February 3, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Run With Your Heart

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 Heart.

But of course. It is February and Valentine’s Day is around the corner.

So how do you run with your heart?

ap-hm1-e1429721092388

Run for someone else.

JA is a great kid who always has a smile on his face. He cannot run but he is always appreciate of my running and sends me encouraging emails. (This is his latest FB post: Thanks Darlene for being the world’s best runner buddy and a great source of support!)

thumbs up on my race.

Run for how it makes YOU feel (not for a finish time or pace.)

Eau Palm Beach Half

I had one of my slowest times in this race but I still felt good about my run. It was hot. It was humid. It was windy. But I finished!!!!

Run without a watch or mobile tracking device.

a park near where I work

Sometimes you just have to run and not pay attention to pace. Pick a place where you like to run and leave the technology behind. Just enjoy!!

Give the run or race your best effort.

I really did try to beat that 10 year old. I did not but I tried!! Sometimes you will succeed and most times you won’t. But always give it your all.

Believe that you are stronger and capable of MORE than you think.

nhm finish

From 3.1 to 13.1. Yes, I never ran more than a 5k race when I attempted a half marathon. I was in disbelief when I completed my first half marathon. And I was almost 57 years old.

If you run with your heart, you can do anything!

Happy Running! How do you run with your heart?

February 2, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Favorite Routes

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

This week’s topic is Scenes From My Run.

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I love to run in places where there is no traffic. That being said, here are my favorites. (Of course, I wish I lived somewhere were there were ocean views…)

Corning Bike Path

along the Hudson R.

Nisky Bike path

along the Mohawk R.

The Crossings

a park with lots of paths

Delmar Rail Trail

3 miles of it is now paved

UAlbany

3 mile loop always clear and. well lit

Washington Park, Albany

a lake and lots of paths (and hills)

Colonie Town Park

trails and a bike path

Unfortunately during my work week, I often don’t get to run on my favorite routes. But there’s always the weekend!

Happy Running! What is your favorite place to run?

February 1, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – It was a beautiful night for a run. It actually felt balmy compared to Saturday (high 30s and no wind).

Tuesday – Today was just normal work day with tennis afterward. I finished my scarf and started a new one. But I think the lace pattern is too complicated to do while on the exercise bike. (Third World Problem LOL)

Wednesday – A short run after work before my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies. I wanted run during the day in the sunshine but it was so windy that I waited.

Look! It’s still light outside.

These dinners out wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t order dessert but I did!!

Thursday – I took a short work in the morning at work because the sun was out (but it didn’t last though.) Again my social life interfered with my running. I had to squeeze in my after work run because I was having dinner out with a co-worker.

Blue sky! Sun, I caught you.

so pretty

Friday – Besides a quick walk to Starbucks, it was a true rest day followed by an evening of mah jongg at my house.

snow!!!!

Saturday – Second rest day in a row. I filled my time with an hair appt, nail appt and lots of errands.

Sunday – Today I participated in HMRRC’s Winter Series #5’s 10 mile race. I really only wanted to run 8 miles but the other choices were to race 4 miles or 20 miles. So it was fast but I got it done and had fun.

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #17 – TAPER TIME)

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – run?, pack!
Thursday – Fly to Florida
Friday – rest, run??
Saturday -rest, packet pick up
Sunday – Sarasota Music Half Marathon

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 ?

January 31, 2016 by Darlene

Winter Series #5 (10M) Race Recap

last year – I’m the one with the pink hat & gloves

Yes, I ran another FREE race sponsored by Hudson Mohawk Runners Club .

This weekend, they offered distances of 4M, 10M and 20M.

I usually run 8 miles on the weekend before my half marathon. But the 4M option was too short so I decided to run the 10 miles being careful not to overdo.

This would be my 5th 10 miler :

2015:
HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 1:42:50 (same course)
2014
The Perfect 10 Miler (in NJ) – 1:38:45 PR
Adirondack Distance 10m – 1:44:39
Mayor’s Wellness 10m – 1:49:55

On this same course, I finished the 15k two weeks ago in 1:33:13.

So my expectations (NOT A GOAL!!) for this one was to be around 1:40-:42. but most importantly, NOT GET INJURED!!!

The weather cooperated. It was the warmest day we’ve had in a while. It was forecast to be in the high 40’s but unfortunately, it was pretty windy so it felt cold when I left.

I had a headache all night and didn’t sleep well. I contemplated skipping the race and running later but in the end I went.

I left later than usual but luckily got the last spot in the lot.

I immediately bumped into my FB friend, Barbara. I also got to see Patrick, my running coach from the Turkey Trot. He was the race coordinator this week. I also chatted with Lara whom I played on a team with years ago and Sherri whom I met at a local race a few months ago.

me, Lara, Barbara & Sherri

I stayed indoors until the very last minute and then made my out way outside.

It felt COLD due to the wind. I was glad I kept my jacket on and had gloves.

Both Barbara and Sherri were running the 4.3 miler. Lara was running her first 10 mile race.

Those running the 10 miler started near the tennis courts and the first mile was a loop around the courts before continuing on to the two loops of the State Office campus.

I’ve run this same course so many times but it doesn’t get any better. It’s boring and there are hills and not enough water stops. (But I’m not complaining. It’s a FREE race!)

When the wind was at your back, it was very pleasant. I even unzipped my jacket and took off my gloves.

I kept telling myself to run a slower pace. It would suck to have something hurt so close to my half marathon.

So I let Lara run by me and didn’t try to catch up.

During mile 3, a guy came up to me and we started chatting. He was training for the Toronto Marathon which he would be running with his 25 yr-old speedy daughter from NYC. Eventually, I told him to run ahead. He was slowing down to talk to me and I was speeding up to talk to him.

So I trudged along and didn’t walk (except for several times when my sunglasses fogged up…so annoying) until the first water stop at mile 4 or so. I took a Gu and walked for awhile. It felt so good to walk but then it was hard to get going.

I just told myself that this was simply a training run and just do it.

It was funny how the 20 milers were sprinting by me one by one. I had to keep moving over to get out of their way.

I ran alone until around mile 7. Elsa from the SRMs caught up to me and we chatted. Then she and her friend passed me by. Eventually they walked a bit & I passed them by. But in the end, they passed me again and I never caught up to them.

I walked again and took at GU at second water stop around mile 8.

Throughout the race, the wind would pick up and I would zip up my jacket and put my gloves back on and then it wold die down and I would be sweating.

Finally the end was near. Miriam who used to work where I take yoga, caught up to me. We chatted until she sped off. It must be nice to have all that speed at the end.

I never do. This race was no exception.

But I was very happy that I felt fine and nothing hurt. I was able to keep my slower pace the whole time and I didn’t try to race.

I did sprint finally and crossed the finish line around at 1:44:10.

Much slower than I expected but feeling good.

I grabbed some refreshments – some hot soup (tomato basil?), vegetarian chili, bread and then, hot chocolate and cookies.

I finished 163 out of 178. At least I wasn’t last.

ws5

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 4th I think among the speedy old ladies.

So I did what I set out to do – my last long training run before the big one.

Race splits:

mile 1 – 9:37
mile 2 – 10:02
mile 3 – 9:55
mile 4 – 10:18
mile 5 – 11:03 (water & GU)
mile 6 – 10:45
mile 7 – 10:36
mile 8 – 10:58 (water & GU)
mile 9 – 10:29
mile 10 -10:22
.1 – 7:05

I was glad that I ran the race. My pace was slower than if I was really racing it but definitely a lot faster (and more enjoyable) than running alone.

Next week at least, it’ll be WARMER! And I won’t have to wear winter clothes like above.

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Did you run this weekend?

January 29, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

It’s that time again. The last Friday of the month. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

You how they say don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Well, don’t go to Target after a long run when you are half frozen.

puffer jacket with hood

Well, at least it was on clearance and I had a cartwheel coupon.

2. I runfess…

Remember how I said I loved my FitBit because it made me walk more. I used to try to get to 10,000 steps everyday.

last week

Well, the newness has worn off and now I pretty much only get 10,000 steps when I do a long run (like on Sat.). I even forgot to put it on on Sunday but I didn’t move much anyway.

3. I runfess…

After all those holiday parties and Christmas cookies, I vowed to cut back and eat healthier (and save $) in January. Besides when I go to Florida in a week, there will be a lot of eating and drinking going on with friends (and I will be going all out.)

monthly tennis ladies night out

I went out to dinner this past week three nights in a row. My bad.

4. I runfess…

I work several Saturdays during the year proctoring law school entrance exams. Though I hate to work 6 days a week, I justify it by using this extra money for race entry fees.

Dates for 2015-16:

December 5, 2015 – EAU Palm Beach Half weekend
February 6, 2016 – Sarasota Music Half weekend
June 6, 2016.
September 24, 2016.
December 3, 2016

I just signed up for a fall half marathon.

Guess when? Yup. September 24, 2016. At least, I had a 10% coupon code.

5. I runfess…

I have gotten spoiled by either running a race or having a running partner for part of all my long runs. Thanks Judy!

This part Saturday was no exception. I ran 6 miles by myself then Judy came to run the final 6 with me. I usually run slower the second half of my runs so it works out fine. However, it was so cold and windy and we were running uphill that I couldn’t hold the slower pace. I wound up running the last 3 miles by myself. Sorry Judy!

I looked back at one point and couldn’t see Judy.

And for extra measure…

6. I runfess…
I can’t wait to leave the frigid Northeast and run in Florida. I am excited for my half marathon…

new Nike shoes & skirt & top from SkirtSports

or maybe it’s because I want to wear my latest running purchases? (Yes, Sunshine State, please warm up!)

Since it is also Friday, I am linking up with the three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC for their Friday Five linkup.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

January 28, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday – Caffeine and Sunshine

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

CAFFEINE…

In August 2013, I decided to give up alcohol and caffeine. Crazy, right?

The story is that I am a terrible sleeper – it’s has to be dark, quiet, comfortable & I need a book. Even then, I sometimes can’t sleep. Somewhere I read that it would help to eliminate caffeine and alcohol.

It was really difficult to give up coffee. I LOVE COFFEE.

Then there’s energy gels. Most have caffeine, right? So I had to limit myself to rootbeer & peanut butter GUs.

Did my running suffer? Not that I noticed.

Did my sleeping improve?? Hard to say. Sometimes yes and sometimes no.

Little by little, I have been cheating by having decaf Starbucks lattes and an occasional glass of wine or mixed drink. I have even bought salted caramel and caramel macchiato GUs.

But for some reason, this week I have been feeling the need for CAFFEINE!!! I mean like I crave it. I feel so sluggish at work.

So twice, I’ve gone to Starbucks and bought a Flat White. (Today could make it 3 times.)

It was great. I started to feel better and I felt so much more energetic after work. And I had great runs.

Am I going back to caffeine?

Not yet… but maybe soon.

I NEED SUNSHINE!!!

Maybe it’s not the caffeine that I need but the sun!! It’s been cloudy for weeks and even if it is sunny, I work inside and it’s dark when I go out to run.

I went for a short walk today…because the sky was blue and the sun was out. It was cold and windy but you can’t have everything.

And then after work when I run, it will look like above ….dark!! But at least I did get to feel the sun on my face for a few moments today.

ONE WEEK!

Yes, one week from day, I will be flying to Florida!! It’s too soon to trust the weather forecasts.

half marathon on Feb 7.

I am just hoping for SUNSHINE!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

January 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Being an Optimistic Runner

This week’s Word is Optimism.

Optimism is defined as “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something” or this definition which I like better:

For the most part, I think runners are optimists. We wouldn’t be out there day after day if we weren’t.

As runners, how can we be more optimistic?

Take risks.

Run in a place where you’ve never run before. Don’t use excuses such as “I may get lost,” “I’m not good on hills, “It’s too far,” “Trails are too hard,”I’m too slow to run with them,” “Tracks are boring,”etc. Take a chance. This new place could become your new favorite route. An optimistic runner will seize new opportunities with an open mind.

Don’t be afraid to fail.

Sign up for a new distance. Join a running group. Try a new race. You never know how you’ll do until you try. Running is hard. So yes, you may fail. An optimistic runner will try and expect to cross that finish line.

Focus on the positive in a run or race.

Runners will have bad runs. There will be awful races. We will get injured. But an optimistic runner will see value in each running experience and is able find something positive:

-I ran my fastest mile
-I didn’t get injured
-I crossed the finish line
-It was faster than my last race
-I had negative splits
-I ran at an even pace
-I ran up the hills
-I did it inspite of….
-I had fun
-I made a new friend
-Great bling.
-Pretty course

Make new goals.

Don’t give up if you don’t succeed. You’re not too slow.Maybe the course was hard. Maybe the weather was the culprit. If you didn’t meet your goal, just sign up for another race. Keep trying.

Am I an optimistic runner?

Sometimes I am not. I whine about how I wish I could run faster. I complain that I didn’t have the race time that I wanted. I sulk when my training runs suck. I don’t like to run when it’s too cold, too hot, too humid, too windy, etc. I hate the treadmill. Blah blah blah.

So this post is therapeutic.

I have a half marathon in 11 days!!

I am going to be an optimist:

I will have fun.
I will enjoy the beautiful course.
I will cross the finish line with smile.
I will give it my best shot.
If it is not up to my expectations, I will still look at its positive outcomes.
I will continue running half marathons as long as I can.

this race is going to be a blast!!

Happy Running! Are you an optimist?

January 26, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Oldies but Goodies

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

race_697_photo_14832070

This week’s topic is Running oldies but goodies. Gear you’d buy all over again.

I haven’t been running for that long – only seriously since 2010 but here’s my list (Sorry if you have heard it all before):

My Garmin 205 Watch

I bought it in 2011 right before my first half marathon. Back then 305/205 was the norm and now runners look and laugh at its size. I still love it because it shows everything I want on ONE screen. I don’t have to hit any buttons. I’ll be sad when it kicks the bucket.

bazu-7540403

My SpiBelt

After breaking my ankle and not having my phone on me, I vowed to always carry it, no matter what. That’s where my SpiBelt comes in handy. It fits my phone, even my new iphone 6s. And for races, no more trying to get your bib pinned on straight. It has hangers to attach my bib to it.

no belt

better, right?

Compression Socks

I wore my first pair for my first half in 2011 and I haven’t looked back since. I think they have helped my legs recover better but I don’t want to not wear them to find out.

stock3

I have since switched to compression sleeves when it is warm & humid to combat the blister issue.

Eau Palm Beach Half

Champion Brand jackets & tights & more…

I don’t like to spend a lot on running gear unless I have to. These you can buy at Target and they have served me well.

I have this jacket in 3 colors – cheap, comfortable & warm enough. Same with their tights.

HMRRC 7K

Polar Cap 2015

Happy Running! What running items would you buy all over again?

January 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Had the day off from work so it would have been nice to go for a run but it was so windy and COLD!! Instead, I went to the dentist, did some errands and played tennis in the evening.

Tuesday – Took my morning walk around work. I intended to run outside but the wind turned me into a wuss. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill instead and then met my BFF for a movie (Carol).

2 episodes of Modern Family

Wednesday – A short run after work before yoga. Cold but not as windy as Monday & Tuesday.

photos when Lisa was the teacher. Now I have Maria.

Thursday – Another after work run. It was cold and windier than Wednesday but I just couldn’t face the treadmill.
Friday – Rest day and an evening of mah jongg.
Saturday – The dreaded 12 mile long run. Today was the day! And the snowstorm hit south and missed us. YAY!!! I like to pick a new location for each of my runs so I chose Colonie Town Park. Judy was again nice enough to keep me company on my last 6 miles. And it was freezing but we survived.

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K race

Sunday – Rest Day. Did a whole bunch of cooking!! Finished my scarf. Finished my puzzle. Watched ice skating on TV. Yes, I stayed home which I NEVER do.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #17 )

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out with tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 mile run, dinner out with a co-worker
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday -rest, hair appt
Sunday – HMRRC #5 – 10 mile race

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 ?

January 24, 2016 by Darlene

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K Race Recap

I am excited to be a Running on the Wall race ambassador and yesterday, I participated in the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K.

Normally I run races every weekend. But in the NE during the winter months, there are very few scheduled.

I would have to just run for myself. But this was so much more motivating.

What I like about virtual races it that they help me push myself just a bit more and this race did just that.

It was not as fast as a real race but definitely better than if I was just running on my own.

What is even cooler is the nice race bling they send you. I got a bib, a medal, a tank top, the bib, a car magnet and either choose a runners hat or arm sleeves. (I chose the arm sleeves since I don’t have any besides the DIY ones made from cheap socks.)

And the tank top, it is light weight and perfect for me! It is one I will be proud and comfortable wearing to remind myself: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Yes, running is hard and it’s supposed to be hard.

Since I had planned to do my long run of 12 miles yesterday, I decided that it would be a good day to run the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10k Race.

The snowstorm hit south of us so we didn’t get a single flake but what we did get was COLD temps and wind.

It was 16 degrees when I arrived to start my race but in the single digits with the windchill. I did dress for these frigid temps and the only thing that was cold were my fingers because I kept taking off my gloves to take photos.

I started my race by running 2 miles around Colonie Town Park. I have run here before and it’s where the Mohawk Hudson Hal Marathon starts.

There’s lots of trails but I kept running into ice and turning around.

The park is on the Mohawk River which looks to be frozen.

Heading out of the park, you run under a covered bridge.

Next I ran on the path toward the Nisky Bike Path where I run many of my long runs.

It was mostly clear but every now and then there were snowy patches. Luckily, it was just snow not ice.

To get to the Nisky bike path, you had to run on the road.

this bridge is on the highway along the Mohawk River

you had to be careful because you couldn’t see cars coming around the curve

Finally I arrived at the entrance of the bike path.

Here there were quite a few snowy patches but they were not slippery.

a view of the Mohawk River in the distance

After 2 miles on this route, I turned around.

I have a really bad sense of direction and made a left when I should have made a right so had to back track. (Good news is that it gave me the .2 miles that I would have needed.)