July 1, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: technology

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: technology

That’s an easy one for me. I work in IT and I am quite a techie nerd.

I never run without my iPhone so I’ll talk about Running with Apps.

Here are the 10 iPhone apps recommended in Jessica Clark’s post. Please go to the post directly for more details on each app.

Here are a few more that I have heard of:

And some more that I have found:

Since my original post on apps, I actually decided to try some of them myself. On these trials I was not using my Garmin because I didn’t care about pace and just want to get my miles in.

Runkeeper – this one is free and I kinda like it. It is is easy to set up. It calls out your distance and pace. You can set goals and you can save a route.

CruiseControl – this one costs $$ but not a lot. (I had a gift card or I wouldn’t have bought it.) This app pulls in all the music on your iphone according to cadence. You can set your targeted cadence and pace. It then adjusts the music as you run. Personally, this is a waste on me. I don’t choose my music according to cadence especially since I am in recovery mode. I choose music that I like. It has to have a catchy tune and a good beat to run with.

Zombies, Run! – this one also costs $$ but not a lot. (I had a gift card or I won’t have bought it.) This one integrates missions with your music. It tracks your distance and pace. It is kinda cute. Although I was being chased by a zombie, when I was tired, it didn’t really motivate me to run faster. But that may be just me. If it were free, for a change of pace, I would use it.

Runtastic – there is a free version, I have Runtastic Pro that I got free. The Pro version offers voice feedback , auto pause and intervals. The free version has GPS tracking, measures time, distance and pace, shows a map of your run as well as charts for speed and elevation. I didn’t find it as intuitive as Runkeeper. (I had a hard time even fingering out how to end my workout and didn’t do it. OOPS.)

WalkJogRun – this one cost $4.99. I have it. I am not sure if I bought it or got it for free. This app claims to be the most accurate regarding distance. it allows you to find nearby routes. It tracks your time, distance and pace per lap. It also offers FREE training plans for all distances and all levels. (The plans are worth the cost of the app.)

NikePlus – this one is free. I started using this app since it required a shoe sensor insert and an ipod. The app has a lot more functionality. Right now, it is my favorite. It tracks your miles, shoes, shows your route. It is easy to add photos and post to FB, twitter & instagram.

All the apps above are easy to set up, link to your music and work with the GPS function on your iPhone. You also have the ability to share your runs on Facebook and Twitter, if you desire.

However, with all the iPhone apps, the GPS function is not as accurate as a Garmin GPS. So if you are serious about your pace and split times, you need to use a Garmin. Also using the GPS on the phone wears down the battery. I would be nervous using it on a long run. Plus, I rather have a charged phone if I am out running alone than a GPS.

So probably I’ll use the apps from time to time but when I race or train seriously, I’ll be back to my iphone for music, communication & photos and my Garmin for distance and pace.

Happy Running! Do you use apps? If so, which one(s)?

June 30, 2014 by Darlene

Monday running update

20140625-122436-44676505 Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 3 4 recovery miles

on bridges & trails

I love my new NB 870s. These 770s were on clearance at DSW for $45 – had to buy them! Love them too!

Tuesday -2 walks at work, rest, tennis

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – 3 mile run ~~at lunch~~ before work,walk at work, ~~concert~~ (rained out), yoga

first run in my new shoes. It was a HUMID one!

AM walk

PM walk to the park & then the rains came

Thursday – 3 mile run before work, 2 walks at work, movie

beat the rain – boy was it humid

AM walk

PM walk – picture tells all

not as good as the show but still enjoyable

Friday – 2 walks at work, ~~4 miles~~, rest, mah jongg

AM walk

PM walk

Saturday – 11 miles

what a God awful run

Sunday – boating

perfect day!

This Week:

Monday – 3 miles
Tuesday -rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles , yoga
Thursday –4 miles
Friday – DAY OFF – rest, boating
Saturday- 4 miles, boating
Sunday -rest, boating

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

June 29, 2014 by Darlene

We’re halfway.

report-card1 6 months down and 6 to go. How am I doing on my 2014 Goals?

1. Do not get injured. So far, so good.

happy legs and feet!

2. Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR. Yes!

in the freezing cold

in the spring

during my vacation

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week upper body & core strength exercises (planks & weights). Tennis YES, Yoga Rarely, Planks & Weights SO SO

my instructor returned from maternity leave on May 7.

when I can remember to use them

4. Finish all races (except 15ks & half marathons) at under 10 min. pace per mile. Almost all.

: 5k – 30:10

: 4 miler – 38:07

: 5 miler – 48:14

: 4 miler – 38:06

: 5k – 28:56

: 5K – 27:51

: 10k – 1:00:52

: 5K – 28:14

: 5K – 28:51

: 2014

: short 5k (2.25 m) – 20:19

5. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.Yes! 14 races so far.

: HMRRC 15K – January

: Polar Cap – February

: Runnin of the Green 2014

: 3rd

: Betar Byway – June

6. Run a race in another state or even a NEW state. Yes, Mayor’s Wellness 10 miler in CA, Lighthouse 5k in FL and the Love Run Half in PA. But they are not new states.

Lighthouse 5K in FL.

7. Run at least 10 NEW races. 11 already!- Mayor’s Wellness 10m, HMRRC Winter Series #3 15K, Lighthouse 5k, Love Run, Bacon Hill 5k, Rabbit Ramble 4m, Cherry Blossom 5k, Spring Run off 10k, Mom’s 5K, Betar Byway 5K, Strawberry Fest 5K, Adirondack Distance Run

first annual Love Run

Bacon Hill 5k

Spring Run Off 10K

Strawberry Fest 5K

8. Run in NYC. No, not yet.

This is as close as I have gotten

9. Get an Age Group award. Yes! 9 of them – 3rd at the Mayor’s Wellness, 1st at the Lighthouse 5K, 1st at Bacon Hill 5k, 2nd at Rabbit Ramble 4m, 2nd at Cherry Blossom 5k, 3rd at Spring Run Off 10K, 1st at Mom’s Day 5k, 1st at Betar Byway 5K, 1st at Strawberry Fest 5K

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

Cherry Blossom5k

Mom’s Day 5K

Spring Run Off 10K

Betar Byway 5K

10464192_905772132782587_8976828319425984868_n

Strawberry fest 5K

10. Run a 10 mile race. Yes! Mayor’s Wellness 10m and Adirondack Distance Run

Mayor’s Wellness 10m

11. Run at least one half marathon. Yes! The Love Run.

12. PR in a half marathon. Yes! at the Love Run.

4 sec PR

13. Run over 800 miles. 4 miles so far. I’m on my way.

14. Continue to blog almost everyday. Yes! So I am doing pretty good so far. Things to work on the next 6 months:

Go to yoga regularly
PR in a 5K
race in a new state
run in NYC
continue to race each month
continue to sign up for new races
STAY HEALTHY

Happy Running! Do you have yearly goals? If so, how are you doing so far this year?

June 29, 2014 by Darlene

Lacking the Long Run Motivation?

Ever since my March half marathon, I have been trying to get my speed back. As a result, I have been racing 5Ks and mostly running 3 miles with an occasional 4 miler thrown in.

I definitely feel more confident about my speed (although it isn’t or may never be totally back).

Moms Day 5K

Betar Byway 5K

So now, I need to run longer.

And I can’t find the motivation!!

Luckily I decided to run the Adirondack Distance Run last Sunday. That was 10 miles. I did it and I didn’t die.

adr3

I have a Half Marathon on July 13. That’s 2 weeks away!!!!

The problem is that I can’t find the time on the weekends!!

It is easy to squeeze in 3 miles and then do other things. Long runs take time!

the boating season is too short and too expensive not to take advantage of it every weekend that the weather is nice (it is the one thing my hubby & I do together …)

I guess that’s why I usually run 5ks in the summer and train for long races in the winter. (What was I thinking when I signed up for a summer half marathon??)

In the meantime, I am going to have to get creative about fitting in long runs this summer – take time off from work, run after work, get up super early on the weekend, etc. (and the weather better cooperate!!)

In fact, I have already taken Monday, July 7 off to do my 12 mile training run.

Here are some tips for getting your long runs done:

Run somewhere scenic – a park, a bike path, along water. Beautiful scenery is motivating. Vary your routes. Running on the same road gets boring. (I never do my long runs on a treadmill!!!)

at the Peebles Island State Park

Grab a running buddy or join a running group. Chatting makes the miles go faster. Having to meet someone gets you out the door.

These guys helped me last winter. Unfortunately, this summer I am solo.

Put some new music on your phone or iPod. Playlists gets stale. It’s nice to have some new summer tunes to motivate you on these warm humid days. Good music can help make the miles less painful.

I just added some Zac Brown & some Jimmy Buffet

Eat enough. A long run is hard enough but it is much harder when you have no fuel in the tank. I always eat a good breakfast and then carry gels to eat every 4 miles.

salted caramel is now my new favorite

Wear comfortable clothes especially good running shoes. Chafing makes a long run seem even longer. I also train with my most supportive shoes. Never wear worn out shoes. And remember to dress for 20 degrees warmer than it is. The more miles that you run, the warmer you will get.

I also wear compression socks on my long runs.

Rewards! Promise yourself something good to eat when you’re done. I usually head to Starbucks for a cold frappuccino or to get some ice cream.

Stewarts – YUM!

Sign up for a summer or fall half marathon or marathon. Knowing that a race is coming up will hopefully push me through these hot months to stay in running condition. Running a long race without the proper training is a recipe for an injury.

And do as I say not as I do –

Yesterday I stayed home from the lake to do a long run – I ran solo on a boring city route, with chafing, uncomfortable shoes, an upset stomach (new fuel). I left too late so it was very hot out. I got home and collapsed – too tired & sick to reward myself. Yes, that long run SUCKED!

at least there were sidewalks

My next one will be better. I promise!

Happy Running! Anyone else have the long run motivation blues?? Any other tips on getting it done?

June 28, 2014 by Darlene

Summer Run Challenge

June 30 – August 10, 2014 FREE Participation!

I participated in the RunWithJess Winter Run Challenge. It was fun and motivating. I usually chose 10 miles each week and had no problem getting it done.

So since I try to run each week during the summer too, I thought that I should participate. Maybe I’ll even win something.

So if you’re also training for a big fall race or just need a little extra motivation to keep up your daily runs, what not join the Summer Run Challenge?

It is FREE to participate, and you receive…

Accountability: weekly reporting of your mileage
Helpful tips and advice via a weekly e-newsletter
Weekly chances to win prizes!
Encouragement and support from others
A fun virtual race to test your speed
Templates for tracking your progress and training tools

HOW IT WORKS:

The Summer Run Challenge is six weeks long. Participants accumulate miles (run or walk) Monday through Sunday, and report back their completed miles each week. Every week you hit your goal, you receive one entry into the weekly prize drawing…

June 30-July 6 – 2 Toms Prize Pack for blister, chafing & odor prevention
July 7-13 – Block Island Organics Prize Pack for skincare in the summer sun
July 14-20 – ProCompression marathon socks for ultimate muscle recovery
July 21-27 – GU Energy Prize Pack for fueling and hydration on the run
July 28-Aug. 3 – Workout DVDs for the cross-training and “it’s just too hot” days
August 4-10 – TBA

READY?

Sign up to receive the E-Newsletter here. Each week you’ll receive a short newsletter via email to provide running tips and a reminder to stay on track. You can opt out of the newsletter at any time.
Follow RunWithJess HERE on Facebook for challenge updates, prize winners and daily motivation.
Join the SRC Facebook Event here to meet and motivate other participants. You can post pictures and success stories within the event. Invite your friends to join in the fun!
Set your weekly goal… 10, 20, 35, 50… The number may vary each week based on your training plan and racing schedule. You don’t have to indicate your individual goal; however, it’s a great idea to make it public on social media or your blog “My goal this week is to run xx miles in training for the XXX.”
RUN! Track your mileage Monday through Sunday. Use a notebook, Daily Mile or any weekly tracking program. It is encouraged to journal your pre-run meals, what you use for you on-the-run fuel, and how you felt.
Report back your weekly miles HERE once your final run of the week is done. In order to earn an entry into the weekly prize drawing, you must report in each Monday before 12:00noon. Weekly prize winners will be announced every Monday evening, starting July 7th.

Ready…Set…Go!

Happy Running! Are you running this summer? Will you join the Challenge?

June 27, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: 5 things about me

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 Five Things About Me:

1. I never had a pet growing up. But now I have 4 cats. (I used to have 5.)

Jerry – my favorite

2. My favorite foods are pizza and ice cream. I have no self-control when it comes to these foods. (In other words, I stop eating them when there is no more left.)

Soft Serve Ice Cream (esp. coffee) with sprinkles

3. I was a French major in college, spent my junior year in the south of France and used to be a French teacher for many years. I still love everything French. I have seen Les Miz at least 12 times. (My dream to run a race in France.)

especially desserts (and art, movies, etc.)

4. My birthday is the same day as Billy Joel’s. I have seen him in concert many times. We are also both from Long Island. (He actually was part of a band that sand at my friend’s sweet 16 party.)

billyjoel

5. My clothes (almost) always match. Neurotic. I used to say about tennis: “If I don’t play good, at least I’ll look good.” Beauty before fitness?

too much purple?

Happy Running! Tell me 5 things about you!

June 26, 2014 by Darlene

My Next Half Marathon

shmlogo

I know that I said I wouldn’t do one until the fall. But I am having trouble deciding on a fall half and I just got caught up in racing excitement of my 10 mile race last Sunday.

crossing the finish line of the Adirondack Distance Run

So what’s 3 more miles in 3 weeks??

Race info:

Flat and fast course in beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Springs Strong To Serve Half Marathon Technical Shirts to all half marathon runners
Saratoga Springs Strong To Serve Half Marathon finisher medals to all half marathon finishers
Saratoga Springs Strong To Serve Half Marathon /Pint Glasses to overall and age group champions
6 water stops of half marathon course / 1 water stop on 5K course
At least 2 Port-a-potties on the half marathon course
Fresh fruit, pastries, and more at the finish line
Packet pickup 7/12/14 Noon – 5:00 PM at iRunLocal & on race morning at Race HQ
Top notch make-your-own goodie bags
20% of all entries fees support the Strong To Serve

The Course:

The Half Marathon course starts in with a lap around the Peerless Pool Parking Lot, turns right on East West Road, and then right onto Geyser Loop Road. The course then turns left to run a lap around the SPAC Parking Lot and returning to Geyser Loop Road. The course then turns left on East West Road, left on North South Road, and continues onto Roosevelt Drive. The course then turns onto the path on Avenue of the Pines, turning right on the path to head south beside Route 9. At Crescent Avenue the course moves out to the breakdown lane of Route 9 and continues south to East West Road. The course turns right on East West Road returning to the front entrance of the Peerless Pool Parking Lot. The course then continues for a 2nd full lap. After the 2nd lap the course turns right into the Peerless Pool Parking Lot finishing with a lap around the parking lot.

I have never run a race with a second full lap. This is a negative especially when you are a slow runner. Another will be if it is hot and humid. Again if you are slow, you will finish later when it is warmer out. And the third is that it is an inaugural race. I don’t think there will be a lot of runners and I could be running much of the race alone.

Nevertheless, I am excited to run my first summer half marathon. It will be purely for fun – no expectations. Especially since I have had no training plan and it is summer. Hopefully, it will be enjoyable and I can be on our boat on Lake George by noon.

The plan:

Instead of a 12 week plan, I have a 4 week plan.

I ran 10 hilly miles last Sunday.
I will attempt to get in 11 miles this Saturday (no promises)
I have Mon, July 7 off from work to run 12 miles (or not).
13.1 miles on Sun, July 13 or bust.

Goals:

Finish uninjured
Not finish last
Have fun
Finish under 2:30:00

Happy Running! Have you done a half in the summer? Have you run a half without training?

June 25, 2014 by Darlene

A day off to explore a new running route

I took Monday off in case I was too sore after Sunday’s 10 mile race.

I was not. I felt great.

I decided to use the time to run somewhere new.

I never can. Either no time before work, too much traffic after work, boating or a long run to do on the weekend.

So today was the day and the weather was similar to the weekend’s – PERFECT!

I drove to Peebles Island. I heard there was a park there with trails.

When I got there, I got sidetracked.

In addition to lighthouses, I love bridges.

So I kept running over them.

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Then I finally arrived back at the park to run the trails. There were two loops – an inner and an outer. I wasn’t sure which one to do and I was kinda nervous to be running by myself.

I decided to do the outer one but I think I may have made a wrong turn. Anyway it was beautiful & I saw some baby deer.

Luckily I bumped into a couple and asked them. They told me to do the outer loop because you get to see the falls.

Score. Love waterfalls even more than bridges.

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I continued to run (and stop for photos). It was was beautiful – water views all along the trail and hills to climb for better views. Also tables for picnicking.

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An almost perfect day. I was getting too cocky about trail running and down I went.

Nothing broken – just bruises and a bloody arm.

Luckily I was near the end. 3.8 miles done – (I would have done 4 miles if it weren’t for the fall.)

So I won’t be signing up for a trail race anytime soon.

Happy Running! Do you run on new routes often? Do you do trail races?

June 24, 2014 by Darlene

Tuesday on the Run: Injuries

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 “injuries.”

Certainly not a pleasant topic but I am happy to say that I AM NOT INJURED!!!! Yay!

So I will re-post from when I was recovering from a serious injury. Hopefully it will help some runner out there who is injured now.

11 Good Things About Being Injured

If you are new to my blog, this was me during my 10 mile training run on Dec 29, 2011:

and then this was me for 2 months after that day (note the surgically repaired raised ankle on the left):

Five months later, I am on the road to recovery (I can walk without limping) and I want to say that it hasn’t been all bad:

Less laundry – no running clothes or tennis clothes or yoga clothes (and sometimes all 3) to wash each day
Fewer bags to carry to work – no running gear bag or tennis gear bag or yoga clothes bag to lug into work
Easier to park your car – my handicap sticker came in handy cuz it’s free to park with it at the beach
More time with friends and family – I now eat dinner with my hubby every evening
Save money – no race fees, no gels to buy, my running shoes are not wearing out
Learn something new – I now know how to knit
Discover other ways to exercise – I walk at lunch and ride my bike on weekends (I never did this before…)
Eat healthier – in order for my ankle to heal faster, I started taking vitamins, eating more fruits & veggies- I didn’t have to carb load so although I haven’t run in 5 mos, I haven’t really gained weight
Get more sleep – no getting up early to run before work or to race on Sat, no coming home wired from tennis & staying up too late
Teaches patience – I am NOT a patient person…I do things right away and I want instant results so I guess this was a test (I may have still failed, though)
Find out who your friends really are – I am truly blessed…I have received many cards, gifts, meals, loads of support, etc.