November 1, 2026 by Darlene

WRD for 10.25.26-11.1.26: Back in the Big Apple. Again!

Three days in NYC last week and three days this week.

For work but I always find other things for fun… runs, museums, shows, meet-ups, etc.

Last Week-

Sunday – I started the day at the gym, did lot of errands including packing for NYC and even squeezed in a short run.

the weather was great… the run meh… (legs were not feeling it!)

Monday – DAY OFF. It had been awhile since my running friend Heidi and I hiked together. Fortunately again the weather cooperated. We choose to climb to the top of Monument Mountain in Great Barrington, MA. It was harder than we thought (since we accidently took the shorter yet steeper route up) but we did it and celebrated with lunch out (followed by ice cream).

I got back just in time for my STEM running group.

an out and back instead of a loop and 25 minutes running!

Tuesday – I took an early morning train to Manhattan, dropped my bag off at my hotel and this week I headed downtown. My plan was to do some Halloween decoration sightseeing. I started on the High Line,

continued onto to Greenwich Village

many more stoop pics on FB

and ended up at South Street Seaport.

I took the subway back to my hotel and had dinner/drinks on a rooftop (so I could catch the sunset.)

Wednesday – Long very early subway ride to and from Jamaica Queens… worked all day and after grabbing a bite to eat, I had still a little free time to visit an interesting exhibit at FIT.

Doll Dressing…

Then I took the subway up to Rockefeller Center

and finally walked to the theater…

such an enjoyable show!!

Thursday – Similar to Wednesday except that after work, I had to fetch my bag from the hotel and head to the train station to return home.

Because my hubby was playing tennis, I decided to take a later train home… that gave me time to meet for drinks with a college friend (at the bar at the train station.)

My new kitty was patiently waiting for me…

he’s very sweet…

Friday – Back to WFH… I started my day at the gym, met Jenny for a WINDY walk at lunch

some houses go all out…

and ended the day with mah jongg.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. My local running group is shrinking so I ran my 8 miles solo on the rail trail and met Barbara & Deb for brunch.

nyc marathon fomo so I wore my shirt from 2024...

In the evening, I got to go trick or treating with my granddaughter.

my granddaughter was a cupcake and I left my home with just a bowl outside

Sunday – NYC Marathon Day. Not as much FOMO as last year when my friends were running it and I could have (since I time qualified).

But, of course, some FOMO. So many posts on FB and IG about the race. When I was in NYC, it was everywhere.

Plans for the day include the gym, errands, laundry, nails and maybe a walk/hike…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – STEM run
Thursday – run
Friday- gym, walk, mah jongg
Saturday – walk/brunch

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Enjoying fall temps? NYC Marathon FOMO? 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.

October 30, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for October 2026

First Runfessions of Fall

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

The Injury Edition:

1. I runfess…

You may remember that I complained for months about Achilles issues… not exactly pain during but stiffness/soreness after. So I saw an ortho, went to 10 sessions of PT all while running conservatively.

I think my ankle movement improved and I thought that was the cause and ran finally a half in Sept. followed by some shorter races.

I hate to admit this but it’s bothering me AGAIN.

2.I runfess…

It doesn’t seem to bother me in the same way, though. On the same foot, I have this:

Haglund's deformity causes a bony growth on your heel bone (calcaneus)

Causes (according to Dr Google):

- Irritation and pressure from shoes.
- Overusing your heel (especially in runners).
- High-arched feet.
- Tight Achilles tendons.
- Certain gait disorders that affect how you move and walk.

Take your pick. I fit them ALL.

I think it started after wearing shoes and standing ALL day for 3 days in a row…

or from my Wednesday STEM volunteer runs on the SIDEWALK.

But now it hurts on and off WHILE I run!!!

3. I runfess…

Treatment (also according to Dr Google):

- Over-the-counter NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Icing your heel.
- Wearing different, more supportive shoes.
- Orthotics: Over-the-counter or custom-made inserts or heel cups you wear inside your shoes.
- Physical therapy: stretches or exercises to increase the flexibility in and around your heel and ankle.

Doing them ALL, of course.

It doesn’t say NO RUNNING…

4. I runfess…

When I first had those Achilles problems, I switched from my Topos low heel drop running shoes to Brooks Ghost high heel drop shoes.

Eventually I did switch back to Topos (adding a heel cup) as it didn’t seem to feel differently. And no pain while I ran.

Now, I’m back to my Brooks.

I wonder if I need a new pair of running shoes?

5.I runfess…

Even with my foot issues, I’m still looking for racing ops..

For a millisecond, I looked at the winter NYRR races since they opened for registration on Oct 14 (for members).

Nothing fit with my work schedule and besides they all SOLD OUT.

I still have a credit from the cancelled Manhattan 10k last winter. So maybe the Mini 10k again in June??

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,

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

October 25, 2026 by Darlene

WRD for 10.18.24-10.25.26: Getting Nostalgic…

Back in 2014, I mentored my first STEM group.

Summer Smith was in that group and she ran her first 5k that year.

Then she did ODed.

Her mother for the past 10 years has organized a 5k in her honor (and to raise awareness for drug addiction).

I ran that race many times including yesterday.

Last Week-

Sunday – I had postponed my long run one day so I needed to get it done today. I chose a scenic place to run as motivation…

28 degrees this am but it warmed up and when the sun cane out, it was perfect for running…

I did some errands, cooking and bonding with my new kitty the rest of the day.

very active and then he crashes…

Monday – I started the day at the gym…

Since I would be missing my STEM mentoring run on Wednesday, I met up with the group tonight.

Tuesday – I took an early train to NYC. After leaving my bag off at my hotel, I took off for Central Park to go for a run. I ran around the park for a bit and along 5th Avenue…

the weather was perfect but the trees were green!? but I enjoyed the run (and all the photo stops)

so that I would end up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

saw some really cool new exhibits (more pics on FB)

Eventually I retuned to my hotel, changed, grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to Broadway. Originally I had planned on seeing Lost Boys (I know Jenn loved it) but I decided that I would enjoy this show more…

very creative and funny… can’t believe it took me 15 years to see it…

Wednesday – A long subway ride to and from Jamaica Queens for work and then once back in Manhattan, I met up with Cari & Elizabeth for dinner.

Love these ladies!!

Thursday – A long subway ride to and from Jamaica Queens for work again and then I had to grab my bag from my hotel and catch Amtrak back home.

Friday- Glad to be WFH.

Started out at the gym and then in the evening I played mah jongg.

Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k.

As I mentioned above, this race was always on my radar because of whom it is dedicated to. And I’m glad I did it.

Like Summer, Kim was also a 2104 STEM runner.

I briefly though of adding more miles to make it a long run but due my persistent Achilles issues, I decided against it.

Good thing I did because two of my college friends decided to organize a meet-up. Since one lives in NJ, they decided that Rhinebeck would be halfway.

So I rushed home (skipped the awards ceremony even though I won my AG) and drove there with my BFF Judy and her hubby.

We met our college friend Andrea and her hubby at Ferncliff Forest and had a lovely hike. We even climbed the fire tower .

many more foliage pics on FB

Then we drove to the nearby Wilderstein mansion. There was no time for a tour so we strolled the grounds and then headed into town where we also walked around and finally stopped for dinner.

the candy shop on the right is owned by a few famous actors…

Sunday – Gym and a hike?? I may instead do my long run (since I had only run 3 miles on Saturday)

A friend and I are going to the Autumn Glow festival in the evening..

Autumn Glow Festival (Geneva, OH) - Cleveland | Fever

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – STEM run (since I’ll miss Wed.)
Tuesday – train to NYC (for work), run, Cari meet-up?
Wednesday – work in Jamaica, Bdway show
Thursday – work in Jamaica, college friend meet-up, train home
Friday- gym, walk, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch, treat or treating w/my granddaughter

This Coming Week on the Blog –

~~Tuesday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k Race Recap~~
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Enjoying fall temps/foliage? Any Halloween plans? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

October 23, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Ways to Recover From Your Fall Races

If you have run a recent half marathon and even more importantly a full marathon…

Here are 5 ways to recover properly:

1.Prioritize sleep – It’s your body’s most effective tool for tissue repair.

2. Manage soreness: Expect delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Elevate your legs for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day to reduce swelling, and take an ice bath (if you can tolerate it.)

3. Gentle movement: Stick to short, easy walks or light, low-impact cross-training like swimming or easy cycling to promote blood flow.

4. Return to running slowly. Scale mileage gradually: Take a very short, easy run a few days after and build your weekly mileage back up slowly in the next few weeks.

5. Support your immune system: Eat healthy…Hydrate…

recovery?

Happy Running! How do you recover from a big race? 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,

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

October 20, 2026 by Darlene

TT: Favorite Fall Activities

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Fall Activities or Races

1.Where I live, fall is our big racing season… There are several scheduled every weekend. So I guess racing is number 1 favorite fall thing to do.

Here are a few of my favorite races:

A local 5k and 10k.

It’s held in a park and is very scenic. Many runners dress up in costumes. There’s even a pumpkin decorating contest.

A local 5k

It’s a downhill course on the rail trail where I run often. It’s only $10 and is followed by a festival.

A local 15k

It’s a very popular race since there aren’t many 15ks around. The course is varied going through a park, cemetery and the oldest sections of the city. It also ends on a downhill.

Of course, a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

There’s a 10k and a more popular 5k. It’s one of the oldest and largest. A great way to start off your holiday (and burn off calories.)

2.A close 2nd to racing would be eating…

Here are a few of my favorite fall eats:

Cider donuts

Pumpkin-flavored coffee

Pumpkin-favored ice cream

Homemade apple pie

Amazing Apple Pie - Picnic Life Foodie

Butternut Squash soup

Butternut Squash Soup

3. Hiking –

We are lucky to have so many nearby trails to experience the fall foliage:

Happy Running! What is your favorite fall activity or race(s)? 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

October 18, 2026 by Darlene

WRD for 10.11.26-10.18.26: Just getting it done…

Being sick, sore Achilles (yes, still or again?), busy at work and in the evenings… lots of excuses…

But as the blog post title says: I was focused on JUST getting it done…wherever, whatever and whenever.

Last Week-

Sunday – Headed to the gym first thing and then had hoped to walk with a friend or go on our boat.

Neither happened as it started to rain and continued to rain all day.

Instead, I did some errands, laundry, cleaned out a closet (2 bags of dresses!), tracked Cari as she crushed her Chicago marathon race and even cooked for the week.

I guess I needed that day off.

I mentioned last week that I had to sadly re-home my new kitty.

I finally heard from her new owners.

They LOVE her and she loves them.. Happy and sad (I do miss her sweet face.)

Monday – DAY OFF! Unfortunately, the rain had stopped but my hubby had to work (so no last boating day.).

I wanted to re-do my long run. I still had a cold but was feeling better. I also knew that I needed extra mojo. So I drove to a scenic trail (Vischer Ferry Preserve).

It was closed due to duck hunting!! WTH?

Plan B – I drove to the Zim Smith trail and ran there.

started out cool but then sun came out and I was over-dressed. My legs just didn’t want to run/walk 6 miles today so I called it quits at 5 and bought an apple cider donut!!

Tuesday – WFH all week which is nice considering I’ll be in NYC the next two weeks.

I started the day at the gym and then had a hair appt after work…

I did squeeze in a WINDY walk at lunch.

Wednesday – Another gym morning and…

after work was the 5th meeting of the STEM group. I got there a little to add more steps to my day.

and they’re up to 8 minutes running… on a perfect night weather-wise

Thursday – A morning run… in the neighborhood

lots of photo stops for obvious reasons…

because in the evening, I got together with my tennis friends.

a small group tonight but so fun to catch-up each month…

Friday- An early class and a windy rainy day so nothing but a trip to the office at lunch and…

I hosted mah jongg tonight so lots of pumpkin snacks (and cleaning beforehand.)

Saturday – ~~Long Run and Brunch.~~

My run would not be that long since my 15k isn’t scheduled until Nov. 8. I planned on 7 miles (hoping to feel more energetic than the last 2 long runs…) I was hoping to have company for at least some of the miles… but no one was available or running. And it was cloudy and COLD!!

Besides, I had things to prepare (see below)…

So instead, I went to the gym…

and brunch was replaced with lunch out to celebrate my stepson’s 40th birthday.

I am now certified as a “crazy cat lady.”

The reason we got Dali was as a playmate for Domino. Well, she hated him (and my hubby). And so she is now in a perfect new home as an only cat (see photo above.)

Here’s Firefly (who will be known as “Buddy.”) He was born on May 1 and fostered with a bunch of his siblings.

We’ll see how this goes… stay tuned.

Sunday – Long Run re-scheduled to someplace scenic (forecast is for sunny but COLD and Vischer Ferry Preserve is now open again), maybe a short hike after, errands and packing for my NYC trip…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – Started the day at the gym… and after work, STEM run (since I’ll miss Wed.)
Tuesday – train to NYC (for work), run, Bdway show
Wednesday – work in Jamaica, meet-up w/Cari & Elizabeth.
Thursday – work in Jamaica, train home
Friday- gym, walk, mah jongg
Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Favorite Fall Activities
Friday – 5 ways to recover from a fall race

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Enjoying fall temps? Do anything special on the holiday weekend? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

October 16, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: Halloween-Themed Races

Today’s Topic is: Halloween-Themed Runs or Races

Here are a few local ones that I know of:

1. A 5k and 10k In Saratoga, NY.

I’ve run this race a few times.

2. Another 5k in Saratoga, NY

Oct 4

3. Also a 5k in Albany, NY.

Oct. 24

I ran this one last year.

4. A 10k – a few hours south

Oct. 24

5. And on Halloween, a 5k in Glens Falls, NY

Oct 31

Happy Running! Are there any Halloween-themed races in your area? Have you run any of them? 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,

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

October 13, 2026 by Darlene

TT: Staying Active When the Weather Turns Cooler

Today’s topic is: How Do You Stay Active When The Weather Turns Cooler

It’s already cold in the mornings… and soon it will be dark after work…

Not easy to get out there…

Here are my top ten tips:

1.Sign up for a 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… where it is warm!

Delray Beach, FL.

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

Vischer Ferry Preserve

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.

Best running podcasts: 45 to listen to while running

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…

Setting Goals To Keep Up Winter Running - Trail Running for Life

As does Garmin Connect.

October garmin connect badge challenges 2026

NYRR has also free virtual races…

Virtual NYRR Run for Thanks 5K

Happy Running! How do you stay active when the weather turns cooler? 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

October 11, 2026 by Darlene

WRD for 10.4.26-10.11.26: And then there were two…

I had THREE tuxedo cats and now only TWO… the house feels empty but so much calmer… I miss her but I think I made the right decision.

Last Week-

Sunday – Headed to the gym first thing and then off to the lake…

Depending on next weekend’s weather, this could be our last boat outing of the season…

Monday – Since I had to go to the office, I did my run at UAlbany afterwards.

Tuesday – I started the day at the gym and then a walk after work with former co-workers.

Wednesday – Live teaching today and so that meant Starbucks and a lot of standing…

After work was the 4th meeting of the STEM group. I got there a little to add more steps to my day.

Thursday – Live teaching day 2 and in addition to Starbucks,

I got my run done after work.

Friday- Live teaching day 3… no fitness activities!

Instead of mah jongg, I attended an ARE-sponsored event:

Glad I went, it was so enjoyable and we got a free copy of the book…

Saturday – Long Run ~~and Brunch.~~

Really not that long since my 15k isn’t scheduled until Nov. 8. I had planned on 6 miles but feeling under the weather, I decided to go at it alone and quit after 3 miles.

I rushed home to meet a friend to go on a road trip the MA (Great Barrington and Lenox) for consignment shopping and lunch.

great finds, great food and even ice cream at my favorite place place in Lee, MA…

Sunday – Gym and maybe even a few more miles. The weather doesn’t look good for boating… the season may be over until next May 😦

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF (holiday), Long run (since I skipped it on Saturday.)
Tuesday – gym, hair appt.
Wednesday – STEM mentor run (week 4)
Thursday – run, dinner with the tennis ladies
Friday- gym, walk, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run ~~and Brunch~~, lunch to celebrate my stepson’s 40th b-day)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – How do you stay active when the weather turns cooler?
Friday – 5 Halloween-Themed Races

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Enjoying fall temps? Are your leaves changing yet? Ever have to rehome a pet? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

October 9, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Reasons to Take a Girls Race-cation

As you may know, I’ve run a lot of half marathons. Many have been run alone, one on vacation with my hubby, a few with one friend, several with friends locally.

But my fondest memories and the ones that were the most fun were the races that I travelled to with a group of friends.

raceaddict

I’ve been fortunate to have run half marathons in Philly, Panama City FL, Corning NY, Las Vegas, Montreal, Hampton Beach NH (x2). Portland, ME, the Finger Lakes region of NYS, Lake Placid, NY and most recently Plymouth, MA – all with wonderful groups of women!!

Here are 5 Reasons to Take a Girls Race-cation:

1.Training Support

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

2.Cost Savings

It is definitely cheaper to share a room or house with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

3.Visiting New Places

I love to travel and explore new cities. In addition to the race itself, there’s always time to see the sites.

4.Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

You go to the expo together, carb load the night before, line up at the start and meet after the race to debrief.

5.Forging New Friendships

You may run together but spending 24/7 together for several days creates a strong bond.

And you learn many things about each other…

(Remember- What happens in ____________ stays in _____________, right?)

It’s ironic in that after I wrote this post, I started planning next year’s girls race-cation, picked a race and then found out that our group has shrunk significantly for next year!!! (only 3 out of 10 can/want to go… so should I cancel the trip??)

I almost didn’t post this as I was very disappointed.

But the reasons are still valid… (size doesn’t matter, right?)

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Race-cation? If so, how big was your group? 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,

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!