February 18, 2015 by Darlene

Back to Yoga?

hsyoga

My anniversary? Who knew? I took my first class there in 2011.

this was when Lisa taught there. Now there’s Maria who is good too.

I went often in 2011 and then again in 2013 but only several times in 2014.

Maybe this is a hint to start again.

Especially since I signed up for the 30 Day Yoga Challenge.

With working and running and tennis, I can’t just find a yoga class that fits my schedule so I decided to do some yoga poses at home.

my yoga studio

There are quite a few online videos that are really good.

Do Yoga With Me
Yoga Journal
Several Yoga for Runners Playlsts on YouTube

Of course, this works great on a snow day or the weekend.

Otherwise, I have been doing a very abbreviated yoga class. I downloaded few apps and do yoga for about 5 minutes before work or before bed.

yogastudio

Here are some more good resources:

Truthfully, I enjoy going to a yoga class a lot more than doing it at home. I get a lot more out of it. There is someone to correct my poses. It is more social.

But this is cheaper and I can fit it in whenever. The problem is that there is a big temptation to skip it when you are not signed up and paying.

But for at least 30 days, I have been trying to get in 5 minutes of yoga each week day.

I have not been posting to Instagram or Facebook. I would if I looked as good as everyone else who is posting. I am just NOT FLEXIBLE… at all!

One more week to go!! Namaste!

Happy Running! Have you been doing the yoga challenge?

February 17, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Treadmill Running Tips

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: Treadmill Running Tips

As much as I HATE running on the treadmill, it is a necessary evil this time of year.

dreadmill

So this is what works for me:

Wear comfortable clothing. Even in the winter, you will get warm indoors. Breathable clothes are necessary. And if you sweat a lot, have a towel nearby.
Water! I don’t get thirsty or drink a lot of water when I run EXCEPT when I run on the treadmill. (Maybe it’s the indoors.)
Entertainment. No matter what anyone says, running on a treadmill is boring. Have a TV nearby. I use my iPad to watch my favorite television shows. Lately, I have been listening the podcast, Serial.
Vary your workouts. You can do intervals or speedwork. You can even simulate hills by changing the incline.
Rewards. Yes, you can promise yourself a Starbucks coffee or a sugary snack if you get it done.
Run outside if you can. Only use the treadmill when running outside is unsafe. Especially for long runs.

Happy Running! Do you have any tips for running on the treadmill?

February 16, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week: (AP Half Marathon Training week #3)

Monday – ~~4 mile run~~ SNOW DAY
Tuesday – ~~rest~~, 3 mile run on the TM, 2 mile run, tennis

Wednesday – 4 mile run, webinar

Thursday – rest, 3 2 mile run on the TM, hair appt

dreadmill

Friday- rest, mah jongg
Saturday – car appt, 8 6 mile run, dinner out for Valentine’s Day

too cold & windy …

Sunday – rest, ~~volunteer at HMRRC Winter Series #6~~ (cancelled due to the cold)

This Week: (AP Half Marathon Training week #4)

Monday -DAY OFF – 4 mile run, tennis
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run
Thursday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Friday- rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 mile run, car appt, Chinese New Year’s party
Sunday – rest

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

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

February 15, 2015 by Darlene

DIY Medal & Bib Hanger and Giveaway Winner

Yes, I could have ordered one like this:

But it was more fun to make my own (and cheaper).

I bought a wood shelf at Joann’s (with a 50% off coupon). I also bought some adhesive letters there.

Then I bought 4 long screws & 2 cup hooks at Lowe’s.

I spray painted everything white (cuz I had white paint). I added the letters when dry and VOILA:

It’s not awesome but definitely functional and cost less than $10 to make.

Of course, it seemed bigger until I put stuff on it. I only hung bibs with race names on them (& one per race). But all my bling fit…for now.

In the future, I would like to make a separate one for my half marathon medals and keep this one for all the age group awards.

And the winners of my Runner’s Choice giveaway are:

Stacey R
HoHo Runs

Send an e-mail to dsc59@nycap.rr.com) with your mailing address.

Since I can give away one more bottle, comment here if you want it.

Happy Running! What do you do with your race medals & bibs?

February 14, 2015 by Darlene

Lynx Sportswear Review

I stumbled upon a blog that showed some clothes (bra & skirt) from Lynx Sportswear.

I had never heard of them and I don’t like to buy something online sight unseen. So I contacted them.

Their response:

Hi Darlene,
I took a look at your blog and really love it!
We can definitely get you a bra and running skirt to test out for you to review 🙂

I received the Whoop N Holler Skirt in twilight:

To be honest, ruffles are not my thing. And it seemed to be on the short side. But I love running skirts and hardly ever run in anything else. And it looked very cute all the same and since I am not tall, it wasn’t as short as I feared.

Since it is winter and I could not try it out outside, I gave it a whirl while on the treadmill.

The ruffles didn’t bother me at all. The compression shorts stayed in place the whole run. The skirt is made of a comfy light material. I got a medium and it fit great.

I probably won’t wear it as an everyday running skirt but it will be perfect for a special or vacation race like maybe in California or Florida. We’ll see. But I will definitely race in it.

The bra that this company makes is for big-busted women. That is not me. So there is a lot more coverage and support than I am used to. And I am way too old to wear it without a shirt.

bra

But I gave it a try. This was the first time I actually was asked to give measurements. Based on my measurements, they send me both a 2 sprint and 3 sprint since I was in between sizes. The 2 fit better in the bust but was too tight in the rib cage. The 3 fit better in the rib cage. Though it was a little big in the bust, it was wearable so I sent the 2 back.

The bra was very light and comfortable. Unfortunately I need a bra with a little padding so I don’t look like a boy.

But if you are large-breasted, I highly recommend these bras. They would give you a lot of support without weighing you down.

Check them out:

www.lynxsportswear.com
Instagram @lynxsportswear
Twitter @lynxsportswear
Facebook

Happy Running! Ever tried any Lynx Sportswear? What brand sports bra do you like?

____________

Dislaimer: I received these 2 products from Lynx Sportswear, but no compensation was received for this post. As always, the opinions stated here are my own.

February 13, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Love

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’s theme is:

1. My hubby – he allows me the freedom to be me. That means patiently waiting for me to run or race before we go boating during the summer months and scheduling our activities around my running.

lh5k

2. My Cats

I used to have 5 but now I have four. They are each so very different. I never had a pet growing up but now I couldn’t imagine life with a cat to cuddle with.

Jerry – my fav – laid back and lovable

Honey & Billy – Honey is sweet & friendly, Billy is aloof & love Slater- they are from the same litter

Slater – my hubby’s fav – he goes out the door but comes in through the window on the 2nd floor.

3. My Friends – I am still in contact with a few friends from high school and college. It is great to connect with them and reminisce (about the good old days.) I have also made a bunch of GREAT friends as an older adult from the activities that I do…tennis friends, boating friends, quilting friends, mah jongg friends, running friends, etc. And I also have several from work (all 3 of my careers.) All of these people are precious to me.

my friends from my junior year of college in France

my friend from my teaching job

my mah jongg friends

we always take a picture outside this restaurant each year

my tennis friends

my boating friends

me, Linda, Don, Sue, Joyce & Nancy 20 years later

my friends from high school

my work buddy who motivates me to walk every day

4. Social Networking – Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, etc. The people I connect with are my virtual friends. I have met new people and can connect with ones that live too far away to see. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to meet them in the flesh.

I met Judy through FB

I met Andrea through blogging

I met Elisa through FB

I met Jen & Felice through FB & blogging

5. Running! Running has changed me. I discovered it late in life (at age 55). It has made me more confident, independent and I feel healthier and younger than ever. Yes, I love running!.

2014

2012

2010

2008

Happy Running! What do you love?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Don’t forget to enter my Runner’s Choice giveaway HERE.)

February 12, 2015 by Darlene

One Word Resolution for 2015

The My One Word approach is popular every year.

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.

Last year was the first time that I tried it.

My word for 2014 was:

What is Acceptance?

Acceptance is “a person’s assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change it, protest, or exit.”

Why did I choose Acceptance?

I think on the whole that I am too critical of myself. My expectations of others are too high. I focus too much on the negative. I get disappointed and/or hurt too easily.

How will I focus on my word?

Accept my weaknesses. I may not be the fastest runner, best tennis player or most flexible yogi. I am me.
Accept that other have different priorities than I do. Do not try to change them.
Accept the good with the bad. Not every run or tennis match will be a good one. Not everything I attempt will turn out well.
Accept my family, financial and work situations. They may not be the best but they could be a lot worse.
Accept that sometimes your best effort is not enough.
Accept that life is flawed and so are people.
Accept failures. But don’t give up. Try again.

This year, I am doing One Word again and have chosen:

What is Believe?

Believe is “to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.”

on my shoe before my most recent half marathon

Why did I choose Believe?

I need to have more confidence in myself… in my job, my relationships, my successes. Especially in running, 90% of your results are mental. Believing in your abilities is very important.

How will I focus on my word?

Believe that I am good at what I do.
Believe that I can achieve things.
Believe that obstacles can be overcome.
Believe that age will not necessarily slow me down.
Believe that I can do yoga even if I am not flexible.
Believe that I can play tennis.
Believe that I can balance work, relationships and social activities.
Believe that I can eat healthy and maintain my weight.

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose?

(Don’t forget to enter my Runner’s Choice giveaway HERE.)

February 11, 2015 by Darlene

What I am Loving…

80-Year-Old Woman Sets A Half Marathon Record!! What’s even more impressive about Garrett’s half marathon times is that they keep getting faster—an unusual trend for runners her age.

Oh yeah!! Hopefully, that will be ME!

I have the skirt…

Runners World 5K

And this video #likeagirl:

I went to school pre-Title IX. When I was in high school, the boys played sports and the girls were cheerleaders. I wasn’t popular or coordinated enough to be a cheerleader. I was a nerd. I was in National Honor Society and Key club and we sold hot chocolate at the football games.

I didn’t attempt a sport until my 40’s when I learned to play tennis. I was on a team and we competed at the national level. That finally gave me some confidence.

2002 – I’m the one on the right

In my 50’s, my tennis friends convinced me to try running. Well, I haven’t looked back. Running is the sport for me!!

I am “running like a girl” and beating 2 guys!

Serial podcast – It’s my new treadmill distraction. The story is addictive.

Sales. Who doesn’t love a bargain? I got a jacket at Target for $8 (clearance & cartwell app), a skirt at Burlington Coat factory for $5(sale) and a tank at Penny’s for $2 (sale & coupon), running shoes from Amazon for $10 (had a gift card).