October 12, 2015 by Darlene

SkirtSports Gym Girl Ultra Review and Giveaway Winner

Even if I weren’t a SkirtSports Ambassador Captain, I would say that the Gym Girl Ultra is my favorite skirt.

I have tried other brands, this one keeps coming out on top.

Here’s why:

It is practical.

It has 2 pockets – one on each side. They are hidden under the skirt. And they are big enough to fit your phone, key, fuel, etc.

lots of stuff for a half marathon hidden in those pockets here.

Plus, if you like to listen to music on the run, there is music port that allows you to run your headphone cord from your skirt pocket.

It is comfortable.

It’s long enough to cover but not too long. I am 5’4″ and it’s perfect on me (It is about 13.5″ long in the front and 14.5″ in the back.) The shorts (which are about 5″ long) don’t ride up and the waist band is tight enough so the skirt doesn’t fall down (even with stuff in the pockets.) No chafing either.

It looks good.

What you look like matters, right? I can’t tell you how many compliments I have gotten on my GGU skirts.

You can choose a solid colored skirt

gray

green

or designs in a variety of colors.

escape print

tantrum print

safari print

exotic print

streak print

And there are so many to choose from:

As a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain, I am grateful to have the opportunity to share one of my favorite pieces of running clothes with YOU! That’s right, one of you will win your very own Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra Skirt.

AND
THE WINNER IS:

KEN W.

But if you didn’t win, you can use the code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.

Happy Running! If you won, which design would you choose?

______________

Disclosure: As a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain, I am happy to share the latest Skirt Sports products and information with you! Skirt Sports is providing a complimentary Gym Girl Ultra Skirt to one lucky reader. Also, this post contains affiliate links.

October 12, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a walk at work and then after work, went to my 3rd 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. Afterwards, I met my BFF to walk around the mall and to catch up on our busy lives.

found ONE tree with color

Tuesday – Just a normal work day, but my lunchtime walk to the park was nice. Then 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work followed by dinner out.

waiting for some fall colors in the park

Wednesday – I squeezed in a walk at work. I was planning to run with the STEM program (a Couch to 5k program for survivors of domestic violence.) after work but the client cancelled again 😦 . Instead, I ran on my own (my last one before the race.

no more flowers in the park 😦

Thursday – A busy work day but managed a walk around campus at lunch and then rushed home to pack. (The iffy weather is making me crazy.)

Friday – I took the day off from work and headed by bus to NYC. I took the subway to Brooklyn Bridge and walked over it to Brooklyn, took bus & dropped off my bag at the apartment where I was staying and then took another subway to the expo. After the expo, I took a subway to Prospect Park before I called it a day.

lots of walking (carrying my bag) but it was worth it

at the expo (which was one of the worst I’ve attended)

nice day for a run in the park

Saturday – Half Marathon #15 is in the books! Unfortunately an inaugural race has lots of snafus and so did this one. My race didn’t go as planned since around mile 9, my lower back started to hurt so much that I thought of quitting at mile 12 (but I didn’t.) After the race, I spent a relaxing afternoon at Coney Island before heading home.

2:25:47 – not expecting a PR but was on track to finish under 2:15 until mile 10.

just beautiful

Sunday – Recovery day spent on Lake George, where else?

our last day until next summer 😦

21 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group)
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, volunteer walk/run with STEM group
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 10K race
Sunday – rest

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 8, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Almost Time for Half #15

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

October 10, 2015 7:00 am

Every time, I run a half marathon, I like to look back at my previous half marathon races.

I can’t believe that this will be my 15th. And 10th after my ankle surgery. (So Dr. Ortho, I can run again!!)

My first and BEST was the Naples Half Marathon in January of 2011. My goal was just to finish and I did in 2:28:27 (gun time, no chip timing).

I immediately registered for the 1st annual Lake George Half Marathon in April of that year. Unfortunately, I had to run in sleet & freezing rain for 13.1 miles & without my Garmin. My time was 2:22:39 (gun time, no chip timing) and a PR until 2014.

Out with strained Achilles for 6 weeks during the summer of 2011 delayed my training for the Adirondack Half Marathon (so I walked the 2nd half of the race.) I finished in 2:44:59. It was still fun because I was running it with lots of friends.

I see the finish line!

Again impulsively, I decided to sign up for the inaugural Fall Foliage Half Marathon as a training run. This was my hilliest half but I finished in 2:32:50.

my 4th Half Marathon 10-23-11

My goal race of that year (2011) was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon that I was running with a friend in California. This time it only poured for half the race and I finished with a disappointing 2:30:12.

After 5 half marathons in 2011, there were NONE in 2012. (The year of the broken ankle & foot stress fracture.)

My next Half Marathon, the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla came in 2013 16 months after serious ankle surgery and 5 months after a foot stress fracture. I was just glad to be running again. The course was beautiful, my friends were waiting at the end and I was happy with my 2:33:59 time.

The Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon in the fall of 2013 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and hopefully get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would have liked, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” So I did in 2:24:14. I enjoyed it since it was my first half where I slept in my own bed the night before.

Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon

For the Love Run Half Marathon in the Spring of 2014, I was injury-free for the whole training but I trained during an awfully cold, snowy winter. Despite running in monsoon rains, I managed to PR at 2:22:35. I made new running friends and we had fun during our weekend in “wet” Philly.

loverun

That summer, after running a 10 mile race, I impulsively registered for the Saratoga Springs Half Marathon. This taught me to never run one in the summer. It was very humid & I felt sick so I struggled to a 2:26:00 finish.

sshm4b

Impromptu and free. I registered for the Hangover Half Marathon for New Year’s Day 2014 and ran it as a training run on a cold, windy, lonely, boring course. And it was my fastest at 2:18:33. Go figure?

hangover-059

Training in frigid temps and running in Florida in January I thought would give me problems but the stars were aligned and I had the BEST.HALF.EVER in West Palm Beach. Beautiful weather, awesome scenery, a big PR and age group win. I sprinted to a 2:09:40 finish!!!

race_697_photo_14838692

I had awesome aspirations for the Asbury Park Half Marathon this past April. But foot pain ended that and I had a disappointing 2:20:18 finish time.

The Vermont City Marathon Relay on Memorial Day weekend was an unplanned race. Although, my finish time of 2:25:24 was slow, I thoroughly enjoyed the race and sharing it with AJH.

The Walkway Half Marathon was my 5th of 2015. I was looking forward to running this inaugural race and especially to seeing this new and highly publicized bridge. I had not trained much since April, overslept and ran without my Garmin so I was not disappointed with my time of 2:25:53. And I enjoyed the course.

Now to my upcoming race…

The Roll N Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon is an inaugural race so there are no race reports to read. I have no idea if it is flat or hilly. (I have heard that Prospect Park has hills but not as bad as Central Park. )

There will be a few first in this race:

First Rock N Roll race
First out of town race not staying near the start (have to get a bus & subway)
First time using Airbnb instead a hotel or a friend’s place
First race with waves
First really big race
First race in NYC
First race wearing Hokas

I’ve been looking forward to this race for a long time and it’s finally here. Look who else is running this race!!

my idol…

Here are my Goals:

A. Finish under 2:18:33 (making it my 2nd fastest Half)
B. Finish Faster than my previous half (under 2:25:53 )
C. Finish under 2 1/2 hours
D. Beat my slowest time (under 2:44:59)
E. Enjoy the race and Finish uninjured 🙂

And what will I wear?

baseball cap, SkirtSports skirt (Tantrum pattern), Hoka shoes, compression socks, shirt TBD (depends on the weather which seems to get worse everyday.)

anxiously awaiting…

Happy Running! Anyone else running this race? What’s on your mind this Thursday?

October 7, 2015 by Darlene

Wedneday Word: Tenacious

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 TENACIOUS.

What is “Tenacious?”

According to the dictionary:

not readily relinquishing a position, principle, or course of action; determined.

In other words: persevering, persistent, determined, dogged, strong-willed, tireless,indefatigable, resolute, patient, unflagging, staunch, steadfast, untiring,unwavering, unswerving, unshakable, unyielding, insistent; stubborn,intransigent, obstinate, obdurate, stiff-necked; rock-ribbed; pertinacious

Isn’t every runner tenacious?

We set goals.

YES! Half Marathon PR!!

We run in uncomfortable conditions.

Lake George Half Marathon

We run even when we shouldn’t.

2nd metatarsal stress fracture

TENACITY:

Happy Running! How are you tenacious?

October 6, 2015 by Darlene

Apple Run 5k Race Recap

I ran this race last year because 2 ladies whom I met at a previous race raved about it.

after last year’s race

I enjoyed it so I signed up again.

Back to last year. This race came when I was running fast like finishing a 5k in 27:xx. So I finished this race in 27:47 and won 1st in my age group.

This year, it’s a different story. I am slower. Maybe it’s my age or my training. Who knows? I walk during my 5ks and my goal is to finish under 30 minutes. If I am very lucky and it’s a flat course, I can finish under 29 minutes.

But as I commented recently, I am running. I am not injured. All is good.

On a weekend where there was good number of local races, I chose to drive 45 minutes to run this race.

According to the website, it is a looped, flat course. Even though I ran it last year, I don’t remember much about the course.

Apparently we quickly switched from summer to fall in a few days.

It was chilly and windy. But at least we didn’t get the hurricane.

I was the crazy person who refuses to wear capris or tights before Thanksgiving.

wearing my peekaboo skirt and top by SkirtSports

I picked up my race packet and was surprised that they had chips for your shoe. I almost forgot to get one. It’s been awhile since I have had to use one.

nice swag – 2 pairs of sunglasses on this cloudy day. too bad we got a cotton t-shirt

I bumped into the 2 older ladies that I see at most races that I run. (They are now in the 65-69 AG). We chatted for awhile before the race. I also met some older gentlemen who were very talkative.

Finally I spotted Sue who had recommended this race. (Her Connecticut friend Ilsa couldn’t come.) We started together and she’s my competition (but she hasn’t been racing much.)

I should say that I was very cold. My neck, my hands… my whole body. I couldn’t wait to get started. I shoudl have started closer to the front since this race was using chips but I was talking instead of paying attention.

Unfortunately, the first mile was running into the wind…I felt like I was barely moving forward at times. It was a battle and I think the wind won. My first mile which is my fastest was not great.

The rest of the race was run around the neighborhood with quite a few turns.

I was so cold that I didn’t want to stop at any of the water stops.

I just wanted to be done.

I actually didn’t feel the need to stop. I was not tired or out of breath as usual. I was just not giving it everything I had.

I think that I was nervous about getting hurt before my half marathon that is in one week. I didn’t want to ruin what for 12 weeks I had trained for.

So heading to the finish line, we were so lucky to be running into that wind again! UGH!

When I saw the clock, I wasn’t surprised that I wasn’t close to a PR but I did want to finish under 28 minutes.

But I had nothing left and finished at 28:01.

Though it wasn’t the time that I had run this course last year (27:47) but it was faster than I’ve run a 5k in months.

I was happy and glad to get inside out of the cold.

Inside there was pizza, bagels, fruit, etc. I ate and waited with my friends for the awards. I won 1st last year but if you look below, you’ll see that there was a very fast runner who is now in my age group and wasn’t last year- DARN!

I didn’t win any raffle prizes but I did win 2nd.

Since they gave the awards starting with us “older” runners, I was able to head out to continue my running.

As always, I enjoyed my race and plan to run this one again next year.

My splits:

mile 1 – 9:02
mile 2 – 9:09
mile 3 – 9:00
.14 – 7:29

8 miles was on the schedule. So I stopped on the way home to add 5 more.

still green – late color change in the NE

This time I decided to run on the Mohawk Towpath Byway.

I was still cold so I added a tee shirt over my long sleeved shirt.

I was definitely tired. This always happens when I run a race for my first few miles.

But I just walked and ran and got the miles in.

I wasn’t paying attention and ran too far.

So I ended up with 6 more sloooow miles.

And my last long run is done!! YAY!

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!

I’m also linking up with MCM Mama Runs, Run the Great Wide Somewhere, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup;

Happy Running!

October 5, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed to in a walk at work and then after work, went to my 2nd Troy Turkey Trot training group run. (I had skipped Saturday.) It felt tougher this week than last. Holly was too fast to catch so I ran by myself. I had to walk many times on the hills of Prospect Park.

Tuesday – Just a work day, my lunchtime walk was rained out and no tennis this week. Had to get my steps in by grocery shopping.

Wednesday – I squeezed in a short run on the treadmill at work. (It was pouring out so I couldn’t run outside.) I wasn’t sure if I would make it to the STEM group run/walk on time after work. It’s a Couch to 5k program for survivors of domestic violence. But I could have since this new group is closer. It stopped raining 🙂 And actually, this fall, I am just running with one lady, Kelly, and her basement got flooded so she cancelled at the last minute. Since I was already dressed, I ran 2.5 more miles. After that run, I went out to dinner with my tennis friends.

2 miles of torture

2.5 miles near work

great dinner & great company

Thursday – A busy work day but managed a walk around campus at lunch and then a run after work with Judy.

feeling like Fall

stopped at Trader Joe’s on the way home …pumpkin pumpkin everywhere you look

Friday – Another work day, with a lunch time walk and a few games of mah jongg in the evening (and I won twice!!)

Saturday – Started the day with a cold & windy 5k and then drove to run 6 more for my last long run before the half.

not a PR but No Walking for a 28:01 finish and 2nd in my AG

still chilly & cloudy at the Mohawk Towpath Byway

Sunday – Today 12 of us went to NYC. We took the bus down, walked the High Line and then had lunch in Chelsea. After lunch we went to see the show Beautiful (Carole King story) on Broadway. Afterwards, we had dinner and took the train home – long but fun day (8 miles of walking!)

19 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is one week away!!! Time to get nervous!

This Week: (Week #11 of HM training)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group), mall walk with my BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, volunteer walk/run with STEM group
Thursday – rest
Friday – rest, bus to NYC, subway to Brooklyn, expo, etc.
Saturday – 13.1 miles!! recovery walk around NYC, bus home
Sunday – rest, last day of boating or spectating the local 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 ?

October 3, 2015 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date October

I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date for the first time.

I do LOVE coffee especially Starbucks but I was having trouble sleeping so I gave up caffeine and now I drink herbal tea for breakfast. (Not sure if I sleep any better but it was VERY tough giving up that coffee & I have a lot of teas to use up.)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am having a hard time remembering how to dress for fall. Summer is so easy…a tank and a skirt. Now it’s getting chilly out. What do I wear???

I vow no matter how cold it is to keep wearing skirts …. (until Thanksgiving??)

yes, it was in the 30’s with the windchill

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I may turn into a pumpkin.

Yes, yesterday, I had pumpkin oatmeal with pumpkin spice tea for breakfast. Mid morning for a snack, I had pumpkin poptarts. Then for lunch I had a pumpkin bagel and pumpkin yogurt. (For dinner – soup and salad – no pumpkin but I was tempted.) Finally at mah jongg, there was pumpkin yogurt covered pretzels and pumpkin cookies. Of course, I had to taste them.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m not worried about my upcoming half marathon itself (RNR Brooklyn) but I am worried about the logistics.

I’m taking the bus to NYC and arrive at 9:15 am. I rented a room in an apartment thru AirBnP. It’s my first time doing so but hotels were so expensive. I can’t check in until 2 pm so I can check my bag in Macys and hang out in the city

OR I can take the subway to Brooklyn and go to the expo and then go to my apt.

I am leaning toward waiting til after 2 pm so I can get rid of my bag before going to the expo.

But my real worry is getting to the start in the morning. I have to take 3 subways or a bus and one subway. And who knows if they run that early or will be on time. Well, at least, I’m in corral 10 (in case I’m late.)

And bag check. It’s not near the corrals but since it’ll be cold before the race & I’ll be sweaty when I’m done, I’ll want to bring extra clothes… and check them… I think.

Plus I’ll have to beg for a late check out…I’m not sure when I’ll be done with the race and I think check out is 11 am…No way I’ll be ready!!

So complicated.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am an overpacker. It’s ok when you fly or drive but when you have to carry your bag on a bus & subway…

Nope, I am going to pack light!!!!

Just the minimum…my race stuff and not much more.

Hope you enjoyed your morning coffee or tea because by the time you read this, you’ll be having dinner.

Better late than never.

Happy Running! Hope you enjoyed your day!

October 2, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Fitness Bloggers

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, the theme is 5 Favorite Fitness Bloggers:

How can I pick five???

1. Shut Up and Run.

suar

Beth’s blog always makes me laugh. She is open and honest and discusses EVERYTHING related to her running. She is also an incredible athlete who completes in Ironman competitions and runs faster than women half her age. You should definitely subscribe to her blog if you don’t already.

2. Taking the Long Way Home

ttlwh

As Wendy says, hers is “a running blog written by someone who doesn’t want to act her age.” I totally get that and can relate. Her posts are fun and interesting as she always comes up with creative images to illustrate her point. She has endless energy and is quite fast. I love her devotion to yoga. She is quite inspiring and I hope her speed and yoga routine rub off on me!

3. Miss Zippy

Amanda offers a lot of insight on running, training, health and nutrition. She now even has her own podcast.

4. Run to the Finish

run2tf

I especially enjoy reading about Amanda’s travel adventures but also enjoy her clean eating recipes, workout ideas, running tips, motivation, expert interviews and much more.

5. These 3 young bloggers show contagious energy that make me wish that I were young again.

Ali on the Run

Even though suffering from Crohn’s disease, Ali has a healthy attitude on running, yoga, NYC and giraffes. Her blog posts always make me smile.

Sweat Once A Day

Emily started running because her mother did (AJH) but then quickly progressed to marathons, Ironman Triathlons and now is obsessed with ultras. I am in awe of her energy and enthusiasm for life and “sweating.”

Run This Apple

Like me, she loves NYC and running. Her writing style is so poetic and besides, years ago, she was a student in my French class. How could her blog not be ones of my faves?

Happy Running! Which blogs do you like to read?

October 1, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: September Recap

Thursdays are for thinking… so I am linking up with Running With Spoons…

So here’s what I’m thinking…

Can’t believe that summer is over and it’s now Fall!

So how did this past month go?

September Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week. Yes.

I varied my runs and tried to run at different times of day and in different locations.

at the lake

in a new neighborhood before work

in the park after work

on the track

on the rail trail

Continue the long runs on the weekend in preparation for Half marathon #15. YES.

I have gotten up to 12 miles. None were exceptional but that’s the way they always are. Many were add-ons after races too.

Run a 5k race under 29 minutes. YES!

Just barely. But I have not done any speed work training.

28:56

Run a 10K race under 60 minutes. NO but almost.

Helper’s Fund 10K -1:00:10 – too much walking but 2nd in my AG

Take a yoga class. NO!

I now have a training group run on Mondays, tennis on Tuesday, mentor a run on Wednesdays. I guess I have to look for a Thursday class. But I did sign up for a 14 day Yoga Challenge – a video pose for each day but I only did the first 3 days.

Start doing planks again. NO!

I may have done them a few times but not often enough to call it a YES. No excuses here… just plain lazy.

Pick a spring half marathon. NO!

Still deciding. I’d like to do the Vermont City Relay again but it’s a lottery. Also would LOVE to run the NYC Half but that’s a lottery too. I am considering a few at the end of April or beginning of May as backups.

Run at least 90 miles. YES!

93 miles. Half marathon training has helped keep my mileage up. It’s the most monthly miles I’ve run since last December when I was training for half # 11.

What else?

Still lots of lake time.

We were lucky to have a warm September.

Joined the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge for the 2nd year.

Although I will only go on Mondays since I have races on Saturdays, I enjoy it. And it’s good for me to push myself and run hills or do speed work.

Starting Mentoring the STEM running group (survivors of domestic violence training for a 5k)

The first week, I got there late due to traffic so I switched to another group in a closer location. They meet 3x a week but I will go on Wednesdays and run with one lady.