February 6, 2026 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for February 2026

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in case you haven’t noticed, I changed my blog header.

The photos from my previous headers were very dated… probably from back in 2010?

I used chatgpt. Not sure I like it but it was so easy that I can update it as needed.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was scheduled to run THREE 10k races this winter. Although I like 10ks, there aren’t many races for this distance. And running in NE is challenging due to weather conditions.

The first one was local on Jan 11.

The second was supposed to be on Feb. 1 in Central Park, NYC.

and the third March 7 is local again.

March 2025 – snow squalls and wind gusts!!

While I was lamenting on missing the Manhattan 10k, I convinced my running friends to try to get into the NYC Mini 10k (on June 6.)

It was first come first served…. so I crossed my fingers that some of us would get in.

All 5 of us got in!!

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as I’ve done every year, I have planned a week in Florida to visit friends and escape the cold temps of the NE.

More than ever, I need it this year.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although liked the medal and the course of the Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon,

this year I chose a new race in West Palm. It’s a 5k and it would take less prep, recovery and time away from my friends.

Thousands attend the Palm Beach 5k Race of Hope to Defeat Depression at Bradley Park February 15, 2025 in Palm Beach.

Definitely the right decision considering that I was sick for several weeks and would not have been ready to run 13.1 miles.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am training for TWO half marathons on back to back weekends in March.

I’m excited that my two local friends decided to join me for the NYC Half Marathon. (Though I’m very nervous that I am behind in my training miles…)

The second one in Asheville, NC will be just a fun one. I’m looking forward to visiting a new place.

Any recommendations? Biltmore Estate?

Happy Running! What’s new with you? 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.

February 3, 2026 by Darlene

TT: Self Love for February <3

Self-Love. What is it and how do we obtain it? – Lei Rhyne ...

THE TT TOPIC TODAY is Self-care check: how do you show yourself kindness this month?

Always a relevant topic but often we focus on family responsibilities, household chores, work deadlines, training plans and other stressors instead of ourselves.

I changed the topic slightly to Self Love.

Self Care, Self Love, and Love Languages — Hope For The Day

I plan to practice a lot this month:

Hair Love

That means color and cut (next Tuesday)…

I do not plan to let my hair go gray ever (no judgment)!!

Nail Love

I have ANC French on my fingernails… at all times. (Fortunately it lasts 5-6 wks.)

Social Love

Meeting friends for mah jongg, a drink, a walk, dinner or brunch…

Travel Love

Though my NYC weekend trip had to be cancelled, I do plan on a week in Florida to see friends and ocean sunrises…

Flower Love

Try to have flowers from TJ’s in my kitchen. (They’re cheap and last for weeks…)

Food/Drink Love

A occasional treat from Starbucks

and a fun drink or two

Best 46 Thanksgiving Cocktails - Thanksgiving Drink Ideas

Of course, desserts…

is it ever too cold for ice cream?

Fashion Love

I need to to de-clutter rather than buy something new… but you never know what I will add to my closet…

new sweater and pants in Dec… Check. New outfit for my Florida vacation???

Happy Running! How are you showing yourself kindness or love this month? Please share.

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

and tomorrow:

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

February 1, 2026 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.25.26-2.1.26: Not Heading to NYC for a Race!

Originally I was supposed to run a 15k on Sunday and then head to NYC yesterday to run a 10k in Central Park today.

Neither happened!!

Last Week –

Sunday – WS#4. As I mentioned, I had registered for the 3.5 miler but I thought to challenge myself and change to the 15k.

That was before I got sick and those sub zero wind chill temps. I even considered skipping the race entirely.

Luckily the decision was made for me!!

If you read last week’s WRD, you know that my cold was not improving so I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with bronchitis and told not to run (esp. in the cold.)

So I stayed indoors and watching the snow fall…

Loved this book. have you read it yet?

Monday -Yes, we were officially snowed in. Gym closed. Library closed. Even my hubby was off.

about a 1.5 ft of snow and 6 degrees wind chill

I was supposed to go into the office today but it was closed so I worked from home…

and signed up for a summer race… that’s what stir crazy runners do, right?

By the end of the day, I was feeling much better so I left my cocoon and drove to UAlbany to see how clear the paths were…

it was soooo cold!!!!! but it felt good to be outdoors for a change.

Tuesday – WFH.

I had considered a lunch run but really too cold and nowhere nearby that wasn’t slippery…

Before meeting my BFF for a mall walk,, I went back to UAlbany for another frigid run…

pleasantly surprised on how much warmer it felt than the night before 🙂

Wednesday -Teaching ALL day online the next 3 days… so no time for much exercise.

After work, my monthly tennis dinner was scheduled and it’s always fun to chat up…

Thursday – WFH. I had plans to hit the gym before work but had too much to do.

Today after work, I had to double dip: Participate in the STEM zoom board meeting

and at the same time try to get into the NYC Mini 10k.

All 5 of us got in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it was stressful..

Lucky us!

Friday- Just WFH AGAIN…I didn’t even want to go outside..

this morning…(:

but I did go back to playing mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – I was sad to not head to NYC. I had a lot of pre-race activities planned but I think that I made the right decision.

Guess what?

I had the choice of deferring or getting a race credit. I picked the credit… not sure what I will use it for but I don’t want to be locked into this one next year.

Instead, I needed to get out and run…

I drove to UAlbany and ran a loop. Most of my friends were not around but I was lucky to have Deb as my running buddy for two additional loops around campus.

it was cold but the sunshine sure made a difference…

Having skipped both my 8 mile and 9 mile long runs, I am way behind in my half marathon training. But trying to build back slowly (and not get injured or freeze to death).

After our run, Deb and I enjoyed a leisurely brunch.

The rest of the day had me doing all the household chores and errands that I had ignored being sick the past two weekends.

Sunday – WS#4 – 3.5m or 15k or 30k.

I’m still on the fence whether or not I will run at all. Definitely not the 15k. If I feel good and the weather is good, I may run/walk the 3.5m.

In the evening, the hubby and I may get out to celebrate our anniversary (that was on Jan 16.)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – gym, run?
Tuesday – gym, walk, dinner w/old friend
Wednesday – run, b-day dinner w/stepson
Thursday – run
Friday –gym, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch (playing catch up so maybe 8 miles?)
Sunday – WS #5 – 3.5m or 10m

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Self Love
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? How ‘s your winter weather? 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 30, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for January 2026

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

The first one of 2026…

1.I workfess…

I hate to run alone. I think I’ve mentioned that a zillion times.

Luckily I have a new running friend (who is training for Tokyo marathon).

She lives near me but she is retired and takes many classes each day (hot yoga, pilates, HIIT, spin, etc.)

In order to run with her, I have to run when it’s convenient and on days when I work from home.

That may or may not be during my scheduled worktime.

2. I gymfess…

I joined the YMCA awhile ago.

I am pretty disciplined in going on non-running days when I am home…

I don’t take classes or run one the track or treadmill.

I only use the machines -about 10 of them – the ones to strengthen your arms and hips and abs.

I don’t think I changed the number or repetitions or the weight on the machines since I started….

3. I racefess…

I signed up for a new 10 mile race scheduled for May 17.

It’s in Utica (about 1 1/2 hours away).

Why? It was $26!!

Then because I was going stir crazy home during the snowstorm, I signed up for another:

LOl. It was NOT early registration so NOT $26!!!

It does sell out as it is very popular and I’ve never done it before.

Luckily I think some other local runners may go to both and we can carpool.

4. I jefffess…

I’ve convinced many running friends that interval running (started by JEFF Galloway) is the best way to combat the aging process. IOW, you may slow down as you get older but you can still compete at the longer distances if you Run WALK RUN.

I use whatever intervals my running partner is comfortable with: 90:30, 60:60, 60:30, etc.

I NEVER use intervals in a race.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t walk. I do whenever I am tired and going up a hill.

I’ve said it’s because I use Runkeeper on my phone (instead of my Garmin) and it will run the battery down…

Is it?

5. I watchfess…

I’ve been running since 2008.

I started with a Nike chip in my shoe and something attached to my ipod.

But since then I’ve only owned two Garmin watches.

I bought the 205 to run my first half marathon.

and I bought the 230 to run my first marathon.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? 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 blogs!!

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

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.