November 5, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.30.22-11.6.22: Heading into November. Already?

How is it November?

Halloween has come and gone and now we’re looking forward to Thanksgiving…

or in my case, a 15k, a half marathon and then a 10k. lol

and:

I’m not good with streaks or challenges so let’s see how far I get…

Last Week:

Sunday – This was my third time volunteering at a race this year.

This time, it was for a trail race (6m or 13.1) at Thacher State Park (with a Halloween theme.)

And I had a blast… no FOMO either.

I had to report at 7am for setup & packet pick up and then I gave out finisher medals until 12:30PM.

I got to see the sun rise and the amazing costumes (I was a witch) … not sure had people ran in them… and the weather was perfect!!

After lunch (hot dogs, hamburger and some sweets), I took advantage of the weather and did some more leaf peeping.

great views from this park

Monday – Remember I now have every other Monday off… so I started the day with a run

dressing for the holiday…

Then I went for a drive to where I could climb a fire tower but first I found some new nearby trails.

then hiked to the fire tower

and on the way home, I stopped for a short hike to see a waterfall.

My last stop was to vote and then I spent the evening giving out candy. All of a sudden, we have lots of little kids in a our neighborhood.

Tuesday – I actually had to leave my house for work today… to observe an in-person class. It was rainy anyway (but I had to wear normal clothes, shoes and make-up. lol).

After I dropped my car off (for repair?), I borrowed my hubby’s car and met friends for a walk on the rail trail.

we actually veered off the trail to walk on the water line admiring all the remaining colorful leaves

Wednesday – Back working from home. With the temps warming up, I went for a run on the rail trail at lunch.

looked like fall but felt like summer

When my after work walking partner cancelled, I drove to Hollyhock Nature Sanctuary for a short walk on a pretty creek trail.

the trees were mostly bare and the creek shallow but I beat sunset so all was good

Thursday – Another Indian Summer day… I was thinking of a run at lunch but FB alerted me that the Cookie Truck was in town tonight (they park within walking distance of the end of the rail trail):

So of course, I had to run there after work and then bought a few ice cream sandwiches. (I only ate half of one and froze the rest.)

skirt weather in November!! Woo Hoo!

Friday – Rest Day!! I stopped by my office and so I caved and got my first Holiday cup!!

After work, I headed out for my last after work walk in daylight (at Normanskill Farms).

The alpacas were so cool!

Saturday – Long Run. 12 miles on my training plan so I was grateful to have some company.

This week, we headed to Zim Smith bike path. I got there early to run a few miles solo and then ran the rest with Deb and Sherry. Everyone else had walking on their minds. But we all gathered after for brunch.

NYC on my mind with the shirt and compression sleeves

It was so nice to able eat outdoors… in November!!

Sunday – Big Boo on turning the clocks back!! Not looking forward to my after work runs from now until March…

Giving everyone who’s running the NYC Marathon a virtual High Five!!

Most likely, I’ll be hitting the trails today.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – rest day, tennis dinner out
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, walk
Sunday – Stockade-athon 15k

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Using Virgin Pulse
Friday – Dealing with the Aging Slow Down

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 races run or planned? Has the weather been summer-like where you live? Are you following the NYCM today? Please share.

November 4, 2022 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for Nov. ’22

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

RACE ADDICT

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that if you’ve read my blog, you know that I ran THREE races in October: two 5ks and half marathon.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am planning to run a 10k, 15k and half marathon this month (as I did last year) and then another 15k and 5k in December.

I’m most excited about the second 15k because it will be in NYC and a NEW race for me!!

Dec. 3, 2023

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I’m starting to plan the logistics of my Florida race-cation. I booked my hotel in Fort Lauderdale for the night before the race as well as my flights.

Feb. 19, 2023

I still have to rent a car and schedule (4) other night stays, activities and friend meet-ups.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we already picked our running group race for 2023.

Sept. 23, 2023

In addition to this race, I hope to visit the Watkins Glen waterfalls and several wineries.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we also have already BOOKED an amazing house (for 10 of us) on a lake for that weekend.

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, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

November 1, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Running in a Group

My TT topic for today is: Running in a Group

This one was easy for me because that is my preference and I am lucky to live in an area where I have access to many different running groups.

So here’s why it’s beneficial to run in a group:

It’s fun and inclusive.

You’re never alone. There’s always someone faster and slower than you. No one is ever left behind in group running.

You will be motivated to run faster.

My long runs with other runners are faster than when I run alone.

You will be less likely to cancel.

Especially if you’ve paid for the training. Or people are waiting for you. And even if the weather is not ideal, you will most likely show up.

You will make new friends.

You will then bump into them at races or make plans to race together.

we met at the Turkey Trot Group runs

fellow Freihofer Challenge groupies

You may run at a location that you normally wouldn’t choose.

I’ve run at parks and in neighborhoods that I had never been to before.

path near Knickerbocker Area

Indian Ladder Farms

It will prepare you better for race conditions.

Yes, no one ever runs races solo.

Chatting with others will make the miles go faster.

The funny thing is while we run, we rarely talk about running. But after…a different story.

You may learn something new.

You’ll learn about new races or new gear and even get running tips.

Now you may ask “How do I find a Running Group?”

Check out your local running store.

In fact that’s how I started running… through a group at our local Fleet Feet store.

Ask at a local race.

I’ve also met people at races and we’ve made plans to run together.

Some races even have training groups. We have several that do here and they are a great way to meet other runners.

People may ask you to join or start a group as result of reading your blog.

That’s exactly how I joined my first running group (Strong Running Mamas)

and my current one (Sole Sisters.)

Local runners read my blog and the rest is history.

Join a virtual group through FB.

Virtual groups can be just as fun fun and supportive.

You can join ones based on products you support (Skirt Sports, Zensah, NUUN, etc) or races you run (NYCM. ARE, MCM, etc. or even the type of running or workouts you do (Galloway, yoga, Peloton, etc.).

Happy Running! Do you often run with a group? If so, what benefit(s) does it offer you as a runner? How did you find your group? Please share.

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