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Friday Five’s Runfessions for January

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I diagnosed my own foot problem. Doesn’t Google know everything?

I was too impatient to wait for my doctor to come up with something.

Have you Googled your injury instead seeking a professional’s opinion? 

2. I runfess…

I did go to a Doctor but I did not follow his advice. Again too impatient. I abstained from running for 3 weeks and I wasn’t getting better so I ran.

And my foot still hurt but it did not feel worse.

Have you ignored a doctor’s advice regarding resting an injury?

3.I runfess…

Once I started running, my foot felt slightly better (at least it did in my mind). So I continued running… cautiously with lots of rest days.

Has running ever made an injury feel less painful?

4. I runfess…

So my foot felt a little better while running that 6 miler so I ran a New Year’s Day race.  Not sure if it was because I ran faster or the course was hillier but my foot hurt more!!!

smiling kinda but because it was over.

Anyone else impatient when injured?

5.I runfess…

Once I re-started my weekend long runs, I decided to run the Fred LeBow Half Marathon in NYC … even though I skipped the 7, 9, 11 and 12 milers.  Yikes.

ignore that smile…HILLS + sore foot = 😦 BUT no DOMS + foot no worse = 🙂

Even run a half marathon under-trained or with only 1 double digit run?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

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Tuesday Topics: What Kind of Blogger Are You?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m  linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.

I love to read running blogs. I love that they are all so different. Of course, they would be because all runners are different.

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My topic today is: What Kind of Blogger Are You?

(These types are in no particular order.)

  • The Coach

You are a certified running coach or you are an experienced runner. You post advice on how often to run, what to wear, how to train, when to stretch, what to eat, etc.

I benefit from these bloggers’ posts especially if I going to be running a new distance, a new type of course or just need information of a particular running topic.

  • The Race Reviewer

You run a lot of races and write detailed recaps of each one.

These posts are really helpful to me when I am going to be running that same race. I also enjoy reading them if I have followed that blogger’s training.

  • The Over Sharer

You write about anything and everything…from TMI to your pets, to your job or your family, etc.

These posts are often not related to running but help me get to know the person who is blogging better and I may even identify with some of the personal issues shared.

  • The Entertainer

Your posts are funny, include humorous memes or just make the reader laugh.

There are days that I really need to not to be serious about running.

  • The Foodie

You post advice on what to eat, on different types of diets or you include recipes.

Except when I am hungry at work and look at these delicious food pics, I do enjoy the sharing of recipes and advice of what to eat related to running.

  • The Cheerleader

Your posts are encouraging, motivating and inspiring. You write about the ups and downs of your running. You are honest but provide hope.

Of course, I always enjoy reading these type of posts.  Running is hard and we all need a little encouragement now and then no matter how successful we are.

  • The Business Promoter

Often, your blog is your business or a way to earn money. Your posts are paid or sponsored by a product or group.

It doesn’t bother me at all if you are paid to write but I only appreciate those posts if the blogger actually uses the product that she/he is reviewing and is honest about it.

  • The Journal Keeper

You post a chronicle of your daily activities: how many miles you run, if you bike, cross-train, do yoga, swim, etc. You even account for your rest days.

I am often in awe of how active and consistent some bloggers are.

  • The Photographer

You share photos of your runs, your races, your race-cations. The pictures may be selfies or scenes from your runs.

They say “a picture tells a story.” I do enjoy these stories. Keep snapping away.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

So what kind of a blogger am I?

What kind of blogger are you (if you blog) and what kind of running bloggers do you enjoy the most? Please share.

Happy Running!

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Weekly Run Down for 1.20.20-1.26.20: On to the Next Challenge

Back from my weekend in NYC and my first long race of 2020…and now training for my next in a month, a race-cation in Bermuda!!

Last Week –

  • Monday – MLK Holiday so a day off from work… and recuperating from the weekend!! Also I went for an evaluation at PT to try and get rid on my annoying foot pain. She says it is nerve impingement (not necessarily a neuroma) caused by my tight right ankle muscles and poor posture (especially being on the computer all day.) She scraped, massaged, rubbed on CBD oil, used electronic stimulation and gave me exercises to strengthen my quads. We’ll see… Fingers crossed.

Image result for ashley green room pt

  • Tuesday – My legs felt great but it was cold and I decided to postpone my run and ride the bike at the gym instead.

Afterward I met my BFF for a walk around the mall. Unfortunately I returned home to news that my good friend had lost her battle with cancer.

@andyjha – you will be greatly missed as a runner, biker, triathlete, teacher, photographer, lover of coffee, lighthouses, covered bridges and mostly as a friend

  • Wednesday – Back to PT. Similar experience to Monday (but no CBD oil). She also worked on my calf.  Next Monday, she is going to try using the laser treatment.
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not my foot lol

Since I had not run since Sunday, I decided to test out the foot. Unfortunately, my favorite path was snow-covered so I ran on the roads alongside it.

foot still sore at the beginning but pretty painless after awhile (but only a short run so I am not saying that it’s any better…yet)

  • Thursday – Another run day. This time at UAlbany with Chris. It is so much easier when you have company. We chatted the whole time.

  • Friday – Rest Day…and then mah jongg in the evening,
  • Saturday – Long Run Day with my Sole Sisters (although many of them were in FL or busy). Very happy to find the path at the Crossings clear. Managed to get 11 miles in and brunch before the rain started.

ran 7 out of 11 with Sherry (not pictured)

That evening the hubby & I went out to a fancy dinner to finally celebrate our anniversary. (Sorry no pix.)

  • Sunday – Rest day…catch up day around the house..lots of errands.

I am weak…

I managed to do some biking at the gym and went for a walk on the local trail.

rain washed away the snow but it was still too slushy and icy to run on…like my new shoes? (I returned the Altras and bought Brooks Ghost.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – PT, run (Delmar)
  • Tuesday –  run (UAlbany)
  • Wednesday – rest day, PT
  • Thursday – run (UAlbany), dinner with tennis friends
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Polar Cap Race (4m) + 8m??? OR
  • Sunday – Winter Series #5 (4.5m or 10m)?? – depends on what I run on Saturday

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Anyone training yet for their first 2020 race? Who’s joining me in Bermuda? What’s new with you? Please share.

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Friday Five: 2020 – What’s My Word?

Will You Take the One Word Challenge This Year?

Well, it’s that time of year. (Well, maybe a little late. Better late than never.)

Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year. (If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

I started this in 2014 and have continued the tradition every year after:

2014:514_400x400_NoPeel

2015:

2016:

2017:

Word Relax handwritten on sandy beach - Royalty-free Handwriting Stock Photo

2018:

Adapt chalkart

And 2019:

refocus

So in 2019, this is how I said I would RE-FOCUS:

  1. This is the first thing that I will change. It applies to running as well as life. Less STRESS in 2019. In other words, some runs won’t happen, some races will suck, PRs may be elusive. My job is just a job. It is what it is.
  2. So this one has to do with priorities. Trying to do it all means not doing some things well. The hard part will be deciding what is important. In the past year, I was trying to keep up with tennis, maintain decent speed on short races and complete a few half marathons. In the mix was traveling as part of my job, vacations, family events and seeing my friends, etc. There were days that I was just going through the motions. In 2019, I may just have to let some things go and concentrate on those things that matter most.
  3. I admit that this past year, I may have been in a running rut. I got complacent with my training because I was still successful …enough. I feel like I need a change. I want to do something different and something that involves effort. Once I decide, there will be no excuses. It may be joining a gym or signing up for yoga classes or trying spinning or even playing on a tennis team. I may even start to quilt again. I could even start a new job.

So how did I do?

  1. I’ve ACCEPTED my job for what it is and instead, focused on its benefits. I felt less stressed about race finish times and PRs and enjoyed my runs and races more than in the past. CHECK – change
  2. I made the decision NOT to play tennis. I instead concentrated on family, friendships and racing. CHECK – priorities
  3. I ran my first MARATHON!! CHECK – effort

Re-Focusing in 2019 was a success in my opinion!

And now on to 2020…

What is my word? Should I pick one this year?

1.My first thought was skip the whole “word” thing. I tend to forget about it until it’s time to pick another word.

2. On the other hand, it’s a good way to look back on the past year and also look ahead to the coming year.

3. What word should I pick?

many ideas for this year and future years…

4. So my word for this year is:

Image result for patience

So what does it mean?

  1. the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint
  2. steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in the performance of a task

5. So how will PATIENCE fit into my running in 2020?

On the whole, I am not a patient person. In fact, I am pretty impulsive. So this will be a BIG challenge.

  • If I cannot run, find another activity rather than whining about not running.

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  • When I was healthy, I signed up for a lot of races..and then things changed.  So I need to hold off on clicking that “Register” button from time to time so I can properly train for a race rather than just “do” it.
Industryweek 11700 Patience

AND PATIENCE

  • PRs may happen. PRs may not happen but you often can’t predict when they will happen.

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  • I have to start out races slower so I can negatively split a few. I must remember that it should feel easy at the start of a race and that I need to keep my energy under control so I don’t fade in the latter parts of a race.

Image result for patience"

Here are some links related to running and patience:

So how am I am doing so far with relation to PATIENCE:

  • Several times a week, I am using the stationary bike at the gym in order to avoid running too many weekly miles (until my foot is pain-free.)
  • Although I could have qualified or registered for the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May, I decided to wait and sign up for a local May half (if I am healthy).
  • I did run the Fred Lebow Half Marathon but very cautiously with zero expectations of a good finish time.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Are you PATIENT when it comes to running?

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Winter Series #3 Race Recap

As I have mentioned before, the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the winter for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free.

This weekend, they offered distances of 3M, 10K and 25K.

I ran this race in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

I am in throes of injury-ridden half marathon training. So I ran 10 miles (in pain) the day before.

Normally, I would have skipped the race.  But it was sunny and 65 degrees!!! Yes, 65 in January.

So what the hell?… I decided to go and walk the course.

And many of my friends were running it.

short sleeves in January…woo hoo! check out that guy with NO shirt!

All the distances started at the same point (but separated at various points during the race.)

I’m in the back with the white t-shirt

And I walked while my friends ran/walked.

that runner on the left, Annie, is in her late 80’s. She was walking the 10k. 

She was walking so fast that I gave up trying to keep up with her.

My friend Jeri is running and there’s Annie walking…look at her go!! My hero!

There were times when I did run to keep up with my friends.

And my foot hurt less when I ran than when I walked.

Eventually we reached the finish line.

But they had mismarked the course – 2.5 miles instead of 3 miles!!

Of course, I sprinted as not to finish last.

Oops #72 – that’s me.

Then I got my refreshments – chili and many slices of delicious bread.

So I may not have really RACED but I participated.  It was a chance to get some fresh air and exercise.  My foot was no worse. Win. Win.

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and start today!!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! How you are enduring the winter? Are you doing any winter races? Have you ever walked a race?

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Weekly Run Down for 1.13.20-1.19.20: Race Week??

Back working at home until March except for some race-cations thrown in.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Back to my podiatrist because the foot pain continues. I convinced him that I think it’s a neuroma. He agreed that if it were small, it wouldn’t show up on a MRI and he gave me a cortisone shot.  He added that we wouldn’t know if it worked for 2-3 weeks.

Had my first of 4 Chair Yoga sessions at work. So fun. Need it every day!!

great stretching without having to change from your work clothes.

After work, I ran my usual 3 mile UAlbany.

verdict is still out on the shot..foot still numb…time will tell…

  • Tuesday – Rest Day scheduled due to a much needed hair appointment.
  • Wednesday – Long work day but needed to run it off. Instead of UAlbany, I drove to rail trail and also ran in the local neighborhoods when it got dark.

after standing all the day, the foot really ached

  • Thursday – Debating all day about whether or not to run a half in NYC on Sunday. Tonight was the deadline to cancel my hotel reservations.  The weather forecast for Saturday was snow/rain but on race day, it had improved..and then there was the foot situation and lack of training. Decisions….Decisions.

oops..almost forgot…we’ll celebrate at a later date.

After another day on my feet, I went for a run at UAlbany with Chris.

much colder and windier but the foot felt better than the day before

  • Friday – PT consult today.  Looking for answers for my foot. She says she can help..appointments made for next Monday and Wednesday.

Also a Rest Day to get ready for the weekend in NYC and an evening with the mah jongg ladies. Yup, I decided to go for it.  I love a challenge and I hoped that I wouldn’t regret it.

  • Saturday – Another rest day cuz I was headed to NYC by bus. Thanks to the snow, my bus arrived late so I immediately headed to meet fellow bloggers Cari and Deborah. We had a great time over wine and popcorn. I briefly stopped off to check into my hotel before heading to Brooklyn to carb load with friend Stan who was also running the half the next day.

  • Sunday – Race Day – Fred Lebow Half Marathon. Holy hills!!! Two full loops of Central Park on a beautiful day. Perfect weather for running but the cold temps and wind had me freezing my butt off before and after the race. The foot hurt but seems no worse than before. The hills were what had me bitching. After a long hot shower, I met Stan for brunch. And we both decided to head home several hours early. (Too cold windy and sore to hike around the city.). I felt better after running 26.2 miles. Go figure.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – PT, rest day
  • Tuesday –  rest day, gym, mall walk with BFF
  • Wednesday – PT, run (Delmar)
  • Thursday –run (UAlbany)
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – long run with Sole Sisters (11 miles)
  • Sunday – rest day

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Anyone suffering from undiagnosable injuries? Ever have a cortisone shot? What’s new with you? Please share.

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Friday Five: What I Learned From My First Marathon

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Enough time has passed since Nov 3, 2019 that I can be objective about my first marathon experience.

I had no idea what to expect ….

Here’s what I learned:

1.The Marathon is More than a Race.

There are training runs…lots of them and hopefully supported by your friends.

There’s the expo and pre-race activities.

Of course, there’s the race itself which is obvious. 26.2 miles…

Finally, there’s also the post race experience.

I am happy that I chose to go big…

NYC rocked all aspects of the race!!

The finish line was not the only important thing that happened that weekend. Who knew?

2.Preparation and Recovery are Different for Each Runner.

I chose the Hal Higdon plan but quickly realized that I could not do the longish mid-week runs due to long work days and lots of work travel. (I traveled for 8 weeks during peak marathon training.)

So I stuck to my normal short runs 3 times a week and then added a long run on the weekend. However, I did worry that I was not as prepared as I should have been. And I had not run as many miles as other marathoners.

After the race, many runners cautioned me about recovery. One even said that she took off a month after her first marathon.

But I felt great. I ran a 15k race a week later.

Just like pace, preparation and recovery are individual things.

3.Your Mind Really Does Control Your Legs.

During the second 13 miles of the race, I was convinced that I was injured…my lower back, my left quad, my right ankle. They all ached.

As a result, I just could not move my legs fast.  I was not tired. I wanted to get to the finish line. But my mind said “Slow Down! Don’t risk your future races.”

But I was not injured.  I felt perfectly fine the next day…as if I had not run 26.2 miles.

I do not regret my finish time at all.

enjoying the early miles with a friend

I only regret that my mind did not let me enjoy the second half of the race.

4.The Pain is Worth It.

Yes, it hurt. It hurt more than I thought it would.

the painful slog near the end in Central Park

The pain quickly faded from my mind. I mostly remember the crowds, the excitement, the energy, the music, the sights, etc.

If it weren’t for my darn foot, I may have considered running this marathon again.

5.I am One and Done.

For an millisecond, I thought about registering for NYCM 2020.

It’s not that I think my foot pain was caused by all the miles.

It’s that I feel so grateful that in 2019, I was able to run 6 half marathons, three 15k races and a FULL Marathon…without any foot pain.

What if this pain occurred during my marathon training and even worse, during the race??

Don’t want to take the chance!

Heading to the finish line and doing the happy dance

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! If you ran a big race, what did you learn that was unexpected? Please share.