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

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: 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.

I don’t do a lot of virtual races because I run so many actual races.

But this one is easy to fit in.

Well, yesterday we had a heat wave. It was 30 degrees. Tonight it is supposed to be -30 so I thought it best to get outside.

I drove to UAlbany where I ran last week because I thought that the path around the campus would be clear.

It was in a few spots but for the most part, it was snowy and slushy. I was slip sliding all over the place.

At every intersection, there were huge puddles. What a mess!!!

check at that huge mound of snow. More is coming this weekend.

But it was a nice night to run and a SLOOOW 5k completed!

Happy Running! Do you do virtual races? Have you been able to run outdoors?

February 4, 2015 by Darlene

January Recap

JANUARY GOALS:

Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.) – YES!

after work

on the TM 😦

near home

in the park and it’s staying lighter longer 🙂

uAlbany campus – a new route

Walk once a day while at work.- NOT really. Walking indoors is so boring so I have really slacked off.
Get some strength training or yoga done.- Very Little.
Run with a group when possible. No. Only in races but signed up for a group starting in March.

with Judy on Jan 3

Do long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon on January 17. NA. Ran a Half Marathon and a 10K race instead.
Complete a 10K race. YES!

HMRRC Winter Series #3 10K – 1:00:24

Complete a 15K race. YES!

HMRRC Winter Series #4 15K – 1:34:29

Complete my 10th & 11th half marathons. YES and YES!

#10 (Hangover Half) – a PR at the time – 1:18:33

#11 (West Palm Beach Half) – a Big PR and 1st in my AG – 2:09:40

Run at least 90 miles. Not quite. 82. (slacked off after the half)

jan15

What else?

I finished knitting a hat.

I spent 5 days in Florida as part of my Race-cation – beaches, birds and good friends

florida jan 2015 (100)

February Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.)
Walk several times a week while at work.
Get some strength training or yoga done.
Run with someone else when possible.
Do long runs on the weekend to start to train for half marathon on April 18.
Complete a 10 mile race
Complete a 4 mile race.
Volunteer at a race.
Run at least 80 miles.

Happy Running! How was your January? Anything special planned for February?

February 3, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Runner’s Nutrition

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: Runner’s Nutrition

I should preface this post with the fact that I do not eat healthy most of the time. I love my carbs and my desserts (esp. ice cream).

That being said, here’s what me, the runner, eats :

Pre-Race Meal (the night before) – Pizza or Pasta

I don’t like too much cheese or sauce. I prefer a thin crust.

Again, I don’t overdo on the sauce or the cheese.

Pre-Race meal (the morning of) – Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff. My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon.

Snacks before and after running – Protein Bars

If I run after work, I usually eat one of these before I run. On days off, when I run in the morning, I eat one after my run. My favorites are Balance bar (yogurt honey peanut) and Kind (vanilla blueberry). I also like Cliff bars (pumpkin & gingerbread).

Fuel during long runs or long races – Energy Gels

I love salted caramel and peanut butter. Now there are 2 new ones – chocolate peanut butter & root beer!!

I usually take one GU before a race and every 4 miles during a long run or race. I have never had any stomach issues with GU,

What I drink before run & during a race – H20

Just plain water…nothing added. And usually from the tap. I don’t like to carry water so I drink it before and after or loop back to my car. Races are perfect since they provide water.