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

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 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:

Anne Garrett, who at age 80 set a Half Marathon record and then at 81, set a 5K record

Harriette Thompson who ran a marathon at age 92.

Joan Benoit Samuelson at age 58, who can still finish a marathon in less than 3 hours.

I admire any older woman who is out there running, fast or slow, alone or in a group. I hope to be able to do the same for a very long time…

running at age 62 years young

Happy Running! Who do you admire as a runner?

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

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?