July 22, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Inspirational

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 INSPIRATIONAL

I looked up the definition of INSPIRATIONAL and this it what I found: Imparting inspiration.

So what is INSPIRATION?

–a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do something

In this case, the something is run and even more specifically, run stronger, run farther, run faster.

So here are some of my inspirations:

Strong Running Mamas

This group of beginning runners and their enthusiasm inspired me to go from just running 5ks to 10ks, 15ks and half marathons.

Bloggers

There are too many to mention but I read their blogs and learn from their experiences. They inspire me to be a better runner (and better does not necessarily mean faster.)

Races

Every time, I run a race, even it’s not my best, I can’t wait to run another race. Races are an inspiration.

Scenic Places.

I love to run in different places. When I pass or visit a beautiful place, I always want to run there. What an inspiration!

Running Friends

Judy inspires me with her healthy cooking, her training plans and her positive attitude to running

Mary inspires me with her distances and her ability to come back after injuries

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

and Harriette Thompson who ran a marathon at age 92.

They seem ageless. Could anything be more inspirational that that??

Happy Running! What is inspirational for you?

July 21, 2015 by Darlene

Perfect Day in the Big Apple

I love New York City so much that I decided to take the day off from work and I talked some friends into taking the Megabus down with me.

The day was perfect because it combined most of my favorites things (besides running): boating, eating, walking, nature.

After a quick snack, we took a long leisurely walk to Pier 81 to take a boat ride on the North River Lobster Company.

It was a 45 minute ride on the Hudson River while you drink or dine.

It was a very very warm, humid day but while the boat was moving, there was a nice breeze. It was very relaxing.

The food was great. I had lobster tacos & chocolate mousse cake. Both were delish.

But if you wanted, you could just take the ride and then stay on the boat as long as you wanted. Maybe because it was so hot or a weekday, but we had practically the whole boat to ourselves.

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yes, they are sisters (Eileen, Susie & MaryPat). I taught with Eileen for 20 years and Mary Pat has been my tennis, running, travel buddy for the last 12 years.

After the boat ride, we decided to walk on the High Line (My friends had never been). We entered at the uptown end and walked, rested in the shade,then walked until the other end.

you can see the original rail tracks

This is my 3rd time but first time in the summer – the flowers were beautiful

lots of place to sit down

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an interactive display of white legos

We ended out walk at Chelsea Market where we strolled and had a cold drink.

There are a lot of interesting sights and plenty of cool places to eat inside.

Since it was so hot and Susie’s feet were blistered from wearing new shoes, we hopped on a subway to Macy’s.

My friends bought shoes and believe it or not, I did not.

Then we ate dinner at a nearby diner and ended our day with a train ride home.

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weird to be leaving to go home in the day light.

Can’t wait to go back. And although there was no running, according to Mary Pat’s FitBit, we walked almost 8 miles!!

Now I have to figure a way to go back and run!!

Happy Running! Have you been to NYC? What is your favorite thing to do there?

July 20, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- rest, ~~walk at work,~~ gym

my usual 15 min max

Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, walk at work, tennis after work (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)

1.5 hours of doubles

Wednesday – rest, ~~walk at work~~, dinner out, movie

a fun film for women

Thursday – 4 mile run ~~after work~~ before work, 3 mile run after work, errands

Friday – 3 mile run before work rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest, boating

Sunday – 5 mile run, boating

This Week: (Week #1 of HM training)

Monday- OFF FROM WORK, trip to NYC (lots of walking)
Tuesday – 3 mile run after work, ~~tennis~~ (work webinar)
Wednesday – 5 mile run after work
Thursday – rest, walk at work, dinner out
Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + miles, graduation party
Sunday – rest, boating

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

July 18, 2015 by Darlene

Running Survey

I thought that it would be fun to start the weekend off with a survey all about running! We know how running bloggers love to talk about running!

Feel free to answer some of the questions in the comments or if you are a blogger yourself, answer these on your blog! Let me know if you do!

Would you rather run along a beach path or a mountain trail?

A beach path but unfortunately I don’t live near a beach but if I did, I would. I’m not much for trail running but I do love mountain views.

while on vacation in FL.

while on vacation in CA.

If you could choose the flavor of Gatorade at your next race’s aid states, what would it be?
This is hard since I’ve never had Gatorade but I guess it would be grape or cherry?

If I have you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it?

Most likely running shoes. Not that I need any new ones.

my latest

Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and how fast you want to run?
Most of the time, it’s how much time I have so that’s how far I can run and how I feel is how fast I run. If I am training for a half marathon, I increase my long runs by one mile each week for 12 weeks.

Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end with the uphill?
Definitely start uphill and end downhill. I would much rather get it over with than have to think about the uphill throughout the whole downhill run.

during a recent uphill start

When you can’t run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do?
If I am healthy, then it’s definitely tennis. I am not, then it’s biking.

weekly doubles

after my ankle surgery in 2012, biking was the first thing I could do

What is your preference: out and back, point to point, or loop runs?
I love loop runs because you have different scenery. But if I don’t know the area or I’m on a trail, then it’s out and back.

loop at Peeples State Park

out and back on the bike path

If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a…
A good pair of running shoes. Running can be SO painful with the wrong shoes, so I highly recommend any new runner to go to a running shoe store and get properly fitted for the right pair of shoes.

in my favorite Mizuno Wave Rider 18s

Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?
I’ve seen a lot of deer, foxes, possums and rabbits. That’s it.

deer at the top

Ever gotten lost while out on a run?
Yes, a few times. When I run in new neighborhoods or parks.

got lost here around the Schroon River area

If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days… what would that meal be?
A pizza with ice cream for dessert.

Capris or shorts… what do you run in most often?
Neither. Skirts!!

At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go?

I warm up quickly. Probably at the 1/2 mile point. But it depends on how long the run is.

early in the VCM relay

What do you do with your key when you run?
It depends what I am wearing. Usually I put it in the pocket of my skirt. In a long race, and my pockets are full of gels, I put it in my Spibelt.

If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one?
I guess I would have to say my first half marathon. It was my first half marathon and I was so happy with the accomplishment of completing it.

Jan 2011

What type of run is your least favorite type of run?
I suppose it would be hard runs like intervals, tempos, hill repeats, etc. I suck at them so I probably should do more of them.

What has been your biggest motivation lately to get out the door to get your run on?
I sign up for races so I also know that if I don’t run several times a week, I will be very disappointed in my performance.

squeezing in a run on the weekend before boating.

When you go for a run, do you leave right from your front door or do you drive somewhere to start?
That depends on where I am. On a weekend, if I run before work, I leave from my front door and often after work, I leave right from work. But I get bored so I do drive after work and on weekend to different places to run.

at home

driving to the Crossings after work

When running in daylight: are sunglasses a must or an annoyance?
A must. Always wear them even if it is cloudy.

When you get tired, what keeps you from quitting?
My running goals and that usually involves a certain distance or time for a race.

Happy Running! Answer one, answer a few, answer any of the questions above in the answers below!
I can’t wait to read your responses!

July 17, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Race Swag

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 Favorite Race Swag

I personally like things that are useful. Here are my 5 favorites:

1. I still use this lunch bag that I won as an Age Group award

2. I love socks.

3. Glasses are cool. It came with a green tooth brush.

4. Wind breakers are practical. I have them in green, blue, yellow and orange. (Unfortunately they stopped giving them out.)

5. And gloves are handy.

Happy Running! What is your favorite race swag?

July 16, 2015 by Darlene

GuestInstagrammer & SkirtSports

As an Ambassador Captain for SkirtSports, I was asked to be a GuestInstagrammer for July 14 as part of their July Challenge.

I was a little intimidated but it was actually fun and it motivated me to be active ALL day!

I started my day in my SkirtSports Ambassador tank

Then I went for a before work run in a Gym Girl Ultra skirt

Unfortunately, I had to do to work but I did wear a SkirtSports bra

I was able to sneak out for an afternoon break with Starbucks and a walk in the park in my Eclipse top

After work, I played tennis in another Eclipse top

And after tennis, we all went out for dinner & drinks (I wore a SkirtSports headband.)

After long, active day, I read & watched TV in another Ambassador tank.

I love all the SkirtSports clothes that I have. They are super comfortable and stylish.

I would wear them even if I weren’t an Ambassador.

And wait until you see the new fall colors:

I can’t wait!! .

If you want to buy any SkirtSports items, please use this code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.

Happy Running! Do you wear SkirtSports?

July 15, 2015 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Modest

This week’s Word is MODEST

I looked up the definition of MODEST and this it what I found:

unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities or achievements
not too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
not showing or feeling great or excessive pride

I am most definitely modest. In fact, I may be too modest.

When someones says: “Boy, you’re fast.” I always respond: “Not really. Many runners are much faster than I am.”

When someone says: “You’re amazing. You run half marathons.” I respond: “It’s hard but anyone can too. You just have to want to and train for it.”

When someone says: “You’re always winning awards.” I respond: “That’s because I am old. Less competition at my age.”

I hate to boast and I don’t really think I am doing anything extraordinary.

Of course, I am proud of what I achieve, but I never wear my medals in public. I take a photo and then put them away.

In fact, my friends who do not run do not even know about most of my races and they have no idea that I have a blog or a FB page. Not even my husband knows about my blog.

I am always surprised when I PR or have a fast time in a race. I am just not confident that I can run fast.

shocked at my half marathon PR??

Until recently, I never joined a running group because I was “modest” about my running abilities. I didn’t think I was fast enough and didn’t want to run alone.

I will run with a slower runner. I don’t mind at all. I would hate for someone to say that “I was too slow” to run with.

Judy thinks that I am too fast for her but it is not true.

Happy Running! Are you modest?

July 14, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Where I Run

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: Show Us Where You Run

It depends on the time of day, where I am and the distance I am planning to run:

Short run after work near work:

Washington Park

Short run after work near home:

rail trail

Running with a friend after work:

The Crossings

Short Run during work:

ACP Track

Long runs:

Nisky Bike Path

Corning Bike Path

On the weekends when I am boating:

nature trail at the Sagamore Hotel along Lake George

early morning run along the lake

When I go on my annual tennis vacation:

Naples, FL (in the tennis community)

outside the community

Happy Running. Where do you run?

July 13, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday- 3 mile run

Tuesday – walk at work, ~~tennis~~ (rain), nails, gym

my usual 15 minute workout

Wednesday – 3 3.5 mile run

Thursday – 3 mile run with Judy after work

Friday – rest, walk at work, mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race, boating, dinner out

Sunday – 5 mile run, breakfast out, boating

deck overlooking the lake

This Week:

Monday- rest, walk at work, gym
Tuesday – 3 mile run before work, tennis (guest SkirtSports Instagrammer)
Wednesday – rest, walk at work, dinner out, movie
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – 3 mile run after work, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating
Sunday – 6 mile run, boating

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

July 12, 2015 by Darlene

TEAM Sarcoma 5K Race and Weekend Recap

I wasn’t planning on racing this weekend.

But my runs have been so sluggish lately that I thought I needed a pick me up and I signed up on a whim.

The weather was predicted to be good (but maybe a little too warm). I had never run this race but have done several in this park. And more importantly, it took place in Saratoga which is halfway to the marina.

I almost signed up for one on Sunday but it was at the same time as a half marathon (so would be more crowded).

It was really tough to set any goals. I had not run a 5K in about 6 weeks but if I wanted to push myself, this would be this:

Finish under 29 minutes.
Run all splits under 10 minutes.

But with the heat and my unpredictable feet, it was this:

Finish under 30 minutes.
Total pace under 10 minutes.

I got up and had my usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea and headed north for my 45 minute ride. The start was at the Warming Hut in Saratoga State Park. It is a big park and always confusing on where to enter.

There was a sign luckily and I found a parking spot in a lot not far from the start. I got there about 8:15 and the race was to start at 9 am. Just the right amount of time to get my race packet, hit the restrooms and look for familiar or unfamiliar faces to chat with.

waiting…

I immediately bumped into Jackie who I knew from the Troy Turkey Trot and Freihofers training groups. We hung out and lined up together.

the start area

It was a small race – about 400 runners, many of which were walking for the cause.

I’ve run over a 100 races and I still get nervous before each one. Will I suck? Will I get injured? Once the race starts, I relax and enjoy it.

The start line was confusing. It was just a mass of runners on the grass. So the race started and we were running on the grass. The grass was very wet so it was slow going. I tried to keep up with Jackie but she is faster. So I just tried to keep her in my sight up ahead.

Next we were running through a gravel trail. You know how clumsy I am especially with wet feet so I was very careful here.

Finally we were on concrete and the crowd finally thinned out.

I haven’t run fast in quite a while and my legs felt like lead. But I just trudged along and decided that I wouldn’t stop until the first water stop.

I made it. It was a little past the 1 mile point. It was quite warm and in the 70s already. So I drank the water and walked and then tried to make up time.

I still was dragging but willed myself not to walk until mile 2. Luckily, running through the park was mostly shady and I was enjoying the course.

The last mile went on forever and I really wanted to walk again but I didn’t and managed to sprint across the finish line. I was happy to finish under 29 minutes.

In fact, it was 28:38 (and really a little less since it wasn’t chip timed.)

The race was exactly what I needed.

I never pushed myself and I know I could have run faster.

It was very warm and humid and my time was not a PR but it was still faster than my last few 5ks! Happy. Happy.

Jackie and I hung around for awhile. We were hoping that they would give out awards. But they did not…only for the top teams who raised money.

Yup. I would have won my AG

Oh well. We don’t race for bling, do we?

My Positive Splits:

mile 1 – 9:06
mile 2 – 9:23
mile 3 – 9:34
.14 – 8:03

So my next 5k is in two weeks – it will be hillier and there will be more runners. Hopefully, I will be more confident.

After the race, I headed up to the marina and spent the rest of the day on our boat tied up to our friends’ boats.

We spent the whole day relaxing in the sun and then went out to dinner.

The next morning, I got up early and went for a hilly 5 mile run. It was perfect. I felt great.

Then I returned to the marina, everyone wanted to take our boats out fro breakfast. I had already eaten but a 5 mile run deserves a 2nd breakfast, right?

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Then we spent the rest of the day on an island where we hung out in the shad and grilled an early dinner.

After we left the island, we rode around the lake for a while and then headed back to put our boat away until next weekend. I ended my weekend with a homemade soft ice cream sandwich (I ate it too fast for a photo.)

I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

I’m linking this post up with Tara at Running n’ Reading for her Weekend Update!