August 17, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Today was a rest day. Nothing exciting except for work and getting my nails done after work.

Tuesday -I had planned to run before work but it was pouring. Then I was going to run during lunch…still raining. Tennis was cancelled after work so I had no excuses. I tortured myself with 3 miles on the treadmill. Torture because it was so hot and I left my iPad home…no TV to pass the time.

Wednesday – No rain today and cooler temps so I went to the Crossings for an easy 4 mile run. My friend’s daughter was working at a nearby ice cream shop so I had to run by and buy a milkshake and then run back (which added an extra mile).

Thursday – Another rest day. Just work and met my BFF at the mall for a walk after work.

Friday – I went into work late today. I had a busy weekend planned and I wanted to get miles done in case I didn’t have time to run during the weekend. I drove to the bike path and ran 8.75 slow miles. By slow, I mean that I stopped at Starbucks and stopped many times to take photos, read my email, check on FB, etc. At least I was outdoors and the weather was great.

Saturday – I got early today because I had to proctor the MPREs at work. Afterward, we met some friends and drove to the Xfinity Center in MA to see Huey Lewis and the News and JIMMY BUFFET!! I am a proud “Parrothead.” It was a blast!

Sunday – after getting home at 2:30 am, we still got up early to head to the lake. I relaxed with some reading, hiking and dinner out.

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

This Week: (Week #5 of HM training)

Monday- 4 mile run before work, gym after
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run after work,
Thursday – 3 mile run before work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 9 mile run, weekend at Schroon River with my tennis BFFs
Sunday – rest, tennis

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 14, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Running Tips

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 Running Tips

Here are 5 tips for New Runners.

1. Shoes are important.

It is essential to have good running shoes — ones that fit and that are comfortable. The first time, you should go to a running store to get fitted and try out different shoes.

my latest pair – Hokas

2. Wear comfortable clothes.

They shouldn’t chafe and should be breathable. Of course, if you look good, even better.

one of most comfortable Nike tops & ShirtSports skirts.

3. Eat properly.

That means not “running on empty.” I try to eat carbs before I run and protein after. But really, a healthy diet is the most important. If you run more than 4 miles, try different types of fuel before you use one in a race.

my pre-race breakfast of cream of wheat

4. Sign up for races.

There’s no greater motivator than running a race. The excitement of other racers is contagious. You will meet other runners. (Runners are the nicest people.) You will be surprised how much faster you run when you are racing.

5. Be proud.

Even if you are a slow runner or have a bad run, by running you have accomplished something big – Something that many people cannot do.

check out my knee – this was not a good race but I was ok with it.

Happy Running! Any other tips for new runners?

August 13, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Why Blog?

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

And here’s what I was thinking on Tuesday…

I was looking at my blog links and realized that so many of the blogs that I used to read when I started running are extinct … meaning, these runners don’t blog anymore.

Is it that they don’t run anymore?

Or is it that they have run out of things to say?

When I first started, you had to be creative and pick a topic.

I often did Two for Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Three Things Thursday or even Foto Friday. And I always recapped my races.

Now linking to other blogs is cool such as Tuesdays on the Run, Wednesday Word, Thinking Out Loud Thursdays, Friday Five, Saturday Coffee Clubs, etc. etc.

So I have switched and link most of my posts to linkups.

Why?

It’s easier than deciding what to write about myself. And you get to connect with other runners who are writing about the same thing. It also attracts readers to my blog.

That’s another thing.

I’ve been blogging since 2008 and I still have less than 200 followers.

I’m ok with that because I work full-time and I don’t have the time to comment on everyone’s blog and push mine out to other readers.

The real reason I blog is personal.

To motivate myself to run
To track my progress toward my goals
To review my races to help plan each year’s schedule.
To inspire others to run

There are so many excellent running blogs that it could be a full-time job reading them all. I read a select few while I eat breakfast. But even if I had more time, shouldn’t I be doing something else? Like exercising? Running? It’s another sedentary activity.

Like now.

I am writing this post. I could be at the gym or running on the treadmill (It’s raining.)

But I’m not.

Instead I’m thinking about if I should continue this blog. And why?

These are all things that I enjoy.

So I guess, I will…

for now.

But I’ll end this post here because I am going to get on that treadmill at work and maybe stop at the gym after too. (Tennis for today is cancelled due to the rain.)

Happy Running! Why do you blog? Do you ever think about quitting?

August 12, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Initiative

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 INITIATIVE

So what exactly is initiative?

An initiative is the start of something, with the hope that it will continue. It is also a personal quality. A person with initiative is motivated to do things. If you take the initiative, you’re willing to get things done on your own.

My biggest initiative was to decide to start running. At age 55, I joined No Boundaries and set out on my quest to run a 5K.

2008

But more importantly, when my friends stopped running, I continued. I ran by myself and signed up for race after race after race.

2010

Three years later, I took the initiative to run a half marathon. I told no one and signed up for one in Florida, where I knew no one.

the best day ever

I have made friends from blogging and running races. But for the most part, I take the initiative in my running.

I sign up for races that I want to run whether or not I know anyone. (Of course, it is more fun when you do.)

alone at last summer’s half

Running is important to me so I take the initiative to do it on my own.

I have gotten on a plane by myself many times to run a race – California, Florida, Philly, etc. (If I had more time and more money, I would do it even more.)

running solo in Fla last Jan.

If fact, my next half marathon is in Brooklyn. I don’t know anyone in Brooklyn. I am taking a bus there, I rented an apt for the night before the race, and I will take the subway on race day…by myself. (Wish me luck!)

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it should be worth it!

yup, got that 15k pr!

Happy Running! Are you someone who takes initiative when it comes to running?

August 11, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Fall Race Schedule

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

This week, the theme is Fall Race Schedule

Here is my tentative list of races:

9-5-15 – Run for the Horses 5k

I ran this once several years ago – another race in the Saratoga park

9-12-15 – Malta 5k

this will be my 3rd time – a nice local race

9-19-15 – Arc in the Park 5K

this will be my first time

9-26-15 – Helper’s Fund 10K

I ran the 10k last year – hilly but scenic

10-03-15 – Apple Run 5K

my first time was last year – it’s on my list now

10-10-15 – Rock N Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon

This is an inaugural race and my first time too

10-17-15 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

I ran it last year and it was fun.

11-08-15 – Stockade-athon 15K

this will be my 4th time but 2nd on the new improved 15k course

11-21-15 – GOTR 5k

It’s an inaugural race – to raise $ for GOTR

11-26-15 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k

my 2nd time – loved this race last year

Happy Running! What races are on your fall schedule? Any of the ones above?

August 10, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– It was Staff Appreciation Day so I had the day off from work. My former co-worker, Molly and I decided to have our annual breakfast at the race track day. But since I didn’t have to rush off to work, we decided to stay for the races. It was a blast especially since I won 7 out of 10 races. Too bad I only bet $1 at a time.

Tuesday -I had planned to run before work but I was too tired (after 12 hours at the track yesterday.) Then it was raining during my lunch break so I decided to forget it. I did play tennis after work for about 2 hours (but went out to dinner after & put those calories burned back on.)

Wednesday – Again I got lazy and decided to run after work rather than before. I chose the rail trail close to home. I was tired so the run was slow but the highlight was a deer in my path.

Thursday – Not much happened today except that I had a hair appointment and ate a lot of food at work. So I forced myself to stop by the gym to a few minutes of exercise.

Friday – I left work early so I could go home and change in order to run an evening 5K.

free beer & ice cream & 2nd in my AG made up for my mediocre finish time

Saturday – Another rest and boating day on the schedule. So nice that the weather has been cooperating.

Sunday – After a restless night sleeping on the boat, I dragged myself up early to run. I love to run in this area and I know that it will be ending before you know it. Unfortunately, my hubby & friends were anxiously awaiting my return but I did manage to squeeze in 7 miles.

The rest of the day was spent similar to Saturday… on the water after breakfast out and then a boat ride up north to spend time with an old friend.

14 miles for the week with 4 rest days and only 3 days running. No wonder nothing hurts.

This Week: (Week #4 of HM training)

Monday- walk at work, rest, gym
Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run after work,
Thursday – walk at work, rest, gym
Friday – 8 mile run (GO INTO WORK LATE), mah jongg
Saturday – rest, work, Jimmy Buffet concert!!
Sunday – rest, 4 mile run?

I am linking up for the first time to Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

August 9, 2015 by Darlene

I’ve Been Nominated

Liebster Award

Thanks to Karen @ Running50 for nominating this blog for a Liebster Award. (I think it’s my 3rd time. Maybe I need to recruit more followers. LOL)

Here are my answers to her 11 questions:

1.What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Running my first Half Marathon. I really wasn’t sure I could.

2. Where would you choose to live if you did not have any restrictions on where you were?

Paris, France. It’s my favorite city. I love the language, food, monuments, museums, gardens, etc.

3. Have you crossed something off of your bucket list? If so, what and if not, tell us something that is still on your list.

I have been to the Grand Canyon, Israel, France, Greece.

2004

Many things on my list involves traveling that we’can afford (Alaskan cruise, African Safari, Hawaii..)

But I still want to run a race in NYC.

4. If you could time travel, would you chose to live in a different time? When?

No, I like the time I’m in. I’m a techie and that stuff didn’t exist in other time periods.

5. What was a favorite childhood book?

I used to love those Nancy Drew mysteries.

6. Can you speak a second language? If so, what and if not, which language would you like to be able to speak?

Je peux parler francais.

Y un pocito de espanol.

7. What is your favorite holiday and why?

I’ve always liked July 4th. It’s summer and I love BBQs and fireworks.

8. What would a perfect vacation be?

I’m not sure. Either on a beach or in a place with lots of interesting sites to photograph.

9. Do you have a recipe that you are famous for making?

I make a really good apple pie.

10. I’m also going to ask a question I was asked. What blog post are you most proud of?

A guest post – https://myfirst5k.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/guest-post: You’re Not Over the Hill…Why You Should Run… Advice for women in their later years

11.Who inspires or inspired you?

All those women over 50 who are running.

Now here are 11 random facts about myself:

1. I am an avid Mets fan (even when they are losing which is most of the time). I listen to their games whenever I can.

2. I have been mentoring a young unwed mom for the past 7 years. Her 8 1/2 year old son Richard is a joy! I love Amanda like a daughter. (She also now has 4 year old son named Matthew.)

3. I have NEVER eaten peanut butter. (That means I’ve never had a P & J sandwich. I don’t even eat Reese’s.)

4. I love tennis although I don’t play it much since I started running 7 yrs ago. I used to play tennis everyday now it’s only a once a week. Roger Federer is my favorite professional player. Now I’d rather run!! But some of my best friends are ones that I met through playing tennis. They are the reasons I continue to stick with it.

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my tennis buds

5. I spent my junior year of college in Nice, France and taught French for many many years (until I discovered the world of technology – now I’m a geek). I still love anything French and would move to Paris in a heart beat.

at NYBQ for a Monet exhibit

6. I am addicted to Mah Jongg. I have played it for 6 1/2 years on Friday evenings. It’s a game my mother used to play & no one wants to be like their mother but it’s a lot of fun and it keeps your mind young (I hope).

7. I have seen Les Miserables (the show) at least 15 times and would see it again if it came to town. I have also read the book & seen the movies but it’s the music that I love!

8. I am a certified “cat lady.” I have 4 cats: Jerry, Slater, Billy, Honey. Honey is the only female. (I used to have 5 but Spooky died.) Jerry is my fav but my hubby adores Slater.

9. I am obsessed with photos. I take my camera or phone almost everywhere I go. I post them all online in Shutterfly and many on Facebook. (And of course on this blog.)

10. I love desserts. I would skip dinner and just have dessert. Once I even went to the Mariott’s (in NYC) all you can eat dessert buffet instead of having dinner. Apple pie and creme brulee are among my favorites.

some French patstries – yum!

11. I hardly ever watch TV… I am never am home. I detest reality shows, too. I do DVR Grey’s Anatomy, Downton Abbey, and The Good Wife (but struggle to find the time to watch.) However, my hubby would do nothing else but watch TV if he could. If I am home in the evening, I would rather read a book.

My Nominees are:

Traveling, Running and a little bit of style
See Linda Run
Darlin’ Rae
Adventures of a Middle-Aged Drama Queen
Gramma Goes Running
Running Races Coast to Coast
We Run Disney
Running Over the Hill
Running-Late
A handful of Spinach
Anyone else who qualifies…

Questions My Nominees Need to Answer:

What is your dream job?
Vacation at the beach or the city?
What is your favorite food?
Red or white wine?
What is one thing you have accomplished on your bucket list?
Morning person or night owl?
If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be?
Favorite race and why?
Favorite TV show?
How do you relax?

Happy Running! If you haven’t been nominated (maybe you have too many followers), answer one or more of my questions in a comment.

August 8, 2015 by Darlene

Schenectady ARC 5K Challenge Race Recap

A Friday evening race. Not an ideal time. Especially if you work all day. How and when do you fuel? And in the summer, that’s the hottest part of the day!

But I signed up. So no whining here.

I have raced in this park several times, the most recent being in May.

I wasn’t sure if the course was the same as the Mother’s Day 5k but from what I remember, it seemed very similar.

Here it is:

From the start near the Cafe, the outer loop of the Outer loop of the course proceeds out Ashmore and Fehr Aves, turning left at Central Parkway, and re-entering the park at the Rose Garden, climbing Monument Hill, and turning left at the N Elm St. before turning left again at Nora Ave. It then follows Central Park Rd., Snowden Dr. around the south side of the Park before turning right on Duck Pond Drive, and left on Iroquois Way, and turning right across gravel and Band Shell. The inner loop and final mile of the course begins at the Pavilion, as the course loops left back on to PTL Arthur Chaires Ln., Central Parkway and Iroquois Way, an right on to the foot path for the final leg around Iroquois Lake to the Finish.

So my goal for the race was to beat my 2015 Mother’s Day 5k time of 30:16 (That race, I stopped to tie my shoe, fix my band-aids and walked 2x.) or if I was lucky beat my 2013 time of 29:38.

I left work early so I could go home, eat and change into my running clothes.

If you doubted my commitment to running, you won’t now. Our marina was having an Appreciation Party this afternoon – free food and drinks while hanging out with all our boating friends. I passed it up to run. (I told everyone that I had to work.)

I decided to have a late lunch of pumpkin pancakes with blueberry syrup. (Yes, I do cook sometimes.) I left early as to avoid the traffic.

It was not a large race – about 150 runners. I had no problem getting parking behind the start (near the tennis courts.)

This was one of the few local races where I didn’t know anyone. Probably because it was a Friday evening and there were several 5ks taking place over the weekend.

neon yellow tech shirt

So I just hung out until the race start. It was in the low 80s at the start, not too humid but very sunny.

wearing my skirtsports skirt, of course

For this race, it wasn’t my legs that felt slow, it was my breathing that got in the way. Probably because my legs felt ok, I ran the first mile too fast (under 9 min.)

The 2nd mile immediately had a hill which I walked to catch my breath and then I ran again until there was a 2nd hill.

More walking until the end of mile 2 when there was water stop. In addition to having a hard time breathing, the sun was setting and it was hot and blinding.

I felt a little better for mile 3 since I was trying to slow down. But I ran out of gas again, right before the finish line and walked for a bit so that I could finish strong.

And I did!

I was determined not to have a slower time than last weekend’s 5k.

I crossed at 29:27 (gun time, not chip time). Exactly the same time as the last one.

I actually wasn’t disappointed this time. I felt that I did the best I could. It was warm and I usually run better in the morning. The good news is that my feet felt fine!!

After the race, they had free beer. I’m not even a big beer drinker but it tasted great.

There was also a Good Humor truck with free ice cream. Definitely a reason to run this race!

I waited around for the awards and I did win 2nd in the 60-99 age group.

Unfortunately only 1st place got a beer glass 😦

So another 5k is in the books. Not my best but it could have been worse.

Splits:

mile 1 – 8:46
mile 2 – 9:48

mile 3 – 9:47
.14 – 9:03

Now my weekend is free for relaxing on our boat.

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! How is your running going? Any races ?

August 7, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: A Day in the Life

This week, the theme is A Day in the Life.

Here’s 5 things that happen in my life on a typical Friday:

Social Networking on my iPad

I start every day with the Today show, breakfast and reading e-mail, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin on my iPad. I get up extra early to fit it in.

2. One Minute Plank

I sometimes (when I remember) do my plank on the bathroom floor when I am waiting for my shower to heat up.

3. Work

Not the highlight of my day but it is essential – it pays the bills and pays for my races. I work in IT at a law school and help staff and faculty with technology. In other words, I spend a lot of time on the computer.

4. Walking & Running

Yes, I am sitting most of the day. When the weather is nice, I try to force myself to go for a walk…usually to the park.

Usually three times a week, I run after work. If at all possible, I run outside.

5. Mah Jongg & Reading

Every Friday night from 7-11 pm, I play Mah Jongg with a great bunch of women. If everyone showed, we’d have 12 – 3 tables but usually we have only 8 and during the winter, sometimes it’s only 4.

our 6th anniversary dinner

We play, eat, drink and chat… so much fun and “brain” exercise, too.

I cannot fall asleep at night without reading. No matter how late, I go to bed, I read. Sometimes it’s just a few pages and sometimes I read for hours.

So that’s my typical Friday.

Happy Running! What do you do on a typical day?

August 6, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Breaking All the Rules

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

And here’s what I am thinking…

You bloggers may hate me, but I don’t follow the rules:

Stretching.

I don’t stretch. If I am at home, I open the door and start running. Otherwise, I drive to my route, get out of the car and start running.

in my driveway and ready to go

After my run, I just hop in the shower and go to work or hop in my car and drive home or to wherever.

done and time to go home

Gadgets and Running-Related Stuff.

Besides not stretching, I don’t even own a foam roller, or a stick or KT tape.

I will use one if it will make my body look like this

Knock on wood, I haven’t needed them yet.

Chafing.

I have never experienced it. So I don’t have Body Glide and don’t use anything like that to prevent chafing.

Running Plans.

I have never really used one. That’s not to say that I don’t plan my runs. I do.

But I don’t use a formal plan which means I don’t do hill repeats, intervals, temp runs, etc.

I run several times during the week, usually 3-4 miles and do whatever I feel like. (It’s usually pretty slow with lots of walking.) If I am training for a half marathon, I try to run longer on the weekend, increasing each week’s distance by one mile until I get to 12. I also run races which tends to mess up my training.

Voila – this got me to a PR

Healthy Food.

I’ve never had a protein shake nor have I made a smoothie.

Before a race, I eat 3 packets of this:

I don’t want to look at the ingredients. I am sure they are all artificial

After a run, I love this:

oh so healthy, I know.

or something similar to this:

is there protein in this?

Electrolytes.

Just plan H2O for me. I don’t add Nuun to my water nor do I drink Gatorade. So far, water works for me.

an old pic like circa 2010. I am thinner and wearing shorts!

Solo Runner.

I usually run alone. It’s easier because I can run wherever and whenever it is convenient for me. I can run at whatever pace and distance I feel like. (I do like to run with others, though.)

getting it done at lunch

Ok, I’m not a total running loser.

I have a Garmin GPS watch. I wear it to all my races and check my paces on it.

I eat Gu as fuel whenever I run more than 4 miles.

I have lots and lots of running shoes.

my latest…still looking for THE pair…

I wear running skirts and love them.

my newest skirt from SkirtSports

I have a race belt that holds my bib and carries my phone.

I read running magazines.

but why do they always wear skimpy running shorts on the cover?

I have joined Running Groups.

I have enjoyed them. Running with others makes the time go by faster. It also motivates you to run at a faster pace.

Freihofer’s training group

I run a lot of races each year.

Last year it was 31. It may be even more this year.

finishing my last 5k

Speaking of races, I have another 5k tomorrow night.

August 7, 2015 6:30 pm Central Park, Schenectady

I’m not a fan of evening races so we’ll see how it goes. Just hoping for NO PAIN and a finish under 30 minutes. Would be extra happy with an Age Group Award!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about? Are you a rule breaker?