February 8, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 2.2.25-2.9.25: Counting the Days…

I’m not a fan of winter… and even if it is cold in Florida, it will be warmer than here and I can see the ocean!!

I leave on Tuesday!!!!!!!!

Last Week –

Sunday – It was super cold and although Saturday’s run was a disappointment, I was glad I didn’t wait a day to run.

I went to the gym and used the machines and after even walked around the track (about 20 times).

The rest the day was spent doing laundry and cooking. We may be good for the week.

Oh and I’ve been procrastinating but I finally started a knitting project – a cowl. I will need something to keep busy on the plane and waiting between flights.

Autumn Leaves Knit Cowl with Liz Salazar | Classes | Michaels

of course, I’m using shades of purple

Monday – DAY OFF!

Again I went to the gym first thing.

Since it had snowed the night before (again), I waited until they salted the roads before I headed into town.

it was actually above freezing… though it probably won’t last.

Then I met a friend out for lunch. I hadn’t seen her in ages. We used to teach French together.

After dinner, I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Tuesday – Looking ahead, the weather didn’t look great so I went out at lunch for a windy run.

finally some sunshine!… and hill repeats!!

After work, I had a long awaited hair appt.

Wednesday – No time to get to the gym before work but again I squeezed in a short run in the ‘hood at lunch since it would be unlikely I that I could run the next two days.

Finally the roads were dry in my ‘hood but it didn’t last…

grateful for the sunshine but back into the teens… brrrr!

After work, I went out to dinner with my stepson (not the one who is married and has a daughter.) We celebrated his upcoming birthday and the recent purchase of his first house.

Thursday – Another WFH day and a nasty one… snow, sleet, rain. I didn’t even want to drive to the gym…

I’m sure kids and teachers were happy..

The snow stopped so I headed to the gym after work.

Friday – Too busy at work for anything before mah jongg in the evening.

Oh but I did squeeze in a granddaughter visit.

her latest pics

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

Taper time.

With my half marathon in a week, I was not sure what to do. I planned to play it by ear…. an easy run of somewhere between 8 miles and 12 miles.

The paths at the Crossings were too icy so Deb & I ran around parking lots for 6 miles. Then I ran 3 more before it was time to join the others for brunch (when it’s a choice between running and eating, lately eating wins. LOL)

it was actually not a bad day weather-wise – chilly but some sun and little wind.

Sunday – Maybe gym first (weather dependent) and originally I had planned on and registered for the last HMRRC Winter Series race.

But I forgot and accepted a friend’s invitation to a Galantine’s Day Brunch.

I’m excited as this should be fun and I did my long run the day before.

Due to the snowstorm, the race was re-scheduled for Feb. 16 (and unfortunately, I’ll still be in Fla. then.)

Fingers crossed the predicted big snowstorm does not interfere with driving to the Brunch.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run, pack!!

Thanks to Jenny for the forecast…

Tuesday – very early flight to West Palm Beach, FL, drive rental car to Delray Beach, visit the bird sanctuary with my friend before an early night to bed.
Wednesday – Saturday – some runs, some ocean sunrises, nature walks, beach time, friend meet-ups, attending Delray Open tennis, other fun stuff….
Sunday – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon!! (with Jenny) – check the forecast above – yikes!
Monday – relax & recover
Tuesday – fly home

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – HMRRC Winter Series Race Recaps
Friday – Fitness-Related Activities I LOVE to Do on Vacation

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Any warm weather vacations planned? 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.

February 7, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for February 2025

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 it’s that time of the year and I am so ready. Those ocean sunrises are calling my name.

Delray Beach, FL

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I will be running half marathon#71 and my first of 2025.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m excited that both Jenny and I are healthy enough to do it this year.

last Feb’s meet-up on the trails

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did run it in 2021 and it was a PW (due to the heat and humidity).

I looked happy here but I was NOT..

Four years later, my attitude (and speed) have changed. I may run it slower but I will be happy just to finish!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that NYRR Races sell out in a millisecond. Of course, the registration for the Mini 10k opened at noon on Jan 30 and I was teaching live…

But about 2 hours later (while I gave the class a practice)…

Well, that was stressful…

For $120, you could have purchased Member Plus and register for races 2 days before they open… Crazy!!!!! As a result, many sold out before they even went on sale.

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 the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

February 4, 2025 by Darlene

TT: Worst Running Habits

My Topic is: What are you worst running habits? (It was 2024 TT for today. LOL)

I could go on and on…

But here are a few that I do frequently:

Skipping Warm Ups.

I feel rushed and need to get the run done but I do know that I shouldn’t and that these exercises (dynamic ones) help my body prepare for the run and can reduce the risk of injury by warming up the muscles that I’ll use.

Neglecting Cool Downs.

Again, it’s a time crunch and friends are often waiting at brunch. But yes, I know that I shouldn’t and that the cool-down helps my body adjust after the session, reduces heart rate, and stretching my muscles could aid recovery over the next few days.

Ignoring Drills and Speed Workouts.

Yup, I’m guilty of only doing easy runs. Why? They are easy. I don’t have to think. I just run. I do know that that speed drills are necessary if I want to improve my pace. Hill Repeats? These could help me not to walk up every hill. LOL.

Taking Too Many Walk Breaks.

I’m a fan of run/walk intervals especially for long runs. I also enjoy running with friends. As a result, my walk breaks may be too long or too often. I’m not getting injured (and that’s important) but in a race, I know that it’s hard to run longer when I am used to walking frequently (like every 90 sec.)

Practicing Inadequate Hydration.

I hate to carry water. I’m ok in the cold weather but I do know that it’s important to drink water when it’s warmer and hydration is important as it contributes to performance. At least in races, I stop at every water stop.

Listening to Negative Self Talk.

I’m sure that I’m not alone here and it’s hard to avoid.

“Why is this run so hard?”
“Why are my paces so slow?”
“Should I even be racing?”

I need to remember that it’s privilege to be ABLE to run and that failure is better than not trying.

Not Following a Plan.

Having completed 70 half marathons and 3 full marathons, I feel confident that I can finish the race. I do download a plan but due to work and weather, I usually do not follow the weekday recommended distances. I do recognize that following a plan could provide me with a more successful racing experience.

Avoiding Strength Training.

Strength training is not as exciting as running and again because of time, I do not do it (until recently when I joined a gym and use the machines a few rimes a week.) I do know that cross or strength-related drill/activities play a significant role in a training plan and can positively impact training and prevent injuries.

Starting Out Too Fast in a Race.

Who doesn’t do this? I feel strong. I forget that I now have a slower pace. What happens? I have positive splits and I feel like dying by the last mile.

Happy Running! Can you identify with any of the above? Can you add any? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) 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, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.26.25-2.2.25: Welcome Feburary?

This has been the coldest January that I can remember.

So the real challenge has been to run outdoors (and not freeze to death) but more importantly get those long training runs done.

And I succeeded ever so slowly but ran 10, 11, and I hoped that February would be an improvement.

Nope!!!!!!!

I could NOT will myself to finish my 12 miler!

Last Week –

Sunday – Even though I had done 11 miles the day before, I decided to race in the HMRRC Winter Series.

the sun made all the difference

Race is a very loose term… there are 3 distances and I chose the shortest – 3.5m. This race series is local, free and there great food after. No brainer to go and walk if you can’t run.

So I carpooled with my friend Deb, chatted with many local running friends and slowly ran/walked the distance. The sun was shining but boy was it windy!!

I even won my age group despite my snail’s pace

In the evening, we finally went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary, My SIL joined us.

Monday – I didn’t get up early enough to squeeze in a gym visit before work so I went after work and even met a friend after to walk around the track.

Although Monday is traditionally my run day, after almost 15 miles in two days, I though it best to rest.

Tuesday – Still WFH until Wednesday and I wanted to get my run done at lunch but it was so windy. So I waited until after work…

less windy but much colder than I expected…

Wednesday – I woke up to snow but decided to go to the gym anyway just in case I couldn’t run today…

more annoying snow…

During the rest of the morning, the temps went up to 40 degrees but it alternated between raining, snowing, sunny but always very windy.

should I listen?

I had to go set up this afternoon for my live teaching the next two days.

I stopped off on my way home to see if the Corning bike path was clear enough to get in a few miles.

And it was!

the wind had died down and it wasn’t cold… best day to run this week!

Thursday – No time for the gym or a run. Just work (and not WFH.)

one perk about not WFH

After work, our monthly dinner with the tennis ladies was scheduled.

good food and good conversation

Today was also the day that registration opened for the NYC Mini 10k (my bucket list race). I took a lunch break with my laptop already set up and crossed my fingers that I would get in…

Almost 2 hours later (while my class was completing an online practice):

phew… got in and eventually all the races did sell out!!

Friday – Again no time for anything today fitness-wise. There was work (not WFH) and miserable weather… rain, sleet, snow. Even mah jongg got cancelled.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 12 miles! My longest run!!

Same folks and same location as last week. I was hoping that the weather would cooperate.

As I mentioned above, the weather did not cooperate. It was COLD, blowing SNOW and the roads/paths were slippery.

Most of my friends (the walkers) bailed but the runners decided to change locations and run around UAlbany.

With the snow freezing our faces and our shoes getting soaked, Deb & I ran in the roads around the campus. Deb quit after one loop and so I ran solo for awhile and finally Sherry accompanied me for another loop.

After struggling through 9 miles, I threw in the towel and joined the others for brunch.

Sunday – Most likely I will go to the gym, maybe a walk/hike… thinking of a movie too.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – gym, run, lunch with an old friend
Tuesday – gym, hair appt
Wednesday – run, dinner with stepson
Thursday – gym, run
Friday- mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – Taper 10!
Sunday – gym, Galentine’s Day Brunch

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – My Worst Running Habits
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 31, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for January 2025

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 2025…

1.I runfess…

I hate this cold weather. Not sure why it bothers me more this year or maybe it has just been cold AF.

2. I runfess…

Another NYRR race entry has been ignored.

The Brooklyn Half Marathon deadline has passed and I didn’t accept my entry.

As I mentioned previously, I want to run new races. Plus the big NYC races are sooo expensive.

3 and done!

3. I runfess…

Speaking of NYC, my work time there is done for awhile. Only March 20-1 is on my schedule with no other scheduled dates. (Update: April 3-4 just got added.)

Yes, it was hard to train for races with so much time away from home, but I love running in NYC,

Broadway shows and meet-ups with Cari.

4. I runfess…

I do love my Topos and I have 3 new pairs…

A new style has arrived… do I try them???

Meet the stability shoe you’ve been waiting for. Aura effortlessly combines our signature fit with pronation support and max-cushioning, so you get the best of it all.

5. I runfess…

The training runs are getting harder and my pace is getting slower but I don’t plan to quit running those half marathons…

Thanks to Jenny, I registered for the Fort Lauderdale one on Feb. 16.

our first run together in 2022

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, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

January 28, 2025 by Darlene

My Word(s) for 2025

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

So how did I find JOY in 2024?

Completed 5 Half Marathons and 15 other races including my Third Marathon
Became a Cat Mom to two tuxedos
Enjoyed time with family and friends.
Continued hiking on my Mondays off.
Traveled to Florida 3 times
Participated in our Sole Sister Race-Cation in Cape Cod
Read lots of books while relaxing on the islands of Lake George.
Visited the local trails in the Summer on Thursday evenings
Enjoyed the sights and sounds of NYC when working there

21708178453-bridge-the-gap-take-stock-palm-beach-county-coastal-click-photography

What about 2025?

What word did I choose?

Well, I’m kinda obsessed with WICKED (the movie) so I was was tempted to choose this word:

Unlike Elphaba, I am not going to fly…

But like Elphaba, I will not be trying to fit into that cookie-cutter mold what society says I am supposed to be..

So as an almost 72 year old, I plan to Defy Gravity by

Working Full Time
Running Long Races
Traveling Alone or with Friends
Staying Healthy
Trying New Things (see below)

Wicked

But that’s TWO words so instead in 2025, I’m choosing:

As you get older, you also tend stay in your comfort zone, get in a rut, do the same old, same old…

I’m breaking out in 2025.

New Races. New Hobbies. New Experiences. New Travels. New Habits. New Meet-Ups. New Eateries… The choices are Unlimited.

And I’m open to suggestions.

Happy Running! Do you choose a Word each year? If so, what have you chosen one for 2025? Have you seen the Wicked movie? Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) 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, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.19.25-1.26.24: Status Quo and a Cold One

My NYC work is mostly over (unless a trainer retires, gets sick or goes on vacation).

So it’s mostly WFH with the occasional live teaching locally.

And freezing my butt off running after work or at lunch (if time) trying to get ready to tackle 13.1 miles on Feb. 16 in Florida.

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day off at the gym (which has become my weekly routine) and then I met a friend to go out to lunch and to a flower show at a local cathedral.

Then the snowstorm arrived…

Monday – HOLIDAY DAY OFF and I woke up to this:

our first snowstorm

I went to the gym, did some errands and procrastinated in getting out to run…

Single digits with the wind chill… but the sidewalks were shoveled in town and so I survived…

I was even inspired (by FB) on a day off to cook something different: Chick peas, spinach, and rosemary pasta in a cream sauce (I added chicken).

: NY Times version

: mine

Tuesday – WFH day and I didn’t want to leave the house:

I decided to go into the office in the afternoon which meant that I could run after work at UAlbany…

they were right…. it was soooooooo cold!

but at least it wasn’t as windy as the day before

After I thawed out, I had to go out again to a mini party at a Chinese restaurant.

Wednesday – WFH day and back to the gym first thing…

actually my car read -13 degrees!!

That called for a rest day from running outside…

After work, I stopped by to visit my granddaughter…

sooo big…

and after I met my BFF for a walk around the mall (where it was warm. LOL)

Thursday – Continued with my morning gym visit on a WFH day.

I postponed my run until after work hoping that it would be warmer than the previous day…

I had to run in the road since the sidewalk’s were pretty icy…

yes, it was warmer but it still felt very cold!!

Friday – Rest Day – Nothing but WFH today with mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 11 miles!! We retuned to the Crossings where the paths were mostly clear.

Again, I was fortunate to have company for 8 of my 11 miles…

no wind and bright sunshine made all the difference…

After brunch, I had to rush home because I signed up to volunteer at the NY Fitness Expo

New York Fitness Expo

representing this race

Sunday – I plan to run/walk slowly 3.5 mi. at the HMRRC Winter Series #4:

In the evening, finally getting out to celebrate our anniversary.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – gym, run
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – dinner out w/tennis ladies
Friday- mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 12 miles!
Sunday – gym, ??

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – My Word
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Are you still able to run outdoors? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 24, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Favorite Running-Related Books

Set your summer reading goals : Life Kit : NPR

I do love to read. I admit that I do not often read running-related books.

But sometimes I do and here are FIVE of my all time favorites:

If you need help in choosing a running-related book, check out these Runner’s World recommendations:

So many books, so little time…

Happy Running! Have you read of any of the above? What is your favorite running-related book? 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

January 21, 2025 by Darlene

TT: Mental Benefits to Running (in January)

Running in Cold Weather Tips: How to Run Outside in the Winter | SELF

Do you hesitate to go for a run outdoors when it is freezing?

Here’s why you should bite the bullet and ditch the treadmill, if possible:

Running releases feel-good chemicals:

Running releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which can improve your mood.

This is important in all seasons but often more needed in the cold weather months.

Running reduces symptoms of depression:

Regular exercise such as running can help reduce symptoms of depression.

Ever get that post-holiday blues?

Running improves sleep:

Running in the morning can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

And since it gets darks so early now, morning is the best time to run.

Running increases confidence:

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Setting and achieving running goals can help you feel more confident and accomplished.

Now is the time to start on those goals.

Running improves focus:

Nature can provide a break from daily stimuli, which can help improve focus.

Do you stare at the computer most of the day?

Try to take a break and go for a run…

Running increases energy:

Exercising outdoors (by going for a run) can increase your energy levels.

No matter how tired you feel, if you go outside for a run, you will feel more energized when you return indoors.

While Running you absorb vitamin D:

The sun provides vitamin D, which can improve your mood and energy levels.

Obviously it’s best to go for a run on a sunny day but there is still more vitamin D outdoors on a cloudy day than inside.

Happy Running! Do you run outdoors in January? Why or why not? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) 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

January 18, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.12.25-1.19.25: New York, New York (again)

Yes, 5 days in NYC…

I tried to make the most of my time there since I’m not sure when or if I’ll be back there…

Last Week –

Sunday – I had originally planned to start the day with a free informal race.

But I decided the day before that it would be too rushed to run/walk the race and probably not smart to do it as a race the day after a 9 mile long run (in the snow).

Instead I went to the gym and I even walked a mile on the track afterward (that’s 15 loops).

Wouldn’t you know it, it was a beautiful day, blue skies, no wind… big FOMO when I viewed the race pics and comments.

After I checked into my NYC hotel, I walked along the High Line..

always new things to see on the High Line (FB has more pics.)

in order to end up in the Meatpacking District since holiday lights were still there. Then I walked back, grabbed dinner and finally ended up back at my hotel for the night.

believe it or not, I had dinner and a drink at Starbucks

Monday – Today my training was in the Financial District.

If time, I try to arrive early and stroll around the area.

After returning uptown to my hotel, I changed into running clothes and headed off to Central Park. And I caught the full moon as I was leaving to walk back to my hotel with a stop for dinner.

Tuesday – Again my training was in the Financial District.

After work, I wanted to get in a short run so I ran to the Hudson River and back (so cold and windy)

and then changed my clothes and headed to Broadway to see a show.

very cute and thought-provoking

Wednesday – After work in Jamaica, Queens, I had dinner plans with a college friend but I also had to switch hotels.

I decided against another cold and windy run and hopped the subway to her apt.

we ordered in, had drinks and chatted the evening away

Thursday – Working in Jamaica again and after had to take the train back home …
Friday – Recovering, unpacking and WFH with mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 10 miles.

First double digit run since Nov. 3 (Marathon Day.)

With ice and snow on all the paths, it was a challenge to find a place to run. But we parked at The Crossings and ran around the neighborhoods. I was grateful to have Barbara’s company for 6 of my miles… and then we joined the others at brunch.