March 6, 2020 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for March

It’s that time of the month…

Life Is Better When You're Running 11-oz Mug Marathon image 0

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve started taking yoga classes monthly. These two hour classes are geared for runners and every month, the teacher picks a different part of the body:

November – lower back & spine
December – upper back & neck

February – feet & calfs
March – quads & hamstrings
April – glutes and piriformis

Do you do yoga? If you do, do you do it on your own or sign up for classes?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have my THIRD half marathon of the year coming up. New York City Half Marathon. Last year I ran it recovering from a calf injury.

I was hoping to be trained for it this year…

Nope, my foot has had other things to say.

Still excited about running through Times Square again. And I hope the temps are warmer than last year.

NYC Half Marathon

Are you running the NYC Half? If so, let’s meet up!

Do you repeat Half Marathons? Why or why not?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my running friends & I have planned our FOURTH race-cation.

We’ve already done Wineglass HM in Corning, NY, Hot Chocolate 15K in Brooklyn and a Rock n Roll HM in Montreal.

: + Chris

: All 10 of us at the expo

Our next one is in October – Smuttynose HM in Hampton Beach, NH. We rented a house for 4 days…

Image result for smuttynose hampton beach

Do you go on race-cations with your running friends? Anyone run the Smuttynose Half running are have run the Smuttynose Half?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am still trying to figure out what is the best running shoe for me … yes, after 10 years of running.

I tried Altra Torin Plush. Nope!!

I loved my Nikes but after the strained calf muscle, I switched to Mizuno Inspires.

Now with the foot neuroma….

I tried Brooks Ghost. Nope.

Next up…Hokas?

Anyone else have problems finding the right running shoe? Anyone else run with a neuroma? What do you think of Hokas?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am so over winter running. Wearing a skirt in Bermuda just wet my appetite.

Are you as anxious as I am for warmer temps? Did you get away this winter to a summerish climate to run?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m not big on ambassador programs. In fact, there are only two that I now am part of.

One is Skirt Sports. Actually I am this year a Legacy Ambassador which means I have already been an ambassador for several years. I don’t have to promote as in the past but you bet I will because it’s the only brand of skirt (tights and capris) that I wear. (Get 15% with this code: SS15Dar562)

But for the first time, I am a Freihofer Run for Woman race ambassador. I am surprised and excited about this!! It is my favorite race and am honored to chosen and can’t wait to promote it.

Are you an Ambassador for any products or races? If so, which one(s)?

Do you wear Skirt Sports?

Are you running or have you ever run Freihofer Run for Women?

It’s Friday so I’m also 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.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

February 24, 2018 by Darlene

Runfessions – February

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

When I get depressed about the weather, I sign up for spring/summer races. It makes me feel like spring is almost here even though I know that it’s a long way away.

3-31-18 – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K
4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon
6-02-18 – Freihofer Run for Women 5K
6-30-18 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

Runners at the start of the Cherry Blossom 5K run for ALS research. The evnt was held at Congregation Gates of Heaven, located on Ashmore Ave. on Sunday, April 26, 2015.

Has anyone else already registered for spring/summer races?

I runfess…

I bought my race outfit for my March half marathon before I even signed up for the race.

Skirt Sports of course – use the code 128Card for 15% off

Am I the only one who does this?

I runfess…

I was kinda glad that I got snowed Friday night when I was working in Buffalo. It meant that I could get up later the next morning and run at my leisure instead of driving 5 hours home (in a snowstorm).

So it was supposed to be a long run of 9 miles but…. 5 slow ones was better than nothing.

Anyone else had it with this winter?

I runfess…

I signed up for the Superman, Squats, Russian Twist challenge to motivate myself to do some strength training. And it worked for a while. But I suck at challenges. The rarely did the Supermans because they are too hard for me and then I lost interest when you had to do more than 50. I break them up and I always ran out of time or forgot. And yes, I did some, some of the time which was better than none, never.

Do I look happy?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

February 4, 2018 by Darlene

I’m Baaack

Yes, for the fourth year, I have been selected as a Skirt Sport Ambassador.

Let me tell you why I choose to represent this company:

Their clothes are made for women of ALL sizes from XS to XXL and they fit ALL women.
They offer a variety of active wear items in addition to skirts – capris, tights, dresses, jackets, and more.
Let’s face it, we all want to look good and their clothes, in addition to being comfortable, make us look good.

4. Their clothes are practical...Can we say “Pockets?” I mean lots of pockets!!

5. They sponsor challenges, programs, podcasts and retreats that promote healthy living and fitness for women of ALL ages.

that’s me 2nd from left

awesome weekly podcast

6. They empower women to follow their dreams. I mean, what is more empowering that a company founded by a woman (Nicole DeBoom) and managed by another women (Noelle Wilson.)

Noelle & Nicole at a retreat – photo by Jenn Allen

7. The community of women who wear Skirt Sports is the most inspiring and supportive group of women I have met. Although most I have only met virtually, I feel a strong bond with all of them.

I met Elenora at a local race because I was wearing a Skirt Sports skirt.

You read more about Skirt Sports on these other blog posts:

So if you are still not convinced, you should order one to try Skirt Sports out for yourself. Use my code 128Card for 15% off.

Happy Running! Do you wear Skirt Sports? If so, what is your favorite product?

February 3, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Confessions of a Mother Runner

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am bummed. One of my favorite local races has been discontinued. The one that you run 10 miles along Lake George and end up next to the marina where we keep our boat.

my first Adirondack Distance Run (that’s my hubby who is always at the finish line of this race)

My last Adirondack Distance Run

Ever have a race that you love cancelled?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that they replaced the above race with a 15K that begins at a college, goes on the bike path instead of along the lake and ends up at the Battle Field.

My friend Sue is one of the race directors so yes, I signed up (reluctantly).

I hope I don’t regret my decision.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was very hesitant about signing up to run the Brooklyn Half Marathon for many reasons (date, location, work schedule, hubby’s b-day, boating, etc.)

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

I was tempted to just run a new local race (Jog for Jugs Half Marathon).

But Carpe Diem hit me and at noon on January 31st, I clicked “Register” (secretly hoping that I wouldn’t get in.)

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

Of course I GOT IN!!! And so did my friend Sue who will be sharing a hotel room with me.

together again!

Anyone else running this race? I’d love to meet up.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that for my fourth year in a row, I was selected as a Skirt Sport Ambassador Captain. I love this company, its ambassador network as well as its products. So I am very proud to represent and promote them.

Anyone else love Skirt Sports like me? Are you an ambassador too?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I have so many of their skirts that I really need no more. So I will refrain from buying ALL the new prints. Help me out and you buy some them!! LOL.

Use the code 128Card for 15% off at http://www.skirtsports.com

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my first half marathon of 2018 that is in 6 weeks has been CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Image result for singer island half marathon 2018

March 17, 2018

I was supposed to run across this beautiful bridge 4 times (miles 1,2,11,12).

Related image

So I am going to reluctantly continue my training…

Ever have a race as part of a race-cation cancelled?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this race was supposed to be my 30th half marathon and that was pretty exciting. I am escaping the polar vortex and visiting some good friends who live in Florida as well as some who are visiting at the same time.

I hope to have similar adventures to last year:

Yes, the race was going to be secondary and having fun is always my primary goal.

But seriously, this SUCKS!!

Happy Running!Got anything to spill? Share it here!

January 19, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Ambassadorships 2018

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic for today is: Ambassadorships 2018

I don’t have a big following. I mostly blog for myself and hopefully someone will read my posts and be inspired enough to start or continue running.

As a result, companies are not banging down my door to offer me ambassadorships.

I also feel strongly about only pursuing ones whose products are beneficial to me.

So here are my FIVE for 2018:

1. Rock n Blog

I ran the Vegas Rock n Roll 5k and Half Marathon and was so impressed about how the races were organized. I am very excited to promote these races and with any luck even race a few.

2. Legend Compression

To get $15 off, click here

If you’ve read my blog, you know that I am a big fan of compression wear. I rarely race without compression socks or sleeves. I had heard great things about this brand and can’t wait to race in their compression sleeves. (My first pair is black but brighter colors will be ordered, for sure.)

3. NUUN

I am, admittedly, lousy about hydration. I do not drink enough water. Well, that is about to change. My biggest rpobelm now is to decide which flavors I like best.

4. My Soxy Feet

Use code SOXYCARDILLO to get 10% off your purchase

Ok, I have a thing for socks. I can’t have enough. Well, this company has the cutest socks! They are mismatched and they are not just for running.

Image result for my soxy feet tennis socks

tennis – my second favorite sport

5. Skirt Sports

use code FALL20WIN to get 20% off your purchase

I have been an Ambassador Caption for 3 years already. They haven’t announced the 2018 ambassadors yet but my fingers are crossed that I am selected. I mean, I ONLY wear Skirt Sports skirts, capris and tights!!

Happy Running! How about you… do you apply for ambassadorships? Which ones have you gotten? Which ones would you like to get?

November 21, 2015 by Darlene

Girls on the Run 5K Race & Long Run Recap

November 21, 2015 – 9:30 am- Corning Preserve

I was running this race for many reasons:

1. GOTR is a great organization. I was a GOTR running buddy in the spring and I was happy to support them again.

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GOTR participants in a May 2015 5k

2. The STEM runners were running their first 5k. I volunteered to help Kelly train for this race.

STEM participants in a previous 5k

3. Several people where I work were also running their first 5k. They claim that I motivated them to run so of course, I had to be there.

4. My running friends Barbara & Judy are also running this race. It’s nice to know people to hang out with before & after a race.

with Barbara on the same course but back in May

with Judy in March

4. I love to race. This is a flat course and one where someone could PR. I have also gotten a AG award every time I’ve run on this course. But I guess it would be selfish of me to try.

Laurie on the right was also going to be at the race.

5. I had to run 12 miles today in preparation for my Dec 6 Half Marathon. The Corning Bike Path is a perfect place to extend my miles from 3 to 12.

nice river views

So I arrived early to a crowd of excited runners – young and old.

I parked in the parking lot that was farther away and walked to the start.

It was cold. I had better get used to this weather because it’s only going to get worse.

I wore layers which I shed before the race. I knew that I would be cold waiting to begin but fine once I started running.

I immediately bumped into Kelly who was, of course, nervous about her first 5K. As soon as I talked to her, I knew that I had to run with her and encourage her. This is what running is all about. Not PRs.

Every time, I turned around, I saw someone that I knew.

I chatted with Judy, Laurie & Barbara.

But unexpectedly, I saw 3 ladies from last fall’s STEM program They were still running and I was so happy to see them again. One runner, Kim, just ran the Stockadeathon and is thinking of a half marathon in the spring.

I also saw Judith who is GOTR running buddy, Elenora, a fellow SkirtSports ambassador and several others that I knew.

Kelly & moi

After we took lots of photos, it was time to line up.

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GOTR runners

The GOTR runners, their coaches and running buddies lined up first. Everyone followed.

Needless to say, it was very slow going for the first 1/2 mile.

But we had perfect weather. What seemed to cold at the beginning, warmed up. I shed my gloves & tied my jacket around my waist. (Overdressed again!)

Kelly, a few other STEM volunteers and I chatted the whole race. Kelly never walked or even seemed to struggle. We ran at around an 11 min pace which was faster than Kelly was used to. It was so great to see her run well and to be a part of it.

As soon as she saw the finish line, she took off. She finished at 34;XX and I know she was thrilled…so much faster than she expected.

on the front & back of our Mizuno jackets and these runner really ARE!

I am glad that I didn’t run ahead and try to PR. This experience was much more rewarding!!

After I was done, I hung out with Judy and Barbara and watched the others finish.

Everyone crossed the finish line so happy and so proud of themselves.

Finally my co-workers crossed….crying!! They had finished their first 5K…something they had thought was impossible. It brought me to tears, as well.

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posted on FB

I was so engrossed in the finishers that I forgot to get water or something to eat after the race. (I guess that was OK since I didn’t really expend a lot of energy during the race.)

Even though, this was one of my slowest finish times, I am glad that I participated in the race.

Afterwards, Barbara was nice enough to keep me company as I needed to get some more miles done.

as you see, I got rid of my gloves, jacket & hat

She is great to run with because she keeps me moving. The next four miles were definitely faster than the first 3 and much much faster than the solo miles to follow. We ran in the opposite direction from the race course and then turned around and followed the course again.

But after 4 miles, she left me to my own devices.

I decided to run back to my car, get my baseball cap, shed my half zip and add back the green windbreaker.

lots of geese

Then I ran the race course again but continued on beyond it before I turned around.

trees are so barren

These miles were TOUGH!! I was tired but I think my lack of energy was from my lack of food & water. What kept me going was the decision to turn back, cross the bridge and run into the city and go to Cider Belly Donuts. (They are supposedly the BEST and last time, I ran there, I didn’t have any money to buy one.)

So over the bridge, I dragged myself even though I already already completed my 5 miles (bringing me to my planned 12 mile total for the day.) And when I arrived…

Royal bummer!!!

What did I do? Settled for second best…

skinny peppermint mocha & sandwich)

Luckily, Starbucks was across the street.

When I was done, I was so chilled that I had to sprint the 1/2 mile back to my car.

Yes, 13 (broken up) miles for the day!!

Happy Running! Did you race or run this past weekend? Ever run a race just to help someone else?

August 28, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What I Did This Summer

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar 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 Did This Summer

Here are my 5 favorites things:

1. Boating on the lake

2. Running in scenic places

3. Weekend on the Schroon River

4. Trip to NYC

5. 5K Races

Happy Running? What did you do this summer?

July 16, 2015 by Darlene

GuestInstagrammer & SkirtSports

As an Ambassador Captain for SkirtSports, I was asked to be a GuestInstagrammer for July 14 as part of their July Challenge.

I was a little intimidated but it was actually fun and it motivated me to be active ALL day!

I started my day in my SkirtSports Ambassador tank

Then I went for a before work run in a Gym Girl Ultra skirt

Unfortunately, I had to do to work but I did wear a SkirtSports bra

I was able to sneak out for an afternoon break with Starbucks and a walk in the park in my Eclipse top

After work, I played tennis in another Eclipse top

And after tennis, we all went out for dinner & drinks (I wore a SkirtSports headband.)

After long, active day, I read & watched TV in another Ambassador tank.

I love all the SkirtSports clothes that I have. They are super comfortable and stylish.

I would wear them even if I weren’t an Ambassador.

And wait until you see the new fall colors:

I can’t wait!! .

If you want to buy any SkirtSports items, please use this code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.

Happy Running! Do you wear SkirtSports?

July 1, 2015 by Darlene

#31daysofSkirtSports

Today, July 1, 2015 kicks off a fun month with Skirt Sports and Instagram:

I don’t have 31 outfits but I plan to be as active as I can every day this month and wear SkirtSports as often as I can.

Join us on Instagram for the fun! (And make sure to check out Skirt Sports’ account on July 14 when I take it over for a day!)

Want to add to your collection? Use code SSMFK20 to get 20% off!

Happy Running! How will you be moving this month? Do you wear SkirtSports?

May 14, 2015 by Darlene

#REALWomenMove

Go to http://www.skirtsports.com/ambassadors/ to read about the awesome ambassador captains

Part of my responsibility of being a Skirts Sports Ambassador Captain is posting every month on a different topic.

Last month, the topic was: (You can click on the links to read my posts.)

“261” and honoring the anniversary of Kathrine Switzer; the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon and

Women conquering barriers

This month, the topic is what REALwomenmove means to me:

REALwomenmove women are Real bodies.

When I was almost 55, I decided to join a running club and run my first 5K. I had never done anything athletic until I was in my 40s when I learned to play tennis. Many people may have thought that I was too old and most of the runners in the group were indeed younger. But I quickly got addicted to racing and here I am, 62, and wearing running skirts (even if it shows the cellulite on my thighs.)

REALwomenmove women are Real inspiration.

Through reading running blogs, I have met some inspiring women. Women who in their 60s are competing in triathlons and women who smile while going through their cancer treatments….

A REALwomenmove woman is proud of who she is.

Sometimes when I race, I win an award because I am the only one in my age group. That’s ok. I am still proud of my accomplishment.

A REALwomenmove woman is confident.

When I first started running, I only ran 5ks. I did that for several years. Then when I had a serious health scare, I decided that life was short and I needed a challenge. I decided to run a half marathon and I was confident that I could do it (despite my hubby’s fears.)

A REALwomenmove woman do not judge other women.

Though my running years, I have run with many diverse groups of women – beginning runners, older runners, runners with young kids, slow runners, fast runners… No matter what, we are women and we are runners. We support each other!!