February 22, 2015 by Darlene

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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

February 20, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Races to Run in 2015

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.

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?

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?

February 19, 2015 by Darlene

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?

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

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.