April 5, 2022 by Darlene

Embracing Old Age

Several months ago, a friend posted the info below on FB. As I approach the end of another decade, I decided that this would be as good a time as any to discuss the “old” age issue.

An extensive study in the U.S.A found that the most productive age in human life is between 60-70 years of age. The 2nd most productive stage of the human being is from 70 to 80 years of age..
The average age of NOBEL PRIZE winners is 62 years old. The average age of the presidents of prominent companies in the world is 63 years. The average age of the pastors of the 100 largest churches in the U.S.A. is 71. The average age of the Popes is 76 years.
This tells us in a way that it has been determined, that the best years of your life are between 60 and 80 years.
A study published in NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE found that at age 60, you reach the TOP of your potential and this continues into your 80s.
Therefore, if you are between 60 -70 or 70-80 you are in the BEST and 2nd level of your life. (SOURCE: N.Engl.J .Med. 70,389 (2018))

This info, of course, confirmed what I’ve believed.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER! (And like fine wine, we get better with age! lol)

So you younger runners, do not worry that you will need to rest more, run less, go to bed earlier, sit in your rocker in the evening and drink herbal tea (unless you want to do these things…)

If you stay healthy, you do not have to slow down.

As an a runner who started running at age 55, I was afraid that I was too old to run a half marathon (and definitely too old to ever run a full marathon).

However, of the 56 half marathons that I’ve completed, only 6 were run before the age of 60! I ran the NYC Marathon at age 66.

That being said, most likely your PR days will be over, your finish times will slow down but that’s why they give out age group awards. You should NEVER compare yourself to younger runners and especially not to your younger self.

So embrace the fact that you are still able to do something that brings you joy.

This is 68! Bring on 69!!

Happy Running! So how old do you consider “old?’ Has it changed since you started running? Do you plan to keep running even into your 70s, 80s, 90s? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m linking up also with this link-up:

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

April 2, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.27.22-4.3.22: Just Running… into April

Yes. Just Running.

That means that I had no race this past weekend.

(Spoiler Alert: I will most likely racing on 4/10, 4/16, 4/24, 5/1, 5/7, 5/14, 5/19, 5/22, 5/29, 6/4, 6/5, 6/11, 6/25, 6/26, 7/4, 7/15 … Pretty crazy, right?)

Last Week:

Sunday – A 5 mile St Patrick’s Day themed race followed by extra miles.

The race was fun though I was crazy slow due the wind and being tired.

it started with bag pipe entertainment and I hooked with many new and old friends

The miles after the race were torture.. It was even windier and I was even more tired.

even the trees questioned what I was doing out there… lol

But 11 miles got done and that’s all that matters with a half marathon in 3 weeks!!

Monday – I started the day at the gym..

After work, I had to skip the FTC run in favor of a night out. But it was worth it!

Dinner first..

my hubby took the pic

Then lots of laughs… (tix from cancelled 12/31/21 show)

15,000 attended… who knew he was so popular?

Tuesday – Winter has returned along with March winds. I was planning on a lunch run. But the winds were howling and the feels like temp was still in the teens so I waited and drove to UAlbany after work to run.

don’t let the blue skies and sunshine fool you.. it was plenty windy!!

Afterward, I met my BFF for a long walk in the mall.

Wednesday – Believe it or not, I again dragged myself to the gym before work.

Then I went to the FTC run after work. It wasn’t my normal group (but actually closer to my home) but I had my missed my group run on Monday evening. I really didn’t feel like waiting until 6 pm to run but it is so much more fun running with others. I am glad that I waited.

ran with two really nice ladies… faster and longer than I would have if I had run solo.

Thursday – With rain in the forecast and an appt after work, I squeezed in my run before work. And it was actually a nice day to run… if only I had more time (and energy).

no leaves on the trees yet but I found Easter decorations…

Friday – Morning 3 at the gym. And finally a rest day (after three days in a row of running.)

Instead of mah jongg, after work, I went out to dinner to celebrate two friends’ job promotions. Too much food and drink but we had a great time.

Saturday – Saturday Long Run returned!! 12 miles was on the plan. Glad to have company on the Zim Smith bike path followed by a lovely brunch at Leah’s.

so grateful for the sunshine and Leah’s chocolate milk

Then I got my second booster shot!! Very happy to have this option (even if I get a reaction, I want to protect my loved ones.) Feel ok so far…

Sunday – I would have liked to go to the gym, but it is CLOSED on Sundays… Boo!

Instead, my plan was to go hiking (after tracking my friends running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler)

found a new place to hike… it was lovely and I got it done before the rain

and then catch up on Bridgerton…

what do think of season 2?

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – gym, Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
Tuesday – gym, rest day
Wednesday – run, volunteering with STEM
Thursday – run
Friday – gym, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day – train to NYC
Sunday – Shape 5.8m Race (in NYC)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Embracing Old Age
Friday – Reasons to 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 run or planned? Have you gotten the second COVID booster (those of you who are over 50)? Please share.

April 1, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for April ’22

It’s that time of the month…

Worry Less Run More 15 oz Ceramic Large Mug Worry Less Run More Mugs | CafePress

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

This is appropriate for my life lately…

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am still an Ambassador for the Freihofer Run for Women.

The race went virtual in 2020, moved to Sept in 2021 and this year, it has returned to its regular date – June 4, 2022.

As an ambassador, I am obviously promoting the race at various events.

If you would like to run this all women’s 5k, in-person or virtual, use the code AMBDC to pay only $22. You get a shirt and medal. In person runners also get cookies. Virtual runners will get a Freihofer’s product coupon mailed with their medal and shirt.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as usual, I signed up for the Freihofer Training Challenge. (FTC)

Yes, I have complained that as an “advanced” runner, I don’t get much support. However, it is perfect for NEW runners. But it is an opportunity to run with others. I plan to go on Mondays when convenient and skip the Saturday sessions (since I usually do a long run or race that day.)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that one of the perks of the FTC is a FREE 12 week membership to the YMCA.

The issue is WHEN to fit it in??? Work, runs…runs, work… family/friends stuff…work, runs

But they are open 5:30AM – 9:00 PM (on weekdays) and have lots of facilities:

- Complete Exercise Center with Cybex weight circuit, free weights, Precor treadmills and ellipticals, bikes and Stairmasters.
- 2 pools, including a 6-lane lap pool and a warm water instructional pool.
- Steam, sauna and whirlpool facilities
- Basketball gymnasium
- Pickle Ball courts
- Free cycling, aerobic, mind/body and aqua aerobics classes
- Indoor running/walking track.
- NHL style ice rink that offers open skating, lessons and adult hockey leagues.

Wish me luck!! My plan is to go THREE mornings each week (on rest days) until Jun 4. (So far, so good…)

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am back to volunteering with STEM. I had done this for many years in the past. Then it didn’t work out with work and COVID.

back in 2017

I will try and go on Wednesdays. It is a VERY rewarding experience. The goal race changes each year. This year, it will be on June 5.

and in 2016

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I LOVED working from home… my life was so much less complicated and especially related to running.

We knew that at some point it would have to end. We start local in-person training (I am a computer trainer) on May 25. (No word if we can still stay home for remote trainings….)

I was scheduled go to Queens (NYC) on April 7-8 and April 10-11. That’s Thurs-Fri and then Sun-Mon. Real sucky!!!

Because I had plans to go there for a race on April 9-10.

Go home (2h45 min train ride) Friday night and return Saturday morning makes no sense. Pay for a hotel of my pocket for Friday night makes less sense. The logical solution was to DNS the race and plan another NYC race weekend.

Update: My work travel got postponed. Woo Hoo! NYC and Shape and Cherry Blossoms, here I come!

Some more for good measure:

6. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I delayed getting my second COVID booster until after my long run tomorrow. I didn’t get a reaction to the last three vaccines but just in case, I wanted to make sure I got my 12 miler done in preparation for my next half marathon. on April 16.

I’m sure you all aware how important it is for all of you who over 50 to get this ASAP

7.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that FOMO set in and on the last day possible, I entered the lottery for the NYC Marathon.

not sure if I was disappointed or relieved LOL

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Are you signed up for any 2022 races? Are you having any spring-like weather yet? Plan to run the FRW 5k with me? Do you volunteer with any running groups? Do you go to a gym to work out? Do you plan your vaccines around your running? Did you enter the NYS Marathon lottery? Please share.