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).

this jacket in white

tank

Happy Running! What are you loving today?

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

February 10, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Favorite Fitness App

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: Favorite Fitness App

I only use 2:

Nike + Running

I use this on my iPhone when I run. I use my Garmin watch in races. This app is easy to use and keeps track of distance, time and pace.

It also shows you a map of where you have run.

You can even add pictures.

even on the track

DailyMile/Electric Miles

I use Electric Miles on my iPhone (since I don’t have the latest OS) and Daily Mile on my iPad.

This is how I keep track of my miles. You can take view them daily and

and weekly

and of course, monthly.

aug2014

You can link to FB or Twitter and comment other people’s posts but I do not.

The other app that I like (but it’s not really a fitness app) is FitSnap.

I use this to post images to Facebook, to this blog and to Instagram.

You just take a picture and choose the activity and add any other details.

Happy Running! What is your favorite fitness app?

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

February 9, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week: (AP Half Marathon Training week #2)

Monday – rest (SNOW DAY), yoga at home

Tuesday – 3 mile run on the TM at work, tennis

too cold & snowy – episode 2 of “serial”

Wednesday – rest, 3 mile run

snowy slushy path but a heat wave at 30 degree

Thursday – 4 3 mile run on the TM

back on the TM – sub zero temps – ugh! episode 3 of “Serial”

Friday- rest, mah jongg
Saturday – Polar Cap 4 m race + 6 more

37:40 = PR and 2nd in my age group

Sunday – rest, nails, cooking

chili, corn bread

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

Monday – 4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run, webinar
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday- rest, mah jongg
Saturday – car appt, 8 mile run
Sunday – rest, 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 ?

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

February 8, 2015 by Darlene

My Project Repat Blanket is done!

Last month, I posted here about my excitement after ordering a blanket made from my old race shirts from Project Repat.

The first step is choosing the size blanket you wish them to make, and then picking out your shirts. I choose to have a twin blanket made and that meant picking out 24 shirts.

The hardest part of having this blanket made is choosing the shirts.

Because I had so many… close to 100. I don’t run in them but do wear some to bed or to hang out in. But most of them, just sit in a drawer (or two).

The majority of these shirts are from my beginning running days of 2008 -2010. In those days, you got cotton shirts at every race. Since then, many or most races are giving out tech shirts and if they a gender-specific and fit, I wear them to run. Also, for the past year, I have been sending all my shirts to JA my running buddy.

That being said, I surely had enough shirts for the twin blanket.

Most of the shirts that I chose were cotton but some were tech fabric shirts and when they put them together, you really don’t notice the difference in materials.

The website has a short video to help you with the cutting process.

Even though I don’t wear these shirts, I was a little emotional cutting them up. But as I did, I was remembering each race that the shirt represented.

There was one from my first 5k ever…

2008

one from a 5K walk that I did at a conference years before I thought about running…

one from one of my favorite 5ks…

one that I especially liked…

I also included the shirt from my most recent half marathon.

The next step is optional. You can decide where each shirt should be placed on the blanket and send them a photo. I chose to let let them choose the locations and I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

The last step is to mail your shirts. I squeezed them into a small box and it didn’t cost much to mail at all. (But I live in NY and Project Repat is in Mass.)

As soon as they receive your box, you will get an email verifying receipt.

Then you just wait.

I only took less two weeks.

When I opened the package yesterday, I was so excited with the finished project.

Be sure to check out the Project Repat website and consider one of these blankets for your old race shirts. It is a great way to remember your races.

Happy Running! Have you had your shirts made into a blanket yet? If not, what do you do with your race shirts?

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

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Disclosure: I was given a discount for my Project Repat blanket. There was no compensation for this post and the opinions stated here are my own.

February 8, 2015 by Darlene

Runner’s Choice Review and Giveaway

runners-choice-bott

If you read my blog, you know that my feet often hurt. So I was excited to try Runner’s Choice.

Runner’s Choice is made from 100% natural botanical oils of almond, eucalyptus, eucalytol, wintergreen, peppermint and spearmint.

It is designed for people who run 3 miles or more at a time.

Before and after running, simply apply it to your feet–no rubbing in needed. They recommend that you coat the bottom of your feet, in between the toes and the top & 2 inches above the ankle.

I used it before and after my 10 mile race last Sunday, after my run on Thursday and before my race yesterday.

I can’t honestly say that it has made a difference in my running. But afterward, I found it refreshing. And my feet felt restored.

TRY IT: One bottle of Runner’s Choice is free to everyone (one per household) in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia (only pay shipping charge) by ordering it here. If you have a blog and agree to review it on your site, let them know and the shipping charge will be waived.

WIN IT! 3 lucky readers from U.S., Canada, Europe or Australia will win one bottle of Runner’s Choice. To enter, click the link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit Our Trusted Health Products Website!
Like Trusted Health Products on Facebook!

Happy Running!

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Dislaimer: I received this product from Trusted Health Products, but no compensation was received for this post. As always, the opinions stated here are my own.

February 7, 2015 by Darlene

Polar Cap 4m Race Report

polarcap15

I have run this race with blogger AJH several times and it was a tough hilly one but still fun.

Here we are winning AG awards in 2010

AJH got 2nd place...we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

AG awards again in 2013

I ran with her last year but only she got an award.

AJH’s award in 2014

AJH was running it again and I was looking forward to seeing her.

10872764_10155126109310174_3510530694647973051_o

don’t like that hill at the end but apparently we only run half the hill at the beginning this year

during last year’s race

Also the weather was better than it has been – meaning it wasn’t snowing yet and it wasn’t sub-zero. But it was COLD!!! In the teens when I left with snow showers predicted.

So I bundled up in my usual running layers and drove the hour ride up to Lake George.

Believe it or not, the temps warmed up to the 20s (heat wave!) and I discarded one layer.

I was glad I got there an hour early because I barely got a parking spot. This new location does not have enough parking, Many runners parked elsewhere and may have had their cars towed.

When I got there, AJH was already there. (She is hard core – drove all the way from VT.)

10924736_10155136809115174_8096058827417712730_n

nice to have gender-specific shirts – short sleeved – in the winter??

I chatted with some runners that I knew who were trying to talk me into running a maathon.

Then I hung out inside with AJH until the race was about to start.

I felt a little pressure to run fast since I didn’t win an AG award last year. But you never know what will happen when you run a race and there are some fast runners in my age group. And this is a hilly course.

Previous Polar Cap Races:

2011 – 40:11
2013 – 41:40
2014 – 40:10

Runnin’ of the Green 4 milers (a flat course):

2014 – 38:07
2011 – 38:02 PR

Rabble Ramble:

2014 – 38:06

I have not been doing any 5ks or any speed work at all. My runs on the weekend have been long. So I was prepared for a slower time. Not a PR but maybe a course PR if I was lucky.

I remembered the race started going uphill and my legs felt sluggish. Luckily they felt better as the race went on.

I walked after the first mile when there was a steepish hill.

Then we went downhill for a while and it was slippery around the turns.

I just plodded along admiring the scenery and trying for a consistent pace.

This race has a very pretty course. You run past the lake (which totally frozen & snow-covered)

I really suck on the hills, I walked part of each one. On one hill, while I was walking, a woman yelled “Don’t walk! Shuffle.” I replied that I wish I could. (In the end, I did pass her!!)

heading toward the last hill

Unfortunately, the last half mile of this race is straight uphill!

polarcap 2

I think I walked twice on that hill because I wanted to finish strong. But I really had nothing left at the end.

Polar Cap 2015

I crossed according to the clock at 37:40! A NEW PR!!!!

I was generally happy with the race. I ran it faster than I thought I would.

AJH finished a little after me.

We went inside to wait for the age group awards.

There was soup and fruit and baked goods – I am a sucker for home-made stuff and ate quite a few cookies. I also had the soup and 2 cups of chocolate milk.

pc4m

And we both won awards!!! Woo Hoo!! AJH for the 8th time. She keeps her streak going!

3rd and 2nd

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:12
mile 2 – 9:31
mile 3 – 9:40
mile 4 – 9:44

(Garmin time: 37:38)

Positive splits!!. What else is new?

After AJH left, I was debating on changing my clothes and leaving or running more.

But with a big snowstorm coming, I decided to take advantage. So I decided to run to the Winter Carnival in town.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

I wandered a bit.

not sure what they were dressed up for?

Then I visited with friends who were volunteering.

The outhouse races were beginning but I didn’t stay to watch.

I ran around the lake and through the town and then to my friend’s house. I talked to her hubby for about 2 hours! Then I ran back to my car.

I wonder if the horses get cold?

I covered 4 miles in total.

I may have stopped here…

Next, I drove north to Bolton Landing. I ran to our marina, through town and to the Sagamore.

the marina – my happy place (in the summer)

I stopped in a few stores…

and inside the Sagamore before running back to car.

one last view of the lake

Another 2 miles covered!

You are never too old to set another goal…does this mean I should run a marathon?

I decided to call it a day and head home. (My LG friends wanted me to stop back for the car parade and the bonfire but I was pooped and wanted to drive before the snow started.)

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

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?

February 6, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fitness Snapshots

This week, the theme is: Fitness Snapshots

1. Tennis – 1 1/2 hours of doubles this week (inside)

2. Walking – 9 1/2 laps of the building – it is still too cold to go outside.

still indoors

3. Treadmill – still too cold & icy sometimes to run outside. I ran on the treadmill TWICE this week.

this podcast is getting me through the runs

4. Yoga – I didn’t actually go to a yoga class but I am doing a few poses each day.

5. Running – yes, I did run outside in the cold too. Brrr!

Happy Running! How did you keep active this week?

February 5, 2015 by Darlene

February 5 by the 5th Virtual Race!

Laura at Mommy Run Fast hosts a virtual race called 5 by the 5th. The rules are that you have to run either 5 miles or a 5K by the 5th of each month starting February through May. There are prizes up for grab each month for those that participate and record their results.