June 5, 2014 by Darlene

Summer racing

is coming!

I love to run races in the summer.

It’s always a challenge to fit them in around our weekend boating.

But I wouldn’t give either one up.

I am hoping that this summer I am free of injuries.

That hasn’t been the case in recent years:

2011 – 6 wks off for a strained achilles
2012 – slowly recovering from ankle surgery (started running too soon & wound up with a 2nd metatarsal stress fracture)
2013 – 6 wks off for a broken 5th metatarsal

So far, this is my summer racing schedule:

June 8 – Betar Byway 5k
June 14 – Strawberry Festival 5K
June 22 – Adirondack Distance 10m
July 13 – Saratoga Half Marathon – doubtful but maybe
July 26 – Turning Point 5k
August 2 – Race The Train (8.4m) – maybe?
August 9 – Camp Chingachgook 10k
August 16 – Jailhouse Rock 5k
August 30 – Care For Kids 5K Run – maybe?
September 7 – MBPK 5K
September 14 – Biggest Loser 10k

I am also looking for a fall half marathon. I have a few possibilities and they are Sept 21 or 27 or Oct 5. That will mean long runs starting this summer.

Happy Running! Do you race a lot in the summer?

June 4, 2014 by Darlene

National Running Day

jun4

I am older than most, if not all, running bloggers.

But when I run or race, I feel that we are on an equal playing field. Of course, younger runners usually run faster. (So do some older runners.) However, I do beat many runners that are younger than me. And that makes me feel good. At the ripe old age of 61, I feel that I can still get faster and stronger.

a recent 10K (PR of 1:00:51)

a recent 5K (course PR of 28:14)

So today, I will definitely run. I am not sure where or how far or how fast. But I will run.

A few years ago on this day, I posted the reasons “WHY I RUN”:

I RUN…

because it makes me feel good
because it makes me feel healthy
because it makes me feel active
because it gives me time to be alone
because it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment
because it makes me feel young
because it makes my day start better
because it makes a bad day end better
because it helps me enjoy the fresh air and the scenery
because I have met awesome people who are runners
to inspire others to become runners
so that I can eat more ice cream and desserts
so I can listen to music I like as loud as I like
as fast or slow as I want
until I feel like stopping
wherever I choose
alone or with thousands of others
to support a cause
to get a medal
to a get a tech shirt
because I can

They are all still valid.

strong

proud

happy

Happy Running! Did you run today? Why do you run?

June 3, 2014 by Darlene

Huma Chia Energy Gel review

As discussed in many of my previous, energy gels are my preferred choice of fuel when I run. I usually take one before any run that is longer than 40 minutes. If I am running a half marathon, I carry them with me to take during the race.

A year ago, I read about Huma Chia Energy Gel on a blog but could not find it in a store. So I contacted the company. They sent me samples and asked me to write a review.

At the time, Huma Chia Energy Gel only came in two flavors: strawberry and apple-cinnamon. I tried both flavors and liked them both, preferring the apple-cinnamon.

A year later, one thing has changed. I no longer drink coffee. I have pretty much given up caffeine. Gu is my energy gel of choice and only the peanut butter is without caffeine.

So I was very excited when I was contacted by Huma and asked if I would try their two new flavors – mango and blueberry.

Huma Chia Energy Gel is all-natural and does not contain caffeine!

On Monday, I had eaten breakfast about 3 hours before my run along Lake George so I took the Mango Huma Chia Energy Gel. It tasted really good and gave me just the energy I needed.

On Wednesday, I decided to run during my lunch break so I took the blueberry. I hadn’t had lunch and the Huma Chia Energy Gel got me through the miles.

I love mangos in general and am so-so on blueberries.

But I liked both of Huma Chia Energy Gels’ new flavors. They tasted great. Mango, however, is my new favorite Huma Chia Energy Gel.

And I had no digestion problems with either of them!!

POSITIVES:

all natural ingredients (this is an important one)
the taste (you don’t even need to wash it down with water)
no caffeine

NEGATIVES:

cost – more expensive than the others
availability – not available in all states so you have to order online (& pay $4.99 shipping)
only 4 flavors – they taste good but fruity is not my preference.

So if you are looking for a tasty healthy alternative to your current energy gel, I would advise you to try Huma Chia Engery Gel!!

Be sure to check them out:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Happy Running! Have you tried these gels? If so, what do you think?

_____________________
**Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. I contacted Huma and they provided me with two samples of Huma chia energy gel to try for my honest opinion.

June 2, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – DAY OFF, 4 3.5 miles, boating

Tuesday -2 walks at work, rest, tennis

AM walk

PM walk

Wednesday – walk at work, 3 mile run at lunch, Paint & Sip

am walk

lunchtime run – drizzly and 30 degrees colder than Tuesday

fun evening

Thursday – 2 walks at work, 4 mile run

am walk on the track

pm lunch walk to the park

Friday – rest, walk at work, walk to packet pick up

AM walk

Saturday – 5K race + 5 miles, fundraiser

around my work area in Albany

Sunday – rest, boating on Lake George

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday -rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, yoga
Thursday – rest, dinner with old friends
Friday – 4 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, gardening
Sunday – 5K, boating

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

June 1, 2014 by Darlene

May’s over! Bring on June and summer!

my birthday month!

MAY GOALS:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week. YES!

in Albany, NY

even on the track

Continue planks. Occasionally – when I remember.
Start back at Yoga. Only went once.

May 7

Walk at least once a day at work. When I worked.

to the park

around campus

on the track

Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk. Sometimes.
Run my 5k races under 30 minutes! YES!

28:14

28:51

PR in a 10K race (under 1:06:10) – YES!

1:00:51

Run during my tennis vacation in Florida. – YES! 5 times

13.5 miles

Run at least 75 miles this month. Nope. Slacking off. Only 68.

do you see a trend?

Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy. YES!

I had a wonderful vacation in Florida where I spent a lot of time at the beach and on the tennis courts.

I spent a day with my mentee and her sons.

I celebrated my birthday with several dinners out with family and friends.

I went boating on Lake George for the first time this year.

JUNE GOALS:

RUN at least 3-4 times each week.
Continue planks.
Go to Yoga at least 2x.
Walk at least once a day at work.
Play tennis outdoors once a week
Continue to use those 5 lb weights on my desk.
Add a long run each week to prepare for 10 mile race.
Run any 5k races under 10 minutes per mile!
Run a 10 mile race and finish under 2 hours.
Run at least 75 miles this month.
Dedicate all my runs to John Anthony my running buddy.

Happy Running! How was your May? Anything special planned for June?

May 31, 2014 by Darlene

Freihofer’s Run for Women race report

frw14

This race is always so exciting for me. (I posted why here.)

It’s been exactly one year since my last injury (A Broken 5th metatarsal.)

from last year’s Freihofer race

So of course, I was a little nervous, as well.

This year as I did previous years, I walked over from work yesterday to pick up my bib and goodies (shirt, bread & cookies).

It was so quiet on the street the day before the race.

After I picked up my goodies, I struggled up that hill walking that I would be running up today.

When I got up, I was happy to see that the weather was perfect for running. Breezy and oool but not too cold or too warm (unlike the heat of last year.)

I dressed for warm weather (short sleeved shirt, skirt) but with a jacket that I would wear until the race started.

I had my usual running breakfast (oatmeal & tea) and drove to work where I would leave my car and jog/walk the 1.5 miles to the start.

at the plaza near the start

I wanted to get there early so I could meet friends.

the flag in the background is the start

I was early so I went down under the Plaza to use the real restrooms and bumped into my tennis friend Mary Pat.

Some of my former students organized a team (“We Ran It for Janet’) to support their friend who had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I was not officially running on the team (since I registered for the race too early) but wanted to stop by and say hello.

me without the team shirt

2012 was such an emotional race. Last year, I was relaxed about it. But this year, I wanted to do well but not get HURT!

Around 9:30 or so, I pushed myself into the crowd. You lined up by colors (according to your projected finish time.) I moved up to see the elite runners go by and head to the front. I bumped into another runner that I met at the Bacon Hill 5k race. We chatted for a while.

Then there was the national anthem (which always makes me teary eyed in a big race.) And we were off.

couretsy of the Troy Record

frwme2

Right off the bat, someone dropped something and bent down and I tripped over her and then the person behind me bumped into me. No one was hurt. Phew!

I tried to get moving. It was difficult but since it was a hill, going slow was ok. It was really congested until you got to the park. My pace was so slow.

I was cold from the breeze at the start but warmed up quickly and all I wanted was to run the whole race and finish strong.

Mile 1 was great. I felt strong . I was just trying to save it for the end. I passed the water stop (where I broke my foot last year) and continued on.

There is another uphill during the 2nd mile but I slowly willed myself up it.

Then came the 2nd water stop. I successfully passed that one too.

The 3rd mile gives you a break. It is pretty flat. I was fatigued but just pushed myself.

Finally came the downhill portion which leads to the finish line. It always makes me nervous so I can never let myself go full speed.

I heard the announcer say “if you hear me you can finish under 29 minutes”. So I tried to sprint.

I crossed at 29:04 but but my net time was 28:51.

Not my best (28:14) but far from my worst.

I was pleased.

And I did meet my goal. Under 30 minutes! And I didn’t stop at all!

Splits:

mile 1: 9:47 (uphill in the congestion)
mile 2: 9:17
mile 3: 8:58
.14 – 7:38

NEGATIVE SPLITS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!

out of over 4000 women

I waited at the finish for my friends.

Courtney

Mary Pat

We all got some refreshments – cookies, yogurt, fruit and

even got a free towel with my milk

Afterwards there was dinner/auction fundraiser for my former student. It wasn’t until 12:30 so I took advantage of my free time to run some more.

I jogged/walked to the plaza and then back to my car – that was at least 2 miles so I just ran 3 more miles.

I’ll call it 8 miles for the day.

The fundraiser was fun. I ate lots of pizza and wings. (After all, I did run today!) I didn’t win any raffle items but it was nice to see all my former students. They graduated 24 years ago so are adults with kids of their own.

Tomorrow I head back to the lake.

Running + boating = perfect weekend

Happy Running! Enjoy your weekend! Did you race or do anything else fun?

May 30, 2014 by Darlene

Running, sipping and painting

I didn’t run on Tuesday, a beautifully warm almost 90 degree day. I played tennis instead.

On Wednesday, I had plans after work. I took a walk in the morning. It was gloomy, misty and cold – 50 degrees!

And then during my lunch break, it looked like rain so I decided to run around the track. That way, I cold stop if it started to pour. I also decided that I would do modified tempo runs. For me, that means, run fast twice around the track, stop for water and continue that until I reach 3 miles.

beat the rain and my pace was decent (however the timer was paused when I stopped for water.)

Then I was free after work for our monthly tennis girls night out – this time we went to Saratoga Paint and Sip.

sp&s

You sign up for a class and you are instructed how to paint a certain painting (Ours was called “Water Me.”) While you paint, you listen to music and drink.

10388138_530858430351581_7799600783271253230_n

getting started

10246234_530859120351512_6533832123179624602_n

backgrounds done

10339630_530859180351506_8013952504299329006_n

adding the flowers

10379012_530859440351480_1808490402984861311_n

making progress

10413415_530860283684729_1105966517866272769_n

and we’re done!

What a fun time. It is harder than it looks (unless you are artistic.) And the paintings look better in the photo than in reality. We laughed and laughed. I totally recommend it.

The night wouldn’t be complete without some dessert.

10336805_10152856621689428_9034951949008716053_n

yum!

Yesterday, the weather was perfect – sunny and cool.

I decided to run on the Delmar Rail Trail which I have done in the past. But this time, I decided to run in the opposite direction.

I wasn’t sure what I would find.

The trail was very narrow in parts. Parts were covered in stones which made it difficult to run on. I ran under bridges. I saw a group of baby red foxes. Then I saw an large grey fox. I stopped at 1.8 miles because I wasn’t sure if the trail continued and returned.

I was glad I was adventurous but it was a little scary running it alone.

Happy Running! Are you artistic? Are you daring in your running routes?

May 29, 2014 by Darlene

My next and favorite 5k

May 31, 2014

Will I be on the first page of the sports section again?

Schenectady Gazette 2010

that’s me 2nd from left (2010) – Timesunon

me again in the purple (2012) – Timesunon

I should be running long and not racing a 5K. (I may run a 10 mile race in 3 weeks )

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Yes, for the 7th time, I am running this race. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

May 31, 2104 9:45 am

The Freihofer Run for Women is my favorite race:

It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it.
It feels so good to be a part of its excitement.
The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
You always meet someone you know.
Running it in 2008 made realize that I that I could be a runner.
Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me proud.
2011 was my FRW PR year.
Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!
It ends with a downhill 🙂
Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again…

In such a crowded race, it is impossible to have time goal. But finishing under 30 minutes (AND NOT GETTING INJURED) would make me happy.

Happy Running! Do you have a favorite race?

May 28, 2014 by Darlene

Lacking training mojo

After my last 2 solo runs (and my vacation runs), I need to vent.

I don’t have any training mojo.

It’s not that I don’t run. I do. But not well.

I have to admit, I am the worst runner when I run by myself.

NOT ME!! I stop when I am tired.

I don’t want to have slow crappy runs, but I can’t seem to make myself run without stopping.

I mean I stop A LOT and my pace is around 12-13 min/mile. I may use “I want to take pictures” as an excuse but it is really that I can’t make my legs go anymore.

And I don’t do tempo runs or fartleks or hill repeats or intervals. I just shuffle along. (I have tried but I lack motivation.)

I just run to get it done.

Is it?

A mile at 8 min pace is the same as a mile at 13 min pace??

This would reinforce my lackluster training.

You and i know that it is NOT the same.

True!

But I think I am past that.

I run 3-4 times a week.

This weekend will be my 14th race this year.

I feel like I should be doing more.

Do you always?

I have some friends who hate me because when I am in a race, I run so much faster. Even if I haven’t trained, I still have a decent finish time.

I am surprised at my pace and my age group awards because I don’t deserve them.

My paces at races is now consistently in the 9’s even though I train in the 12’s.

Mom’s Day 5K – 28:13

Spring Run Off 10K – 1:00:51

Cherry Blossom 5k – 27:51

It’s not that I am blazing fast and there are women my age who are faster but I don’t train hard.

I think that where it hurts me is in the longer races like half marathons. My splits get slower and slower because I don’t have the stamina and I am not used to running and not stopping when my legs are tired.

Some people would say that if you are not getting injured, enjoying your races and winning awards, why worry.

Phew!

Glad I got that out of the way.

Thanks for listening.

Happy Running! Any advice?

May 27, 2014 by Darlene

Girls Run Fast

I almost forgot, I am now a GirlsRunFast Ambassador!

So who are GirlsRunFast™ ambassadors?

We are lovers of all things healthy. We love running… and more!
We love to exercise and make a point to make it a part of every day.
We have a passion for the good things in life like food, fun and friends!
We do not believe that you need to live to the extreme to meet a goal.
We teach and don’t preach!
We RUN!

That’s Me!!

I am looking forward to sharing their news and product information with you all!

If you didn’t know this about me, I love jewelry. GirlsRunFast sell handcrafted necklaces, earrings, charms and anklets. They also have cute tech shirts, hats and temporary tattoos. Check them out at www.girlsrunfast.com

If you are interested in becoming a GirlsRunFast ambassador, apply here.

Happy Running!

My First 5K and More…

An "Older" Runner's Blog

Summer racing

National Running Day

I RUN…

Huma Chia Energy Gel review

Monday Running Update

May’s over! Bring on June and summer!

Freihofer’s Run for Women race report

Running, sipping and painting

My next and favorite 5k

Lacking training mojo

Girls Run Fast

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