November 3, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Planning for a Racecation or Destination Race

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 Planning for a Racecation or Destination Race

Well, I do do this several times a year so here are my tips:

Make a list of what you need to bring.

Then you can cross things off as you pack them. Don’t forget race fuel.

Start packing early

I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all because as we know, the weather forecasts will change.

Be prepared for last minute changes in weather.

Bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.

Bring your race morning breakfast.

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal and tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.)

Print important information for packet pickup & the race start.

I have everything on my iPhone but you never know…when it won’t work or the battery dies.

If you are flying, pack race essentials in your carry-on.

What if your luggage gets lost….

Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me last March and June.) Plus you can do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Happy Running! Any other tips for a destination race?

November 2, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 6th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. The hills still kill me and the slower runners didn’t come so I was struggling to keep up.

it was actual 3 fast miles

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk and then 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work and dinner out after.

Wednesday – My walk was rained out and my STEM client had a dentist appt. So I was forced onto the treadmill. I haven’t watched any TV since last winter so watching Nashville on my iPad was the only good thing about the run. After my run, I rushed off to my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies.

3 miles

steak, pasta & pumpkin cheese cake…oh my!

Thursday – Had a busy work day but walked during lunch. After work, I met a running friend, Barbara, for a short run on the rail trail. That was nice to have the company and though I was tired, I ran faster than I would have if I were running alone.

Friday – Today I had the day off from work so I could take the bus down to NYC. After checking my bag at Macy’s, I took the subway to Little Italy for my Italian Food Tour of NYC. After the 2 hour tour, I headed to the expo to pickup my race bib and soak up some NYC Marathon energy. Finally I checked into my room and called it a day.

Saturday – I got up early to get to the start of my 5K. I ran 3.1 miles from the UN and through the NYC Marathon finish line. It was so cool. Then I had brunch at Tavern on the Green. Since it was a beautiful sunny, cool day, I continued running 5 more miles in Central Park – Heaven! After checking out of my room, I had diner & then went back to the expo before catching my bus home.

28:59 – 17 out of 110 in my AG

5 more miles

Sunday – A well deserved rest day but really so much to do around the house.

17 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (4 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group), mall walk with my BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 2 mile run during work, 2 mile walk/run with STEM client
Thursday – rest
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – proctor MPREs, race packet pickup
Sunday -15K race, anniversary mah jongg dinner

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 ?

November 1, 2015 by Darlene

October Recap & Runfessions

OCTOBER GOALS:

Run 3-4 times each week. YES!

I continue to run 3-4 miles during the week trying to vary my running courses.

near work

on the new rail trail

Continue the long runs on the weekend. YES!

But not as long since I was tapering and then just beginning to train for next one.

10/3 – 9.2 miles

10/17 – 6.2 miles (10K race)

10/25 – 7 miles

109/31 – 5 miles post 5K race

Run a 5k race under 29 minutes. YES

It wasn’t a PR but it was faster than my last few 5ks.

28:01

I just ran this one for fun and it was.

28:59 (28:37 – Garmin time)

Run a 10K race under 60 minutes. YES!

59:19 – 3rd in AG

Finish a half marathon under 2:25:00 NOPE! But close.

2:25:47 – stupid lower back pain

Do some yoga. NO! 😦
Start doing planks again. Not really. 😦
Continue running with a group. YES!

every Monday (I skip the Saturday runs though)

Walk 70,000 steps each week. YES!

Oct 10 – new record high

My FitBit has motivated me to take the stairs at work and walk at lunch most days.

park is beautiful this time of year

Pick a spring half marathon. NO!

But I did register for another winter one (EAU Palm Beach on Dec 6).

I registered for NYC on March 20 but I don’t know if I’ll get in.

I will also try to get into Brooklyn on May 14 (registration doesn’t open until Jan) as well as VCM (if AJH wants to run the relay again.)

Run at least 85 miles. Nope! But close.

Start a knitting project. Nope not yet.

What else?

Went to NYC with my tennis friends.

We walked the High Line and saw the Carole King musical Beautiful.

Had a nice time touring Brooklyn before and after my race.

I walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and visited Prospect Park on Saturday.

After the race, I spent the afternoon on Coney Island.

Volunteered with the STEM program again.

I run with Kelly after work on Wednesdays. She is going to do great in her first 5K.

Spectated at a Duathlon.

I was my 4th time watching AJH compete in this race and I enjoyed it. If it were warmer, I would have enjoyed it even more 🙂

Walked over the Walkway Bridge with my college BFF.

After meeting at the Clark Institute in September, we decided to get together more often. Unfortunately, my other college friend fell and broke her ribs & collar bone biking and couldn’t come. I’m glad we chose to walk instead of bike. The day turned out great.

Saw my Mentee’s son.

We went to Ellms Family Farm which has become an annual fall tradition for us. (Unfortunately his mom had to work.)

Ran a race in NYC…finally!

Dash to the Finish 5k

It started at the UN and 3.1 miles later, I crossed the NYC Marathon finish line. What a great experience.

Took a Food Tour of Little Italy the day before the race.

And got to run around Central Park on a beautiful fall day after the race.

November Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week.
Continue long runs on the weekend.
Run a 5k race under 29 minutes.
Run a 10K race under 60 minutes.
Run a 15K race under 1:35.
Start going to the gym once a week.
Do those planks!
Continue running with a group.
Walk 70,000 steps each week.
Run at least 80 miles.

This month I’m linking up again with Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

I think I may have to make these yearly Runfessions rather monthly because they repeat.

I runfess..,.

I am still in weight la la land. I have no idea how much I weigh since my scale STILL has no battery.

I runfess…

I have not gone to the gym or signed up for a yoga class.

I want to but things get in the way (mostly running.)

I runfess…

I have only run once with my STEM client (victim of Domestic violence.) She has cancelled and I haven’t been able to reschedule . Each time, I am secretly happy because that means I can run on my own nearby.

I hope it works out for the next few Wednesdays because she is very sweet and a good runner.

I runfess…

On my training group runs, I walk up the hills and I do not run fast on the speed drills.

I am either too tired after work or did my long run the day before. I better get it together or my Turkey Trot 10k will suck.

I runfess…

I love taking pictures when I run. This means that I stop and walk … A LOT. I should leave my phone home but fall is so pretty.

I runfess…

My fitbit excitement is wearing off already (after one month.)

I am sitting more at work and now it doesn’t bother me when I don’t hit 10,000 steps.

I runfess…

I don’t drink anything caffeinated. I drink herbal tea in the morning. But I think I use sweets for energy.

Yup, cider donuts, pumpkin poptarts, etc … If I am tired, I eat.

I runfess..

I jump into things without thinking them through.

So I signed up for a half marathon on Dec 6 in Florida. It’s on a Sunday and I arrive on Friday. Though I have friends to stay with on Friday & on Sunday, it’s going to be inconvenient. The Race is in West Palm, one lives 1/2 hour north and one lives 1/2 hour south. Last time, I arrived the day before the race and stayed for a few days after. It worked out well but this time, I was afraid of transportation snafus.

Happy Running! How was your October? Anything interesting planned for November? Do you have something to Runfess?

October 30, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fave Fall Pics

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!

This week’s theme is FREE FRIDAY

So I’ll post FIVE of my favorite Fall photos since soon the leaves will be gone:

Washington park

Mohawk Towpath Byway (where the duathlon started)

Black Mountain Point on Lake George

Hudson Valley Rail Trail

Delmar-Albany Rail Trail

Happy Running! How are the fall colors where you live?

October 29, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: So much to do & so little time

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

I am going to NYC early tomorrow and coming home late Saturday.

The purpose of this trip to NYC is to run the NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K on Saturday morning.

8:30 am Oct 31, 2015

Originally, I thought that I had so much time….

I was wondering what I was going to do all day Friday and then all day Saturday… by myself.

Now I have so many things planned that there isn’t enough time…

FRIDAY:

Check my bag in Macy’s. (~9:30 am)

If you ever go to NYC, there is a free bag check in the basement at 34th & Broadway. Of course, I’ll want to leave Macy’s right away and not be tempted to shop.

Italian Food Tour of NYC (12- 2 pm)

I found a great Groupon for this…

Immerse yourself in the food and culture of one of New York’s most colorful neighborhoods, Little Italy, and sample some of the best Italian food in NYC. Hear the stories behind the historic Italian landmarks that defined the immigrant experience at the turn of the 20th Century. Every delicatessen, bakery and pizza shop on The Italian Food Tour Of New York is over 100 years old! (All food is included, 4 course lunch on the go.)

ITINERARY:

Parisi Bakery Frank Sinatra considered himself addicted to their prosciutto infused bread, as have many others over the past 103 years since this bakery opened!

Alleva Dairy The oldest cheese shop in America, this still family-owned and operated shop whips up 4,000 pounds a week of the freshest mozzarella and ricotta you’ll ever taste!

Lombardi’s Pizza America’s oldest pizzeria! Their 106 year old coal oven still impresses locals, tourists, and international foodies alike

Ferrara Bakery Lucky for you, your tour guide has line jumping privileges. The line to this bakery has been one of the longest in New York since 1892!

Movie Locations Being Little Italy you’ll recognize locations from films like The Godfather, Donnie Brasco, Mean Streets, Serpico, and even Sex and the City!

Curb Exchange The bootlegging depot of New York during the Prohibition era. See where all the deals went down, and find out what happened when they fell through…

Petrosino Square The public space named after New York’s first Italian detective, who took on the five points gangs in a fight to the death!

Old St. Patrick’s Cathedra The first Catholic Church in New York, this 200 year-old has hosted many high profile film productions, weddings, and memorial services. Take a look inside, you’ll be wowed!

Get to the NYC Marathon pavilion (at some point, maybe??)

The brand-new TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion will be open to runners, race supporters, and the public. It’ll serve as an entertainment hub and welcome center for this incredible race. The state-of-the-art space, located at Tavern on the Green, features a beautiful glass structure with a bar and café catered by the wonderful chefs of the Tavern on the Green. It also includes official TCS New York City Marathon merchandise and lots of running-related programming.

9:00–11:00 a.m. Kathrine Switzer Book Signing Meet the author and purchase Marathon Woman in the book signing area.

2:00 p.m. Movie Trailer Screening: Tracktown Including a special appearance by filmmaker and famed runner Alexi Pappas.

Go to the EXPO to get my race packet.

It’s at the Javits Center and it’s for the NYC Marathon, as well. I need to hold back on the buying but we’ll see what I find that I want and don’t need.

Pick up my bag at Macy’s
Check into my room. (6 pm)

It’s on 38th & 9th. I reserved it through AirBnB. Since it went so well when I ran the RNR Brooklyn Half, I am not nervous about this one.

Pre-race Dinner nearby

SATURDAY:

Get to the race start. (7:30 am)

It starts at the UN and there will be probably around 15,000 runners. Unfortunately, bag check is at the end (Central Park) so I guess I will not be checking anything.

The RACE (8:30 am)

I am very excited about it. Hopefully it will not be raining or cold. I am asking for sunshine.

Brunch at Tavern on the Green (10:15 am)

I’ve eaten here years ago but then the restaurant closed. Now it’s open and I made reservations. So I will be eating in a fancy restaurant in my sweaty running clothes… How cool is that?

Run in Central Park

I plan to do at least 5 miles (along side all the marathoners doing their last pre-race run.) It will be a slow run since I will have just had a big meal but I looking forward to seeing the fall foliage in the park.

a photo that I took 2 years ago when I was there on this day

Hit the Pavilion?
Check out of my room (3 pm)
Have lunch/dinner
Walk the High Line or visit the Expo again

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picture from October when I was on the High lIne

Catch my bus (6:15 pm)

The bus leaves from the beginning of the High Line and across the street from the Expo. Very convenient for last minute strolling or shopping.

Wow…I am going to be busy. Remember this is NYC…things are not close by. I’ll be a pro at riding the subway in Manhattan by the end of my visit.

Of course, I would make room for any blogger meetups so you are in NYC tomorrow or Saturday, please let me know!

Now it’s just thinking about what to wear.…

Weather Forecast:

I will probably wear this shirt (since it is Halloween)

and these capris

I can wear throw away stuff before the race but the problem will be afterwards if I am cold and have nothing to wear…

Race Goals:

Nada. Nothing. Just have fun!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

October 28, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Perspective

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 PERSPECTIVE

or according the dictionary, “a sensible way of judging how good, bad, important, etc. something is in comparison with other things.”

We stress about weather forecasts.

We get anxious about running hills.

We worry about our paces, our PRs, our split times…

We compare ourselves to other runners.

So how do we keep our running in perspective?

Don’t take running for granted.

Just think back to the last time you were injured. Think about those who cannot run.

this is vivid in my mind

Forget about the current weather conditions.

When you’re cold, think back to when it was too hot and humid to run.

a cold and wet one, for sure

When you’re sweating out there, think back to when you couldn’t run because of the ice and snow.

the opposite – hot & humid

Run for fun.

Leave the Garmin home. Run without thinking about your pace. Just enjoy the scenery or your thoughts.

Garmin was dead…oh well!

Accept things that you cannot control.

Accept that if you are aging, you will get slower.

this may be my half PR. the 4 after have been much slower

There will be days that your runs suck and then there will be runs that are great.

ugh…done!

Some runners are just naturally faster (even without trying.)

Get someone to start running.

Inspiring someone else to run, seeing someone cross the finish line for the first time will change how you feel about running.

It’s only a training plan.

Plans are meant to be broken. There is no cookie cutter solution to running your best race. Adjust the plan to meet your needs. This may mean skipping runs or shortening distances.

There will always be another race.

As soon as a disappointing race is over, sign up for another.

You can learn from your mistakes but you shouldn’t dwell on them. We always do our best but sometimes our best isn’t enough.

Happy Running! How do you keep your running in perspective?

October 27, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Tips for Night Races

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 Tips for Night Races

I am definitely not an expert since I only run one night race a year…

Albany’s Last Run

Wear bright colors

at least I wore a white hat & shoes & lights around my neck

Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp if there aren’t lights

This shouldn’t be a problem because most races should be on roads that are well lit.

Be prepared for a slower finish time

You have to look out for cracks, potholes and things in the road that you can’t see when it is dark. No doubt, this will make you run slower. I didn’t one year and I fell.

Shift your meals.

You don’t want to run on a full stomach (dinner) and you don’t want to run on an empty stomach. I usually eat my breakfast 2 hours before the race.

Happy Running! Do you run night races? Any other tips?

October 26, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a walk at work and then after work, went to my 5th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. The hills killed me, as usual. We did intervals this week – 3 minute sprints 2 minute recovery (well, I didn’t actually sprint.) Afterwards, I met my BFF at the mall to walk and chat.

3.5 – intervals

Tuesday – Just a normal work day, but my lunchtime walk was postponed by rain until after work when the sun came out. Then I rushed to play 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – I squeezed in a walk at work and my run with the STEM program (a Couch to 5k program for survivors of domestic violence.) was cancelled so I met Judy at the Crossings to run with her. It’s always fun to have company and to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Thursday – Had a busy work day but still got in a late walk to the park at lunch and then after work, it was raining and I was REALLY tired so I bagged my run. (I hate when I do that!)

Friday – Today was supposed to be a rest but I decided to run at lunch. It was chilly and windy but was happy to get it done.

Saturday – Met one of my college friends in Poughkeepsie to walk over the Walkway Bridge and stroll on the scenic bike path.

Sunday – Didn’t have to get up early to squeeze in a 7 mile run. My mentee had to work so I took one of her sons to Ellms Family Farms in the afternoon – went on rides, mazes, picked pumpkins, ate cider donuts, had a great day!

rained before & after my run

colder and windier in the afternoon

17.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group)
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 2 mile run during work, 2 mile walk/run with STEM client, dinner with tennis ladies
Thursday – 3 mile run during work
Friday – DAY OFF, rest, bus to NYC, Italian Food Tour of NYC, expo to pick up race packet
Saturday – 5K race in NYC, run 5 more miles in Central Park, hang out in Manhattan, bus home
Sunday – rest day

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 ?

October 25, 2015 by Darlene

A Walking, Running & Pumpkin Picking Weekend

The weekend started with an hour and half drive to Poughkeepsie to meet my college BFF.

It was cloudy and chilly but the foliage was so pretty that we didn’t mind.

We started by walking over the Walkway Bridge. It is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.

It goes over the Hudson River and is about 1.5 miles long.

After we walked over the bridge, we continued on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.

It went for about 4 miles and also was very scenic.

We turned around and on the way back, we veered of the trail to have lunch in the town of Highland.

Soup, salad and the dessert above.

The we continued back on the trail and over the bridge again.

The colors were even prettier on the way back.

11.5 miles walked for the day!!!

I really got lucky on Sunday.

I was supposed to take my mentee Amanda and her two sons to Ellms Family Farm for the day.

I wanted to run as well.

I got up early and it was raining. Then Amanda got called into work so I was able to wait to do my run.

I have been on our new rail trail but never gone to the end. I decided that today was the day.

we are losing our leaves in the NE

love this old bridge

under 2 more bridges

still some nice colors here

I think I’ve found a new favorite place to run close to home. 7 miles done!

As soon as I finished, it started to rain again.

Then I found out that Amanda had to work the whole day.

I decided to take one of her sons, the 8 year old, to the farm.

getting ready to do the maze

We did have cider donuts & pick pumpkins (just forgot to take pics)

We were there for about 4 hours – exhausting but so much fun!

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

October 23, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Things I Love

This week’s theme is Things I Love

Here are my FIVE:

1.Racing

I love running but I think I run so I can race. If it weren’t for training for halfs, I would run a 5k or 10k every weekend.

2. My new iPhone

I just got the 6s. I had an iPhone5 but it didn’t have enough space and the battery didn’t last long. I love to carry my phone everywhere (especially when running) and take photos.

on the Brooklyn Bridge – no filter

3. Starbucks

I am addicted. I know they’re expensive but they taste so good and it’s so convenient for me (I work across the street.)

my latest fave with vanilla and soy milk

love the new fall cups, too

4. SkirtSports Skirts

I am going to run in skirts as long as possible. (Eventually I will have to add tights under them.) I love them. They look good and they’re comfortable.

5. Yogurt & Granola

I eat it for lunch everyday – yes, boring. This brand which is hard to find is the best.

I also love this brand:

*Honorable Mention

6. My FitBit

I hesitated for a long time. All my friends had them. But I like knowing my steps. And I love when it buzzes meaning that I have walked 10,000 steps. Hopefully, it will keep me motivated in the winter.