August 27, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: The Turtle Races

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

So here’s what I’m thinking…

As you may know, I have been whining about how pathetically slow my runs have been.

It’s hard to believe that someone who runs in the 9s and sometimes under 9 minute pace is currently running at a 12-13 min pace.

Well, I am.

They’re only training runs.

So it’s all good.

But I think my ego needs to get some speed back and for me, the only way is to race.

So I signed up for a race – a 10K this Saturday.

August 29, 2015

I was planning to run 10 slow miles but I guess I’ll try to run 6 fastish miles and crawl for 4 more after.

I have never run this race before but I have run on this course (like 2 weeks ago in the picture above) and have even run a 10k here last year.

At the time, it was my 10K PR but since then I have run faster twice.

I finished at 57:03 in the Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving which was my last 10K.

I was in a running group at the time and training for that race so I don’t expect to beat that right now. I’ll be happy with anything near 1 hour.

Training for a half marathon in the summer and keeping up any semblance of speed is tough!!!

Anyone else having the same problems?

Do you ever use a race as a (expensive) speed workout?

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

August 26, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Ambitious

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 AMBITIOUS

Someone who is ambitious is “eagerly desirous of achieving or obtaining success, power, wealth, a specific goal, etc.“

Everyone is ambitious but about different things.

With my career, I have always been ambitious. I started out as a French major/Spanish minor. I got my Masters in Education and taught for 22 years at a private all girls school.

Then in my 40’s, I decided to change careers. I got another Masters in Instructional Technology and completed my coursework for a PhD in the same area.

For 8 years, I was the Director of Technology for a Diocesan School District. I LOVED THAT JOB!!! I got to work with teachers and students and every day was something different.

Unfortunately when 1/2 of the 40 schools closed, I decided that I needed to prepare for retirement and I got a new job. It is the job I have now (at a law school) and I hope to work there until I am 70.

Yes, I said 70. I am not the Suzy homemaker, stay at home type.

However, about earning money…not so ambitious.

I preferred to work at a job that I enjoyed rather than earn a lot of money. So for my first 2 jobs, I had a very low salary and no retirement. As a result, even though I want to work now, I actually have to in order to be able to do the things I want.

As far as running, I am ambitious in so far as I make goals.

I make them for every race and every month and every year.

My goals could be more ambitious like run a marathon or an 8 minute mile but since I strive to be successful, I think I set realistic goals.

My most ambitious one was running a half marathon when the farthest I had raced was a 5k.

Now, my ambition rests at getting out there and running several times a week, no matter what and signing up for races with a few each year being a half marathon. In other words, I will be persistent.

I have no ambitions on running a half marathon in all 50 states (too expensive) but I plan not to repeat any halfs. There are so many that I don’t think I’ll run out of choices.

Now if only I could be ambitious about cleaning my house…

Happy Running! Are you ambitious?

August 26, 2015 by Darlene

Bulu Box Review

I have heard of subscription boxes but have never tried one so I was excited to try out Bulu Box!

What is Bulu Box?

Bulu Box is a subscription box that aims to help you discover health, nutrition, and weight loss products that are right for you! They offer two different styles of boxes – the original Bulu Box, which focuses on vitamins and supplements for general health and the occasional lifestyle item, and Bulu Box Weight Loss, which contains weight loss items such as vitamins, supplements, fitness gear, and healthy eating tools.

Bulu Box subscribers pay just $10 / month for their monthly box of goodies, or $110 for a year-long subscription. Their rewards system seems to be set up in that each month you are able to earn points for reviewing your items. The website says you can earn 50-100 points each month. For each 100 points earned, you get $10 to spend towards your favorite full-sized Bulu Box products.

This is what came in my box:

Here’s a closer look at each item I received.

These gummies are packed with all essential vitamins, and are bursting with the delicious, juicy flavors of cherry, orange and lemon. These gummies are not only great tasting; they are also safe for all vegetarian diets. The unique formula is a blend of vitamins, minerals and fruit and vegetable concentrates.

I don’t take any vitamins but I probably should and these taste good.

This cherry-flavored powder is a fast, on-the-go solution to your upset stomach and can be taken without water! Every UrgentRX pouch is credit card sized so you can take it with you anywhere.

I am glad I haven’t needed this yet but it’s in my pocketbook and I think it’s a great idea.

Movit Energy Gummies are specially formulated by athletes- with the goal of creating an energy gummies that isn’t just packed full of sugar. These energy gummies are made with real nutria-science to fuel your body.

I love the idea of an energy product that isn’t just sugar. These taste good and I love the happy face on each one.

Each piece of candy has a blast of 15g of protein to go along with juicy taste. This NEWLY FORUMLATED candy is now extra soft and more delicious than ever with a new look and new flavors! Funnbar is a gluten-free, sugar-free, and guilt-free candy.

These are great. Protein and good taste and they have NO sugar. WooHoo!

Ovega-3 is a vegetarian supplement that contains all the same benefits of fish oil, without actually using any fish! Ovega-3 derives DHA, EPA, and omega 3 fatty acids from the original source, algae.

Again, this is probably very good for me. I personally don’t take any supplements. If you do, who can argue with one that supports your brain, eyes, and heart.

Nuvia Café combines the delicious flavor of coffee with a combination of powerhouse ingredients to support healthy energy and immune health. African Mango Seed extract is rich in B vitamins and other nutrients that help lower cholesterol and boost energy naturally. Green Tea with ECGC is loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants to increase energy and combat stress at the cellular level. Nuvia Café also contains Ganoderma extract to support the immune system and promote cardiovascular health.

I gave up caffeine and drink herbal tea so I haven’t tried it but if you drink coffee, this is a healthy version of your morning drink.

I also received a voucher for $100 worth of Naked Wines. But it can only be used off a case costing $160 or more. I like wine but not that much.

I definitely like the idea of getting samples so that you could try different products without having to spend the money on the full size.

If you are interested in trying Bulu Box, use the discount code SWEATPINK for 50% off a 3-month subscription to BuluBox. That’s only $15.

Happy Running! Have you used subscriptions like this? have you tried Bulu Box?

August 25, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Bras

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Running Bras.

This is one topic, being small-busted, that I don’t have to worry about. (But it’s not that easy to find a nice bra for us either.)

I like ones that are light, breathable and have padding.

My favorite bra is from Handful:

It costs $48. I only have one and I wash it and then wear it again. I save it for races because it is so comfortable.

My second favorite is one from Skirtsports:

Everyday Active Bra

I only wear mine under a shirt

Speaking of SkirtSports, don’t forget about their

This year SkirtSports is celebrating by kicking off breast cancer awareness month early and encouraging women to learn about and support two of their great assets – their boobies! Their Virtual Boobie Run entry includes a free voucher for one of their amazing sports bras (for cups A to DD). You pay $60 and get $70 to use on their website. You can’t beat that!!

You can register HERE.

A friend of mine gave me her Lululemon bra because it was too small on her.

bitty bracer bra – I don’t think they sell it anymore but it similar to the Free to Be bra

It’s a little big on me but it’s wearable.

On training days, I just wear a cheap sports bra that I’ve bought in Walmart or Target.

Not as comfy or durable but it does the trick.

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite bra?

August 24, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Since I hadn’t run for two days, I dragged myself out of bed and ran 4 sweaty miles in a different (upscale) neighborhood. Glad I got it done before work but it was already warm. Enjoyed the new views – elaborate gardens, dead turtle (no, not me but felt like it) and a flock of wild turkeys.

Tuesday -I was planning to rest but woke up early and decided that I needed to sweat. Ran in the same neighborhood (but a different loop) as yesterday. No dead turtles or wild turkey sightings but I did bump into a tennis friend. After work, I played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by our usual dinner out.

Wednesday – Another hot day and I had planned to repeat my ice cream run of last week but got invited to a friend’s birthday party. Glad I had run Monday & Tuesday.

Thursday – I needed to run off those wings and birthday cake so I got up early and ran some 4 slow miles in the same neighborhood. I ran into the mother wild turkey and her children.

Friday -Just work today. Very busy getting ready for the beginning of the school year.

Saturday – I got up early today because I wanted to do my long run before my weekend on the river with the tennis ladies. To save time, I ran into town and back. It was a difficult run (Why don’t they get easier??) but I did get 9.5 miles done.

I arrived at Schroon River just as the girls were finishing up with tennis. After lunch we went for a 2 mile walk.

Sunday – More tennis ladies arrived today. But before they arrived, I sneaked out for a run. Love this area to run in.

We played tennis in the morning and after lunch, we relaxed and chatted the rest of the day away.

23.25 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running.

This Week: (Week #6 of HM training)

Monday- rest, walk at walk, gym?
Tuesday – 4 mile run after work
Wednesday – rest, mall walk with bff
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 10k race + 4 miles, baby shower, time with my mentee & sons
Sunday – boating

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 ?

August 23, 2015 by Darlene

My Weekend: Running & Tennis

Several times each summer, I go up to my friend’s house on the Schroon River.

This is the first time this summer and the guests would be my tennis friends.

There was to be two days of playing tennis, eating, swimming, playing games and just having fun being together.

Since running has been my focus for the past few years, I decided to skip Saturday’s tennis and do my long run at home and then go up and join everyone else.

It wasn’t too warm or too humid. Nothing hurt and still the run was tough. I had zero energy and just dragged myself along, walking whenever I felt like I couldn’t run anymore (which was often).

Luckily, I had my weekend to focus on and forget about how slow and pathetic my run was.

I arrived at Schroon River just as my friends were finishing up their tennis games. I watched for a while and then we went back to the house for lunch.

(There was a lot of eating going on this weekend!!)

the Saturday group minus 2

After lunch I talked everyone into going for a walk (to burn off a little of our lunch…)

The rest of the afternoon, we sat on the deck… some ladies knit, some read, some napped. Then there was dinner and games…

You’d think that after the long run and the walk, I’d be tired but nope. I didn’t sleep much at all that night.

I woke up bright and early Sunday morning.

I don’t usually run 2 days in a row and definitely not after a long run but it was too nice out and the scenery too beautiful not to.

So I got in a short run before we had breakfast and headed out to play tennis.

My legs were tired but it was worth it.

Tennis was a lot of fun. I always forget how much I enjoy it until weekends like this.

the Sunday group

We played 3 sets, switching partners after each set and then drove home for lunch stopping on the way at a neat country store/nursery.

After lunch, we sat by the water and played the same game as the night before (a food trivia game.) I had wanted to go to another even longer walk but no one seemed interested.

I missed being on the lake with my hubby and friends ..

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my boat is the left one on the right

but it certainly was an enjoyable weekend. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Do anything exciting?

August 21, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: 5 Years from Now

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary 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 Years From Now

This may be kinda boring because hopefully there will not be any changes in my life in 5 years (as long as I remain healthy).

Working at the same job – I am too old to change careers. I would like to afford to be retired but I doubt I will be able be.

2. Tennis – I love my friends and enjoy playing this sport on a limited basis. I won’t be playing seriously on a team but I plan to plan socially with my friends at least once a week.

and continue our annual tennis vacations.

3. Weekly mah jongg games

I play with a great bunch of women and I love the game.

4. Boating in the summer on the weekends

hanging out in the bays or on the islands.

5. Running and racing

I hope to be still running the occasional half marathon.

I hope to continue winning awards in my new age group.

If I lose my mind and someone trains with me, I may have run a full marathon…but that’s not in the plan!!

I don’t think I have any of these …

Happy Running? What about you? Any changes planned in the next 5 years?

August 20, 2015 by Darlene

Freekeh Foods Giveaway

I was recently given the opportunity to try Freekeh.

Have you heard of Freekeh?

I had not.

So what is Freekeh?

According the website:

…Freekeh originated by accident when an ancient Middle Eastern village was attacked and their young wheat fields were set ablaze. In attempts to salvage their crops, the villagers rubbed away the burnt chaff and found that the roasted kernels inside were delicious! Since that time, Freekeh (which literally means, “to rub”) became a mainstay of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Since Freekeh is a roasted green wheat, gluten-free runners, you will have to pass on this one.

When I first saw this grain, it reminded me a lot of quinoa as far as being able to substitute it for rice and add it to any

However Freekeh contains 8 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. It is low fat too which makes it a great substitute for both rice and quinoa.

Freekeh cooks up very similar to rice and comes in three flavors – Rosemary Sage, Original and Tamari.

First I just cooked the Rosemary Sage per directions (add water and cook for about 25 minutes) and served it as a side dish.

It tasted great. My hubby who is picky didn’t even ask what it was. I think he thought it was brown rice.

Then I made this recipe from the Freekeh Foods website: Warm Breakfast Freekeh

I used almond milk and added raisins since I didn’t have any fresh fruit.

I was surprised how good it tasted and one package made breakfast for 3-4 days.

You can buy Freekeh at Whole Foods as well as other health food stores.

But if you’re lucky, you could win some here.

I am giving away a cookbook and a package of Freekeh to one reader. You can choose the flavor (original, rosemary sage, or tamari). *U.S. residents only.*

Click HERE to enter.

Good luck!

Happy Running! Have you tried Freekeh yet? If you won some, how would you eat it?

August 19, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Focus

This week’s Word is FOCUS

So what does “focus” mean?

to direct one’s attention or efforts
to concentrate

Sometimes, it is hard to stay focused on running. There are always excuses not to run. It’s too hot or too cold or I’m too tired or I don’t have time or my blah blah blah hurts.

But I know that I will feel better after I run. I know that my upcoming races will go better if I get out there and run. These two things help me stay focused.

I don’t think I felt like running…

Then there are times when I do run and it doesn’t go well and races don’t end as planned. I could concentrate on the reasons why…an injury, the weather, the hills, etc

..but I should focus on the fact that I did run or I did finish the race and there will be more runs and races.

not one of my better days

As runners, we need to look back on when we started running. Remember when we couldn’t run a mile and when we couldn’t finish a 5k under X minutes.

We have all made progress and we need to focus on that.

this was one of my slowest 5K times but it was after not running for 5 months and I was so happy

All runners are different. Some can run ultras. Some can run 6 minute miles. Comparing yourself to others just leaves you frustrated.

We need to focus on our own running and our own individual goals.

We all start at the same time but each runner will finish at different times.

Happy Running! How do you stay focused?

August 18, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Role Models/Runners You Admire

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Running Role Models/Runners You Admire

At my advancing age, I admire those runners over 50 such as:

These Bloggers:

AJH from Age Groups Rock
Pam from We Run Disney
Holly from HoHo Runs
Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home
Linda from SeeLindaRun
Judy from Chocolaterunsjudy
Sherri from Adventures of a Middle-Aged Drama Queen
Shelly from My Journey to Fit
Charlotte from I Run in the Rain

(Sorry I couldn’t list all the over 50 bloggers… and yes, you younger runners are inspiring too, but let’s face it, it’s easier for you. You’ll see!))

I love to read about older women who are staying fit, being active, organizing running groups, running races from 5ks through marathons.

and of course, older runners that I have read about: