August 6, 2016 by Darlene

The Ultimate Coffee Date – August

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

Where did July go? I felt like I just wrote July’s UCD post.

Anyway…

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that job hunting is more stressful than working itself. I’ll leave it at that since it is soooo depressing. (I have 2 interviews next week – fingers crossed!)

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that the more time you have, the less you get done.

My big plan for the summer was to clean out and get rid of.

So far, I have de-cluttered table, dresser, counter tops and now I have many boxes in the basement full of junk.

I also have boxes of books to donate.

I brought clothes to a consignment shop and I have many bags still to give away.

It’s a start but my drawers and closets are still FULL!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I caved and bought 2 new skirts (gym girl ultras) from Skirt Sports. Love the new patterns. (If you want to buy one of these skirts, use this code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.)

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I cannot resist a bargain. Do I need another pair of UGG boots??? No, but these retail for $160 and they were never worn. They cost $28 and I had a $20 credit at the consignment shop.

I also may have found another bargain on my favorite running shoes – $35 off & free shipping coupon.

zv11

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to stay active during my weekday time off (just in case it ends). I’ve been to a show in the park, playing tennis, hiking, going to New York City and on Monday I am going to the Saratoga Race Track for breakfast and a little betting!!

view from the top of Stewart Mountain

we listened to the cast of several shows and then WALKED 40 blocks to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Fashion Institute.

And yes, there has been some running in the mix.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m coming up on my anniversary of no pain while running (well it’s October 8 – back pain during RNR Brooklyn).

Wouldn’t you know it that during my run on Wednesday with Alyssa, my lower back started to ache. So much so that I shortened my run.

It maybe due a muscle pull while carrying stuff on Saturday or too much sitting at workshops on Tuesday & Wed or maybe I need new shoes. (That justifies the purchase mentioned above, right?)

I wore more supportive sandals on Thursday in NYC and they only gave me blisters. OY!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I love the Olympics! Can’t wait to watch all the events. Wasn’t the opening ceremony great?

Gymnastics are my favorite but I’ll be routing for Desi, Shaylane and Amy.

Desiree Linden, Shalene Flanagan and Amy Cragg celebrate after qualifing for the Women's Olympic Team in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I may have lost my mind signing up for today’s race.

rtt

I haven’t run more than 5 miles straight since June 26 and haven’t done any hills since then. And now there’s the back thing.

8.4 hilly miles.…What was I thinking?!

Happy Running! Anything to spill? Are you racing this weekend? What is your favorite Olympic event to watch? Are you a bargain hunter?

August 5, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Odd Sightings

Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home suggested that we post FIVE odd things that we have seen on our run.

Recently on my run to Brant Lake, NY, I noticed this decorated outhouse. I am not sure it was usable but it was pretty.

2. A few years back during a very slow run in Flagler Beach, Florida, I came across this turtle. Not so much odd but very appropriate considering how things were going that day

3. After one race in Delmar, NY, I continued my run with two friends on the nearby rail trail and we noticed people stopped and pointing. There were two eagles flying over head. Again not odd but so beautiful to watch.

4. I recently ran on the trail in Peebles State Park. Afterward, I ventured to Waterford, NY and discovered a new trail. There were so many geese on the path and they were not interested in moving out of my way. Not odd but very annoying.

5. I seem to have many animal sightings on the rail trail. I have seen a pack of foxes and many times it is a large doe. They are so used to humans that they don’t run away. They just stand there and stare. It’s a little unnerving.

One of my oddest sightings I do not have a picture of.

When I am up at our marina on Lake George, I love to run on the nature trail at the Sagamore Hotel.

On one side is the lake and the other, you are below some apartments. During one run a few years ago, I was running on the trail and I heard a women screaming. So I looked up and she was hanging over the balcony naked with a naked guy behind her…Well, you can guess what he was doing…. I was so embarrassed that I’ve never run so fast.

Can you beat that for an odd or X-rated sighting??

I’m also 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!

Happy Running! What odd things have you seen during your runs?

August 3, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Captivate

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 captivate or to attract and hold the interest and attention of.

So how’s does running captivate me?

Those places I have seen.

the trails in Palm Desert, CA

the shores of the Atlantic in Palm Beach FL

the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ

These captivating locales would not have been seen by me if I wasn’t a runner.

The bling.

3rd

Medals and prizes. These captivating objects also have come into my possession only due to running.

The people whom I have met.

running and chatting with Joan Benoit Samuelson

local and not so local bloggers

getting my bib signed by Frank Shorter

these amazing STEM volunteer runners

All captivating. Some famous. Some not. If I had not been a runner, I would not have made their acquaintance.

Accomplishments

finishing a heat cancelled half.

completing 13.1 miles after serious ankle surgery

Half in Naples, Florida

My first HALF!!

I have done things that I never thought possible. Running has given me a sense of purpose, a feeling of self-confidence

and has CAPTIVATED me.

Happy Running! How has running or something else captivated you?

August 2, 2016 by Darlene

July Recap

Wow, the summer is flying by… It’s August already.

So here’s how July went…

Weekday Runs:

Summer arrived. It 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 all slow sweaty ones.

Because I am not working, I am able to run wherever. I am not forced to run near home or near work. So I have tried to do my runs in many different places.

: at Peebles Island

I also ran with Alyssa 3 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.

13508972_1818003835089003_7257062188135281987_n

Long Runs:

There were NONE. I ran races on the weekends. There were NO double-digits runs. The longest were a 7 mile run (interrupted after 4), a 5 mile run and a 3 mile post 5k run.

Total Mileage:

july

I ran 76 miles this month – the same as last month. But I wasn’t training for anything and it was hot so I guess that’s ok.

Races:

I only ran two races this month – both 5ks (I DNSed on my 3rd 5k.)

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 both. That’s an achievement.

Cross Training:

I am STILL unemployed and I am playing tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer. The thrill is wearing off.

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

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and loved it. Once to Thomas Mountain in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends- We took a history/food tour of northern Little Italy and then a visit to the Tenement museum. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip the Mount (Edith Wharton’s home) in Lenox, Mass. The tour of the house was really interesting and the gardens were beautiful.

I spent a wonderful weekend with my tennis friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis and ate.

Boating season is continuing and the weather has been great (until this weekend). I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.”

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Hopefully I will find a job and life will be even better.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is September 18 so I must start doing some longer runs.

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

8-06-16 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
8-13-16 – Camp Chingachgook 10k
8-20-16 – Jailhouse Rock 5K
9-10-16 – Malta 5k
9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon
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

Happy Running! How did your July turn out? Anything exciting planned for August?

August 1, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I decided to stay on our boat Sunday night so I could spend today running and hiking. First I drove to Chestertown on the Schroon River to run a bit.

can’t beat this breakfast view

Then I began the Chester Challenge which was to hike 6 of the 11 trails.

I got through 4 of them before the rain came.

Tuesday – I worked at the NYS Bar Exam from 7 am-5 pm. Then I went to see the musical Chicago in the park with some friends.

the best show that I’ve seen in the park

Wednesday – My tennis at one of the local country clubs got cancelled. In the evening, I ran with Alyssa. 93 degrees!!! We still held a decent pace (and it would have been faster if I didn’t have to stop and walk.)

Thursday -Back at the Bar Exam. Too hot to run but I planned to the gym and for a walk with a friend. However, we ended out going out for dinner instead 😦

Friday – Last day for working at the Bar Exam. I decided to go for a run in the park before mah jongg.

Saturday – This weekend certainly didn’t go as scheduled. I had planned to go up to the lake and then sleep on the boat so I would be near the start of my Sunday 5k. Instead, my hubby wanted to go truck shopping (his has recently died) since the weather was not great. It turned out to be sunny on the lake but cloudy/rainy at home.

Sunday – I woke up to pouring rain and decided against driving 1 hour 20 minutes to run a 5k in the rain with rain predicted for the rest of the day up north. Of course as it turned out, it didn’t rain up for the race and I stayed home waiting to a break in the rain so I could run. I managed to get it done with Pokemon and doe and fawn sightings on the rail trail. I was wet – rain plus sweat from 95% humidity.

19 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday –3 mile run
Tuesday – workshop, PM tennis
Wednesday -workshop, 7 mile run with a friend
Thursday – trip to NYC
Friday – AM tennis, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 8.4 mile race, boating?
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?

July 30, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions July – 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…

Remember last month, when I was playing tennis all the time. Well, the thrill is gone.

I started playing 4 times week, then 3, then 2… last week was one. This week NOT AT ALL!!

I am NOT running more … just other things have gotten in the way.

still love the game especially MY FRIENDS!!

I runfess…

It has been HOT HOT HOT…

Most of you are getting your runs in early in the morning.

Not me. I have been running at 5 pm in 90 degree heat. I have never sweat so much.

I runfess…

My National Ice Cream Day treat has turned in everyday is ice cream day.

I could justify it as a post run treat but I eat it even if I haven’t run.

I now hide the ice cream in freezer so my hubby doesn’t find it.

my new obsession!!

I runfess…

My last double digit run was June 26 and before that May 29. Yup. Too HOT, rather be boating not running.

I have the time just not the desire.

I runfess…

Not working across the street from Starbucks has saved me money but I think I spend it on races.

You see, if I pay for a race, I will RUN.

Tomorrow is a 5k.

Then the week after, I signed up for a new race. It’s one that I’ve always wanted to run. 8.4 miles on a trail racing a train. Sounds like fun.

rtt

More miles than I am ready for, in the heat, with hills, on a trail. Probably not fun!

Then I have two races that I signed up for a while ago. I have done both of them before.

a very hilly 10K

August 20,2016 – 5k that ends with a downhill

Happy Running! Anything to runfess?

July 29, 2016 by Darlene

Five Five: Take a Hike

My Friday Five topic this week is Why I Like To Hike.

By hiking, I don’t mean climbing mountains (though maybe someday and not alone). I mean doing walking trails especially ones with a view at the end.

No Pace or Distance To Worry About

You can go slow or fast. Run or Walk. You can go as far as you want and then go back to where you started. Pretty simple.

2. It’s Great Exercise.

Your legs are going up and down. Over rocks and trees. You also use your arms to help you climb or hold onto trees. It’s a workout!

3. You Get To See Nature At Its Finest.

Trees, flowers, birds, animals. Butterflies are my favorite.

4. It’s Peaceful.

I spent quite some time on my last hike just sitting and looking out.

5. It’s FREE.

Most hiking trails are well-marked, have parking and don’t cost a thing.

There are 11 trails near Lake George. I have done 2 (the easiest ones). I would only attempt some of the others with a partner.

About 15 miles north, there are 8 more trails. I plan to do the challenge above this summer. I already hiked four last Monday

Cougar Trail

Dynamite Hill

Stewart Mountain

Chester Creek

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!

Happy Running! Do you like to hike?

July 28, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: PRs, Heat and Races

thinking out loud

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

So here’s what I am thinking about:

Speed

As we are than halfway through 2016, I realize that 2016 is the first year that I have NO PRs.

I run a lot of races (40 last year) which means so many opportunities. I also run all distances: 5k, 4m, 5m, 10k, 15k, 10m and 13.1. Again lots of chances.

In 2015 and 2014, I had 4 PRs but does it get more difficult as you age?

Research says:

The first study we’re examining is a 2010 survey by Celie et al. of nearly 200,000 participants in a 15km (~9mi) road race over a period of twelve years.¹ With such a large number of participants, the authors were able to make some statistically powerful predictions. Probably the best news is that for each year over 40, the runners in this study slowed by only 0.2%. That’s about one second per mile per year.

There’s more good news if you’re a woman: As runners age, the gap between men and women shrinks significantly. By age 60, women have made up five of the ~15% difference in performance that separates the genders at age 40. While both genders slow at roughly a linear rate from 40 to 60, men’s performance decreases more sharply afterwards, while women continue on a roughly linear track.

The study also parsed runners into “trained” and “untrained” categories, presumably from something like a survey question on the race’s registration form. As you might expect, trained runners were almost 16% faster than untrained ones. If you’ve got a keen eye for math, you’ll realize there’s more good news for women: a trained woman should be able to edge out an untrained man! (from https://runnersconnect.net/running-training-articles/how-much-does-age-effect-running-performance)

So you do get slower as you age. But not a lot.

In Lore of Running, Tim Noakes makes the interesting observation:

that most of the best runners over age 45 are late starters. Your typical age-group record setter in the older masters divisions only started running in his or her late 20s or early 30s. A classic example of this phenomenon is Kathryn Martin, who started running at 30 and then rewrote the U.S. record book in the 50-54 and 55-59 age groups. (from http://running.competitor.com/2014/04/training/study-late-starters-run-faster-in-older-years_8283#CsWQzFlHo7SalU5L.99)

It is weird that Adult Onset Runners are defined as ones who did not run in high school or college and only started in their 30s.

But what if you only started running at age 55!!??

I guess I’m an OLDER Adult Onset Runner. And I can’t find any research on that.

So I plan to continue running – racing all distances (except the marathon) and whatever happens happens. If I stay healthy, a PR will be just gravy.

Heat

I can’t remember a summer this hot and humid.

And I like hot weather. But I just feel like doing this:

Not this:

Adirondack Distance Run

It was 93 degrees yesterday at 5 pm and I thought I was going to have heat stroke. Alyssa was understanding about my need to stop and walk.

Races

I can’t stop myself from signing up for weekend races even though I should be starting my training for my fall half marathon.

well at last $25

This Sunday is my third 5k of July.

Happy Running! What do you think about age and speed? Are you running in this heat? How about summer races? Doing any?

July 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Kerfuffle

Today’s word is kerfuffle.

What a funny sounding word. So what does it mean?

A commotion or mess, especially one caused by conflicting views

So how does this relate to my running? Have I experienced any kerfuffles? You bet!!

The Weather Kerfuffle

The Lake George Half in 2011.

The day before, the weather was 60 degrees and sunny.

The day of the race, it was 30 degrees, snow on the ground, sleeting and hailing the whole race.

I was not at home and could not prepare for unexpected weather.

The Short Course Kerfuffle

Strawberry Fest 5k in 2014.

Strawberry fest 5K

I started to speed up during the 3rd mile and then… it was over!!!

Apparently, the police had blocked off part of the course so it was NOT 3.1 miles. It was more like 2.25 or so. I was on a PR pace too.

The Alarm Clock/ Packet Pickup Kerfuffle

Walkway Half Marathon in 2015.

It was held about 1 1/2 hrs from where I live but there was no day of race packet pick up. I contacted them and they said that I would have to get someone else to pick it up. I put out a frantic call on FB and got someone to do it.

Then we had a power outage the night before so my alarm clock did not go off. I scrambled and ran out of the house and arrived at the race to find that there was ONE entrance to college where it started. Lots of traffic so I was late meeting the runner with my bib (did find her on the porta potty line). To make matters worse, they delayed the start of the race due to the traffic and they were handing out bibs the day of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

at least I got chocolate milk and a cool medal.

The Broken Foot Kerfuffle

Freihofer’s Run for Women 2013.

After being out most of 2012 with ankle surgery and a foot stress fracture, I was excited to be healthy again. At the mile 1 water stop, I hesitated on the slippery ground and turned my weak ankle and felt something scary.

Of course, I did what every smart runner does. Stop so I don’t make it worse.

NOT!

I continued to run…my gait was way off and my foot hurt with every step but I ran on….. until I crossed the finish line (and I had a fast time!)

After I finished, I headed to the Medic tent to ice my foot. The doctor there suggested I get an xray.

So I limped 1.5 miles back to my car.

I was still in denial but my foot was starting to turn purple and I knew what that meant.

Xray results: clean break of the fifth metatarsal

No Signs on the Course Kerfuffle

Monster Scramble 10K

This was a small race and a 5k plus a 10k. Even fewer runners were running the 10K and both races started at the same time. Things started out well. Everyone was in costume and the volunteers were handing out candy. However, they must have forgotten that there were runners doing the 10k. The volunteers disappeared and we had no idea where to run. So we made our own course and eventually found our way back to the finish line.

done!

Poorly Organized Half Marathon Kerfuffle

RNR Brooklyn 2015

A Rock N Roll Race should be fun, right?

Not this one.

It started with a pathetic expo but then I can live with that. But they over sold the parking so many runners had to miss the race (luckily that was not me.)

The pre-race details include: poor signage, miles of walking to check bags, more miles of walking to enter corrals, inadequate number of security guards (lines to enter took forever so they eventually discontinued it), 1 port a potty per thousand runners (one in each corral), late start.

The race itself had no music except at the end. Yes, this was a RNR race. The post race refreshments were blah (No bagels. hey, we’re in NYC!!)

And then more miles of walking to get out of the park to get to the subway (no signage = lots of clueless tired wandering runners).

The Canceled Race Kerfuffle

Vermont City Marathon 2016

I ran the relay. But I ran the second leg so I didn’t start until around 11 am. Due to the heat and humidity, the race started at Red alert. (The highest before they had to cancel.)

waiting to begin

So by the time I had run 4 miles, the race was cancelled.

I didn’t have a problem with that but the race officials were encouraging runners to quit and get on buses by lying to them. We were being told that there were be no water, no medical support, no timing, no photos, no finish line and to quit would be the only way to get your medal.

I and many others kept running and found none of what they said to be true. Except that I had to walk a significant distance to the buses to get my medal.

But if you run as many races as I do, you are bound to experiences some kerfuffles.

Happy Running! How about you? Any racing snafus?

July 26, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Summer Runs

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

This week’s topic is Summer Scenes From My Run

In the summer, I try to run in different places. Here are few of my favorites:

Peebles Island – there’s a park with a trail and lots of bridges to run over in the surrounding area.

Zim Smith Bike Path – a nice peaceful trail plus you can park in a bakery’s parking lot.

Central Park in NYC – only ran there once unfortunately

Delmar Rail Trail – I run here the most often because it’s nearby.

Bolton Landing – I love running here in the summer especially for the views of Lake George (We keep our boat here so I only get to run here in the summer.)

The Crossings – another local park where I run.

Colonie Town Park – a park and a bike path

Corning Bike Path – nice flat route along the Hudson River

Chestertown/Brant Lake Along the Schroon River – another summer only spot (My friend has a house here and it’s not far from our boat.)

I am not really training for anything right now. My next half is on September 18. I have just been running short distances. Besides it’s hot and I am enjoying my scenery. But soon I will have to increase those weekend miles. Very soon!

Happy Running! Where is your favorite spot to run in the summertime?