October 11, 2019 by Darlene

The Glass is Half Full

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

So many people ask me when am I going to retire? They frequency say that they can’t believe I can keep up with this crazy work schedule.

Yes, traveling 8 out of the last 9 weeks.

Sleeping in hotels, eating in restaurants and often driving all over the state.

All while training for my first marathon.

But with the Bad comes the Good.

Image result for quotes glass is half full

So Why Is My Glass Half Full?

1. Airline miles, hotel points, train and car rewards.

And you know what all of them will be used for.

Race-cations. Woo Hoo!

I definitely would not be doing a lot of these races without these work perks.

: Poland Springs 10k

: RnR Montreal Half

2. Meet ups with friends.

I have been able to meet up with fellow ambassadors in Rochester and NYC.

: with Kim

: with Elizabeth

: with Cari

I have able to catch up with high school friends on LI.

None of these occurrences would have taken place without work travel

3. Running in interesting places

In addition to amazing Central Park in NYC, I have discovered the Erie Canal trail and Lake Ontario trails in Rochester.

And Onondaga Lake State Park in Syracuse.

And recently the Vestal Rail Trail in Binghamton and Blydenburgh Park on LI.

Sometimes your running can get stale if you run on the same local routes.

Not me.

4. No Cooking and Cleaning

I admit it. I am secretly enjoying this.

Unfortunately this too shall pass.

Back to domestic bliss. Lol.

5. Meeting new people.

Yes, like the guy on the hotel elevator who has run the NYC marathon many times

And the cafe owner on the Vestal Rail Trail who has run many marathons but hopes to someday get into NYC.

And the desk clerk at my favorite NYC hotel who has started running because I inspired him.

And the guy on the subway to Brooklyn who travels and looks for races everywhere he goes. Like moi.

It’s amazing how a race shirt is always a conversation starter.

met a local runner at a Brooklyn race because of his shirt.

Happy Running! How could YOU not dwell on the bad stuff and focus on the good? Please share.

June 26, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What I was doing 10 Years Ago

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 What I was doing 10 Years Ago.

So the year was 2005.

No running.

No boating.

No knitting.

No mah jongg.

What was I doing in 2005?

1. I played a lot of tennis.

I played in contracts, took lessons, played on several teams, etc.

2. I worked as a Technology Director for 40 Catholic Schools.

This was my favorite job…so rewarding…so varied…wish I could have afforded to stay there forever.

3. I got to travel and go to conferences around the country.

If only I ran back then…

in San Diego

4. I was into quilting.

I belonged to quilt guild and went to monthly meetings. I went on weekend retreats.

5. My annual trip with the tennis ladies was to Las Vegas.

We didn’t gamble but we liked to go to shows and restaurants and hike on the weekend.

Happy Running! What were you doing 10 years ago?

June 19, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What Makes Me Happy

This week, the theme is Five Things That Make Me Happy

1. Being on my boat with my hubby on Lake George

It is so beautiful, peaceful, relaxing. It’s my weekend place to be.

2. Hanging out with my friends

Whether it is playing tennis, knitting, going to a movie or the most likely, eating out. I them love!!

3. Running in scenic places

I love running along the water or on a trail.

Lake George

Peebles State Park

Corning Bike Path

Washington Park

4. Racing

There are more races now that any time of year. So there are so many choices. You can choose by location, bling, course, etc.

5. Playing tennis outdoors.

It’s free. It’s close to home. Love being outdoors in the fresh air.

Happy Running! What makes you happy?

May 8, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: Ways to Share Running Love

This week, the theme is Five Ways to Share Running Love

1. Connect Online

Blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, DailyMile.

There are so many places. And you will meet new running friends.

I net Barbara through FB

I met AJH though blogging

2. Join a Group

FleetFeet has groups as well as USAFit and many races have training groups that you can join.

I recently joined the Freihofer Run for Women’s Training Group

3. Run with a friend.

We have run together many times and we chat about running, of course.

4. Racing

I run a lot of races so now I see so many familiar faces. We talk about the current races. We also chat about past and future races and running experiences.

2 racing friends

5. Point Out the Benefits.

Most of my friends don not run. And every time, they mention some study about how running is bad for you, I always talk about the positives.

one mah jongg friend who I convinced to start running

Happy Running! How do you share your running love?

January 16, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What’s in my gym bag?!

This week, the theme is: What’s in my gym bag?!

I am the bag lady. I always bring a gym bag to work – for tennis, running, yoga or sometimes 2 or 3 bags.

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These are the things that are always in my bag:

1. Food – Most of the time I run, play tennis or work out after work but before dinner. So I am hungry. I always carry a variety of bars with me.

2. Water – I always carry an empty bottle to fill with just plain water.

3. Hat – My hair is unruly and bugs me if I don’t wear a hat. If it is cold, I carry a cap and if it is not, a baseball cap.

4. Clothes – Shoes, shirt, socks, gloves, pants or skirt, jacket and many layers this time of year for running outside. Sometimes it is tough squeezing it all in.

5. Phone – I use my iPhone to stay in touch in case of an emergency, for music, to track my distance (when not racing) and to take photos.

Happy Running! What’s in your gym bag?

December 12, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite Winter Activities

This week, the theme is Favorite Winter Activities:

I’ll say it up front. I hate the cold!!

If I didn’t run, I would never go outside.

I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, sled, snow shoe…nada!

Keeping that in mind, here are my favorites:

1. Running (only cuz I sign up for races & winter half marathons to make me get out there)

Polar Cap - February

2. Tennis (Indoors) – I play doubles once a week.

3. Knitting – I am not very experienced but I have made socks, hats & scarfs.

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sock1

4. Cooking (on the weekends) – I love to make soups & chili.

5. Reading – I always read every night before I go to sleep.

I think this one is her best – I read it in one day!

loved this one – can’t wait to see the movie!

Happy Running! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

November 28, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Gratitude

This week’s theme is: Gratitude

I am thankful for…

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. I am grateful that he is there to support me.

lh5k

2. My Health – of course that means being healthy enough to do the activities I enjoy — RUNNING, tennis, walking/hiking, occasional yoga class. I don’t take it for granted. I have been NOT able to do it too many times. I am so grateful to be healthy all of 2014!!

first race after breaking my foot (July 2013)

This was taken in the courtyard below our room (on the 3rd fl).

first run after foot stress fracture (Dec 2012)

first race after ankle surgery (June 2012)

first race after strained achilles (walked half of it) – Sept. 2011

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 and I am grateful to have them in my life.

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. I have learned a lot from Facebook and from my fellow Bloggers. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to meet them in the flesh. So I guess I am grateful for the Internet and those smart folks who have invented software that can connect people.

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. I am most grateful to this sport and what it has given me.

2014

2012

2010

2008

Happy Running! What are you grateful for?

November 25, 2014 by Darlene

Runner’s Gift List & Pro Compression Review

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 Gift List

Here are my 5 recommendations:

a Watch

Forerunner 10

Forerunner 220

If you are a runner, you know how important it is to track your distance and pace especially during a race and training for an important race. I couldn’t survive without one. I have the Garmin 205 which is rather large and I am not sure how long it will last. I would love to have a new one, Santa!

Running Shoes

Mizunos Wave Rider 18s

Hokas

“I have too many pairs of running shoes,” said no runner ever! I love my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s that I have in black. It would be nice to get another pair ..in pink?

I have heard a lot about Hokas and how supportive they are. I would love to try them….

a Running Skirt

skirtsports.com

runningskirts.com

I can’t believe that I ever ran in shorts. Skirts are so much more comfortable and they look so much better (especially if you don’t have a perfect body.) Those from Runningskirt.com are my favorite. I love their length and that they have 2 pockets. I have a few but not enough….

I don’t have any from SkirtSports but I think I would like them. They come in cool designs and I have heard that they are comfortable.

Running Jewelry

Every girl likes bling! And how nice would a charm with a message or commemorating a race distance be…

I am wearing one that ❤ Running

Socks

Having the right socks are almost as important as the right shoes. The only time I don’t wear compression is when is very hot or with capris. I get blisters so I heard that Feetures are a great low sock to buy.

However, my favorite socks are compression ones from Pro Compression.

I wear their Marathon socks and I love them!!

Here are the key features of these socks:

1. True Graduated Compression

2. Arch support with just the right about of compression

3. Stabilization zone thru the sides to mid foot. Helps provide foot bed comfort.

4. Open toe box so it will not keep your toes too tight.

5. Wide cuff for added comfort.

6. Moisture wicking materials

7. No blisters!

If that’s not enough, here are some more reasons to buy them:

1. Their socks are MADE in the USA

2. They always have a super fun Sock of the Month! A new sock designs every month with a discount! Sign up on the home page under: Receive Monthly Specials.

3. They are one of the few compression socks companies that makes a true graduated compression sock (They work!)

4. They sell direct. That means bigger discounts and more focus on the customer. Their goal is to make sure everyone is in the correct sock or sleeve that is best for them!

I have worn other compression socks but after I had serious ankle surgery, I was worried about be able to run again. I bought these socks because they boasted that they help reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.

Well, I was able to run with no pain and minimal recovery time.

first Half Marathon after ankle surgery

However, why I buy really them is that I NEVER HAVE TIRED LEGS! I have not had any calf issues, shin splints, PF, IT band problems, etc.

during a 15K race

In fact after my last 10 mile race, I continued wearing them and walked around a sculpture garden for 5 hours!! Imagine that!

10 miler - 1:38:45

Most recently, I PRed in a pair at a 15K race.

Stickadeathon - November

So if you want to buy a pair, enter the code PINK2 at checkout for a 40% discount! (This code is valid thru Dec. 15.)

For more gift ideas, click here.

Happy Running! What is on your list? Have you worn Pro Compression socks?

________________

Disclaimer: I received the Pro Compression socks free of charge as part of a Fitfluential/Sweat Pink campaign. All opinions are my own.

October 10, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Favorite fuel/foods

This week, the theme is Five Favorite Fuel/Foods for Fitness/Running/Training

1. Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

This is what I eat for breakfast before every race. Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff. My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon.

2. Protein Bars

If I run after work, I usually eat one of these before I run. My favorites are Balance bar (yogurt honey peanut) and Kind (vanilla blueberry).

3. 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,

4. H20

Just plain water…nothing added. And usually from the tap.

5. Chocolate milk

Not fuel but refuel.

For some reason, after a race, this is the only thing I can eat/drink right away. It doesn’t upset my stomach.

Happy Running! What are you favorite fuel/foods for fitness/running/training?

October 3, 2014 by Darlene

Friday Five: Fitness Inspirations

This week, the theme is Five Fitness Inspirations

1. Healthy + Clothes = 🙂

Being active (running and playing tennis and occasionally yoga) makes me feel healthy, helps keep a healthy weight and as a result, I can wear whatever I want.

I am over 60 and I want to be able to wear the same outfits as a 20 year old (except for maybe a bikini).

2. Healthy enough to run

Every time I don’t feel like going out for a run, I remember when I was injured and couldn’t run…

and know that someday I won’t be able to anymore.

3. Effort=Reward

I think I run half marathons because running doesn’t come easy to me. It is hard. I struggle on every long run.

Every half marathon that I finish still leaves me in awe. I can’t believe that I actually have run 13.1 miles.

4. Harriette Thompson

Harriette Thompson ran her first marathon at age 76. Now she’s 91 and still running marathons despite having had cancer, etc.

I’m not sure that I will ever run a marathon but I hope to continue running for a long time …hopefully still when I’m in my 90s.

5. John Anthony

This is John Anthony. He is my 10 year old running buddy. I was paired with him last November though the IRUN4 program.

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John Anthony has several rare genetic diseases – a skin biopsy showed he has SCAD which is an inborn error of metabolism. a metabolic disorder. His current geneticist thinks he also has glycogen storage disease type O and two of his specialists thinks he has Mitochrondrial disease (Mito).

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He is in and out of the hospital and sick so often. He cannot go to school, often is too weak to walk and cannot do the things we all take for granted.

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