April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Since today is the first Saturday in April, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date. It seems like I was just writing about March. Time is flying by…

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that even though we’ve had a warm winter with no snow, I am more than ready for spring.

This is from last April. I want to wear my skirts again!

Instead, we may have snow on Sunday and gusty winds AND I have to run 11 miles!

we may have 3 inches on the ground

I am not looking forward to running in this. Be prepared because if the roads look slippery, I’m bailing. Not worth an injury.

I’ll probably be dressed like this but with gloves!!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that these star offers for Starbucks are still killing me. I can’t stop myself. But at least I earned a free drink this week.

Plus they keep adding new flavors. The latest is Caramelized Honey Latte. Have you tried it yet?

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am happy that where I work is health conscious.

Last month, I participated in the Heart Healthy Challenge. You got 50 points for completing 2 surveys and each week, you got 40 pts if you exercised for 45 min 3 times and 1 pt for each 10 minutes extra.

Anyway, I came in 2nd. 1st place got a $50 gift card to Dicks & $50 worth of Field Goods. NO PRIZE for 2nd place but at least, it kept me moving.

This month, I am participating in Million Mile Month. You just log your miles & other activities to win prizes. My miles will automatically sync from my FitBit and I can add in other non-walking/running activities.

We had an Obstacle Course set up today as the kick-off event. It was fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that although, tennis gets in the way of my running and many times while I am playing, I wish I were running, now that I can’t play (tennis elbow), I really miss it.

Isn’t that the way?

I have been doing my exercises and even taped it but it seems the same. My brain knows that I should skip another week but my heart says…

I miss my friends, the competition and our dinners out after

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that you bloggers are enablers. You guys make me want to run a half marathon every weekend (You know who you are!!)

I am trying to control myself…

Dec 2015 – EAU West Palm – check
Feb 2016 – Sarasota Music – check
Mar 2016 – Celebrate Life – check
April 2016 Lake George – signed up
May 2016 – Vermont City Relay – signed up
Aug 2016 – Camp Chingachgook – possibly but it’s so hilly
Sept 2016 – ZOOMA Cape Cod – signed up
Nov 2016 – Myaaka (in FL) – tempting (to visit friends)
Dec 2015 – Panama City – definitely
Mar 2017 – Treasure Coast (in FL) – maybe (to visit friends)

Happy Running! Anything to spill?

April 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Mentoring New Runners

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. 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 Reasons To Mentor New Runners

Finding New Places To Run

When I volunteered in the STEM program in 2014, I ran around Union College in Schenectady. I have run at UAlbany but Union College was a nice change of scenery.

interesting area to run especially the surrounding neighborhood

The second time, last fall, I discovered the Schuyler Flats park. (The group also ran on the Schenectady Bike Path)

a very pretty park – great for a short run

For the GOTR practice 5k, I ran in a new local neighborhood. I have since gone back to run there.

2. Meeting New People

The other mentors in the STEM program are awesome. It’s always fun to meet other runners. We bonded instantly.I am looking forward to meet this year’s mentors.

I haven’t had as much contact with the running buddies in GOTR but the ones I have met were very nice.

3. Fits into your Running Schedule

I run after work anyway. So my STEM runs fit right in. Yes, they are walk run but often, I get there early and run a few miles or I stay afterward to run. It causes no lapses in my training.

4. Making a Difference in Someone Else’s Life

I can’t explain how it feels to watch women who have suffered so much in their lives be successful.

And to see the joy young girls get from participating in their first race.

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I actually did so little but hopefully me being at their practices and races did make a difference.

5. It’s motivating.

New runners’ enthusiasm for running is contagious. It actually makes me want to run more.

FRW - 2010

The picture above was from my first mentoring experience in 2010. They were a bunch of young mothers running their first 5k. These ladies actually are responsible for me pushing myself to try a half marathon.

Happy Running! Have you ever mentored a new runner? If so, how did you benefit?

March 31, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT & My March Recap

I can’t believe March is over already…

So here’s how things went:

Weekday Runs:

The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.

Long Runs:

There was a half marathon. Then I immediately started preparing for my next half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

a week before the half

5 mile race + 4 = 9 miles (a week after the half)

5k race + 7.4 = 10.5 miles

Total Mileage:

86 miles this month!

mar16

Less than last month but about average for me.

Races:

I ran THREE races this month – a 5k, a 5 miler and a half marathon.

2:22:40- very hilly race

46:28 (3rd in my AG)

27:55 – 1st in my AG

I was happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week until my tennis elbow flared up.

may have to take a break for awhile

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I said that last month!!)

lheartspaceogo

I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.

My Starbucks addiction continues!!

I went to the gym once. It was not so bad but now my elbow is my excuse.

Sat am at the gym

Other News:

I met my GOTR running buddy. Her name is Jayme and she is in 5th grade. We will be corresponding through notes and then I run both the practice 5k and the real 5k with her. She is very cute and it should be fun.

I ran twice with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. My “advanced” group friends signed up again. There are also some new runners. I have enjoyed it so far.

I am still working on that scarf. It is very long. Someday I may finish it and start something new.

I’ve gotten back into reading. Finished this book:

enjoyed it …it’s about a grandmother telling her life story to her granddaughter.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

The place where I work is participating in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I plan to walk/run 100 miles.

MMM_VertLogo_2016_forweb_copy

I am training for another half marathon in April. It’s another hilly but scenic one. I am looking forward to the lake views not necessarily the hills.

April 24

I have been busy signing up for spring races. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 5k
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day Against domestic violence 5k ??
5-14-16 – Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay

I signed up to be a STEM volunteer. I will be running with the group on Wednesdays after work.

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

Happy Running! How did your March turn out? Anything exciting planned for April? What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

March 30, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word – Adventurous

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 ADVENTUROUS.

What does it mean?

Willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences.

Am I adventurous?

To some, not at all.

I don’t do warrior races or mud runs or even trail races. I don’t jump out of airplanes or even ride scary roller coasters.

But to many of my friends, I am adventurous.

To me, adventurous is not backing down from a challenge.

I have run many 5K, 10K, 15k, and 10 mile races. And I never ran at all before age 55.

I have run 18 half marathons. I never thought I would or I could.

Eau Palm Beach Half

I have run after serious ankle surgery even though I was told that I couldn’t.

finish

Adventurous is also not being afraid to explore new places and even take risks.

And I guess leaving a marriage of almost 20 years and a teaching career after 22 years is pretty adventurous. Of course it was scary to go back to school and learn something new. As they say, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” And now, I am remarried (for 17 years) and an Instructional Technologist (for 18 years.)

My hubby used to own a little float plane. We would fly often together. Many found it too scary. I loved it!!

unfortunately it got wrecked when the hangar collapsed during an ice storm

I have traveled to many places (many by myself) and have benefited greatly from every trip.

3rd trip to Kursk, Russia

I have flown by myself to run many a race. Races where I didn’t know a soul.

I have stayed in AirBnb apartments by myself in NYC. My friends shuddered at the thought.

So whatever form your dream takes…a triathlon, a marathon, an ultra or a 5k, don’t hesitate. Take that adventure!!

Happy Running! Are you adventurous?

March 29, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Sponsorships

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

This week’s topic is Dream sponsor? Brand ambassadorship? What’s yours?

I am already a Skirt Sports Ambassador and I am very happy with that. I love their clothes.

Celebrate Life HM
So what else do I spend a lot of money on??

Race Fees

Rock N Roll Race ambassador. That would be nice. I’ve only run one of their races but I would run more if they chose me.

welcome image

I love racing so I would accept a sponsorship from other races, as well.

Running Shoes

Yeah, I buy a lot of these. Nike, Mizuno, Brooks, anyone??

Nike: My feet love you!!!

Fuel

Gu is my fuel of choice for during my long runs and half marathons.

I also eat energy bars before and after running. My favorite brands include:

Socks

For long runs and racing, I love ProCompression.

stockafeathon13b

I also wear Balegas and Smart Wool.

Bras

Handful is my preferred bra but they discontinued the one I like.

I’d like to try the new ones but they are $50!

Other Apparel Items

And if Lululemon, or Athleta offered me a sponsorship, I’d accept.

Lululemon

Athleta

Happy Running! Who is your Dream Sponsor?

March 28, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Winter was back! It was freezing and soo windy!!! I went for a short walk during work but after work, it got even colder and windier. I would have skipped my run but it’s was the first meeting of the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. We froze but ran about 3 miles. This is the 6th year of the group (and my 2nd time). They run on Mondays at 6:30 am, 1 pm and 6 pm. There were so many newbie runners and my same”advanced group” friends.

bumped in old friends and a SS ambassador

Afterwards, I had my STEM orientation (running group for survivors of domestic violence). This spring, there are 2 groups and they each run M, W, F, S. I am volunteering for 10 weeks on Wednesday evenings using the Couchto5K app.

one of my favorite pics from last spring’s 5k

Tuesday – Of course, it was warmer and sunnier than Monday (and it is predicted to rain the rest of the week) but it was my rest day. So I took 2 walks and played tennis after work (and our usual after tennis dinner outing).

first signs of spring – tulips by May?

Wednesday – A dreary day but I managed to squeeze out a run during lunch before the predicted rain (that never came.)

quite humid but I’m not complaining

After work I went to the mall to get my steps in (since I didn’t walk at work.)

Thursday – A busy work day but managed to get one walk in at work and a run after work. Boy, my legs were not feeling the run.

Friday – A rainy day (or most of the day) but at least today was another rest day so I didn’t care. I actually took a walk to the park in the rain. Mah jongg was at my house this week. (That means left over junk food.)
Saturday – Today I ran the Ice Breaker Challenge 5k race. The weather was forecast to be nice. It wasn’t…cold, cloudy, windy. I was frozen. But I still had a decent race and won my age group (60-99? WTH?)

27:55 (happy to break 28 minutes even with a walk break and the wind)

After the race, I stayed and was supposed to run 7 more miles with a new running friend. But her son got sick at the last minute so I was solo. By the end of my run, the sun came out and the rest of the day was beautiful. (It figures!!)

Sunday – Had a nice Easter dinner at my mother in law’s. The weather was so nice that I went for two walks – one in my mil’s neighborhood and one near home

walked in town & discovered a quilt shop & then walked on the rail trail

19.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days. (89,078 steps)

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon #19)

Monday – Freihofer Challenge Group Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest, ~~tennis,~~ GOTR meet your running buddy & orientation, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out
Thursday – rest, dinner out
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 5 mile race + 6 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?

March 27, 2016 by Darlene

Ice Breaker 5K Challenge Recap

The Ice Breaker Challenge is a one of a kind Capital District running/walking road race challenging runners and walkers against rowers from the Albany Rowing Center. Runners/walkers will travel along the Corning Preserve Bicycle Path while rowers from the Albany Rowing Center will race along side in shells on the Hudson River.

This was my second time running this race. I ran it in 2013 and I do my long runs here often so I am very familiar with the course.

There were many races to choose from this weekend, but I choose this one based on its location (close to home) and I could easily add more miles on after the race.

In some ways a 5K is harder than a half marathon. It’s only 3.1 miles and you have no reason not to run fast. That’s pressure. But I tried not to succumb it. Besides, I planned to run another 7 miles afterward to complete my 10 mile long run.

I was dragging my feet (a late night playing mah jongg with a lot of junk food consumed) but perked up when I arrived at the race. I tried not to overdress (but it is hard when you are cold at the start & afterwards). I wore capris attached to a skirt, a long sleeved tech shirt, and a baseball cap.

That’s because the weathermen had predicted a nice day – 50’s and sunny. So I thought. I should have checked before I left the house. Because it was overcast, very windy and in the 30’s (20’s with the windchill.)

So I was frozen. I found a windbreaker in my car and light gloves. Thank God. But my ears and legs were very cold.

from 3 years ago – it was too cold to take pictures

I grabbed my bib and sat in my car with the heat until it was time to line up.

rowers getting ready to race (again from 3 years ago when it wass unny)

I went back out about 15 minutes before the start & bumped into Ingrid, from my running group. We chatted and then the race started. She took off and left me in the dust. (She is super fast.)

I tried to focus on the scenery…the river…the rowers and not worry about my pace. I hardly glanced at my Garmin (just a few times & was pleasantly surprised.)

The first half of the race was running into the wind. At least today, my hat stayed on but it was tough going.

There was a water stop at the turn around. I wasn’t really thirsty but was tired so I stopped and walked.

don’t get fooled by the sunshine. I took this on my way back from my post race run.

At least on the way back, the wind wasn’t a problem. Although, it din’t appear to be at our back either.

Shockingly I crossed the finish line at 27:55.

No chips. You tore off the bottom of your bib. There were two lines, who knows how they kept things straight.

(I got a text with 27:55 and it was posted with that time. However, now it is listed as 28:03. My Garmin has the faster time so I’m sticking with that.)

Splits:

mile 1: 8:59
mile 2: 9:31
mile 3: 8:58
.14: 7:20

I had some food – There were cookies, bagels, fruit, etc.

two of my former students – so cool to see them here

Then I walked back to my car to put away my race belt, etc. They also gave away boxes of Freihofer cookies

I was hoping to have company for the rest of my miles. I got used to having a buddy along on my long runs. Both Judy and Barbara were unavailable. Thanks to FB, someone responded to my plea and agreed to run with me. All I knew about her was her name, Alyssa. We agreed to meet at 10:00 am.

Then I checked my phone and it turns out that her son was sick and she had cancelled.

I was disappointed but it gave me time to hang around and see if I won an age group award.

And I did!! First in the 60-99 category. Gee, that made me feel old. And they only gave out first place (no 2nd & 3rd – so lucky me!)

another pretty picture from 3 years ago

I didn’t feel like it but I had to continue running. I was freezing so I added another skirt under my jacket and off I went. I ran 1.5 miles toward downtown Albany and back.

Suddenly, the sun came out and I wasn’t so cold. I stopped back at my car and grabbed some Gu chomps and shed my jacket.

Then I ran 2 miles in the other direction and back. My legs were dragging. I tried to get distracted by my surroundings.

Yes, NOW it is sunny!

Brrrr! Fishing!?

this annoying goose actually chased me

a hawk in the tree

I misjudged my turn around so I wound up with 7.4 miles instead of 7.

I’m not sure how long I sat on this bench…it was a while LOL

10.5 miles done for the day and tomorrow I can enjoy a relaxing Easter. My mother-in-law is cooking!!

My daffodils have bloomed too. Spring is here???

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend? What did you on Easter Sunday?

March 26, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions March

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

I runfess…

I can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

I did once this month and found it a great way to start the day but only ONCE it was…

I runfess…

Speaking of doing things only once. I went to the gym ONCE. And it wasn’t bad. It barely took any time out of my busy schedule. But I haven’t repeated the gym experience.

I runfess…I am injured. Not a running injury.It’s tennis elbow. But I treated it the same as a running injury.

I got my racket restrung. I knew from the first swing that something was wrong. I ignored it. It was sore and I ignored it and I continued playing each week. Eventually, it was more than sore, it hurt. So I wore an arm band and played. Now it really hurts so I am taking some time off and having my racket strung correctly.

Tennis is costly and I hate taking time off. Yes, I know that if I took care of it right away, it would be better by now. I am stubborn that way. (At least it doesn’t hurt when I run 🙂 )

on the sidelines now…hoping to be cured by my May tennis vacation

I runfess…I started caring more about my lack of sleep than my steps.

The first thing I do in the morning is check my FitBit to see how bad my night’s sleep was.

I usually get 5 hours…sometimes 6. Never enough!!!

I runfess…

So I’ve decided that I need to do 10,000 steps a day again. This is easy when I run but on the days that I don’t run, I am lazy. So I turned to walking around the mall.

This is great for my legs but not my pocketbook.

I wind up adding bills to my credit card in addition to steps on my FitBit.

But I only buy items ON SALE and/or with COUPONS.

I got it at the Gap in grey striped for $3.50

I got it at Macy’s for like $9.

And there was more but I’ll spare you.I runfess…

I used to do all my long runs alone.

But I got spoiled. Most of them lately have been run with Judy or Barbara. I have enjoyed the company and it made the miles much less painful.

However, today both of them were busy…

I was going to have to run alone. So I asked on FB and found someone that I have never met to run with me. I have no idea if we run at the same pace. So we’ll see how it goes. I’m pretty adaptable unless she runs at an 8 minute pace or a 14 minute pace.

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

Decal-13.1-Celebrate-Life-e1446773610315

Mar 13- the hillest EVER

April 9 – a quite hilly 10K

April 24 – rolling hills for all 13.1 miles

rolling hills – but I still have time to back out of this one…

So I should do some hill repeats or stop whining about the hills!!!Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

March 25, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Blogging

March 25, 2008 = my first post

Today is my BLOGOVERSARY!!!

I started writing this blog on the day that I signed up for No Boundaries and decided to become a runner.

I’ve been blogging for EIGHT YEARS!! 2,046 posts. That means I’ve been running for EIGHT Years!

Year 1 – starting to run for the first time and completing many 5ks (although my weekday runs were about 1 mile each)
Year 2 – after taking the winter off, running again and completing even more 5ks
Year 3 – running through the winter for the 1st time, completing 5ks (and a 5k PR), 4 milers and my first Half Marathon
Year 4 – completing some 5ks, a 5 miler, my first 15k and FOUR more half marathons(plus an Achilles injury and a broken ankle 😦 )
Year 5 – recovering from a broken ankle, running my first 10k and some 5Ks, suffering a foot stress fracture, running my 6th Half Marathon
Year 6 – a few 5ks, then a broken 5th metatarsal, then more 5ks, several 10Ks, my 7th Half Marathon and a 15K
Year 7 – a very good year, NO INJURIES!!!!! so lots of races (5ks, 10Ks, 15Ks, 4 half marathons), PRs for 5k, 10k, 15k, 4m, 5m, 10m, and Half Marathon, joining 2 training groups, volunteering in another, meeting some new running buddies, becoming a Skirt Sports ambassador captain
Year 8 – another good year, NO INJURIES!!! so even more races and 7 more half marathons, PRs for 5m and 15k, continuing in the training groups and with volunteering activities, also running more with friends
Year 9 – starts today….

My Friday Five topic is: 5 Reasons Why I Blog

To motivate myself to run

You can’t write about running unless you run, right? I post my planned running schedule for the week and I feel guilty if I don’t do those runs (well, only a little guilty.)

2. To track my progress toward my goals

This was more important when I first started. My goal was to run a 5k. And I did. Then it was to finish a 5k under 30 minutes and I did. Sometimes my goals are more lofty than others. Several years later, I wanted to run a half marathon and I succeeded. Of course, then I added other distances. Sometimes my goals are to PR, of course, but mostly now it is to finish each race with a decent time and to remain healthy.

3. To review my races to help plan each year’s schedule.

I love to run races. I can’t always remember when happened at each race. So I recap the race on my blog and then I can look back at my review. It helps me plan for the race by knowing the logistics, the difficulty of the course and often, it helps me decide whether or not to run the race again.

4. To connect with other runners

Most of the time, it is only virtually. But the runners who read my blog are now my running friends. They cheer me on. They offer sympathy after a poor race or run. They have lifted my spirits when I have been injured. They are the ones I turn to when I need advice.

5. To inspire others to run

Of course, I want everyone to want to run. It has greatly improved my life. My wish is that by reading my blog, an older lady starts to run, continues to run and reaps the same rewards from running as I have.

Happy Running! Why do you blog? How long have you been blogging?

March 24, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: 100 Best Running Blogs, Group Runs,Volunteering, New Routes, Racing, etc.

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

100 Best Running Blogs (according to Healthy Mom’s Magazine)

I’m #2.

They are, however, not in any particular order. But it is still so cool.

I wish that I had time to follow them all but quite a few of my favorites are on this list.

You can see the complete list here – http://healthymomsmagazine.net/2016/03/100-best-running-blogs.html

Freihofer’s Training Challenge Group.

So this is the 6th one and my second.

It was nice to see such a large group of newbie runners.

Coach Patrick is back too (and he’s cute, isn’t he?)

It was nice to see those familiar faces.

caught up with a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador…hopefully soon it will be warm enough to wear our skirts

I signed up for the “Advanced” group which means I am running with the speedy runners. Not only am I not as fast as they are but often, I will have completed my long run (or even a half marathon) the day before. It will be humbling to be dragging along at the back of the pack.

Still, it’ll be fun not to do my weekday runs alone…and to maybe even do some speed work (if my legs can handle it.)

they make us to dynamic warm-ups before and stretched after

STEM and GOTR

Since I’m not busy enough, I signed up for both of these.

For STEM, using the CouchTo5k app, I will run with a group of new runners (survivors of Domestic Violence) on Wednesdays. Then run a 5K with the them. This is my 3rd volunteering and it is SO rewarding to see what a difference running has made in their lives.

crossing the finish line at last spring’s 5k

I am also being a running buddy for the 2nd time in the Girls On the Run program.

I am paired up with a 5th grader at a local elementary school. I get to meet her next Tuesday. In addition to writing motivational notes to her, I will run both a practice 5k with her and then a 5k race.

some girls at their fall 5k

New Routes

I get bored with the same old, same old. I am always looking for a new place to do my runs, especially those long, boring ones. I am lucky to have access to quite a few flat bike paths.

one of my new favorites – Delmar Rail Trail

Still, I was glad to find another new trail (Thanks to Judy). The Zim Smith Trail is 9 miles long. I’ve only run 2 miles of it so I have a lot more exploring to do.

In addition to a nearby bakery, at one end, there are public restrooms and along the trail, interesting wood carvings.

Check this video:

Upcoming Races

There’s always a race on my schedule. In fact, I have one for each of the next three weekends.

ibc5k

This race is Sunday. It’s my 2nd time for this race and it’s on a familiar flat running route. Afterwards, I’ll add on 7 more miles.

dd16

This is one of my favorite races because it is flat and near where I live. Of course, after the race, I’ll have to run 6 more miles.

This race is April 9. I signed up for the 10k but I’m getting cold feet and may switch. It’s very hilly. I’ve run the 5k twice and won a pie each time for my AG award. Afterward, I need to enough miles to make it to 12.

Next Big One

April 24 – it’s hilly so I guess at some point I should do some hill training.

Happy Running! Do you participate in any running groups? Have you had the opportunity to mentor other runners? Did your blog make the list? Which blogs are missing? Do you run races while you are training for a big race? Do you search out new places to run? What are you thinking about this Thursday?