October 29, 2015 by Darlene

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

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

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

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

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

8:30 am Oct 31, 2015

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

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

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

FRIDAY:

Check my bag in Macy’s. (~9:30 am)

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

Italian Food Tour of NYC (12- 2 pm)

I found a great Groupon for this…

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

ITINERARY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to the EXPO to get my race packet.

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

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

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

Pre-race Dinner nearby

SATURDAY:

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

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

The RACE (8:30 am)

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

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

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

Run in Central Park

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

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

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

12118644_10154215210414428_1627727888156201846_n

picture from October when I was on the High lIne

Catch my bus (6:15 pm)

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

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

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

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

Weather Forecast:

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

and these capris

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

Race Goals:

Nada. Nothing. Just have fun!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

October 28, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Perspective

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is PERSPECTIVE

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

We stress about weather forecasts.

We get anxious about running hills.

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

We compare ourselves to other runners.

So how do we keep our running in perspective?

Don’t take running for granted.

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

this is vivid in my mind

Forget about the current weather conditions.

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

a cold and wet one, for sure

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

the opposite – hot & humid

Run for fun.

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

Garmin was dead…oh well!

Accept things that you cannot control.

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

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

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

ugh…done!

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

Get someone to start running.

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

It’s only a training plan.

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

There will always be another race.

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

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

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

October 27, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Tips for Night Races

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Tips for Night Races

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

Albany’s Last Run

Wear bright colors

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

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

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

Be prepared for a slower finish time

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

Shift your meals.

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

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

October 26, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

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

3.5 – intervals

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

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

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

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

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

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

rained before & after my run

colder and windier in the afternoon

17.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon)

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

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

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

October 25, 2015 by Darlene

A Walking, Running & Pumpkin Picking Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soup, salad and the dessert above.

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

The colors were even prettier on the way back.

11.5 miles walked for the day!!!

I really got lucky on Sunday.

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

I wanted to run as well.

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

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

we are losing our leaves in the NE

love this old bridge

under 2 more bridges

still some nice colors here

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

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

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

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

getting ready to do the maze

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

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

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

October 23, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Things I Love

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 Things I Love

Here are my FIVE:

1.Racing

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

2. My new iPhone

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

on the Brooklyn Bridge – no filter

3. Starbucks

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

my latest fave with vanilla and soy milk

love the new fall cups, too

4. SkirtSports Skirts

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

5. Yogurt & Granola

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

I also love this brand:

*Honorable Mention

6. My FitBit

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

my rest day before my half

Happy Running! What are you loving?

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

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?