March 27, 2014 by Darlene

The Countdown is on…

092713-loverun1

My 8th Half Marathon is in THREE DAYS…gulp!

I shouldn’t be nervous, right?

Well, I never feel confident about my running.

Yes, I know I can and will finish. I knew after the first one that I could run 13.1 miles.

Though I started running in 2008, 2011 was the first year that I ever even considered running a Half Marathon and I did 5 that year! Yes, I got hooked.

My first was the Naples Half Marathon and my time was 2:28:27 (gun time) and I was thrilled finishing under the 2:45 cut off.

1st

My second was the Lake George Half Marathon. It was pouring freezing rain the whole race and my time was 2:22:39. I didn’t wear my Garmin and there were no clocks so I was shocked at this PR.

2nd

A strained Achilles delayed my training for #3 which was the Adirondack Half Marathon. With my longest training run being 6 miles, I finished this race by walking the second half. My time of 2:44:59 was much faster than I expected.

3rd

My 4th, the Fall Foliage Half Marathon, was just a spur of the moment long training run. It was VERY hilly and I was happy with my time of 2:32:50

My supposedly PR race was the Santa Clarita Half Marathon, my 5th. It was in California & pouring for the first 6 miles. I was very disappointed with my time of 2:30:12. I felt that I trained well but I fell apart the second half of the race 😦

5th

Unfortunately, after the 5th, I broke my ankle, then had a stress fracture so when Half Marathon #6 came 16 months later, I was just glad to finish. My time for the Sarasota Half Marathon was 2:33:59. My ankle & foot held up and I was elated.

6th

Half Marathon #7 was supposed to be the one where I would be seriously training and get a PR. Then I broke my foot. With a late start to my training and my weekly miles not what I would like, again this half marathon was just “I’ll be happy to finish.” My time for the Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon was 2:24:14, actually my second fastest time.

7th

So for Half Marathon #8, I am trying not to put pressure on myself.

lr medal

My main goal for this half is to ENJOY it (It is the largest half marathon so far in 2014… my first BIG one.)

And though I would be satisfied with D, happy with C, I would be ecstatic with A.

GOAL A: under 2:22:39
GOAL B: under 2:24:14
GOAL C: under 2:30:12
GOAL D: finish smiling and uninjured

keep-calm-it-s-only-a-half-marathon-2

**Don’t forget to enter my PocketFuel giveaway!

Happy Running! Do you run Half Marathons? Do you train for them or just enjoy them?

March 26, 2014 by Darlene

PocketFuel Review and a Giveaway

I read about PocketFuel on a blog. They are GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE, VEGAN, SOY-FREE, CORN-FREE and made from 100% natural, WHOLE FOOD ingredients.

I checked and they don’t sell them in my area. I hate to order things online if I am not sure if I will like them. So I emailed PocketFuel and asked them when PocketFuel would be in my area.

Guess what? They sent me a whole bunch to try.

What is PocketFuel?

PocketFuel Nut Butter blends are made from 100% natural, whole food ingredients found in nuts, seeds and fruits. Each blend is a slow burning, easy to digest fuel providing a natural & sustained energy boost to help your body to thrive and reach its maximum potential…

These blends are packed with many important B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.

They are also a rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and sodium. These electrolytes are absorbed efficiently into the bloodstream, speeding fluid to your cells to refuel, rehydrate and replenish your body. Quick absorption is essential for warding off fatigue, cooling the body and achieving peak performance

The nut butter blends come in these flavors:

Crunchy Banana Blueberry
Chunky Coconut Cherry
Chocolate Espresso
Chia Goji & Honey
Pineapple Coconut
Chocolate Smackaroon
Chocolate Haze
Vanilla Haze

PocketFuel has also released another product – the Cold Brew Coffee Energy Shots. They are available in three flavors – Vanilla, Mocha and Java.

So during my 8 mile run on Sunday, I decided to try one of the Pocket Fuel nut butter blends. I chose Vanilla Haze.

Before using the fuel, you’re told to “Squish and Squeeze”, which really is a great advice – it loosens up the consistency a bit and makes it really easy to “eat” even on the go with no water around.

It tasted great. And it went down really easy. I had no problems digesting it. (This is very important with fueling during a long run or race.)

PocketFuel comes in 4 different sizes – 1.15 oz, 1.8oz, 3oz and 20oz. I brought the 1.15oz packet along for a my run – fit perfectly in the pocket of my jacket. (It would also fit in my race belt or skirt and shorts pocket.)

The 1.8, 3 and 20 oz pouches are flexible, durable and comes with a screw lid which makes it possible to reseal the pouches and save some for later. The pouches are also reusable – just wash the pouch and fill it up with more Pocket Fuel from a 20oz pouch of your favorite flavor. Pocket Fuel is obviously thinking about reducing waste with their slogan being: “Reduce – Reuse – Refuel.”

I have only used PocketFuel while out running, but I could see it used before playing tennis, going for a hike or walk and any activity where you need energy. They taste so good!! I would eat them as a snack and/or fuel for all my runs except that I don’t actually need fuel for short runs. You could combine with a banana or a bagel or add them to a protein shake.

I can’t wait to try the other flavors.

If you are interested in knowing more about PocketFuel Naturals, check them out on their website, on Facebook, Instagram or connect with them on Twitter.

If you would like to try PocketFuel, I am willing to share these two:

Enter below using Rafflecopter. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Running! Have you tried PocketFuel? What is your favorite fuel for running?

*******

Disclaimer: I was sent samples of PocketFuel for free, I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions in this post are mine and mine alone and they have not been controlled or influenced by PocketFuel or anyone else.

March 25, 2014 by Darlene

My 6th Blogoversary

March 25, 2014

I’ve been blogging for SIX YEARS!! That means I’ve been running for SIX Years!

Year 1 – starting to run for the first time and completing many 5ks
Year 2 – after taking the winter off, running again and completing even more 5ks (Anniversary post)
Year 3 – running through the winter, completing 5ks (and a 5k PR), 4 milers and my first Half Marathon (Anniversary post)
Year 4 – completing some 5ks, a 5 miler, my first 15k and FOUR more half marathons (plus an achilles injury and a broken ankle 😦 ) (Anniversary post)
Year 5 – recovering from a broken ankle, running my first 10k and some 5Ks, suffering a foot stress fracture, running my 6th Half Marathon
Year 6 – a few 5ks, then a broken 5th metatarsal, then more 5ks, several 10Ks, my 7th Half Marathon and a 15K

Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon

Monster Scramble 10K

Malta 5K

me, Courtney and her aunt MaryPat my friend)

Freihofer 5K

Mother’s Day 5K

Stockadeathon 15K

Mayor’s 10 Mile Race

Lighthouse 5K

Year 7: ???

I am again hoping that this next year (lucky 7?) brings NO INJURIES and lots of running and racing…

Happy Running! Thanks for stopping by!!! How many years have you been blogging?

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March 24, 2014 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – 12 miles (morning off from work)

Tuesday – 1 mile walk at work, rest, tennis

our new course record

Wednesday -1 mile walk at work, 4 mile run on tm during lunch, dinner out with tennis buddies

this time is was Revenge on my iPad

Thursday – 1 mile walk inside and then a 2 mile walk outside, 3 mile run

oops…the walk involved a Shamrock shake

spring? lake is still frozen but it was 40 degrees!

Friday – 1 mile walk at work, 4 3.5 mile run, mah jongg

3-21-14

Saturday – rest, lunch, movie & ice cream with Amanda

they did a good job adapting the book

kurver

Sunday – 8.5 miles

cold and VERY WINDY

10K plus virtual run (spring fling seemed more like a winter fling)

This Week:

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – 3 miles on TM, hair appt.
Friday – rest, fly to Philly
Saturday – rest, LoveRun expo
Sunday – Half Marathon!!!, fly home

March 30, 2014

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

March 23, 2014 by Darlene

Taper Time

taper-time

For me, it doesn’t really feel like a taper because I don’t feel that I trained hard. I didn’t really increase my mileage. It stayed around 3 miles with some 4 milers thrown in. Some outdoors and some on the treadmill. (It’s been a tough winter to train.)

On the weekends, my long runs started early. After my half marathon in October, I started preparing for a 15k in November, then a 10 miler and a 15K in January. That means I had many runs of 9-10 miles. None were without excessive walk breaks. I also skipped a long run when I was in Florida. But I did 2 -11 milers and a 12 miler.

My running schedule looked something like this:

Week	Date	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total Miles
1	6-Jan	0	0	0	3	0	10	3	16
2	13-Jan	0	0	4	3	0	8	0	15
3	20-Jan	4	0	3	4	3	0	9.3	23.3
4	27-Jan	0	3	3	4	0	4 + 4	4.3	22.3
5	3-Feb	0	4	4	0	4	0	10	22
6	10-Feb	0	4	0	4	4	0	10	22
7	17-Feb	3	0	4	0	0	11	0	18
8	24-Feb	0	0	0	4	3	3.1	4	14.1
9	3-Mar	0	0	3	3	5	0	11	22
10	10-Mar	0	4	3	4	0	4	12	27
11	17-Mar	0	0	4	3	4	0	8	19
12	24-Mar	0	4	3	0	0	0	13.1	20
	races are blue							3/16 run was 3/17	240.7

So I don’t feel ready but then again, I don’t feel tired or over-trained. We’ll see how it goes. I am pretty confident that I will finish. How fast?? Haven’t a clue.

Today, I ran only 8.5 miles (yeah only 8!). It was another SLOOOOW cold WINDY one (what else is new?)

almost track season

will the snow ever melt?

last long run in Delmar…bike trails should be almost clear

This week, I am just taking slow …getting some runs between the rain and wind and the sun (and tennis & hair appt), making sure that I stay healthy.

Happy Running! Do you enjoy tapering? Any advice?

March 22, 2014 by Darlene

Currently

Reading….The Zahir by my favorite author Paulo Coelho

Watching…The Good Wife (the season is almost over.)

Drinking… Water.

Eating… ice cream too often (but I love it.)

Anticipating… the LoveRun half marathon and my weekend in Philly.

Wishing for… Warm weather that’s here to stay. I am so over winter.

Seeing this weekend… Divergent. I have read the trilogy and enjoyed it but mostly looking forward to spending time with my mentee.

Loving... that it is light after work and I don’t have to run in the dark.

Feeling… Nervous. I am always anxious about running races.

Happy Running? What are you currently….?

March 21, 2014 by Darlene

Spring Time and Racing

It’s Spring (although it doesn’t feel or look like it) and time to fill up my racing calendar.

LoveRun Half Marathon in Philadelphia, PA

March 30, 2014

Delmar Dash in Delmar, NY

April 6, 2014

Bacon Hill 5k or 10k in Schuylerville, NY

April 12, 2014

Rabbit Ramble in Guilderland, NY

April 19, 2104

Cherry Blossom 5k in Niskayuna, NY

April 27, 2014

Spring Run Off 10k in Albany, NY

May 3, 2014

Mom’s Day 5K in Albany, NY

May 11. 2014

Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K in Albany, NY

May 31, 2014

Happy Running? Are you excited for Spring? What races do you have planned?

March 20, 2014 by Darlene

Racing Bucket List

I am lucky to have done some amazing things in my life. Check out my Reverse Bucket List. And only 3 out of 32 involve running.

So what is on my Racing Bucket List? (Since I started running almost 6 years ago, many of the items, I have already done but not ALL):

1. Run a 5k race. CHECK.

Freihofer’s 5K

2. Run a 10K race. CHECK .

Helper’s Fund 10K

3. Run a 15K race. CHECK.

Stockadeathon 15K

4. Run a HALF MARATHON. CHECK.

Naples Half Marathon

5. Run over a BRIDGE. CHECK.

Ringling Bros Bridge (Sarasota, FL)

6. Run along a LAKE. CHECK.

Lake George (Camp Chingachgook 10K)

7. Run a DESTINATION race. CHECK.

Mayor’s 10 miler in Palm Springs

8. Run along the OCEAN.

9. Run in another COUNTRY.

10. Run in CENTRAL PARK, NYC.

11. Run on a BEACH.

12. Run with a FAMILY member (my hubby or stepson.)

13. Run a POPULAR half marathon (more than 5,000 racers.)

What’s not on my Bucket List? (nothing is written in stone…)

Run a Marathon.
Run a Disney Race.
Run a fun race (color, neon. etc.)
Run a obstacle race.
Run a triathlon.
Run an ultra.
Run a trail race.
Run a (Ragnar) relay race.

Happy Running! What’s left on your Running Bucket List?

March 19, 2014 by Darlene

Wordless Wednesday

preferably in the sun!

Happy Running! Spring will be here soon….

March 18, 2014 by Darlene

The Last Long One…13 days till 13 miles

longrun

I usually do my long runs on the weekend but this was a 12 miler and I ran a 4 mile race on Saturday.

I didn’t want to add on 8 miles on Saturday after the race nor did I want to run 12 miles on tired legs on Sunday.

I wanted to run 12 miles in one shot and at my slow half pace so….

So I took Monday morning off from work.

Yes, I took time off to run!!

I had to get up early and get it done because I could only take a half day off.

To save time, I ran from my house and I planned to repeat the course that I ran for my last 11 miler but add on a mile.

I got spoiled running on Saturday in 40 degree temps.

Yesterday morning it was in the single digits with the wind chill. Brrrrrrr!

I donned my winter apparel but still froze my face off when running into the wind.

At least it was sunny and there were no puddles on the sidewalks (just ice in rare spots.)

To get the extra 1/2 mile, I added a short detour and then stopped to buy water at the coffee shop (I hate to carry anything).

photo from last week

Guess what, they had NO bottled WATER!! They also had no mini cupcakes. I was tempted to buy a larger cupcake but no one offered to give an obviously thirsty runner a cup of water, so I changed my mind. (Remember how I stashed my water there last week but forgot it….it was still there, but frozen.)

I continued down the street and stopped at Stewarts. The water was cheaper and I took a Gu (and hid the water for the way back).

passed the clock again …less snow each week,

I turned around at 6 miles and headed back.

I did another detour that was different the first and stumbled upon what might be a park with trails?

I also remembered to drink my water.

Although my pace for this run was a little better than last week’s, the first half was a lot faster than the second (the reverse of last week.) It was still slow but as I know from past experiences, my race pace is always better than my training runs.