October 4, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for October 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that friends help make those miserable long runs better…

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when running friends cannot run, we still keep each other company by eating together.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when we first starting planning race-cations, everyone in the group ran a half marathon,

2017

Each year, fewer complete the distance.

2023 (+2 who ran 18 miles)

This year, only 5 out of 10 have signed up for the half (and 2 are even injured.)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I may have become pumpkin-obsessed this year.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that most of the treats above were for my mah jongg ladies and what they didn’t eat, my hubby consumed? Can you guess which I ate?

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.

October 1, 2024 by Darlene

TT: 2024 3rd Quarter Update

MY TOPIC TODAY is 2024 UPDATE.

Wow, NINE months have gone by pretty quickly.

Things have not been perfect and so there’s definitely room for improvement. Of course, many good things happened… and some not so good things.

AND there’s still THREE months left!!

The best is yet to come (as they say…)

Running-Related:

630 Miles

My annual goal is always 1000..

I started the year with a sprained ankle but even if I had stayed healthy and trained for that full marathon, I highly doubt that I would reach my goal.

Then on Labor Day, I got injured on our boat. As a result, I could not run for a while.

It’s all ok. I will run as many miles as I am able.

As always my favorite miles were those with friends…

16 Races (4 Half Marathons, 2 -10Ks, 1 -4M, 1 -3.3M, 7 -5Ks)

Again, lower number than normal… Quality not quantity, right?

I’m pretty sure they were all PWs or COURSE PWs… (but I’m trying to be positive here…)

One of my favorites was when I skipped a half marathon and I ran a new 5k in Florida instead (and met Jeannie Rice).

5 NEW Races

I love seeing new scenery and/or running new routes…

Bridge the Gap 5k
Hero 5k for Autism
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k
HMRRC Anniversary Run (3.3 m)

High Lawn Farm Keep MOO’ving 5K

8 Age Group Awards

None were speedy but it depends on who shows up…

Bridge the Gap 5k – 1st
Helderberg to Hudson H alf Marathon – 3rd
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k – 1st
Tropicool 5k – 1st
Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k – 2nd
Silks & Satins 5k – 2nd
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k – 1st
Run 4 the River Half Marathon – 2nd

Tropicool 5k

Walked 4 Races

However, one was a free local race, one was free since I was a mentor, one was the day after a 9 mile training run and so I only walked ONE serious race.

Run for Women 5k (7 of us walked)

only for ice cream

DNSed 4 Races

Three were also free local races so only ONE big DNS (for the 2nd year in a row).

Mentored 2 Running Groups

STEM (victims of Domestic Violence)

Race for Women Training Challenge group

It’s always rewarding to help others reach their goals.

Fitness-Related:

0 Bike Rides

Correction, maybe a few on the stationary bike early in the year when I couldn’t run.

Approx. 80 Gym Visits

When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 3 times each week.

Hiking Mondays

Working full-time so no longer always an option to have the day off. But it’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places.

7 Trail Thursdays

The ARE Summer trail series is over…

Again when I was in town, I walked them with friends

Many Walking Tuesdays

Whenever I’m in town and have friends available, there were walks on the local rail trail…

Non-Running Related:

Many visits to NYC

Mostly due to work and always an opportunity to connect with friends, see a Broadway show and/or visit a park or museum.

Two Florida Vacations

In February, I visited friends on the East coast (Delray Beach)

And in May, I traveled with tennis friends to the West coast (Naples)

Summer Sundays on Lake George

The weather has cooperated for the most part… Sad that it’s over!!

And I am continuing my quest for

My word for 2021 - Joy — Katie the Creative Lady | Create, Capture, Celebrate

my word for 2024

Happy Running! How has your year gone so far? What’s left on your list to complete before the year ends? 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

September 28, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 9.22.24-9.29.24: Just getting it done…

Some weeks are like that: friends, family, work, volunteering and running!! Rain!

You just do what you can…

Last Week –

Sunday – I ran 13 miles the day before so my plan was to walk a local free race today.

When I arrived, I bumped into a friend who was running it…. She said she would be going slowly so I thought… why not?

it was a 3.3m anniversary race for this running club and an distinguished service award 10k… the award winner was a family friend of my hubby

We went very slowly but we ran the whole thing… I was so happy!!

I quickly changed my clothes and headed up north to meet knitting (and running) friends to go to a sheep and wool expo.

we accidentally matched and the wool that I wanted is sold by someone that lives a block from my home (no need to have driven 1 hr. lol)

There was lots to see and we spent several hours there and then drove 1/2 hr south to meet others for a beer.

The weather was perfect and I was was so grateful to be feeling healthy enough to enjoy it.

Monday – My ribs continue to be sore and so I postponed the gym visit.

After work today was the first meeting for the STEM participants. I again agreed to volunteer on Mondays.

It’s Couch 2 5k so in the beginning, it’s mostly walking.

we had quite a large group and it was so exciting!

Tuesday – A busy work day but I was able to get in a ~~short run and~~ walk with my BFF after work.

Wednesday – I actually got up early to run because that was my only free time. It was RAINING!!

So I waited until lunch and squeezed in a short one.

Halloween decorations are starting to appear…

After work, I had to go set up for my live class the next day and then attend our monthly tennis friends meet-up.

Thursday – Yup, live class and so today I had run after work.

Boo! RAINED OUT!!

Friday – Day 2 of live teaching so nothing but mah jongg in the evening. And it was at my house.

Saturday – Long Run Day (and brunch).

Many of my friends were away so I was lucky to have company for at least some of the miles… I ran/walked 8 solo and then met Deb for the last 8 and then met Deirdre for brunch.

those last 4 miles were a killer but 16 miles in the books (I earned those tiramisu waffles)

But there was FOMO on a race I usually run..

I will run it next year when I am not training for a marathon!!

Sunday – Plan to finally go to the gym and then in the afternoon go out to a restaurant to celebrate my MIL’s birthday. 99!!!!!!!!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF! – run, hike, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – train to NYC (for work), run in NYC, show tix
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – train home
Friday- gym, chiro appt, mah jongg
Saturday – Run, Fall Fest 5k, run
Sunday – gym, walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 3rd Quarter Update
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Update

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Anyone else struggling to fit it all in? Are the Halloween decorations up? 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.

September 27, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for September 2024

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…

1.I runfess…

Even when I don’t sign up for races, I check the results to see if I would have won an age group award.

I was supposed to run a 14 mile LSD the weekend of Sept 7 & 8. There were three 5k races and I would have won my age group in all three.

That’s what you younger runners have to look forward to if you continue running.

2. I runfess…

When you are injured and your legs feel fine, it’s hard not to run.

I mostly walked (3 mi, 4 mi, 5 mi) and threw in some strides to make sure I still could run.

3. I runfess…

I’ve never been injured during marathon training. As a result, I had no idea how to change my plan.

I had to skip my 14 miler but had no idea how many miles to run next?

Plan A:12, 14, 12, 16, 12, 18, 12, 20, 12, 26.2

So I ran/walked 10 miles and then 13 miles the next weekend…

Tossing the plan out the window…

Plan B: 13, 0, 10, 13, (16, 18, HM, 20, 10), 26.2

However, may need Plan C if I can’t complete the 16, 18, 20 milers…

4. I runfess…

I realized that I’ve run at least ONE race each month but none in September.

my hubby grew up on the same street with the Dott family…

So I signed up to walk the 3.3 miles… it was free!

When I arrived, I bumped into a good friend and she wanted to run the race…

We ran the WHOLE race together…slowly!! She thought I was pacing her and I thought she was pacing me.

I enjoyed so much that I didn’t mind not winning an apple pie.

5. I runfess…

I love my Topos and I decided that the Specter 2 is my new favorite.

Then guess what?

r/RunningShoeGeeks - Topo Specter 2 NYC Marathon Edition

I had to buy the NYC Marathon Specter 2, right?

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!!

September 24, 2024 by Darlene

TT: How to Walk a Race

Today’s Topic is FREE: I’ve chosen this one:

Some of my running friends are now walking (by choice) and some of my running friends are walking due to injuries.

I have walked a few races myself and I may do so again in the future.

So here are a few tips:

Make sure the race is open long enough and allows walkers. Contact the RD if you are in doubt.
Respect Runners’ Etiquette. Start in the back and move over if runners are trying to pass you.
Train. Don’t just wing it. Practice walking the race distance (or close to it) several times.
Follow the same precautions as if you are running. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Eat appropriate pre-race food.
Brace for an Anticlimactic Finish. You may be last. The post-race refreshments table may be empty. There may not be many spectators cheering you on.
Embrace Your New Adventure and its Advantages. You will be able to talk comfortably, more easily view and enjoy the scenery and you will recover more quickly.
Have fun!

Happy Running! Have you ever walked a whole race? 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

September 21, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 9.15.24-9.22.24: On the road again…

…to recovery and training for my fall races

and to NYC for work.

Last Week –

Sunday – With boating out of the picture, I went back to where I walked last Sunday.

I parked in a different location so I had different views of the Mohawk R. and again the weather was delightful.

Afterward I went back to that nearby country store…

free cider donuts!!

And then later I met a running friend for dinner and drinks…

a lakeview…

Monday – More great weather… so I took a short run during my lunch break.

Boy was it hot!!!

Now that my face looked normal, I stopped off after work to visit my granddaughter.

even with a fever, she was happy and active

Tuesday – A day off from work for a doctor’s visit and to prepare for my work trip the next day.

Since I didn’t know if I would have time to run in NYC (and rain was in the forecast), I ran a few miles in the morning.

feathers from a …?

Later in the day, I went for a long walk with a former co-worker.

Wednesday – I took an early train to NYC for work. After checking into my hotel, my plan was to take the tram to Roosevelt Island to view some murals and run (provided that it wasn’t raining.)

The weather turned out to be beautiful and the island had so many interesting sights.

murals, woman puzzle, cat sanctuary, lighthouse, FDR memorial (more pics on FB)

Afterward I had enough time to take the subway to the meatpacking district… to see 100 elephants!!

all sizes, all different, cost from $8k to $22k… to raise money for Africa. (more pics on FB)

Thursday – My usual long work day starting with a subway ride at 6:45 am and returning at 5pm.

I several plans for after work: run in Central Park, see 3 new bronze statues at the Occulus Plaza or see the wall art in Freeman Alley.

Nope. Too pooped from standing all day… instead:

great decision .. it was really good!

Friday – Another long work and the train back home in the evening.

train ride along the Hudson R. at sunset.

Saturday – Long Run Day. Today’s brunch plans included a party hosted by one of the runners (who will soon be wintering in Florida.)

16 miles was on my marathon training plan. However, there was no way that would happen after a difficult 10 mile run the week before.

I arrived early and parked about 2.5 miles away and ran with Barb. Then I met up with Deb, ran/walked 8 more miles and finally continued solo back to my car.

13 miles followed by a mimosa or two and delicious homemade food!!

Sunday – I plan to walk this FREE race (3.3 miles)

and then join some friends at:

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – AM run, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – PM run, walk with BFF
Wednesday – gym, dinner with tennis friends
Thursday – PM run
Friday- mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
Sunday – gym, MIL b-day party (she turns 99)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – How to walk a race
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

September 20, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Tips for a New Runner

New Runners! What beginner questions do you have about running? - Strength Running

1.Find a friend or a group.

It is so much easier if you don’t run alone.

2.Wear the right shoes.

Go to a running store and try different pairs.

3.Do not worry if you have to walk.

You are still a runner!!

4. Do not set elaborate goals.

You will get discouraged if you set a time or distance goal right away.

5. Sign up for a race.

It will keep you motivated. You will meet other runners. The enthusiasm is contagious at a race.

Happy Running! Do you have any others? Did you get good tips when you started running? 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!!

Join the link party:

September 17, 2024 by Darlene

TT: Fall 2024 Racing Plans

Today’s Topic is: What are your Fall running plans and/or race schedule?

So I optimistically wrote this post before my boating accident and I didn’t feel like trashing it… my fall plans are obviously in limbo…

I could be walking and/or not doing some of them at all.

Time will tell.

You may be tired of hearing this but my running is mostly to train for this BIG race:

Nov 3

However, I do have a few races on my schedule before and after:

A free local 3.3 mile race

Sept. 22

A local 10k perhaps

Sept 28

Maybe a local 5k on Oct. 5:

Our annual race-cation Half Marathon (as a training run) on Oct. 12:

Of course, a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot:

And finally a new race in Holiday, Florida in early Dec.

Pirate 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon at Anclote Gulf Park, Holiday, FL (8-5-2023)

10k

Happy Running! What races do you have planned for the Fall? 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

September 14, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 9.8.24-9.15.24: Crawling my way back…

Just a bump in the road, right?

4 weeks until the Cape Cod Half Marathon and 7 weeks until the NYC Marathon…

After a head injury and bruised ribs 2 weeks ago, can I get myself back into shape????

Last Week –

Sunday – After a rainy Saturday afternoon, the sun came out today.

NO BOATING!!

So I opted to again go for a walk and take advantage of having a free day.

a crisp fallish day…

I visited a place that I haven’t been to in awhile… I definitely plan to go back to run there once the leaves change.

that’s chocolate chai at the nearby country store- very yummy!

I got back in time to watch the finals of the US Tennis Open. Neither American (Pegula or Fritz) won this year but they played their hearts out in the finals… maybe next year!

U.S. Open finalist Jessica Pegula by the numbers: $7.7 billion, $14 million — and 7 (the subway train) - MarketWatch Taylor Fritz's loss to Italy's Sinner in the US Open final extends Slam drought for American men

Monday –I decided after 6 days to return to work… especially since I was working from home this week.

After work, I went to get my stitches out. And then I went for a RUN!!!

still had some discomfort in my ribs but otherwise it felt great and my racoon eyes are improving.

Tuesday – Feeling stronger each day 🙂

I went for another short run after work.

and they’re building restrooms along the rail trail… yay!

Yesterday running felt great… today things felt awful. Painful ribs, labored breathing. Boo!

Wednesday – Continuing to ease back into running with short run/walk intervals.

After work, I drove to UAlbany since I was meeting my BFF for a walk nearby.

not great on the energy front but my ribs felt less painful than the day before… progress

Thursday – After work I met my running friend for a walk and ice cream sandwiches after.

Since it was on the rail trail, I went a little early to get in a few miles.

no better but no worse… as before it was hard to run more than a minute… but I did run!!

Friday – Finally I returned to the gym. Obviously an abbreviated workout since almost all of the machines bothered my ribs.

Then I returned to the office… and that meant a stop at Starbucks!!

just as good as the last time!

In the evening, I played mah jongg.

Saturday – Long Run Day… I ran 13 miles two weeks prior and nothing last weekend. Big Dilemma!! How far should I or can I run?

I decided to play it by ear and see how I felt..

Most of my friends were not running today but Deb agreed to run/walk 8 miles with me and then I continued on for 2 more.

it was a beautiful day and I may have run more if I had company and everyone else wasn’t already eating

So it wasn’t 14 miles as I had hoped but I was happy that I could run and the pain was minimal.

Sunday – I plan to get together with a running friend and go for a walk.

FARM FEST, 9-3pm

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – OFF – gym, DR. appt, run
Wednesday – train to NYC (for work), run in NYC?
Thursday – run in NYC?
Friday- train home
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
Sunday – gym, walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Fall Racing Plans
Friday – Tips for a New Runner

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are you a tennis fan? Any advice for me as I try to play catch up in my marathon training? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for