October 22, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursdays: Baseball & Running & Running Clothes

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

The Amazin’ Mets

Yes, I am old enough to remember both of those seasons.

I am from Long Island and my family and my ex’s family were avid Mets fans. I mean we watched every game. (My ex bil & I could name all the 69 players & their numbers…)

Once a Mets fan, always a fan but it’s been tough….

15 years since they’ve been to the World Series… So exciting!!!

Sometimes I think I am way too busy to train. Since I can’t find the time to run!!

Today it is raining. That wouldn’t be so bad because I ran yesterday but the weekend is packed full of stuff to do.
Tomorrow, I have to get home right from work to clean my house because I am hosting Mah jongg.
Saturday I am driving to Poughkeepsie to spend the day with my college bff and we are walking the Walkway Bridge & Bike path. If I get home early enough, I am going to the movies.

here we are in 1973-4

and now

this bridge during the half marathon

Sunday, I am taking my mentee and her 2 sons to Ellms Family Farms for rides & pumpkin picking.

Matthew & Richard last year

Sunday evening, I have to make chili for our work chili cook-off on Monday.

last year’s entry – pumpkin chili

Of course, also in the mix is housework, laundry & grocery shopping…

Tell me how I can squeeze in a 3 mile and 7 mile run??? (I am training for a 15k on Nov 8 and a half on Dec 6.)

I have too many running shirts!!!!!

I have run over 100 5ks alone.

I have sorted through my stuff and have 2 garbage bags full of shirts that I don’t like, don’t fit or don’t need.

I have already made a blanket out of 40 of them too.

Who wears cotton shirts? Who wears unisex shirts? Even the size small is too big. How many pink shirts does one need?

Unless the shirt is womens & tech and very cute, I don’t want another one!!

yup, it’s cotton!

And shorts?

When I first started running, I wore shorts. Now I hate them. Who wants to look at a 62 year old’s thighs?

Now I only wear skirts – they look better and are so much more comfortable.

then

and now

Happy Running? Are you rooting for the Mets? Do you have trouble fitting in your runs? What do you do with your extra running clothes?

October 21, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Deprivation

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 DEPRIVATION

or the “an absence or too little of something important.”

So what do we miss when we run?

Sleep.

Yes, there are mornings when I am very tired and probably should be sleeping but I go for a run.

Yes, I have gotten up even earlier on weekends for a race than when I work during the week.

Fun activities that our family or friends are doing.

Yes, I have missed out on many hours of boating because I chose to run.

Yes, I missed out on playing tennis with my friends because I chose to do my long run.

Money

Races aren’t cheap.

And what about those clothes and running shoes?

But what do we gain when we run?

Energy

I may be tired when I start my run but when I am done, I always feel energized and have a better day at work

Friends

I have met so many great people in person and virtually since I’ve become a runner.

Positive Feelings of Accomplishment, Satisfaction, Self image…

There’s no better feeling than completing a good run and crossing the finish line of a race.

Eat more or cheat and eat the good stuff.

After I run, I always give myself permission to eat something sweet.

had to do it again - only 90 calories!!

Opportunity to Travel & Visit new places

I’ve been to California, Florida, Vermont, Pennsylvania – all places that I wouldn’t have been if I didn’t run.

Bling

Who doesn’t like bling?

Being Active and Healthier

They go together. Being more physically active makes you healthier. I could sit home and watch TV, take a nap or I could go out and run.

In my opinion, runners are not really deprived. What we gain far outweighs what we lose.

Happy Running! As a runner, are you deprived?

October 21, 2015 by Darlene

Spectating at a Duathlon

This was my fourth year watching AJH competing in this Duathlon.

2012

The first year, it was raining and I had a stress fracture in my foot. It was not so much fun.

2013 – she’s even wearing shorts

But the second year, it was much more enjoyable. It took place near Krause’s restaurant on the Mohawk Towpath Byway and I was able to get in a run during the bike portion of the race.

However, last year, they changed the location of the race.

It started at Riverview Orchards. It is a very scenic area and a nice place to run.

2014

However, it was so COLD, windy and nasty that I decided to forego the run and just watch.

This year, it was COLD again! But at least the sun peaked out for awhile here and there (before it started to snow.)

photobombed by a dog

The runners started with a 2 mile run and then back to the transition area.

As I mentioned…it was COLD. I took advantage of the race being at the orchard and stayed inside the store while Andrea was racing.

I had some hot cider and watched them make cider donuts.

Of course, I ate one!

I decided to brave the cold and get in a run during the 17 mile bike portion of the race. (I broke my rule and dressed in winter running gear – hat, coat, capris, compression socks and even gloves.)

I began at the race start and ran the 2 mile portion of the race…though very slow and with many stops. (It was supposed to be my rest day after the 10k race the day before.)

view heading to the turn around)

It was very pretty.

this was someone’s house! with their own apple orchard!

When I was done, I waited for Andrea to be finished with the bike portion.

The bike route was very hilly and the riders had to finish uphill. I was so impressed with how AJH did.

The race ended with the same running route as it started. So after that hilly ride, they had to run 2 miles again!!

But Andrea finished strong.

When she was done, we waited inside (where it was warm) for the results to be tallied.

She won 1st in her age group! Yay, Andrea!

It was a fun experience. Everyone looked like they enjoyed the race. It’s especially nice to cheer on a friend.

maybe the next time we will be running the VCM relay together in May. (I am running a half marathon in Feb, the day of our usual race meet up).

Happy Running! Do you spectate at races?

October 20, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Inspiring Others to Run

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 Inspiring Others to Run

I’ll start with those who have inspired me:

First, my tennis friends convinced me to join No Boundaries and that’s where I took my first step and never looked back.

Then, these SRMs (Strong Running Mamas) inspired me to run a half marathon after only running 5ks for several years.

Of course, there are all the fantastic bloggers who inspire me every day to go out and run.
And those runners whom I have met at races and through running groups who motivate me to run faster and get across that finish line.
And my current running friend, Judy, who intends to run a half marathon in every state. What an inspirational goal!

Hopefully, I inspire others, too. At least I try to.

First of all, with this blog, I give candid descriptions of my races and experiences with running. Hopefully, it inspires others to run (especially us older ladies) and keep running.
I was one of the original members of the SRMs (which has grown unbelievably in size.) They ran their first 5k in 2010 and have gone on to run half and full marathons.

Last fall, I volunteered in the STEM program which helps survivors of domestic violence to run a 5k. It was such a great experience that I am doing it again now.

I was Running Buddy with the Girls on the Run program last spring and plan to do it again this spring.

I try to motivate my coworkers and friends to run. Last spring, one of the ladies in my mah jongg group ran her first 5k and has continued to run. At work, 2 co-workers are training to run their first 5k this November. It’s so exciting.

Happy Running! Who has inspired you to run? Whom have you inspired?

October 19, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a walk at work and then after work, went to my 4th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. The hills killed me, as usual. But we varied the route this week to do 1 minute sprints so we only had to run the big hill twice.

my hubby went boating but I was working…this was the best view that I could find

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 run at work just in case my run with the STEM program (a Couch to 5k program for survivors of domestic violence.) after work was cancelled again. But it wasn’t and I got run/walk with Kelly for the first time. She was great and so fast for a beginner.

my reward

in Schuyler Flatts Park, Watervliet

Thursday – Decided to take an unplanned rest day. Had a busy work day but still got in a late walk to the park at lunch and then had a hair appointment after work.

Friday – Rest day 2. Another work day with a lunchtime walk and evening mah jongg games.

Saturday – Ran a COLD 10K race in Saratoga State Park – slower than last year but won an Age Group award.

59:19 – 3rd place AG sward

Sunday – Spectated at an even colder Duathlon (for the 4th time.) I even saw my first snow flakes.

AJH won her age group too!

While AJH was riding 16 miles for the bike portion of the race, I ran the 2 mile section in my winter running gear: wool hat, turtleneck, jacket, capris, compression socks and GLOVES!

15 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 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 before or during work, 2 mile volunteer walk/run with STEM group, 4 mile run after work with Judy
Thursday – 4 mile run after work with Judy, 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – ~~early 7 mile run, Ellms family face with my mentee and sons~~, college reunion and walk across the Walkway Bridge and on the bike path
Sunday – ~~college reunion and walk across the Walkway Bridge and on the bike path~~, early 7 mile run, Ellms family farm with my mentee and sons

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 18, 2015 by Darlene

2015 Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K Race Recap

October 17, 2015 – 9:30 am Saratoga Springs. NY

Running a 10K a week after a half marathon? Crazy?

I did only run Monday & Wednesday and rested Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday!!!. I was hoping that would make my legs happy and my back wouldn’t act up.

I ran this race last year for the first time and really enjoyed it (despite the rain.)

last year

I know that they changed the 5k course again. The 10k course continues from the 5k and there are several hills. (The 10k part looks basically the same as last year.)

The race takes place in Saratoga State Park which is a beautiful place to run especially in the fall.

Lately we have been blessed with some beautiful weather…unseasonably warm. I wish it had stayed that way. I love Indian Summer.

Today it really cooled down. It was in the 40s and windy. I also looked like it may rain. Not knowing what the weather will do makes it hard to dress. I’m not ready to dress for winter. (I am wearing that skirt as long as I can stand it.)

As it turned out, it rained on my drive up and on my drive back but the sun was out for the race.

I left for the race early in case I had to park where I needed to get a shuttle to the start. The race was to start at 9:30 and I got there at 8:30 am. I didn’t park in my usual lot but another one which was kinda a hike but not too bad.

This is a popular race. They were hoping for 2000 runners. (I think they were about 1500.) I knew a few folks who were planning to run it but I didn’t know if I would see them.

I hung out for a while in the pavilion. There were real bathrooms and a fireplace.

Finally it was time for the race to start. It was cold but I decided to leave my jacket and pants at the bag check. It was still dry outside and I was hoping that it would stay that way.

On the way to the start, I bumped into Holly from my Turkey Trot training group. She was running the 5K. I also lined up with with some other runners in my AG (speedier than me) whom I know.

I started not too far back because I didn’t know if it were chip timed (and it was but not for awards.)

It was very crowded at first. Since I was near the front, everyone was passing me by. I was trying to run fast but my legs just wouldn’t go.

They changed the 5k so that it was pretty flat. I didn’t even have to walk.

I love running in this park. It is so pretty especially in the Fall.

The 5k ended and my time was 28:xx. Of course, that exhausted me and we hadn’t hit the hills yet.

Most the next 5k were hills. I tried to run up them but was pretty unsuccessful. So I walked many times during the second half of the race. I also walked through the water stop around mile 4 to take a GU.

That gave me some more energy and got me to the end.

I was determined cross under 1 hour. And I did – 59:19 (chip time).

Yes, slower than last year but faster than my last two 10ks so I’ll take it.

Best of all – no blisters, no foot pain, no new injuries (just tired legs)

There was a long line to get food but I waited on it for bagels, lots of homemade goodies and hot chocolate.

Though I was faster last year, this year, I won an AG award.

3rd

Holly and some older guys won 1st place awards – Hooray for us oldies.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 9:06
mile 2 – 9:37
mile 3 – 9:13
mile 4 – 10:04 (started to walk)
mile 5 – 10:36 (walked even more)
mile 6 – 9:53 (just a little bit of walking)
.2 – 8:40

As I walked back to my car, it seemed to be getting colder and winder. I’m not ready for winter, yet!

I love this race and will be back next year. Maybe do the 5k!

I’m linking this one up with Jessica at The Silvah Lining–she hosts a Race Recap linkup every Tuesday. Please head over and linkup a race recap you’ve written, new or old. And check out some of the other posts!

Happy Running! Did you race this past weekend? Is it getting colder where you live?

October 17, 2015 by Darlene

Surprise Email = Unplanned Race

One minute, I was wondering why I run with such pain and maybe I should stick to 5ks from now on.

The next minute, I was considering a do-over.

Then, I got this email:

I have 2 vacation days to use up.

I have 4 friends who live near West Palm Beach.

I have frequent flyer miles that need to be used…

So guess who’s running this half marathon on December 6?

the course seems to be similar to this half

Can you say impulsive?

Yes. That’s me.

me this Dec!!

So here’s the Plan:

The usual 2-3 days of running 3-4 miles and then on the weekend:

Oct 17- 10k race (6.2 miles)
Oct 24 – 7 miles
Oct 31 – 5K race + 5 miles (8 miles)
Nov 8 – 15K race (9.3 miles)
Nov 14 – 10 miles
Nov 21 – 5k race + 8 miles (11 miles)
Nov 28 or 29 – 12 miles
Dec 6 – 13.1 miles

It all fits, right?

Happy Running! Do you ever register for a race on impulse?

October 16, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Fall Foods

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 Favorite Fall Foods

1. Pumpkin anything

Here are some of my recent purchases:

And I’ve lost count of how many of these, I’ve drunk:

I’ve even cooked with pumpkin:

pumpkin chili

Recipe

2. Apple Pie – especially when it is homemade with local apples (warm with vanilla ice cream is the best)

Recipe

2. Sweet Potatoes

Recipe

4. Butternut Squash Soup

Recipe

5. Cider Donuts – warmed

Happy Running! What are your favorite Fall foods?

October 15, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: So It Wasn’t Just Me, Over Analyzing My Recent Half in Brooklyn & My Next Race

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

About my last race. Don’t you always do that after a race that didn’t go well?

So it wasn’t just me!

Wow if you read FB, you’ll see what I mean:

Worst and most unorganized 1/2 marathon I have ever participated in Rock N Roll or otherwise.
the race started 30 minutes late. which was great. ONLY because it gave me 30 extra minutes to stand in line for one of the 20 bathrooms available in the corrals. seriously. 20. for 20,000 people? waited in line for the toilets for well over an hour. and for a race that calls itself rock and roll – the amount of music on the course was disappointing. because there was NO music on the course. the route itself was okay, but not nearly as much fun as the brooklyn half.
all in all. poor organization, lack of toilets and the absence of music will more than likely keep me away. for $100 i was expecting better.
Sucked
I also felt it was badly organized and very uneventful. Not enough bathrooms, boring route, a mess at the corrals.
The race seemed badly organized. The expo was extremely disappointing. My timing was very off I waited almost 40 minutes to start and my time reflects it?? Our parking was cancelled the day before despite the fact that we had purchased it weeks in advance.
This race started off on a bad foot when Thursday night my parking was cancelled even though it was booked weeks ago. I was told they oversold spots by 250. How does that even happen!? This race started off late and was so over crowded with little direction, next to no signage and what 20 potties at the start?! For the money, I highly doubt I will ever do another RNR race.
Don’t judge all RnRs by this one. I have done dozens and this one was by far THE worst and most unorganized race I have attended. This race series has been around long enough, and in so many places there is no excuse for the chaos and lack of a good race that happened today.
I can say without a doubt that from expo to finish, this race had more problems and the poorest runner support that I ever hope to encounter…

You get the picture… I hope they improve things for next year but I won’t be back.

So here’s my take on the weekend:

The Good:

Before and after the race (I got to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and spend time in Coney Island)
Had a successful AirBnB experience
Got to practice my French
No transportation problems (subways, buses and cabs, all on time)
Never got lost (and my first time in Brooklyn)
GREAT WEATHER
Packed appropriately and light enough to carry my bag
Met lots of nice and interesting people
There was a lot of crowd support and saw lots of funny signs.
I didn’t need the restroom before or during the race.
The park was nice to run through at the end.
It was pretty flat (until the end)
lots of water on the course
GU at 2 or 3 water stops
No blisters!
No injuries (back pain went away)
Finished strong after almost quitting (due to pain)
I completed my 15th half marathon
It wasn’t my slowest (#8 out of 15)
met a former student after the race

The Bad:

disappointing expo
not enough porta potties before the race
too much walking before I even started the race
the race started late
LOWER BACK PAIN
mentally giving up once I couldn’t finish at goal time.
No music on the course (It is a Roll N Roll event, right?)
mile markers were off (sometimes my Garmin beeped very early and sometimes very late)
long hill at mile 12
Not enough photographers (Not that I would but the photos but I only had 2 taken in the same stop and none crossing the finish line)
Pathetic refreshments (not even bagels – it’s NYC!)
would have been more fun sharing this race experience with someone else (first race not staying with a friend or meeting a friend at the race)

What wouldn’t I do differently:

long training runs – I think I completed the distances (6 through 12 miles) and prepared as well as I did for my 2:09 finish
5k & 10k races during training – I enjoy racing too much to give it up
staying in an AirBnB – it worked out and I didn’t spend a lot of money on a hotel room where I would have spent little time
lots of walking the day before – it may have been dumb but I wanted to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (no one wants to do that with potentially blistered feet)
racing attire – just perfect – I wasn’t hot or cold during the race

What maybe I should have done differently:

take a train rather than a bus to NYC – it bothered my back but the cost was $80 vs $10 (Nah, I would take the bus again!)
get rid of my bag rather than carrying it – this may have hurt my back but the logistics didn’t work out to do so
eat more the day before – I wasn’t hungry and it wasn’t convenient but I usually have pasta or pizza and I had neither.
run at a faster pace the first half of the race – It has worked for me in the past
not walk every mile – usually water stops are spaced out more and it wasn’t warm so I didn’t really need to walk
not wear Hokas – I have never raced in them though I have worn them to train which isn’t the same
run with the pacer – I didn’t want to start that far back but I think it would have helped.
have a more realistic goal- maybe I can’t run any faster (at my age)

There you have it.

One never knows what will happen on race day. I don’t regret running this race (though maybe I should have waited until next year to run this particular race?)

I did go to my Turkey Trot training group run on Monday night. No back pain. My legs were fine. No residual effects at all.

I have another race this Saturday – a 10K. I ran it last year (when I was speedier) and finished this hilly course in the rain at 58:28 (But I think they changed the course again.)

last year

I would feel good if I had a strong race (maybe under 60 minutes!!)

Happy Running! Do you over analyze each race, especially when you don’t meet your goal? Do you hesitate to run inaugural races? What are you thinking about today?