February 17, 2016 by Darlene

Grow Your Blog Hop Spotlight

I’m in the spotlight today as part of Kristy from Runaway Bridal Planner’s Grow your Blog Hop. And since many of you readers may be new to my running blog, I will tell you about myself in this post:

How it all began

I credit tennis for me becoming a runner. Because it was my tennis friends who talked me into it.

To cope with a broken marriage in my mid-forties, I took up tennis with a co-worker. Like with most things I do, I put 150% of myself into the game. I took lessons, played in contracts and joined many different teams. I played almost each and every day!!

I should admit that I am not athletic at all. In fact, I am very uncoordinated. But when I set my mind to something, there’s no turning back. Eventually, I got to be a decent enough tennis player.

My 2.5 team even competed in a National tournament and came in 3rd!!

The best thing about participating in a sport for the first time in my life was the friends that I have made. These ladies are still my closest friends 15 years later.

Which brings me to running.

Two of my tennis friends asked me one day if I wanted to try running. I responded that I had never run and wasn’t sure I could. So it was decided that the three of us would 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. We had a blast but…

As with tennis, I immediately wanted to be good! And I wanted to be fast! So what if I was 55 years old!! I wanted it all!!!

Way back in 2008…

So my tennis game took a backseat to running and I signed up for 5k race after 5k race. I was addicted. I became a runner!!!

Running Blogger

I work in the IT department of a law school so technology is my thing. As soon I decided to run, I started a blog- this blog. I wrote about becoming a runner, my training and my races.

Blogging is what got me to the next step in being a runner. I read other running blogs and connected with some local bloggers. One, in particular, asked me to help her start a group for new runners (Strong Running Mamas) with the goal of having them run a 5k race.

I was honored. Me helping others run? How cool!

They did it – they ran their 1st 5k!!!

Not only did they run a 5k, they signed up for a 10K and then trained to run a half marathon. Some even have run a full marathon. I soon wondered whether or not I should be pushing myself more!!

Full-Time Runner

Until 2010, I only ran 1-2 miles a few times a week and then ran 5k races on the weekend. And I didn’t run in the winter at all.

It was these Strong Running Mamas who motivated me to put all my energy into running and see where it took me.

This was my last USTA match when my 3.0 team competed in Sectionals.

I stopped playing tennis competitively and only played socially once a week. I ran 12 months a year and increased my running distances. I found that the more I ran, the more I enjoyed running.

Half Marathon Fanatic

The biggest change was that I challenged myself to run 13.1 miles. I still ran the short distance races but added this new distance and loved it. I ran 5 half marathons in 2011, my first year running that distance.

my first half marathon

Injuries

Unfortunately, things were not all wine and roses. I’ve had a few minor injuries such as a strained Achilles in 2011. But 2012 really tested me. I thought my running was over for good In fact, my ortho warned me that it probably was.

I broke my left tibia & fibula with a fall on the ice and as a result I now have 8 screws and a plate in my ankle. I was out of running for more than 5 months. However, I am very stubborn and decided to take my first run during a 5k race. It wasn’t smart but I needed to prove to myself and to my doctor that I could and would run again.

and I made the cover of the local newspaper (I’m the one in purple).

And I did run until a few months later, when I wound up with a metatarsal stress fracture in my right foot. And then in 2013, I broke my left foot. Oy Vey!

Carpe Diem

“Seize the Day” became my new running philosophy. Enjoy each day that you are able to run. Running is a gift. You don’t know when it will be taken away. Don’t take it for granted. Not every run can be a good one. Not every race can be a PR. Just enjoy.

I consider myself fortunate. I have not been injured since 2013. I have run so many races that I have lost count (38 just in 2015) including 12 half marathons after that supposed run-ending broken ankle.

This was not one of my better races but still happy to be running!

Giving Back

Running has given me much more than I could ever give back but I do try.

JA is my special needs IRUN4 buddy. I run every mile for him. His strength inspires me.

He is 11 and so special. I send him my race shirts but I wish I cold do more

I also volunteer in the STEM running program (for domestic violence survivors) plus I am a running buddy for the Girls on the Run program.

Kelly after finishing her 1st 5k

Race-cations

The best vacation for me is one where I can run a race. Yes, I plan my visits to friends around races and love to see new places by running when I am vacationing.

A fun weekend in Philly

So far I have traveled to NYC, California, Florida, New Jersey and Vermont. If only I had more time and more money…

Networking

What makes running one of the best things in my life (besides my hubby of 17 years and my 4 cats) is the people I have met through running. Runners are the BEST!!

I have made friends through reading blogs. Many are only my virtual friends but maybe we will meet someday.

Blogger AJH and I have been able to meet and run many races together

I have running partners that I have connected with through Facebook.

FB & runner friends Judy & Barbara

And of course, there are all those wonderful runners that show up at each race. ❤

Stability

That is today’s Wednesday word by Deb from Deb Runs.

One definition of stability is “the quality or state of someone who is emotionally or mentally healthy.”

I definitely believe that running (and tennis) have added stability to my life or emotionally and mentally healthier. Now when things get tough or I have a bad day, I go for a run and I really do feel better. They say that running also releases a chemical called serotonin, which is a natural mood lifter. Maybe that is why or maybe it’s that I feel more relaxed, more energetic and pleased with myself.

stable (and runner) me

That’s a wrap.

I hope I didn’t bore you with my story. I hope that you continue to follow my blog and read more about my running adventures (past and future.)

And if you know any older ladies who think that are too old or too clumsy to be runners, tell them to contact me.

You can “teach an old dog new tricks!!”

Happy Running!

IG – @dsc59
Pinterest – @dsc59
Twitter – @dcardillo
Bloglovin – http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/my-first-5k-more-3571225
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/My-First-5K-and-More-114412881903283/

Tuesdays on the Run: Race Shirts

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

This week’s topic is Race shirts: Faves and the ones we love to hate.

I have run over 170 races so I have gotten a lot of shirts!! Some I’ve loved and some I’ve never worn again.

I like those race shirts that are practical meaning that I will wear them after the race.

Here are some of my favorites:

Perfect 10 miler 2014

This hoodie is made of tech material and I love the color and the fit. I’ve worn it many times.

Mother’s Day bRUNCh 5k 2015

This one is also a tech shirt. I love the bright color and the design.

Adirondack Distance Run 2014

This is the only race shirt that I have gotten that is sleeveless. I wear it often in the summer.

Delmar Dash 2014

This one is v-necked, long sleeve and very comfortable. I also like the colors.

Bacon Hill Bonanza 2014

What I like about this short-sleeved shirt besides the color is that it has NO SPONSORS on the back. I have even worn it to play tennis.

Last Run 2010.

This race used to give windbreakers every year. So I also have one in orange, blue, green & yellow. They are so practical.

Walkway Half Marathon 2015

I like this shirt because it is very light and made out of all natural materials.

Freihofer’s Run for Women 2012

I love the purple color and the material of this shirt. I have another in green but they have since change the style and material.

Great Pumpkin Challenge 2014

This is a great shirt for the fall. I have it in black and yellow, as well.

And which race shirts do I hate?

Well, any one that is unisex. They do not fit. The sleeves are too long and they are too big even in a size small.

And any shirt that is 100% cotton.

Most of the shirts that I do not like have been made into a Repat quilt or given to my running buddy. Sometimes I do wear them to sleep in or clean or garden.

too big

cotton!!

unisex

too big!

unisex

cotton

Happy Running! Where did you get your favorite race shirt? Why do you love it?

February 15, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Still in Florida. Went for a nice long walk around Sarasota in the morning with my Sarasota hosts.

Then spent the afternoon with my friend from Placida where we walked around the gardens of the Ringling Museum and had an early dinner on the water.

Tuesday – Got up early to take my last run in Placida. Still cool and windy but not complaining because I would soon be in the frigid NE.

Actually only had time for 3 miles

Met some friends from home for lunch before heading to the airport.

Wednesday – Just a restful work day with a work webinar in the evening & unpacking.

Did not enjoy this view!!

Thursday – Intended to run 4-5 miles but would have frozen to death. Afterward walked the mall with my BFF.

yes, -6 with the wind chill – ouch!

Friday – A 3 mile run in the cold followed by an evening with the mah jongg ladies.

almost felt balmy LOL

Saturday – Too cold to run so instead went a lunch/coloring party with my tennis friends.

lots of fun

Sunday – Again I bailed on my long run. Too cold. Too windy. -30 with the wind chill – I think NOT. I did go out for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner with the hubby.

12705568_10154517606724428_7429620365320903645_n

9 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. I guess I can call this recovery week (or too cold to run week)!! I am hoping it warms up next week.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – holiday so a day off from work, 10 mile run, tennis.
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out with the tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday –11 mile run
Sunday – rest

Starting today, I am participating in the 2 Week Hop. I will be spotlighted on Wednesday so be sure to stop by then. If you’ve never participated and are interested in not only growing your blog but making new friends, I highly recommend that you join the next time.

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?

February 13, 2016 by Darlene

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heat Bars Review

I admit I have a sweet tooth. I also eat frequently especially when I am at work. And sometimes I don’t get home until late to eat dinner. So I usually bring snacks to work – a bagel, a few bars, fruit, etc.

So, when I was offered the opportunity to try out the Manitoba Hemp Heart Bars, I signed right up. A while back, I tried hemp hearts and I was excited to see how they incorporated them into a bar.

The bars did not let me down. Not only did I like the taste, but they have 10 grams of protein, 10 grams of omegas and fewer than 10 grams of sugar. The apple cinnamon flavor was good and I’d eat it again, but the chocolate was even better. Not just because it tasted good, but because it fulfilled a craving for something sweet but it didn’t contain a lot of sugar.

Thursday I was very tired but planned to go for a run so I chose the Chocolate Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart bars. It gave me the energy I needed to get through the run.

And yesterday, I tried the Apple Cinnamon bar at work. I ate it earlier and used it as an afternoon snack. Yup, it worked. It kept me satisfied until dinner.

Want to try some?

Sweat Pink and Manitoba Harvest are offering a discount on the Hemp Heart bars. Just visit Manitobaharvest.com and use the discount code hhbarlaunch1015 for 15% off. Code expires 3/31/2016.

Are you feeling lucky and want to win some Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart bars?

Manitoba Harvest is also running a photo contest. (Details here). Open to US and Canada residents. Tag @manitobaharvest #fuelledbyhemp for a chance to win a box of your favorite flavor of Hemp Heart Bars! A winner will be chosen each month!

Happy Running! Have you tried Manitoba Hemp Harvest Bars? If so, what do you think of them?

______________

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post by Fit Approach and Manitoba Harvest. All opinions are my own.

February 12, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Races for Food

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!

I love racing and I love food so my “food” topic for this Friday is Five Races With the Best Food

Sarasota Music Half Marathon

This race had the best post-race brunch ever: egg casserole, sausage, bacon, french toast, pastries, fruit and more.

And yes, I sampled it all.

my first plate…

2. Camp Chingachgook Challenge 10K/Half Marathon

This race ended with a big barbecue: chicken, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, fresh fruit, etc. YUM!!

3. Perfect 10 Miler (NJ)

This race boasted of having “Healthy Clean Eats.” There were pretzels, grilled zucchini, peppers, asparagus and chicken. I would have preferred a little of the unhealthy stuff too.

4. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K/10K

I loved the food at this race. They had the the usual food (fruit, yogurt, bars, bagels)but also chili, pizza, rice & veggies, and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).

And the best chocolate milk (milk straight from a local farm):

5. Mother’s Day bRUNch 5k

There was an awesome post race food display. In addition to cookies, bagels, bars, pastries, bananas, chocolate milk, etc, there was:

mimosas (minus the champagne)

chocolate fountain with pretzels and fruit for dipping

chocolate fountain with pretzels, cake and fruit for dipping

I also had this:

chocolate fountain with pretzels, cake and fruit for dipping

Happy Running! What race(s) have you had the best food?

February 11, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Technology, Training, Winter, Sleep and more…

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 today…

Technology…

I was away for 6 days and I did not go on a computer. Not even once. Not even tempted.

No reading blogs.
No commenting on blogs.
No blog postings (I scheduled them all before I left.)
No replying to emails.

I did minimally post to FB and IG with my phone so that my friends would not think I dropped off the face of the earth.

Sorry fellow bloggers, I ignored you all. But it felt great.

I’m back now … and trying to catch up.

Training…

I was so lucky to be spared the ugly winter weather typical for the NE. I was able to get all my long runs in for my recent half marathon.

It would have been nice to schedule a break.

March 13, 2016

This half marathon is in 5 weeks!!!

It means that I don’t have a break from double digit long runs. 10, 11, 12, 8, and then 13.1

vcm16

VCM is the next one I registered for.

But I’m also even considering one for April 24 – 6 weeks after Celebrate Life. Yes, I have lost my mind!!

Winter…

I just got back from Florida.

There was none of this:

in 2013

It was cold…40’s in the am and 50’s in the pm with awful cold winds off the water.

in 2016

But I shouldn’t have been complaining.

This is what I saw yesterday.

The low predicted for Sunday is -6 degrees and windy! And yes, I have to run 10 miles in that plus find a clear place to do it.

Sleep…

I am an awful sleeper. I have a hard time falling asleep and if I do, I have a hard time staying asleep.

Unfortunately, I recently discovered that my FitBit tracks my sleep patterns. (I had hid it originally.)

I average some weeks getting 4 hours a night. Some nights I get 3. I rarely get more than 5 hours. UGH!!

Aren’t you supposed to get 8 hours???

Happy Running! How are you surviving running in the winter? Do you get enough sleep? What are you thinking about this Thursday?

February 10, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: The Triumphant Runner

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 TRIUMPHANT

This is what it means according to the dictionary:

having won a contest; victorious
feeling or expressing jubilation after having won a victory or mastered a difficulty

There are so many ways that this word applies to RUNNING.

When you run a race, you can feel triumphant for a variety of reasons:

You came in first.

I was pulling off chips at this race so I got to see the winner cross the finish line.

It’s never happened to me but maybe you have been or will be this talented.

You won your age group.

als2

I have been lucky to win age group awards pretty frequently. I say lucky because it’s easier being in an “old lady” age group. Sometimes, I am the only runner in my age group. But I still feel “triumphant.”

You conquered a new distance.

my first 13.1 miles

I’ll always remember my first 5k, my first 10k, my first 15k and of course, my first half marathon.

You overcame an injury.

first run after serious ankle surgery

I am sure we all can relate. You’ve been injured and you wondered if you could ever run again. Then, you did.

You battled difficult weather conditions.

rain, sleet, freezing conditons

Yes, I’ve had to run 3 half marathons in the pouring rain. Running in the heat and humidity is just as difficult.

You completed a race even though you were injured.

smiling inspite of foot pain

I’ve run two 5ks with a foot stress fracture and one with a broken foot. Plus, there have been many with blisters and a backache.

You ran a difficult course.

conquered those Schenectady hills

You achieved a PR.

happy after a 10K PR

PRs don’t come easy. Even when you train for them, they don’t often happen. The older you get, the harder they are to achieve. I savor each one. You never know, if it will be the last one.

You BQed or qualified for a race.

W. Palm Beach Half Marathon

I have never experienced this and since I don’t run marathons, I will not. But I can imagine how awesome it would feel. I would love to run a sub 2 hour half marathon so I could automatically qualify for the NYC Half marathon. But I think I will just have to hope that I get in by the lottery system.

I try to choose flat races because I don’t train on hills. And I suck at them. So when I do run a race with hills, I feel “bad ass.”

But I think that every single time, I cross the finish line of a race no matter how short or how long or how easy or hard it was, I feel TRIUMPHANT!!

ME on page 2

Happy Running! When do you feel triumphant?

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Spring Race Plans

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

tulip12d

This week’s topic is Spring Racing Plans

I’ll try to keep this short since I run A LOT of races. Here are the ones that I’m thinking about running:

Celebrate Life Half Marathon

March 13

It’s a hilly one but I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 3rd time. I plan to run 13.1 miles for her.

There will be signs posted in memory of those who have had cancer.

Shamrock Shuffle 5m

ss5m16

I ran it last year for the first time and it was a nice flat local race. So it’s on my race schedule again.

Ice Breaker 5k Challenge

March 26

I ran this race 3 years ago and its course is one of my favorite places to run. You also race against the rowers on the river which is cool.

post injury 5k PR

Delmar Dash 5m

dd16

This race is flat and it is held near where I live so it’s on my list every year.

Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10K

April 9

This is one of my favorites. The course is out in the country and I’ve won a pie both years I’ve run it. Let’s see if I can repeat.

Spring Run Off 5k or 10K

sro16

This race is held at the same location as the Ice Breaker. They have a great free pasta dinner the night before. I usually run the 10K. But since it’s the day before the Cherry Blossom, I may just run the 5K.

Cherry Blossom 5k

May 1

I love this race too. I am hoping for a year where the cherry blossoms are actually in bloom. This may be the year since it is 2 weeks later than last year.

2nd

Mastodon Challenge 5k or 15k

May 7

I ran the 5k last year on my birthday and fell. I want a redo or maybe I’ll challenge myself and run the hilly 15K.

race location is near the Cohoes Falls

Mother’s Day 5K

May 8 this year

I usually run a race on Mother’s Day so this is a possibility especially if it is the GOTR race. It is held at Central Park in Schenectady which is a great place to run. But there are several Mother’s Day races so I may just choose another one.

pre-race last year

Summer 5k Addiction Awareness Run

May 14

This is a new race and is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.gofundme.com/Summer5k4addiction There will be many other runners and mentors from the program. I am honored to support this cause and to have known and run with Summer.

Vermont City Marathon Relay

May 29

I ran this race last year with AJH. I ran the first leg so this year I’m looking forward to running the 2nd 13.1 miles (and crossing the marathon finish line.)

AJH running the 2nd leg last year

Freihofer’s Run for Women

June 4

And of course, I have to run this race – my race streak race. This will be my 9th time running it.

I love the energy in this all women’s 5k.

I also signed up for the Training Challenge for the 2nd time.

10422515_10152728634751618_2533787278118590781_n

I’m there somewhere?

Betar Byway 5K & Moreau Mile

bbw5k

This race has such a beautiful course. Last year, I ran both the 5k and the mile. It was a lot of fun. Once boating season starts, I try to run races that are held on my race up north.

And yes, there will probably be more added. Maybe even a half marathon in Aptil. Who knows?

Happy Running! What spring race(s) are you planning to run in 2016?

February 8, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Rest day recovering from my 10 mile race on Sunday. Tennis after work.

Tuesday – 4 mile run after work

Wednesday – A short run after work on the treadmill since it was raining and then I rushed home to pack and tried to get to bed early.

Thursday – 5:30 am flight to Ft. Myers, FL. – Ugh!! I flew with 3 friends – one coming with me on this vacation and the other two going to Naples. Fran & I rented a car and drove to Placida where we would be staying with a friend.

dinner with a view of the Gulf

Friday – I got up early to go for a short run, my last one before the race. I ran near where my friend lives, in the neighborhood and a park. It was cool & windy but compared to the NE, it was enjoyable temps.

Spent a great day with friends. We met for a nice lunch in Punta Gorda, then drove to Boca Grande for a (windy) walk on the beach and a visit to a lighthouse.

Saturday – Took a nice morning walk in Placida.

I drove up to Sarasota in the afternoon and picked up my race packet. I spent the the rest of the day with a friend who winters here. We visited a few art galleries, a garden and had pizza for dinner. Unfortunately it rained the whole time.

Sunday – Marathon #17 in the books!!

cold and very windy but beautiful course

We spent the rest of the day on Anna Maria Island. It was beautiful. We walked on the beach, visited the pier, ate dinner on the water and watched the sun set on the Gulf. (Unfortunately it was cool & windy but at least it was sunny!)

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – recovery day in Sarasota and then back to Placida
Tuesday – last day in Florida, 3 mile run, and then flying home in the evening
Wednesday – rest, webinar for work
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday -rest, coloring book party
Sunday – 5K race + 7 or 10 mile run

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 ?

February 7, 2016 by Darlene

January Recap

january

Weekday Runs:

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

Long Runs:

In preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I completed higher mileage each weekend.

Total Mileage:

jan16

101!! The most monthly miles in years or maybe ever!

Races:

I ran three races (& DNSed on one). All were part of the the HMRRC Winter Series (and were free.)

35:00 (Gun time)

1:33:13 (course PR)

1:44:10

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

indoors until June.

I actually went to a yoga class several times.

lheartspaceogo

I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building.)

pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

I also discovered that I can knit while riding the exercise bike so I did that every now and then.

It’s done but I started a new one – maybe too complicated to do on the bike

scarf #2

Other News:

I am a SkirtSports Ambassador Captain for another year. So thrilled to be part of this organization. Love the product and being associated with a great bunch of women.