by

Tuesdays on the Run: Motivation

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: Motivation

There are many things that can be motivating for a runner…

  • Losing Weight

I do not use this as a motivator but I know many runners that do.  And I know for a fact that it has worked for them.

  • Eating What You Want

unfortunately I have eaten a whole pint in one sitting

I use sweets a reward.  If I ran, in my mind, then I feel better about eating them.

  • The Bling

cold and rainy but worth it

Sometimes that “big” medal is what gets you out there and gets you to the finish line.

  • Other Runners

my Love Run training run motivators

It’s more fun to run with others.  They can motivate you to run faster and take fewer walk breaks. Chatting also makes the miles go by faster.

  • That Feel Better Feeling

a cold run is better than no run

When you are tired or stressed, don’t you feel better after a run??

Well, I do.

  • Cute Outfits

new hat, skirt & tank

Not everyone is a fashionista.  But I know when I get something new to wear I want to get out there and run. It may be new running shoes, new compression socks, new skirt or whatever.

  • Beautiful Scenery

running

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a view of the mountains or the ocean when they run. But having something nice to look at certainly can distract you from the monotony of the run or the pain of the distance.

  • Music

Sometimes downloading new music or creating a new playlist is motivating.  I personally can take or leave running with music. But other runners get lost in their tunes.  Their pace matches the beat of the music and the songs carry them through their runs.

  • Social Networking

blog

My blog keeps me accountable.  If I don’t run, I have nothing to write about.  For others, it may be Facebook or Instagram.  Sharing your running experiences can keep you motivated.

Happy Running! What motivates you to run?

runner-sig

by

Monday Running Update

IMG_4595 Last Week: (AP Half Marathon Training week #4)

  • Monday -DAY OFF – 4 mile run on the TM, tennis
dreadmill

too cold and windy outside

  • Tuesday – rest, tennis
IMG_5044

post tennis birthday celebration

  • Wednesday – 3 4 mile run
IMG_5048

25 degrees! Warmest weather in a long time

  • Thursday – 4 3 mile run on the TM, mall walk with BFF
dreadmill

I refuse to run outside when it is below zero with the wind chill

  • Friday- rest, mah jongg
  • Saturday –  8.57 mile run, Chinese New Year’s party
IMG_5056

16 degrees with 40 mph wind gusts!!!

  • Sunday –  rest 3.3 mile run, errands
IMG_5081

34 degrees!! Heat wave!!

This Week:  (AP Half Marathon Training week #5)

  • Monday -work at the Bar Exam, rest, tennis
  • Tuesday – work at the Bar Exam, rest
  • Wednesday – 3 mile run on the TM, tennis dinner out
  • Thursday – 4 mile run
  • Friday- rest, mah jongg
  • Saturday –  9 mile run
  • Sunday –  volunteer at  HMRRC Winter Series #6
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 ?

runner-sig

by

Coldest Run Ever and Chinese New Year

Well, yesterday really tested me.

I was dressed in appropriate layers. Except that a face mask might have helped.

It was 16 degrees. I have run in colder.

I decided to go on my usual local long run – from my house to the coffee shop in town and then back again.

I figured if I was too cold, I could stop halfway and thaw out.

The way out wasn’t too bad.

IMG_5049

This was the only part with a sidewalk that I could run on.  The rest of the way I had to run in the road, dodging cars.

Finally I arrived at my halfway point.  My face was frozen so I decided to stop.

IMG_5052

If those cars didn’t hit the pole, they would have ended up in the coffee shop.

I got a glass of water and bought a granola bar and sat down to warm up.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay long. I needed to get back home to cook for the party I was going to later.

Well, while I was in the coffee shop, the wind picked up and the whole way back I was running into the wind.

IMG_5050

The wind was also gusting up to 40 mph. There were times that I could not move forward.  The snow was blowing in my face.  I had to walk backwards at times to move.

My eyes were burning (my contacts were freezing.) I can’t tell you how many times, I debated calling my hubby to have him come get me.

In the end, I made it home…alive!!

IMG_5054

After a  LONG hot shower, I felt better and was very happy to have gotten my long run done.  (It started snowing a little while after I got home.)

But this is how I felt…

I’ve been into making quiches lately so I made a broccoli/cheddar and a spinach/swiss for the party that we were going to.

The party was great.  We were invited by Julia (who is Chinese) and her husband John.

here they are on our boat last summer

I re-connected with a few ladies that I used to play on a tennis team with.

here last May we are in Sarasota meeting them for lunch

It was great catching up.  As you know, I don’t play USTA tennis anymore and I don’t get to see them.

And we got to eat a lot of different foods —all good. (Glad I ran those miles earlier in the day.)

weather 2-22-15

Today, of course. It is sunny….no wind….and much WARMER temps.  It figures.

But the deep freeze returns tomorrow. My next outdoor run is scheduled for Thursday.

Happy Running! How are you coping with the cold?

runner-sig

 

by

Friday Five: Races to Run in 2015

DC_linkup

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 Races to Run in 2015.

I run so many races (33 last year) that I am listing 5 NEW races that I am looking forward to running in the first 6 months of 2015:

West Palm Beach Half Marathon – Ocean Views and in Florida in the winter .YAY! and visiting 4 friends too!

January 17, 2015

This one would have been #1 but I already did it!!

1. Shamrock 5K – I would have liked to run a longer race like I did last year but this one fit.  I am so excited to be running this race with my friend Mary in CA and also get to watch some of the qualifying matches at the BNP Paribas Open Tennis Championships (and maybe see some of the stars practicing.)

shamrock5k

2.  Shamrock Shuffle – This is a new one.  I love new races and it is 5 miles.

ss

3. I didn’t get into the NYC Half Marathon so I instead registered for the Asbury Park Half Marathon to keep me running through the winter. I have a friend that lives an hour from this race and it’s supposed to be  the “Best Half in New Jersey – One of Best in the Country.” The best part, I will be running along the ocean!!!!!

aphm

4. Mastodon Challenge– It is hilly so it will be a challenge and it is on my birthday.  How could I not race on my birthday?

mc

May 9, 2015

5.  I also did not get into the Covered Bridges Half Marathon on June 7 (sold out in 24 min.) so instead I registered for the first annual Walkway Half Marathon.  It’s in Poughkeepsie which is about 1.5 hours away. The course will include the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson as well as Marist College and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. (It is hilly – the only negative.)

HALF MARATHON  – June 13, 2015

Happy Running! What are some of your favorite 2015 races? Are you running any new ones?

runner-sig

by

That Elusive Speed

Speed?  Not that I was ever fast.  Cuz speed is relative.

What’s fast for me is slow for another runner.  And what’s slow for me is fast for another runner.

But I’ve realized that speed not fitness is the first to go when you are not training.

The last time, I ran a mile under 9 minute mile was mile one of the Run Off That Turkey 5k on November 29. (Mile 1 is always my fastest mile.)

Of course, that was following 10 weeks of being part of a running group.  A group where I was one of the slower runners so I was forced to run faster and where our coach made us do hill repeats and speed drills.

So I have done none of that since November and the result was NO SPEED!

I am thrilled that I PRed at my recent half marathon but since then even my race paces have gotten slower.

  • West Palm Beach Half – Jan 17 – 9:52 pace
  • WS #4 (15k) – Jan 25 – 10:08 pace
  • WS #5 (10 m) – Feb 1 – 10:16 pace

So I decided to do a little speed work on the treadmill.  Speed work for me was a minute at 10 min per mile pace (rather than my usual 13 minute pace) followed by a minute of walking, (Why does running on the treadmill feel so much faster to me than it really is? If I go faster, I feel like I am going to fly off the treadmill.) I repeated this a few times during my 3 mile workout.

The result was:

  • Polar Cap 4 miler – Feb 7 – 9:24 pace

No under 9 minute miles yet but at least a little bit of speed back.

It’s been said “if you want to run fast, you have to practice running fast.”

So there may be some truth in that.

In this slushy snowy winter, it will be hard to run fast outside.  So I guess, it will be the treadmill if I want to do any speed work.

Here are some tips on running faster:

I am so looking forward to March when I start back with Patrick, the coach of the Freihofer training group.  I need to be pushed in order to do drills.

can I ever be a speedy rabbit?

On another note, according to a Runner’s World article, “healthy runners will race about two seconds per mile faster for every pound they lose.”

faster

So in the meantime, I could try and lose 5 lbs?!

Happy Running!  Do you do speed drills?  Are you content or do you want to run faster?

runner-sig

 

 

by

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.

IMG_4907

my yoga studio

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

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.

IMG_4947

IMG_4948

IMG_4949

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?

runner-sig

by

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?

runner-sig

by

Monday Running Update

IMG_4595 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

IMG_5012

  • Wednesday – 4 mile run, webinar

IMG_5020

  • 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
IMG_5030

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 ?

runner-sig

by

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:

IMG_4893

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?

runner-sig

 

by

Lynx Sportswear Review

lynxI 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?

runner-sig

____________

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.