday???

Maybe next week, I should do my long run n Friday since it’s a holiday weekend and there is a Christmas Party on the lake.

also from a previous year

Decisions…decisions…

Happy Running! Do you take rest days? Do you go through racing withdrawal? Do you have a problem fitting in your long runs? What are you thinking about this Thursday?

August 23, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Race Memorabilia

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

This week’s topic is Race Memorabilia

So I’ve run over 200 races. That’s a lot of stuff!!

Bibs:

I have them ALL shoved away somewhere – not on display cuz I have too many. My favorite ones are in a basket near my medals.

Medals:

this rack has 2 rows and holds 20 medals on each. The outer row has my half medals. Now what will I do with #21?

Again. I save them all. I have too many to display. I display ALL my half marathon medals and some others. Most again are in that basket.

Awards:

Some I’ve eaten (the food ones LOL). Some I wear (hats, socks gloves, etc.) Some I use (bottles, bowls, glasses, mugs, etc.) Most are on the desk below the rack above or in that basket.

Other Stuff:

I give away the shirts that don’t fit. I had some old ones made into a blanket. I usually just toss bags and heat sheets.

My Favorites: