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TT: 2024 Bling

This week’s topic is: Show Us Your Year in Bling 

Even with my sprained ankle, food poisoning, and boating accident injuries, I did complete 20 races.  Many fewer than other years but I am proud of every finish line that I crossed (even the ones I walked across.)

Half Marathons:

  1. United NYC Half Marathon
  2. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
  3. RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
  4. Run 4 the River Half Marathon (AG award = coaster)
  5. Cape Cod Half Marathon ($75)

Marathons:

  1. TCS NYC Marathon

5Ks:

  1. Bridge the Gap 5k
  2. Hero 5k for Autism
  3. Tropicool 5k (AG award = plaque)
  4. Run for Women 5k
  5. Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k (AG award= hat)
  6. Silks & Satins 5k (AG award = medal)
  7. High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K
  8. Barn to Bridge 5k
  9. Upstate Classic (AG award = shirt or $10 coupon for a race)

Other Distances (3.3m, 5.5k, 3.75m, 4m, 10k)

  1. Winter Series #1 (5.5k)
  2. Winter Series #4 (3.75m)
  3. Firecracker 4
  4. Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k (award= a pie)
  5. NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k (award= crystal plaque)
  6. HMRRC Anniversary Run (3.3 m)

Happy Running! What was your favorite bling from 2024? Please share.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with

and tomorrow:

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TT: Bling in 2022

Last week’s topic was: Show us your year in bling!

Believe it or not, I did run 34 races this year (and only one was virtual).

Many more than during the pandemic years and I am very proud of each medal/bling that I received/earned.

Half Marathons:

  1. Fred Lebow Half Marathon (in NYC)
  2. Publix Florida Half Marathon
  3. Central Park Half Marathon (in NYC)
  4.  Virtual NYC Half Marathon
  5. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
  6.  Steel Rail Half Marathon 
  7.  Run 4 the River Half Marathon 
  8.  Maine Half Marathon
  9. Upstate Classic Half Marathon

Other distances: (5k, 3.5m, 3.75m, 4m. 5.7m, 5.8m,10k, 15K, 10M)

  1. Winter Series #2 (3.75m)
  2. Electric City 5 Miler
  3. Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
  4. Shape 5.8M Loop (NYC)
  5. Delmar Dash (5m)
  6. Sasha’s Super Hero 5k
  7. Prospect Mountain Road Race
  8. Tropicool 5k (Naples, FL)
  9. CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge (3.5m)
  10. Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler
  11. Freihofer Run for Women 5k
  12. Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k
  13. Race to the Lakes 15k
  14. Firecracker 4
  15. Al Goldstein 5k (Brooklyn)
  16. Run for the Roses 5k
  17. Run 4 the River Half Marathon 
  18. Malta 5k
  19. Barn to Bridge Fall Fest 5K
  20. Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k
  21.  Summer Smith Memorial 5k
  22. Stockade-athon 15K
  23. Troy Turkey Trot 10k
  24. Ted Corbitt 15k (NYC)
  25. Winter Series #1

Most races around here if they are not half marathons do not give out medals.

Age Group Awards:

  1. Electric City 5 miler – 2nd
  2. Delmar Dash – 1st
  3. Sasha’s Super Hero 5k – 1st
  4. Prospect Mountain Road Race – 2nd
  5. Tropicool 5k – 2nd
  6.  Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 2nd
  7. Race to the Lakes 15k – 2nd
  8. Firecracker 4 – 2nd
  9. Al Goldstein 5k – 1st
  10. Steel Rail Half Marathon – 1st
  11. Run for the Roses 5k – 1st
  12. Run 4 the River Half Marathon – 3rd
  13. Malta 5k – 3rd
  14. Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k – 2nd
  15.  Summer Smith Memorial 5k – 1st
  16. Upstate Classic Half Marathon – 1st
  17. Troy Turkey Trot 10k – 3rd

My favorite awards, however, were not medals but usable items such as glasses, hat, gloves.

And remember, the older you are, the better your chance of winning in your age group. You don’t have to be fast to win. Sometimes, you just have to show up!

Happy Running! Did you run many races this year? What is your favorite bling from 2022? Please share.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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 11.13.22-11.20.22: Race Week!

Bookend Races.

15k last Sunday and half marathon today!!

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Stockade-athon 15K Race.

I really enjoy running local races (even if they are hard!!)  This was no exception.

It was not as cold as I expected and though it was far from my best finish time, it was faster than last year.  And seeing so many runners that I knew was icing on the cake.

I carpooled with Sherry & Stan and we skipped the post-race refreshment in favor of brunch at a diner

  • Monday – My scheduled day off.

I was happy that my friend was available to accompany me on a hike or two. We decided not to drive far (since I had to be home early for a vet appt.)

First stop was a wet walk around Ooms Conservation Area.

Our second was at Wilson M. Powell Wildlife Sanctuary to Dorsons Rock.

We ended the day with a delicious lunch.

Looking ahead to my work schedule and potential snow, I decided I’d better get a run done. It was dark so I headed to UAlbany.

  • Tuesday – Another frosty morning so I postponed my run until lunch.

it warmed up to the high 30s and I was fine… most of the leaves are in piles at the curb except for those red maples.

  • Wednesday –  Woke up to snow on the ground which changed to rain…

Back to in-person teaching so no time to run except after work (and bring clothes to change into).  I was pooped so decided to skip the run (and I had already run 3 days in a row.)

  • Thursday – Stopped at Starbucks on my way to work… who knew it was Red Cup Day!!

 Back to UAlbany for my after work run since it is the only route with lights near me.

  • Friday – Rest Day! No need to pack the running clothes!! Woo Hoo!

first Peppermint mocha of the season (in my Red Cup)

Stopped off on my way home to pick up my bib for Sunday’s race.

And played mah jongg in the evening.

  • Saturday – Another Rest Day and a walk with my running friends followed by brunch.

chose the Corning bike path but oops, the Girls on the Ru 5k was there too

And then picked up my bib for my Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

  • Sunday – Upstate Classic Half Marathon!!

a cold windy day so my first race in tights…

This will be the 3rd time that I’ve run this hilly half marathon (and the 4th time on this course). It will be my last half of 2022 and most likely my hardest.

Being local, I know it will be fun and worth the struggle.

heading toward the finish line in 2021

14 years ago today, we formed a group to play mah jongg every Friday night. Tonight we are going out to dinner to celebrate.

13 year anniversary dinner

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  rest day
  • Tuesday – run, hair appt
  • Wednesday – rest day
  • Thursday – Troy Turkey Trot 10k Race
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (9 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day, hiking?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Stockade-athon 15K Race Recap
  • Friday – Runfessions

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races run or planned? Has the weather been winter-like where you live

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TT: 2021 in Bling

This week’s topic is: Show us your year in bling!

Believe it or not, I did run 21 22 in-person races this year.

Not as many as pre-pandemic years so my bling stash is lower but still, I am very proud of each medal that I received/earned.

Half Marathons:

  1. Publix Half Marathon in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  2. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
  3. Run 4 the River Half Marathon
  4. Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon in NH
  5. Upstate Classic Half Marathon

Other distances: (5.7m, 10m, 5k, 10k)

  1. Prospect Mountain Road Race
  2. Miles Along the Mohawk
  3. Freihofer Run for Women
  4. Troy Turkey Trot

Virtual Races/Challenges:

  1. Hot Chocolate 15K
  2. Feel the Bern 5k
  3. NYCRuns Challenge
  4. Numerous free Strava and NYRR Virtual races

Age Group Awards:

  1. Bacon Hill Bonanza – 1st
  2. Rabbit Ramble – 1st
  3. Run for the Roses – 2nd
  4. Whipple City – 1st
  5. Malta 5k – 3rd
  6. Summer Smith Memorial – 1st
  7. Upstate Classic – 2nd
  8. Troy Turkey Trot – 3rd

Happy Running! What is your favorite bling from 2021? Please share.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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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2020 Bling

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

The Topic for today is: Show us your year in bling? 

2020 was not a big year for “real” races so obviously my collection of bling was not large as in a normal year. Still, I did collect a few medals & swag.

In Person Races

Virtual Races

Virtual Challenges

Age Group Awards

Which ones were my favorite(s)?

The medals from the in-person races.  Those are actually the ones where I feel that I “earned” the bling.

The others were just from runs.  Those medals don’t have much meaning for me (though some are very nice.) But I did appreciate all of the swag that I received from many of the virtual events (esp. the gaiters).

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.

Happy Running! Did you get a lot of bling this year?  Which was your favorite? Please share.

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Friday Five – Bling 2018

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with  Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week is: My Favorite Bling for 2018

It’s all about the bling, right?

1.Age Group Award for Ice Cream Social 5k

2. Medal from the 20km de Paris

3. Mug from Tropicool 5k

4. Necklace from 40th Anniversary Freihofer Run for Women

5. Car Magnet from the Race to the Lakes 15K

Honorable Mention to the Pint Glass from Shamrock Shuffle

Happy Running!  What is your favorite bling from this year of running?

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TOTR: What I Love Most About Running

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s topic appropriately is What I Love Most About Running.

Image result for love running

I could go on and on but I will limit it… (they are not in order of importance… they are actually listed in reverse order.)

  • Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

  • Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

  • Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

  • Running Friends

They are the best….

4/30 – 10k
  • Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

  • Blogging

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

  • Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else.  You can.

  • How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, confident, empowered, young(er)…

RD-IloveRun-500x500

Happy Running! What do you LOVE the most about running.

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TOTR: Stuff I Love about Running

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s topic is Stuff I Love About Running.

I could go on and on but I will limit it to EIGHT great things:

1. Bling

Yup, it’s cool to get medals.

2. Opportunities to Travel

I don’t travel as much as other runners but I have gotten to visit California, Florida, Vermont, Philly and NJ.

3. Races

I would race every weekend if I could.

4. Running Friends

They are the best….

5. Prizes awarded based on your Age

I love that that I am only competing with other women and the ones that are in my age group.

6. Blogging

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

7. Opportunities to Inspire Others

Never doubt that you can have an impact on someone else.  You can.

8. How it makes me feel

Healthy, strong, empowered, young(er)…

Happy Running! Tell me something you LOVE about running.

Don’t forget my giveaway – TOMORROW is the last day – enter it here!!

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My Award Picks for 2016 (& TOTR)


Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran.  It was fun so I decided to do it again.

Since I ran 43 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Gulf while running the Music Half Marathon (in Sarasota, FL).

It was also awesome to run with views of the fall foliage and the river during the Ramblefest Half Marathon (in Adams, MA).

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

this is the trail we ran on (but in the rain)

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was Celebrate Life Half Marathon (in the Catskill Mountains).

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There were quite a few rolling hills in the Lake George Half Marathon too.

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Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers even during the heart wave. (There were literally life savers for me and others running this race.)

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

2016

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

img_2887

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was the handmade wood one from the Camp Chingachgook Challenge.

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I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a Fitbit & $25 gift card to LL Bean at the LL Bean Bright Night 5k and $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant and champagne  at the Malta 5k.

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I also like to get practical things. So winning this baseball hat at the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

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Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

But the Sarasota Music Half Marathon also had an amazing breakfast buffet.

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the sweatshirt that we received at the Celebrate Life Half Marathon.

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Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year.

I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC with three Russian ladies and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

And of course, the Panama City Beach Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with seven blogger/friends was amazing and #HoLottaFun.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

But I would have to say that I am proud that I finished the Vermont City Marathon Relay because of how difficult the weather conditions were.

crossing the finish line even though the race had been cancelled & I had to fight to get a medal.

And the Ramblefest Half Marathon because it my only PR this year and it was cold, raining and totally unexpected.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2016?

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TOTR: Race Memorabilia

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life! 

This week’s topic is Race Memorabilia

So I’ve run over 200 races.  That’s a lot of stuff!!

Bibs:

I have them ALL shoved away somewhere – not on display cuz I have too many.  My favorite ones are in a basket near my medals.

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Medals:

this rack has 2 rows and holds 20 medals on each. The outer row has my half medals. Now what will I do with #21?

Again. I save them all.  I have too many to display.  I display ALL my half marathon medals and some others. Most again are in that basket.


Awards:

Some I’ve eaten (the food ones LOL).  Some I wear (hats, socks gloves, etc.) Some I use (bottles, bowls, glasses, mugs, etc.) Most are on the desk below the rack above or in that basket.

Other Stuff:

I give away the shirts that don’t fit.  I had some old ones made into a blanket.  I usually just toss bags and heat sheets.

My Favorites:

3rd

a tough half and unexpected AG award – love this bridge too

Sept - 5K PR

This is a Rock and it is my 5k PR

Happy Running! What do you do with your race bling?

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