Author: Darlene

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Weekly Run Down for 2.5.23-2.12.23: In Search of Vitamin D

As you read this, I should be on my way to warm sunny Florida…

The ultimate purpose of this visit is to connect with some good friends who live on the East coast and to escape the frigid temps of the Northeast.

But if you know me, I had to add a race into the mix.

2023 Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon, Half Marathon, ACS 6K, Kids of Love Run - Fort Lauderdale, FL 2023 | ACTIVE

A1A Publix Half Marathon – 2/19/23

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Today’s long run was postponed from Saturday.  It was still very cold and windy but I had no choice but to go out there and do it.

I ran 3 miles first and then was joined by Stan and Sherry.

this one was hard and the sun didn’t come out until we were done.

No one else was willing to brave the cold so we had brunch just the three of us.

  • Monday – #Nevermissamonday…. It was day off but I could get my run done early (though I hate when Monday follows a long run day)

and then go on a road trip to Williamstown, MA with my running buddy, Heidi.

But we had to leave earlier than planned so I skipped the run and then after hiking 5 miles, I was too pooped to run.

winter hiking is so pretty… I didn’t wear my spikes but we were able to navigate the trails without falling.

  • Tuesday – I had invited my stepson out for dinner to celebrate his upcoming birthday so my run had to be squeezed in at lunch.

so nice to see blue skies. the rail trail was clear until it wasn’t…

  • Wednesday – Long work day and teaching live so my run had to done after work. I was glad to have my running friend join me again at UAlbany.

a nice evening for a run though my legs were tired from standing all day (in uncomfortable shoes)

  • Thursday – Another long live teaching day but I had a hair appointment so no running at all.
  • Friday – Another rest Day and the evening with my mah jongg ladies.
  • Saturday – The Taper Run (8-10 miles).

I had planned to run 8 but my friends were running 10 so I joined them.

a little windy but the sun came out at the end…and we warmed up

After the run, we went out to our weekly brunch with the other runners/walkers.

I spent he rest of the day doing laundry and packing…

just a little warmer than up North LOL and ft Lauderdale at the present time is rainy for race day

  • Sunday – A very early flight to Fort Lauderdale, renting a car and driving to Boca Raton to stay with my college roommate…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – Saturday– staying with three good friends (in Boca Raton, Hobe Sound, and Delray Beach) and visiting with a few others in between, some running, lots of sunrises, hikes, dinners out, tanning on the beach, attending the Delray Open tennis tournament and more…
  • Sunday –  A1A Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon, fly home.

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Winter Series Race Recaps
  • Friday – 5 Self Care Ways to Show Yourself Love 

Next Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Six Favorites of 2022
  • Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any winter big races?  Any warm weather vacations planned for the winter? 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.

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FFF: 5 Things to Love About Running

1.The Friends I’ve Made

My local running friends are the best….

I don’t know where I’d be without them. Whether it is sharing some of my miserable long runs in the cold or seeing their smiling faces before a race or just chatting about running at a post-run brunch.

Running Life is better with friends to support you.

2.The Places I’ve Visited

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly, NJ, Las Vegas, Montreal, NH, Maine and Paris!!

I may not have gone to these locations if I had not registered for a race.

3.The Achievements I’ve Accomplished

I would race every weekend if I could afford it.

I love all distances though my favorites are the 5k and the half marathon. The excitement at the start line with the other runners and the feeling of accomplishment when you cross that finish line can’t be beat.

Completing over 60 Half Marathons and One Marathon!! Who would have thought I could?

Starting at age 55!

4. The Virtual Connections

If I didn’t run, I probably wouldn’t blog and I would have missed out on meeting some fabulous ladies.

My blog started as motivation to keep on running and now it is so much more… a way to stay connected to the running community.

The same can be said about Facebook and Instagram and Brand Ambassador Groups (ie Skirt Sports, Zensah).

5. Feeling Healthy.

That is both physically (I rarely get sick)

and mentally.

It’s true: “Running is my Therapy.”

If I am feeling tired, rundown, stressed, depressed, I just go for a run…

I always feel better when I’m done.

Happy Running! So what do you love about running? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

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.


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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NYC Marathon 2023: Yay or Nay?

 I have a decision to make…

NAY:

1.Expensive.

Not only the race entry fee but transportation to and meals and hotels in NYC.

2.Work and Training.

I could be traveling for work which would make week day runs difficult to schedule.

3.Missing Shorter Races in the Fall.

I love to race.  In our area, there are so many races in the fall (including our group race-cation.)  And those long marathon training runs must be done somehow.

4.Solo Experience.

At the moment, I do not have any local running friends doing this race. Not sure how much fun it will be alone (before and after).

5.Possible Post-Race Aches/Pains.

Lower back pain?  Recurrence of that awful neuroma pain?? Other pains?  Will it affect future races?

YAY:

1.Guranteed Entry.

Yes, I do and I know many runners who do not and would love to run it.  And I may not have the chance again.

With a 2:27 or below finish time on a NYRR race in 2022, I am guaranteed an entry.

Fred LeBow HM – just made it on this HILLY course

2.NYC!!

It’s my favorite city (next to Paris). If I run another marathon, I can’t think of another one I would like to run.

3. Weather.

Your longest runs are in the fall (not summer or winter). And the race is at the beginning of November.  The odds are in favor for perfect running weather.

4.Support.  

Crowds everywhere.. the entire 26.2 miles for ALL runners!

maybe lucky enough for friends to travel down to cheer me on

5.CARPE DIEM!

Because I can.  Who knows what the future will bring?

Will I run this race again?

Happy Running! So what is your opinion? Will you by chance be entering the lottery or able to run this race? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with 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.

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Weekly Run Down for 1.29.23-2.5.23: Countdown to Race Day

My 12 miler is to be completed today.

And in TWO weeks, I’ll be towing the line for my first half marathon of 2023…. in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Fort Lauderdale Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K – PCV Travel

It will hopefully be fun with ocean views, sunshine and warm temps (not too warm but warmer than up North.)

this same race 2 years ago.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – After a 11 mile run the previous day, I signed up for the 5.5k race with my friends. It turned out to 3.8 (not 3.4) miles but a lovely day and lots bonding time with my racing friends.

I ran 1:1 intervals with Heidi until mile 3 and then I sprinted to the finish.

  • Monday – #Nevermissamonday…. A little beat from last week’s stress but I had some errands to do at lunch so I also squeezed in a run.

another GRAY day… ran part on the rail trail (icy in too many spots) and part on the road.

  • Tuesday – I try not to run so many days in a row but when it’s dry and the next day is booked, you just “do ‘it.”

Snow flurries and temps in the teens (with the wind chill) kept me inside during lunch.

I was happy to be able to get in a few miles right after work… it’s great that now it stays light until 5 pm.

it was cold but blue skies and sun finally

  • Wednesday – Finally a rest day (sunny but FREEZING) and my dinner with my tennis friends (that got cancelled last week) happened. I do miss playing tennis with these lovely ladies.

  • Thursday – Finally a great sunrise.  I wish I had time to go out for a run but I did not…

Believe it not, I skipped dinner out and a play in order to run.

FOMO – I heard the play was great!

I hadn’t run at UAlbany in awhile so I met up after work with a friend for a loop around the campus.

a blurry pic of Heidi but I was trying to capture the beautiful sunset

  • Friday – Rest Day, a trip to the office, and the evening with my mah jongg ladies. Soooo cold and wind gusts up to 50 mph!!!
  • Saturday – Long Run Day (12 miles). With negative temps predicted, I happily agreed to postpone until Sunday.

Definitely a day to catch up with things around the house. The weather forecasters were not exaggerating.

8 am this morning

And then take in a movie with the hubby.

A Man Called Otto (2022) - Count Basie Center for the Arts

The book and the original movie (A Man called Ove) were better but always enjoy a Tom Hanks performance

  • Sunday – Definitely a warmer day. Not warm but better.  Luckily my running friends are able to join me for a run and then brunch.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – run (early), hike
  • Tuesday – run (at lunch), b-day dinner w/stepson
  • Wednesday – run (after work)
  • Thursday – rest day, hair appt
  • Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – the Taper (8-10 miles), pack
  • Sunday –  early flight to Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – NYC Marathon 2023 – Yay or Nay?
  • Friday – 5 Things to Love About Running

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any winter big races?  Any snow or frigid temps where you live? Are you still getting outside for your runs? 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.

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FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for Feb. 2023

It’s that time of the month…

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

As I am writing this post, I have sunshine on my mind for obvious reasons.

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that these cloudy skies are really getting me down. I don’t mind the cold temps and the snow as long as the roads are clear.

if you always have sunglasses, will the sun come out??

But I need SUN!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that luckily I have SIX friends who winter in Florida (on the east coast) and they ask me to come down and stay with them.

I’ll be there visiting them (and looking for sunshine) Feb. 14 12-19!!!

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I love our free winter local races and so I signed up for all FIVE!  

But because a friend’s husband recently died of Parkinson’s, I decided to move up my vacation in Florida and add a stay with her for two days.

So I am going to miss the 5th race on Feb. 12…

But I think I made the right decision!!

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am excited to connect with fellow blogger Jenny again.  Not sure if we will meet up in Boca where she lives (and I’m staying) or just at the Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon we are both racing.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I can’t wait to see the ocean and run at sunrise!!!

Fingers crossed to clear skies….

** One more for good measure – Over coffee…

I’d tell you that even with the snowy gloomy January weather, I did have a strong start to 2023.

In order to reach my annual 1000 mile goal, I need to run around 84 miles each month.

In January, I ran:

Premium Photo | Gold number 93 ninety three isolated white background shiny 3d number made of gold 3d illustration

MILES!!

This gives me a cushion for June & July when the weather heats up and I have no half marathons to train for.

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Will you get a chance if you live up North to escape the cold temps? Does the lack of sunshine bother you? Have you started off 2023 strong? 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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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What I am Looking Forward to in 2023

Obviously, as a runner, I’m looking forward to races…

especially a race in a new location – Finger Lakes, here I come!!

But more importantly:

  • Good Health AND No Injuries.

  • Scenic Hikes

  • Runs with Friends

  • Blogger Meet-Ups

  • Outings with Non-Running Friends

  • Vacations

  • Lake Time

  • Flowers

  • Quality Family Time

  • Good Books

Happy Running! What are you looking forward to this year?  Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with 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.

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Weekly Run Down for 1.22.23-1.29.22: Home Sweet Home

As much as I LOVE NYC, it was nice after two weeks to sleep in my own bed.

Unfortunately, the weather played havoc with my running…but that is life in Northeast during winter.

And there was some cat drama this week.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – I got a lot done today… it was catch up day.

Laundry, cleaning, nails, library, bank, grocery shopping….

I did made time for a hike… although it was muddy, it hadn’t started snowing or sleeting yet.

so peaceful walking along the Normanskill Creek

  • Monday – #Nevermissamonday…. and the 1/2 DAY OFF!

My new work schedule has been working some Monday mornings… this was one of them. I had planned to drive to the office and then run at lunch at UAlbany.

But I woke up to this:

So I decided to work from home and then run at lunch in my neighborhood.

At lunchtime, it was still snowing hard but at least my driveway was cleared.

Finally I got run done in late afternoon. I drove into town thinking the roads would be clearer.  They were but so many puddles that I had to run through the slush on the sidewalks…  Wet wet feet!!

  • Tuesday – Still working from home in the morning hopeful of getting in a dry run at lunch.

warmer and drier than the day before in my neighborhood

I went to the office in the afternoon and then after work, I met my BFF for a long walk around the mall.

  • Wednesday – More snow predicted and a dinner was scheduled with my tennis friends.

The dinner was postponed until next week (even though we didn’t get much snow and it was mostly rain.).

  • Thursday – Still no sun but dry so I hoped to get my run done at lunch.

Work got in the way but after work, I drove into town and finished my run before dark.

it was actually very pleasant… with some light snow falling.

However the day took a turn for the worse…

My hubby accidentally let my kitten outside…

Macch’s latest pic… he is still very skittish but is gradually warming up to both of us...

I hence spent ALL night outside (in the cold) looking for him.

  • Friday – Of course after a sleepless night, I woke up to sunshine for the first time this week. (However, it did cloud up by lunchtime.)

It was a rest day but not very restful.  Though I was working ALL day, at least it was from home so I could continue to search for my kitty at breaks and lunch..

The evening was spent with my mah jongg ladies (after 2 Fridays away.)  Boy was it needed.

  • Saturday – Guess who made an appearance at 4am this morning. What a relief!!

Even though I was exhausted after sleepless night #2, it was Long Run Day (11 miles).

How I hate winter running… not the cold temps but the icy snowy paths.

As always, we planned our brunch time and location and did own own thing.

I ran 3 miles on my own and then met Stan and Sherry for 8 more miles followed by brunch with the others.

the sun finally came out at the end of the run…

In the afternoon I met my mah jongg friends for a movie date:

80 for Brady - Movie

It was very entertaining. I did skip dinner out for a trip to Trader Joes and evening at home.

  • Sunday – Winter Series #3 – 5.5k, 15k or 30k.

Obviously after the long run on the previous day, I plan to run/walk with my friend Heidi for the shortest distance.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday – rest day
  • Wednesday – run, dinner out with friends
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – What I am Looking Forward to in 2023
  • Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any winter big races?  Any snow where you live? 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.

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FFF: The First Runfessions of 2023

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

And the FIRST one for this year!!

1.  I runfess…

Running Is My Therapy Drawing by Faiz Nawaz - Pixels

With all the stuff going on in my job, my poor running friends have become my therapists.  Luckily they are great listeners and don’t complain.

2.  I runfess…

12 Things You'll Only Hear Runners Say | ACTIVE

When you don’t know when you have to work and where, how can you schedule your runs?

3.  I runfess… 

I may have volunteered to work a week in NYC because I love to run in Central Park and would get to hang out with Cari.

4.  I runfess…

I am enjoying racing without a watch and running 1:1 intervals.

Ok, they are free races (and the fast local runners are there so no AG award would happen anyway.)

However, I like getting my long training runs done the day before rather than adding on miles before or after the race (as done in previous years).

long runs with my running buds

Plus it’s rewarding to be able to help out a friend (who’s returning to running after an injury.)

5. I runfess…

I keep toying with the idea of joining a gym… maybe Planet Fitness..

I had planned to check it out first…

A month has gone by and I have yet to do so…

13 Hilarious Memes Related To Being Lazy For You To Enjoy In Your Lazy Time

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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Winter Racing

I know winter officially started back in December but I’m finally getting around to posting..

It seems that all my races this Winter will be ones that I have run in the past…

  • As I’ve previously mentioned, I signed up for ALL five free club sponsored races.  This year, however, the shorter distance has been changed to a 5.5k.
  • For the 2nd time, I will be running the A1A Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon on Feb. 19. I hope to meet up with blogger Jenny.

  • Twice, I ran this race as a 5 miler

but for this year, the race has been changed to a 10k (Hopefully the weather will be better than last year.)

  • I will be running the NYC Half Marathon for the 2nd time. In addition to two of my local running friends also running it, I plan to meet up with bloggers Cari, Erica, Deborah and Zenaida.

yes, it was cold back in 2019

Happy Running! What are your racing plans this winter?  Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with 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.

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Weekly Run Down for 1.15.23-1.22.23: Back to the Big Apple

My co-worker was still out sick so that meant that I had to go to NYC and work in Queens all week!!

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Winter Series #3. Though there were 3 options:  5.5k, 10k or 25k, I choose the shortest one (since I had run 9 miles the day before).

It was windy with feels like 10 temps but still fun.  I ran/walked with my running friend (until the last 1/2 mile or so) and we finished with a 2 minute PR over Winter Series #1 (same distance.)

After the race, I went to my office to get things ready for my week in NYC, then went grocery shopping, cooked and finally the hubby and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary (which was the next day.)

  • Monday – #Nevermissamonday…. and the DAY OFF!

Although it was my 3rd day running in a row, I never know what the week will bring. So I decided to drive to the other end of the rail trail and go for a short run.

the sunshine and flowing water made up for the vey chilly temps.

Then I had to pack before heading to Manhattan by train

sunset on the Hudson R.

I checked into my hotel and relaxed.

  • Tuesday – First I had to check out of my hotel and then head by subway to Jamaica, Queens to work.

I was staying in a different hotel for the next three nights so after I returned to Manhattan, I had to retrieve my luggage and then check into my new hotel (The one I usually stay in).

By this point, I decided to call it a “rest day.”  That makes me laugh since the day was anything but restful.

Coincidentally, my friend Cari also decided not to run so we met for dinner instead.

  • Wednesday – Up at 6am and on the 7am subway to Jamaica.

sunrise was more impressive in person

Another long work day but as soon as I returned to Manhattan, I changed into running clothes and headed out for a “needed” run in Central Park.

I thought I might have to run solo but I was so lucky that Cari had postponed her run until after work. She ran from home and I ran to Cat Hill and then we completed the rest of our run together (which included a visit with Fred and the Onassis Reservoir.)

We both indulged in a cookie for dinner (bought in different Chip City locations. lol)

Talk about a small world… walking down the streets of Manhattan (sweaty from my run), I bumped into the President/Dean of the law school where I used to work.

  • Thursday – Working all day and if it was not raining, I was planning another run in the evening.

Nope, it was POURING so Plan B was cheap tix to a Broadway show.

It had a good mixture of serious issues and comedy.

  • Friday – Rest Day since I was working in Queens all day and then had to take an evening train back home
  • Saturday – Long Run Day (10 miles).

It’s always a challenge in the winter to figure out where to run that is not icy. So I planned on 2 miles with Barbara on the Nisky bike path and then the rest of the miles with Sherry and Stan.

Icy in too many spots but Sherry & I added on some road detours and got it done. Then we joined the others for brunch.

yes, that’s an eagle!

  • Sunday – TBD – laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning…. short hike?

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – 1/2 DAY OFF, run
  • Tuesday – rest day
  • Wednesday – run, dinner out with tennis gals
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Winter Racing
  • Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running beginning? Do you have to travel for work?  If so, how do you fit in your running? Ever run in NYC? 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.