November 7, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10:31.21-11.7.21: Bye Bye Peloton!

So my trial membership ended. I really like Peloton and the instructors. I think it offers a great variety of workouts. But I used it 9 times in 3 months!!! And I only used it for outdoor runs. It just doesn’t fit into my schedule. Well, actually I prioritize running and time with my family and friends over Peloton workouts. I won’t say that I won’t try it again (if it’s free) But there are just so many hours in the day when you work full-time. And then the $$$ thing. I choose to spend it on racing and brunches.

After a week of rainy weather, I’m happy to report that although it was cold, it was dry.

Last Week:

Sunday – With #boatingsunday over for the year, #hikingsunday continued with Taconic Sculpture Park and Chittendens Falls before handing out candy to the neighborhood trick or treaters.

Monday – #nevermissamonday. I got my run in at lunchtime so I could walk with friends after work.

the wind made it feel chilly at first but then the sun warmed me up and I found my favorite candy. (another new neighborhood and even had a short trail)

Tuesday – I had originally planned to either run at lunch and then walk with friends after work…or even go to my first Track workout.

My running friend asked me to run with her after work and so I walked at lunch… (And voted, of course.)

and then ran at UAlbany after work with her followed by a chilly outdoor walk with my BFF.

I ran Heidi’s 2:1 intervals and it was nice to company on the run

Wednesday – Today I did squeeze in my run during lunch and then met my friends after work for our rail trail walk.

leaves leaves everywhere…soon there will be Christmas decorations – though it was in the 40s, the sun sure made it pleasant out there

Thursday – Rest day finally so after work, I could help a running friend move. We worked hard unloading their truck. Strength training, I say.

how convenient that they moved across the street from the cookie truck. We had ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

Friday – Another rest day because I don’t run the day before a long run. I did walk at lunch time and played mahjongg in the evening.

Saturday – Long Run Day! My 12 miler! Happy to report that it was sunnier than my runs during the week and that I had my friends to run with on most of the miles. Since I wanted to run 12, I ran 3 solo and then carpooled to Zim Smith with Barbara and ran the 9 remaining mile with Sherry. Due to the cold temps, we decided that we may be done with outdoor brunching for this year and instead I ate inside at a new place with the rest of the Sole Sisters.

I froze on my solo foggy 3 miles but then was overdressed for sunny 9 miles…for some reason this run felt harder than most…

Sunday – NYC Marathon... tracking not running. FOMO. lol Good Luck to all those running it. You are all so lucky to have perfect weather.

#tbt 2019.

A hike or two planned, of course.

I had wanted to go to Overlook Fire Tower but somehow my directions took me to Falling Water Preserve. it was a beautiful day with nice view of the Hudson.

wearing my NYCM beanie & jacket lol

On my way home, I stopped at Opus40 which someone had recommended. It was kinda meh. But again a beautiful day to be outdoors.

it was interesting … just not what I expected

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run at lunch, volunteer mtg after work
Tuesday – run at lunch, walk after work with friends
Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
Thursday – DAY OFF, run, hike
Friday -rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day, walk with friends
Sunday – Stockade-athon 15k Race

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – What I learned from my worst race
Friday – How to pick your next big race

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? What you like about Peloton? How often do you use it? Are you watching or tracking the NYCM today? Please share.

November 5, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Break for Nov. ’21 (Sunglass Saga)

It’s that time of the month…

t-shirt_keep calm_sunglasses_FINAL

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I lost a lens in my Goodr sunglasses. I contacted Goodr and in case you wear Goodrs too, here’s another reason to love them. They replaced them for FREE!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I also wrecked the lens in my favorite pair of Goodrs (Pride theme). Unfortunately, they no longer make that style. I ordered a bland grey pair instead. But they replaced them also for free.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when my new Goodrs arrived, I realized that I had already replaced them. (Senior brain.)

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that that it gets worse, I was cleaning out my car and found the missing lens.

So who wants to trade???? I’ll send you my white/blue Goodrs if you send me one of yours…

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I always try to match my Goodrs to my outfit

or the season…

Fall and Christmas

I also buy ones from a favorite race.

Wineglass, NYC and Surftown

Yes, I have many pairs.

Can you have too many Goodrs?? I think not.

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Do you wear Goodrs? If not, what is your favorite brand? 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, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

November 2, 2021 by Darlene

TT: What I Learned from my Best Race

Next week’s topic is What did you learn from your best race?

Ok, I am a week early (but my tips for using a treadmill are “go outside.” lol)

First of all, how do you define your “BEST” race?

Is it a PR? Is it one that you ran as planned? Is it one that you had the most fun at?

I am going to talk about my Half Marathon PR:

Steel Rail HM – May 2017

Here is what I learned from that race:

Rest Days during the week before the race are important.

In fact, I need two before race day and no shakeout run on race morning.

Running All the Miles on the plan is not always necessary.

For me, that is over training. I’ve done better when I skip some of my long runs or shorten them (and run a 5k race).

Elevation matters.

I prefer flat but not totally flat. Hills but not too many or too steep. I have run one downhill race and it didn’t turn out great.

Walking is Okay.

I usually just walk at the water stops but that depends on how often they are. If I try not to walk, my pace slows down…a lot. Of course, that means you can’t walk slow or for a long time.

What you Wear matters.

For me, everything must match. lol.

I cannot be over dressed. I’d rather be cold. (I run warm.)

a tank to run in but always have warm clothes for after the race

My feet have issues. So I need new(ish) shoes!!

I need to Fuel my Body.

During a half marathon, I eat a GU every 3-5 miles. Usually 3 during the race. Sometimes even one before (if my breakfast was more than 2 hours earlier.) When I don’t eat enough, I don’t have the energy to run well.

A Watch does NOT make you faster.

This PR was at a race where my Garmin kept re-setting after mile 6 and mile 12 so I had no idea of my time until I crossed the finish line.

When I ran by feel, I didn’t slow down worrying that my pace was too fast and I need to save my legs for later miles. I just ran … for fun! No pressure, I think that made all the difference.

A Positive Attitude is essential.

Mind over Mater, right? If you go into the race thinking negative thoughts, it will probably not be a good one.

I knew that this race did not have a challenging course as half marathons go. I had run the same course 7 months earlier and did well. So I entered the race relaxed and feeling good.