January 27, 2026 by Darlene

My Word for 2026

one little word // Crafty Ass Female.jpg

Well, it’s that time of year. Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year. (If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

Below is a list of the words, I’ve chosen so far:

2014: ACCEPTANCE
2015: BELIEVE
2016: GRATITUDE
2017: RELAX
2018: ADAPT
2019: RE-FOCUS
2020: PATIENCE
2021: RESILIENCE
2022: INTENTIONAL
2023: REJUVENATE
2024: JOY
2025: UNLIMITED

So was I UNLIMITED in 2025?

New Races.
New Hobbies.
New Experiences.
New Travels.
New Habits.
New Meet-Ups.
New Eateries…

You bet!

What about 2026?

What word did I choose?

Last year, I saw Wicked (Part 1). This year, I saw Wicked (Part 2.)

Wicked: For Good - November 21, 2025 | Explore Oz

Along that vein, this song spoke to me. But instead on thinking about a person that has come into your life (and changed you for GOOD), substitute RUNNING (for the “you” and the “those” and “them” being other RUNNERS).

Words are below (in case you are not familiar with the movie or the song):

I’ve heard it said
That ~~people~~ RUNNING come(s) into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well I don’t know if I believe that’s
true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a Sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for
the better?
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good.

Has running changed you for GOOD?

It has me and I hope it will continue!!

IOW, my word for 2026 is (for) GOOD.

good friends, good runs, good races, good relationships, good experiences, good travels, good health, good books, good hikes, good workouts, good meet-ups, etc.

Of course, with running (and runners) playing a part role in all of the above.

Wicked "for Good" Quote DIGITAL Print - Etsy Israel

Happy Running! Do you choose a Word each year? If so, what have you chosen one for 2026? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

January 25, 2026 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.18.26-1.25.26: Finally a WFH Week…

During the last few weeks, I had been teaching live for several days but this week, I was working from home everyday. That makes it so much easier to schedule runs, walks and workouts.

If only it weren’t so cold outside and I wasn’t suffering from an awful cold (that turned into bronchitis)….

Last Week –

Sunday – As I mentioned last week, I starting feeling off on Wednesday evening and progressively felt sicker and sicker each day following. The weather was on my side because it got worse and even if I were healthy, I wouldn’t have wanted to run.

Today it was snowy overnight and in the morning but the snow let up so I decided to see what I could do.

I drove to UAlbany and the paths were clear and salted.. and so I walked, coughed, ran, coughed and walked…and finished a loop. Not pretty but done.

Monday – DAY OFF – Holiday.

I really wanted to go for a run but my cold wasn’t much better and I thought a rest day was called for and so I stayed home and read. All.Day.

I finished two books

and then went to the mall to stretch my legs..

Tuesday – As I said it was a WFH week so at lunch, I decided to brave freezing cold…

I just couldn’t stay out there long…

Wednesday – Even colder and windier today… and with this never ending head cold/cough, I decided not to join my friends in an after work run.

They said “it was horrible!!

Thursday – A slight warm up and an evener colder weather and a snowstorm on the way and so I dragged myself outside after work.

mostly in daylight… a deer and dino… otherwise it was a tough one…

Friday- Still feeling lousy so I decided to see a doctor after work.. Diagnosis: Bronchitis. (Negative tests for Flu and COVID 🙂 ). So I have medication to take and hopefully I will improve soon. In the meantime, I was told not to run (esp. in these cold temps.)

Instead of hosting or attending mah jongg, I finished another good book…

Next up – The Correspondent!

Saturday – No running outside for any of my friends.

not even I was tempted…

I decided to have a stress-free week and focus on getting healthy so I…

- Cancelled my NYC hotel for next Saturday night
- Cancelled my RT train tix
- Cancelled my race entry (no refund but I can pay to run it next year without entering the lottery).

I know it was a week away but I haven’t been running much, the weather is the pits and it would not be a smart idea to run a hilly 10k. (Sorry Cari. I was hoping to catch up.)

Besides, I get to run there for the NYC Half in March.

Sunday – WS#4 was scheduled. 3.5 miler or 15k or 30k. Although I registered for the 3.5 miler, before I got sick, I had planned to switch to the 15k…. It may have been too cold to do either…

Good News: the race was cancelled.
Bad News: it was re-scheduled for a week later (I was scheduled to be in NYC running the Manhattan 10k)
Good News: I decided to DNS the NYC race so I am available for this race if I am recovered.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – gym?
Tuesday – gym? mall walk?
Wednesday – tennis dinner
Thursday – STEM zoom bd mtg, register for the NYC Mini 10k
Friday –mah jongg
Saturday – run/walk and brunch
Sunday – WS #4?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – My Word for 2026
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? How ‘s your winter weather? Hope you are staying healthy. Being sick sucks! Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

January 23, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Healthy Comfort Foods to Fuel Winter Miles

Today’s Topic is: 5 Healthy Comfort Foods to Fuel Winter Miles

Cold weather naturally makes us crave warm, hearty meals. The key is choosing foods that provide comfort without compromising performance. Instead of reaching for processed, high-calorie meals, opt for nutrient-dense whole foods that keep you warm and fueled.

Try these FIVE foods to fuel your winter running:

1. Oatmeal with added protein-

Cook oats with milk, add whey or plant-based protein, and top with cinnamon, nuts, seeds and seasonal fruit (like apples or pears).

High Protein Oatmeal

I admit I may be lazy at time:

2 & 3. Soups and Stews –

Use lean meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef), beans, and root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes).

Hearty Turkey Stew (with leftover turkey)

Turkey Chili

4. Baked sweet potatoes –

Add nut butter and seeds

Sweet Potato with Almond Butter Recipe | Type2Diabetes.com

5. Egg-based dishes –

such as Scrambled eggs with sautéed greens and whole-grain toast

Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese

Happy Running! What do you eat in the winter? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

January 20, 2026 by Darlene

TT: Staying Motivated Through Those Blah Winter Months

Today’s topic is: How Do You Stay Motivated Through those Blah Winter Months

Where I live, the winter is LONG and often miserable…

Here are my top ten tips:

1.Sign up for a spring race.

If you registered for a race, you will have to get ready for it. That means running during the week and on the weekend no matter what.

2.Schedule it.

Workouts, walks, runs… Put them on your calendar – digital and/or paper. Don’t leave it to chance.

3. Prep the Night Before

If you run or work out in the morning, put your stuff on the floor next to your bed.

If you run or workout after work, pack your clothes the night before. It’s so easy to skip the run or workout when you are tired in the morning or wake up late.

4. Find a friend.

IOW, misery loves company.

If a friend is there waiting, you won’t skip the run or workout.

5. Reward Yourself.

I like a food reward. Brunch, Lunch, Dessert, Coffee etc.

Starbucks!!

You may prefer a Massage. Manicure. Haircut. Whatever makes you feel good!

6.Try Something New.

New shoes, clothes, headphones, etc.

Using something new is fun, right?

my new gym companion

7. Go Some Place Different.

If you are lucky, you can go on a vacation.

Delray Beach, FL.

If not, just find a new route to walk or run.

my friend introduced me to a new neighborhood.

Or sign up for a new class. Yoga. Zumba, Spin. HIIT. Indoor Pickleball.

8. Share with Others

It can be a simple text or maybe post your run or workout to Garmin Connect, Strava, Facebook and/or Instagram.

I post to my blog but I often check Strava and see what some of my friends are up to.

9. Add Audio Distraction.

A new Playlist.

Outlook

Some Podcasts.

Image result for ali on the run show

Audio Books. (You can download them for free from your library. Mine uses Hoopla)

16 audiobook covers superimposed over a blue background

10. Sign Up for A Virtual Challenge or Try to Earn Some Badges.

this helped me during the Pandemic

Strava has so many to choose from…

As does Garmin Connect.

NYRR has free virtual races…

Happy Running! How do you staying motivated during the winter? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

January 18, 2026 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.11.26-1.18.26: The Week That Started Out Well…

Sun, Mon, Tues – 12 week miles… no bad weather and WFH 🙂

Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat – 0 miles… rain, work, sickness, snow 😦

Last Week –

Sunday – WS#3. For this free race, you could choose from a 3.5 miler, 10k or 25k. I thought I had signed up for the 3.5 like I ran on New Year’s Day. But it turned out that I had registered for the 10k. The weather was great and it started at 10 am. So I decided to give it a go.

There were so many familiar faces (and food) which made it such a fun event. And as I did last time, I came in 2nd in my age group.

After some errands and other household chores, I went to dinner with two former co-workers that I hadn’t seen in ages.

Monday – WFH so I hit the gym first thing (as I hadn’t been there since last Tuesday) and then I was able to meet Jenny for a short run at lunchtime.

snow almost gone!!

Tuesday – Another gym morning…

with beautiful morning skies…

and then I met Jenny for the same run as the day before but in a different location.

warmer, windier and felt a lot harder 😦

Wednesday – Last WFH day but I had to go set up for my live teaching the next two days after which I planned to meet two friends for a late run (if it weren’t raining.). When it’s dark, as I’ve mentioned before, UAlbany is the safest place to run.

After I set up, it started to rain and my friends cancelled. I also started to feel crappy (so I was relieved not to run for a 4th day in a row). Instead I walked around the mall.

Thursday – No WFH today so there was Starbucks and my voice was raspy… (Was I coming down with something?)

Good news was than my voice improved as the day went on but I still didn’t feel great. Again my friends bailed on an after work run but it was cold and drizzly so I did too. I even cancelled a visit to my granddaughter.

Friday- Still not WFH…and it appeared that I was coming down with a cold. I survived the day of teaching (with a box of tissues) but decided to cancel hosting mah jongg and relax at home.

I’m NOT a TV person but I got sucked into this series and finally finished it… Anyone else?

And it was our 27th wedding anniversary. Hopefully we’ll celebrate next weekend.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. As I mentioned above, our snow had melted and all our running paths were clear. That unfortunately didn’t last as it snowed during the night and continued on and off during the day.

Some of my friends did venture out to run, some chose the treadmill. I waited for the snow to stop and it snowed all day… I guess it was rest day #4!!

Sunday –gym, long run, stay in bed?

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF (HOLIDAY) – run
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday –mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run or Walk and Brunch
Sunday – WS#4 – 3.5m or 15k?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Staying Motivated during the winter blah months
Friday – 5 Healthy Comfort Foods to fuel your winter miles

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? How ‘s your winter weather? Any plans for the long weekend? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 16, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated When It’s Freezing

Today’s Topic is: Ways to Stay Motivated When It’s Freezing.

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So to motivate myself to enjoy this winter more, I decided to point out what is great about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

not a fan!!! but it was a race so I had no choice.

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

happier here than above…

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear when I don’t WFH.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge. LOL).

3. It’s pretty outside.

Well, at least most of the time.

4. There are free races (in my area.)

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 5 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after (and age group awards)

5. There’s not a lot to do in the winter and it’s get me outside.

In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, pickleball, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

Winter_4-145

But in the winter, I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

There is No Bad Weather, Only Inappropriate Clothing: Winter Clothing Guide

Happy Running! Do you run outside when it’s freezing? How do you motivate yourself to get out there? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

January 13, 2026 by Darlene

The Best of 2025

2025 Best Of Awards Winners | Lynchburg Living

I do this post every year and I almost forgot this year. But when you run so many races, it is HARD to choose!!!

Best Picture from a Race: RUNFLUENT CHRISTMAS RACE

Best Weather during a Race: LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM and RUNFLUENT CHRISTMAS RACE (cool and sunny, no wind)

Best Race Swag: LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM (shirt, bag, glass, discount coupons)

: discount coupons in the bag too

Best Age Group Award: MALTA 5K

$25

Best Race Refreshments: RUN 4 THE RIVER HM (beer, pizza, mac n cheese) and BARN 2 BRIDGE 5K (cheeseburger & fries)

Best Scenic Race Course: SQUIRREL STAMPEDE 10K and FORT LAUDERDALE HM (I’m a sucker for water views)

Best Race Finish: RUN FOR WOMEN and STOCKADEATHON(downhill finishes!)

Best Race Finish Time(s): MALTA 5k, TROY TURKEY TROT 10k, HELDERBEG TO HUDSON HM

Best Organized Race: HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HM and MILES ON THE MOHAWK (and ALL A.R.E.-sponsored races)

Best Race Medal: LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM and FORT LAUDERDALE HM

Best New (to me) Race: ROCK N ROLL DC and NYC MINI

Best Race Outfit: FIRECRAKER 4 and TRICK OR TROT PUMPKIN 5K

Best Race Location: ROCK N ROLL DC and LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM

I enjoyed all of my 32 races in 2025. Each one was special in a different way.

Happy Running! What are some of your race highlights of 2025? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and on Wednesday:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

January 11, 2026 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.4.26-1.11.26: A Warm Up and a NYC Visit

No single digit temps this past week. In fact, we saw 40 degrees.

Unfortunately, I was NOT working from home for three days (so that meant a lot of Starbucks).

But the week ended on a high note…

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym.. After using the machines, I walked on the track. Zumba on Sunday is always below. One day, I’ll leave my comfortable zone and give it a try…

I had planned on brunch/walk with my BFF and then drinks/apps with a friend in the evening.

My BFF cancelled. Luckily I was able to change my plans and have a later brunch with my friend.

That left me with some free time for errands, stuff around the house and a walk around the mall.

Monday – WFH so I was able to meet Jenny for a short run at lunchtime.

the sun peaked out for a millisecond… it was cold but not that much wind 🙂

Lucky us. It started to snow as soon as we were done.

Tuesday – I hit the gym before work and then for my last WFH day this week, I met Jenny for the same run as the day before.

a big warm up. 30 degrees!!

Wednesday – Live teaching today… and an extra early day. And a rainy one…

Thursday – No WFH again today but I did meet a friend after work for a run. When it’s dark, UAlbany is the safest place to run and the paths are salted and clear.

Friday- Still not WFH…

pretty sunrise…

A very windy day so I wasn’t sad not to get in a run.

The day ended with mah jongg…

Saturday – One of my college friends (Valerie) was not able to join us for our reunion back in September.

So I planned another mini one (but it turned out to be just the two of us). The day had a French theme since we went to France together our junior year of college.

Too bad rain was in the forecast…

We both arrived in Manhattan by Amtrak around the same time (Valerie was coming from RI). Our first stop was the Brooklyn Museum (via the subway) to try to get same day tix to the Monet in Venice exhibit (the online ones were sold out). Unfortunately with subway cancellations, we had to change trains and then walk. The available tix were too late in the day so we headed back to Manhattan. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and walked to Bryant Park (since it hadn’t started raining yet.) We wanted to check out the new French pastry shop there. Then we walked to the Morgan Library to see the Renoir exhibit (and now it was raining). We enjoyed it but since we didn’t visit Monet, we had extra time. So we walked (in the pouring rain) and stopped at the NY Public Library to check out a few free exhibits. Finally we decided to call it a day and walked back to the train station and to hang out at the bar while waiting for our trains.

Well, sometimes things just don’t go as planned but it was fun to spend the day together with an old friend.

Sunday – WS #3 Race (5k or 10k). Since I missed my long run this week, I may run the 10k but I’ll decide at the last minute.

In the evening, I have a re-scheduled dinner with two former co-workers…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – gym
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday –mah jongg chez moi (and my wedding anniversary – 27 years)
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – gym, ??

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Best of 2025
Friday – Staying Motivated when it’s freezing

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? How did you celebrate NYE or NYD? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 9, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Goals for 2026

When I look back on my older blog posts, I see that I had once posted weekly goals. Then I transitioned to monthly goals. And onto race goals and eventually yearly goals. Some recent years, I had set NO goals.

My older goal posts always included numbers, pace, finish times, awards, etc.

I don’t know if it’s age-related or being more realistic, but numbers no longer matter much to me.

I may run a lot of races but only because I enjoy them.
I may win a lot of age group awards but only because I belong to an age group where there is not always a lot of competition.
I may travel to NYC often but only because it’s a train trip away and I earn perks through work.
I read because it’s relaxing and I’ve always been a big reader.
I go to the YMCA because I have paid for a membership and I need to strengthen my arms and hips.

I will try to tie my 2026 goals into my word for the year… (Suspense… post coming on 1/20).

Here are my top FIVE:

1.RUN CONSISTENTLY.

Long runs on the weekends, short runs solo or with friends several times during the work week (where and when they fit.)

2.KEEP WALKS, HIKES, GYM VISITS IN MY ROUTINE.

Walks when work schedule allows, hikes on days off or weekends, gym workouts before work on non-running days.

3.CHOOSING RACES THAT BRING ME JOY.

New races, scenic courses, racing with new and old friends and/or in different places.

4.MAKE TIME FOR LEISURE-TYPE ACTIVTIES.

Plays, movies, dining out, reading, brain games, knitting, pickleball, etc…

5.MAINTAIN FAMILY AND FRIEND RELATIONSHIPS.

Making time with others a priority.

NO NUMBERS!!

Ok, if I need mojo on any of the above, here are my number goals.

In 2026, I will try to:

Run 900 miles
Complete 30 races
Read 50 books
Visit the gym 100 times
Walk or hike 50 times

Happy Running! What are some of your 2026 goals? Do they include numbers? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

January 6, 2026 by Darlene

TT: 2025 Year End Review

Microsoft Dynamics GP Year-End Update

MY TOPIC TODAY is 2025 Year End Review

Overall, I had a pretty good year!!

Running-Related:

855 Miles (lowest total since 2013)

2024 – 861 miles
2023 – 955 miles
2022 – 1028 miles
2021 – 1018 miles
2020 – 1017 miles
2019 – 947 miles
2018 – 894.5 miles
2017 – 1041.5 miles
2016 – 1046 miles
2015 – 969 miles
2014 – 911 miles

My annual goal was usually 1000…

However, without marathon training and a few glitches here and there, I just ran fewer miles this year.

Jan – 78 miles
Feb – 76 miles
Mar – 79 miles
Apr – 65 miles
May – 69 miles
Jun – 54 miles
Jul – 50.5 miles
Aug – 88 miles
Sept- 67.5 miles
Oct – 73 miles
Nov – 81 miles
Dec – 74 miles

It’s all good. I ran as many miles as I was able.

As always, my favorite miles were those with friends…

32 Races (5 Half Marathons, 1 -10m, 1 -15k, 5 -10ks, 1 -5m, 2 -4m, 1 -3.5m, 12 -5ks, 3 -other distances)

Though I ran fewer annual miles, I ran MORE races!!

I’m pretty sure they were all COURSE PWs… (but who cares?)

1. Winter Series #2 (~~3.5m~~ 4.1m) –
2. Winter Series #4 (~~3.5~~ 3.8m)
3. Publix Fort Lauderdale Half M arathon
4. Winter Series #5 (3.8m)
5. Electric City 10k
6. Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon
7. Delmar Dash (5M)
8. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
9. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
10. Tropicool 5k
11. CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge (3.5M)
12. Miles on the Mohawk (10M)
13. Run for Women 5k
14. Mastercard NY Mini 10k
15. Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k
16. Firecracker 4
17. Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k
18. Silks & Satins 5k
19. Run for the Roses 5k
20. Ellen’s Run
21. Run 4 the River Half Marathon
22. Malta 5k
23. Squirrel Stampede 10k
24. Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k
25. Lake Placid Half Marathon
26. Carlo Cherubino Memorial 5k
27. Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k
28. Stockade-athon 15k
29. Upstate Classic 5k
30. Troy Turkey Trot 10k
31. RunFluent Christmas Race (7k)

12 NEW Races

I love seeing new scenery and/or running new routes…

7 Race-cations

I would say, however, that only 3 trips* were booked specifically for the race and the other races were just added to an existing trip.

1. Publix Fort Lauderdale Half M arathon
2. Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon*
3. Tropicool 5k in Naples, FL
4. Mastercard NY Mini 10k in NYC*
5. Ellen’s Run in Southampton, NY
6. Lake Placid Half Marathon*
7. RunFluent Christmas Race

20 Age Group Awards (11 -1st, 6 -2nd, 3 -3rd)

None were speedy but it depends on who shows up, right?

1. Winter Series #4 – 1st
2. Winter Series #5 – 1st
3. Electric City 10k – 2nd (but no awards given).
4. Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon – 3rd
5. Delmar Dash – 3rd
6. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon – 2nd ($10 off another race)
7. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k – 1st
8. Tropicool 5k – 1st
9. Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 3rd
10. Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k – 1st
11. Silks & Satins 5k – 2nd
12. Run for the Roses 5k – 1st
13. Ellen’s Run – 1st
14. Malta 5k – 1st
15. Squirrel Stampede 10k – 1st
16. Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k – 2nd
17. Lake Placid Half Marathon – 1st
18. Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k – 1st
19. Upstate Classic – 2nd
20. Troy Turkey Trot 10k – 2nd

2 DNSed Races

1. Winter Series #3 (free local race) – Work commitment
2. Keep Moo’ving 5k – Rain

Mentored 2 Running Groups

It’s always rewarding to help other runners reach their goals.

1. Race for Women Training Challenge group in the spring
2. STEM (victims of Domestic Violence) in the Fall

10 Blogger Meet-Ups

6 with Cari, 1 with Jenny, 2 with Coco and 1 with Deborah

Fitness-Related:

94 Gym Visits

When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 2-3 times each week…

Several Hiking Days

I work full-time but I was able to take a few days off (though my friend and I got a late start this year due to scheduling conflicts).

It’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places. This year, we even made two new hiking friends.

Non-Running Related:

Many visits to NYC

Sometimes due to work and always an opportunity to connect with friends, see a Broadway show and/or visit a park or museum.

Three Florida Vacations

1. In February, I visited friends on the East coast (Delray Beach)
2. And in May, I traveled with tennis friends to the West coast (Naples)
3. In December, I visited running friends who winter in Florida.