May 21, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down: 5.14.23-5.20.23: Race Week!

Finally, a race in 2023!!

It was emotional due my injury that resulted in 3 missed half marathons (as well as a 10k and 5k)..

But I felt sorta ready for this race and I ran it in Brooklyn with two of my running friends, Stan and Sherry.

The race was held on Stan’s birthday so we had a double celebration.

I made him a a photo card and we also got him a cake and champagne…

Last Week —

Sunday – I was surprised how Saturday’s long run tired me out… but I was determined to make myself active.

So I got up early and went to the gym.

Then I went for a nice long hike..

not much elevation but beautiful scenery… just what the body needed.

Afterward my hubby and I went to my MIL’s for lunch

and then I came home to tackle the garden…

Monday – I only had to work in the morning…

First thing, I went to the gym and after lunch, I got my nails done and then drove to Washington Park to catch a one last glimpse of the tulips.

Unfortunately, most of the tulips were very past bloom (even though Tulip Fest was only the day before) but still a few left to view…

And then back to weeding the garden…

In the evening, I was supposed to run with FTC, the group of beginner runners whom I help mentor. But car issues forced me to cancel a walk with a friend and this group run (and a visit to TJ’s). 😦

Instead I ran in my ‘hood. (Sorry no pix).

Tuesday – I had a terrible night’s sleep so I skipped my visit to the gym and after a long work day, I felt tired but dragged myself out for a run and then I met two friends for a long walk on the rail trail.

a warm muggy evening…

Wednesday – Since I skipped the gym the previous morning, I made sure to go (and I would not be going Fri-Sun).

At lunch, I got my last run in before the race.

breezy and chilly!!

And then after work, I participated in an historical walk.

It was really interesting to learn about the buildings that date back to the 1800’s.

Thursday – Rest Day (I like to take 2 days before a big race).

I was able to squeeze in a trip to gym before dropping my car off at the dealer.

Instead of a run, I met my running friends for a walk at UAlbany and then dinner.

I spent the evening packing for all weather conditions.

looks just like 2018 😦

Friday – Stan, Sherry, Lisa (Stan’s friend) and I took the train to NYC, hopped the subway to our Brooklyn hotel (had to choose a new one since our original one had closed 9withoutnotice), had lunch and then went to Pier 2 to pick up our race packet.

We strolled around trying not to put too many miles on the legs, returned to our hotel to check-in and finally and carb loaded with pizza for dinner. (more pics on IG)

Saturday – RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon!!

It drizzled, rained, poured!!

I finished!! More details in a future post (pics on IG).

We spent the rest of the day recovering, getting wetter, refueling and celebrating Stan’s birthday!

This Coming Week on the Run–

Sunday – More recovering and celebrating in NYC, train home
Monday – GYM, FTC run
Tuesday – GYM, rest day
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – GYM, rest day
Saturday – rest day, walk
Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 Mile Race???

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Have you run any so far in 2023? Did you do anything exciting on Mother’s Day? 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.

May 19, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Tips for Summer Running

Summer is coming soon. There have even been days already that felt like summer.

Here are some of MY personal tips to enjoy running:

1. Stop complaining and posting about the temps and humidity.

Ok, I do it too. (But I will try not to…)

If the heat bothers you:

Don’t run.
Run earlier or later in the day.
Run indoors.
Run slower.
Run fewer miles.

victory for running in only a tank and skirt

2.Wear Compression Calf Sleeves.

I know it sounds crazy but it is so buggy in the summer. Besides protecting your legs from injury, it will help ward off ticks and mosquitoes. With spring rain, the bugs can be insane.

the ice cream helped as well as the socks lol

3. Wear a Baseball Cap.

It keeps you cool (if you have thick hair like me). It shields your face from the sun and most importantly, it protects your scalp from the sun. Most runners neglect to put sunscreen on their head and a visor will do zero for you there.

Image result for cap run hair don't care

4. Plan your Hydration.

That doesn’t mean that you have to carry water. I don’t usually.

I mean, how much can you really carry during a hot weather run, anyway? An everyday runner does not have to purchase a hydration vest.

an old pic (I lost that water bottle 😦 )

But you need to drink even if you think that you are not a heavy sweater.

I usually plant water somewhere on my route or loop my runs so I pass my car (where I have water). I have even stopped a local convenience store during my run and bought a bottle of water.

Or you can buy a skirt or shorts that can hold a small water bottle or two.

5. Sign up for Races.

You knew this one was coming.

The adrenaline of the race will make you forget about the heat. There will be water stops along the course and maybe even watermelon or ice cream at the end of the race.

Ok not as comfortable as sitting in your air-conditioned home or floating around a pool but better for you and much more fun.

at one of my favorite summer 5ks

Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying the summer run? 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 blogs!!

Join the link party!

May 16, 2023 by Darlene

A Successful Return to Racing

My last race was a 15k at the beginning of December. My last Half Marathon was at the end of November.

To many of you that doesn’t seem like a long layoff.

I used to run over 30 races a year and one half marathon almost every month…

So yes, I feel VERY RUSTY (and nervous.)

Here’s my advice and I hope to have followed it…

Adjust Your Mindset

For me and many other runners, it’s not that I am not physically ready. It’s my mind that is not ready.

If I go into the race with a negative mindset, I am setting myself up for failure before I even start the race.

By a negative mindset, I mean that I think I will be slower than I hope or that the race will feel harder that I’d like.

So I need focus on the positives:

- I get to race.
- I am prepared for whatever the race throws at me.
- Racing is a gift.
- Racing is an experience to enjoy.
- A bad race is only a single day in my fitness journey.
- I can learn and grow from any sub-optimal performance.

Set Non-Finish Time Goals

Obviously, it depends on how long your layoff was and if it was related to illness, injury and other challenges in your life.

No matter what the reason for your time off from racing, your finish time will most likely be slower than your times before the layoff.

And the last thing you want is to be let down in your first race back.

Plus, focusing too much on a finish time could actually hinder your race performance.

Non-finish time goals could be:

- Not starting too fast and running negative splits.
- Thanking volunteers and waving at spectators.
- Experiencing zero DOMS the next day.
- Crossing the finish line with a smile.
- Running with a friend so they can run their best race.
- Sticking with run/walk intervals the whole race.
- No walk breaks.
- Successful use with a new fuel plan or new shoes/clothes.

Embrace the Experience

No matter the reason for your time off, the first race back should be a joyful occasion.

Before the race, think about what you missed most from racing:

- the spectators,
- the start line excitement,
- seeing new scenery,
- crossing the finish line.
- the bling,
- meeting other runners,
- sharing the experience on social media,
- post-race refreshments,
- the challenge

Focus on these things during the race when things get hard, especially those final miles..

Go into your first race after a layoff with an open mind and eager heart.

And don’t forget – Racing is a Gift!

Happy Running! Have you ever experienced a layoff from racing? Any advice to share regarding your return to racing? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

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

May 13, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 5.4.23-5.14.23: Back to Reality and in a New Age Group!!

After 8 7 days of fun and sun, I’m back.

And I’m a year older. LOL

Last Week & Before:

Thursday – The 5:45am flight got cancelled and after multiple delays we didn’t arrive until 10:30 pm. So Day 1 was a bust.
Friday – I started the day with a run, of course

and then I joined my friends (who were taking lessons while I was running) to play tennis. Thankfully, it was like riding a bike. And I had a lot of fun.

Afterward we grabbed our lunch and headed to the beach.

unfortunately the hurricane destroyed many of the beaches and our favorite was being repaired as we sat and enjoyed the sun and the water

And in the evening we had a lovely dinner out.

Saturday – This morning was very similar – a morning run

due to the heat, humidity and pretty scenery, my runs each morning were filled with walk breaks…

and then tennis

except that we hung out at the pool instead of going to the beach.

And then we drove to Fort Myers to go to a dinner theatre. We had a great time but it was a very late night.

Sunday – Before I went to bed the night before (around midnight) I told my friend that I didn’t need a ride to the 5k race I had signed up for. I knew she would be tired and I just wasn’t feeling a race.

Of course I got up early and had plenty of FOMO but just went out for a run and as previous mornings, I joined my friends to play tennis afterward.

We had planned an afternoon at the beach but couldn’t find parking so we went back to the pool.

For dinner, instead of going out, we ordered in pizza and had our book club discussion.

Monday – Another morning run

as you can tell from the pix, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky the whole vacation...

…followed by tennis and the same (noisy) beach as Friday.

In the evening, we had a delicious Italian dinner with the lady who rents to us and ice cream (next door) for dessert.

Tuesday – MY BIRTHDAY!

Of course a morning run first as I entered a new decade…

no runfie today… just beautiful flowers…

And then after some group photos, we went into town to watch our tennis instructor compete in a tournament (middle pix below)

Instead of the beach or pool today, we decided to take a trolley tour of the city. We had done it years ago. We learned so much about the city and the cool breeze was wonderful.

In the evening, I got treated to a lovely dinner.

Wednesday – Our last full day.

So I followed my same Naples vacation routine. Run. Tennis. Beach. Dinner.

views from my run…

Some ladies played pickle ball, others went to the pool or shopping.

I convinced my friend Lorraine to spend the afternoon with me at the beach…

a different beach and it was PERFECT!!

After dinner, the lady who rented to us brought over champagne for a farewell/birthday toast

Thursday – My last morning run (sigh) and then we packed up and headed to the airport hoping for less drama then the week before.

Happy to report that we had no flight delays.

Friday – Back to work…

Nothing exciting except for laundry but I did sneak out at lunch to go to the GYM.

Saturday – Long Run Day! Taper Time!

I ran 2 solo miles and then my friends joined me to run 8 more.

At brunch, they surprised me with a cake!!!

and the cake tasted as good as it look (all homemade)

I was pooped after that run but later did some gardening and grocery shopping.

Sunday – I plan to go to the gym, do more gardening and stop by to visit my MIL.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – GYM, FTC run
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – train to NYC, packet pick-up, carb load
Saturday – BROOKLYN HALF MARATHON
Sunday – rest day, train home

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Successful Return to Racing
Friday – Tips for Summer Running

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Any vacation plans? Anyone celebrating big birthday this year? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

May 9, 2023 by Darlene

What Happened From Ages 65-70?

I borrowed this idea from Judy and Donna when they turned 60 and 50, respectively.

I have already posted about ages 60-64. (You can read it here.)

Now I’ll talk about the last 5 years of this decade:

Age 65 (May 2018)

In May, I ran one of my bucket list races – Brooklyn Half Marathon. It rained but it was important because my finish time from this race qualified me for another bucket list race – NYC Half Marathon (and also NYC Marathon but I didn’t realize it at the time).

hoping the rain would stop… it never did!

In June, one of my favorite races got replaced (after 40 years) with a new 15k.

lake finish, ice cream, age group award!!

In September, we took our 2nd Sole Sisters race-cation.

I did the 5k and the half.

I also ran a 5k PR at a race on Governor’s Island.

hanging with Cari post race

In October, I finally ran a race in Paris (my favorite city in the world!!)

a dream come true!

I also ran a 10k in Central Park, NYC.

I had no idea that I would actually get into this race…

In November, I ran the hilliest half ever with Alyssa.

In February, I ran a rainy half marathon in Florida and injured my calf afterward.

In March, I ran the NYC Half Marathon (and hooray, I was pain-free).

In April, I ran the first annual local (downhill) half marathon. And my finish time qualified me to run the 2020 NYC half and full marathons. (Neither one happened due to COVID).

Also in April, the Sole Sisters took over NYC. And we ran a fun 15k in Brooklyn.

Age 66 (May 2019)

In May, I ran a fun new half marathon near an upstate lake.

won my first (and only) trophy

In July, I started training for the NYC Marathon. Lots of miles mixed in with lots of work travel.

In September, I visited a college friend in RI and completed a (training) half marathon while there.

so fun meeting Michelle and Kim G. at the race

In October, I ran a local half marathon as part of my 20 mile training run.

Did it!! Now taper!

In November, I completed my FIRST (and only) MARATHON – NYCM. It was an amazing experience. And I’m so happy that I took the plunge.

celebrating after with blogger Lacey.

In January I ran a frigid (and painful) half marathon in Central Park. I also met up with Cari and Deborah the day before the race.

I may have been smiling but my foot HURT!!

In February, I ran my first ZOOMA race. It was so fun and what made it even more special was that racing ended for a long time after that race (due to COVID).

Bloggers can jump!

March-April – Race after race was cancelled. Some races were completed virtually.

NYC Virtual Half Marathon

Age 67 (May 2020)

May- September- Races still cancelled.
In October, my running friends and I had already rented a house in NH and even though our half marathon was cancelled, we decided to go anyway and run it virtually.

matchy matchy in our post race shirts

Finally, in November, with many Covid restrictions, a local half marathon was held.

so happy to race again!!

I missed NYC so much that I decided to go there for the weekend in December and run a 5k.

My first plane trip in a year was in February to visit friends in Florida and run a half marathon.

with all the precautions and a heat wave, I still enjoyed it

Age 68 – May 2021

In July, I ran a fun July 4th race for the first time and it was a 4 mile PR!

In August, there was a surprise meet-up with runners whom I ran a half with in Philly back in 2014.

In October, my running friends and I decided on a re-do race-cation in NH.

wearing matching shirts has become a tradition and as is a jumping pic

In December, I ran the Albany Last Run for the last time. They discontinued this 5k around the holiday lights in the park. 😦

January – April. Obviously trying to make up for lost COVID racing time.

Three NYC races!! A Florida race and a Local Half (and too many others to mention.)

Fred Lebow Half (NYC)

post-race meet up with blogger, Jenny (in Fla.)

Central Park Half (NYC)

H2H Half

In early May, I ran a 5k in a costume!

Age 69 – May 2022

In June, I participated in my favorite local 5k for the 15th time.

Slowing down didn’t prevent me from participating in several 5k races. I even won an age group award in each (which is easier when you are my age!!)

In September, October, and November I ran a half marathon.

In October, the half marathon was part of another fun race-cation with my running friends. This time in Maine.

You know I couldn’t resist a trip to NYC so I ran a RAINY 15k there in December and ran with Cari in Central Park in January.

: Ted Corbit 15k

There was also a winter escape to Florida in February where I was supposed to run my first of FOUR scheduled half marathons.

Instead, I fell and broke my foot.

Running and racing came to an abrupt halt.

Not the best way to end this decade…

Age 70 – May 9, 2023

Who knows?

Hopefully a lot of races and runs and race-cations (and age group awards!!) … and most importantly good health and good friends!!

And NO MORE INJURIES!!

**Just re-read my post about Ages 60-64 and realized that I started and ended the decade with a broken 5th metatarsal of my left foot!!!! What are the odds?

Happy Running! Do you have a milestone birthday coming up? If so, what has been the “running” highlight of the last decade? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

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

May 7, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.30.23-5.4.23: Vacation Time!!

I am always so excited for this vacation… every year since 2005…. There’s running, playing tennis, relaxing on the beach, eating out, drinking cocktails and fun times/laughter with 9 great friends!!

It’s not a coincidence, that usually I celebrate my birthday during this trip (May 9) but this year, I will enter a new age group!!!

Last Week:

Sunday – Re-Scheduled Long Run Day due to Saturday’s rainy forecast. Barbara agreed to accompany me on 9 of my 12 miles. And the rain stopped!!

Monday – I went to the gym in the morning and then I had the afternoon off from work.

The plan was to hike in MA. with my running friends, have lunch, and see more tulips.

We got so lucky that the rain stopped before we left and stayed dry all day.

We headed to Stockbridge for a few hikes. Unfortunately, we ran out of time but plan to return in a few weeks.

We had a delicious lunch and then we had reservations for the Daffodil/Tulip Fest at Naumkeag.

Last stop: High Lawn Farms.

In the evening, I was supposed to attend my weekly FTC mentor assignment. But I got back too late so went for a walk instead.

Tuesday – To make up for missed gym visits while on vacation, I tried to go every morning.

just finished before the skies opened up!!

I didn’t plan to run today but since I missed yesterday’s run and rain was in the forecast for Wednesday, I squeezed in one in the ‘hood at lunch.

I finally went to my chiro. It had been YEARS!! Nothing wrong but I thought I should get a tune-up before my big race.

Afterward. I met my BFF for a long mall walk.

Wednesday – Another morning at the gym and a run at lunch.

I spent most of the evening packing…

Thursday – Our flight was supposed to leave at 5:45am. After several cancellations and delays, instead of arriving around 1 pm, we arrived at 10:30pm. What a disastrous day!!!!
Friday-Saturday – I’ll recap the rest of week in my next WRD.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Sunday – Wednesday – run, tennis. beach, FUN, etc.
Thursday – run, flight home
Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – LONG RUN (Taper 8-10 miles)
Sunday – rest day, GYM, Mother’s Day

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – What Happened from Ages 65-69? – The Birthday Post (part 2)
Friday – Favorite Running Songs

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Any vacation plans? Do you go to a chiropractor

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

May 5, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for May 2023

It’s that time of the month…

CafePress - Naples, Florida Mugs - Ceramic Coffee Tea Novelty Mug Cup 11 oz

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

While you are reading this post, I’m enjoying my coffee in Naples, Florida.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that except for 2020, I have gone on this vacation with 9 tennis friends every year since 2005.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that originally, my goal for the trip was to play tennis everyday and take lessons. That is is still the goal for the others.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I have NOT played tennis at all since last May, I plan to play every morning (after my run.) I hope my friends are patient. However, I will no longer take lessons.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that once I became a runner, I also looked for a race to run during this May vacation. Fortunately there is usually a 5k scheduled.

Of course, I did sign up. It’s a great charity and I may or may not run (depending on weather and transportation.)

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it will be HOT but I plan to run each morning (if possible) but I will not be able to fit in a long run.

I got my 12 miler done last weekend so as they say “the hay is in the barn.”

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Have you ever been to Naples, FL? Do you always run when you are on vacation? 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.

May 2, 2023 by Darlene

TT: Tips for Running During Vacation

Not all my vacations are race-cations. I do go on a vacation where there is no race and/or where my family or friends are not runners.

Image result for ecard vacation running

The photos below were taken during a vacation with my tennis friends where I ran almost everyday.

Here’s FIVE Tips to use if you are hoping to run during a vacation:

1.Be prepared.

Bring clothes for all weather conditions.

Some winter vacations may have 80 degree temps and but many could have freezing temps!!

Fla in Feb.

and Feb in Fla!!

2.Schedule your runs.

If you leave it to chance, it won’t happen.

I often have to run in my tennis clothes

or then play tennis in my running shoes!

3.Be flexible.

Sometimes other persons’ needs or desires will come before your running.

I definitely have to be more flexible when traveling with my hubby. (Maybe that’s why we don’t travel together often. lol).

4.Find a scenic route.

Pretty views make all the difference.

Sunrises are my particular favorite.

5.Lower your expectations.

Distance & speed goals will probably not happen.

Just RUN for FUN.

Can anyone guess where I am here?

Bonus Tip. (Thanks to Erica for reminding me about this) If you are not familiar with the area, sign up for a Running Tour

It’s the best way to see the city and get your running done at the same time.

during a running tour of Central Park (NYC)

or ask for recommendations (from the hotel concierge or local running store) for a safe route to run.

running in a park on the outskirts of Paris

Happy Running! Do you run when you go on vacation? Any tips to add? Please share.

runner-sig

Since it 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 29, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.23.23-4.30.23: Fitting It In

It was one of those weeks where I had something scheduled for every night of the week!

That happens when you are traveling for work for weeks and now you are home!!

And then you have an upcoming vacation planned for next week…

Last Week:

Sunday – My hike last Monday was cancelled due to rain as was today’s. (April showers bring May flowers, right?)

But I had plenty to keep me busy… unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning (that’s what happens when you are away the previous week…)

I started this rainy day with a trip to the gym.

Then my hubby and I got our 6th COVID shot.

very excited for the vaccine and to continue to be protected from COVID (for myself and others I am in contact with…)

Still raining so I got my steps in with a walk around the mall.

Monday – Back working from home so I could hit the gym first thing. (BTW: no reaction from the vaccine at all.)

weather whiplash… it felt like winter out…

In the evening, I again mentored the beginner running group.

week 6 out of 12… most runners including myself struggled to run for 5 or 8 minutes. I encouraged them to walk if needed.

Tuesday – Another morning at the gym (Trying to make up for last week and next when I’m on vacation.)

But no running today since I had a scheduled dinner date with my stepson (the unmarried one.)

Unfortunately my stepson had to work late so that left me free to walk and also prepare food for the party the next day.

I decided to return to the Pine Hollow Arboretum to see how things were blooming.

pretty sparse.. so many trees destroyed this winter.

Our local Tulip Fest is in a few weeks and I wondered if the tulips were starting to bloom so I headed to Washington Park.

most were not ready but I found enough to photograph to make me happy… (more pics on FB)

Wednesday – I was forced to skip the gym since I had an early morning work ZOOM (with a camera on … I could not be there in my workout clothes. LOL)

But I took the afternoon off from work so I could run and then meet up with some tennis friends.

I was happy that my running friend Sherry was able to run with me at UAlbany (You know how I hate to run alone.)

looks like the lilacs will be in bloom soon

Afterward, my friends and I finally got together to celebrate our 2002 trip the USTA Tennis Nationals in Palm Springs.

group photo from 2002

It was so much fun to catch up and reminisce.

Thursday – Back at the gym before work… and I squeezed my run in at lunch time.

it seemed chilly at first but not as soon as the sun came out

After work, my friends and I had tickets to go see Fiddler on the Roof (and of course, we went out for dinner beforehand.)

I’ve seen this show several times but still enjoyed it a lot

Friday – Morning off from work.. that meant I could go to the gym later.

It was supposed to be a rest day from running. Why is the weather so nice on rest days?… boy do I wish I had switched my long run to today!!

Since I went to gym earlier than planned, I had enough time to do some walks or hikes.

With rain in the forecast for every day next week, I returned to Washington Park.

can you tell I love tulips? (still more pics on FB.)

I continued my walk around the park…

Then I drove to another place I’ve wanted to visit… it’s in the middle of the worst part of the city (and a little creepy to hike solo there).

I spent too much time in Washington Park to complete the whole trail so I may go back…

Saturday – Long Run Day!! Nope… RAIN!! Sorry. I am fair weather runner.

Instead I went to the gym and re-scheduled my hair appt.

Sunday – Re-Scheduled Long Run Day! My plan is to run 12 miles. Two of my long run buddies are away but I hope to have company of some other running friends and follow it with brunch.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – GYM, hike, Tulip Fest, FTC run
Tuesday, GYM, run, chiro appt, walk w/BFF
Wednesday – GYM, run, pack!!
Thursday – rest day, 5:45 am flt to Florida
Friday – run, tennis, beach…
Saturday – run, tennis, pool, show in Ft Myers
Sunday – run, beach

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Tips for Running During Vacation
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Any vacation plans? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

April 28, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for April 2023

Runfessions

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

Though I created a 9 week training plan for the Brooklyn Half Marathon…

I didn’t exactly follow it.

My long runs were: 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12 miles for the first 5 weeks (instead of 3, 4, 5, 6, 8).

Sorry. Not sorry.

2. I runfess…

One of the reasons that I didn’t follow the plan was that I actually started running BEFORE March 20 (the day I got the x-ray that my foot had healed.)

Not a lot of miles but running here and there and the foot felt fine.

3. I runfess…

Another reason is that I will be in Florida for week 7’s long run. It will be 90 degrees and humid. There’s no way I will be running 12 miles in that weather.

there will be more tennis than running this week.

4. I runfess…

Of course I couldn’t resist signing up for my annual 5k race while I’m there.

Tropicool 5k in Naples, FL

I can guarantee that there will be NO podium finish this year…

But I’m just happy to be able to run….

5. I runfess…

I’ve been part of the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC) for years as a runner then as a Race Ambassador. But through changes in leadership, it had become less useful to me.

This year, I thought that it would be a good idea to be a mentor and to support others who are running this race.

I may be one and done with this.

First they changed the location (farther away, boring path, NO restrooms) and then the Couch25k app that the Beginner group is supposed to use is no longer FREE.