March 9, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Gracious

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 GRACIOUS.

The dictionary defines gracious as; “being pleasantly kind, benevolent and courteous.”

How do we become a “gracious” runner?

Help other runners even it means that you may run slower, re-arrange your running calendar or and run fewer miles than planned.

I volunteered my time twice in the STEM running program. Yes, I had to run much slower. Yes, I had to drive in rush hour traffic to get to the running location. Yes, I had to skip my usual running distance. But it was worth it to see the look on a runner’s face when she completed her FIRST 5k.

had my slowest 5k time but who cares?

I also participated in the GOTR program and plan to again. It is so important to make a difference in a young girl’s life.

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Thank the volunteers at a race. There wouldn’t be a race without them. You wouldn’t have water. You wouldn’t have packet pick up. You would not know where to turn on the course. They are often out there for hours in the rain, cold, heat, etc. in order to make the race that you are running in a successful one.

Be modest about your racing successes.

Be proud, of course but keep it under check when around a slower runner than yourself or one who runs shorter races. Don’t brag!

Be mindful of other runners.

That means if you are walking, let runners go by. Don’t block the way if you are pushing a stroller uphill. If you are running with a dog, make sure that the dog is leashed.

And lastly:

Happy Running! Any other ways that you can be a “gracious” runner?

March 8, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: The Best Thing(s) About Running …

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

This week’s topic is The Best Thing About Running is…

I certainly could not just limit it to ONE thing!!

So in no particular order, here are the BEST things about running for me:

New friends I have made

deenkastor

Guilt-free carb-loading (before & after a run or race)

Best way to end a bad day (or start off a tough day)

Excuse to shop – buy new running clothes, shoes, gear, etc.

shoe

Setting your own goals (run your “own” race)

How you feel when crossing the finish line in a race

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Feeling healthy, active & alive

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Sense of pride & accomplishment (I’m 62 and running half marathons!!)

1st

Being alone and getting lost in one’s own thoughts

The bling 🙂

Happy Running! What do you like BEST about running?

March 7, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I actually took a 15 min walk with a co-worker during the day.

on the track since it was warmer there

After work, I took a run in the park. My legs were still tired from Saturday but the weather was nice so… I just dragged myself through it.

still light enough to run in the park

Tuesday – Just a work day followed by tennis in the evening (and wine & pizza, of course)

another 15 min. walk on the track

Wednesday – It appears that winter is back. The cold accompanied by 40 mph wind gusts. No walking outside at work besides back and forth between buildings. This was not a fun after work run but I survived. Afterward, I had dinner with two co-workers and that was fun.

Thursday – Our 15 min walk in the morning has become a routine (2 days in a row) at work. Otherwise it was just work and hair appointment after work.

Friday – Another normal work day (morning 15 min walk & afternoon walk to Starbucks). A quick run after work followed by an evening of mah jongg.

It was very cold but wearing white shoes & flowered capris made me think of spring

Saturday – My rest day!! Errands, housework, cooking…fun, fun, NOT!

Then I went to an expo. Signed up for 2 5ks and 1 half. Saved $22, got 3 shirts and met a running friend. Now that was fun.

Sunday – My last long run before the big one. I met Judy & Barbara on the bike path but actually only ran with Barbara (when she wasn’t too fast for me.)

Afterwards, the three of us went out for High Tea (tea sandwiches, scone & pastries).

The day ended with a Downton Abbey viewing Party.

19 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #18 – Taper Time )

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Celebrate Life Half Marathon

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? How are you coping with winter weather?

March 6, 2016 by Darlene

Sunday Teas

Today was a day of “tea” with some running, eating, hot tubbing and TV viewing thrown in.

Morning

The day started with some Dirty Chai.

As I am trying to add caffeine back into my life, I am transitioning from herbal tea to chai then to coffee. So I tried Dirty Chai which is chai plus espresso. It was ok. I am still looking forward to my morning lattes.

Afternoon

Today was also my last long run before next Sunday’s half marathon.

I invited both Judy and Barbara to accompany me. I planned to run 10 miles. Although Judy runs at a slower pace, I don’t mind doing part of my long runs with her.

Barbara runs much faster (and faster than me) but she isn’t training for anything so I wasn’t sure how far she would run with me. But she decided that she would try to do all 10 miles.

What a perfect day for running – blue skies, sunshine, a little wind and cool but not too cold.

Barbara & I wound up running in each direction so we could loop back to our cars for fuel and water.

Unfortunately, we only met up with Judy for a minute. It was too difficult to coordinate and Judy was carrying her fuel and water so she just ran out and back by herself.

Barbara and I were fine together for about 5 miles but at that point, I needed to slow down so she went ahead.

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For the next 5 miles, we ran together and then she ran ahead. And when Barbara tired because she isn’t used this many miles, I ran ahead.

This run was way better than last week’s. I am glad to be going into a half marathon after a decent long run. I am grateful that Barbara stuck with me.

Not long after, Judy was done with her 9 miles and the three of us headed out for a post race treat.

High tea!! We got a pot of tea, 3 tea sandwiches, a scone and 3 desserts! YUM!

Great idea, Judy! What a fun way to end a run. Hope to do that again…

As soon as I got home, I jumped in the hot tub to soothe my weary bones. AAAHHH!

Evening

I don’t know if you are a Downton Abbey fan like I am. But I love that show and am so sad to have end it tonight.

I was invited to a viewing party at a co-worker’s house.

Guess what I am bringing?

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you run or race? Did you watch Downton Abbey?

March 5, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – March

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that my diet is way off this week.

We’ve had 4 software demos at work this week. To entice faculty to come, we give them lunch. Only a few come and there is so much food left. I hate to see food go to waste…soup, sandwiches, salad. That’s not so bad.

But chips and cookies!!!

Oh no! I overindulged!

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that these star offers for Starbucks are killing me.

This week when you order with the mobile app, you get TWO stars. After 12 stars, you get a free order.

I can’t stop myself.

Have you tried the Butterscotch latte yet?

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am very excited. After many years of running with pain, I finally found MY SHOE!! Nike Air Zoom Vomero 10s!!

I admit. I have bunions. Not big ones but the smaller one hurts…at the beginning, middle and/or end of every run…until now.

I have running shoes that are bearable (Mizunos) so I do wear them because I want to save my PERFECT shoes.

Here’s what they say about Nike Air Zoom Vomero 10s:

…. provides a dreamy combination of soft yet responsive cushioning with lightweight Nike Zoom Air and new, ultra-plush Lunarlon foam.

… in the heel and forefoot delivers lightweight, responsive cushioning at heel-strike and toe-off, helping you reach high speeds, faster.

The lightweight Lunarlon foam midsole softens every stride. It’s firmer in the rearfoot and softer in the forefoot to create a smooth transition.

The Flymesh upper provides smooth, breathable comfort with support where you need it most.

Here’s what I say:

Wide soft toe box = NO PAIN = ALL GAIN!!!

I may not be any faster but my feet are happier.

I bought these in Sept. and wore for my Dec 6 half.

I bought these in Jan. and wore them for my Feb 7 half.

I recently ordered these and will wear for a Spring half.

I just ordered these and am saving them for summer.

And I only paid full price for the first pair. Now when the next model comes out and it is different, I will not be upset.

Does anyone else buy extra pairs when they find a shoe that they love?

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you than I’m almost back to coffee. I’ve been drinking decaf lattes but in the morning, I’ve switched from herbal tea to chai. It has caffeine.

I wish mine looked this good…

So I’m on my way baaack.

And I’m not sleeping any worse.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that my last long run before my next half marathon is tomorrow.

Yay!!

And I will have my 2 running buddies helping me!

And even better news, we’re going out afterwards for lunch/tea/desserts!!

at Tailored Tea

That should make the miles go faster.

Happy Running! What can you share with me today?

March 4, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: The Long Run

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!

Since tomorrow I am finishing up my training for my next half marathon, my “fitness” topic for this Friday is appropriately Five Ways to Survive the Long Run.

Here are the things that have gotten me through the last few weekends:

Find a Scenic Route

It’s so much more enjoyable if you run some place with great views. I personally wished I lived along the ocean but I don’t. So I either run along the river or some place with trees or bridges.

on the Delmar Rail Trail

2. Plan Ahead.

You need to decide when based on your schedule and more importantly the weather forecast, you are going to do your long run. Then the night before, I don’t plan to go out drinking with friends, stay up too late or skip dinner.

This was not the night before a long run.

3. Do it with a Friend.

The miles and time also go faster when you run with someone else, even if it is just for a few miles. My friend, Judy, is often on a different training schedule. So I may start my run first and then meet her for the last few miles or vice versa.

Dec - running with a new friend

4. Run for Distance not Time.

When I am running longer distances, I try to focus on how far I am running and not how fast. I find that when I focus on time, it makes the run seem longer than it really is. Plus, I am checking my watch or phone instead of enjoying the run.

Winter_4-145

5. Reward yourself when you’re done.

After the accomplishment of a long run, I like to treat myself. In fact, it is a motivator and I look forward to it the whole time that I am out there. In the warmer temps, it is often ice cream. In the winter, a Starbucks mocha latte.

ice_cream_cone_from_stewarts

Happy Running! Any other tips for surviving the long run?

March 3, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT & My February Recap

It’s already March 4 and I have been delinquent about recapping the month of February.

So here’s how things went…

Weekday Runs:

The weather got colder, windier and snowier (still no big storms) but I still was able to run 2-3 times each week.

Long Runs:

I started out the month with a half marathon. Then in preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

The first long run was a solo one and for the last two, I had company. Definitely enjoyed the last two much more!

Total Mileage:

90 miles this month!

Much less than last month (11 miles less) but there was tapering, half marathon recovery, frigid weather and I had a cold.

+3 this week (leap year!!)

Actually this month’s total is more normal for me with regard to monthly running mileage.

Races:

I only ran ONE race (yes, that is odd for me) and it was the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. I loved everything about the race except for the cold, windy weather.

2:17:56

But I was still pleased with my time.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise!

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I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building and to Starbucks and back)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I think I’m addicted!!

Other News:

I am still working on that scarf. Someday I may finish it.

I spent an awesome 6 days on the Gulf coast of Florida. The weather was not ideal but the company made up for it. I love my friends!!

My friends got together for a coloring book party. It was a lot of fun.

And there were quite a few reasons to celebrate.

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Valentine’s Day

a friend’s birthday

3 months until Memorial Day on the lake

I joined the 100 Half Marathon Club. I don’t know if I’ll ever reach 100. (I’ve only run 17 and I am 62.) But I’ll have fun trying. And I don’t have to travel to all 50 states.

I won a running belt in a giveaway. I’m looking forward to wearing it in a race.

belt

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am training for another half marathon in March. It’s a hilly one but such an important cause!!

March 13, 2016

I have been busy registering for some spring races:

3-20-16 – Shamrock Shuffle 5 miler
3-26-15 – a few possibilities
4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 10k
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-14-15 – a few possibilities
6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women

There will be more…

I signed up to be a Girls on the Run (GOTR) Running Buddy again.

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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 February turn out? Anything exciting planned for March? What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

March 2, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Serendipitous

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This week’s Word is SERENDIPITOUS.

Serendipitous is an adjective that means “Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.”

What a perfect word to describe my running start.

One day after a tennis match, my friend asked me and my partner if we wanted to try running. She ran and suggested that three of us enroll in No Boundaries, a FleetFeet program for beginning runners and learn to run.

Once a week, we ran together with the No Boundaries runners and coaches and afterward we would go to Chili’s for quesadillas and margaritas.

And so it began at age 55.

Since then, I’ve run over 180 races (I’ve lost count) including 17 half marathons.

Thanks Mary Pat and Pat for getting me started on this wonderful journey.

Serendipitous also describes many of my running connections and friendships.

I always read other running blogs. One day, a local blogger (The Happy Runner) asked me to help her start a group for new runners (Strong Running Mamas) with the goal of having them run a 5k race. This group has grown immensely and now includes runners of all ages and levels. I bump into someone from that group at almost every race. They are so supportive.

Thanks Felice for starting this group.

Mary, serendipitously asked me to take her picture at a race in 2010. We have been friends ever since…through all our injuries and even though she has recently moved to California.

Thanks Mary for racing with me so so many times. I miss you!

At a recent race, I bumped into someone I worked with for many many years. I didn’t even recognize her and I was shocked that she was a runner. (Yes, physically she had changed A LOT.) At that serendipitous meeting, she bragged about training groups – Turkey Trot & Freihofer’s race challenges. In fact, she talked me into signing up for one.

Since then, I have signed up for three more training groups. I enjoy them and have met many new runners and maybe have even gotten faster (at least more confident.)

Thanks Gina. Glad you recognized me that day.

I could go on and one but I need to mention two local runners whom I can beg to keep me company on some of my long runs.

I used to do my long runs all alone but even if the pace is too slow or too fast, it is much more enjoyable to run with someone else.

Thanks Judy and Barbara for reading my blog and contacting me through FB.

Happy Running! How has running been serendipitous for you?

March 1, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running “Uniforms”

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

This week’s topic is Running “uniforms.” If you could only wear one running outfit for the rest of the year, what would it be?

I think where I live, that would be tough. But if I could, this would be my “running uniform”:

Baseball cap – it keeps my unruly hair out of my way
Tank top – I hate to hot when I am running
Running skirt – so comfortable, look better on me than shorts, and the pockets can hold stuff
Compression sleeves or socks – help my legs recover faster, I think
Running shoes – the brand varies but now my faves are Nike Zoom Vomero 10s (in the pic below)

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Unfortunately, I live in upstate New York and I can only wear my preferred outfit from June-August. That’s probably why I take two race-cations in Florida each year.

Happy Running! What would your running uniform look like?

February 29, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I worked all day at the NYS Bar Exam but managed to squeeze in a short run afterwards. The good news was that I ran on a new route. The bad news was that my legs were pretty tired.

around a college and a country club

Tuesday – Second day at the Bar Exam and a long one it was. My only exercise was walking up and down the halls.

Wednesday – Rain forced me onto the treadmill.

4 miles…hated every minute.

Thursday – Another run after work. It rained all day but luckily it stopped at 6 pm so I didn’t have to get on the treadmill. Afterward walked the mall with my bff.

around the UAlbany campus

Friday – A normal work day followed by an evening of mah jongg. Rest Day!!

Saturday – My 12 mile run was split with running the first 6 with Barbara (who tired me out) and the last 6 with Judy. It was harder than last week but I guess some runs are like that.

Went to a Chinese New Year’s party in the evening – lots of food and drink – well deserved.

quick clean up after my run

Sunday – A picnic at the marina with our boating friends. We celebrated it being only 3 months until Memorial Day.

Mimosas on the lake…anxiously awaiting boating season

On the way home, I dropped my hubby off at tennis and squeezed in a couple of miles before the sun set. It was 55 degrees. I had to do it!!

24 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.